JP4184076B2 - Safety razor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a type of safety razor comprising at least one blade member having a sharp cutting edge, wherein the blade unit assembly is carried by the handle and is moved by the handle across the surface of the skin to be shaved. The blade unit is detachably attached to the razor handle so that it can be replaced with a new one when the blade sharpness drops to an unsatisfactory level, or the entire razor is discarded when the blade sharpness deteriorates Is fixedly attached to the handle underneath. The detachable and replaceable blade unit is generally called a razor cartridge.
[0002]
Various proposals have been made to mount the blade unit on the handle so that it is movable during shaving, in order to keep the parts that come in contact with the skin during shaving in order to maintain conformity to the skin surface. ing. For example, many razors currently on the market have a blade unit that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to the cutting edge of the elongated blade incorporated therein. WO 97/26119 and WO 99/04938 describe a safety razor with a blade unit support structure that allows further freedom of movement relative to the razor handle of the rigid blade unit. In addition, proposals have been made to make the blade unit flexible (flexible) between the support points at both ends so that the blade unit can be bent under a shaving force. WO 88/04980 describes another structure in which a flexible blade element is carried by a deformable foam block. In that construction, there is no separate handle because the razor is held by the foam block. Despite these various attempts, there remains a need for a safety razor having a blade unit that can closely conform to the contours of the skin during shaving.
[0003]
The present invention has the object of satisfying the above-mentioned needs, and according to the present invention, the safety razor blade unit has at least one sharp cutting edge extending in the length direction of the blade unit. A blade and a support structure for supporting the at least one blade, the support structure extending in a length direction of the blade unit under a shaving force applied on the blade unit during shaving. Elastically compliant and includes a spring element, which is adapted to local deformation of the blade unit under a shaving force applied in the region of action of the spring element. A blade unit is provided that is disposed along the blade unit to resist.
[0004]
In a preferred embodiment, several spring elements are distributed along the blade unit, each spring element being deformable so as to exert a substantially constant restoring force depending on the degree of deformation. It has become.
[0005]
Such assembly allows the amount of deformation of the blade unit under the shaving force to be varied along its length. Thereby, the blade unit can be adapted to the undulations of the skin along the length while the force exerted on the skin by the blade unit is substantially uniform along the length of the blade unit. As a result, it is possible to achieve a close fit between the blade unit and the skin contour without causing discomfort due to the blade unit being pressed against the skin with a strong force in a limited area. It becomes possible.
[0006]
The spring element is advantageously formed to be elastically deformed by bending and is made of a web of elastically flexible material. Alternatively, the spring element may include a leaf spring or other spring device that can exert a substantially constant force over the normal deformation range of the blade unit.
[0007]
One form of a safety razor blade unit according to the present invention includes at least one blade having a sharp cutting edge, a blade platform structure, an intermediate structure, a base, and a hinge joint that support the at least one blade. And a support structure having a spring element, wherein the platform structure carries the at least one blade and is located in front of the at least one blade, and the at least one blade. A rear portion located at the rear, wherein the hinge connecting portion is provided between the intermediate structure and a front portion of the blade platform structure, and the intermediate structure includes a front portion of the blade platform structure. The front is movable so as to be movable toward the base and away from the base. Mounted movably with respect to the base, the spring element acts to bias the front of the blade platform structure away from the base and the rear of the blade platform structure is hinged The spring element is arranged along the blade unit so as to act on each part of the blade platform structure. Each part of the blade platform structure is displaceable against the action of the spring element without a corresponding displacement of the other parts of the blade platform structure.
[0008]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a safety razor blade unit comprising at least one blade having a sharp cutting edge, a blade platform structure supporting the at least one blade, a subframe, A support structure having a base and a spring element, the platform structure carrying the at least one blade and the subframe hinged to the blade platform in front of the at least one blade The subframe and the blade for biasing the blade platform structure away from the base, and a leading edge hinged to the base. Acting between the platform structure and the subframe and the base Acting between the scan, the safety razor blade unit is provided, characterized in that.
[0009]
Several spring elements may be distributed along the blade unit, and these spring elements may act between the subframe and each part of the blade platform structure. In addition, several spring elements may be distributed along the blade unit, and these spring elements may act between the base and each part of the subframe.
[0010]
In a generally preferred embodiment, the support structure includes an upper frame on which one or more blades are carried and a subframe, and the spring element includes the upper frame and the subframe. Intervened between.
[0011]
It is convenient that the support structure is formed by integral molding of rubber or rubber-like material, and the spring element is integrated with the upper frame and also with the sub-frame of the blade unit. Is good. The support structure formed as an integrally molded product minimizes the assembly of the component parts, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the blade unit.
[0012]
The upper frame is preferably hinged to the sub-frame at the front of the support structure, and advantageously, the molded structure can provide a connection between them by an integral hinge. The hinge connection between the upper frame and the subframe can be displaced downward (generally towards the handle) under a load force exerted on the upper frame near its front. preferable. The subframe may be supported so as to be movable toward the base against the action of the suspension spring with respect to the base located below. These suspension springs may also be formed by a web made of an elastically flexible material deformed by bending so that a substantially constant restoring force is exerted on the subframe.
[0013]
The upper frame may form a guard surface for contacting the skin in front of the blade during a shaving stroke and a cap surface for contacting the skin behind the blade. Alternatively, a separate guard element and / or a separate cap element may be mounted on the upper frame. However, all such separate elements must themselves exhibit substantial flexibility along their length, or perhaps do not interfere with the flexure of the upper frame that conforms to the skin contour. As such, it will need to be divided into multiple short pieces. One type of element that can be advantageously provided is a lubricating strip that can be positioned adjacent to the leading or trailing edge of the blade unit. Such strips are adapted to supply lubricant to the surface of the skin during shaving in a manner known per se.
[0014]
In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the blades are spaced apart along the blade unit and extend in a series of separate sections extending generally perpendicular to the length of the blade unit. It is carried by an upper frame constituted by a body-type upper frame member. These upper frame members are adapted to be acted upon by respective spring elements. The front end portion of each upper frame member is attached so that it can move against the action of each spring element around an axis extending in the length direction of the blade unit. A spring may act on an arm that is attached to the front end portion of the member and extends rearward from the front end portion so that the upper frame member is biased toward the upper rotational position. A spring biases the pin upward with respect to the arm, and the pin is guided so as to move up and down with respect to the base frame. Conveniently, the upper frame member is pivotably mounted on the post. Accordingly, the front end portion of the upper frame member can move downward against the restoring force exerted by the spring element under the shaving force loaded on the blade unit.
[0015]
The blade unit of the present invention may have a single blade, a plurality of, for example, 2, 3, 4 or more blades. The plurality of blades are preferably included and continuously extended along the blade unit with their sharp cutting edges substantially parallel to each other. These blades are flexible to fit the skin contour. Another possibility is to place pieces of several blades along the blade unit so that they can move relative to each other according to the bending of the upper frame member. To facilitate assembly of the blade unit, the blades are preferably interconnected by a transverse strip attached to the underside of the blade. These strips and blades together form a flexible blade assembly in which the blade and strip are substantially coplanar in the undeformed state, improving the flexibility of the blade assembly.
[0016]
The blade is preferably as described in UK patent application No. 0025339.3 and international patent applications claiming priority based thereon.
[0017]
The above-mentioned or other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to some specific embodiments also illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
A clear understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019]
The razor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 comprises a handle 1 mounted on a blade unit 2. As shown, the handle 1 has a fixed support platform 3 to which the blade unit 2 can be safely secured, but the blade unit 2 is attached to the handle 1 so that the blade unit 2 can be replaced. It can also be detachably connected.
[0020]
The blade unit 2 has a support structure 4 for supporting the blade assembly 5. The support structure 4 is integrally formed from rubber or a material having elastic and flexible (flexible) properties similar to materials having suitable properties including the following (i) to (iv) . (I) Kraton G2705 manufactured by Shell and having a hardness of 55 on the Shore A scale; (ii) Evrene # 966 distributed by Gray Chemical of Leominster, Mass. And having a hardness of 27 on the Shore A scale; (Iii) Santoprene 271-55 manufactured by Advanced Elastomerics and having a hardness of 55 on the Shore A scale; (iv) Santoprene 271-73, also manufactured by Advanced Elastomers and having a hardness of 73 on the Shore A scale. .
[0021]
The support structure 4 includes an upper frame 6 on which a blade assembly 5 is disposed, a sub-frame 7 having a substantially flat plate shape, and also having a substantially flat plate shape. It includes a blade platform structure formed with a base 8 that can be made.
[0022]
The upper frame 6 and the sub-frame 7 are connected to each other at the front edge by an integral hinge 9 and are usually arranged so as to be separated from each other as they move backward from the hinge 9. Similarly, the subframe 7 and the base 8 are connected to each other at the rear edge by an integral hinge 10 and are usually arranged so as to be separated from each other as they move forward from the hinge 10. With such a structure, the upper frame 6, the subframe 7 and the base 8 define a Z shape as shown in the end view (FIG. 3) or the sectional view (FIG. 4). However, the angle formed by the upper frame 6 and the sub-frame 7 so that the upper frame 6 forms an appropriate angle with respect to the stem of the handle 1 and ensures the desired deformation characteristics of the support structure described later. α is larger than an angle β formed by the subframe 7 and the base 8.
[0023]
Several spring elements in the form of a flexible web of the handle 1;
Extending between and integrally connected to the upper frame 6 and the subframe 7 is a number of flexible webs 12 that are uniformly and spaced along the support structure 4. is there. Although six webs 12 are shown, the number can be more or less. These webs 12 are typically in respective parallel planes perpendicular to the upper frame 6 and the subframe 7. Each of the flexible webs 12 constitutes a spring element and can be curved and deformed so that each part of the upper frame 6 within the area of the web can be displaced toward the subframe 6. In addition, the curved web 12 exhibits a certain restoring force regardless of the degree of the curvature and hence the degree of displacement of the upper frame 6. Since these webs 12 act independently of each other, different portions along the length of the upper frame 6 can be easily displaced in different amounts toward the subframe 7 side.
[0024]
The subframe 7 is similarly supported with respect to the base 8 by several suspension springs 14 divided and arranged along the blade unit 2 between the subframe 7 and the base 8. These suspension springs 14 are also formed by an elastic and flexible web integral with the subframe 7 and the base 8. In the illustrated example, six spring webs 14 are uniformly spaced along the blade unit 2. Each spring web 14 is placed in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the blade unit 2. Conveniently, the web 14 is aligned with and coplanar with the web spring 12. The spring web 14 capable of buckling deformation serves as an independent spring element acting between the sub-frame 7 and the base 8, and the sub-frame 7 toward the base 8, and hence toward the handle 1. While allowing local displacement, it exerts a substantially constant restoring force against such displacement.
[0025]
The elastic and flexible nature of the support structure 4 by the spring webs 12, 14 adapts to the skin contour without necessarily affecting the placement of the other parts, so that the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly The upper frame 6 and a specific part of the blade assembly 5 mounted thereon may bend toward the razor handle 1 so that 5 can bend according to the contour of the skin area on which it moves. It ’s something you can do. Thus, the blade unit 2 is elastically compliant and ensures intimate contact with the skin throughout the area covered by the blade.
[0026]
Here, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a state in which the blade unit 2 having the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly 5 is deformed into a concave shape, but an intermediate portion M thereof is larger than both end portions E. Buckling deformation. At this time, the webs 12 and 14 near the center M of the blade unit 2 are displaced toward the handle 1 larger than the webs 12 and 14 disposed in the vicinity of both end portions E of the blade unit 2. On the other hand, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the blade unit 2 deformed in a convex shape, but the blade assembly 5 and the upper frame 6 are located at both ends E of the blade unit from the central portion M of the blade unit. Is also buckled downward toward the handle 1. In this case, the webs 12 and 14 near the both end portions E of the blade unit 2 are deformed more greatly than the webs 12 and 14 closer to the center M of the blade unit 2.
[0027]
8-11, both sets of spring webs 12, 14 are both buckled, but this is neither unavoidable nor essential. For example, as a result of the downward razor force being applied to the rear end R of the blade unit, the web 14 does not buckle and the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly do not deform at the front end F at all. In addition, the web 12 can be buckled so that the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly 5 are displaced downward in the vicinity of the rear end R. Further, the force applied in the vicinity of the leading edge is such that the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly are displaced downward at the leading edge F by the buckling deformation of the web 14 without the buckling deformation of the web 12. Can be. As a result, the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly 5 are flexible both in the longitudinal direction of the blade unit and in a direction perpendicular thereto so as to closely follow the contour of the skin area to be razed.
[0028]
Since the angle α between the upper frame 6 and the subframe 7 is larger than the angle β between the subframe 7 and the base 8, the web 12 is somewhat longer than the web 14 and accordingly weaker than the web 14. . Accordingly, the web 14 is resistant to the downward displacement of the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly 5 against the downward displacement exerted by the web 12 at the rear edge R of the upper frame 6 and the blade assembly 5 ( A resistance force greater than (deformation resistance) is exhibited at the leading edge F thereof. Such a feature is considered desirable because a force greater than the force applied to the cap area during the razor is applied to the blade unit in the guard area.
[0029]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the blade assembly 5 includes a guard member 15 and a plurality of elongated blades 16. These guard members 15 and blades 16 are formed from a flexible metal strip, which blades 16 have sharp edges (cutting edges) 17 that are parallel to each other and facing forward. The guard member 15 and the blade 16 are connected to each other by a transverse strip 18 attached to the lower surface of the blade and the guard member 15. Maximum flexibility of the blade unit is ensured by the blades 16 and the transverse connecting strips 18 being coplanar in the normal undeformed state of the blade assembly 5 and the blade unit 2. The guard member 15 is also substantially coplanar with the blade 16 and the connecting strip 18, as shown in FIGS. However, the guard member 15 has a rear portion inclined upward, and the slits 19 arranged at intervals along the portion of the guard member 15 enhance the flexibility of the member. Having the guard member 15 in the blade assembly is advantageous in ensuring the shaving geometry of the blade, particularly the first blade.
[0030]
The strip 18 is engaged with notches 20 and 21 formed at the front and rear edges of the upper frame 6 for fixing the blade assembly 5 to the support structure, and is a downwardly folded T-shaped end. have. The upper frame 6 has a longitudinal frame member 22 at the front and rear and a transversely extending frame member 23 to which the upper edge of the web 12 is attached. In the assembled blade unit 2, the strip 18 of the blade assembly 5 extends on each frame member 23.
[0031]
The cap 24 of the blade unit 2 has a flexible lubricating strip 25. The lubricating strip 25 sits in a groove extending along the longitudinal member 22 on the rear side of the upper frame 6 and is held in place by the transverse strip 18 of the blade assembly. The support structure 4 forms a guard 26 on the front side of the upper frame 6 in a region hinged to the subframe 7. This guard 26 has a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 27 molded thereon, but can also be provided with a protrusion having another shape. Also preferably, a separate flexible guard element can be mounted on the support structure to provide the desired guard structure.
[0032]
The modified safety razor blade unit shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13 is largely similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. However, in this embodiment, the sub-frame 7A has a corrugated sheet shape instead of a substantially flat sheet. The corrugated wrinkles are shallow and only have ridges 7b and depressions 7c oriented parallel to the plane of the spring webs 12 and 14, but the flexibility of the subframe in the longitudinal direction of the blade unit 2 is increased. Helps to increase. Another difference is that a through-hole 21A is provided in the rear longitudinal frame member 22 instead of the notch 21 for fixing the rear edge of the blade support strip 18. In order to ensure a secure connection between the blade assembly 5 and the integrated support structure 4, the end of the strip 18 is inserted into each hole 21A.
[0033]
14-18, a safety razor has a blade unit 102 mounted on a handle 101, and the blade unit 102 includes a flexible blade assembly 105 supported by a compliant support structure 104. FIG. Such an embodiment is shown. The blade assembly 105 includes a plurality of flexible strip blades 116. These blades 116 are interconnected by transverse strips 118 attached to the lower surface of each blade 116, as well as flexible guard bar 126 and flexible cap bar 125. Guard bar 126 and cap bar 125 are supported on transverse strip 118 in front of and behind the plurality of blades 116, respectively.
[0034]
The support structure 104 has a base frame 108 which has a U-shape in cross section and has upper and lower platforms 130 and 132. A series of support members extending upwardly in the form of posts 134 are spaced along the base frame 108 and are slidably guided so as to be raised and lowered within holes formed in the upper and lower platforms. These posts 134 protrude above the upper platform 130 and have extended or abutting portions 135. This abutment portion 135 engages the lower surface of the upper platform 130 to limit the upward movement of the post 134. Each upper frame member 123 is rotatably attached to the upper end portion of the support post 134 so that the upper frame member 123 can rotate about the axis A facing the longitudinal direction of the blade unit 102. These frame members 123 are arranged so as to extend rearward and upward from their front end portions 123 a that are normally connected to the support posts 134.
[0035]
Ends of the blade assembly that are folded back below the transverse strip 118 engage each upper frame member 123. The front end portion 123a of each upper frame member 123 is bent nearly 180 ° and extends so as to form a rearward arm 136. Similar to the post 134, a pin 138 guided in the holes of the upper and lower platforms 130 and 132 in the base frame 108 supports the arm 136 and biases the upper frame member 123 toward the upward rotation position. Each pin 138 is pushed upward by the coil spring 112. The coil spring 112 surrounds the pin 138 between the abutment flange 139 on the pin 138 and the lower platform 132. The abutment flange 139 also serves to limit the upward movement of the pin 138 by engaging the lower surface of the upper platform 130.
[0036]
The spring 112 also acts to bias the support posts 134 to their uppermost positions so that the normal position of the support structure 104 and blade assembly 105 is in the illustrated position. However, the upper frame members 123 are movable independently of each other like the support posts 134. This means that in the context of the flexibility of the blade assembly 105, the blade unit 102 is elastically compliant so that it can closely fit the skin contour during shaving. In order to further enhance the adaptability of the blade unit 102, the upper frame member 123 itself may be elastically flexible. The adjustment of the return spring 112 to resist the deformation of the blade unit subjected to the shaving force is the force exerted on the skin by the blade unit regardless of the degree of deformation of the blade unit over the entire contact area with the skin. Is made almost uniform.
[0037]
The embodiment of the razor shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is basically the same as that of FIGS. A blade unit 202 mounted on a razor handle 201 includes a blade assembly 205 supported on a support structure 204. The support structure 204 includes a base frame 208 and support posts 234 protruding upward. The support post 234 is guided so as to slide up and down with respect to the base frame 208. In this case, the upper frame member 223 may be a separate frame member, but is constituted by a transverse strip 218 that interconnects a plurality of blades 216 and supports the flexible guard bar 226 and cap bar 225. It is illustrated as Each upper frame member 223 has a front end portion pivotally supported on an upper end portion of the post 234.
[0038]
Each spring element in the form of a leaf spring 212 is attached near the rear end of the base frame 208. Each leaf spring 212 extends forward and upward so that its free end acts on the upper frame member 223. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B in which one spring 212 is represented in an unloaded state and a loaded state, the spring 212 has an arch shape in the cross section. The effect of such a spring shape tends to flatten as it deforms due to the downward pivoting and / or movement of the associated upper frame member 223, thereby allowing the blade unit 202 to be shaved. Regardless of deformation, the spring 212 exerts a substantially constant return force (return force).
[0039]
The razor shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, but differs in the following points. That is, in order to attach the upper frame member 323, a rotation support arm 334 is provided instead of the support post 234. The lower end of the support arm 334 is rotatably connected to the base frame 308. Supported on the upper frame member 323 is a blade assembly 305 including parallel blades 316, flexible guard bars 326 and flexible cap bars 325. Mounted on each support arm 334 is a first spring element constituted by a leaf spring 312. Each leaf spring 312 biases the upper frame member 323 toward the uppermost rotation position. A second spring element 314 is constituted by each leaf spring arm 314 in the comb-shaped integral leaf spring 315 mounted on the base frame 308. The free end of each spring arm 314 acts against the underside of the support arm 334.
[0040]
The support arm 334 is rotated downward by the shaving force transmitted to the upper surface of the blade unit when the razor is used, and a leaf spring is used so that the force acting on each support arm 334 does not become excessive as the rotation is performed. The element 314 is given a strong pretension, and as shown in FIG. 25, the upward movement of the arm 334 is caused by the finger-like protrusions 324 on the arm 334 that abut against the base structure 308. Limited. Similarly, the upward rotation of the arm (frame member) 323 is limited by a finger-like protrusion 336 that contacts the arm 334. As in the above embodiment, blade 316 and blade assembly 305 are generally flexible. Thus, the blade unit 302 with the individually supported upper frame member 323 is elastically compliant over the entire area in contact with the skin during shaving.
[0041]
Other configurations of support structures and modifications to the specifically described embodiments are possible and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the present invention. 21 to 25, and the rotation type attachment between the rotation support arm 334 and the base frame 308 and / or the rotation support arm 334 and the upper frame member 323. The leaf springs 312 and 314 in the middle are described only as examples, and can be replaced by an integral hinge. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments specifically described above are provided merely as non-restrictive examples, and the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims. Is intended.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a safety razor equipped with a blade unit according to the present invention in an oblique direction.
2 is a front view showing a blade unit of the razor in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an end view of the blade unit.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a blade unit.
6 is a view showing a blade unit when viewed from the direction of an arrow VI in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blade unit.
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a blade unit showing a deformed state that can occur during a razor.
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a blade unit showing a deformed state that can occur during a razor.
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing another deformation state that may occur during a razor.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing another deformation state that may occur during a razor.
12A is a front perspective view showing the blade unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 having a modified support structure. FIG.
12B is a perspective view showing a support structure of the blade unit shown in FIG. 12A.
13 is a rear perspective view showing a support structure of the blade unit shown in FIG. 12A.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another safety razor having a blade unit embodying the present invention from the front.
15 is a perspective view showing the safety razor blade unit of FIG. 14 from the rear. FIG.
16 is a rear view of the blade unit in the safety razor of FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG.
18 is a side view of the blade unit of FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a safety razor having a blade unit according to the present invention.
20A is an enlarged view of a leaf spring included in the blade unit of the safety razor shown in FIG.
20B is an enlarged view of a leaf spring included in the blade unit of the safety razor shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of a safety razor having a blade unit according to the present invention.
22 is a rear perspective view of the blade unit of the safety razor of FIG. 21. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a side view of the razor of FIG. 21.
24 is a front view of the razor shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG.
25 is a sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG.

Claims (27)

A safety razor blade unit,
At least one blade having a sharp cutting edge extending in the length direction of the blade unit;
A support structure for supporting the at least one blade;
With
The support structure is elastically flexible along the length of the blade unit under a shaving force loaded on the blade unit during shaving and includes a spring element. The spring element is arranged along the blade unit so as to resist local deformation of the blade unit under a shaving force applied in the region of action of the spring element ;
The support structure includes an upper frame, a subframe, and a base;
The spring element is interposed between the upper frame and the sub-frame;
The upper frame and the spring element are deformable under shaving force so that the blade unit conforms to the skin contour during shaving,
Each spring element is deformable to exert a substantially constant restoring force on the upper frame as the upper frame is displaced toward the subframe;
The upper frame is hinged to the subframe at the front of the support structure;
The blade unit , wherein the subframe and the base are hinged to each other at a rear portion of the support structure .   The safety razor blade unit according to claim 1, wherein several spring elements are distributed along the blade unit.   The safety razor blade unit according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is elastically deformed by bending.   4. A safety razor blade unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the spring element comprises a web of elastically flexible material.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spring element is integrated with the upper frame.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring element is integrated with the subframe.   A plurality of said spring elements are webs made of an elastically flexible material located in a parallel plane perpendicular to the length direction of the blade unit. The described safety razor blade unit. The upper frame is substantially in a first plane;
The sub-frame defines a second plane;
The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second planes are separated from each other from the front part to the rear part of the blade unit.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper frame and the sub frame are integrated by being hinged by an integral hinge. The sub-frame is supported by a suspension spring with respect to the base,
The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the suspension spring is deformable so that the subframe can move toward the base.   The safety razor blade unit according to claim 10, wherein several suspension springs are distributed between the base and the subframe along the blade unit.   11. Each suspension spring is deformable to exert a substantially constant restoring force on the subframe as the subframe is displaced toward the base. 11. The safety razor blade unit according to 11.   The safety razor blade unit according to claim 10, wherein the suspension spring is elastically deformed by bending.   14. A safety razor blade unit according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the suspension spring comprises a web made of an elastically flexible material.   15. The safety razor blade unit according to claim 10, wherein the suspension spring is integrated with the subframe.   11. The plurality of suspension springs are webs made of an elastically flexible material arranged so as to be located in each plane perpendicular to the length direction of the blade unit. The safety razor blade unit according to any one of 1 to 15.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the subframe and the base are close to each other from a front part to a rear part of the blade unit.   18. The safety razor blade unit according to claim 17, wherein the subframe and the base are integrally connected by an integral hinge.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the suspension spring has a larger deformation resistance than the spring element.   The upper frame, the sub-frame, and the base form a Z shape in a cross section of the blade unit, and an angle between the upper frame and the sub-frame is between the base and the sub-frame. 20. The safety razor blade unit according to claim 10, wherein the safety razor blade unit is larger than an angle.   21. A safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the subframe comprises a substantially flat sheet material.   The safety according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the sub-frame includes a corrugated sheet, and the corrugated ridge is directed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the blade unit. Razor blade unit.   The safety razor blade unit according to any one of claims 10 to 22, wherein the support structure is formed by integral molding of rubber or rubber-like material. A plurality of blades having sharp edges substantially parallel to each other extend continuously along the blade unit,
24. A safety razor blade unit according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the blade is flexible to fit the contours of the skin.   25. A safety razor blade unit according to claim 24, wherein the blades are interconnected by transverse strips attached thereto.   26. A safety razor blade unit according to claim 25, wherein the blade and the interconnecting strip are substantially coplanar in the normal undeformed state of the blade unit.   27. A safety razor blade unit according to claim 25 or 26, wherein a flexible guard member is provided, the guard member being attached to the transverse strip in front of the blade.

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