GB2598545A

GB2598545A - Safety razor

Info

Publication number: GB2598545A
Application number: GB2012695.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Randall Arthur
Original assignee: Daft Ltd
Current assignee: Daft Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-14
Filing date: 2020-08-14
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: GB202012695D0

Abstract

A safety razor 1 comprising a blade receiving component 12 operable to receive a razor blade, a securing component 22 operable to move with respect to the blade receiving component 12 into and out of a position wherein it secures a razor blade to the blade receiving component 12, and a locking mechanism 23 operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component 22 with respect to the blade receiving component 12 when it is in the position. The blade receiving component may comprise a magnetic catch to hold the blade in position. The securing component may comprise a bolt 13 and bar 14 which can fit into socket 18. A helical track 19 which ends in a slot 20 may be attached to socket 18. The user can rotate the handle to move the bar through the helical channel 19 and into slot 20 where the locking mechanism can hold the bar in place. The safety razor 1 is only usable for shaving when the securing component 12 is in position and locked in place. The safely razor 1 can be manufactured so that the position provides the ideal level of pressure on a razor blade.

Description

Safety Razor

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a safety razor. Background to the Invention Safety razors are a popular alternative to single use cartridge razors (i.e. disposable razors) or cartridge razors with replaceable cartridges, since safety razors tend to utilise less plastic (and indeed can utilise no plastic at all). In addition, the replaceable part of a safety razor, the razor blade, is metal and so more easily recycled than single use cartridge razors or the cartridges of reusable cartridge razors. For these reasons, Safety razors are seen as more environmentally friendly. Further to the above, razor blades are much cheaper than single use cartridge razors or cartridges, and so across their life time safety razors tend to be considerably cheaper.

When using a safety razor, a user must insert and secure a razor blade within the safety razor themselves. In known safety razors, this consists of placing the razor blade to a top plate and then securing the razor blade to a blade plate (i.e. bottom plate) by moving the top plate with the razor Made attached such that the razor blade is sandwiched between the two plates. The top plate can be attached and secured via a threaded hole in the safety razor handle, having been passed through apertures in the razor blade and blade plate, into a handle of the safety razor. Alternatively, the top plate can be formed by two lids which are attached to long edges of the face of the blade via respective hinges, the razor blade placed on the blade plate between the two long edges. In this case, rotating the handle can pivot the lids on their hinges to cover the razor blade and sandwich it between the two plates. For these known safety razors, a user must screw the top plate into the handle or close the lids until they consider the razor blade secured. It is unlikely that they will always screw the top plate or close the lids to exactly the same position, and so each time a razor blade is secured into the safety razor it will be under a different level of pressure from the top plate. The level of pressure the razor blade is under determines how loose the Made is within its position and if too tight it can deform the top plate.

The shave provided by a safety razor is very sensitive to how loose the razor blade is. A blade which is too loose, or indeed too tightly held, can provide an inferior shave.

In addition to the above, when a user places the razor blade within the safety razor it is unlikely they will always place it in exactly the same position. Accordingly, the razor blade is likely to be in a slightly different position with respect to the blade plate and the top plate every time the blade is placed in the safety razor due to the tolerances (play/gaps) between the parts.

The shave provided by a safety razor is also very sensitive to the position of the razor blade with respect to the blade plate and top plate, since a user places the top plate in contact with their skin when using the safety razor and so the razor blades position relative to the two plates determines it's position relative a user's skin when in use. An incorrectly positioned blade can also result in an inferior shave or lead to cuts.

As mentioned above, in use a user sets the top plate of the safety razor against their skin to shave with the razor blade. The angle at which a user sets the razor blade with respect to their skin impacts the quality of the shave. In addition, an incorrect angle not only results in an inferior shave but can risk injuring a user. The top surface of the top plate, which is in contact. with the skin, is curved across the width of the top plate. This and the safety bar (i.e. guard) are both in contact with the skin. These two elements determine the cutting angle.

Where along the curve the user places the top plate in contact with their skin will vary the angle of the razor blade. It is difficult for a user to determine the best angle at which to hold the safety razor, and so it is difficult for a user to set the razor blade at a good angle with respect to their skin.

The above problems mean safety razors are difficult to use and take practice, creating an entry barrier to consumers purchasing and using them. Further to this, even with practice a shave can still be inferior if a user does not pay careful attention to where the razor blade is positioned with respect to the blade plate and how tightly the razor blade is held.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate these or other disadvantages, and provide an improved safety razor.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety razor comprising a blade receiving component operable to receive a razor blade, a securing component operable to move with respect to the blade receiving component into and out of a position wherein it secures a razor blade to the blade receiving component, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component with respect to the blade receiving component when it is in the position.

By providing a locking mechanism which can lock and unlock the securing component when in the position in which it secures a razor blade to the blade receiving component, the securing blade can be freely movable around this position. Accordingly, the safety razor is only usable for shaving when the securing component is in the particular position and locked in place. Accordingly, a razor blade will always be under the same level of pressure each time the safety razor is used. The safety razor can be manufactured so that the position provides the ideal level of pressure. As a result, the user need not concern themselves with the level of pressure the razor blade is under, thereby resulting in a safety razor which is easier to use and cannot come undone/loose accidentally.

The safety razor may comprise at least one catch operable to hold a razor blade with respect to the blade receiving component. By providing a catch the position of the razor Made with respect to the blade receiving component can be set by the catch. Since the position the catch holds the razor blade in is determined by the manufacture of the safety razor, the razor blade will always be held in the same position (the safety razor being manufactured such that this is the ideal position) with respect to the blade receiving component. As such, the user need not concern themselves with the position of the razor blade, and so the safety razor is easier to use.

The blade receiving component may comprise one or more magnets. The or 30 each magnet may be adjacent the or each catch. By providing a magnet, the blade receiving component can hold the metal razor blade on the catch or catches without hooking over it or otherwise extending over and across the razor blade. This makes it easier for the user to place the razor blade into the safety razor, and so makes the safety razor easier to use. It. also makes the safety razor safer, since a user is less likely to cut themselves on the safety razor when placing it and less likely to drop it in the changing process, which could create a hazard.

The safety razor may comprise at least one track operable to receive the securing component, the securing component operable to move along the or each track into and out of the position. The or each track means the securing component is guided into the position, making it easier for a user to position the securing component correctly.

The safety razor may comprise at least one slot operable to receive the securing component in the position. The or each slot may be connected to the track or a respective one of the tracks, the securing component operable to move into the or each slot from the or each track and out of the or each slot to the or each track. The locking mechanism may be operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component when it is in the slot. The locking mechanism may be operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component with respect to the blade receiving component only when the securing component is in the position.

The or each track may comprise a respective entrance operable to receive the securing component to the or each track and from which the securing component is removeable from the or each track. The or each track may extend along a respective path from the respective entrance to the respective slot. The or each path may extend in a direction with a component away from the blade receiving component. At least part of the or each path may be curved. The curve of each path may be clockwise. The or each track may be rotatable with respect to the securing component. The or each track may be rotatable around a line extending perpendicularly from a surface of the blade receiving component. The line may extend in the same direction away from the blade receiving component as the component of the direction of extension of the or each track. When there is a plurality of tracks, the line may run in between the tracks. The or each path may be curved. The or each path may be helical. By at least part of the or each path being curved and the or each track being rotatable with respect to the securing component, a user can rotate the tracks and thereby force the securing component along the track. This makes it even easier for a user to move the securing component into the position, and so use the safety razor.

The or each track may comprise a respective end, the or each track extending from the respective entrance to a respective end. The respective slot may be connected to the respective end of the respective track. By connecting the or each slot to the respective end of the respective track, the correct position for the securing component is at the end of the or each track and so a user merely has to guide the securing component to the end of the or each track. This makes the safety razor easier for the I 0 user to set up for use.

The or each slot may extend in a direction with a component towards the blade receiving component. The or each slot may extend diagonally, with a component of the direction away from the respective track and a component towards the blade receiving component. The locking mechanism may be operable to lock the securing component IS by applying a force to the slot, and unlock it by removing the applied force from the or each slot. The applied force may have a direction with a component towards the blade receiving component. The applied force may be directed towards the blade receiving component. The or each slot extending in a direction with a component towards the blade receiving component, the path of the or each track extending in a direction with a component away from the blade receiving component and the locking mechanism being operable to apply a force to the or each slot with a direction with a component towards the blade receiving component means the securing component would need to overcome the force applied by the locking mechanism when in the slot and locked, and so is locked in the position.

The securing component may comprise a contact surface operable to be brought into contact with a user's skin when shaving, the contact surface comprising one or more flat areas. The contact surface comprising one or more flat areas means the safety razor can be manufactured such that the flat area is positioned so that the razor blade is held at the correct angle to the skin when the flat area or areas are in contact with the skin. This makes the safety razor easier to use, since the user need not ensure the razor Made is at the correct angle to the skin. It also means the blade will not cut when at the wrong angle, unlike a safety razor with a curved contact surface.

The contact surface may have a rectangular area. The or each flat area may extend across the length of the rectangular area. A joint between the or each flat area and the rest of the contact surface may be curved. Each joint between the or each flat area and the rest of the contact surface may he curved. The joint or joints being curved means the contact surface does not comprise any sharp edges due to the flat surfaces, which could damage or irritate a user's skin in use.

Any of the flat areas may extend across part of the width of the rectangular area diagonally, the lowest edge of the flat area adjacent a long edge of the rectangular area.

The contact surface may comprise a first and a second flat area, each flat area adjacent a long edge of the rectangular area. The contact surface may comprise a third flat area, adjacent and between the first and second flat areas. The first and second flat areas may extend across part of the width of the rectangular area diagonally, the lowest edge of each flat area adjacent a long edge of the rectangular area. The third flat area may extend straight across part of the width of the rectangular area.

The safety razor may comprise a head and a handle, the head comprising the securing component and the blade receiving component. The handle may comprise the or each track and/or the or each slot. The handle may be attached to the head, the handle extending away from the head perpendicularly to a position of a razor blade when secured to the blade receiving component. The handle may be attached to the blade receiving component. The handle may he attached to the blade receiving component along a line running through the centre of the blade receiving component. The handle may comprise an outer surface which forms a grip. The outer surface may be textured to form the grip.

The locking mechanism may be attached to the handle. The handle may comprise two ends, the handle extending from a first end to a second end. The handle may attach to the head at the first end. The locking mechanism may he attached to the handle at the second end. The locking mechanism may he operable to apply the force to the handle.

The head may comprise one or more guards. The blade receiving component may comprise the or each guard. The or each guard may be adjacent the position of a razor blade when the razor blade is secured to the blade receiving component. The blade receiving component may have a rectangular area. The or each guard may be along a respective long edge of the rectangular area of the blade receiving component. At least part of each of the or each guard may be raised from the rest of the blade receiving component such that it is in line or higher than a sharp edge of a razor blade when it is received by the blade receiving component. The part of the guard which, in use, is adjacent the corners of a razor blade may be raised from the rest of the blade receiving component. The raised part of the guard may in use cover the corners of the razor blade. The sides of the guard may be raised from the rest of the blade receiving component. The or each guard may comprise a series of ribs, the tops of the ribs forming the raised part of the guard. The or each series of ribs may be a row of teeth. The blade receiving component may narrow into the or each guard, towards the position of the razor blade when in use.

The corners of the razor blade being covered reduces the chances of a user cutting themselves, since it is on the corners of the razor blade which a user is most likely to be cut.

The blade receiving component narrowing into the or each guard means the ends of the or each guard are closer to the respective corners of the razor blade. This means it is easier to cut more accurately with the blade, since the edge of the cut and the edge of the safety razor as felt by a user in use are closer.

The blade receiving component may be operable to receive a razor blade by the razor blade being placed on a receiving surface of the Made receiving component. The or each guard may be in the receiving surface. The or each catch may be on the receiving surface. The or each catch may project from the receiving surface. The or each catch may be on and/or project from a central line along the receiving surface. The blade receiving component may comprise a blade plate. The or each catch may be a projection. The or each magnet may be within the receiving surface. The or each magnet may be counter sunk within the receiving surface.

The locking mechanism may comprise a spring operable to apply the force. The locking mechanism may comprise a lever and a hinge, the lever pivotable on the hinge between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the spring is uncompressed and so the force is unapplied and in the second position it is compressed and so the force is applied. In the first position the lever may extend perpendicularly to the handle. In the second position the lever may extend parallel to the handle. The lever may be connected to the handle via the hinge, near a first end of the lever. The spring may coil around part of the handle. The spring may be held within the handle.

The securing component may comprise a blade surface operable to contact a razor blade when one is secured. The securing component may comprise a top plate. A bottom surface of the top plate may be the blade surface. The top plate may comprise the contact surface, the contact surface being the opposite side of the plate to the blade surface. The securing component may be a cap.

The securing component may comprise a bolt. The bolt may extend from the blade surface. The bolt may extend perpendicularly to the blade surface. The bolt may extend perpendicularly to the third flat area. The handle may comprise a socket, the bolt operable to be received into the socket. The blade receiving component may comprise an aperture, wherein the bolt is operable to pass through the aperture to be received into the socket. The aperture may be positioned in a centre of the blade receiving portion.

The aperture may be positioned in a centre of the receiving surface. The or each catch may be to the side of the aperture.

The safety razor may comprise a magnet positioned to attract the securing component into the or each track. The magnet may be adjacent the track. The magnet may be adjacent a start of the track. Alternatively, the magnet may be part of the bolt.

The magnet may be positioned at a free end of the bolt.

The presence of the magnet reduces the chances that the securing component does not start in the track when positioned over a razor blade and the blade receiving component.

The handle may he rotatable relative the securing component. The handle may 30 be rotatable around a line extending through the centre of the attachment between the handle and the head. At least part of the handle may be hollow, forming the socket. The part of the handle adjacent the head may be hollow. The aperture of the blade receiving component may extend from the receiving surface to the attachment between the handle and the head.

The or each track and/or the or each slot may be a channel, opening on to and extending along the socket of the handle. The entrance of the or each track may be at the attachment between the handle and the head. The safety razor may comprise two tracks. Each track may be on an opposite side of the socket.

The securing component may comprise at least one protrusion, the or each protrusion being received in the track or a respective one of the tracks and moveable along the track or respective track, so the securing component is received in the or each track and movable along the or each track. The or each protrusion may protrude from the bolt. The or each protrusion may protrude from a side or sides of the bolt. The or each protrusion may protrude perpendicularly from the side or sides. The bolt may he IS cylindrical. The or each protrusion may extend from the cylindrical surface of the bolt.

There may be two protrusions. The protrusions may protrude in opposite directions. The securing component may comprise a bar, extending through the bolt and forming the protrusions. The protrusions may be cylindrical. The bar may be cylindrical.

The securing component may comprise at least one projection and the blade receiving component at least one slot, the or each projection operable to be received in the slot or a respective one of the slots to keep the securing component and blade receiving component from rotating relative to each other. The or each projection may project from the blade surface. The or each projection may project from a central line of the blade surface.. The or each slot may be in the receiving surface. The or each slot may be on a central line along the receiving surface. The central line of the receiving surface may he along the length of the rectangular area of the blade receiving component. The or each slot may be formed together with the aperture to form a continuous gap. There may be two projections. Each projection may he to an opposite side of the bolt. Each projection may be a buttress to the bolt and the blade surface.

The handle may comprise a cover and a frame, the frame comprising the or each track, the or each slot and/or the socket and the cover operable to cover the tracks and/or slots and to be gripped by a user in use. The cover may be around part of the frame. The cover may be rotatably connected to the frame. The lever may be connected to the frame. The spring may be held between the cover and the frame. The spring may coil around the frame.

The safety razor may comprise a razor blade.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a safety razor; Figure 2 is a front view of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure 5 is a top view of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure 6 is a front view of the head of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure? is a side view of the head of the safety razor of figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the safety razor of figure 1, showing the cap separate to the rest of the safety razor; Figure 9 is a front view of the safety razor of figure 1 showing the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor; Figure 10 is a back view of the safety razor of figure 1, showing the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor; Figure 11 is a side view of the safety razor of figure 1, showing the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the head of the safety razor of figure 1, showing the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the safety razor of figure 1, with the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor and the handle cover removed; Figure 14 is a side view of the safety razor of figure 1, with the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor and the handle cover removed; and Figure 15 is a back view of the safety razor of figure 1, with the cap separate from the rest of the safety razor and the handle cover removed.

As shown in figure 1, the safety razor 1 comprises a head 2 and a handle 3. The handle 3 is cylindrical, with a first end of the handle 3 connecting to the bottom of the head 2, along a line extending through the centre of the head 3. The outer surface of the handle is textured, forming a grip. The handle 3 extends perpendicularly away from the head 2 to a second end. Attached to the second end of the handle 3 is a lever 4. The lever 4 is attached to the second end of the handle 3 via a hinge 5. which extends through both. The lever 4 can pivot around the hinge 5, from a first position where it extends substantially perpendicular to the handle 3 to a second position where it extends substantially parallel to the handle 3. The lever 4 is attached to the second end of the handle 3 near (but not at) a first end. The lever 4 extends from its first end to a ball 6 at its second end.

The handle 3 comprises a cover 7 and a frame 8. The cover 7 is a tube which extends over the frame 8. The cover 7 is shorter than the frame 8, such that while both the cover 7 and the frame 8 start at the first end of the handle 3 the cover 7 ends short of the second end of the handle 3, such that the frame 8 is exposed. The frame 8 comprises a plug at the second end of the handle 3, the plug comprising a collar and a disc 9, wherein the disc 9 having the same diameter as the end of the cover 7. Held between the disc 9 and the end of the cover 7 is a spring 10, which coils around the exposed frame 8 and the collar. The lever 4 and spring 10 together form a locking mechanism 23.

As shown most clearly in figure 8, the head 2 of the safety razor 1 comprises a top plate 11 and a blade plate 12 (or base plate). The top plate 11 sits atop the blade plate 12, and in use a razor blade is held between the two. The top plate 11 has a generally rectangular area. The top plate 11 has a flat central section, the section extending the length of the rectangular area. The top plate 11 also has two diagonal sections, each diagonal section to a side of the flat central section. Each diagonal section extends downwards diagonally from the flat central section towards a respective long side of the rectangular area. As it extends towards the respective side, the top plate 11 also becomes thinner. On the bottom surface of the top plate 11 the flat central section meets each diagonal side section at a corner, whereas the flat central section curves into each diagonal side section on the top surface of the top plate 11.

The blade plate 12 also has a substantially rectangular area, with a flat central section and a diagonal side section either side of the central section. However, while the blade plate 12 has a similar length of rectangular area to the top plate 11 its area is wider, such that the blade plate 12 extends beyond the top plate. In addition, the flat central section of the blade plate 12 is wider that the flat central section of the top plate 11, such that when the top plate 11 is atop the blade plate 12 an isosceles trapezium gap is formed between the two.

The head 2 also comprises a bolt 13. The bolt 13 is cylindrical, with one end connected to the centre of the bottom surface of the top plate 11. The bolt 13 then extends perpendicularly away from the top plate 11 to a second end. A bar 14 extends through the bolt 13, through a position between the middle of the length of the bolt 13 and the sccond end. The bar 14 extends through the bolt such that it protrudes from opposite positions around the circumference of the bolt 13. The bar 14 is parallel to the length of the top plate 11.

The head comprises two buttresses 21. Each buttress 21 is L-shaped, the short side of the L attached to the bolt 13 and the long side attached to the bottom surface of the top plate 11. Each buttress 21 is attached to an opposite position on the circumference of the bolt 13. The long side of the L of each buttress 21 is parallel to the length of the top plate 11.

The top plate 11. bolt 13. bar 14 and buttresses 21 together form a cap 22.

The blade plate 12 has two catches 15 top its top surface. Each catch 15 has a substantially rectangular cuboidal shape. Each catch 15 is positioned on the flat central section of the blade plate 12, lying upon a central line along the rectangular area of the Made plate 12 and near a respective short side of the area. The blade plate 12 comprises two countersunk magnets 24, each magnet 24 adjacent a respective catch 15.

The blade plate 12 has an aperture through it at its centre, extending from the top surface to the bottom. The aperture has a cross section comprising a circle with a rectangle extending through the centre of the circle and protruding from opposite positions around the circumference of the circle. The aperture is sized such that the bolt 13 and bar 14 will fit through it and the buttresses 21 will fit through and into it.

As shown most clearly in figures 5 and 6, the blade plate 12 comprises of a guard 16 along each long side of the rectangular area. Each guard 16 comprises an L-shaped recess in the top surface of the blade plate 12, each recess located in a respective diagonal section of the blade plate 12. The top of the -L" is located at a respective long side of the rectangular area of the blade plate 12. Each recess extends along the respective long side, stopping just short of the short edges of the rectangular area. Within each recess is a row of teeth 17, the row extending along the length of the recess.

IS The teeth 17 have a height reaching the middle of the recess, and adjacent teeth 17 form U-shaped grooves between their sides. The sides of the guard 16, formed with the short sides of the blade plate 12, are raised with respect to the rest of the blade plate 12, such that in use the corners of a razor blade abut and are covered by the sides. The sides of the blade plate 12 narrow into the guard 16, forming a wedge shape.

As shown in figure 13, the upper part of the frame 8 of the handle 3 is hollow, such that the aperture in the blade plate 12 and the frame 8 form a socket 18 for the bolt 13. Two channels 19 are cut into the frame 8, the channels 19 running from the first end of the handle 3 and partway down the length of the frame 8. Each channel 19 extend to the socket 18. Each channel 19 follows a helical path down and clockwise around the /5 frame 8, and is cut into an opposite position on the circumference of the frame 8 to the other channel 19. Once each channel 19 reaches its lowest position down the length of the frame 8, it travels diagonally clockwise around the frame 8 and up its length to form a respective slot 20 at the end of the channel 19.

The handle 3 connects to the head 2 by connecting to the centre of the bottom surface of the blade plate 12. The handle 3 is rotatably connected to the blade plate 12, such that it can rotate about a central axis along its length relative the blade plate 12 (and so the head 2).

In use, when the top plate 11 and bolt 13 are separated from the rest of the safety razor 1 and the lever 4 is in the first position, a razor blade is placed on the top surface of the blade plate 12. The razor blade has an aperture in its centre, through which the catches 15 extend. The catches 15 are sized to slot into the aperture in the razor blade. Due to the magnets 24 and the fact the razor blade is metal, the razor blade is held in position on the blade plate 12 on the catches 15.

Once the razor blade is in position on the blade plate 12, the bolt 13 is inserted into the socket 18. A user pushes the bolt 13 down into the socket 18 until the buttresses 21 are at least partially within the aperture of the blade plate 12. When this is done, the bar 14 is within the top of the channels 19. A user then grips the ball 6 of the lever 4 and rotates the handle anti-clockwise with respect to the blade plate 12. Given the fact the bar 14 is within the channels 19, the channels 19 follow a clockwise helical path, and the top plate 11 and bolt 13 are prevented from rotating due to the buttresses 21 being within the aperture of the blade plate 12, the bar 14 is forced downwards along the track formed by the channels 19 by the anti-clockwise rotation of the handle 3. This pulls the top plate 11 down onto the razor blade. The bar 14 will follow the track until it is received into the slots 20. Once the bar is received into the slots 20, the user will meet resistance if they attempt to rotate the handle 3 further anti-clockwise. The position of the slots 20 are chosen such that the top plate 12 will be in die desired position upon the razor blade.

hi certain embodiments the bolt 13 may comprise a magnet in its free end, which in use causes the free end of the bolt 13 to be attracted to the tracks. This means a user /5 does not need to push the bolt 13 down into the socket 18. In other embodiments the magnet is built into the tracks.

Once resistance to rotation is met, a user pivots the lever 4 upon the hinge 5 to the second position. This forces the first end of the lever 4 into the disc 9 of the frame 8, which forces the frame 8 upwards. This compresses the spring 10 between the disc 9 and the cover 7, which accordingly applies a continuous force upwards and downwards along the handle 3.

For the bar 14 to exit the slots 20 the frame 8 would need to move upwards. This upward movement would further compress the spring 10, and so rotational move is opposed by the force applied by said compressed spiing 10. Accordingly, pivoting the lever 4 to the second position locks the rotation of the handle 3 and so the position of the top plate 11.

Further to this, the downwards force due to the compressed spring 10 keeps the lever 4 under pressure, and so reduces the chances of it accidentally pivoting out of the second position. Finally, the compressed spring 10 applies a pressure to the razor blade (by forcing the blade plate 12 towards the top plate 11), and so helps keep the razor Made in the desired position.

To remove and/or replace the razor blade, a user moves the lever 4 back to the first position (which unlocks the safety razor 1), rotates the handle 3 clockwise, then pulls the bolt 13 out of the socket 18.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A safety razor comprising a blade receiving component operable to receive a razor blade, a securing component operable to move with respect to the blade receiving component into and out of a position wherein it secures a razor blade to the blade receiving component, a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component with respect to the blade receiving component when it is in the position.
2. A safety razor as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one catch operable to hold a razor blade with respect to the blade receiving component.
3. A safety razor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the or each catch is magnetic.
4. A safety razor as claimed in any preceding claim comprising at least one track operable to receive the securing component, wherein the securing component operable to move along the or each track into and out of the position.
5. A safety razor as claimed in any preceding claim comprising at least one slot operable to receive the securing component in the position.
6. A safety razor as claimed in claim 5, when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the or each slot is connected to the track or a respective one of the tracks, the securing component operable to move into the or each slot from the or each track and out of the or each slot to the or each track.
7. A safety razor as claimed in either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the locking mechanism is operable to lock and unlock the movement of the securing component when it is in the slot.
8. A safety razor as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the or each track comprises a respective entrance operable to receive the securing component to the or each track and from which the securing component is removable from the or each track.
A safety razor as claimed in claim 8, when dependent upon claim 6, wherein the or each track extends along a path from the respective entrance to the respective slot.
10. A safety razor as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each path extends away from the blade receiving component.
11. A safety razor as claimed in either of claims 9 or 10, wherein at least part of the or each path is curved.
12. A safety razor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the or each path is curved.
13. A safety razor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each path is helical.
14. A safety razor as claimed in any of claims 4 to 13, wherein the or each track is rotatable with respect to the blade receiving component.
15. A safety razor as claimed in claim 14, wherein the or each track is rotatable around a line extending perpendicularly from a surface of the blade receiving component.
16. A safety razor as claimed in claim 8, or any of claims 9 to 15 when dependent upon claim 8, wherein the or each track comprises a respective end, the or each track extending from the respective entrance to the respective end.
17. A safety razor as claimed in claim 16, when dependent upon claim 9, wherein the or each slot is connected to the respective end of the respective track.
18. A safety razor as claimed in claim 5 or any of claims 6 to 17 when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the or each slot extends towards the blade receiving component.
19. A safety razor as claimed in claim 18, wherein the or each slot extends diagonally, away from the respective track and towards the blade receiving component.
20. A safety razor as claimed in claim 7, or any of claims 8 to 19 when dependent upon claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism is operable to lock the securing component in the or each slot by applying a force to the slot, and unlock it by removing the applied force from the slot.
21. A safety razor as claimed in claim 20, wherein the applied force has a direction with a component towards the blade receiving component.
22. A safety razor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the securing component comprises a contact surface operable to be brought in contact with a user's skin when shaving, the contact surface compiising one or more flat areas.
23. A safety razor as claimed in claim 22, wherein the contact surface has a substantially rectangular area and the or each flat area extends across the length of the rectangular area.
24. A safety razor as claimed in either of claims 22 and 23, wherein any joint between the or each flat area and the rest of the contact surface is curved.
25. A safety razor as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a razor blade.