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Inventors
Andrews, Edward A.
Application #
301255
Filed
Sep-6-1994
Published
Jun-4-1996
Current US Class
030/50
International Classes
B26B 021/16; B26B 021/22
Field of Search
30/47 30/49 30/34 30/35 30/36 30/42 30/50 30/84 30/41 30/87 30/89
Examiners
Payer; Hwei-Siu
Attorney, Agent or Firm
Harness, Dickey & Pierce
US Patent References
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Safety razor |
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Shaving system wit... |
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Razor with rotatabl... |
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Razor blade assem... |
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Two-edge shaving... |
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| 4083104 |
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Razor handle |
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| 4094063 |
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Razor assembly wit... |
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| 4170821 |
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Razor cartridges |
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| 4205437 |
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Clean-out device fo... |
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| 4270268 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4275498 |
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Safety razor blade... |
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| 4283850 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4285124 |
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Safety razor for tri... |
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Razor blade with i... |
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Clean-out mechani... |
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| 4354312 |
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Shaving implemen... |
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| 4403413 |
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Shaving implement |
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| 4407067 |
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Shaving implement |
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| 4409735 |
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Safety razor |
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| 4411065 |
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Shaving cartridge... |
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| 4422237 |
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Razor handle |
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| 4430794 |
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Disposable razor d... |
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| 4443939 |
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Flexible razor blad... |
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| 4461078 |
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Styling razor |
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| 4464835 |
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Disposable razor |
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| 4488357 |
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Safety razor |
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| 4492024 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4492025 |
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Razor handle asse... |
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| 4498235 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4501066 |
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Dual headed razor... |
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| 4502217 |
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Shaving instrument |
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| 4573266 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4586255 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4603477 |
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Safety razors |
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| 4621424 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4756082 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 4774765 |
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Blade assembly fea... |
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| 4875288 |
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Shaving device |
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| 4944090 |
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Razor head with yi... |
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| 4980974 |
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Contoured shaving... |
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| 5003694 |
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Flexible razor head |
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| 5056221 |
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Razor and process... |
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| 5060377 |
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Shaver head with fl... |
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| 5084968 |
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Razor blade assem... |
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| 5090124 |
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Razor blade unit |
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| 5113585 |
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Shaving system |
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| 5133131 |
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Replaceable doubl... |
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| 5153992 |
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Safety razors |
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| 5161307 |
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Razor head, especi... |
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| 5287624 |
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Very easy |
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| 5307564 |
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Safety razor |
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| 5343622 |
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Bi-directional razor... |
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Referenced by:
View Backward References
Citation
Cite This Patent
More From Subclass 50
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Abstract
Several single-head bi-directional razor devices and systems are disclosed. Each has a narrow, elongated bi-directional razor head attached or attachable to a transversely extending hand grip. The razor head may be constructed as a disposable cartridge if desired. Two pairs of narrow, razor blade strips are positioned within the head, with one pair of blades extending in one direction and the other pair generally extending in an opposite direction. Both sets of blades extend along the length of the head. The user may move the razor head in one direction for contacting one pair of blades against the user's skin for cutting hair and then, without lifting or tilting or repositioning the hand grip, move the handle in the opposite direction so that the other pair of blades cuts hair during reverse movement of the razor. In other words, the head remains engaged upon the skin for cutting hair in both directions. In some embodiments, the razor head is rigidly attached to the handle. In other embodiments, the head may move relative to the handle upon pivots or shell bearings. Several different constructions and classes of assembled bi-directional razor head structures are disclosed. They differ from one another in terms of shape or size of the head, and in the way the blade strips are captured, held and oriented within the head. The heads may be molded or assembled structures.
Claims
I claim:
1. A single-head bi-directional razor comprising:
a single elongated narrow razor head having two ends and at least one elongated face therebetween, the head having an overall generally rectangular shape with first and second longitudinal edges and a longitudinal axis;
an elongated hand grip having an end connected to the head between the ends of the head;
a first, elongated, thin, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion mounted to the head and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened first edge, the outer edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and
a second elongated, thin, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion mounted to the head and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened second edge, the outer edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, such that the first and second outer edge portions extend in generally opposing directions,
the sharpened blade edges of the first and second outer edge portions defining a single flat plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the razor head,
the razor hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in one direction along a user's skin for shaving hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in the opposite direction along the user's skin for shaving hair extending therefrom without lifting the head from the user's skin during movements in the opposite directions,
whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor back and forth as in his own normal manner of moving a conventional razor upon his skin during shaving hair without changing his manner of holding the hand grip during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.
2. A bi-directional razor as in claim 1, wherein the first and second blade edges are in a plane which is generally parallel to the plane of the face.
3. A bi-directional razor as in claim 1, further comprising:
third and fourth blade strips, each substantially identical in length and shape to the first and second blade strips,
with the third blade strip having an inner portion mounted to the head closely adjacent to the inner portion of the first blade strip and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened third edge, the outer edge portion arranged parallel to and closely spaced from the outer edge portion of the first blade strip, so that the first and third blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor is moved in a first direction along the user's skin, and
the fourth blade strip having an inner portion mounted to the head closely adjacent to the inner portion of the second blade strip and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened fourth edge, the outer edge portion arranged parallel to and closely spaced from the outer edge portion of the second blade strip, so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction along the user's skin.
4. A bi-directional razor as in claim 3, wherein all of the sharpened blade edges are in the signal flat plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the razor head.
5. A bi-directional razor as in claim 3, wherein all of the sharpened blade edges are in substantially the same plane, but the third and fourth blade edges are slightly elevated relative to the single flat plane defined by the first and second blade edges to thereby improve cutting action.
6. A bi-directional razor as in claim 3, wherein the razor head has:
a first guard bar, forming at least most of the first longitudinal edge, which is located near but spaced apart from the sharpened edge of the first blade strip; and
a second guard bar, forming at least most of the second longitudinal edge, which is located near but spaced apart from the sharpened edge of the second blade strip.
7. A bi-directional razor as in claim 6, wherein:
the sharpened blade edges are in substantially the same plane;
the razor head has a glide strip between the third and fourth razor blade strips; and
the guard bars and glide strip are substantially within the same plane as the sharpened blade edges,
whereby the guard bars and glide strip help define a working plane in which the sharpened edges of the razor blade strips will safely and effectively shave hair from skin.
8. A bi-directional razor in claim 6, wherein:
the sharpened edges of the first and third razor blade strips are substantially in a first working plane defined in part by the first guard bar;
the sharpened edges of the second and fourth razor blade strips are substantially in a second working plane defined in part by the second guard bar; and
the first and second working planes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and each working plane is arranged at an acute angle to the plane defined by the sharpened edges of the first and second blade strips.
9. A bi-directional razor in claim 6, wherein:
the razor head has a movable connection to the hand grip, such that the head is able to move relative to the hand grip within a predetermined range of at least about 20 degrees when shaving hair in different directions.
10. A bi-directional razor as in claim 9, wherein the movable connection includes a shell bearing arrangement which has an axis of rotation that is above, the sharpened edges of the blade strips and above the heat plane, whereby the axis of rotation for the working plane is essentially beneath the skin while the razor head is cutting hair.
11. A bi-directional razor for manual shaving comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a working face with first and second elongated hair cutting zones, each zone being arranged in a generally planar configuration and respectively defining first and second working planes where contact with the skin of a user is to be made for cutting hair while shaving, the head having an overall generally rectangular shape with first and second ends, first and second generally parallel longitudinal edges extending between the ends, and a longitudinal axis generally running parallel to and located substantially equidistant between the first and second longitudinal edges, with the first cutting zone being generally located between the first and second ends end between the first longitudinal edge and the longitudinal axis, and with the second cutting zone being generally located between the first and second ends and between the second longitudinal edge and on a side of the longitudinal axis opposite the first cutting zone;
an elongated hand grip having a principal axis and a first end portion connected to and supporting the head for movement, with the principal axis being substantially equidistant from the first and second ends of the head;
a first elongated narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion connected to and supported by the head and an integral sharpened outer blade edge portion in the first cutting zone of the head which extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to the first working plane and projects generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis;
a second, elongated narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion connected to and supported by the head and an integral, sharpened outer blade edge portion in the second cutting zone of the head which extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to the second working plane and projects generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, so that the first and second outer blade portions extend in generally opposite directions from one another,
the first and second blade edge portions having their blade edges arranged so as to define a single flat blade edge plane that is generally parallel to longitudinal axis of the razor head,
the hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in a first direction along a user's skin for cutting hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in a second direction opposite from the first direction along the user's skin for cutting hair extending therefrom without lifting the head from the user's skin during movements in the two opposite directions,
whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor head back and forth upon his skin during shaving hair without changing his manner of holding the hand grip during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.
12. A bi-directional razor as in claim 11, wherein the first and second working planes are substantially in a single common plane.
13. A bi-directional razor as in claim 12, wherein:
the first sharpened blade edge portion is in a plane which is at a slight acute angle relative to the first working plane of the head,
the second sharpened blade edge portion is in a plane which is at a slight acute angle relative to the second working plane of the head,
the hand grip being selectively movable in opposite directions for engaging the sharpened blade edge portion of either the first blade strip or the second blade strip with the user's skin, depending upon the direction of movement of the razor relative to the user's skin, and
the razor head is arranged so the non-engaged sharpened blade edge portion slides along the user's skin during shaving of at least flat portions of the user's skin, and helps maintain the engaged blade at a desired angle relative to the user's skin.
14. A bi-directional razor as in claim 11, further comprising third and fourth razor blade strips, each being substantially identical in length to the first and second razor blade strips,
the third blade strip being arranged closely adjacent to the first blade strip and having an inner portion supported by the head adjacent to the inner portion of the first blade strip and an outer sharpened blade edge portion being arranged generally parallel to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the first blade strip, so that the first and third blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor head is moved in the first direction along the user's skin, and
the fourth blade strip being arranged closely adjacent to the second blade strip and having an inner portion supported by the head adjacent to the inner portion of the second blade strip and an outer sharpened blade edge portion being arranged generally parallel to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the second blade strip, so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor head is moved in the second direction along the user's skin,
whereby the razor cuts in the first direction with the first and third blade strips, and then in the second direction opposite from the first direction with the second and fourth blade strips by manually moving the hand grip in the first and second directions without lifting the head away from the user's skin.
15. A bi-directional razor as in claim 11, wherein the first and second working planes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and each working plane is arranged at an acute angle to the single flat blade edge plane.
16. A bi-directional razor as in claim 15, wherein the acute angle is in a range between about five degrees to about fifteen degrees, and the first and second working planes intersect one another at a location above the single flat blade edge plane.
17. A bi-directional razor as in claim 11, wherein the hand grip and the razor head are interconnected to one another through a mechanical arrangement which allows the head to move while the razor is in use relative to the hand grip about at least one axis of rotation, whereby the head is able to follow more closely the contours of the skin surface being shaved, such that the hand grip less often needs to be tilted in different directions during working strokes of the razor head in two different directions along the skin which is contoured.
18. A bi-directional razor as in claim 17, wherein the mechanical arrangement includes a pair of pivot pins.
19. A bi-directional razor as in claim 17, wherein the mechanical arrangement includes a pair of shell bearing segments spaced from one another.
20. A bi-directional razor as in claim 19, wherein the shell bearing segments are sized and arranged relative to the razor head so that the axis of rotation of the shell bearing segments is above the single flat blade edge plane of the razor head.
21. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having first and second longitudinal edges, and a face and a longitudinal axis both generally located between the edges;
a hand grip supporting the head for manual movement by a user of the razor;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and
a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis.
22. A bi-directional razor as in claim 21, wherein the hand grip is an elongated member having a principal axis and wherein the hand grip and razor head are mechanically interconnected so that the principal axis of the hand grip is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the razor head.
23. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 22, wherein the blade strips are arranged so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the user's skin in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
24. A bi-directional razor as in claim 22, wherein the razor head has a top and a bottom, and the face is located on the top of the razor head, and the hand grip is connected to the bottom of the razor head.
25. A bi-directional razor as in claim 24, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with blade strip locating means for restricting the first and second blade strips to predetermined locations; and
a blade cap structure for helping captivate the blade strips to the predetermined locations.
26. A bi-directional razor as in claim 21, further comprising:
a third razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened edge portion substantially identical in length to the sharpened edge portion of the first razor blade strip and arranged to be closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened edge portion of the first blade strip so that the first and third blade strips cut hair substantially simultaneously as the razor is moved in a first direction along the user's skin; and
a fourth razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened edge portion substantially identical in length to the sharpened edge portion of the second razor blade strip and arranged to be closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened edge portion of the second blade strip so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair substantially simultaneously as the razor is moved in second direction opposite from the first direction along the user's skin.
27. A bi-directional razor as in claim 26, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with first blade strip locating means for restricting at least the first and second blade strips substantially within predetermined locations,
second blade strip locating means for restricting at least the third and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, and
a blade cap structure connected to the blade seat structure, for helping captivate the blade strips within the predetermined locations.
28. A bi-directional razor as in claim 27, wherein the razor head further includes blade spacing means for providing a predetermined distance between the sharpened edge portions of two adjacent blade strips.
29. A bi-directional razor as in claim 27, wherein the razor head includes:
a base structure having a large generally open chamber, and blade spacing means for providing predetermined distances between the first through fourth razor blade strips, and
at least one pre-formed structural member which is assembled, along with the blade strips, into the blade seat structure as part of making the razor.
30. A bi-directional razor as in claim 27, wherein the assembled structure of the razor head further includes a plurality of pin members for locking the plurality of blade strips into predetermined locations and assisting in providing increased structural integrity for the razor blade strips.
31. A bi-directional razor as in claim 27, wherein each of the razor blade strips is generally flat without any bends and each blade strip has only one sharpened edge.
32. A bi-directional razor as in claim 31, wherein the blade seat structure is arranged to hold the four blade strips such that the plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the first and third blade strips are in a predetermined orientation that intersect the plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth blade strips.
33. A bi-directional razor as in claim 27, wherein:
the blade cap structure has a portion with a V-shaped cross-section and a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of pin members, and
the razor head further includes first and second sets of pin members respectively interlocking the first and second blade steps into position and engaged in the holes of the blade cap structure for retaining the cap structure in position as well.
34. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 27, wherein the blade strips are arranged so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the user's skin in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
35. A bi-directional razor as in claim 26, wherein:
the blade strips each have first and second ends;
the razor head includes first and second end portions positioned at opposite ends of the razor head, the first end portion being arranged adjacent to the first ends of the blade strips, and the second end portion being arranged adjacent to the second ends of the blade strips; and
each end portion having at least one elongated planar surface against which the skin of a user's face rubs as the razor is used, and each end portion being configured in relation to nearby ends of the blade strips to prevent the user's skin from being scratched by the nearby ends.
36. A bi-directional razor as in claim 35, wherein the first and second end portions are formed from separate pieces of plastic material and extend above and partially envelop the nearby ends of the blade strips.
37. A bi-directional razor as in claim 35, wherein:
the razor head is an assembled structure including a blade support structure for restricting the blade strips substantially within predetermined locations; and
the first and second end portions are formed as individual molded members, each having at least a pair of formed mating surfaces which engage complementary mating surfaces on the blade support structure.
38. A bi-directional razor as in claim 35, wherein:
the razor head includes a blade holding structure, and
the first and second end portions are integrally formed with the remainder of the razor head and constitute ridges raised slightly above the working plane of the razor head defined by the sharpened blade edge portions.
39. A bi-directional razor as in claim 35, wherein the first and second end portions are part of a common cover structure for the razor head constructed as a single unitary piece of plastic material.
40. A bi-directional razor as in claim 26, wherein the razor head is a structure having:
first and second guard bar portions respectively forming the first and second longitudinal edges of the razor head, each of the guard bar portions being for smoothing and stretching the skin immediately prior to such skin being shaved by the blade strips adjacent the guard bar.
41. A bi-directional razor as in claim 40, wherein the first and second guard portions are part of a common cover structure.
42. A bi-directional razor as in claim 40, wherein each of the guard bars form part of a common working plane in which all of the sharpened edge portions of the blade strips are found.
43. A bi-directional razor as in claim 40, wherein each guard bar forms the forward portion of a distinct working plane in which the sharpened edge portions of a set of blade strips are found.
44. A bi-directional razor as in claim 40, wherein the razor head includes at least one glide strip means located generally between the third and fourth blade strips and generally above the longitudinal axis of the razor head, the one glide strip means having first and second planar surfaces generally arranged at an angle to one another, the first planar surface being generally within the working plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the first and third blade strips and the second planar surface generally being within the working plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth blade strips, each of the planar surfaces being for contacting the skin immediately after the skin is shaved by a pair of razor blade strips during movement in the first or second direction.
45. A bi-directional razor as in claim 44, wherein;
the glide strip means also has an angled shaped with two distinct surfaces, one of which forms part of a working plane with part of the first guard bar portion therein and the other of which forms part of a second working plane with part of the second guard bar portion therein,
whereby a respective one of the surfaces of the glide strip means forms a trailing edge for its respective working plane which contacts a portion of the user's skin immediately after that portion of skin has been shaved by the set of blade strips preceding that trailing edge.
46. A bi-directional razor as in claim 21, wherein:
the razor head includes at least one glide strip having generally a planar surface which is located generally between the first and second blade steps and generally above the longitudinal axis of the razor head for contacting the skin immediately after the skin is shaved by a razor blade strip during movement in either the first or second direction.
47. An elongated cartridge for a single-based bi-directional razor, comprising:
a razor head structure having first and second longitudinal edges, and a face and a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head structure and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle from the face toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and
a second razor blade strip supported by the head structure and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle from the face and projecting toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis.
48. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 47, for a razor having a re-usable handle extending generally transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the razor head structure, the handle having connector means for releasably fastening the razor cartridge thereon, wherein:
the razor head structure is elongated and generally rectangularly-shaped, and the structure has first and second ends, an exposed working face located between ends, and first and second sides, the longitudinal axis extends between the first and second ends, and the first and second longitudinal edges extend between the ends, and are located opposite one another about the longitudinal axis; the cartridge further comprises:
means, attached to the cartridge, for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle,
whereby the cartridge is manually connectable to and releasable from the handle so that the cartridge can be replaced by a duplicate cartridge when desired, and whereby the cartridge may be manually moved by the handle in first and second opposite directions along the user's skin in order to effect cutting of hair by the first and second blade strips respectively without lifting the cartridge from the user's skin and without altering the inclination of the handle relative to the user's skin while reversing directions, so that the user may slide the razor back-and-forth upon his skin without changing his normal manner of holding the handle during such back-and-forth movement of the razor.
49. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 48, wherein the cartridge is connectable to a handle such that the cartridge is movable relative to the handle over a limited range in two opposite directions about a center position generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
50. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 49, wherein the means, attached to the cartridge, for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle includes;
pivot means for permitting a limited range of movement of the cartridge in either direction relative to the handle in response to forces generated during the use of the razor cartridge upon the user's skin, and
biasing means for returning the cartridge to the center position when forces upon the cartridge applied during use are removed.
51. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 49, wherein the means attached to the cartridge for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle includes a sheet bearing arrangement.
52. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 47, wherein the razor head structure is an assembled structure and includes:
a generally rectangular, elongated blade seat structure having at least first and second strip receiving locations, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, for respectively receiving the first and second blade strips; and
an elongated cap structure means for maintaining at least the first and second razor blade strips in their respective strip receiving locations substantially within the cartridge.
53. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 52, wherein the blade strips are arranged within the cartridge so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head structure in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being moved against the user's skin.
54. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in claim 47, wherein the blade strips are captivated in the razor head structure so that the blade strips are substantially inflexible while the razor is in use.
55. A disposable bi-directional razor with handle and head substantially formed of molded plastic material, comprising:
a single unitary elongated razor head substantially formed from molded plastic material and having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal edges on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the razor head having a generally elongated narrow exposed working face with first and second hair cutting zones on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis;
an elongated hand grip substantially formed from molded plastic material having a first end integrally connected to and supporting the head so that the hand grip extends transversely from the head;
a first, elongated, razor blade strip set with a first blade edge and a second blade edge extending along the length of the head, the first blade strip set having inner portions supported by the head and integral, sharpened outer, elongated blade edge portions extending outwardly of the face at an acute angle relative to the first hair cutting zone, and projecting toward the first longitudinal edge away from the longitudinal axis;
a second, elongated, razor blade strip set, with a third blade edge and a fourth blade edge, substantially identical in size and shape to the first razor blade strip set and extending along the length of the head and spaced apart therefrom and having elongated inner portions supported by the head and integral, sharpened outer, elongated blade edge portions extending outwardly of the face at an acute angle to the second hair cutting zone, and projecting toward the second longitudinal edge away from the longitudinal axis, so that the first and third blade edge portions extend in generally opposite directions towards their respective first and second longitudinal edges;
the hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in one direction along a user's skin for cutting hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in the opposite direction along the user's skin for cutting hair extending therefrom without lifting, tilting or repositioning the head from the user's skin during movements in the opposite directions,
whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor back and forth in his own normal manner of moving a conventional razor upon his skin without changing his manner of holding the hand grip during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.
56. A disposable bi-directional razor as in claim 55, wherein the hand grip and the head are in a substantially stationary fixed position relative to one another, and each of the razor blade strip sets are formed from a plurality of metal strips.
57. A disposable bi-directional razor as in claim 56, wherein the hand grip and at least a lower support portion of the head form a one-piece molded plastic structure and are rigidly fixed to one another.
58. A disposable bi-directional razor as in claim 55, wherein the hand grip and head are connected such that the head is movable relative to the hand grip over a limited range in two opposite directions generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
59. A disposable bi-directional razor as in claim 58, wherein the hand grip and head are connected using a pivot arrangement having at least two projecting pin members which are coaxial with and define an axis of rotation of the head.
60. A disposable bi-directional razor as in claim 58, wherein the hand grip and head are connected using a shell bearing arrangement including at least two axially spaced shell bearing members and at two complementary arcuate tracks, the shell bearing arrangement providing an axis of rotation spaced from the shell bearing members and disposed along an axis parallel to the first and second blade sets.
61. A bi-directional razor as in claim 55, wherein the first and second hair cutting zones are substantially in a single common plane.
62. A bi-directional razor as in claim 55, wherein the first hair cutting zone is arranged at an obtuse angle to the second hair cutting zone.
63. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a top and a bottom, first and second longitudinal edges, a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and a face located on the top of the razor head generally between the edges;
an elongated hand grip supporting the razor head for manual movement and connected to the bottom of the razor head;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip;
a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip;
a third razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened blade edge portion substantially identical in length to and closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the first razor blade strip, the third blade strip being arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip; and
a fourth razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened blade edge portion substantially identical in length to and closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the second razor blade strip, the fourth blade strip being arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip,
whereby each of the blade strips is movable while being pushed against a user's skin during use of the razor.
64. A bi-directional razor as in claim 63, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with first blade strip locating means for restricting at least the first and second blade strips substantially within predetermined locations,
second blade strip locating means for restricting at least the third and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, and
retaining means connected to the blade seat structure, for helping captivate the blade strips within the predetermined locations.
65. A bi-directional razor as in claim 63, wherein:
the razor head is an assembled structure, further including blade spacing means for providing a predetermined distance between the sharpened edge portions of two adjacent blade strips, and each of the blade strips is movable independently of the movement of other blade strips.
66. A bi-directional razor, comprising:
an elongated razor head structure having first and second longitudinal edges, a working face and a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and connection means;
a re-usable handle with connector means for releasably fastening to the connection means of the head structure;
the razor head structure including first and a second narrow razor blade strips extending along the working face, each strip having an integral inner portion captivated in the head structure and an integral outer portion which extends outwardly of a respective one of the working face at an acute angle relative thereto, with the outer portions being sharpened to provide blade shaving edges and angularly extending in generally opposite directions away from each other so that the sharpened outer portion of the first blade strip angularly extends at an acute angle generally toward the first longitudinal edge of the head structure, and so that the sharpened outer portion of the second blade strip extends at an acute angle generally toward the second longitudinal edge of the head structure,
whereby the handle is manually releasable from the head structure so that the head structure can be replaced by a duplicate head structure when desired, and
whereby the head structure may be manually moved by the handle in first and second opposite directions along a user's skin in order to effect cutting of hair by the first and second blade strips respectively without lifting the head structure from the user's skin and without altering the inclination of the handle relative to the user's skin while reversing directions, so that the user may slide the razor back-and-forth upon his skin without changing his normal manner of holding the handle during such back-and-forth movement of the razor.
67. A bi-directional razor as in claim 66, wherein the razor head structure is a generally rectangular, assembled structure which includes:
an elongated blade seat structure having a longitudinal axis, and at least first and second strip receiving locations, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, for respectively receiving the first and second blade strips; and
means for maintaining the first and second razor blade strips in their respective strip receiving locations substantially within the head structure during use of the razor.
68. A bi-directional razor as in claim 66, wherein the blade strips are captivated in the razor head structure so that the blade strips are substantially inflexible while the razor is in use.
69. A bi-directional razor as in claim 66, wherein the blade strips are arranged within the head structure so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head structure in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the user's skin in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
70. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a generally rectangular top and a bottom, first and second longitudinal edges, a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and a face located on the top of the razor head and between the edges;
an elongated hand grip supporting and connected to the bottom of the razor head;
first, second, third and fourth razor blade strips, each strip supported by the head, each strip being substantially identical in length to the other blade strips, each strip having a sharpened edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting away from the longitudinal axis, and each strip being arranged so that it is individually movable relative to the razor heed in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while it is being pushed against a user's skin during shaving,
the first and third razor blade ships projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge, and generally being arranged such that their respective sharpened edge portions are parallel to and spaced closely to one another, and
the second and fourth razor blade strips projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge, and generally being arranged such that their respective sharpened edge portions are parallel to end spaced closely to one another.
71. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a base structure;
first means, associated with the base structure, for restricting movement of the first and third razor blade strips substantially within predetermined first and third locations that are spaced closely to but apart from one another; and
second means, associated with the base structure, for restricting movement of the second and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined second and fourth locations that are spaced closely to but apart from one another.
72. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein each of the individual razor blade strips includes a very thin blade strip segment which contains the sharpened edge portion of the razor strip and an elongated angled thicker blade support segment to which the very thin blade strip segment is rigidly connected.
73. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein:
the face of the razor head has first and second distinct working planes that are both arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and that intersect one another in a location adjacent to and above the longitudinal axis near the top of the razor head;
the sharpened edge portions of the first and third razor blade strips are operatively associated with and positioned very closely to the first working plane; and
the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth razor blade strips are operatively associated with and positioned very closely to the second working plane.
74. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein the razor head is disconnectable by a user from the handle, and the handle is re-usable and includes user-operated means for releasably attaching the handle to the bottom of the razor head.
75. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein:
the bottom of the razor head has a movable connection to the hand grip, such that the head is able to move relative to the hand grip within a predetermined range of at least about 20 degrees when shaving hair in different directions, and
the movable connection includes a shell bearing arrangement.
76. A bi-directional razor as in claim 70, wherein the razor head further includes a plurality of spring members associated with each blade strip with each spring member pushing at least a portion of its respective blade strip generally upwardly and away from the bottom of the razor head.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to hand-held razor structures, cartridges and systems for wet shaving, and in particular, to hand-held highly maneuverable razor structures, cartridges and systems for wet shaving, which all feature a plurality of razor blades and the ability to operate bi-directionally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Uni-directional Razors.
Modern conventional razors are typically made with either one or a pair of parallel strip-like razor blades secured upon the head of the razor. A handle extends from the head. The user holds the handle and ordinarily scrapes or moves the head in one direction along the skin so the blade or blades will cut the hair. After each movement in one direction, when the stroke is completed, the user lifts the razor and brings it back to a point near the original starting position for a second stroke in the same direction. Thus, conventional razors are uni-directional in operation.
Razors have also been made in which the head holds a single flat safety razor blade with two sharpened blade edges extending in opposite directions. These older style of razors have their blade edges spaced apart on opposite sides of the head, and angled so that they are and operate so as uni-directional devices. That is, the first blade edge is used until dull or filled with lather or cut hairs. Then the user manually turns the razor 180 degrees to present the opposite blade edge toward the skin. Such a single replaceable razor blade having two sharpened edges and mounted within a head of a razor that can be opened and closed was a one time very common, and it provided the user with twice the blade life, i.e., once for each sharp edge in uni-directional shaving.
Replaceable Cartridge Razors.
Many conventional razors used for shaving have a handle or hand grip structure with means for securing a replaceable razor blade cartridge to it. These cartridge razor systems are desirable, in that a more expensive, ergonomic permanent handle, which can be reused thousands of times, can be provided and used in conjunction with a much less expensive replaceable cartridge containing the razor blades. The blades in such cartridges dull fairly rapidly with use. Thus they are frequently replaced, typically after just a dozen or less shaves. A variety of techniques and cartridge structures have been developed to allow the entire razor head to be readily replaced by the user of the razor.
Conventional Razor Head Constructions.
Conventional safety razors typically comprise a guard or deck member and a cap member between which the razor blade or blades are sandwiched when the razor is ready for use. The handle, the guard member and cap member traditionally are all fixed relative to one another. The razors may be provided with a single or double-edged blades. In recent decades, the entire shaving unit or head has been made to be disposable.
A conventional modern razor cartridge typically has a blade seat having formed thereon a guard bar for smoothing the skin adjacent to the cutting edge or edges of the razor blade during shaving. The blade seat may include a channel which can be used to re-load the cartridge if the cartridge is reusable. A cap is provided to complete the main supporting structure of the razor cartridge. The blades are often retained by the passing of plastic pins through holes in the blades and then passing the pins into a heading which forms part of the cap. In this manner, the cap holds the blade or blades in place. The cap typically is pinned, fused, cemented or otherwise bonded together with the blade seat structure and captivates the blade or blades, and any spacers between them.
Wet Razors With Pairs of Blades.
In recent years, almost every new wet razor blade system has a pair of parallel strip-like razor blades positioned closely to one another. These parallel-blade constructions are typically used in razor cartridges that are disposable. The handle may also be disposable or it may be essentially permanent and meant to be re-used with many cartridges. In many of these systems, the pair of blades is encased in a razor head or cartridge which provides a fixed orientation of the blades to the skin through the use of leading, trailing and glide surfaces which define a working plane of the razor head. These various surfaces of the head all bear against the skin being shaved, and thus ensure the sharpened edges of the blade strips are presented at the proper angle to skin being shaved.
Guards For Blade Corners.
The sharpened corners of the razor blade strips are guarded by the configuration of the head or cartridge structure for the safety of the user, so the corners do not cut the skin. The head often has an elongated narrow configuration to provide the user with the ability to shave the skin under the chin and nose and wherever the contours of the face are changing rapidly.
Staggered Double-Edged Blade Sets.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,067 to Trotta discloses a double-edged blade configuration in a razor head. It is said to achieve a desired geometrical relationship between the leading and following cutting edges of the blades so that both are successively active with respect to hair elements being cut during a single shaving stroke. The razor's guard structure is disposed in fixed relation to the cutting edges to define a desired relationships including a desired "blade tangent angle", and a preferred "exposure" and "span" and provides definitions for these terms. The platform member includes a back portion upstanding from the blade support portion. The guard and back portions define parallel opposite lengthwise edges of the platform member. As such, they define a single "working plane" which bears against the skin and controls the angle at which the sharpened edges of the blades are allowed to bear against a section of the skin to be shaved as the blade is moved in a single direction.
Pivotal Head Razors.
Razors which have a fixed relationship between the head and the handle require considerable maneuvering in order to maintain the shaving unit at its optimum attitude on the shaver's face, particularly when negotiating areas such as the jaw line, where there are rapid changes in facial contour. To provide improved shaving characteristics, many razors have been provided with a pivotable head or cartridge, which is preferred by some users of manual safety razors.
In such a pivoting head or cartridge structure, the portion of the handle nearest the cartridge typically includes one or two spring-loaded mechanisms. The first is used to return the pivoting head to its center or at-rest position. The second is provided if the razor has a removable cartridge. In such case, the cartridge is typically held onto the handle by two pivot pins or bearing surfaces which engage in an interlocking manner with complementary sockets or arcuate slot structures located on the bottom of the cartridge. Since the handle can be re-used over and over, it is more economical to equip the essentially permanent handle with a more expensive mechanism for providing this spring-loaded pivoting, attachment structure than could be economically built into the disposable cartridge which is frequently replaced. This approach results in a cartridge having fewer spring-loaded components resident on it, thus reducing its cost.
Pivots Using Pins.
To avoid lengthening the razor's head, pivoting arrangements located on the underside of the shaving unit or head away from the blades have been devised. An example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,063 to Trotta, which discloses a razor including a handle and shaving unit or head with the upper end of the handle including means for pivotally mounting the shaving unit so that the unit is free to pivot upon the handle during a shaving operation. The handle is a one-piece plastic molding and has means for biasing the pivotally movable shaving unit towards a central position. The connection between the upper end of the handle and the head is made through pivot pins directed axially inwardly. A leaf spring and stop blocks are provided for returning the head to an at-rest center position.
Pivots Using Shell Bearings.
Another advance has been the use of juxtaposed, spaced, inner and outer, arcuate bearing segments and cooperating hollow shaft segments (also called guide rails) which are received into bearing engagement with the inner and outer bearing segments. The interengaged bearing segments and shaft segment define an axis of rotation for the shaving head that is located immediately adjacent the active elements or blades of the shaving system. This axis extends parallel to the cutting edges of the blades. In other words, each set forms an interengaged flange and groove elements with the end of the flange elements cooperating with the base of the groove elements in a thrust bearing relation. In use, the shaving unit is thus pivotally positioned along the skin so its cutting edges are parallel to the pivotal axis formed by the shell bearing members. An example of this approach is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,639 to Terry et al. The Terry razor also includes a spring that acts between the handle and support member to bias the support member towards a middle position of pivotable adjustment relative to the handle.
Self-Lubricating Glide or Shaving Assist Strips.
Modern razors often have a solid water-soluble shaving assistance or glide strip to provide a lubricant, whisker softener, razor cleaner, medicinal |