MXPA06010274A

MXPA06010274A - Razors and shaving cartridges with guard

Info

Publication number: MXPA06010274A
Application number: MXPA/A/2006/010274A
Authority: MX
Inventors: p walker Vincent; Keene Andrew
Original assignee: The Gillette Company
Priority date: 2004-03-11
Filing date: 2006-09-08
Publication date: 2007-04-20

Abstract

A shaving blade unit (16) includes a plastic housing (20) having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. The housing has a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface. Positioned between the front and rear surface of the housing are one or more shaving blades (28) having a blade length extending along respective one or more parallel blade axes. A guard (22) at the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member (100) that extends along a guard axis that is parallel to the respective one or more blade axes. The elastomeric member (100) has a length along the guard axis that is greater than or equal to the blade length.

Description

SHAVING LEAVES AND CARTUCHOS DE AFEITAR WITH COVER The invention relates to shaving cartridges and more particularly to shaving cartridges having a cover. In recent years, razor blades having a cartridge with different numbers of blades and a cover have been proposed in the patent literature and marketed, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. no. 5,787,586, which broadly describes a type of design that has been marketed as the Mach III three-blade razor by The Gillette Company. The cover is located forward of the leaves and is used to stretch the skin and prepare the hairs for shaving. In one aspect, the invention generally incorporates the razor blade unit that includes a plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. The housing has a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface. Between the front and rear surface of the housing is positioned one or more razor blades having a blade extension (i.e., a blade extension exposed for cutting) extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade. the sheet. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member extending along an axis of the cover substantially parallel to the one or more respective axes of the sheet. The elastomeric member has a length along the axis of the cover greater than or equal to the length of the sheet. In another aspect, the invention incorporates a razor blade unit that includes a plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. The housing has a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface. Between the front and rear surface of the housing is positioned one or more razor blades having a blade extension extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member that extends over at least one of the side surfaces and along an axis of the cover that is parallel to one or more axes of the sheet. In another aspect, the invention incorporates a razor blade unit that includes a plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. The housing has a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface. Between the front and rear surface of the housing is positioned one or more razor blades having a blade extension extending along one p plus respective parallel axes of the blade. A cover supported by the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member extending along an axis of the cover parallel to the one or more respective axes of the sheet. The roof has a width perpendicular to the axis of the roof that extends beyond the width of the housing. Aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member extends to the side surfaces of the housing. The elastomeric member may extend over at least one side surface, and may extend over both side surfaces. In some cases, the elastomeric member forms a projection extending outwardly from the at least one of the side surfaces. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric flap. In some cases, the elastomeric fin extends along a fin axis practically parallel to the one or more respective axes of the leaf, the fin has a length along the fin axis that is greater than or equal to the length of the leaf. In some cases, the fins have graduated lengths. The fins closest to the leaves can have a length longer than the length of the leaf, and the length of the fin can be reduced as the distance from the leaves increases. In some cases, the fins have tips that have a rising height with respect to a plane passing through an associated cutting edge of one or more razor blades. The height of the tips may increase as the fins approach the leaves. In some embodiments, at least some of the fins have points above the plane, and some of the fins have tips below the plane and others of the fins may have tips in a generally uniform position relative to the plane. In certain embodiments, the fins have converging surfaces that define an included angle of between about 8 and 14 degrees. A distance from a first fin to a last fin may be between about 2.5 and 6 mm. The fins can have tips of a height between approximately 0.4 and 0.9 mm. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric member includes at least about 10 fins, such as about 15 fins or about 20 fins. In some cases, the fins extend along the axes of the fins parallel to the axes of the sheets and within a frame defined by the elastomeric member. In implementations, the elastomeric member defines a slot positioned between the frame and the fins, the frame separates the ends of the one or more fins from the frame. In some implementations, a fastener retains the one or more razor blades, the fastener is passed through a hole positioned between the front and rear portions of the housing. In some cases, the first and second ends of the fastener are passed through the respective first and second holes in the housing. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member is flexible. In some cases, 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 sheet. The anterior portion may be practically unsupported along its length. In some cases, the anterior portion is flexible enough to deviate upon contact with a user's skin. In certain implementations, the anterior portion is flexible enough to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving. The anterior portion may be formed to have a first thickness adjacent to the lateral surfaces of the housing, and taper to a second minor thickness adjacent a central region of the cover. In some cases, a thickness of the elastomeric member varies along the axis of the cover. In many embodiments, the housing is connected to a pivoting structure to allow the one or more leaves to rotate about an axis with respect to a handle. In some cases, a trim assembly connects to the housing. The trim assembly may include a trim sheet. 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 any of the features discussed above. For example, in one aspect, the invention includes a razor including a handle and a shaving cartridge including a connecting structure that connects the cartridge to the handle. The shaving cartridge includes a plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. The housing has a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface. Between the front and rear surface of the housing is positioned one or more razor blades having a blade extension (i.e., a blade extension exposed for cutting) extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade. A cover on the front portion of the housing includes an elastomeric member extending along an axis of the cover substantially parallel to the one or more respective axes of the sheet. The elastomeric member has a length along the axis of the cover greater than or equal to the length of the sheet. The embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following advantages. The design of long elastomeric member and long fin increases the tendency to stretch the area of contact with the skin and to stimulate a considerable area of the skin in front of the leaves. This tends to improve the comfort and the correct positioning of the skin to cut the hairs. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member and at least some of the fins are longer than the effective cutting length of the blades, and have a tendency to prepare the skin for shaving along at least the length of the length effective cutting. The lengths of the fins can decrease from the fin closest to the leaves to the farthest wing of the leaves and the fins can be surrounded by a frame, which can improve the handling of the razor as the cartridge moves from one end of the skin to the other. You can increase the flexibility of the fin by disconnecting the fins from the frame. 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 section view of a cutting member from the previous 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 trim assembly of the razor blade unit of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a rear elevation of the trim assembly of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a view of the base of the trim assembly of Figure 14. Figure 17 is a front elevation of the trim assembly of Figure 14. Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 16, of the housing of the razor blade unit of FIG. 3. FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 16, of a portion of FIG. 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 perspective view 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 an end view 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 showing the release button being actuated to disconnect 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 the 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 shaver 10 includes a disposable cartridge 12 and a handle 14 (Figure 2A ). The cartridge 12 includes a connecting member 18 which connects the cartridge 12 releasably 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 cover 24 and a cutting blade unit 30 (Figure 3C) attached to the back of the housing 20 by fasteners 32 which further retain the sheets 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 grooves 33 in the 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, which extend from the side walls, on which each sheet 28 is flexibly supported. 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. Referring again to Figure 3, the lid 24 provides an oily shaving aid and is received in the slot 38 (Figure 4) at the rear of the housing 20. The lid 24 can be made of a material comprising a mixture of a hydrophobic material and a hydrophilic polymeric material leachable 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 have a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm. 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 coupled in a very secure manner 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 are passed 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 which is passed to through the housing 20 is greater than the distance D2 corresponding to the leg 52 which is passed through the housing. Partly, 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 (for example, 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, Ii (measured on the vertical line 53) is about 91 to 93 degrees, for example, about 92.2 degrees, 12 (measured on the horizontal line 55) is about 42 to 44 degrees, example, about 43 degrees, (measured based on vertical line 57) is about 91 to 94 degrees, for example, about 92.4 degrees and 14 (measured based on vertical line 59) is about 19 to 22 degrees, for example, approximately 20.4 degrees. The curvature of a leg is defined here as the sum of the angles I of the Individual curves. Since the sum of y l2 is greater than the sum of I3 and l4, the leg 50 has a greater curvature than the leg 52. However, the two legs 50 and 52 have a greater curvature than 90 degrees. As shown, the leg 50 has a curvature (i.e., I-i plus I2) of approximately 135 degrees (preferably between approximately 91 and 150 degrees) and leg 52 has a curvature (i.e., 13 plus U) of approximately 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?. In the illustrated mode, a? smaller, for example, at most approximately 80 degrees. As shown,? -i 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 passing through the housing and bent 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 of the razor blade unit. 44, 46. This, unlike, for example, U.S. 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. In addition, the straight portions 54 and 56 of the legs 50 and 52 are relatively enclosed within the grooves 40 and 42 of the housing 20 and bent over the housing with relatively closed curves (i.e., 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. In addition, since the fasteners 32 are made of metal and the metal is bent 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 elongate shaving blade 28 is supported on a corresponding elongated curved bracket 400 having an elongated bottom 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 line of tangent that extends between the element and the edge of the sheet. The cutting edges 406 of each sheet are separated from the cutting edges 408 of the adjacent sheets by the distance between the sheets S2 = S3 = S4 = S5; the distance of separation between the sheets is between 0.95 mm and 1.15 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 1.1 mm and most preferably approximately 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 sheet. 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 distance of separation between the sheets, and is thus between 3.8 mm and 4.6 mm, preferably between 4.0 mm and 4.4 mm and most preferably approximately 4.2 mm, that is, between 4.1 mm and 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 of the sheet LB 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 that is supported on a platform portion 406 and a conical portion 412 that extends beyond the front end 452 of the platform portion 406. The elongated bent metal holder 400 is made of metal which is between 0.01 cm (0.004") and 0.023 cm (0.009") in thickness (dimension T), preferably metal between 0.013 cm (0.005") and 0.018 cm (0.007") in thickness, and most preferably metal about 0.015 cm (0.006") thick, the platform portion 406 having a length LP from its front end 452 to the bent portion 404 is less than 0.7 mm, preferably less than 0.6 mm, and most preferably about 0.55 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 platform portion 406 is between 108 degrees and 115 gra two, 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 thus a greater percentage of the platform portion can be flat. The use of a thinner material for the support also allows a greater proportion of the platform area to be flat after forming. 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 uniform 412 reduced thickness portion can be used, while maintaining the sheet support accurately at the same time, because the extent of the curved areas of the platform portion 406 outside the flat 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 trimming blade unit 30 is secured to the back of the housing 20 and includes a blade holder 502 and a trim blade 504 located on that blade holder.The blade holder 502 is made of a stainless steel sheet metal having a thickness of 0.028 cm (0.011") cut and shaped to provide support structures for the trim sheet 504 and to define a trim cover and cap surfaces for that purpose. cover and to attach it to the housing 20. With reference to Figures 13-19, the sheet carrier 502 has the rear wall 506, the upper tabs 508, 510 bent to extend forward at the two ends from the top of the wall rear 506, lower wall 512 bent to extend forward along the length of rear wall 506 at the bottom of rear wall 506, and two side portions at sides 514, 516, each of which elaborates of a side tab 518 bent to extend forwardly from a respective side at the end of the rear wall 506 and a vertical tab 520 bent to extend upward from an exterior respective opener of the lower wall 512. The central portion of the rear wall 506 is open at its lower portion, providing a space 522 located between the lower termination surface 526 of the rear wall 506 and the trim cover 528, which extends upward from the bottom wall 512. Two alignment surfaces 530 are positioned an exact distance from the bottom of the termination surface 526 at the two ends of the termination surface 526. The trim sheet 504 is welded to the interior surface 532 of the rear wall 506 by means of thirteen welding spots 534 with the cutting edge 536 of the cutting blade 504 aligned with the alignment surfaces 530. All the edges around the space 524 that will come into contact with the user's skin are rounded to provide a radius of curvature of 0.2 mm so that the edges will not be perceived by the user. 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 Referring to Figures 13 and 20, two skin protection projections 537 spaced from the two ends extend into the space behind a tangent line from the cutting cutting edge 536 to the cutout cover 528 to limit the volume of the skin. user's skin that can be bulked in the space 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 slotted slots 540 for receiving the clips 32 used to hold the trim sheet assembly 30 to the housing 20. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 16, the bottom wall 512 also It also has cavities 542 that engage the projections 544 of the housing 20 to facilitate alignment and maintain 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 which are aligned with four ducts for the removal of remnants 548 in the housing 20 useful for eliminating during shaving the remains that remain in the region behind and below the cutting edge 536. To make the sheet 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 sliding 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 protrusions 552 and the lower protrusions 554 of the housing 20 (Figure 18) are deformed by the compression applied between the upper tongues 508, 510 and the lower wall 512 when the unit 30 moves forward on the rear part of the housing 20 Then, the trim assembly 30 is secured to the housing 20 by means of 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). The details of the projection 101 and the dispenser can be found in the pending US patent application, entitled "Dispensers for Razor Blade.

Cartridges "(Dispatchers for razor blade cartridges) filed on the same date of presentation of this application, all the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, The elastomeric member 100 includes a plurality of fins 114, considered further below, which tends to stimulate and stretch the skin in front of the blades 28, by 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 an anterior 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 foot l 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 compliance to the user's skin will tend to increase the surface area of the elastomeric member that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, improving the skin's stretch and also tend to distribute more evenly the force applied by the user 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 the ends 120 of the fins 114. This slot 116 allows the fins to flex, for example to close together when the front portion 106 it deviates, instead of being fixed at its ends as would be the case 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 mode, group 112 includes 15 fins. Generally, the elastomeric member may include a smaller or larger amount of fins (e.g., about 10 to 20 fins). For a specific step and fin geometry, a greater 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 further. away from the leaves 28 to the fin closest to the leaves 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 from the tip to the base "h" of 0.4 to 0.9 mm and a narrow profile, that is, the fins define an included angle? of less than about 14 degrees (preferably between about 14 and 8 degrees, such as about 11 degrees). The fins 114 are spaced at a center-to-center distance of between about 0.14 and 0.57 mm, for example, 0.284 mm, and are between about 0.1 and 0.4 mm, for example, 0.217 mm, in thickness at 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, 8 to 14 degrees? improves the flexibility of the fin, which helps to stretch the skin, thus preparing the hairs for a better cut. Referring now to Figure 26, the elastomeric member 100, extending to and above the side surfaces 34, has a length Le measured between the side surfaces 34, (preferably between about 34 mm to about 47 mm, for example about 42.5 mm ) which is longer than a sheet length Lb (preferably between about 33 mm to about 46 mm, for example about 34.4 mm) of each of the sheets 28, where Lb is measured between the inner edges of the clip 124 and 126. The length of the elastomeric member provides good stretch of the skin and improves the tactile properties of the sheet. It can be, for example, about zero to 36 percent longer than Lb, such as 23.5 percent. The fins 114 have a length Lf measured along a fin axis 128 substantially 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 Lf of at least some (or all) of the fins 120 is greater than L. 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 28 to 60 measured with a durometer. Preferably, the fins 114 are also made of a relatively soft material, for example, having a Shore A hardness of about 28 to 60 (e.g., about 40 to 50, such as a Shore A hardness of about 40 to 45). ). 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 shown, the fins and the elastomeric member are integrally 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 (e.g., 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 mounted in the form of a pivot on the connecting member 18. The connecting member 18 is constructed in such a way that a connecting structure of the handle 11 located in the handle 14 can be releasably inserted in that member, as will be described in detail later in the section "Cartridge / handle connection". 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 body 140 and a pair of arms 142 and 144 that extend outwardly from the body 140. The fingers 150 and 152 extend from the U-shaped ends 146 and 148 of the arms 142 and 144. The fingers 150 and 152 are rotatably connected to the blade unit 16., for example, by inserting into the holes in the rear portion of the housing 20 (Figure 3B), and allowing the blade unit 16 to rotate about the axis 70 (Figure 23) in relation to the connecting member 18. With reference to the view Detailed description of Figure 37A showing a side view of a finger 150, each of the fingers 150 and 152 includes protruding distal ends 151 and 153, defining the end points A, B, C, D of two coaxial circular arcs 155 and 157 which form bearing surfaces of the connecting member 18 and the connection of the housing 20. These arc surfaces fit (with clearance) into corresponding arcuate receivers (not shown) located in the housing of the cartridge 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 stop surfaces 154 and 156 may be coupled to the engaging stop surfaces 158 and 160 (Figure 40) of the blade unit 16 to limit rotation of the blade unit. As illustrated in Figure 40, the detent surfaces 154, 156, 158, 160 inhibit normal rotation of the razor blade unit 16 beyond an angle K of approximately 41 degrees, while the rest position deviated by spring It is 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 serve as load carrying structures in the event of a rotation excessive of the razor blade unit 16 relative to the connecting member 18. This excessive rotation may occur, for example, if the razor is dropped by the user. 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, such as approximately 43 degrees). By providing these load-bearing structures, the load can be transmitted to the end surfaces 146, 148 and the arms 142, 144, and consequently the tension in the fingers 150, 152 is relieved (for example, to prevent the fingers from break). Referring again to Figure 1, the blade unit 16 is biased to a vertical rest position (shown by Figure 1) by means of a plunger biased by a spring 134. A rounded distal end 139 of the plunger 134 contacts the housing of the cartridge on the cam surface 216 (Figure 47) at a location spaced from the pivot shaft 70 to impart a biasing force to the housing 20. The location of the piston / housing contact point spaced from the pivot shaft 70 provides an effect of lever so that the spring-biased plunger can return the blade unit 16 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. Both the horizontal distance di and the direct distance are at a minimum at point X when the razor blade unit 16 is in the rest position deviated by spring, with di measurement along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to the axis pivoting 70 and parallel to the plane 122. The horizontal distance d2, is also measured along a horizontal line perpendicular to the pivotal axis 70 and parallel to the plane 122, and the direct distance l2 is at maximum at the point of contact Y when the razor blade unit 16 is in its fully rotated position. In the embodiment shown, di is approximately 0.9 mm, I-i is approximately 3 mm, d2 is approximately 35 mm, and l2 is approximately 5 mm. Alternatively, d-i can be between about 0.8 and 1.0 mm, it can be between about 2.5 and 35 mm, d2 can be between about 3 and 4 mm and I2 can be between about 4.5 and 5.5 mm. As the blade unit 16 is rotated from its rest position, the torque around the pivot axis due to the force applied by the plunger 134 increases due, at least in part, to the increasing horizontal distance between the point of contact 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 torque applied by plunger deflected by spring, 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 torque applied by the plunger, for example, in the fully rotated position, is approximately 6 N-mm or less, for example approximately 35 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 (e.g., at 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 relative to the pivot axis, and how it will be transmitted to the user's skin and distributed over the surface area of the razor cartridge the pressure applied by the user during shaving. For example, if the pivot axis is located behind the blades and relatively close to the front edge of the housing, such that the pivot axis is spaced considerably from the center of the housing width, the razor blade unit may tend to "sway" backwards "when the user applies pressure to the skin through the handle. "Backward swing" refers to the tendency of the wider portion that carries the blade of the razor blade unit to swing away from the skin as the user applies more pressure. Placing this pivot point in this manner generally produces a safe shave, but can make it more difficult for the user to adjust the closeness of the shave 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 relaty similar to the projected distance Wr. Preferably, Wf is within 45 percent of Wr, such as within 35 percent. In some cases, Wr is practically the same as Wf. Preferably, Wf is at least about 35 mm, more preferably between 5.5 and 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, such as about 10 mm). One measure of the oscillation of the cartridge is the ratio of the projected distance Wr between the back of the razor blade unit 16 and the pivoting shaft 70 to the projected distance W between the front part and the back of the blade unit of shaving 16; each projected distance is measured along a line parallel to an axis of the housing 217 (Figure 3) that is perpendicular to the pivotal axis 70. The ratio can also be expressed as a percentage called "front weight percentage". With reference to Figure 27, the razor blade unit 16 is supported 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 pivotal 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, one percent by weight (or percent of the front weight) carried throughout Wf is at most about 70 percent (eg, between about 50 percent and about 70 percent, for example about 63 percent ) of a total weight supported by the 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 sheets 28 are located during use, inhibiting backward swinging of the rear portion 138, which can provide a better shave. As previously considered with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the connecting member 18 releasably 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 (in Figure 41 the plunger, button and spring are not shown to facilitate understanding), to connect the connecting member 18 and the handle 14, the user presses the connection structure of the handle 11 forward to the interior of the rear end of the connecting member 18. The connecting structure of the handle includes a body 167 from which a projection 166 projects. The projection 166 is positioned such that it is inserted into an opening 178 of the connecting member 18. Customized that the projection 166 is inserted into the opening, the hooks 162 and 164 located in the connecting member are elastically deflected so that the distal end 180 of the projection 166 is inserted. When the hooks 162 and 1 64, the outer edges 188 and 190 of the distal end 180 of the projection 166 are cleared, the hooks 162 and 164 are retrieved to their initial non-offset position by connecting to the side 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 forward with respect to the housing of the handle 170. By pressing the button 196 forward, the drive 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 it will be described later in more detail. Referring now 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, forming a projected apex angle I (eg, between about 45 and 60 degrees, such as about 52 degrees). The narrowing of the side 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 engagement of the flat side surfaces 182 and 184 with the flat edges of the distal ends 174, 176 of the hooks 162 and 164 also inhibit the rotary movement of the connecting member 18 relative 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 arcuate profile (Figure 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 extend generally along the contour of a wall and integrally from a wall 172 of the body 140. to opposite free distal ends 74 and 176.

Each distal end 174 and 176 forms a portion of an opening 178 that extends through the wall 172 into which the projection 166 is inserted. With reference also to Figure 29, the opening 178 is smaller than the end dlstal 180 of the projection 166. Accordingly, the width Wp of the distal end of the projection is preferably about 4 mm to 7 mm, such as about 5.6 mm, while the width W0 between the free distal ends 174 and 176 of the hooks 162 and 164 preferably is from about 3mm to 6mm, such as about 4.8mm. 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 a distal end 180 of the projection 166. The slots 177 and 179 receive respective drive arms 192 and 194 which extend from the release button 196 and the slot 181 receives the plunger 134 (Fig. 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 assist in securing the body 167 to the handle housing 170 and a guide member 169 that helps guide the body. 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 that slidably connects 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 the 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 functions were described above in the section "Pivoting structure") are biased in opposite directions by 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 to hide the spring 205, the driving arms 192 and 194 and the base of the plunger 134 of the user's view. 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. By releasing the button 196, the force applied by the spring 205 causes the button 196 to return to its initial position and the cover 200 returns to its non-flexed state. With reference to Figures 42 and 44, preferably, the contact angle <; j > ? between the housing of the handle 170 and the cover 200 is, at most, approximately 110 degrees, when the button is in its rest position and the cover is completely 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 housing of the handle 170, the angle f varies along the periphery of the cover 200 from a maximum contact angle fi (eg, approximately 110 degrees) to the center of the cover 200 (Figure 42) a 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 between about 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, such as 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 are placed on rails 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 from other materials, including plastics, (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plating) plastics with metal inserts, such as those described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,822,869, incorporated by reference. To manufacture the handle housing, any suitable method can be used, including die casting, lost wax casting and molding. Suitable materials for making the cartridge housing, the rounded extension, the button, the connecting member and the plunger include thermoplastics. For example, the handle interconnect member including the body 167 and the protrusion 166 (Figure 29) and the plunger can be made of acetal and the button substrate 198 including the push arms 204, 206 and extension 202 can be made of polypropylene.

Suitable manufacturing methods include molding, such as injection molding. With reference to Figures 45 and 46, the handle 14 includes a single moderate curve 720 at the concave end on the same side as the primary leaves 28. The handle 14 is bifurcated into two portions 722, 724, providing an empty region therebetween so that the user can access the finger pad 726 located on the concave side of the curve 720. The moderate curve 720 on the same side as the primary leaves and the finger pad 726 and the access to the pad 726 provided by the bifurcated handle allow the user to place the thumb or other finger in line with the cutting blade 504 and directly below the blade 504, located at the corner 728 illustrated in Figure 45, when the user trims the whiskers, whiskers or other hairs of your skin 730. The finger pad 726 is made of an elastomeric material and has projections that provide an adequate connection. 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 debris removal 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

1. A razor blade unit comprising: A plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion, the housing having a length extending from a side surface to the other side surface, one or more razor blades positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, the one or more razor blades have a blade extension extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade, and a cover on the front portion of the housing, the cover includes an elastomeric member extending along a shell axis parallel to the one or more respective axes of the sheet, the elastomeric member having a length along the axis of the cover greater than or equal to the length of the sheet.

The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elastomeric member extends to the side surfaces of the housing.

3. The razor blade unit according to claim 2, further characterized in that the elastomeric member extends over the lateral surfaces of the housing.

The razor blade unit according to claim 3, further characterized in that the elastomeric member forms a projection extending outwardly from at least one of the side surfaces.

The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric fin.

The razor blade unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the fin extends along a fin axis practically parallel to the one or more respective axes of the blade, the fin has a length along of the fin axis greater than or equal to the length of the blade.

The razor blade unit according to claim 5, further characterized in that the fin is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60.

The razor blade unit according to the claim 5, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes multiple elastomeric fins.

The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that the fins are arranged in parallel rows, the fins extend along respective fin axes that are parallel to one or more respective axes of the leaf , at least some of the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

The razor blade unit according to claim 9, further characterized in that all the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

11. The razor blade unit according to claim 9, further characterized in that the fins have graduated lengths.

The razor blade unit according to claim 11, further characterized in that the fins closest to the razor blades have a length longer than the length of the razor blade, and the length of the fin decreases as that increases the distance from the razor blades.

The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips having an increasing height with respect to a plane passing through an associated cutting edge of the one or more razor blades going from the fins farther from one or more razor blades to the fins closer to the razor blades.

14. The razor blade unit according to claim 13, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips above the plane, and some of the fins have points below the plane.

The razor blade unit according to claim 13, further characterized in that other fins have tips in a generally uniform position with respect to the plane.

The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that the fins have converging surfaces having an included angle of between about 8 and 14 degrees.

17. The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that a distance from a first fin to a last fin is between about 2.5 and 6 mm.

The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that the fins have tips of a height between approximately 0.4 and 0.9 mm.

19. The razor blade unit according to claim 8, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes at least about 10 fins.

20. The razor blade unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 15 fins.

21. The razor blade unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 20 fins.

22. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further comprising a tip for retaining one or more razor blades, the fastener is passed through a hole positioned between the front and rear portions of the housing.

23. The razor blade unit according to claim 22, further characterized in that the first and second end of the fastener are passed through the respective first and second holes in the housing.

24. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elastomeric member is flexible.

25. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that a front portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond a leading edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cover and shaft. of the sheet.

26. The razor blade unit according to claim 25, further characterized in that the anterior portion is practically not supported along its length.

27. The razor blade unit according to claim 25, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to deviate upon contact with the skin of a user.

28. The razor blade unit according to claim 27, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving.

29. The razor blade unit according to claim 27, 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.

30. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the thickness of the elastomeric member varies along the axis of the cover.

31. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that the housing is connected to a pivoting structure to allow the one or more razor blades to rotate with respect to a handle.

32. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, further comprising a trim assembly connected to the housing.

33. The razor blade unit according to claim 32, further characterized in that the trim assembly comprises a trim sheet.

34. One unit of razor blade; the unit comprises: A plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion, the housing having a length extending from one side surface to the other side surface, one or more razor blades between the front portion and the rear portion, the one or more razor blades having a blade extension extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade, and a cover in the front portion of the housing, the cover includes an elastomeric member, the elastomeric member extends over at least one of the side surfaces and along a shell axis parallel to one or more respective axes of the sheet.

35. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric fin.

36. The razor blade unit according to claim 35, further characterized in that the fin extends along a fin axis practically parallel to one or more respective axes of the blade, the fin having a length along the axis of fin greater than or equal to the length of the blade.

37. The razor blade unit according to claim 35, further characterized in that the fin is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60.

38. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes multiple elastomeric fins.

39. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that the fins are arranged in parallel rows, the fins extend along respective fin axes that are parallel to one or more respective axes of the leaf. , at least some of the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

40. The razor blade unit according to claim 39, further characterized in that all the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

41. The razor blade unit according to claim 39, further characterized in that the fins have graduated lengths.

42. The razor blade unit according to claim 41, further characterized in that the fins closest to the razor blades have a length longer than the length of the razor blade, and the length of the fin decreases as that increases the distance from the razor blade.

43. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips that have a rising height with respect to a plane passing through an associated cutting edge of one or more Razor blades as you go from the fins further away from one or more razor blades to the fins closest to the razor blades.

44. The razor blade unit according to claim 43, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips above the plane, and some of the fins have tips below the plane.

45. The razor blade unit according to claim 44, further characterized in that other fins have tips in a generally uniform position with respect to the plane.

46. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that the fins have converging surfaces having an included angle of between about 8 and 14 degrees.

47. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that a distance from a first fin to a last fin is between about 4 mm.

48. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that the fins have tips of a height between approximately 0.4 and 0.9 mm.

49. The razor blade unit according to claim 38, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes at least about 10 fins.

50. The razor blade unit according to claim 49, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 15 fins.

51. The razor blade unit according to claim 49, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 20 fins.

52. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further comprising a tip for retaining the one or more razor blades, the fastener is passed through a hole positioned between the front and rear portions of the housing.

53. The razor blade unit according to claim 52, further characterized in that the first and second end of the fastener are passed through the respective first and second holes in the housing.

54. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the elastomeric member is flexible.

55. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that a front portion of the elastomeric member extends beyond a leading edge of the front portion of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cover and shaft. of the sheet.

56. The razor blade unit according to claim 55, further characterized in that the anterior portion is practically not supported along its length.

57. The razor blade unit according to claim 55, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to deviate upon contact with the skin of a user.

58. The razor blade unit according to claim 55, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the wearer's skin during shaving.

59. The razor blade unit according to claim 55, further characterized in that the anterior portion has a first thickness adjacent to the lateral surfaces of the housing., and narrows to a second minor thickness adjacent to a central region of the cover.

60. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the thickness of the elastomeric member varies along the axis of the cover.

61. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the housing is connected to a pivoting structure to allow the one or more razor blades to rotate with respect to a handle.

62. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further characterized in that the elastomeric member forms a projection extending from at least one of the lateral surfaces.

63. The razor blade unit according to claim 34, further comprising a trim assembly connected to the housing.

64. The razor blade unit according to claim 63, further characterized in that the trim assembly comprises a trim sheet.

65. A razor blade unit comprising: A plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion, the housing having a length extending from a surface lateral to the other side surface and a width perpendicular to the length, one or more razor blades between the front portion and the rear portion, one or more razor blades have a blade extension extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the sheet, and a cover including an elastomeric member supported by the housing in the front portion of the housing and extending along an axis of the cover parallel to one or more respective axes of the sheet, the The roof has a width perpendicular to the axis of the roof that extends beyond the width of the housing.

66. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that the elastomeric member has a length along the axis of the cover greater than or equal to the length of the sheet.

67. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that the elastomeric member extends over at least one of the side surfaces.

68. The razor blade unit according to claim 67, further characterized in that the elastomeric member forms a projection extending from at least one of the side surfaces.

69. The razor blade unit according to claim 63, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes an elastomeric fin.

70. The razor blade unit according to claim 69, further characterized in that the fin extends along a fin axis substantially parallel to the one or more respective axes of the blade, the fin has a length along of the fin axis greater than or equal to the length of the blade.

71. The razor blade unit according to claim 69, further characterized in that the fin is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 28 and 60.

72. The razor blade unit in accordance with the claim 67, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes multiple elastomeric fins.

73. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that the fins are arranged in parallel rows, the fins extend along respective fin axes that are parallel to the one or more respective axes of the leaf. , at least some of the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

74. The razor blade unit according to claim 73, further characterized in that all the fins have a length along an associated fin axis longer than the length of the razor blade.

75. The razor blade unit according to claim 73, further characterized in that the fins have graduated lengths.

76. The razor blade unit according to claim 75, further characterized in that the fins closest to the razor blades have a length longer than the length of the razor blade, and the length of the fin decreases as that increases the distance from the razor blade.

77. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips that have a rising height with respect to a plane passing through an associated cutting edge of one or more Razor blades to go from the fins further away from one or more razor blades to the fins closer to the razor blades.

78. The razor blade unit according to claim 77, further characterized in that at least some of the fins have tips on top of the plane, and some of the fins have tips below the plane.

79. The razor blade unit according to claim 78, further characterized in that other fins have tips in a generally uniform position with respect to the plane.

80. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that the fins have converging surfaces having an included angle of between about 8 and 14 degrees.

81. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that a distance from a first fin to a last fin is between about 4 mm.

82. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that the fins have tips of a height between approximately 0.4 and 0.9 mm.

83. The razor blade unit according to claim 72, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes at least about 10 fins.

84. The razor blade unit according to claim 83, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 15 fins.

85. The razor blade unit according to claim 83, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes approximately 20 fins.

86. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, which further comprises a tip for retaining the one or more razor blades, the fastener is passed through a hole positioned between the front and rear portions of the housing.

87. The razor blade unit according to claim 86, further characterized in that the first and second end of the fastener are passed through the respective first and second holes in the housing.

88. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that the elastomeric member is flexible.

89. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that a front portion of the elastomeric member is practically not supported along its length.

90. The razor blade unit according to claim 89, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to deviate upon contact with the skin of a user.

91. The razor blade unit according to claim 89, further characterized in that the anterior portion is sufficiently flexible to conform to a contour of the user's skin during shaving.

92. The razor blade unit according to claim 89, further characterized in that the front portion has a first thickness adjacent to the side surfaces of the housing, and tapers to a second minor thickness adjacent to a central region of the cover.

93. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that the thickness of the elastomeric member varies along the axis of the cover.

94. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further characterized in that the housing is connected to a pivoting structure to allow one or more razor blades to rotate with respect to a handle.

95. The razor blade unit according to claim 65, further comprising a trim assembly connected to the housing.

96. The razor blade unit according to claim 95, further characterized in that the trim assembly comprises a trim sheet.

97. The razor blade unit according to claim 1, 34 or 65, further characterized in that the elastomeric member includes one or more fins extending along a fin axis parallel to the axes of the blades and within a frame defined by the elastomeric member.

98. The razor blade unit according to claim 97, further characterized in that the elastomeric member defines a slot positioned between the frame and the fins; the frame separates the ends of the one or more fins from the frame.

99. A razor comprising: A handle; and a shaving cartridge including a connecting structure that connects the cartridge to the handle; the shaving cartridge comprises: A plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion, the housing having a length extending from one side surface to the other surface lateral, one or more razor blades positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, one or more razor blades having a blade extension extending along one or more respective parallel axes of the blade, and a cover in the front portion of the housing, the cover includes an elastomeric member extending along a shell axis parallel to the one or more respective axes of the sheet, the elastomeric member having a length along the axis of the cover greater than or equal to the length of the sheet.

100. The razor according to claim 99, further characterized in that the razor cartridge is permanently connected to the handle.

101. The razor in accordance with the claim 99, further characterized in that the razor cartridge is detachably connected to the handle by means of the connecting structure.