WO2011131945A1

WO2011131945A1 - Shaving razor and handle

Info

Publication number: WO2011131945A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/000624
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Raymond Shepperson
Original assignee: Global Strategic Alliance Limited
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-21
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: GB201017484D0; GB201006829D0

Abstract

A handle (11) for a shaving razor includes a head part (14), a first mounting (20) for mounting a blade holder (16) to the head part (14), a body (12) for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting (34) for mounting the head part (14) to the body (12). The second mounting (34) is arranged to permit the head part (14) to move relative to the body (12).

Description

Shaving Razor and Handle

The present invention relates to shaving razors, and particularly, but not exclusively, to handles for shaving razors.

Conventionally, shaving razors are used to remove unwanted, relatively short hair from the body of a person or animal. A traditional razor comprises a sharp thin blade, typically of metal, which is scraped across the surface of the skin to remove hair growing out of the skin. The blade is usually mounted in a holder, and, commonly, both the blade and the holder are disposable. The holder is mounted to a handle for ease of gripping, and may be rigidly mounted, or may be mounted pivotally to the handle, so that the holder pivots in one plane relative to the handle, permitting the holder to move in use to accommodate contours of the skin and so give a more comfortable shave.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for a shaving razor, the handle including a head part, a first mounting for mounting a blade holder and/or a blade to the head part, a body for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting for mounting the head part to the body, the second mounting being arranged to permit the head part to move relative to the body. Possibly, the body is elongate and has a longitudinal axis.

Possibly, the first mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the blade holder or blade about a first axis. Possibly, the blade holder includes a blade which has a cutting edge, and the first axis may be substantially parallel with the cutting edge. Possibly, the first axis is substantially at 90° to the longitudinal body axis. Possibly, the second mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the head part about a second axis, which may be orientated differently to the first axis. Possibly, the second axis is substantially at 90° to the first axis, and may be substantially aligned along or parallel to the longitudinal body axis.

Possibly, the second mounting includes one or more limits to limit the movement of the head part relative to the body. Possibly, the second mounting includes biasing means to bias the head part to a neutral condition. Possibly, the biasing means include one or more resiliently deformable members, which may be arranged to resist movement of the head part away from the neutral condition, and may be arranged to provide increasing resistance to further movement away from the neutral condition.

Possibly, the second mounting includes a mounting member, which may extend between the head part and the body, and may project from the head part. The mounting member may be receivable within a passage, which may be defined by the body. The body may include means for retaining the mounting member within the passage.

The first mounting may include a pair of yoke arms, and may include a pair of mounting formations. One mounting formation may be located at the end of each of the yoke arms.

The handle may include a guide, which may guide movement of the head part relative to the body. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a shaving razor, the razor including a handle, the handle including a head part, a first mounting for mounting a blade holder and/or a blade to the head part, a body for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting for mounting the head part to the body, the second mounting being arranged to permit the head part to move relative to the body.

Other features of the handle may be as described in the preceding paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shaving razor, with a handle and a blade holder shown in a detached condition;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the handle of Fig 1 in a partially disassembled condition;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of the encircled part of the handle shown in Fig 2 and labelled "III";

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the handle;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view from the side of the handle as indicated by the line marked V-V in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view from the side of the handle as indicated by the line marked VI-VI in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the handle in use in a rotated condition;

Fig. 8 is an end view of the handle in the rotated condition of Fig 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second handle for a shaving razor;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the handle of Fig 9 in a partially disassembled condition;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view from the side along the longitudinal axis of the handle of Fig 9;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a third handle for a shaving razor;

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the handle of Fig 12;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a fourth handle;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view from the side of the handle as indicated by the line marked XV-XV in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view from the end of the handle as indicated by the line marked XVI-XVI in Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth handle in a partially disassembled condition;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view from the side along the longitudinal axis of the handle of Fig 17;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a sixth handle;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional plan view along the longitudinal axis of the handle of Fig 19; and

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view from the end of the handle as indicated by the line marked XXI-XXI in Fig. 20.

Fig. 1 shows a shaving razor 10 including a handle 1 and a blade holder 16, which is shown in a detached condition.

The handle 11 includes a head part 14, a first mounting 20 for mounting a blade holder 16 to the head part 14, a body 12 for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting 34 for mounting the head part 14 to the body 12, the second mounting 34 being arranged to permit the head part 14 to move relative to the body 12.

The body 12 is elongate and has a longitudinal axis 28.

The head part 14 includes a main part 15 and a cover 24. The body 12 includes a main part 13 and a cover 22. In Figs 2 and 3, the covers 22, 24 have been removed to show the second mounting 34. The covers 22, 24 could be removable in use, or could be fixed in position on initial assembly of the handle 11. The first mounting 20 is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the blade holder 16 about a first axis 26. In this embodiment, the blade holder 16 includes a pair of blades 18, each of which has a cutting edge 19. The first axis 26 is substantially parallel with the cutting edges 19, and is substantially at 90° to the longitudinal body axis 28.

The first mounting 20 includes a pair of yoke arms 40, which extend outwardly from the main head part 15. A mounting formation 36 is located at the free end of each of the yoke arms 40. The mounting formations 36 are engageable with corresponding formations 38 projecting from the holder 16 to pivotally mount the holder 16 to the handle 11. The holder formations 38 are in the form of clips which removably push fit on to the mounting formations 38, to permit easy removal and replacement of the blade holder 16.

Referring to Figs 2 to 6, the second mounting 34 is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the head part 14 about a second axis 52, which in this example is substantially aligned along the longitudinal body axis 28.

The second mounting 34 includes a mounting member in the form of a stub axle 30, which projects from the main head part 15, and is receivable within an axle passage 32 defined by the main body part 13. In the example shown, the main body part 13 includes a reinforcing tube 54 which defines the axle passage 32. The stub axle 30 defines a recess 44 which extends around the axle 30 and is located towards but spaced from the remote end of the axle 30. The stub axle 30 includes a conical part 56 which is located just outside the axle passage 32. The conical part 56 aids assembly of the head part 14 to the body 12 as it aids accurate alignment of the recess 44 with the pin hole 43.

The body 12 includes means for retaining the stub axle 30 in the form of a pin 42 which is located in a hole 43 defined by the main body part 13 which extends to meet the axle passage 32. The handle 11 is arranged so that the pin 42 is received within the recess of the axle 30, permitting rotation of the axle 30, but preventing withdrawal of the axle 30 from the axle passage 32. The main body part 13, the main head part 15, the body cover 22 and the head cover 24 together define a cavity 48.

The second mounting 34 includes biasing means including a pair of resiliently deformable members in the form of fingers 46, which extend within the cavity 48 from the main head part 15 towards the main body part 13, one on either side of the axle 30. Each of the fingers 46 is in the form of a curve, and is formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as a plastics material, rubber or spring steel.

In use, the handle 11 is assembled with the covers 22, 24 in position, and the blade holder 16 with blades 18 clipped into position on the first mounting 20. Initially, with no force applied to the blade holder 16 or head part 14, the head part 14 is biased by the fingers 46 to a neutral condition, as shown in Figs 1 to 6. In the neutral condition, the fingers 46 are in a relaxed condition. The fingers 46 contact but are not bonded or fixed to the main body part 13, and thus can move relative to the main body part 13.

As the blade holder 16 and blades 18 are brought into contact with and moved over the user's skin, varying forces are applied to the blade holder 16 against the force applied by the user through handle 11. The blade holder 16 can move both pivotally around the first axis 26 and pivotally around the second axis 52, these movements being indicated by arrows A and B respectively in Fig 7. These movements permit accommodation of contours in the surface of the user's skin, meaning that the shaving experience is more pleasant and comfortable for the user.

The forces applied to the blade holder 16 act to move the head part 14 relative to the body 12 rotationally in either a clockwise or an anti clockwise direction, which deforms one of the fingers 46. As the respective finger 46 is increasingly deformed, it provides an increasing resistance force to further deformation, until the applied force and the resistance force are in balance, and the deformation stops, or until no further deformation of the finger can occur because the fingers 46 are jamming further relative movement of the head part 14 and the body 12. As the applied force reduces, the resilient property of the finger 46 biases the head part 14 back to the neutral condition. The fingers 46 thus provide limits to limit the pivotal movement of the head part 14 relatively to the body 12.

The maximum amount of rotational movement permitted, which is shown in Fig 8 by an angle with reference numeral 50, could be between 5 and 45°, and could be between 5° and 20°, and optimally could be approximately 13-14°.

The rotational movement is also guided by abutting edges 68 of the main head part 15, the main body part 13, the head cover 24 and the body cover 22, which thus comprise a guide.

Figs 9 to 16 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1 to 8. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

Figs 9 to 11 show a second handle 111 for a shaving razor which includes a body 12 and a head 180. The head 180 includes a fixed part 62 which is fixed relative to the body 12 and a pivotable head part 14. The fixed part 62 includes a cover 63 which has been removed in Fig 10. The pivotable head part 14 includes a main head part 15 and a cover 61 which has been removed in Fig 10.

The fixed part 62 includes a fixing projection 64 which projects from the fixed part 63 and is received within a fixing passage 66 defined by the body 12. The fixing projection 64 could be bonded in position within the fixing passage 66 by any suitable means, such as with adhesive, or by welding. As in the previous embodiment, the handle 111 includes a first mounting 20 for mounting a blade holder 16 to the head part 14, and a second mounting 34 for mounting the head part 14 to the body 12, but in this embodiment the head part 14 is indirectly mounted to the body 12 via the fixed head part 62.

The second mounting 34 is similar to that described previously, comprising a stub axle 30, which projects from the main head part 15, and is receivable within an axle passage 32 defined by the fixed head part 62. However, in this embodiment, the axis of the axle passage 32 and hence the second axis 52, which is the axis of rotation of the head part 14, is offset from and parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the body 12.

In this embodiment, the second mounting 34 includes biasing means including a pair of resiliency deformable members in the form of fingers 46, which are similar to those previously described, which extend from the main head part 15 to the fixed head part 62, one on either side of the axle 30, and function in a similar way to that previously described. In use, the handle is used and functions in a similar way to that previously described.

Figs 12 and 13 show a third handle 211 , which includes a body 12 and a head 280. The head 280 includes a fixed part 162 in the form of a ball which is fixed to the body 12 and a movable head part 14 which defines a socket cavity 162 in which the fixed part 162 is located. The handle 211 includes a guide which includes, in this example, a guide pin 76, which projects from the fixed part 162 into a guide slot 74 defined by the head part 14 to guide and limit movement of the head part 14 relative to the fixed part 162. The pin 76 and slot 74 thus provide limits for movement of the head part 14 relative to the fixed part 162 and the body 12. The slot 74 is arranged to permit only pivotal movement of the head part 14 around the second axis 52, which is aligned along the longitudinal axis 28 of the body 12. The pin 76 could be formed of a resiliently deformable material to provide biasing means to bias the head 280 to a neutral position. In use, the handle 211 functions in a similar way to the previous embodiments.

Figs 14 to 16 show a fourth handle 311 , in which the second mounting 34 includes a mounting member in the form of a torsion pin 82 which replaces the stub axle 30 of Figs 1 to 8. The torsion pin 82 is received within a body passage 90 defined by the body 12 and a head passage 92 defined by the head part 14. The torsion pin 82 is formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as a plastics material or rubber. In one example, the plastics material could be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Fixings 88 fix the ends of the torsion pin 82 to the head part 14 and the main body part 13. The fixings 88 could be, for example, formed of adhesive, or by welding, or by any other convenient method.

The handle 311 includes a guide which includes, in this example, a pair of guide pins 86, 87, which extend between the head part 14 and the main body part 13. In the example shown, one pin 86 extends from the head part 14 and is received within a guide recess 84 defined by the main body part 13, and another pin 87 extends from the main body part 13 and is received within a guide recess 87 defined by the head part 14. As shown in Fig 16, each of the recesses 84, 85 is in the shape of an arc extending around the second axis 52. The guide pins 86, 87 and recesses 84, 85 provide limits in that the recesses 84, 85 define the limits of rotational movement of the head part 14 relative to the body 12 around the second axis 52. In use, the engagement of the guide pins 86, 87 within the recesses

84, 85 permits the head part 14 to only move in a relative rotational, pivotal movement about the second axis 52. Initially, the head part 14 is in a neutral condition. As the head part 14 encounters twisting forces, it moves rotationally around the second axis 52 relative to the body 12, deforming the torsion pin 82. The resilient property of the torsion pin 82 permits deformation until the reactive, resistance forces in the torsion pin 82 are equal to the twisting forces being applied to the head part 14, or until the guide pins 86, 87 are prevented from further movement by the walls of the recesses 84, 85. When the twisting forces are removed, the resilient property of the torsion pin 82 biases the head part 14 back to the neutral position. The torsion pin 82 thus provides biasing means which bias the head part 14 to the neutral condition.

Figs. 17 and 18 show a fifth handle 411 for a shaving razor which includes a body 12 and a head 480, which is similar to the second handle shown in Figs 9 to 11 and described above. In this embodiment, however, the mounting member is in the form of a torsion pin 82 which replaces the stub axle 30, and extends between the main head part 15 and the fixed head part 62. At one end, the torsion pin 82 is received and fixed within a recess 96 defined by a retaining formation 94 of the main head part 15 and at the other end the torsion pin is received and fixed within the axle passage 32 defined by the fixed head part 62.

The torsion pin 82 is formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as a plastics material or rubber. In one example, the plastics material could be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In this embodiment, the second mounting 34 includes biasing means including a pair of resiliently deformable members in the form of fingers 46, which are similar to those previously described, which extend from the main head part 15 to the fixed head part 62, one on either side of the axle 30, and function in a similar way to that previously described.

In use, the handle 411 is used and functions in a similar way to that previously described. The resilient property of the torsion pin 82 permits deformation until the reactive, resistance forces in the torsion pin 82 are equal to the twisting forces being applied to the head part 14. When the twisting forces are removed, the resilient property of the torsion pin 82 biases the head part 14 back to the neutral position. The torsion pin 82 thus provides biasing means which bias the head part 14 to the neutral condition.

Figs 19 to 21 show a sixth handle 511 , in which the second mounting 34 includes a mounting member in the form of a stub axle 30 which projects from the main head part 15, and is receivable within an axle passage 32 defined by the main body part 13.

The main body part 13 defines a recess 100 which abuts the head part 14 and is substantially filled with a torsion member 98 in the form of a sleeve. The torsion sleeve 98 is formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as a plastics material or rubber. In one example, the plastics material could be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Fixings 88 fix the ends of the torsion sleeve 98 to the head part 14 and the main body part 13. The fixings 88 could be, for example, formed of adhesive, or by welding, or by any other convenient method. In use, the handle 511 is used and functions in a similar way to that previously described. The resilient property of the torsion sleeve 98 permits deformation until the reactive, resistance forces in the torsion sleeve 98 are equal to the twisting forces being applied to the head part 14. When the twisting forces are removed, the resilient property of the torsion sleeve 98 biases the head part 14 back to the neutral position. The torsion sleeve 98 thus provides biasing means which bias the head part 14 to the neutral condition.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The handle could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. The mounting formations could be of any suitable size, shape and design, and could be arranged to be compatible with different blade holders from different blade manufacturers. The arrangement of the mounting formations could be different. For example, the mounting formation could be in the form of a clip, or could receive a clip. The mounting formations could be arranged to mount a blade or blades directly, without a holder. The holder could include any suitable number of blades, from one upwards.

The orientation of the rotational axes could be arranged differently. For example, the second axis could be angled obliquely relative to the longitudinal body axis, and could be angled obliquely relative to the first axis.

In another embodiment, the handle could include a first mounting which mounts a blade or a holder without permitting pivotal movement of the blade or holder. In still another embodiment, the first mounting could non removably mount a blade or blade holder to the handle. For example, the first mounting could comprise a simple hinge of a flexible or a resiliently flexible material.

The handle and razor could be suitable for use on human or animal skin. Any of the features of any of the embodiments shown could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided a handle for a shaving razor which permits pivotal movement of a blade and blade holder around two different axes, increasing the ability of the razor to accommodate skin contours, reducing the risk of shaving cuts and razor burn and increasing the comfort of the user.

Claims

1. A handle for a shaving razor, the handle including a head part, a first mounting for mounting a blade holder and/or a blade to the head part, a body for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting for mounting the head part to the body, the second mounting being arranged to permit the head part to move relative to the body.

2. A handle according to claim 1 , in which the body is elongate and has a longitudinal axis.

3. A handle according to claims 1 or 2, in which the first mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the blade holder or blade about a first axis. 4. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the blade holder includes a blade which has a cutting edge.

5. A handle according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, in which the first axis is substantially parallel with the cutting edge.

6. A handle according to claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon when dependent on claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the first axis is substantially at 90° to the longitudinal body axis. 7. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the head part about a second axis.

8. A handle according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the second axis is orientated differently to the first axis.

9. A handle according to claim 8, in which the second axis is substantially at 90° to the first axis.

10. A handle according to any of claims 7 to 9 when dependent on claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the second axis is substantially aligned along or parallel to the longitudinal body axis.

11. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting includes one or more limits to limit the movement of the head part relative to the body. 12. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting includes biasing means to bias the head part to a neutral condition.

13. A handle according to claim 12, in which the biasing means include one or more resiliently deformable members.

14. A handle according to claims 12 or 13, in which the biasing means are arranged to resist movement of the head part away from the neutral condition. 5. A handle according to claim 14, in which the biasing means are arranged to provide increasing resistance to further movement away from the neutral condition. 16. A handle according to claim any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting includes a mounting member. 7. A handle according to claim 16, in which the mounting member extends between the head part and the body.

18. A handle according to claim 17, in which the mounting member projects from the head part.

19. A handle according to any of claims 16 to 18, in which the mounting member is receivable within a passage defined by the body.

20. A handle according to claim 19, in which the body includes means for retaining the mounting member within the passage. 21. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first mounting includes a pair of yoke arms and a pair of mounting formations, one mounting formation being located at the end of each of the yoke arms.

22. A handle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the handle includes a guide, which guides movement of the head part relative to the body.

23. A shaving razor, the razor including a handle, the handle including a head part, a first mounting for mounting a blade holder and/or a blade to the head part, a body for gripping by a user in use, and a second mounting for mounting the head part to the body, the second mounting being arranged to permit the head part to move relative to the body.

24. A razor according to claim 23, in which the handle is as defined in any of claims 1 to 22.

25. A handle for a shaving razor substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. 26. A shaving razor substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.