US2803874A - Shaving instrument and enclosureholder therefor - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 27, 1957 cs. OBOLENSKY SHAVING INSTRUMENT AND ENCLOSURE-HOLDER THEREFOR Filed Oct. 12, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR G UY OBOL ENSIKY BY ATTORNEY Aug. 27, 1957 G, OBOLENSKY 2,803,874

SHAVING INSTRUMENT AND ENCLOSURE-HOLDER THEREFOR Filed Oct. 12, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 III INVENTO R GUY OBOLENSKY SHAVIN G INSTRUMENT AND ENCLOSURE- HOLDER THEREFOR Guy ()bolenslry, Yonkers, N. Y., assignor of ten percent to l. Jordan Kunilr, New York, N. Y.

Application October 12, 1954, erial No. 461,792

6 Claims. (Cl. 30-43) This invention relates to shavers, and more particularly to improvements in manually operated dry shaving instruments and in enclosures therefor.

One type of manually operated dry shaving instruments for removing whiskers and hair from the face and other parts of the body comprises generally a rotatable cylinder mounted on a hand held frame and made of thin hard steel mesh that rolls over the skin. Hair that protrudes through the perforations of the cylinder are cut by the edge of a blade lying longitudinally within the cylinder adjacent the inner surface thereof.

In previous dry shavers, many difficulties have been experienced in obtaining satisfactory having results especially since the cutting blades were improperly positioned, and the various means for holding the instruments did not provide the user with any satisfactory guide for keeping the cutting blade aligned in the proper position relative to the surface to be shaved. Also, previous dry shavers have required expensive and inconvenient enclosures which added considerably to the cost of the instrument.

The dry shaver of the present invention obviates the foregoing ditficulties and provides an improved arrangement for mounting the cutting blades, and an enclosure for the instrument which also cooperates to align the blades in the optimum relationship relative to the surface to be shaved, whereby superior shaving results are obtained.

Also, means are provided for positioning the cutting blades in such a manner that their edges are suitably urged against the inner surface of the rotating mesh cylinder whereby closer cutting of the hair is achieved and a selfsharpening action is continuously maintained.

I also provide an enclosure for the instrument which is made of inexpensive molded material and which in ar ranged to serve also as a holder when the instrument is open for shaving, and provides the optimum shaving position relative to the cutting blades.

. The features of novelty which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth herein and will best be understood, both as to their fundamental principles and as to their particular embodiments, by reference to the specification and accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the enclosure for the instrument, when closed;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, wherein the enclosure has been opened and the shaving instrument is in the shaving position;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of the various elements of the instrument and enclosure and of the mounting elements therefor;

Fig. 4 is a somewhat enlarged, cross section view of the assembled instrument in a closed position taken in approximately line 44 of Fig. 1, some parts being shown in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the enclosure open to its widest extent; and

Fig. 6 is a View similar to that of Fig. 5, with the enclosure open and the instrument locked in shaving position.

Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail, the enclosure for the instrument comprises a pair of molded cooperating sections or shells, generally designated 7, each made of a suitable thermosetting plastic, metal, or the like, and having a floor 8, end walls 9, a side wall 10, and an upper curved upper wall 11. Positioned between end walls 9 is a longitudinal strut 12.

The pair of shells 7, which are identical in form, are joined pivotally by means of pin 13 extending through respective pairs of hinges 14 molded on the outer edge of strut 12, said hinges being spaced apart and interfitting with each other to form a single pivoting enclosure for pin 13.

A fiat spring blade 15, whose ends are accommodated by suitable recesses in floor 8 of the two respective shells '7, is bent so that its center portion urges against the interlocking hinges 14 of strut 12. The ends of spring 15 are adapted to urge outward to cause the upper portions of shells 7 normally to remain closed, as seen in Fig. 4. Below hinges 14, shells '7 have cut away slopes 16 which permit the pair of shells to open at the top when pressure is applied to the lower part of side walls 1%.

Accommodated within the enclosure formed by the pair of shells 7 is a cylindrical frame 17 which may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. In one embodiment it is made of a molded nylon material having a low surface coefiicient of friction. The longitudinal dimension of frame 17 is somewhat less than the distance between the inner surfaces of end walls 9 to permit the lateral movement of the frame relative to hinges 14.

Frame 17 is mounted over a coiled metal spring 18, the bottom of which fits into longitudinal recesses 19 in both struts 12. Frame 17 has a pair of recesses 20 at both ends which accommodate upwardly extending ears 21 of spring 18, the arms of the latter normally urging frame 17 upwards (Fig. 3). The top of frame 17 has a longitudinal slot on each side of which there is mounted a cutting blade 22 maintained in position by respective pairs of longitudinal lips 23 and 24. The cutting edges of blades 22 are directed toward each other across said slot (Fig. 5), although in some embodiments they may be arrayed in opposite directions, and in other embodiments only one blade may be utilized.

Mounted rotatably around frame 17 is a very thin metal mesh cylinder 25 having a plurality of circular ridges 26 between which are arrayed a plurality of fine screen like slots 27 through which hairs protrude to be severed by blades 22. In some embodiments slots 27 may take the form of small holes of circular or other suitable shapes, for providing cutting leverage for hairs.

When frame 17 is made of molded nylon, lip 24 may be arranged to provide an outward spring-like action against blade 22 to cause its edge to bear obliquely against the inner surface of cylinder 25 to provide a good cutting and self-sharpening action.

Extending outwardly from each end of frame 17 is a horizontal bridge 31 having at each end a tongue 32, said bridge and tongues being adapted to engage respective recesses 33 on the insides of end walls 9. Bridge 31 may be molded integrally with frame 17, and in some embodiments may be provided only on one end of frame 17.

Recesses 33 have adjacent lower and upper arcuate sections 34 and 35, respectively, separated by a pro ection 37, which serves as a locking lip for tongues 32 of bridge 31 as well as a cam in closing the instrument, as will be described hereinbelow.

In operation, the shaving instrument is: assembled as shown in Fig. 4, where shells 7 are shown in a closed position. Each bridge 31 is positioned in the lower por-.

Patented Aug. 27, 1957.

tion'of recesses 33 in walls 9, spring 15 urging the floors 8 outward thereby keeping upper curved walls 11 closed while projections 37, acting as cams, press inward to urge bridge. 31, and accordingly frame 17, downward against spring 18. The strength of spring 15 exceeds the force. of spring 18 whereby shells 7 enclose and protect the instrument when not in use.

When it is desired to utilize the instrument for shaving purposes, the lower portions of walls of shells 7 are pressed by the fingers thereby causing the upper curved wall portions 11 to separate, as shown in Fig. 5, and permitting the upward movement of frame 17 and cylinder 25 under the action of spring 18. Tongues 32 move freely past projections 37 until the upward movement of bridge 31 is limited by the arcuate curved portion 35 of recess 33. When pressure is now released from the lower portions of walls 10, the action of spring will cause the upper portions 11 of shells 7 to come together and each tongue 32 of bridge 31 will be. locked between projection 37 and arcuate portion35 of recesses 33. See

Fig. 6. In this position, a portion of cylinder has emerged from the enclosure and protrudes sufficiently beyond the open shells to permit blades 22 to perform the shaving action.

The shaver is now in condition for use, and when the enclosure is grasped at the central and upper portions of walls 14) of shells 7, thereby aiding the locking action between tongue 32 and lip 37. As the shaver is rolled with a modicum of pressure against the skin, the assembly of frame 17 and cylinder 25 will be prevented from {etracting into the enclosure by the stopping action of ips 37. i 7

It will be understood that bridges 31 may be molded or otherwise mounted on frame 17 in positions other than shown in the drawing to cooperate with recesses 33, whereby more or less of cylinder 25 will protrude from the enclosure to the desired degree when the instrument is in the operating condition.

After the shaving operation has been completed, the lower portions of walls 10 of shells 7 are again pressed (see Fig. 5) at which time lips 37 separate from tongues 32 of bridge 31 sufficiently to permit the user of the instrument to push down on cylinder 25 against the action of spring 18 whereby bridge 31 will descend into the arcuate section 34 of recesses 33. As pressure is released from the lower portions of walls 10, spring 15 will separate cutaway portions 16 whereby upper curved walls 11 close pivotally as shown in Fig. 4; During the closing operation, lips 37 will also produce a camming action against the upper curved surface of bridge'31, thereby producing a downward pressure upon bridge 31 and, accordmgly, upon cylinder 17 and barrel 25 against the action of spring 18. i

It is to be noted that when the instrument is in the shaving condition, as shown in Fig. 6 asuificient amount of cylinder 25 is exposed to permit blades 22 to engage and cut hairs that protrude through slots 27. Because of the limited separation of the upper edges of shells 7, the user of the instrument is required to hold it at the optimum shaving angle relative to the skin. Although only one blade 22 may be utilized in some embodiments, when two blades are used, their cutting edges may be directed generally toward each other. Therefore, when the instrument is moved in a reciprocating path, it will perform the shaving action in both directions without the necessity for shifting the angular relationship of the instrument to the surface of the skin.

It is also provided in some embodiments that lip 24 is somewhat resilient so that it may urge the cutting edge of blade 22 against the inner. wall of barrel 25, thereby prcventing hairs from slipping past the blade, while at the same time a self-sharpening action is obtained.

' Ifframe 17 is made of molded nylon, it serves asa substantially friction free bearing for cylinder, 25 which. is rotated by frictional engagement with the skin. In some all) embodiments, frame 17 may comprise a skeletal structure provided, however, that bridges 31 are suitably supported at either end thereof. In either case, the inside diameter of cylinder 25 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of frame 17 to permit the free rotation of the former. The mounting of each blade 22 is arranged to provide optimum frictional engagement with cylinder 25 without impeding the rotation of the latter.

Blades 22 may be replaced when the instrument is in the condition shown in Fig. 5, by pushing the old blade with the end of a new blade, thereby forcing the old one to leave the slot between lips 23 and 24 while the new blade enterstherein.

The structure of the present invention provides for interengaging elements on the dry shaver instrument and the enclosure therefor, which cooperate to position the instrument in operating condition and, alternatively, to secure the instrument enclosed in its container when not in use. It is contemplated that the cooperative structures defined herein may be adapted in form to accommodate other types of instruments whose holders may also serve as their containers.

In other embodiments, spring 15 may be omitted and its equivalent function may be performed by a resilient tab attached to an end wall of one of shells 7 extending over to the end wall of the. other shell and engaging an indexing indentatiomfor. maintaining the container closed.

In the specification, I have explained the principles of my invention, and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying those principles, so as to distinguish my invention from other inventions; and Ihave particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed the part, mode or combination which I claim as my invention or discovery.

While I have shown and described certain preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the function and scope thereof, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least 'one cutting blade mounted longitudinally on said frame, a perforate cylinder rotatably mounted around said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said blade, a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming an enclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame and means on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit only a partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within said chamber.

2. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one cutting blade mounted longitudinally'on said frame, aperforate cylinder rotatably mounted around said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said'blade, a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming an enclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame and means on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit only a partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within said enclosure, first spring means mounted be tween said shells and said frame for normally urging said frame and cylinder outward from said enclosure, and second spring means for normally urging said shells into a closed position when said frame has been retracted into said enclosure against the action of said first spring means.

3. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one cutting blade mounted longitudinally on said frame, a perforate cylinder rotatably mounted around said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said blade, a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming an enclosure chamber for said frame and. cylindcr, spring means connected tosaid shells and acting thereupon to normally keep said chamber closed, second spring means positioned between said shells and said frame for urging the latter to emerge from said chamber when the shells are opened against the action of said first spring, interengaging means on said frame and on the inner walls of said shells cooperating on the one hand to prevent said frame from emerging completely from said chamber, and on the other hand to prevent the retraction of said frame into said chamber when the instrument is in use.

4. A11 enclosure for a work instrument comprising a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming a chamber between them, means for normally main- ;taining said chamber closed, an instrument positioned within said chamber, means on said shells for holding said instrument and pushing said instrument at least partially out of said shells when the chamber between them is opened, engaging means on said instrument, engaging means inside said shells adapted to cooperate with said first mentioned engaging means when said chamber is opened to prevent the retraction of the instrument into the chamber when pressure is applied thereto.

5. An apparatus comprising a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming a chamber between them, spring means connected to said shells and acting thereupon to normally keep said chamber closed, a tool positioned within said chamber, means positioned between said shells and said tool for urging the latter to emerge from said chamber when the shells are opened against the action of said spring, interengaging means on said tool and on the inner walls of said shells cooperating on the one hand to prevent said tool from emerging completely from said chamber and on the other hand to prevent the retraction of said tool into said chamber when the tool is in use.

6. A dry shaver comprising a frame, at least one resilient longitudinal mounting on said frame, a cutting blade in said mounting, a perforate cylinder rotatably mounted around said frame and cooperating with the cutting edge of said blade, said mounting being adapted to urge the cutting edge of said blade toward the inner surface of said cylinder, whereby a self-sharpening action is produced upon said cutting edge, a pair of shells pivotally connected to each other and forming an enclosure chamber for said frame and cylinder, means on said frame and means on said shells adapted to cooperate with each other to permit only a partial protrusion of said frame and said cylinder from within said chamber.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,296,044 McClure Sept. 15, 1942 2,373,711 Satz et al Apr. 17, 1945 2,637,902 Malmberg May 12, 1953 2,645,847 Slonek July 21, 1953

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