WO2007116397A2

WO2007116397A2 - Safety razor head blade system

Info

Publication number: WO2007116397A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilan Grunberg
Original assignee: Ilan Grunberg
Priority date: 2006-04-10
Filing date: 2007-04-10
Publication date: 2007-10-18
Also published as: WO2007116397A3

Abstract

A safety razor head blade system using a bi-directional shaving device which eliminates the need for safety edges, thereby providing a slimmer, flatter device. The shaving device enables bi-directional shaving without the need to lift the shaving device from the skin. The device comprises at least two cutting razor blades with the cutting edges thereof substantially internally directed so as to face one another at minimal proximity therebetween. The razor blades are shaped and oriented with respect to their housing so as to enable one blade to cut the hair bristles, while the bottom side of the other blade slides over the hair bristles and serves as a safety-guard to prevent cutting of the skin by the edges of the cutting blade.

Description

SAFETY RAZOR HEAD BLADE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for shaving, and more particularly, to a double razor mounted in a safety configuration which enables bi-directional shaving.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety razors are characterized as having a safe-guard edge installed parallel to the cutting edge of the blade so as to prevent the blade from cutting the skin during shaving. This safe-guard edge is separated from the blade and usually is made from different and usually cheaper material than the blade, such as plastic material. The safeguard edge is significantly more bulky than the razor blades and increases the overall size of the leading edge of the shaving device which houses the razor blades.

Shaving devices with double razor blades, which enable bi-directional shaving are known in the art in a configuration wherein razor blades are positioned on the shaving head with the sharp edges thereof oppositely and externally directed. Along with each blade there are associated the inevitable and essential safety edges which add to the bulkiness of the shaving head.

An example of a double razor blade is given in US Patent 6,701,619 to Haruyuki, which discloses an in-line double-sided manual safety straight razor having dual razor- sharp cutting edges mounted in a longitudinal cutter head portion. A pair of razor blades are mounted on either side of a blade spacing portion and oriented so as to be inclined to the skin's surface. The angle of inclination is limited to enable safe and reliable shaving. However, the device construction is bulky. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a slim and flat safety razor device with a wider range of possible inclination angles to the skin, while maintaining the required level of safety for bi-directional shaving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of prior art shaving devices, and provide a safety razor head blade system, using a bi-directional shaving device which eliminates the need for the safety edges. Therefore, the device structure is slimmer and flatter while maintaining all the operational and safety features of the prior art double razor blade, bi-directional shaving devices.

The present invention refers to a shaving device which enables bi-directional shaving without the need to lift the shaving device from the skin. The inventive bidirectional shaving device comprises at least two cutting razor blades with the cutting edges thereof substantially internally directed so as to face one another at minimal proximity therebetween. The razor blades are shaped and oriented with respect to their housing so as to enable one blade to cut the hair bristles when the shaving device is moved substantially in a direction such that the sharp cutting edge of the razor blades intersects the hair bristles, while at the same time the bottom side of other blade slides on the hair bristles and serves as a safety-guard to prevent cutting of the skin by the cutting edge of the other blade. With the direction of movement reversed, the functions of the razor blades are reversed accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 show a single blade shaving device with a safety edge spaced apart from the blade; Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention showing only the projecting end of the shaving device supporting two blades;

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show various double-razor blade mounting configurations;

Figs. 7a-b show a preferred configuration of the shaving device with four razor blades;

Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the razor blades 16 and 18 are mounted on a comb above the comb teeth;

Fig. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device shaped as a key holder;

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the shaving device shaped as a bottle;

Fig. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the shaving device similar to the one shown in Figs. 7a-b;

Figs. 12a-f show some self-explanatory examples of preferred embodiments of the shaving device;

Figs. 13a-c show preferred embodiments of the shaving device 10 arranged with a pivoting cutter head body 14;

Figs. 14a-b show yet another preferred embodiment comprising a pivoting cover;

Fig. 15 shows an embodiment wherein the plurality of blades are mounted on a fixed shaped shaver;

Fig. 16 shows a preferred embodiment of a shaving device with curved handle;

Figs. 17a-b show a preferred embodiment of the inventive shaving device with the cutter head body supporting the blades arranged for pivoting;

Figs. 18a-c show a preferred embodiment of the inventive shaving device with the head supporting the blades arranged for oscillating; and

Fig. 19 shows a preferred embodiment wherein the blades are mounted on a pen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OFTHE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a single blade shaving device intended to demonstrate the safety mechanism of the bi-directional dual razor blades configuration. The inventive shaving device 10 comprises a projecting end 14 which is a part or an extension thereof, and has an extending leg 29 with blade 21 embedded therein. The other extending leg 28 serves as the safety means of the shaving device 10, by preventing the blade 21 from cutting into the skin during shaving. The edges 32 of leg 28 provide a surface which makes contact with the skin during shaving, so as to prevent the blade 21 from cutting the skin. Edge 33 of leg 29 is the second contact surface of the shaving device 10 with the skin, with both surfaces being moved on the skin during shaving. Space 15 enables the cutoff hair bristles to be evacuated sidewise in respect to the cutting edge of blade 21.

Fig. 2 demonstrates the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. As stated previously, projecting end 14 is an extension of shaving device 10, and has an extending leg 29 with blade 21 embedded therein, while the other extending leg 28 serves as the safety means of the shaving device 10, by preventing the cutting edge of blade 21 from cutting into the skin 13. Edges 32 of leg 28 provide a surface which is in contact with the skin during shaving and prevents the blade 21 from cutting into the skin. Edge 33 of leg 29 is the second contact surface of the shaving device with the skin with both surfaces being moved along the skin during shaving in the direction shown in accordance with arrow 17. Edges 32 and 33 are shown separated from the skin 13 and hair bristles 11 for clarity, while in practice they are in direct contact with the skin and hair bristles during shaving. Space 15 enables the cutoff hair bristles to be evacuated sidewise in respect to the cutting edges.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of shaving device 10. The projecting end 14 of the shaving device 10 supports two extending legs 28 and 29, with each leg supporting in a rigid manner one of specially shaped razor blades 16 and 18 which are embedded therein and protrude therefrom. As shown, each of the two cutting razor blades is disposed on a respective one of the extending legs, so as to be opposite each other, with each blade having a cutting edge and supporting section. The supporting section is attached to one of the respective extending legs, such that the cutting edges of the blades are facing each other at an angle of inclination, with open space therebetween.

To shave with the shaving device 10, the cutting edges 20 and 22 of the razor blades 16 and 18 are placed on the user's skin 13 and are moved on the skin for example in the direction of the vector defined by arrow 26. The edge 20 of the blade 16 serves as the safety means for the cutting edge 22 of blade 18 so as to enable the cutting edge 22 of blade 18 to efficiently cut the bristles 11 and not the skin 13 during shaving. The edges 20 and 22 are shown separated from the skin for clarity, while in practice they are in direct contact with the skin during shaving.

With the shaving device 10 moved in the opposite direction according to the vector defined by arrow 24, the functions of the two razor blades 16, 18 are reversed accordingly. It should be appreciated that projecting end 14 as a whole or each of the legs 28, 29 or only the blades 16, 18 can be disposable and replaceable by utilizing any attachment means known in the art.

The direction of movement in accordance with vectors 24 and 26 need not necessarily be vertically directed in respect to the sharp cutting-edges of the blades, and the movement can be inclined thereto as long as a component of the vectors 24 and 26 is vertical to said sharp edges. When the shaving movements are vertical, the sharp edges of the razor blades 16, 18 cut the hairs in a radial direction, and the shaving device 10 wedges itself through the hair bristles. When the shaving direction is inclined to said cutting edges, the cutting edges are moving in a simultaneous radial and tangential movement so as to wedge-cut and slice the hair bristles a combined movement that is known in the art to provide improved shaving.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show various double-razor blade mounting configurations.

Fig. 4 shows an external connector 31 which attaches the razor blades to the legs 28, 29.

Fig. 5 shows the razor blades attached directly to projecting end 14 by a screw (not shown) or adhesive.

Fig. 6 shows the razor blades 16 and 18 attached to an intermediate attachment plate 19 with plate 19 attached directly to body 14 in any desired manner.

Fig. 7 shows a preferred configuration of the shaving device marked generally as 10. Four razor blades 31, 33, 35, and 37 are grouped into two paired-groups of razor blades all of which embedded in projecting end 14 of the shaving device 10. The side covers 32 protect the skin from cuts by the side-ends of the razor blades. Surface 34 is adapted for comfortable gripping by the user's fingers for shaving. Grooves 15 provide the outlet for the cutoff hair bristles. It should be appreciated that although reference is made in most of the drawings to the basic configuration of two razor blades and four razor blades as in Fig. 7, all the embodiments shown with two or four razor blades can be equipped with 6 razor blades or more. Furthermore, the number of blades can be odd or even and can be different in each group of blades.

Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the razor blades 16 and 18 mounted on a comb above the comb teeth. A sliding cover 60 protects the razor blades when not in use, and the cover can be slid on groove 63. In some preferred configurations, handle 62 is eliminated (not shown) so as to turn the comb into a pocket comb or a wallet-carried comb.

Fig. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 shaped as a key holder. Blades 16 and 18 are disposable and are replaced by sliding them with body 14 which house them- off and on the shaving device 10. Cover 60 protects the razor blades when not in use by inserting it into groove 63. The key holder can also be used as an advertising mean as is demonstrated by the slogan 67, which can be any other slogan or picture.

Fig. 10 shows yet another preferred embodiment shaped as a bottle which is intended to be used also for advertising similar to the key holder in Fig. 9.

It will be appreciated that the shaving device 10 may be designed with any shape such as a car-shape, for use in advertising by a car dealer or manufacturer, or a house- shape for use by a contractor or dealer and accordingly, any other product which can be shaped into the size of shaving device 10 and can be held comfortably by the user.

Fig. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the shaving device 10 similar to the one in Fig. 7. Holes 15 are the release passage for the hair bristles cutoff by razor blades 16, 18. Surface 34 is used for holding shaving device 10 with the fingers. Groove 69 is used for attaching the protective cover of the blades (not shown).

Figs. 12a-f show some self-explanatory examples of preferred embodiments of the shaving device 10 differently structured and shape, with a single pair or multiple pairs of razor blades 16 and 18 marked thereon.

Figs. 13a-c show a preferred embodiment of the shaving device 10 with the body 14 capable of pivoting on pivot 36 within holes 38 so as to move from a safety closed position, as shown in Fig. 13a, to any discrete stable position such as shown in Fig, 13b or any other position in respect to the main body 42, as is most suitable to the user. The toothed disk 44 and its counter part grooved washer 45 shown in the assembly drawing of Fig. 13c provide the locking means to lock body 14 in a stable discrete position with respect to the main body 42. Plate 40 provides a surface for holding main body 42, which can be used for advertising.

Fig. 14a shows yet another preferred embodiment wherein a rotating cover 50 rotates on pivot 52 so as to provide protection to the razor blades 16 and 18 when not in use. Cover 50 is opened for shaving by rotating it by 180 degrees as shown in Fig. 14b. Also shown are printed or engraved words such as advertising slogans 55. The section of the device 56 is preferably flexible and hollow so as to provide storage for shaving cream which can be ejected through hole 59 by pressing both sides of section 56 of body 10 preferably on a designated section such as the one marked as "CREAM SAMPLE" which is exposed only when the cover 50 is rotated.

It should be appreciated that pivot 52 is provided with a centrally hollow through- passage so as to enable a chain or wire (not shown) to be pulled therethrough . Thus, the shaving device embodiment of Figs. 14a-b can be carried on the neck or become attached to a set of keys and serve as key-holder or any other useful or decorative application besides the shaving option.

Fig. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the projecting end 14 which supports razor blades 16 and 18 is attached in a fixed manner to a handle 80 as is common in the art.

Fig. 16a shows a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the projecting end 14 which supports razor blades 16 and 18 is attached at a fixed position to a curved handle 82 with the rounded projecting end 84 thereof adapted to be moved simultaneously with the razor blades 16 and 18 on the head of the user (Fig. 16b) for shaving a difficult to access section of the head.

Figs. 17a-b show an embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the projecting end 14 supports razor blades 16 and 18 and is pivotally supported on handle 70 which is held by the user for shaving. With projecting end 14 capable of pivoting around axis 72 and 74 while contacting the skin, shaving is achieved by both razor blades 16 and 18 with half of the blade with the cutting edges thereof facing the direction of rotation, cutting the hair bristles. The capability of pivoting around the longitudinal axis 74 of projecting end 14 is a known art and is intended for demonstrating the capability of the invention to use also known art. The rotation around axis 72 is limited to a specific angle so as to prevent the razor blades from aligning with axis 74 parallel to the direction of movement of the handle, into a position which can lead to accidental cutting of the skin.

Figs. 18a-c show a preferred embodiment of shaving device 10 wherein the handle of the shaving device is formed as hollow casing 80 (only a section is shown), which houses a battery and battery-operated motor including electronic circuits and on- off switch (not shown). The motor rotates an eccentric shaft 82. Projecting end 14 can slide in the direction indicated by arrows 88 and 90 while being supported on slides 84 and the sliding protrusions thereof 92. Arms 86 rigidly connect the slides 84 to casing 80. In some preferred embodiments the eccentric shaft 82 has built-in flexibility so as to enable it to rotate around a different axis than that of the motor. When the eccentric shaft 82 is rotated by the motor, the projecting end 14 and the two razor blades 16 and 18 attached thereto oscillate along the longitudinal axis thereof in accordance with arrows 88 and 90, thus producing a slicing effect on the hair bristles beside the radially directed cutting provided by existing shaving devices, and accordingly, this improves the shaving process.

Fig. 19 shows two sets of razor blades 16, 18 mounted on a ballpoint pen. The ballpoint pen comprises body 68, removable cover 64, spacers 67 which prevent damaging the razor blades by the cover, activating tip 66 and writing head 69. The pen is mounted on the pocket by pocket clip 65. The spacers 67 are preferably disposed at 90 degrees to the razor blades (not as shown) to enable the razor blades to make good contact with the skin.

Fig. 20 shows the shaving device 10 provided with vibrating means such as a piezoelectric vibrating element, mounted on the body of the device together with a power source such as a battery 90, and a control means, such as an integrated circuit or microchip, and switch 92. The vibrating means is enabled to vibrate during shaving in at least a section of the device, so that the blades 16, 18 vibrate with respect to the skin, in a manner which reduces the shaving time. This also increases the blade life, by reducing the force needed to cut the hair bristles.

Having described the invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, as further modifications will now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A shaving device comprising at least two cutting razor blades each one being disposed on an opposite side of a projecting end of the shaving device, each blade having a cutting edge and supporting section, said supporting section being attached to a respective side of said projecting end, such that the cutting edges of said blades are facing each other at an angle of inclination, with open space therebetween, wherein when one of said razor blades acts as the cutting blade for cutting hair bristles, the oppositely facing razor blade acts as a safety means by contacting and protecting the skin from being cut by the cutting razor blade.

2. The shaving device of claim 1, for enabling bi-directional shaving without the need to lift the shaving device from the skin.

3. The shaving device of claim 1 wherein each opposite side of said projecting supports a plurality of cutting razor blades.

4. The shaving device of claim 1 wherein said supporting section of said blade is embedded in said projecting end.

5. The shaving device of claim 1 wherein said supporting section of said blade is slidingly inserted into said projecting end.

6. The shaving device of claim 1 wherein said supporting section of said blade is externally attached to said projecting end.

7. The shaving device of claim 1, wherein said shaving device is constructed as part of another device having another use besides shaving.

8. The shaving device of claim 7 wherein said other device is a key holder.

9. The shaving device of claim 7 wherein said other device is a pen.

10. The shaving device of claim 7 wherein said other device is a comb.

11. The shaving device of claim 1 further comprising a cover over the blades.

12. The shaving device of claim 1 further comprising vibration means arranged to provide a slicing movement of said blades with respect to the hair bristles.

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