MXPA06010271A - Shaving cartridges and razors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention features a shaving cartridge (12) for connection to a handle. The shaving cartridge (12) includes a plastic housing (20) having a front portion (136), a rear portion (138) having a rear surface, two side surfaces (34) extending from the front portion (136) to the rear portion (138), pivoting structure defining a pivot axis (70) for pivoting of the housing (20) with respect to the handle, and a housing axis (217) extending from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis (70). One or more shaving blades (28) are positioned between the front portion and the rear portion. The one or more blades (28) extend along respective one or more parallel blade axes (130) that are parallel to the pivot axis (70) and located behind the pivot axis. A guard (22) at the front portion (136) of the housing (20) includes an elastomeric member (100) that extends along the housing axis (217)in front of the pivot axis (70) by a front distance that is within (35) percent of a rear distance along the housing axis (127) from the pivot axis (70) to the rear surface so as to provide a cartridge that is substantially balanced about the pivot axis (70).

Description

CARTRIDGES AND SHAVING MACHINES The invention relates to shaving cartridges and more particularly to shaving cartridges that have better balance. In recent years, razors having a cartridge with various numbers of razor blades and a cover have been proposed in the patent literature and are marketed, as described in US Pat. no. 5,787,586 which, in general terms, describes a type of design that has been marketed as the Mach lll razor three-blade razor by The Gillette Company. In one aspect, the invention features a shaving cartridge for connecting to a handle. The shaving cartridge includes a plastic housing having an anterior portion, a posterior portion having a posterior surface, two lateral surfaces extending from the frontal portion to the posterior portion, a pivoting structure defining a pivotal axis for rotating the housing with respect to the handle, and a housing axis extending from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis. One or more razor blades are placed between the front portion and the posterior portion. The one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the pivot axis. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member extending along the axis of the housing in front of the pivotal axis at a front distance that is less than 45 percent of a distance behind the housing axis of the housing. pivoting shaft to the rear surface to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis. In another aspect, the invention features a shaving cartridge for connecting to a handle. The shaving cartridge includes a housing having a front portion, a rear portion, two side edges extending from the front portion to the rear portion and the pivoting structure defining a pivot shaft for rotating the housing with respect to the handle. One or more razor blades are placed between the front edge and the trailing edge, the one or more razor blades extending along the one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind of the pivot axis. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member, wherein a percentage of the front weight supported by a front portion of the shaving cartridge during use is at most about 70 percent of the total weight supported by the cartridge. The front portion is free of razor blades and is defined between a front edge of the cover and the pivot axis. In certain cases, the elastomeric member extends along a housing axis in front of the pivot axis at a front distance that is less than 45 percent of a distance behind the axis of the housing from the pivot axis to a surface After the rear portion of the rear portion to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis, the axis of the housing extends from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis. In other aspects, the invention also includes razors having a cartridge and a handle that can be detachably or permanently attached to the cartridge. These razors can include many of the features discussed above and later. For example, in one aspect, the invention features a razor including a handle and a cartridge removably connected to the handle. The razor includes a cartridge housing having a front portion, a rear portion having a rear surface and a pivoting structure defining a pivot axis for rotating the housing with respect to the handle, and a housing axis extending from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis. One or more razor blades are placed between the front portion and the rear portion, the one or more razor blades extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind of the pivot axis. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member extending along the axis of the housing in front of the pivotal axis at a front distance that is less than 45 percent of a distance down the length of the housing axis from the housing. pivoting shaft to the rear surface to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for shaving. The method includes providing a razor including a handle, a shaving cartridge and a pivoting structure for rotating the cartridge about a pivot axis with respect to the handle. The shaving cartridge has a front portion and a rear portion and at least one or more razor blades positioned between the front and rear portions. The one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the pivot axis with the front portion free of razor blades. The cartridge rests against the skin, so that one or more of the razor blades contact the skin when a force is applied to the handle. At most about 70 percent of the weight applied to the skin is supported by the front portion of the razor cartridge, the front portion is defined between a front edge of the razor cartridge and the pivot shaft. Aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics: In some embodiments, the front distance of the razor cartridge is less than 35 percent of the distance thereafter. The front distance can be practically the same as the rear distance. In some cases, the front distance is at least about 3.5 mm and / or the rear distance is at most about 11 mm. In certain embodiments, the front distance is between approximately 5.5 and 6.5 mm and / or the rear distance is approximately 9.5 and 11 mm. In certain implementations, the front distance is approximately 6 mm and the rear distance is approximately 11 mm. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric flap. In some cases, the fin extends along a fin axis parallel to one or more respective axes of the razor blade; the fin has a length along the fin axis that is longer than the length of a razor blade. The flap can be made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60. In some cases, a front portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond an anterior edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing. the cover and the shaft of the razor blade. The anterior portion may be practically unsupported along its length. The anterior portion may be flexible enough to deviate upon contact with a user's skin. In certain cases, the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving. In some cases, the anterior portion has a first thickness adjacent to the lateral surfaces of the housing, and narrows to a second minor thickness adjacent a central region of the cover. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a clipping assembly attached to the housing. The trim assembly may include a trim sheet. In some embodiments, the cartridge is permanently connected to a handle, for example, to form a disposable razor. In other cases, the cartridge is detachably connected to the handle.

In some embodiments, a percentage by weight supported by the front portion of the cartridge is at most approximately 60 percent. In some cases, a percentage by weight supported by the frontal portion is between about 70 and 30 percent, for example about 63 percent. Aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following advantages: Balancing the distance of the anterior and posterior portions of the razor blade unit tends to distribute the weight supported by the razor blade unit during use. This can provide a closer shave by distributing the weight, during use, to the rear portion of the housing where the razor blades are located and minimizing backward swing. The "backward swing" refers to the tendency of the wider carrier portion of the blade of the razor blade unit to oscillate away from the skin as the user applies more pressure. Positioning the pivoting shaft forward of the razor blades can reduce the tendency of the razor blades to rattle, which can result in a more silienious shave and with less distraction for a user. Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments and the appended claims. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a razor. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the razor of Figure 1 with the cartridge disconnected from the handle.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the handle of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a front view of the cartridge of Figure 2. Figure 3A is a sectional view of an elastomeric member of Figure 3 taken along the length of line AA of Figure 3. Figure 3B is a rear view of the cartridge of Figure 3. Figures 3C and 3D are perspective views of the cartridge of Figure 3. Figure 4 is a front view of a cartridge housing which includes an elastomeric member. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the fastener of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a view in vertical section that illustrates the relative positions of some of the components of a razor cartridge of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a top view of a cutting member of the cartridge of Figure 3. Figure 9 is a front view of the cutting member of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of the cutting member of Figure 8. Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cutting member of Figure 8.

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of a cutting member of the prior industry. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a razor blade unit of the razor of Figure 1 without the primary razor blades. Figure 14 is a plan view of a trimming unit of the razor blade unit of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a rear elevation of the trimming unit of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a view of the base of the trimming unit of Figure 14. Figure 17 is a front elevation of the trimming unit of Figure 14. Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16 , of the housing of the razor blade unit of Figure 3. Figure 19 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 16, of a portion of the razor blade unit of Figure 3. Figure 20 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 16, of a portion of the razor blade unit of Figure 3. Figure 21 is a view in Figure 3. perspective of the razor blade unit of Figure 3 without the razor blades.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the back of the housing of the razor blade unit of Figure 3. Figure 23 is a sectional view of the razor blade unit of Figure 3. Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of the housing including the elastomeric member of Figure 4. Figure 25 is a view of the end of the housing including the elastomeric member of Figure 24. Figure 26 is a front view of the cartridge of Figure 3 Figure 27 is a sectional view of the razor blade unit of Figure 3 resting against the skin. Figure 28 is an exploded view of the handle of Figure 2A and Figure 28A is a detailed view of some components of Figure 28 within area A. Figures 29 and 30 are front and side side views, respectively, of a member of the mango interconnection. Figures 31-33 are top, front and side views, respectively, of a release button. Figures 34 and 35 are front and sectional views, respectively, of a plunger. Figures 36-38 are rear, front and top views, respectively, of a connecting member.

Figure 37A is a detail view of a finger of the connecting member of Figures 36-38. Figure 39 is a sectional view of the handle through line 39 of Figure 2A including the connecting member. Figure 40 is a sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3. Figure 41 is a sectional view of the handle of Figure 2A connecting with the connecting member of Figures 36-38. Figure 41 A is a sectional view of the handle of Figure 2A through line 41-41 illustrating the activated release button for disconnecting the cartridge from the handle. Figures 42 and 43 are sectional views of the handle of Figure 2A through line 42-42 illustrating, respectively, the release button of Figures 31-33 in its rest position and in its activated position, respectively. Figure 44 is a sectional view of the handle housing including the release button. Figure 45 is a side view of the razor of Figure 1 resting against the skin during a trimming operation. Figure 46 is a front view of the razor of Figure 1. Figure 47A is a sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3 in the rest position and of the plunger of Figures 34 and 35, and Figure 47B is a sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3 in the fully rotated position and of the plunger of Figures 34 and 35. With reference to Figures 1 and 2 the razor 10 includes a disposable cartridge 12 and a handle 14 (FIG. 2A). The cartridge 12 includes a connecting member 18 which connects the cartridge 12 removably to a handle 14 and a razor blade unit 16 which is pivotally connected to the connecting member 18. With reference to Figures 3, 3C and 3D, the razor blade unit 16 includes a plastic housing 20, a cover 22 on the front of the housing 20, a cover 24 with a lubricant strip 26 on the back of the housing 20, five razor blades 28 between the cover 22 and the lid 24 and a trimming blade unit 30 (Figure 3C) attached to the back of the housing 20 by fasteners 32 which also retain the blades 28 within the housing 20. With reference to Figure 4 showing the unit of razor blade 16 without the blades, the housing 20 of the razor blade unit 16 has inwardly facing slots 33 in side walls 34 into which the ends of the blade supports 400 are inserted (see Figure 7) . The housing 20 also has respective pairs of flexible arms 36 that extend from the side walls and that support each sheet 28 flexibly. The sheets 28 are located in a relatively unobstructed region between the side walls 34, for example to facilitate rinsing of the cartridge during use.

Again with reference to Figure 3, the lid 24 provides a lubricious shaving aid and is inserted into the slot 38 (Figure 4) of the back of the housing 20. The lid 24 can be made of a material comprising a mixing a hydrophobic material and a hydrophilic polymeric material that can be leached in water, as is known in the industry and is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. num. 5,113,585 and 5,454,164, incorporated herein by reference. With reference to Figures 3, 3B, 3C and 3D, the fasteners 32 are secured near the respective sides of the housing 20 and the internal side walls 34. Each fastener 32 passes through a pair of slots 40 and 42 (Figure 4). ) located between the front edge 44 and the trailing edge 46 of the razor blade unit 16 (see also Figure 4). Preferably, the fasteners 32 are made of aluminum 5052-H16 and are approximately 0.3 mm thick. As will be described later in greater detail, the position of the fasteners 32 towards the inside of the front and rear edges 44, 46 of the razor blade unit 16 reduces the interference of the fasteners with some shaving characteristics of the machine. shaving 10. Further, since the fasteners 32 pass through the slots 40 and 42 of the housing 20 and that the legs 50 and 52 are curved with a convenient curvature, the fasteners 32 can be securely engaged in the housing 20. With Referring to Figure 5, the fasteners 32, as mentioned above, retain the sheets 28 within the housing 20. The fasteners 32 also locate the cutting edges 408 of the spring-biased sheets 28 so that they are conveniently exposed when in place. the resting position. The legs 50 and 52 of the fasteners 32 pass through the slots 40 and 42, respectively, and wrap the lower part of the housing 20. As seen in Figure 5, the distance Di corresponding to the leg 50 passing through the housing 20 is greater than the distance D2 corresponding to the leg 52 passing through the housing. In part, this is because the clipping blade unit 30 is located at the rear of the housing 20 and is also secured to the housing 20 by means of the fasteners 32. With reference to Figure 6, the legs 50 and 52 include relatively straight portions 54, 56 that extend through the housing 20 and multiple curves 58, 60, 62, 64 that form relatively curved portions 66, 68 (e.g. when bending the metal fasteners on the surfaces 61, 63, 65 , 67 beyond its elastic limit). The curves 58, 60, 62 and 64 impart a convenient curvature to the legs 50 and 52 of the fasteners 32 which generally accords with the shape of the housing 20. The discontinuous nature of the curvature of the legs 50 and 52 tends to inhibit the straightening of the legs. As shown, h (measured from vertical 53) is between about 91 and 93 degrees, for example, about 92.2 degrees; 12 (measured from horizontal 55) is between about 42 and 44 degrees, for example, about 43 degrees; 13 (measured from vertical 57) is between about 91 and 94 degrees, for example, about 92.4 degrees; and U (measured from horizontal 59) is between about 19 and 22 degrees, for example, about 20.4 degrees. The curvature of a leg is defined here as the sum of the angles I of the individual curves. Because the sum of I-i and is greater than the sum of l3 and l4, the leg 50 has a greater curvature than the leg 52. However, both legs 50 and 52 have a curvature greater than 90 degrees. As shown, the leg 50 has a curvature (i.e., Ii plus l2) of about 135 degrees (preferably between about 91 and 150 degrees) and the leg 52 has a curvature (i.e., l3 plus l4) of about 113. degrees (preferably between approximately 91 and 130 degrees). The straight portions 54, 56 and the end portions 71 and 73 of the legs 50, 52 form projected angles T. In the illustrated embodiment, a smaller T, for example at most about 80 degrees, is preferred. As shown, T? it is approximately 47 degrees and T2 is approximately 70 degrees. The legs 50, 52 can also be very curved to preload the fasteners 32 against the housing providing that housing with greater security. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the load that the curve 60 applies to the housing 20 at the contact point 73 between the curve 60 and the housing is slight. The supply of fasteners 32 that pass through the housing and curved legs 50 and 52 provides several advantages. For example, a wider razor blade unit 16 may be provided without a substantial increase in the length of the fasteners 32, because the fasteners 32 are positioned inward of the front and rear edges 44, 46 of the blade unit. to shave. This, unlike, for example, US Pat. no. 6,035,537, which discloses the use of metal fasteners that surround the periphery of the housing and the front and rear sides of the razor blade unit. Also, the straight portions 54 and 56 of the legs 50 and 52 are relatively enclosed within slots 40 and 42 of the housing 20 and curved over the housing with relatively closed curves (i.e., the curves having a relatively short radius of curvature). . The curves having this geometry can make the joining of the fasteners 32 to the housing 20 considerably secure, and therefore the fasteners 32 can not be removed from the slots 40 and 42 without breaking the fastener. Further, since the fasteners 32 are made of metal and the metal is curved with sharp bends it can be relatively difficult to straighten the fasteners sufficiently to pull the curved portions 66, 68 through the slots 40, 42. As another example , the arrangement of the fasteners towards the inside allows to use a longer and wider cover that is described later in greater detail. With reference to Figures 7-12, it is noted that each elongated shaving blade 28 is supported on a corresponding elongated curved bracket 400 having an elongated lower base portion 402, an elongated curved portion 404 and an elongated platform portion 406 that supports the sheet 28. The sheet spacing is defined as the distance from the edge of the sheet to the skin contact element located immediately in front of that edge, based on the measurement taken along a tangent line which extends between the element and the edge of the sheet. The cutting edges 406 of each razor blade are separated from the cutting edges 408 of the adjacent sheets by the distances S2 = S3 = S4 = S5 of spacing between sheets; the spacing between sheets is 0.95 mm to 1.15 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 1.1 mm and most preferably about 1.05 mm. The exposure of the sheet is defined as the perpendicular distance or the height of the edge of the sheet measured with respect to a plane tangential to the surfaces of the elements of the next sheet that come into contact with the skin in front of the edge and behind the edge . Since all the cutting edges abut against fasteners 32 when they are at rest, those edges are in a common plane such that the exposure of the three intermediate sheets is zero. The front sheet 28 has a negative exposure of -0.04 mm and the last sheet 28 has a positive exposure. The lower exposure of the first sheet and the greater exposure of the last sheet improve shaving performance as described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,212,777. The spacing S1 between the front rail 409 and the cutting edge of the front sheet 28 is 0.65 mm, and the distance SC between the cutting edge of the last sheet 28 and the tangential point located in the lubricant strip 26 of the lid 24 is of 3.16 mm. The greater amount of leaves tends to conveniently distribute the compressive forces of the leaves against the skin, but if the spacing does not vary, the area occupied by the leaves will increase and potentially hinder handling and trimming. The reduction of spacing to include a greater number of leaves tends to conveniently reduce the total area occupied by the leaves and the bulging of the skin between the cutting edges with a potential improvement of comfort. However, reducing the spacing may reduce the ease of rinsing and the ability to clean shaving remnants from the blade area. In a five-blade shaver, the lower limit of the 0.95 mm spacing interval provides adequate comfort, but generates greater potential for the problems associated with cleaning shaving debris, and the upper limit of the spacing range. of 1.15 mm provides adequate cleaning of the shaving debris, but makes it possible to bulge the skin between the edges and less comfort, such that the spacing values within the range, and in particular the values close to the especially preferred spacing of 1.05 mm provide a proper balance between reduced size and comfort while maintaining the ease of rinsing necessary to avoid problems related to shaving debris. The distance ST from the first cutting edge 408 to the last cutting edge 408 is four times the spacing between sheets and is therefore from 3.8 mm to 4.6 mm, preferably from 4.0 mm to 4.4 mm, and most preferably approximately 4.2 mm, ie from 4.1 mm to 4.3 mm. With reference to Figures 8-12, the sheet 28 is connected to the platform portion 406 by thirteen spot welds 410 applied with a laser that melts the metal of the sheet 28 in the welding area WA to produce the molten metal that on cooling it forms the weld 410 to the platform portion 406. The weld area WA is a joint area in which the sheet is secured to the platform portion. The welding area WA is located within a flat portion FP of the platform portion 406. The length LB of the sheet from the cutting edge 408 to the end of the sheet 450 is less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.9 mm and most preferably, about 0.85 mm. The sheet 28 has a portion of uniform thickness 412 which is supported on a platform portion 406 and a conical portion 412 extending beyond the front end 452 of the platform portion 406. The elongated curved metal support 400 is made of metal which is between 0.010 cm (0.004") and 0.023 cm (0.009") in thickness (dimension T), preferably the metal is between 0.013 cm (0.005") and 0.018 cm (0.007") in thickness, and most preferably, the metal is about 0.015 cm (0.006") thick, the platform portion 406 has a length LP from its front end 452 to the curved portion 404 less than 0.7 mm, preferably less than 0.6 mm and most preferably approximately 0.55 mm The curved portion 404 has an inner radius of curvature R less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.09 mm and most preferably less than 0.08 mm The angle a between the base portion 402 and the portion of platform 406 is between 108 degrees and 115 degrees, preferably between 110 degrees and 113 degrees, most preferably approximately 111.5 degrees Because the angular support 400 is cut and formed from a thinner metal, it is easier to provide a reduced radius of curvature R, and thereby allowing a greater percentage of the platform portion to be flat.The use of a thinner material for the support also allows a greater proportion of the area of platform be flat after the formed. Because the sheet 28 has a portion of uniform thickness 412 of reduced length, a minimum flat area is needed to support the sheet accurately and reliably. The reduced uniform thickness portion 412 can be used, while maintaining the sheet holder accurately, because the extension of the curved areas of the platform portion 406 outside the planar area FA is reduced. That precise support of the blade is necessary to provide the blade with the convenient geometry to obtain the expected shaving performance. With reference to Figure 13, the trim sheet assembly 30 is secured to the back of the housing 20 and includes the blade holder 502 and the trim blade 504 mounted thereon. The blade holder 502 is made of a 0.028"(0.011") thick sheet of stainless steel sheet metal cut and shaped to provide support structures for the cut sheet 504 and to define a cutout cover and cap surfaces for that purpose. cover and to attach it to the housing 20. With reference to Figures 13-19, the blade holder 502 has a rear wall 506, upper tabs 508, 510 curved in such a way as to extend forward at both ends from the upper part of the housing. rear wall 506, a lower wall 512 curved in such a way as to extend forward along the length of the rear wall 506 in the lower part of the rear wall 506, and two side portions 514, 516, each of the which is formed by a side tab 518 curved so as to extend forward from the respective side at one end of the rear wall 506 and a vertical tab 520 curved in such a way that e extends upwards from a respective end of the lower wall 512. The central portion of the rear wall 506 is open at its lower portion forming an empty space 522 between the lower terminal surface 526 of the rear wall 506 and the trim cover 528 extending upward from the bottom wall 512. Two alignment surfaces 530 are located at a precise distance from the bottom of the terminal surface 526 at the two ends of that surface 526. The cut sheet 504 is welded to the inner surface 532 of rear wall 506 by means of thirteen spot welds 534 and cutting edge 536 of cutout sheet 504 is aligned with alignment surfaces 530. All edges surrounding empty space 524 and which will come in contact with The user's skin is rounded and provides a radius of curvature of 0.2 mm in such a way that the user does not feel the edges. With reference to Figures 13, 15-20, the empty space 522 causes the cutting edge 536 of the cutting blade 504 to be exposed. As best seen in Figure 19, the rear wall 506 and its lower end surface 526 provide a trim cap 535 for the trim sheet 504 and its cutting edge 536 and define the exposure area for the trim sheet 504. With reference to Figures 13 and 20, two skin protection projections 537 spaced from the two ends extend to the space located behind a tangent line from the cutting cutting edge 536 to the cutting cover 528 to limit the user's skin volume that can be bulked at the space located between the cutting cutting edge 536 and the cutting cover 528. With reference to Figures 14 and 16, the upper side tabs 508 and 510 have upper grooves 538 and the Lower wall 512 has aligned grooves 540 where they are inserted the fasteners 32 used to secure the clipping blade unit 30 to the housing 20. With reference to Figures 13 and 16, the bottom wall 512 also has cavities 542 that mate with the projections 544 of the housing 20 to facilitate alignment and maintain to the unit 30 in the proper position in the housing 20. With reference to Figures 13, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, the lower wall also has four slots for the removal of remnants 546 that are aligned with four ducts for the removal of remnants 548 in the housing 20 useful to eliminate during shaving the remains that remain in the region behind and below the cutting edge 536. To manufacture the blade holder 506 a sheet of metal is cut and shaped. The cutting sheet 504 is then placed against the inner surface 532 and the cutting edge 536 is aligned with the alignment surfaces 530 using an automatic positioning member, and then secured to the inner surface 532 by spot welding 534, with the cutting cutting edge 536 in the precise position with respect to the cutting cover 528 and the cutting cap 534. The cutting unit 30 is then placed in the rear part of the housing 20 by tearing it forward on the rear part of the housing 20 with cavities 542 of the inner wall 512 aligned with projections 544 of the housing 20. Simultaneously, the upper protuberances 552 and the lower protuberances 554 of the housing 20 (Figure 18) are deformed by the compression applied between the upper tabs 508, 510 and the lower wall 512 when the unit 30 moves forward on the rear part of the housing 20. Then, the unit 30 seizes The housing 20 is provided by fasteners 32 which pass through upper slots 538 and lower slots 540 of the blade holder 506 and aligned slots 40, 42 through the housing 20 (Figure 4). Because the fasteners 32 pass through slots 538, the fasteners 32 are in electrical contact with the blade holder 506. Therefore, the fasteners are also in electrical contact with the cutting blade 504, since the fasteners, the blade holder and The trimming blade are made of metal (typically, the trimming blade and the blade holder are made of stainless steel and the fasteners are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy). The fasteners 32 are also in electrical contact with each leaf 28. Accordingly, the fasteners form an anode-cathode cell with the leaves and the cut sheet, wherein the fasteners function as a sacrificial anode. Therefore, when the razor is exposed to corrosion conditions, the fasteners will corrode and the razor blades and trim sheet will function as a cathode that is protected from corrosion. This function of the fasteners is advantageous since the corrosion of the cutting edges of the sheets could endanger the safety of the user, while the corrosion of the fasteners would not be aesthetically pleasing and would probably cause the user to discard the cartridge before continue to be damaged Again with reference to Figure 3, the cover 22 includes a flexible elastomeric member 100 which extends to the side surfaces 34 and thereon. The elastomeric member 100 forms a projection 101 that can be coupled with a dispenser (not shown) to secure the cartridge there (eg for storage and / or shipping). Details of the projection 101 and the dispenser can be found in the pending US patent application., entitled "Dispatchers for shaving cartridges", filed on the same date of this application, the total content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The elastomeric member 100 includes a plurality of fins 114, discussed below in greater detail, which tends to stimulate and stretch the skin in front of the sheets 28, lifting and properly positioning the user's hairs for shaving. The housing 20 provides support to the elastomeric member 100 along a rear portion 102 and side portions 104. With reference to Figure 23, a front or anterior portion 106 of the elastomeric member 100 extends beyond a front portion 108 of the housing 20 and is practically not supported by the housing 20 along its length. The anterior portion 106 of the elastomeric member is relatively flexible and can be deflected upon contact with the skin of a user. In some cases, the anterior portion 106 has sufficient flexibility to conform to a contour of a user's skin during use. This adjustment to the wearer's skin will tend to increase the surface area of the elastomeric member which contacts the skin of the wearer, increasing skin tightening, and will also tend to more evenly distribute the force applied by the wearer during shaving. The deflection of the anterior portion when it comes into contact with the skin also tends to cause the fins 114 to deviate towards each other, and thereby increase the frictional force between the tips of the fins and the skin and thereby increase also the stretching of the skin. To further improve the flexibility of the elastomeric member 100, the thickness of the elastomeric member 100 varies along its length. As can be seen in Figures 24 and 25, a leading edge 110 of the anterior portion 106 of the elastomeric member 100 has a first thickness ti contiguous with the side surfaces 34 of the housing, and tapers to a second and smaller thickness t2 contiguous to a central region of the elastomeric member 100. Again with reference to Figures 3 and 3D, the elastomeric member 100 includes a group 112 of flexible fins 114, located within a frame 115. The frame 115 provides a continuous elastomeric surface around the periphery of the fins that can improve the travel of the cartridge during shaving and also the tactile and skin stretching properties provided by the elastomeric member. Referring also to Figure 3A, a slot 116 is provided between a recessed wall 118 of the frame 115 and ends 120 of the fins 114. This groove 116 allows the fins to flex in such a way that, for example, they meet when the anterior portion 106 is deflected, instead of being fixed at its ends as it would be if the fins were attached to the frame 115 at their ends. However, when convenient, the fins may be attached to the frame, or the frame 115 may be omitted and the fins may extend over the entire length of the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, group 112 includes 15 fins. Generally, the elastomeric member may include a smaller or larger number of fins (e.g., about 10 to 20 fins). For a specific step and fin geometry, a larger number of fins will generally provide a greater stretch to the skin, for a better shave; however, if a certain amount of fins is exceeded, stretching of the skin tends not to increase (or the increased stretching of the skin is not necessary) and the elastomeric member may become too wide so that the user feels more comfortable. difficult to shave in narrow areas. Again with reference to Figure 23, the elevation of the tips 120 of the elastomeric fins 114 increases from the fin furthest from the blades 28 to the fin closest to the blades 28 along a curve. Some of the tips 120 are below a plane 122 that passes through the cutting edges 48 of the sheets 28 and some of the tips 120 are above that plane 122. The greater elevation of the fins 114 tends to gradually increase the Skin contact. The higher elevation also causes the tips to conform to the skin during shaving. The fins 114 have a height "h" from the tip to the base of 0.4 to 0.9 mm and a narrow profile, i.e. the fins define an included angle J less than about 14 degrees (preferably between about 14 and 8 degrees, such as approximately 11 degrees). The fins 114 are spaced at a pitch of about 0.14 to 0.57 mm from center to center, for example 0.284 mm, and have a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.4 mm, for example 0.217 mm, in their bases. The distance from the front of the first fin 114a to the rear of the last fin 114b in the base is approximately 4 mm. Alternatively, this distance can be from about 2.5 to 6 mm. The narrow profile of the fin, for example, from 8 to 14 degrees,? improves the flexibility of the fin, which helps to stretch the skin, thus preparing the hairs for a better cut. With reference to Figure 26, as it extends toward the side surfaces 34 and over these, the elastomeric member 100 has a length Le measured between the side surfaces 34 (preferably from about 34 mm to about 47 mm, for example about 42.5 mm) longer than the sheet length Lb (preferably from about 33mm to about 46mm, for example about 34.4mm) of each sheet 28, where Lb is measured between inner edges of the fastener 124 and 126. The length of the elastomeric member it provides an adequate stretch of the skin and improves the tactile properties of the razor. It can be, for example, about zero to 36 percent longer than Lb 4, such as 23.5 percent. The fins 114 have a length Lf measured along an axis of the fin 128 practically parallel to an axis of the leaf 130. As can be seen, the fin lengths Lf increase from the fin furthest from the leaves 28 to the fin closest to the leaves 28. The L f of at least some (or all) of the fins 120 is greater than Lb. This increasing length, together with the frame 116, can improve the handling of the machine by the contour of the skin. The material for manufacturing the elastomeric member 100 may be selected as convenient. Preferably, the elastomeric member is made of an elastomeric material, such as block copolymers (or other suitable materials), for example, having a Shore A hardness of between 28 and 60. Preferably, the fins 114 are also made from a relatively soft material, for example, having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60 (for example, between about 40 and 50, such as between about 40 and 45 Shore A). When the values exceed this range, the performance may tend to decrease, and when the values are lower than this interval, production problems may occur. As illustrated, the fins and the elastomeric member are formed of the same material. In other cases, the fins and the elastomeric member are formed of different materials. The method for securing the elastomeric member 100 to the housing 20 can also be selected as convenient. Suitable methods include, as an example, adhesives, welding and molding (for example overmolding or injection molding) of the elastomeric member on the housing 20. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the razor blade unit 16 is pivotally mounted on the connecting member 18. The connecting member 18 is constructed such that a connecting structure of the handle 11 located in the handle 14 can be removably inserted in that member, as will be described in detail later in the section "Connection cartridge / handle ". The razor blade unit 16 can rotate about a pivoting axis 70 with respect to the handle 14 and the connecting member 18 due to the joint pivoting structures provided by the housing 20 and the connecting member 18. With reference to Figures 36 -38, the connecting member 18 has a spout 140 and a pair of arms 142 and 144 that extend outwardly from the body 140. From the U-shaped ends 146 and 148 of the arms 142 and 144 fingers 150 extend. 152. The fingers 150 and 152 are pivotally connected to the razor blade unit 16, for example, by inserting them into the openings in the rear portion of the housing 20 (Figure 3B), and allow the blade unit shaving 16 rotates about an axis 70 (Figure 23) with respect to the connecting member 18. Referring to the detailed view of Figure 37A illustrating a side view of a finger 150, each of the fingers 150 and 152 includes Distal distal ends 151 and 153 that d effine the end points A, B, C, D of two coaxial circular arcs 155 and 157 that form support surfaces of the connection between the connecting member 18 and the housing 20. These arc surfaces fit (with clearance) into receivers corresponding arches (not shown) located in the cartridge housing 20 and can rotate. The smaller arch 155 is loaded when the razor blade unit 16 rotates. The larger arch 157 is loaded when the blades 28 cut the hairs during shaving. Referring also to Figure 40, each finger includes stop surfaces 154 and 156 (Figure 38). The detent surfaces 154 and 156 may connect the jointly acting detent surfaces 158 and 160 (Figure 40) of the razor blade unit 16 to limit the rotation of the razor blade unit. As shown in Figure 40, the stopping surfaces 154, 156, 158, 160 inhibit normal rotation of the razor blade unit 16 beyond an angle K of approximately 41 degrees, with the rest position spring-biased. of zero degrees. The surfaces 156 and 160 also provide a stop to inhibit rotation during a trimming operation with the trimming blade 504. With reference to Figure 37, the end surfaces 146 and 148 act as load-bearing structures in case the unit of razor blade 16 rotates too much with respect to connecting member 18. Such excessive rotation may occur, for example, if the user drops his razor. As shown in Figure 40, the housing 20 can contact the end surfaces 146 and 148 in case the razor blade unit is turned at an angle? which is greater than K (for example, greater than 41 degrees, between approximately 42 degrees and 45 degrees, for example approximately 43 degrees). Since these structures bear load, the load can be transmitted to the end surfaces 146, 148 and the arms 142, 144, and therefore the tension in the fingers 150, 152 is relieved (for example to prevent the fingers from breaking). Again with reference to Figure 1, the razor blade unit 16 is biased towards a vertical resting position (illustrated in Figure 1) by means of a spring-loaded plunger 134. A rounded distal end 139 of the plunger 134 comes into contact with the cartridge housing on a cam surface 216 (FIG. 47) at a spaced location of the pivot shaft 70 to deliver a diverting force to the housing 20. Locating the contact point of the plunger / housing away from the pivot shaft 70 provides a lever effect such that the spring-loaded plunger can cause the razor blade unit 16 to return to its vertical rest position upon removal of the load. . This lever effect also allows the razor blade unit 16 to rotate freely between its upright position and its fully loaded position in response to a variation in the load applied by the user. With reference to Figures 47A and 47B, as the razor blade unit 16 rotates with respect to the handle, the point of contact between the plunger 134 and the cam surface 216 changes. The horizontal distance di and the direct distance each is at a minimum at a point C when the razor blade unit 16 is in the rest position deviated by spring, with di measurement along a horizontal line perpendicular to the pivot axis 70. and parallel to the plane 122. The horizontal distance d2, also measured along a horizontal line perpendicular to the pivotal axis 70 and parallel to the plane 122, and the direct distance 12 each is at maximum at the point of contact Y when the unit of razor blade 16 is in the fully rotated position. In the illustrated embodiment, di is approximately 0.9 mm, h is approximately 3 mm, d2 is approximately 3.5 mm, and l2 is approximately 5 mm. Alternatively, di may be from about 0.8 to 1.0 mm, may be from about 2.5 to 3.5 mm, d2 may be from about 3 to 4 mm and l2 may be from about 4.5 to 5.5 mm. As the razor blade unit 16 rotates from its rest position, the torsional force exerted about the pivot axis as a result of the force applied by the plunger 134 increases due, at least in part, to the greatest horizontal distance between the contact point and the pivot axis 70 and the rotation of the plunger 134 to an orientation more perpendicular to the cam surface 216. In some embodiments, the minimum torsional force applied by the spring plunger, for example in the rest position , is at least about 1.5 N-mm, for example about 2 N-mm. In some cases, the maximum torsional force applied by the plunger, for example in the fully rotated position, is about 6 N-mm or less, for example about 3.5 N-mm. With reference to Figure 23, the connecting member 18 and the housing 20 are connected such that the pivotal axis 70 is located below the plane 122 (eg, in a location within the housing 20) and in front of the leaves 28 The position of the pivot shaft 70 in front of the leaves 28 is sometimes referred to as a "front pivot" arrangement. The position of the pivot shaft 70 along the width W of the razor blade unit 16 determines how the cartridge will rotate about a point about the pivot axis, and how the pressure applied by the user during shaving will be transmitted to the skin of the razor. user and distributed over the surface area of the razor blade cartridge. For example, if the pivot axis is positioned behind the razor blades and relatively close to the front edge of the housing, so that the pivot axis is significantly spaced from the center of the width of the housing, the razor blade unit may tend to exhibit "swing back" when the user applies pressure to the skin through the handle. The "backward swing" refers to the tendency of the wider carrier portion of the blade of the razor blade unit to oscillate away from the skin as the user applies more pressure. Placing this pivot point in this way generally produces a safe shave, but can make it more difficult for the user to adjust the closeness of the shaving by modifying the applied pressure. In the razor blade unit 16, the distance between the pivot axis and the front edge of the razor blade unit is wide enough for the cartridge to oscillate about the pivot axis. This oscillation of the cartridge minimizes backward swing while still providing the safety benefits offered by a front pivot arrangement. That safety is maintained because the additional pressure applied by the user will be distributed relatively evenly between the blades and the elastomeric member rather than being transmitted mainly to the blades, as would occur with a central pivot arrangement (a razor blade unit that it has a pivot axis located between the leaves). Preferably, the distance from the front of the razor blade unit to the pivot axis is sufficiently close to the distance from the rear of the razor blade unit to the pivot axis so that the pressure applied to the skin through the razor blade unit 16 is distributed in a relatively uniform manner during use. The distribution of pressure during shaving can be predicted by computer modeling. With reference to Figure 23, the projected distance Wf is relatively similar to the projected distance Wr. Preferably, Wf is less than 45 percent Wr, such as less than 35 percent, more preferably less than 20 percent. In some cases, Wr is practically equal to Wf. Preferably, Wf is at least about 3.5 mm, more preferably 5.5 to 6.5 mm, for example about 6 mm. Generally, Wr is less than about 11 mm (eg, from about 11 mm to 9.5 mm, for example about 10 mm). One measure of cartridge equilibrium is the ratio of the projected distance Wr between the back of the razor blade unit 16 and the pivot shaft 70 to the projected distance W between the front and rear of the razor blade unit 16 , each projected distance is measured along a line parallel to the axis of the housing 217 (Figure 3) which is perpendicular to the pivotal axis 70. The ratio can also be expressed as a percentage called "percentage of the frontal weight". With reference to Figure 27, the razor blade unit 16 is illustrated resting against the skin 132. The razor blade unit 16 is supported as a result of the application of a normal force F perpendicular to the pivot axis 70 (i.e. applied by a user through the handle 14 and omitting other forces, such as that applied by the spring plunger 134 illustrated in Figure 39). Preferably, a percentage by weight (or percentage of frontal weight) supported throughout Wf is at most about 70 percent (eg, from about 50 percent to about 70 percent, for example about 63 percent) of a total weight supported by the razor blade unit 16. The oscillation of the cartridge causes the weight supported by the front portion 136 on Wf and the rear portion 138 on Wr to be distributed more uniformly during use; this corresponds to a more even distribution of the applied pressure on the surface that is shaved during shaving. Also, a greater weight is shifted to the rear portion 138 of the cartridge 12 where the blades 28 are located during use, inhibiting backward swinging of the rear portion 138, which may provide a better shave. As set forth above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the connecting member 18 removably connects the razor blade unit 16 to a connecting structure of the handle 11 on the handle 14.

With reference to Figures 2, 2A and 41 (Figure 41 omitting the plunger, button and spring for clarity purposes), to connect the connecting member 18 and the handle 14, the user pushes the handle connecting the structure 11 forward to the rear end of the connecting member 18. The handle connecting the structure includes a body 167 from which a projection 166 protrudes. The projection 166 is positioned such that it is inserted into an opening 178 of the connecting member 18. As the projection 166 is inserted into the opening, the hooks 162 and 164 located in the connecting member are elastically biased so that the distal end 180 of the projection 166 is inserted. When the hooks 162 and 164 clear the outer edges 188 and 190 of the distal end 180 of the projection 166, the hooks 162 and 164 are retrieved to their initial undeflected position by connecting to the lateral surfaces 182 and 184 of the projection (Figure 39). With reference to Figure 41 A, to disconnect the cartridge 12 from the handle 14, the user activates a spring release button 196 by pressing that button 196 forwardly with respect to the handle housing 170. By pressing the button 196 forward, the driving arms 192 and 194 extend to connect with the hooks 162 and 164 of the connecting member 18. These connecting forces open the interference fit between the hooks 162, 164 and the projection 166 to release the cartridge 12 from the handle 14, as will be described later in greater detail. With reference to Figure 39, which exhibits the cartridge 12 and the handle 14 connected, the hooks 162 and 164 of the connecting member 18 have respective free distal ends 174, 176 which engage the angled side surfaces 182 and 184 of the projection 166. The side surfaces 182 and 184 are tapered from the relatively large distal end 180 to a relatively smaller base 186, at a projected apex angle I (eg, between about 45 and 60 degrees, for example about 52 degrees). The narrowing of the lateral surfaces 182 and 184 inhibits the accidental release of the cartridge 12 from the handle 14 (for example by applying a force to the rear portion of the razor blade unit 16 during a cutting operation). The connection of the flattened side surfaces 182 and 184 with the flat edges of the distal ends 174, 176 of the hooks 162 and 164 also inhibits the rotational movement of the connecting member 18 with respect to the connecting structure of the handle 11. With reference to Figures 36-38, the connecting member 18 includes a body 140 from which the hooks 162 and 164. extend. The body 140 has an arc-shaped contour that engages the body 167 having a corresponding arched profile (FIG. 29). The contours of the bodies 140 and 167 are also asymmetrically shaped, when viewed from the front, to facilitate the user to connect the cartridge 12 to the handle 14 in the correct orientation. For example, with reference to Figure 36, body 140 may generally have a D-shape when viewed from the front, and body 167 may have a corresponding D-shape. These corresponding arched and asymmetric contours also inhibit the relative rotation of the connecting member 18 and the connection structure of the handle 11.

The hooks 162 and 164 generally extend along the contour of e integrally from a wall 172 of the body 140 to opposite free distal ends 174 and 176. Each "distal" end 174 and 176 forms a portion of an opening 178 extending to through the wall 172 to receive the projection 166. With reference also to Figure 29, the opening 178 is smaller than the distal end 180 of the projection 166. In this way, the width Wp of the distal end of the projection is preferably between about 4 mm and 7 mm, for example about 5.6 mm, while the width Wp between the free distal ends 174 and 176 of the hooks 162 and 164 is preferably between about 3 mm and 6 mm, for example about 4.8 mm. With reference to Figures 29, 30 and 39, two slots 177 and 179 extend through the body 167 on opposite sides of the projection 166. A third slot 181 extends through the body 167 and to a distal end 180 of the body. projection 166. In the grooves 177 and 179, drive arms 192 and 194 extending from the release button 196 are inserted and in the slot 181 the plunger 134 is inserted (Figure 39). With reference to Figures 29 and 30, a pair of latching arms 171 and 173 extend from a rear portion of the body 167 that help secure the body 167 to the handle housing 170 and a guide member 169 that helps to guide the release button 196 when activated. With reference to Figures 31-33 and 39, the driving arms 192 and 194 are formed as an integral part of the release button 196. The release button 196 also includes latching arms 204 and 206, a cylindrical extension 202 with a size suitable for inserting the spring 205 and a button substrate 198 from which the drive arms, the hook arms and the cylindrical extension extend. An elastomeric cover 200 extends around the periphery of the button substrate to fill the gap between the button substrate and the handle housing necessary to allow sufficient clearance for the button to move with respect to the handle. Each latching arm 204 and 206 includes a pin 208 which is releasably connected to a respective guide 210 (FIG. 28) formed in the handle housing 170, allowing the button to slide back and forth. The pins 208 also inhibit removal of the release button 196 from the handle housing 170 when connected to a flange 211 (Figure 39) formed by an end of a respective guide 210. As will be described later, the elastomeric cover 200 extends from the button substrate 198 to the handle housing 170 and conceals the extension 202, the spring 205, the body 167 and the plunger base 134 from the view of the user. The button 196 and the plunger 134 (whose function was described above in the section "Pivot structure") are biased in opposite directions by means of the spring 205. With reference to Figures 34 and 35, the plunger 134 includes a cavity 139 formed within the body of a plunger 137 and into which the spring 205 can be inserted, and base members 135 seated against internal surfaces 139, 141 of the body 167 (Figure 39) when the plunger 134 is in an extended position. The spring 205 diverts the button away from the cartridge and the button returns to its normal position once the user releases it. Again with reference to Figure 41 A, when the user pushes the button 196 forward, the driving arms 192 and 194 can apply sufficient force to the hooks 162 and 164 to disconnect the interference fit between the connecting member 18 and the protruding 166. Once the force applied by the driving arms 192 and 194 causes the ends 174 and 176 of the latches 162 and 164 to pass over the edges 188 and 190 of the projection 166, the latches 162, 164 return, by action of the springs, towards their non-diverted positions and in this way the cartridge 12 projects out of the handle. With reference to Figure 42, the release button 196 is illustrated in its rest position. The cover 200 extends from the button substrate 198 to the surface 306 for concealing the spring 205, the driving arms 192 and 194 and the base of the plunger 134 from the view of the user. With reference to Figure 43, by activating the release button 196, the driving arms 192 and 194 are pushed forward and the cover 200 is flexed between the button substrate 198 and the surface 306. Upon release of the button 196, the force applied by the spring 205 causes the button 196 to return to its initial position and the cover 200 to recover its non-flexed state. With reference to Figures 42 and 44, preferably, the contact angle Fi between the handle housing 170 and the cover 200 is a maximum of approximately 110 degrees, when the button is in its rest position and the cover is fully recovered. . This facilitates controlled bending of the cover 200 by activating the button 136. Contact angles greater than 110 degrees can cause the cover 200 to slide on the surface of the handle housing 170 instead of flexing. Due to the shape of the handle housing 170, the angle varies along the periphery of the cover F 200 from a maximum contact angle F-i. (eg, approximately 110 degrees) in the center of the cover 200 (Figure 42) to a minimum contact angle F2 (eg, approximately 50 degrees) on each side of the cover (Figure 44). The materials for manufacturing the cover can be selected as appropriate. Suitable materials include, for example, elastomers such as thermoplastic elastomers, silicone and latex. The thickness of the cover can be from about 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, for example about 0.5 mm. With reference to Figures 28, 28A and 39, to assemble the connecting structure of the handle 11 of the handle 14, the body 167 is inserted into the handle portion 722 in such a way that the latching arms 171 and 173 engage with a surface 306 (see also Figures 42 and 43) of portion 722 of handle housing 170. Spring 205 is positioned on cylindrical extension 202 (Figure 32) extending from release button 196. Spring 205 is also inserted into the cavity 139 of the plunger 134. The plunger-spring-button unit is inserted into the rear portion of the body 167 such that the plunger 134 is inserted into a slot 181 and the driving arms 192 and 194 are inserted into slots 177. and 179, respectively (Figure 39). The latching arms 204 and 206 of the release button 196 engage in guides 210 of the handle housing 170. The materials for manufacturing the handle housing 70, the body 167, the connecting member 18, the release button and the plunger 134 can be selected as appropriate. Preferably, the handle housing 170 is made of metal, such as a zinc alloy. However, the handle housing can be made of other materials including plastics (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plates) and plastics with metal elements inserted, such as those described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,822,869 incorporated herein by reference. Any suitable method, including die casting, investment casting and molding, can be used to make the handle housing. Suitable materials for making the cartridge housing, the rounded extension, the button, the connecting member and the plunger include the thermoplastics. For example, the handle interconnect member including the body 167 and the projection 166 (Figure 29) and the plunger can be fabricated with acetal and the button substrate 198 that includes the arms Impulse 204, 206 and extension 202 can be fabricated with polypropylene. Suitable manufacturing methods include molding, such as injection molding. With reference to Figures 45 and 46, the handle 14 includes a single smooth curve 720 that is concave at the end on the same side as the primary leaves 28. The handle 14 bifurcates into two portions 722, 724, providing one region empty between them to provide access to the finger pad 726 located on the concave side of the curve 720. The smooth curve 720 on the same side as the primary leaves and the finger pad 726 and the access to the pad 726 pro-rated by the bifurcated handle allows the user to place a thumb or finger in line with and directly below the cutout sheet 504, which is located at the corner 728 shown in Figure 45, when the whiskers or other whiskers or hairs are cut on the user's skin 730. The finger pad 726 is made of an elastomeric material and has projections to provide good coupling . The internal surfaces 732, 734 of the portions 722, 724 are released to allow access to the finger pad 726. During use, the handle 14 of the razor rotates 180 degrees from the position in which it is usually held such that the thumb is supported on the pad 726 (Figures 45 and 46) on the side near the primary cover 22, and moves the back of the razor blade unit towards the area of the skin that will be shaved with the cutting blade 504 in alignment with the edge of the hairs to be trimmed, for example, in a location where it is desired to shave the lower edge of the temple or an edge of the mustache or beard or under the nose of the user when shaving the hairs of these difficult places to shave. The razor blade unit 16 is located in its rest position with respect to the connecting member 18, and therefore does not rotate when the user presses the back of the razor blade unit 16 and the cutting edge 536 against the skin. and then move it laterally on the skin to trim the hairs. The cut hairs and other shaving debris that pass to the region located behind the cutting edge 536 during trimming pass through the conduits for the removal of debris 548 from the housing 20 and the slots for the removal of remnants 546 aligned in the lower wall during the removal. Cutting, and the entire region and ducts and slots for the removal of debris are easily cleaned during rinsing with water, for example between passes of the machine for shaving or trimming. The cut hairs and shaving debris can also pass through ducts 549 behind the ducts 548 and above the lower wall 512. The location of the cutting edge 536 of the clipping blade 504 with respect to the rear wall 506 of the razor blade unit prevents the user from cutting the skin while using the cartridge 12 and the razor 10. The inclusion of a trim sheet and a trim cover in a common unit coupled to a housing of a blade the razor facilitates the precise location of the trim cover with respect to the trim sheet to provide a precise trimming sheet tangent angle and accurate spacing between trim sheets.

Claims (52)

1. A shaving cartridge to connect to a handle; the shaving cartridge comprises: a plastic housing having an anterior portion, a posterior portion, two lateral surfaces extending from the frontal portion to the posterior portion, a pivoting structure defining a pivotal axis for rotating the housing with respect to the handle , and a housing axis extending from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis, the rear portion has a rear surface; one or more razor blades between the front portion and the rear portion, the one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the axle pivoting and a cover on the front portion of the housing including an elastomeric member extending along the axis of the housing in front of the pivotal axis at a front distance that is less than 45 percent of a further distance along the axis of the housing from the pivoting shaft to the rear surface to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis.

The shaving cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized in that the front distance is less than 35 percent of the rear distance.

3. The shaving cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized in that the front distance is practically equal to the rear distance.

The razor cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized in that the front distance is at least about 3.5 mm.

5. The shaving cartridge according to claim 1 or 4, further characterized in that the rear distance is at most about 11 mm.

6. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the front distance is between about 5.5 and 6.5 mm.

The razor cartridge according to claim 1 or 6, further characterized in that the rear distance is between about 9.5 and 11 mm.

The razor cartridge according to claim 7, further characterized in that the front distance is approximately 6 mm and the rear distance is approximately 10 mm.

9. The shaving cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric flap.

The razor cartridge according to claim 9, further characterized in that the fin extends along a fin axis parallel to one or more respective axes of the razor blade, the fin has a length along the length of the razor blade. fin shaft that is longer than the length of a razor blade.

The razor cartridge according to claim 9, further characterized in that the fin is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60.

The razor cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized because an anterior portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond an anterior edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cover and the axis of the razor blade.

The razor cartridge according to claim 12, further characterized in that the anterior portion is practically not supported along its length.

The shaving cartridge according to claim 12, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to deviate upon contact with a user's skin.

15. The shaving cartridge according to claim 14, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving.

The razor cartridge according to claim 1, further characterized in that the anterior portion has a first thickness adjacent to the lateral surfaces of the housing, and tapers to a second minor thickness adjacent to a central region of the cover.

17. The shaving cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a trim assembly attached to the housing.

18. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 17, further characterized in that the trim assembly comprises a trim sheet.

19. A shaving cartridge to connect to a handle; the shaving cartridge comprises: a housing having a front portion, a rear portion, two side edges extending from the front portion to the rear portion and a pivoting structure defining a pivot axis for rotating the housing with respect to the handle; one or more razor blades between the front edge and the trailing edge, the one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the axle pivoting and a cover on the front portion of the housing, the cover includes an elastomeric member; further characterized in that a percentage of the front weight supported by a front portion of the shaving cartridge during use is at most about 70 percent of the total weight supported by the cartridge, the front portion is free of razor blades and is defined between an edge front of the cover and the pivot axis.

20. The shaving cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized in that the percentage of the weight supported by the front portion is at most about 60 percent.

The razor cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized in that the percentage of weight supported by the front portion is between about 70 percent and 30 percent.

The razor cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized in that the percentage of weight supported by the front portion is approximately 63 percent.

23. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 19, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric fin.

24. The razor cartridge according to claim 23, further characterized in that the fin extends along a fin axis parallel to one or more respective axes of the razor blade; the fin has a length along the fin axis that is longer than the length of a razor blade.

25. The razor cartridge according to claim 23, further characterized in that the fin is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60.

The razor cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized because the pivot axis is located between approximately 3.5 and seven millimeters from the front edge of the cover.

27. The razor cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized in that the pivot shaft is located approximately six millimeters from the front edge of the cover.

28. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 19, further characterized in that the elastomeric member extends along an axis of the housing in front of the pivot axis at a front distance that is less than 35 percent of a distance posteriorly along the axis of the housing from the pivot axis to a After the rear surface of the back portion to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis, the axis of the housing extends from the rear portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis.

29. The shaving cartridge according to claim 28, further characterized in that the front distance is less than 20 percent of the rear distance.

30. The razor cartridge according to claim 28, further characterized in that the front distance is practically equal to the rear distance.

The razor cartridge according to claim 19, further characterized in that a front portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond an anterior edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cover and the axis of the housing. razor blade.

32. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 31, further characterized in that the anterior portion is practically not supported along its length.

33. The shaving cartridge according to claim 32, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to deflect upon contact with a user's skin.

34. The razor cartridge according to claim 33, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving.

35. The shaving cartridge in accordance with the claim 32, further characterized in that the front portion has a first thickness adjacent to the side surfaces of the housing, and narrows to a second minor thickness adjacent a central region of the cover.

36. The shaving cartridge according to claim 19, further comprising a trim assembly attached to the housing.

37. The razor cartridge according to claim 36, further characterized in that the trim assembly includes a trim sheet.

38. A razor including a handle and a cartridge connected to the handle; the razor comprises: a cartridge housing having an anterior portion, a posterior portion and a pivoting structure defining a pivot axis for rotating the housing with respect to the handle, and a housing axis extending from the posterior portion to the front portion perpendicular to the pivot axis, the rear portion has a rear surface; one or more razor blades between the front portion and the rear portion, the one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes of the razor blades that are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the axle pivoting and a cover on the front portion of the housing including an elastomeric member extending along the axis of the housing in front of the pivotal axis at a front distance that is less than 45 percent of a further distance along the axis of the housing from the pivoting shaft to the rear surface to provide a substantially balanced cartridge about the pivot axis.

39. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the front distance is less than 35 percent of the rear distance.

40. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the front distance is practically equal to the rear distance.

41. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the front distance is at least about 3.5 mm.

42. The razor according to claim 38 or 41, further characterized in that the rear distance is at most approximately 11 mm.

43. The shaver in accordance with the claim 38, further characterized in that the front distance is between about 5.5 and 6.5 mm.

44. The razor according to claim 38 or 43, further characterized in that the rear distance is between about 9.5 and 11 mm.

45. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the front distance is approximately 6 mm and the rear distance is approximately 10 mm.

46. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric fin.

47. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that a front portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond an anterior edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cover and the axis of the housing. razor blade.

48. The razor according to claim 38, further comprising a clipping unit connected to the housing.

49. The razor in accordance with the claim 48, further characterized in that the trimming unit comprises a trimming blade.

50. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the cartridge is detachably connected to the handle.

51. The razor according to claim 38, further characterized in that the cartridge is permanently connected to the handle.

52. A method to shave; The method comprises: providing a razor including a handle, a shaving cartridge and a pivoting structure for rotating the cartridge about a pivot axis with respect to the handle, the shaving cartridge having a front portion and a rear portion and therefore minus one or more razor blades positioned between the front and rear portions, the one or more razor blades extend along one or more respective parallel axes 5 of the razor blades which are parallel to the pivot axis and located behind the pivoting shaft, the front portion is free of razor blades; and supporting the cartridge against the skin, so that the one or more razor blades contact the skin, applying a 10 force to the handle, further characterized in that at most about 70 percent of the weight applied to the skin is supported by the front portion of the shaving cartridge, the front portion is defined between an edge 15 front of the shaving cartridge and the pivoting shaft.