US2258608A - Razor - Google Patents

Description

. Oct.. 14, 1941. R, P. masi-:BERGER 2,258,608

RAZOR Filed May 14, `193'? v L f2 9a f 4i T@ 7a 6 gg 7946 y2 47 66 ii 42 44 `l i HUE" 4% 5 e4 f5 55 e2. il 61 5 g 45 65 g 6507 53 451 43 Z1 45 Lun-t a. w f E 60 f f I fg 1 Z5 z2 al 5 25 535 15 y, 15 M 24 d* I as JNVENTOR au. bUlLtlil' Search Room Patented Oct. 14, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

This invention relates generally to razors, and more particularly to improvements in razors embodying a motor mechanism, and to razors of such character in which a vibratory motion or source of governing action for the consumption of power from the drive spring as Well as for determining the rapidity of vibrations. Light weights have permitted too much speed, too rapid impulse is imparted to the cutting element withvibrations and result in a quickly run down moout directly driving the same, and the descriptor. Heavy weights require and consume too tion which follows is therefore specically admuch power and cause too much shake in their dressed to these embodiments of the invention. uneven operation.

Razors embodying a vibratory action of the Moreover, in spring motor mechanisms of the above character in general create the same by a 10 character that may be used in the present invenxedly positioned unbalanced weight caused to tion, and which are typified by those of my prior travel in a rotary path describing a plane which Patents 1,760,496 granted May 27, 1930; 1,890,647 is normal to the plane of the cutting element and granted December 13, 1932; 1,404,693 granted in a direction paralleling the cutting edge there- January 24, 1922; and 2,056,186 granted October of. Such operation requires a deilnite positionl5 6, 1936; the proper setting of the main drive gear ing of the blade to obtain expected results. There or wheel relative to its mating pinion is of conis substantially only a single position of the cutsiderable importance, in view of the large amount ting element that is proper. Thus razor devices of power imparted through the main gear or of this character do not have universal applicawheel as well as the ease by which variable astion as a combiningelement with razor guards sembly produces large friction losses and Wear of all types now in use. For example one type and great strain in the cooperating parts. Bevel of razor guard has a screw stud for connecting gears have been the most diilicult to use and spur it with the razor stem. In no two cases are the gearing has been far superior but in either case threads in the same relative position at the bethe mating of the gear and pinion has generally ginning and end thereof. Thus if secured to a been a blind operation, which although properly device of the above character the guards would guided, has not always given the best setting of take different positions with respect to the plane these main gears or wheels for most efficient opdetermined by the rotating unbalanced weight, eration. and in all probability neither would assume a According to the present invention the disadnal position best i'or receiving the reciprocatory 30 vantages above enumerated as Well as many othimpulses. In other words the present day mechers are largely, overcome, and a practical and efanism is not suited to razor assemblies where the flcient razor of vibratory character embodying cutting edge of the cutting element may take a novel features also applicable to other types of Varied position in the plane of such element motor driven razors is obtainable. around the stem of the razor. '35 'Ihe invention in one aspect comprises a razor Further, the rotary unbalanced weight is genin which is provided an unbalanced weight preferally carried in the same frame supporting the erably` driven by the high speed output of a. driving mechanism and its shaft is in a position, spring operated motor mechanism and which deif projected to the plane of the cutting element, scribes an arc or circle determining a plane lynormal to the cutting edge. This construction 40 ing substantially parallel to the plane of the cutrequires that the vibratory action be transmitted ting element, or subtending an angle thereto not through the driving mechanism and frame, to unfavorabletothe features to be described. Such the shell carrying the frame and therefrom to an unbalanced weight imparts a vibratory or the cutting element and its supporting head. A reciprocating action to the cutting element irreconsiderable loss of energy must be expected by the time the vibrations reach the desired place. It is believed that the mass of the frame etc. has a damping action upon the vibrations.

Proposals to drive the razor head carrying the razor guard and cutting element, by a cam to avoid loss of energy through dampening, require much more power to drive and readily jam in operation.

In addition the flxedly positioned rotating unspective of the position of the cutting edge in the plane of the cutting element or blade. Moreover I believe it imparts to each point on the cutting element a continuous motion determining a path `which I term elliptical or egg shaped. I have found that it produces particularly eiilcient shaving. According to my device the cutting element or blade is believed to be under the continuous influence of the unbalanced weight and without a. substantially dead period in the cycle of recipbalanced weight has been relied upon as the sole rocatory action. In order to further improve the shaving operation I contemplate in combination with the above vibratory action, better motor speed and impulsecontrol. This I accomplish by combniig with the inertia effect of the unbalanced weight a friction brake device operating substantially concurrently with the unbalanced weight. Thus I obtain a balance of weight and speed that gives proper shaking action and long operation of the spring motor. It will be understood that my novel control is not only useful with vibratory razors but may also improve the character of operation of other motor driven razor mechanisms, for example those indicated in my prior patents aforesaid.

A device made according to my invention may be used as a stem for all types of safety razor guard and clamp combinations now in the market employing blades having one or two cutting edges, it being contemplated to provide a universal means of mounting these to the head of my device or provide specific means for each type of combination. For example, in one type of razor guard construction where the blade clamp carries a screw stud that passes through the blade and guard, I may provide a suitably threaded hole in the head end of my device to receive the stud. On the other hand where the clamp has a threaded hole I may provide a threaded stud or projection to engage therewith. Similarly other types of guards may be suitably secured to my device. Likewise my invention is operable with the character of blade mounts disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 89,327 led July 7, 1936.

The invention is found to be particularly effective when the unbalanced weight and/or friction governing means is carried by the head of my razor device so that the impulses emanating therefrom are directly imparted to the cutting element without being transmitted, for example, through the gear train frame and the razor shell with a substantial loss of energy and driving force. 'I'he unbalanced weight is preferably mounted according to my invention, in the razor head and driven by a simple coupling with the main gear train, that is automatically aligning.

These and other objects and features of the invention will more fully appear from the following description and the claims, and the accompanying drawing forming a part thereof, which however, must be considered as merely illustrating a preferred embodiment and in no way limiting the invention to the embodiment shown and described. It will be understood that certain aspects of my invention are applicable to different types of razors, and their broad application is contemplated. It will also be understood that all modifications including features of construction, combination of elements and arrangements of parts as may be within the spirit of the invention are contemplated.

In the drawing herein similar parts are designated by similar numerals.'

Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view through a device embodying the features of the invention and is taken as indicated by the line I-I Fig. 4.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view of the device with the casing partially in axial section, said device being viewed at right angles to the line of section in Fig. 1 and shows a typical razor guard and clamp in detached position.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken along line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on the line II4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modification showing a method of attaching the razor guard to the razor head.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1-5 of the drawing, I0 designates a casing preferably tubular in shape to the upper end of which is fixed a head II, to which may be fastened a blade supporting bed I2. It will be understood that the blade supporting bed may be an integral part of the head II where desired. A blade I3 may be mounted on said bed in a definite relation and is held in place by a cap or cover element I4. The blade may have one or two cutting edges as desired. The lower end of the casing I0, carries a handle, generally designated as I5, adapted for rotational movement relative to the casing. The handle is preferably bi-sectional comprising a cup-shaped end section I6. and a tubular inner section II preferably fashioned as at I8 for screwthreaded union. The inner section I'I is reduced to provide a portion I9, the tubular outer end of which is adapted to abut against the end of the casing I0, in which position the outer surface of the casing I Il, and restricted portion I3 are substantially flush or continuous. A locking member 20, forming a press fit as at 2| with the inner surface of the casing I II, extends within and beyond the reduced portion I9 of the inner section II and has an outwardly extending annular iiange 22 thereon arranged to substantially abut against the shoulder 23 which is provided by the reduced portion of the inner section. The handle is in this manner, mounted for relative rotational movement on the casing by the confinement of the portion I9 between the end of the casing I0, and the ange of the locking member 2|). By making the locking member a press t with the casing I0, a better assembly is possible since it is fixed for all time and cannot be shifted by tinkering or in operation. Moreover parallel rubbing faces are thus assured for the winding handle. It is quite important that there should not be much end play in the handle and the indicated method of assembly permits the proper amount of end play to be secured. It will be noted that the locking member 20 has a portion of considerable length pressed with the tubing I0, and its upper end acts as a limit stop for the power transmitting mechanism. Furthermore the parts I0, I1, and 20, form a single unit for plating and finish and such may be accomplished economically and emciently and without involving additional assembly.

Within the handle I 5 is a source of power such as a coil spring motor designated generally as 24. This spring is preferably enclosed, or at least partly so, by a sleeve 25, having an inturned projection 26 thereon engaging the outer end of the spring. An annular rib 21 on the sleeve is bindingly engaged between a shoulder 23, formed on the end section I6, and the end of inner section II. Thus the outer end of the spring is secured to the handle for winding the spring in the rotation of the handle relative to the casing. The inner end of the spring is drivingly connected to a stub drive shaft 29, by pins 30 and 3|. This shaft at one end is Journaled in a bearing 32 provided in the end wall 33 of the end section I6. The opposite end of the stub shaft 29 is carried in a tubular sleeve 34 which serves the function of a main drive element and has another function to be presently described.

One end of the sleeve 25, extends beyond the side of the spring and has an inturned ange 35 thereon which, when the parts are assembled lies substantially adjacent to the ange 22 on the locking member 2U. The flange 35 is fashioned to prmde a series of internal, radially facing ratchet teeth 36 (see Fig. 3). A pawl 31 is mounted for movement about a. pivot 38 stationary with respect to the looking member 2D and comprising a stud having a anged head, a reduced annular portion passing through the ratchet 31 and a further shank passing through a spacing washer 38a and secured in the locking member 2U as by a drive fit and riveted over upon the inside. The pawl is urged as by a spring 39 toward the ratchet teeth 36 and is so arranged that it permits movement of the handle I5 relative to the casing I0 only in a spring winding direction. If desired an additional pawl and spring may be provided in symmetrical position to that shown in Fig. 3 but 180 degrees apart.

Whilst a single motor spring is specifically disclosed it will be understood that a multiple tandem arrangement is herein contemplated depending upon the length of time desired for operation of the parts. Multiple motor spring units of a suitable character are disclosed in my prior patents aforesaid.

The driven movement of the shaft 29 is transmitted to the impulse producing mechanism carried by the head II. The preferred form of power transmitting mechanism involves a train of gears, generally indicated at 40 (Figs. l and 2), intermediate the spring drive shaft 29 and the weight driving pinion 19 and by which the relatively slow rotation of the shaft 29 may be increased to a high speed of rotation of the shaft 52. An understanding of the relationship of the various gears in the train will be facilitated if the manner of mounting the gears in the casing Ill, is first described. Thus bearing plates 42 and 43 are maintained in spaced relation by an interposed partially cyllndrical spacer 44, formed of somewhat resilient material and having opposed lugs 45 (see Figs. l and 2) which are engageable in receiving notches or recesses provided in the peripheries of the plates 42 and 43. The resiliency of the spacer 44 maintains the parts in sub- I I to provide a positioning abutment for the head l I I as well as to enable abutment of the tip of the head II against the bearing plate 42 when the parts are assembled. It will be understood that the turned portion of the head II aforesaid may be threaded if desired and t a similar thread in the casing ID. However, with the present invention, it has been found that assembly of the gear mechanism past a smooth surface is to be preferred. The other bearing plate 43 is engaged, to prevent displacement of the bearing plate assembly, by the locking member 20 which as previously stated has a press fit with the casing I0. Thus the location of the gear train mechanism is definitely established and there are no so-called floating parts to be engaged in making the assembly. The lugs 45 of the spacer 44 are of suflicient length to also engage receiving notches or recesses in the end of the locking plate 20 adjacent to the bearing plate 43. In addition the lugs at the opposite end of the spacer 44 may if desired engage the portion 46 of the head II. In

such case the portion 46 will preferably not be threaded. In the manner presented the bearing plate assembly is securely locked in the casing and relative rotational movement therebetween is prevented. The bearing plate 43 is further provided at its centre with a. projecting pin stud 48 shouldered slightly where it enters the plate 43 and made rigid therewith. The projecting tip of the pin stud is conical shaped for the reasons hereinafter explained.

Considering the relationship of the several gears comprising the gear train, the numerals 52, 53, and 54 designate shafts which extend between and are journaled in the bearing plates 42 and 43 in substantial parallelism with each other and with the axis of the casing I0. A feature of the invention relates to the method of carrying the internal gear 55 and its connection to the spring motor mechanism. For convenience in manufacture and assembly the mounting of the gear 55 preferably comprises a cup shaped member 56 carrying a rabbeted groove 58 on its inner surface to receive the gear 55. A flanged clip 59 encircles the cup shaped member with the flange overlying the outer face of the gear 55 to secure it rigidly in place. The gear 55 engages a pinion 60 (Figs. 1 and 2) which is rigidly fixed to an end of the shaft 54 extending through and beyond the bearing plate 43 (Fig. 2). The cup shaped member 56 is provided with a hub 51 which projects on both sides of the rib portion of the cup and is carried by the pin stud 48 secured in the bearing plate 43. The inner hub portion is of sufiicient length to space the internal gear member with operating clearance from the bearing plate 43 and to align in proper running mesh the gear 55 and its spur pinion 60. The outer portion of the hub 51 is formed with a cross slot the function of which will be further described. Moreover, the overall length of the hub 51 is also less than the length of the stud pin 48. It should be evident that by the described manner of construction and assembly an accurate and definite mating of the gears 55 and 60 is assured. The gear 55 is coupled to the spring motor mechanism by the sleeve 34 forming the upper part of the stub shaft 29. This sleeve fits over the pin stud 51 sufficiently to assure good centering, and is provided with a pair of projecting lugs which mate with the recesses in the hub 51 and thereby provide a resilient coupling with the spring motor. Thus no twisting or bending stresses are transmitted to the gear cup 56 but such tendencies are absorbed by the pin stud 48. In order to aid in assembly the locking bushing 20 has its inturned portion provided with an opening slightly larger than the sleeve 34 so that the coupling end may be readily picked up by the conical end of the pin stud 48. It should be understood that the cup shaped member 56 and the sleeve 34 may comprise a single unit though for the above reasons this 'is not preferred.

Between the plates 42 and 43, the shaft 54 has a gear 6I xed thereto and engaging a pinion 62 rotatably mounted on the shaft 53. The pinion 62 is rigid with a gear 63 which in turn meshes with a pinion 64 carried by and rotatable relative to the shaft 54. A gear 65 is rigid with the pinion 64 and drivingly engages a pinion 66 mounted on and rotatable relative to the shaft 53. A gear 61 rigid with the pinion 66 is in mesh with a pinion 68 (Fig. l) fixed on the shaft 52. Movable with the pinion 68 is a gear 69 fixed to and carried by the end of shaft 52 journaled in and extending through the bearing plate 42.

The governing means by which the driven speed of the shaft 52 is controlled, and the mechanism by which the vibratory or reciprocating impulsa are imparted to the razor is carried in the head II and comprises a simple mechanism which may be readily assembled in itself as well as in the whole unit and can readily be adjusted for proper operation. Referring particularly to Figs. l and 4, a flxed overhanging shaft 1I having a long support in the projection 12 Within the head I I, supports a relatively rotatable sleeve 13, which carries a governor plate 14, herein having the form of a flat disk. The disk is of slightly less diameter than the internal diameter of the head and the disk has a pivot pin 15 fixed thereon in pivotal support of a centrifugal weight 16. A stop 11 limits the radially inward swing of the weight 16 and the weight is resiliently urged in this direction. Preferablythe means for so urging the weight comprises a spring, for instance a coil spring 18 which extends from the weight to a spring stud, in the present instance the limit stop pin 11. Fixed to the sleeve 13 is a pinion 19 which engages the output gear 69 of the gear train unit. Thus when the pinion 19 is driven by the energy furnished by the spring motor mechanism the Weight 16 revolves about the fixed shaft 1I producing an unbalanced eifect which imparts a vibratory or pulsating effect in the form of a reciprocating motion taking a characteristic elliptical path. Obviously the greater the unbalanced mass that is rotated the more accentuated the effect will be and coextensive therewith the greater will be the consumption of power which will also be comparatively irregular. I have found that it is desirable not to have an excessive unbalance and furthermore to have a smooth and uniform speed operation of the unbalanced weight so that the resulting action will be regular in its effect. It is for these reasons that I preferably employ a pivot weight in combination with a spring for example as disclosed in the drawing, viz., a tension spring 18. The tension of the spring is of course a force which must be overcome before the unbalanced weight 16 can swing radially out- Ward as the disk 14 rotates. When the disk 14 is driven at or above a certain predetermined speed the unbalanced weight 16 swings radially outward to bring wearing nib 8U, preferably formed of leather or other suitable friction material, into frictional wiping engagement with the adjacent wall of the head II, the friction of which engagement is sufficient to retard the driven speed of the disk 14 and maintain such speed at or below a predetermined rate. Thus a. balance can be obtained between speed and unbalanced mass whereby the motor energy may be efficiently conserved and a smooth and regular vibratory action imparted to the head. The spring 18 also reduces the strain upon the disc bearing by reducing the amount of rotating mass necessary to obtain good speed control. At the same time the unbalanced mass is thereby made such as to be most eiilcient for vibratory or reciprocatory action.

It is contemplated that the shaft 1I may be rotatable instead of xed in the head Il in Which case a. suitable bracket may be extended from the head I I to provide a second bearing. Also more than a single pivoted weight may be ernployed and Where such weights are to provide the unbalanced mass one weight shall exceed the mass of the other to provide the desired unbalance. The unbalance may also be created by proper shaping of the disk or plate 14 carrying the speed governing elements. Where two weights are employed a spring control of the character disclosed in my prior Patent 2,056,186 aforesaid may be used. It will be noted that the unbalanced weight has the effect of transmitting .the vibratory action directly to the head II so that there is no loss of this effect by absorption in the razor stem.

A further novel feature of the invention resides in the simple assembly between the head unit carrying the governor and unbalanced weight mechanism, and the gear train assembly. The fixed shaft 1I carrying the pinion 19 is preferably positioned in the head II so as to be centrally located with respect to the shell IIJ and the turned shoulder 46 of the head Il. The center distance between the shaft 52, carrying the gear 69, is set to obtain proper mesh between the gear 69 and pinion 19 in assembly. Thus it should be noted that it is merely necessary to engage the fully assembled head I I with the shell I0 and engagement of the gear and pinion will take place irrespective of the position of the gear 69 about the pinion center. Moreover the device will function properly irrespective of such positioning.

Ordinarily no difficulty will be encountered in causing the' gear and pinion to mesh; however, to insure mesh if the teeth are not in the exact mating relation the teeth on the leading face of the gear or pinion or both may be slightly chamfered. Preferably the gear 69 is caused to rotate by imparting power to the gear train unit and when the head is assembled in position the gear 69 picks up the pinion 19.

The assembly above described comprising the spring motor mechanism, gear train mechanism, and head mechanism may constitute a complete unit by itself and be used as the stem for any safety razor blade or cutting element attachment heretofore in use. In Figures 1 and 2, I have disclosed one of the conventional cutting unit assemblies, consisting of a guard I2 having at each of its edges the conventional tooth formation, a double edged blade I3 supported by the guard and a clamping plate I4 slightly curved so as to clamp the blade close to its cutting edges. In these figures it will be seen that the element I4 is provided with a xed stud 85 having a threaded tip and which passes through the blade I3 and guard I2. For a razor cutting element unit of this character the head Il of the stem unit of my invention is provided with a suitably threaded hole 86 in which to screw the stud thereby clamping the blade and forming a complete razor unit. The member I2 or I4 generally includes blade guide pins, not shown, one on either side of the stud 85 in the direction of length of the guard I2. It is to be understood that where the type of razor unit used with the stem of my invention does not include a stud 85 but has the clamp plate I4 threaded, a double ended stud may be provided to t the threaded opening in the head I I and that in the part I4. Obviously a, separate head Il may be provided having a projected stud member integral with the head if desired.

In Fig. 5, I have disclosed a preferred form of arrangement wherein a guard 81 is carried by an annular projection 88 on the stem of head II. The guard is similar in all general respects to those in use with the exception that it is positioned to be freely rotatable with respect to the projection 88 and the projection 88 is provided uw@ uu I L LIH with a threaded hole 89 which is centrally located and having a thin rim which is spun over to prevent the guard B1 from falling olf. The gua is somewhat conical where it nts over the projection 88 and its overall thickness is greater than the maximum extension of the projection 88 in its final position so that when a clamp plate, for instance, that designated by I4 in Fig. 2, is assembled with the guard not only is the blade clamped in position but also the guard 81 is firmly clamped and drawn against the shoulder 90 of the head IIA. It will be understood that the razor guard and clamp assemblies here disclosed are merely typical and that provision may readily be made for the assembly of my stem unit to the guard or bed of any blade unit. Furthermore I desire it understood that a blade unit employing the centering features of my prior application Serial #89,327 iiled July '1, 1936 can be included.

In order to lock the head II with respect to the shell I0, particularly where a straight shoulder 41 is provided, or even where the same is threaded, I preferably provide a tube 9| extending flush with the outer face 46 of the shoulder 41 and located near the lower end of this shoulder on a line through the center thereof and which has a press or drive t therewith. Preferably where the shoulder 41 is threaded, the length of the tube 9| is such as to limit its projection into the wall of the head I I, as far as the base of the thread so as not to interfere with screwing the head II in position in assembly. The shell III is provided with suitable openings of the same size as the inner dimension of the tube 9| which openings coincide in position with the corresponding openings in the annular surface 46. When assembly of the head II and shell I is completed a pin 92 is driven through the tube ilush with the outer surface of the shell I0 and prevents, thereby, removal of the head II, thereby reducing tinkering tendencies.

In Fig. 1 a simple means for supplying lubricant to the operating parts of the device is shown. This may comprise a mass 93 of lubricant absorbing material, such as a felt strip wound spirally and located in the annular recess provided therefor in the head II. Suitable means is preferably provided so that the felt strip will not shift from this position during operation of the razor. An additional mass S4 held by retainer 95, of lubricant absorbing material may be provided in the clamp plate in the space between its inner wall and the coupling 34. This material when thoroughly saturated with lubricant provides an internal supply of lubricant which is available to all parts of the mechanism.

In the operation of the razor mechanism the operator rotates the handle I5 relative to the casing I0 to place the spring 24 under tension. This tension being delivered to the main drive shaft 29 and coupling sleeve 34, rotates said sleeve and shaft and through the agency of the interposed gear train drives the pinion 19 at a greatly increased rate of speed. This causes the unbalanced weight 16 to provide a continuous cycle of impulses giving to the cutting element I3 a characteristic elliptical path of movement. Obviously the unbalanced weight and its companion brake shoe 80 provide a governing means to hold the driven speed of the unbalanced weight at or below a predetermined maximum rate so that the impulses imparted to the cutting element I3 will be most effective.

"search tiene ferred embodiments of my invention it will be seen that I have provided a novel and improved form of razor embodying features that constitute a distinct improvement over the prior art, and which embody many novel features of construction and assembly. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains that the disclosed embodiments may be varied and/or combined in numerous ways without departing from the spirit of the basic features I have presented. I therefore desire to secure for myself all modications and alternative constructions falling Within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the foregoing specication and I desire that the invention be construed to cover all equivalents and as broadly as the claims taken in conjunction with the prior art may allow.

I claim:

1. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to the razor blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a casing having a blade carrying head at its upper end and a spring motor adjacent its lower end, of a rotatable unbalanced weight adapted to produce vibratory impulses imparting motion to said blade, a relatively short supporting member for said Weight positioned between said head and spring motor, said supporting member being held from displacement relative to said head and projecting downwardly therefrom and mounting said weight for rotation, and gear driving means powered by said spring motor to rotate said unbalanced weight at high speed.

2. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to a cutting blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a razor body having a blade carrying head at its upper end, and enclosing motor power means, of a rotatable unbalanced member adapted to produce vibratory impulses imparting motion to said cutting blade, a relatively short supporting member having its upper end held from displacement relative to said head and having its lower end free, and suspending said member downwardly from said head, and gear driving means powered by said motor power means to rotate said unbalanced member at high speed.

3. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to the razor blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a. razor body enclosing a motor and having a blade carrying head at its upper end, of an unbalanced rotatable member downwardly suspended from said head and including a movable weight hinged on said member and responsive to centrifugal force, and drive means powered by said motor to rotate said unbalanced member at high speed, said unbalanced member adapted to produce vibratory impulses when rotated whereby to impart motion to said blade.

4. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to the razor blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a razor body enclosing a spring motor and having a blade carrying head at its upper end, of a rotatable member, supporting means projecting downwardly from said head and mounting said rotatable member, a hinged weight responsive to centrifugal force, mounted on said rotatable member and producing unbalance of said member when rotating whereby vibratory impulses may be produced to impart motion to said blade, said weight also From 9, nsideration of the foregoing presubstantially controlling the rate of said impulses,

and drive means powered by said spring motor to drive said member at high speed.

5. Asafety razor as claimed in claim 4 including atspring member opposing outward motion of said hinged weight.

6. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to the razor blade without mechanically driving the same, the combination with a casing having a blade carrying head secured to its upper end and having a handle enclosing a spring motor secured to its lower end, of a rotatable unbalanced member including a hinged weight responsive to centrifugal force, downwardly suspended from said head and surrounded by a wall of said head, said hinged weight having spring means resisting its outward movement and rotatable in a plane generally paralleling that of the blade and said weight having braking means to engage the surrounding wall surface of said head when rotating, and drive means powered by said spring motor to rotate said unbalanced member, said unbalanced member adapted to produce vibratory impulses at a substantially controlled rate when rotated whereby to impart motion to said blade.

7. In a safety razor, the combination of a hollow casing, an annular surface at the upper end of said casing, a blade carrying head engaged with said annular surface, a support in said casing carrying power transmitting mechanism, a spur gear projecting from said mechanism support on the side of said head, and having its axis paralleling the axis of said annular surface but offset with respect to said axis, a spur pinion having its axis coincident with that of said annular surface, and suspended from said head by a member projecting downwardly from said head, said pinion engaging said spur gear, and an unbalanced weight also mounted on said member and suspended from said head thereby, said weight being rotatable by said spur pinion and adapted to produce vibratory impulses imparting motion to a blade carried by said head and without mechanically driving said blade.

8. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to a cutting blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a razor body having a blade carrying head at its upper end and enclosing motor power means, of a rotatable unbalanced member adapted to produce vibratory impulses imparting motion to said cutting blade, an elongated bar-like supporting means having its upper end iixed from displacement relative to said blade carrying head and having its lower end free, and suspending said unbalanced member downwardly from said head. and driving means powered by said motor power means to rotate said unbalanced member at high speed.

9. In a safety razor in which a rapid oscillatory motion is imparted to the razor blade by vibratory impulses, the combination with a razor body enclosing a motor and having a blade carrying head at its upper end; of an unbalanced rotatable member downwardly suspended from said head and including a pinion and a weight responsive to centrifugal force to render said rotatable member unbalanced, and -gear drive means powered by said motor and engaged with said pinion to rotate said unbalanced member at hi'gh speed, said unbalanced member adapted to produce vibratory impulses when rotating whereby to impart motion to said blade.

RUSSELL PELTON HARSHBERGER.

Images