WO2015110808A1

WO2015110808A1 - A razor or razor cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2015110808A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Woolfson; Adam Yaffe
Original assignee: Evoshave Ltd
Priority date: 2014-01-21
Filing date: 2015-01-21
Publication date: 2015-07-30
Also published as: GB2522273A; GB201401008D0

Abstract

A razor cartridge or head (10) configured such that, in use, it can be pushed to achieve a shaving action is provided. The cartridge (10) comprises a top portion (20), a first short side portion (12), a second short side portion (14), a first long side portion (16) and a second long side portion (18). The cartridge (10) also provided with at least one razor blade (22, 24) positioned so as to provide the shaving action when the cartridge is pushed across a region to be shaved. At least one of the first and second long side portions of the cartridge (10) is provided with a finger gripping surface (50) having one or more raised members (30).

Description

A RAZOR OR RAZOR CARTRIDGE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to razors and razor cartridges and heads, and in particular, but without limitation to shaving razors and shaving razor cartridges and heads.

Background of the Invention

The majority of razors on the market today comprise a handle with a razor head. The razor head is either formed with the handle or the handle has an attachment point to which a disposable razor cartridge can be detachably affixed. A user grips the handle to manipulate the razor cartridge and slide it relative to the skin to effect shaving. A conventional razor's handle is normally designed with ergonomics in mind, and thus usually comprises grip portions corresponding to the user's finger positions and high friction components to facilitate gripping the handle when wet.

Shaving razors are available that have been optimised for shaving particular body parts. For example, a generally cylindrical handle that is gripped between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. This type of handle is sometimes considered to be better for shaving a user's face as it can be easily rotated and tilted to obtain the optimum contact angle when shaving the relatively tight curves of a user's face. Conversely, more pad-shaped handles are also available that are considered particularly effective for shaving a user's legs because they afford a large gripping surface. A pad-type configuration affords better control at arm's length, when shaving large areas or when sliding the razor along relatively large distances.

One of the main objectives of shaving is to achieve a close shave, which is best achieved with a sharp blade and when the blade or blades are brought into very close proximity with the skin. These general requirements lead to a risk of cutting the user's skin since the best shaving result is achieved with a very sharp blade brought into almost direct contact with the skin.

To ensure that the blade is kept sharp, many shaving systems make use of disposable razor cartridges which can be detachably affixed to the handle and disposed of when they become blunt. Disposable razor cartridges often comprise a plurality of blades which enable the blades to be set at incrementally closer distances to the user's skin, thereby ensuring a close shave, but reducing the risk of plucking hairs as can happen if the length of the stubble is too long. Moreover, a multi-blade razor cartridge also offers some scope for distributing the pressure applied to the blades over a greater contact area, thereby reducing the risk of cuts and nicks.

Disposable razor cartridges, however, suffer from a number of downsides including being bulky relative to the size of the blades themselves, making it difficult to achieve good control.

Moreover, multi-blade razor cartridges, in particular, often require a large contact area with the skin to perform optimally. To alleviate these issues, many disposable razor cartridges are designed to articulate relative to the razor handle so that the cartridge automatically adopts a desired contact angle with respect to the skin and to compensate for incorrect handle angle.

Whilst such a setup alleviates some of the problems highlighted above, it can also lead to a general lack of direct control of the razor head or cartridge and can be clumsy or non-intuitive to use.

Moreover, commonly used razors have a stick-type handle which is remote from the cartridge. In use, the distance between the handle and the cartridge results in a relatively large radius of curvature at the point at which a user grips the handle, relative to a pivot through the cartridge. In normal use, this translates to a large degree of rotation of the cartridge relative to a small degree of rotation of the handle. Rotation of the cartridge is undesirable during shaving as it can result in lateral movement of the blades, which can cause a cut through the skin.

Additionally, such stick-type handle razors function by way of a user pulling the blades of the cartridge over the surface of the skin, using the handle. The resultant force applied onto the skin is therefore directed ahead of the cartridge. This results in a user having limited control over the blades and, because the blades are pulled over the surface of the skin, inefficient use of the cutting effectiveness of blades when shaving.

It is therefore desirable for there to be a razor cartridge which provides more control of the movement of the cartridge.

It is also therefore desirable for there to be a razor cartridge which makes more efficient use of the force applied to the razor by the user. Patent document WO2013/034902 A1 describes a razor handle which facilitates gripping of a razor such that a user can comfortably rest his or her fingers on the razor head or cartridge and therefore more directly control the razor head or cartridge.

However, irrespective of the type of razor being used, it is desirable to improve the control the user has over the contact between the razor blades and the skin. It is also desirable to improve the cutting of the hair when shaving.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a razor cartridge or head configured such that, in use, it can be pushed to achieve a shaving action, said cartridge or head comprising: a top portion, a first short side portion, a second short side portion, a first long side portion and a second long side portion; at least one razor blade positioned so at to provide the shaving action; and wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions is provided with a finger gripping surface having one or more raised members.

Preferably said raised members may comprise: ribs, fingers or a combination of both. It is envisioned that other suitably shaped projections might be employed as the raised members without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably at least one of the first and second short side portions may also comprise a gripping surface.

Preferably at least one of the first and second long side portions may also comprise a resilient surface.

Preferably at least one of the first and second short side portions may also comprise a resilient surface.

Further preferably the resilient surface may be resilient in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the resilient surface. The resilient surface may also be resistive to force in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the resilient surface.

Preferably the gripping surface may be the resilient surface.

Preferably the gripping surface may comprise a rubber material. Further preferably the rubber material may be less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale. More preferably the rubber may be 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale. Preferably the razor cartridge or head may comprise a main body wherein the gripping surface advantageously extends at least partially around the external circumference of the main body.

Further preferably the gripping surface may be molded around the external circumference of the main body.

Preferably the, or each, razor blade of the razor cartridge may be fixed to the main body. Preferably the razor cartridge or head may further comprise a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is fixed to the main body such as to form one or more open slots through which the, or each, blade extends.

Further preferably the cover portion may comprise a planar external surface, wherein the, or each, blade preferably extends above the planar external surface at an angle of between 15° and 30° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade.

More preferably, the, or each, blade may extend above the planar external surface at an angle of between 20° and 22° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade.

Preferably the planar external surface may be arcuate in shape. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a razor comprising a handle and a razor cartridge or head according to the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably the handle may comprise a main body portion comprising first and second spaced-apart finger engaging surfaces adapted, in use, to be engageable with opposite sides of a user's finger and a grip portion interposed between the finger engaging surfaces.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a razor cartridge or head configured such that, in use, it can be pushed to achieve a shaving action, said method comprising: providing a main body; forming a gripping surface having one or more raised members around at least part of the external circumference of the main body; providing at least one blade and fixing it to the main body; providing a top portion and fixing it to the main body such that one or more apertures are formed between the top portion and the main body; whereby the, or each, blade extends through the apertures.

Preferably the gripping surface may be formed from a resilient material.

Preferably the gripping surface may be formed from a rubber material. Further preferably the rubber material may be less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale. Yet further preferably the rubber may be 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale.

Preferably the gripping surface may be molded around at least part of the external circumference of the main body. Preferably at least one of the main body and top portion may be molded from a plastics material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a drawing of a razor cartridge or head according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a drawing of a main body of a razor cartridge or head according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a drawing of a gripping surface of a razor cartridge or head according to Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a drawing of a pair of blades of a razor cartridge or head according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a drawing of a top portion of a razor cartridge or head according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a drawing of a razor, according to the present invention, having the razor cartridge or head of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a drawing of the razor of Figure 6, from a different perspective; and

Figure 8 is a drawing of the razor of Figure 6, being gripped by a user.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Present Invention

Referring to Figure 1 , a razor cartridge or head 10, according to the present invention, has a first short side 12, a second short side 14, a first long side 16, a second long side 18, and a cover portion 20. The razor cartridge or head 10 further comprises first and second blades, 22 and 24. However, other embodiments of the invention may have a single or a different number of blades.

Figure 1 shows a razor cartridge 10 having a connector 26 for detachably affixing the razor cartridge 10 to a handle. However, the present invention is also applicable to a razor head which is formed as a single unit with a handle.

The first long side 16 has a gripping surface 28. Additionally, one or more of the second long side 18, the first short side 12 and the second short side 14, may additionally have a gripping surface 28. The gripping surface 28 may have one or more raised gripping members 30 extending in a parallel relationship across the length of the respective side, 12, 14, 16 and 18.

The gripping surface 28 is formed from a rubber material having a Shore Hardness Scale value of less than 30, or preferably 20 or less, or more preferably 20.

The gripping surface 28 is formed such that it is resilient in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of its surface. This advantageously provides for improved gripping as the resiliency of the gripping surface 28 creates a back-force onto the engaging finger tips resulting in greater engagement and therefore greater control between the finger tips and the razor cartridge or head 10. The raised gripping members 30, of the gripping surface 28, may also provide a resistance to force applied in a direction substantially parallel to the general plane of its surface. This advantageously prevents the finger tips sliding laterally across the gripping surface, again resulting in greater engagement and therefore greater control between the finger tips and the razor cartridge or head 10.

Figure 8 illustrates a razor 32, according to the present invention, having a razor cartridge or head 10 attached to, or formed with, a handle 34. The handle 34 is being gripped by a user, whereby the finger tips of the user's forefinger 36 and middle finger 38 are engaged with the gripping surface 28 on one of the first or second long sides, 16 or 18, of the razor cartridge or head 10.

In use, with the user's forefinger 36 and middle finger 38 engaged with the gripping surface 28, the cartridge is pushed over the surface of the skin during shaving.

Pushing of the cartridge, as opposed to pulling of the cartridge, directs the force applied by forefinger 36 and middle finger 38, through the razor cartridge or head 10, directly to the blades 22 and 24. This provides for greater control over the blades 22 and 24, more efficient translation of the force applied by the user to blades, 22 and 24, and more efficient use of the blades', 22 and 24, cutting effectiveness.

Moreover, in pushing the blade, the direction in which the razor cartridge or head 10 travels and therefore the direction in which the blades, 22 and 24, travel, is more conducive to achieving a more controlled and closer shave. Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the razor cartridge or device 10 comprises a main body 40, having a first short side 42, a second short side 44, a first long side 46 and a second long side 48, corresponding respectively to the short and long sides, 12, 14, 16 and 18, of the razor cartridge or head 10, of Figure 1. Each of the first and second short sides, 42 and 44, and the first and second long sides, 46 and 48, are formed to receive a gripping member 50. However, alternative embodiments of the razor cartridge or head 10 may have any one, two or three of the sides, 42, 44, 46 and 48 formed to receive a gripping member. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second short sides, 42 and 44, and the first and second long sides, 46 and 48, are formed to provide a molding recess 52, which extends around the external circumference of the main body 40. The first and second short sides, 42 and 44, each comprise a side wall, 54 and 56. Each short side wall, 54 and 56, has an upper portion, 58 and 60, respectively, and a lower portion, 62 and 64, respectively. The upper portions, 58 and 60, have a greater thickness relative to the lower portions, 62 and 64. The lower portions, 62 and 64 thereby provide for the molding recess 52 across the first and second short sides, 42 and 44.

Each short side wall, 54 and 56, also has an internal wall surface, 66 and 68, respectively, and a top surface, 70 and 72, respectively. Each top surface, 70 and 72, is formed to provide an arcuate planar surface.

Each first and second long side, 46 and 48, comprises a wall, 74 and 76,

respectively. Each wall, 74 and 76, has an upper portion, 78 and 80, respectively, and a lower portion, 82 and 84, respectively. The upper portions, 78 and 80, are of a lesser thickness relative to the lower portions, 82 and 84, respectively. The upper portions 78 and 80 thereby provide for the molding recess 52 across the first and second long sides, 46 and 48. Referring also to Figure 3, the gripping member 50 is formed from a rubber material, which may have a Shore Hardness Scale value of less than 30, or preferably 20 or less, or more preferably 20.

The gripping member 50 is preferably molded into the molding recess 52 during the manufacturing process. The raised gripping members 30 may also be formed in the molding process during manufacturing.

However, in alternative embodiments, the gripping member 50 may be formed separately, such as, for example, by initially molding it and then attaching it to the main body 40 using friction fit and/or by using an adhesive.

The gripping member 50 is a rectangular ring having first and second short sides, 86 and 88, and first and second long sides, 90 and 92, respectively, which are shaped and dimensioned to conform within the molding recess 52, of the main body 40.

Referring again to Figure 2, the main body 40 further comprises first and second, blade mounts, 94 and 96. The embodiment illustrated has two blade mounts, 94 and 96. However, other embodiments may have a different number of blade mounts to correspond with the number of blades required in the razor cartridge or head 10.

Each blade mount, 94 and 96, extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second long sides, 44 and 48, and provides a first planar surface (not shown) and a second planar surface 98, each having a gradient which increases towards the respective first and second long sides, 46 and 48.

A pair of first blade position members, 100 and 102, and a pair of second blade position members, 104 and 106, are suitably positioned on the main body 40.

Referring also to Figure 4, the first and second blades, 22 and 24, have first and second mounting portions, 1 12 and 1 14, respectively, and first and second cutting potions, 1 16 and 1 18, extending from the respective mounting portion, 1 12 and 1 14, at an angle relative thereto.

The first and second mounting portions, 1 12 and 114, have a first pair of blade position slots (not shown) and a second pair of blade position slots, 120 and 122. The first and second pair of blade position slots are suitably positioned and dimensioned to engage with the pair of first blade position members, 100 and 102, and the pair of second blade position members, 104 and 106, respectively, when the blades, 108 and 110, are mounted on the blade mounts, 94 and 96.

Referring to Figure 5, the cover portion 20 has a first short side abutment 124 and a second short side abutment 126. The first and second side abutments, 124 and 126, each have a top surface formed to provide an arcuate planar surface.

A cover 132 extends between the first short side abutment 124 and the second short side abutment 126. The cover 132 has an external, arcuately shaped, planar surface. A first blade abutment member 130 and a second blade abutment member 132 extend along the underside of the cover 128 between the first short side abutment 124 and the second short side abutment 126.

In an assembled state, the first and second blades, 22 and 24, are mounted on the first and second blade mounts, 94 and 96, respectively, such that the pair of first blade position members, 100 and 102, and the pair of second blade position members, 104 and 106, are located within the first pair of blade position slots (not shown) and the second pair of blade position slots, 120 and 122, respectively.

The cover portion 20 is fixed to the main body 40 such that the first and second short side abutments, 124 and 126, are disposed adjacent to the internal wall surfaces, 66 and 68, respectively, and the first blade abutment member 130 and the second blade abutment member 132 abut and clamp the first and second blades, 22 and 24, onto the first and second blade mounts, 94 and 96, respectively. The first and second cutting potions, 1 16 and 118, of the first and second blades, 22 and 24, respectively, extend through first and second open slots. Each open slot is defined by the cover 128, a portion of the first and second side abutments, 124 and 126, and the main body 40.

The cutting portions, 1 16 and 1 18, preferably extend at an angle of approximately between 15° to 30°, or more preferably at an angle of approximately between 20° and 22°, relative to a tangent of the arc of the cover 128 adjacent the respective blade, 22 and 24. This provides for a closer shave whilst also reducing the risk of cutting the skin when shaving. Referring to Figure 6 and 7, the razor 32 is illustrated from two different perspectives, showing the razor cartridge (or head) 10 detachably affixed to a handle 34.

As will be appreciated, if the razor alternatively has a head 10, then the head 10 is formed with the razor handle 34 as one unit and therefore the razor 32 is then of the disposable razor type.

It will be appreciated that the razor cartridge or head 10, according to the present invention is applicable for use with any type of razor handle or disposable-type razor irrespective of the shape or manner of use, as the razor cartridge or head 10, according to the present invention, provides improved biomechanical control over the blades when shaving.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

The present invention will now be described by way of reference to the following clauses:

1 . A razor cartridge or head comprising a top portion, a first short side portion, a second short side portion, a first long side portion and a second long side portion, wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions is configured to facilitate pushing of the razor head or cartridge during a shaving action.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions comprises a gripping surface.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first and second short side portions comprises a gripping surface.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions comprises a resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first and second short side portions comprises a resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 5, wherein the resilient surface is resilient in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 5 or 6, wherein the resilient surface is resistive to force in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the resilient surface.

8. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 4 to 7, wherein the gripping surface is the resilient surface. 9. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause, wherein the gripping surface comprises a rubber material. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 9, wherein the rubber material is less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 10, wherein the rubber is 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause, wherein the gripping surface comprises one or more raised members. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause, comprising a main body wherein the gripping surface extends at least partially around the external circumference of the main body. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 13, wherein the gripping surface is molded around the external circumference of the main body. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 13 or 14, comprising at least one blade, wherein the, or each, blade is fixed to the main body. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 15, comprising a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is fixed to the main body such as to form one or more open slots through which the, or each, blade extends. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 16, wherein the cover portion comprises a planar external surface and wherein the, or each, blade extends above the planar external surface at an angle of between 15° and 30° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 17, wherein the, or each, blade extends above the planar external surface at an angle of between 20° and 22° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade. A razor cartridge or head as referred to in clause 16 to 18, wherein the planar external surface is arcuate in shape. A razor comprising a handle and a razor cartridge or head as referred to in any preceding clause. A razor as referred to in clause 20, wherein the handle comprises a main body portion comprising first and second spaced-apart finger engaging surfaces adapted, in use, to be engagable with opposite sides of a user's finger and a grip portion interposed between the finger engaging surfaces. A method of making a razor cartridge or head comprising:

providing a main body;

forming a gripping surface around at least part of the external circumference of the main body;

providing at least one blade and fixing it to the main body;

providing a top portion and fixing it to the main body such that one or more apertures are formed between the top portion and the main body; whereby the, or each, blade extends through the apertures. A method as referred to in clause 22, whereby the gripping surface is formed from a resilient material. A method as referred to in clause 22 or 23, wherein the gripping surface is formed from a rubber material. A method as referred to in clause 24, wherein the rubber material is less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale. A method as referred to in clause 25, wherein the rubber is 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale. A method as referred to in any of clauses 22 to 26, wherein the gripping surface is molded around at least part of the external circumference of the main body. A method as referred to in any of clauses 22 to 28, whereby at least one of the main body and top portion is molded from a plastics material.

Claims

A razor cartridge or head configured such that, in use, it can be pushed to achieve a shaving action, said cartridge or head comprising: a top portion, a first short side portion, a second short side portion, a first long side portion and a second long side portion; at least one razor blade positioned so at to provide the shaving action; and

wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions is provided with a finger gripping surface having one or more raised members.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second short side portions comprises a gripping surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second long side portions comprises a resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second short side portions comprises a resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 3, wherein the resilient surface is resilient in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the resilient surface is resistive to force in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 3 to 6, wherein the gripping surface is the resilient surface.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping surface comprises a rubber material.

A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rubber material i less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale.

10. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rubber is 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale.

11. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in any of the preceding claims,

comprising a main body wherein the gripping surface extends at least partially around the external circumference of the main body.

12. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the gripping surface is molded around the external circumference of the main body.

13. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12, comprising a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is fixed to the main body such as to form one or more open slots through which the, or each, blade extends.

14. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cover portion comprises a planar external surface and wherein the, or each, blade extends above the planar external surface at an angle of between 15^° and 30^° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade.

15. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 14, wherein the, or each, blade extends above the planar external surface at an angle of between 20^° and 22^° relative to the portion of the planar external surface adjacent the blade.

16. A razor cartridge or head as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the planar external surface is arcuate in shape.

17. A razor comprising a handle and a razor cartridge or head as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

18. A razor as claimed in claim 17, wherein the handle comprises a main body portion comprising first and second spaced-apart finger engaging surfaces adapted, in use, to be engagable with opposite sides of a user's finger and a grip portion interposed between the finger engaging surfaces.

19. A method of making a razor cartridge or head configured such that, in use, it can be pushed to achieve a shaving action, said method comprising:

providing a main body;

forming a gripping surface having one or more raised members around at least part of the external circumference of the main body;

providing at least one blade and fixing it to the main body;

providing a top portion and fixing it to the main body such that one or more apertures are formed between the top portion and the main body; whereby the, or each, blade extends through the apertures.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, whereby the gripping surface is formed from a resilient material.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the gripping surface is formed from a rubber material.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the rubber material is less than 30 on the Shore hardness scale.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the rubber is 20 or less on the Shore hardness scale.

24. A method as claimed in claims 19 to 23, wherein the gripping surface is

molded around at least part of the external circumference of the main body.

25. A method as claimed in claims 19 to 24, whereby at least one of the main body and top portion is molded from a plastics material.