Angled hand-held razor

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6263576
  • Patent Number
    6,263,576
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, September 7, 1999
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 24, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
My improved hand-held razor ensures smoother hair removal on any human body part and even on furry domestic animals. The angled or precut blade or blades in the razor head result in angled orientations instead of straight across the longitudinal length of the razor head. The angle of the blade(s) provides a slicing motion which is less likely to tear hair roots and make infection of pores more probable.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




My invention relates to a hand-held razor for cutting hair at an angle from the user's skin. More particularly, my invention relates to a hand-held device for cutting hair or other fine follicle like fibers at an acute angle, thereby avoiding damage to the skin or other fine surface. My invention can have one, two or three blades in what appears superficially to be a conventional handheld razor. However, one blade oriented toward the center of a transverse rectangular razor head is preferred.




A variety of shaving instruments for hair, either human or animal are ubiquitous in the prior art. These instruments commonly have a hardened plastic-like shaving head which supports one or more blades along a longitudinal axis of a rectangular razor head. The blade edges are generally held at a specific cutting angle and the blade cuts at approximately a ninety degree angle to the skin surface. The result is a residual force on each hair which rips at the root in each hair follicle, and tends to abrade the skin.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,843 (Savage) discloses a shaving razor with at least one leading blade for primary shaving. The cutting edge of the leading blade is aligned diagonally to the cutting edge of at least one trailing blade.




Savage requires more than one blade and does not contain a guard against nicks and cuts.




U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,568 (Capeline) discloses a razor with a conventional disposable razor blade unit and a joint that allows the blade unit to be held at the perpendicular position or a specific oblique angle. There is a switching mechanism controlled manually with a safety brake. U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,622 (Andrews) discloses two pair of narrow, strip-like razor blades embedded in the razor head. One pair extends in a direction opposite from the first pair, and at an acute angle relative to the first pair. The blades extend along the length of the head.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,724 (Dumas) discloses a razor body comprises dual razor heads what are adjusted from a wedge-shaped position to a straight edge position by manual pressure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,937 (Adorney) discloses a blade's cutting edge at an acute angle so that no part of the blade extends beyond the other end of the handle assembly.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,509 (Smith) discloses a cutting device in which the ends of the blade project beyond the sides of the shank. The blades terminate at an oblique cutting edge extending across the width of the blade. U.S. Pat. No. 2,169,574 (Wennmann) discloses a safety razor with thin double-edged blades.




U.S. Pat. No. 2,073,713(E. Siegel) discloses a razor blade having a straight cutting edge and a holder which curves the blade in congruently with a conically curve surface. A taper runs with the direction of extension of a cutting edge of the blade.




None of the above prior art contains my comprehensive variety of upgrades to the traditional handheld razor.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




My new razor comprises a handle and a razor head containing at least one blade. The entire device can be injection molded as one inexpensive handle and head with a stainless steel blade. In the most preferred embodiment, one single-edged trapezoidal stainless steel blade is irreversibly inserted into a rectangular razor head. This trapezoidal blade creates an angle of approximately twenty degrees to the bottom or top longitudinal edge of the razor head.




Immediately adjacent to the slot is the area of the razor head known as the guard, and is another upgrade of my invention. In addition to the angled orientation of the razor blade edge or edges, it prevents additional nicks or cuts.




Accordingly, one of the objects of my invention is to prevent disruption of the hair follicle system on any skin surface by a hand-held razor.




Another object of my invention is to prevent inadvertent nicks and cuts by providing a guard area on the razor head.




Still another object of my invention is to provide a razor head, in which a slot and support bars accept one or more single edged trapezoidal blades so that the blade(s) forms an acute angle with either longitudinal side of a rectangular razor head.




Yet another object of my invention is to orient the blade within the angled razor head slot so that the user cannot inadvertently manually adjust the shaving angle to 90 degrees.




These and other embodiments and features of my invention are disclosed and discussed in the Detailed Discussion of the Invention, infra.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




FIG.


1


(


a


)(


b


)(


c


): Front partial views of new razor head with one singled edged blade(a), two singled-edged blades(b), and three single-edged blades(c).




FIG.


2


(


a


): Front view of razor head with one singled edged angled blade and safety guard.




FIG.


2


(


b


): Front view of razor head illustrating handle attachment, single razor edge and guard.




FIG.


2


(


c


): Front cutaway portion of razor head in preferred embodiment illustrating support bars behind guard position(not shown).




FIG.


2


(


d


): Posterior view of preferred razor head showing support bars and singled edged trapezoidal razor blade in cross section.




FIG.


2


(


e


): Top plan view of prior art disposable razor head showing slot for one single-edged rectangular blade.




FIG.


2


(


f


): Top plan view of modified razor head, illustrating structure of slot which receives one single-edge trapezoidal blade.




FIGS.


3


(


a


) and


3


(


b


): Front view of razor head with angle between trapezoidal single edged blade and transverse longitudinal lower edge(handle not seen).




FIG.


4


: Partial posterior view of most preferred razor head on handle.




FIGS.


5


(


a


) and


5


(


b


): Front plan view of razor head with two possible single blade orientations(handle not seen).




FIG.


6


(


a


): Upper plan view of double-edged razor blade with two guards.




FIG.


6


(


b


): Top plan view of trapezoidal single-edge blade for preferred embodiment.




FIG.


6


(


c


): Schematic representation of how single edged trapezoidal blade inserts into slot within razor head in preferred embodiment.




FIG.


7


(


a


): Partial plan view of trapezoidal singled edged blade within razor slot at an angle of 20 degrees from longitudinal edge and hinge.




FIG.


7


(


b


): Trapezoidal singled-edged beveled hinged blade.




FIG.


8


(


a


): Partial upper plan view of razor head containing two singled-edged trapezoidal razor blades.




FIG.


8


(


b


): Partial front view of razor head with end cover and three angled trapezoidal razor blades.




FIG.


9


(


a


): Schematic view of dragging motion of horizontal (non-angled) razor blade.




FIG.


9


(


b


): Schematic view of slicing motion of angled razor blade.




FIG.


9


(


c


): Schematic view of an angled blade slicing a single hair in cross-section.




FIG.


10


(


a


): One edged trapezoidal razor within rectangular razor head with blade cover and spring attachment.




FIG.


10


(


b


): Trapezoidal singled-edged razor blade with hinge member and shield cover.




FIG.


11


: Partial front view of razor head with two trapezoidal singled-edged blades with rigid vertical support space bars.




FIG.


12


: Partial front plan view of razor head in cutaway section revealing support space bars and frame.




FIG.


13


(


a


): Posterior cutaway view of razor head showing vertical support space bars and posterior of trapezoidal single edged razor blades.




FIG.


13


(


b


): Posterior view of handle with flexible prongs.




FIG.


13


(


c


): Posterior view of handle with attachment to stem.




FIG.


14


: Posterior view of stem and prongs with spring wires.




FIG.


15


(


a


): Upper partial plan view of single rectangular double-edged razor blade with two guards and shield.




FIG.


15


(


b


): Upper plan view of rectangular doubled-edged blade with shield removed.




FIG.


15


(


c


): Partial upper plan view of one rectangular disposable double-edged blade inserted at an angle within a reusable razor head.




FIG.


15


(


d


) Schematic representation of how doubled-edge rectangular razor blade is inserted into razor head and razor head is attached to handle.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN ITS PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS




My invention relates to a handheld razor assembly


1


for removing hair. More specifically, my invention relates to a razor head with at least one single-edge for cutting or doubled edged(for cutting) blade positioned at an angle. As seen in FIGS.


1


(


a


),


1


(


b


),


1


(


c


), single edged blade


3


or multiple singled edged blades


3


,


4


,


5


in razor head


2


are at an angle from the lower longitudinal


7


side of rectangular razor head


2


. This alignment differs from prior art in which singled edged or doubled edged razor blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


respectively, are parallel to longitudinal sides


6


,


7


of rectangular razor head


2


. Please see FIG.


1


(


a


). The preferred shape of razor head


2


in my invention is rectangular, but, other shapes of razor head


2


are also within the scope of my invention.




As seen in

FIGS. 5



a


and


5




b


, angle


20


is measured from either longitudinal edge


6


or


7


. In my invention


1


, there is no swiveling motion of razor head


2


. My invention


1


is appropriate on any body part, as well as animals such as cats and dogs. However, my invention


1


is especially adapted for coarsely textured human hair such as beards.




Preferred Embodiment




Referring to

FIG. 2



a


, width


9


,


10


of razor head


2


is approximately ⅝ inch


9


, or


10


, and its length is approximately 1 and ¾ inches


6


, or


7


in the preferred embodiment. The most preferred angle of orientation of blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


is approximately 20 degrees from the lower or upper longitudinal transverse edge


7


. In the preferred embodiment, every


3


is trapezoidal and has only one edge designed and beveled for cutting hair(hereafter single-edged trapezoidal razor blade. Please see

FIG. 6



b


. This trapezoidal singled edged blade


3


which forms an angle with either longitudinal edge


6


,


7


is inserted during the injection molding stage, using methods already well known in the art. However, manually inserted triangular shaped single cutting edged blades can also be used in my invention, if appropriately shaped for insertion into the handheld razor.




Referring now to

FIG. 2



a


, in the most preferred embodiment, razor head


2


has a trapezoidal single-edge blade


3


, a guard


13


with grooves


13




a


, two width sides


9


,


10


and longitudinal edges


6


,


7


. Razor head


2


has an upper surface


12


and a lower surface


12




a


(not seen) in

FIG. 2



a


. Handle


8


is integrally attached to razor head


2


at joint


20


. In

FIG. 2



b


, the most preferred angle


20


, as measured from longitudinal side


7


is approximately 20 degrees for a single-edge trapezoidal blade


3


.





FIG. 2



c


illustrates a top plan view of a rectangular razor head


2


without handle


8


. There are longitudinal sides


6


,


7


from with ridges


130


,


130




a


from which the most preferred angle of approximately 20 degrees is measured. Doubled-edged blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


each comprise two parallel cutting edges


35




c


,


35




d


and each set of cutting edges are joined by central portion


35




e


. Please see

FIG. 6



a


. As seen in

FIG. 3

, a considerable range of angles is acceptable.




Guard


13


, which is triangular in two dimensions and adjacent to trapezoidal single-edged razor blade


3


, is eliminated from

FIG. 2



c


in this cutaway view. Underneath guard


13


's location lie support bars


101




a


,


101




b


and


101




c


(generically


101


). Suport bars


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


extend from ridge


130


to beveled edge


25




b


of one single-edged trapezoidal blade


3


. Support bars


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


prevent movement or torquing of trapezoidal single-edged razor blade


3


.




FIG.


2


(


d


) illustrates a posterior view of razor head


2


in the most preferred embodiment including handle


8


. The non-beveled edge 25 g of singled-edged trapezoidal blade


3


can be seen within small grips


102




a


,


102




b


,


102




c


(generically


102


) comprising each support bar


101


,


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


respectively. Lower ends


104




a


,


104




b


,


104




c


are integrally attached to ridge


132


along longitudinal side


7


. There are side ridges


100


,


100




a


along widths


9


,


10


.




Upper ends


107




a


,


107




b


,


107




c


(generically


107


) of support bars


101


are integrally attached to lower surface


12




a


after traversing non-cutting edge


25




g


of single-edged trapezoidal blade


3


. More or fewer support bars


101


are also within the scope of my invention.




FIG.


2


(


e


) is a schematic representation of slot structure


120


within razor head


2


for receiving one single-edged razor blade


3


in the prior art. The two surfaces forming slot


120


are lid


120




a


and lower slot member


120




b


. Razor head


2


is effectively opened as if it were comprised of a lid and a pot. Specifically, lid


120




a


has a lower surface


12




aa


comprising symmetrical downwardly protruding nipples


115




a


,


115




b


,


115




c


,


115




d


(generically


115


) which fit tightly into circular indentations


116




a


,


116




b


,


116




c


,


116




d


(generically


116


) within lower slot member


120




b


. Corresponding nipples


115




a


,


115




b


,


115




c


,


115




d


and their congruent indentations


116




a


,


116




b


,


116




c


are indicated by arrows A, B, C respectively. There is also ridge


132


along longitudinal edge


6


. Hinge members


111




a


,


111




b


fit into sockets


113




a


,


113




b


during the manufacturing process.




FIG.


2


(


f


) illustrates the new and most preferred embodiment for slot


120


construction and design for a disposable single-edged trapezoidal blade


3


, with integrally attached handle


8


. Support bars


101


are present, and there are five support bars


101




a


,


101




b


,


101




c


,


101




d


,


101




e


in this particular illustration. There is plastic ridge


130


to which support bars


101


are integrally attached at their lower ends


140


,


140




a


,


140




b


,


140




c


,


140




d


,


140




e


, generically


140


.




Upper ends generically


107


, are integrally attached to bottom slot member


120




b


of slot


120


. Bottom slot member


120


contains circular indentations


116




a


,


116




b


,


116




c


which closely fit and receive nipples


115




a


,


115




b


,


115




c


protruding downward from lower lid surface


120




aa


of lid


120




a


. Lid


120




a


also comprises the upper surface of original upper surface of original upper surface


12


of razor head


2


. Corresponding generic nipples


115


and generic indentations


116


in the preferred embodiment are labeled A, B and C in

FIG. 2



f.






As seen in FIG.


2


(


f


), in the invention each trapezoidal single-edge


3


blade has corresponding apertures


150




a


,


150




b


,


150




c


(generically


150


), through which nipples


115




a


,


115




b


,


115




c


traverse to reach indentations


116




a


,


116




b


,


116




c


. Single-edge trapezoidal blade


3


rests upon bottom slot member


120




b


, and between bottom slot member


120




b


and lid


120




a


in the most preferred disposable embodiment. FIG.


6


(


b


) shows a full front view of the most preferred trapezoidal razor blade


3


with appropriately spaced circular apertures


150




a


,


150




b


,


150




c


lying within a straight line.




The preferred embodiment with singled edged blades


3


,


4


,


5


, is entirely disposable. The most preferred embodiment is comprised of an appropriate rigid plastic, such as any grade of polystyrene (razor head


2


and handle


8


). However, for embodiments which are not completely disposable, materials such as tungsten steel are also satisfactory.




Other embodiments can be comprised completely or partially of light metals such as aluminum, stainless steel or spring steel. These materials can be purchased from:




Ceramic materials:




Hammil and Gillespie, Inc., Livingston, N.J.




For spring steel, stainless steel and tungsten steel:




Sanford Materials Company 120 West Third Ave. Suite 1110 San Mateo, Calif. 94402-1503




In the preferred embodiment razor head


2


and handle


8


are one piece plastic and produced in a single mold by a process well known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments 2 razor head


2


is detachable and interchanges with handles


8


. Handle


8


has an indented grip


8




a


in the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG.


4


. Particularly for plastic embodiments, razor head


2


can be adapted to existing molds because the dimensions of razor head


2


can vary and remain within the scope of my invention.




As seen in

FIG. 6



a


the most preferred embodiment comprises one trapezoidal single edged cutting blade


3


. Most preferably there is one single edged trapezoidal blades


3


within razor head slot


120


angled at approximately 20 degrees from longitudinal edge


6


or


7


.





FIG. 4

also illustrates integral joint


20


on posterior side


12




a


of razor head


2


where razor head


2


joints handle


8


.




Referring now to

FIGS. 2



a


,


2




b


and


3


there is a triangular section beneath the angled beveled cutting edge


25




a


of a single-edged trapezoidal blade


3


known as a guard


13


.




Polane® is a B/T Polyurethane enamel with a specific gravity of 0.85 to 1.39 and a boiling range of 174 to 395 degrees Fahrenheit. Its evaporation rate is slower than either and its vapor density is heavier than air. Polane® is a two-componet polyurethane which needs to liquid copoyomers to react to room temprature for the final resin to be applied as a coating.




In the preferred embodiment of preformed disposable razor heads and integral handles, Polane® can be sprayed on cured plastic products. However, Polane® can also applied to metal. In addition, guard


13


may comprise Bakelite®, which is a phenolic resin well adapted for coatings on metal and thus is suitable for guard coatings in metal embodiments, discussed infra.




In my invention, Bakelite® coats the metal substrate base of guard


13


, which is an integral portion of razor head


2


. Bakelite includes resins with a cure with temperatures ranging from approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit (117 degrees Centigrade) to 400 degrees Fahrenheit(204 degrees Centigrade). The curing process also has dwell times franging from approximately ten to twenty minutes. Very thin films (0.1 ml.) may be cured in less. Cured polyacrylate resins with smooth surfaces or ceramic materials are also satisfactory. These materials are well known to those skilled in the art, as well as their modes of application to a plastic or metal surface.




Referring again to

FIG. 2



a


, guard


13


can also be comprised of a metal surface with grooves


13




a


carved or molded within. Guard


13


comprises grooves


13




a


, which are preferably approximately 0.3 inch in length and 0.05 inch in depth. Grooves


13




a


are parallel to each other and sides


9


,


10


; there are approximately twenty grooves


13




a


per guard


13


. Grooves


13




a


can also be applied to a resin or ceramic surface by methods well known to those skilled in this particular art.




Guard


13


assists in preventing trapezoidal or triangular single-edged blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


or double-edged rectangular blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


from disengaging from razor head




Guards


13


also assist in preventing inadvertent nicks and cuts. Invention


1


includes embodiments without guards


13


, or with variations of guards


13


. Guard


13


is also consistent with multiple single-edge trapezoidal blades within a razor head


2


. The invention also includes a prototype with two guards


13


which prevents double-edged blade(s)


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


from disengaging from razor head


2


. Please see discussion infra.




As seen in

FIG. 4

, attachment


20




a


between handle


8


and razor head


2


should not twist or swivel. In this manner my novel razor head


2


slices and does not drag upon hair roots


29




a


. The preferred material for trapezoidal single edged blades


3


,


4


,


5


or doubled-edged blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


is stainless steel. The most preferred combination of razor head


2


and handle


8


comprise a plastic, single molded unit, and is disposable simultaneously with single-edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


.




As seen in FIG.


6


(


b


), in the preferred embodiment the actual blade edges for cutting comprise bevels


25




a


,


25




b


. This is true for single-edged trapezoidal blades


3


,


4


,


5


as well as doubled edged rectangular blades for bevels


25




a


,


25




b


thereon. Bevels


25




a


,


24




b


maximize slicing movement in cooperation with angled blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c.






The angle of trapezoidal razor blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


, or double-edged razor blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


within razor head


2


is most preferably approximately 20 degrees from longitudinal edge


6


or


7


. However, a range of approximately 12 degrees to approximately 28 degrees is also satisfactory and within the scope of my invention.




Referring now to

FIG. 6



b


, singled edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


in this embodiment each has a top edge


51


and a bottom edge


51




a


with a bevel


25




a


for shaving. There are also opposite parallel edges


52


,


53


, thus forming a trapezoidal shape for each singled edged blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


. Trapezoidal sing-edged razor blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


are actually precut at an angle at the intersection of edges


51


,


53


. This angle must be complementary to the approximately 20 degree angle from a longitudinal edge, generally approximately 70 degrees. Cutting of blades for razor heads


2


is a well-known process to those who are skilled in this particular art.




Referring to FIGS.


9


(


a


),


9


(


b


), whenever blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


are placed or cut within razor head


2


at any angle up to approximately 45 degrees, there will be a slicing effect. The larger the angle up to approximately 45 degrees from either horizontal edge


6


or


7


, the more slicing effect will occur. Referring to

FIG. 9



b


, hair


29


is sliced by angled blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


(seen) or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


(not seen here).




In most prior art a blade parallel to longitudinal edges


6


,


7


will pull or scrape along the skin surface, as shown schematically in FIG.


9


(


b


). A completely horizontal blade parallel to longitudinal sides


6


,


7


does not slice but merely presses downwardly to cut and scrape, and often slides from hair


29


. As seen schematically in FIG.


9


(


c


), angled blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


, or


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


slices completely through hair


29


—there is no scraping of skin or sliding from hair


29


.




Second Embodiment




As seen in

FIG. 7



a


a second embodiment of my invention comprises a spring member


40


on edge


6


of razor head


2


. Spring member


40


is an device by which a blade cover


23


can open or close.





FIG. 7



b


illustrates single edged trapezoidal blade


3


within blade covers


23


comprising its own hinge mechanism


24


and/or spring member


40


.




Again referring to

FIG. 7



b


, trapezoidal single-edged blade


3


has one side cut and beveled so that the cutting edge is 20 degrees from longitudinal edge


7


of razor head


2


. Again referring to FIG.


7


(


a


), razor head


2


also comprises blade cover


23


. Blade cover


23


is controlled by a spring member


40


and a cylindrical hinge


24


. Blade cover


23


in its resting position tightly covers trapezoidal single-edged blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


.




Blade cover


23


holds them tightly in place within and between upper razor head flat surface


23




b


(not seen) and blade cover


23


. Blade cover


23


is lifted by manually pressing spring components


40




a


and


40




b


together. Blade cover


23


is then raised on the connected cylindrical hinge


24


and trapezoidal singled edged blade(s) are released. Manual release of spring component


40




a


allows blade cover


23


to return to its original position upon flat razor head surface


23




f


. Spring member


40




b


is rigidly fixed and does not move; instead it acts as a lever, when pressed by the operator's opposing finger.




Blade cover


23


is a safety feature, even if razor head


2


is manufactured separately from handle


8


. Blade cover


23


closes or opens by cylindrical hinge


24


in cooperation with spring member


40


. Blade cover


23


has a top curved surface


23




a


and a bottom curved surface


23




b


. Top and bottom curved surfaces


23




a


,


23




b


are approximately 0.75 inch in thickness and approximately 1 and ⅛ inches in length


6


,


7


.




Spring member


40




a


is attached to upper surface


23




a


of blade cover


23


. To remove single-edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


the user presses one finger upon spring member


40


and towards fixed spring member


40




b


manually. Please see

FIGS. 7



a


,


10




a


,


10




b.






Single edged blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


are released from pressure of blade cover


23


, pressure downward upon spring member


40




a


lifts blade cover


23


along cylindrical hinge


24


. The user then manually removes blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


.




Third Embodiment




My third embodiment comprises one or more double-edged rectangular blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


which are removable from a reusable razor head


2


and handle


8


. As seen in

FIG. 6



a


, interiorly and between beveled blade edges


25




a


,


25




b


is central segment


25




c


, an integral component of each double-edged blade(s)


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


. For a double-edged razor blade


35




a


as seen in

FIG. 15



a


, two guards


13




b


,


13




c


are necessary in each razor head


2


.




Rectangular doubled-edged blade


35




a


is orientated at angle of approximately 20 degrees from either longitudinal side


6


or


7


of razor head


2


. Please see

FIGS. 15



a


,


15




b


. Razor head


2


attaches to handle


8


with screw-like member


191


, not seen from these views.




Rectangular doubled edged blade(s)


35




a


,


3




b


,


35




c


are each approximately 1 and ⅞ inches in length


6


,


7


and approximately 1 inch in width


9


,


10


.




As seen in

FIG. 15



a


, shield


190


rigidly covers physically integral central portion


25




c


of one or more rectangular double-edged razor blade(s)


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


. Beveled blade edges


25




a


and


25




b


are visible in

FIG. 15



a


. Shield


190


with rectangular double edged blade


35




a


immediately lying beneath, is oriented at a 20 degree angle from longitudinal sides


6


and


7


for each blade beveled edge


25




a


and


25




b


. Immediately adjacent to and below each beveled blade edge


25




a


or


25




b


is a triangular guard


13


comprising grooves


13




a


. Ceramics or other materials and methods for characterizing guard


13


are similar to those discussed for the most preferred embodiment supra.





FIG. 15



b


is a top plan view of razor head


2


without handle


8


, and shield


190


removed. One sees rectangular double-edge blade


35




a


which lies immediately beneath shield


190


in razor head


2


. Three circular apertures


118




a


,


118




b


,


118




c


(generically


118


) lie in a straight line at the midline of rectangular doubled-edged razor blade


35




a


. Middle circular aperture


118




b


has a greater diameter than apertures


118




a


,


118




c


. Circular apertures


118




a


, comprise approximately the same diameter as the other. More or fewer circular apertures


118


are also within the scope of my invention.




Circular apertures


118


penetrate both upper and lower surfaces


201


,


202


of rectangular double-edged razor blade


35




a.







FIG. 15



c


illustrates single rectangular double-edge blade


35




a


in partial front view in relationship to non-disposable handle


8


and attached at joint


20




a


(not see here) to razor head


2


. Rectangular double-edged blade


35




a


is oriented at approximately a 20 degree angle to either longitudinal edge


6


,


7


. This feature differs from singled-edge trapezoidal blade


3


which is precut to form the required angle.





FIG. 15



d


illustrates how disposable double-edge rectangular blade


35




a


is aligned at a 20 degree angle from longitudinal edges


6


,


7


. Shield


120


has an upper surface


190




c


and a lower surface


190




a


. Lower surface


190




a


comprises two downwardly protruding nipples


192




a


,


192




b


, and screw like member


191


.




Screwlike member


191


penetrates aperture


118




b


in doubled edged rectangular razor blade


35




a


while nipples


192




a


,


192




b


penetrate adjoining apertures


118




a


,


118




c


. Screwlike member


191


penetrates upper slot surface


200


and exits through lower surface


12




a


by aperture


206


of razor head


2


. Screwlike member


191


continues on to rigidly but reversibly insert into threaded aperture


195


within handle


8


.




After penetrating apertures


118




a


,


118




c


in rectangular double-cutting edge razor blade


35




a


nipples


192




a


,


192




b


enter indentations


118




d


,


118




e


respectively in upper surface


200


. In upper surface


200


, nipples


192




a


,


192




b


are reversibly but firmly secured within indentations


118




d


,


118




e


by rotating screwlike member


191


firmly into handle


8


.




Fourth Embodiment




The fourth embodiment of this invention


1


comprises more than one, singled-edged trapezoid blade. As in the most preferred embodiment, each singled-edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


, is precut to an angle of approximately 20 degrees as measured from longitudinal side


6


or


7


. Slot


120


is also structure as in the most preferred embodiment.




Referring now to

FIG. 8



a


, razor head


2


comprises two single edged trapezoidal razor blades


3


,


4


which fit within slot


120


(not seen). Razor head


2


also has two curved end covers


38




a


(seen) and


38




b


(not seen from this view). Blade(s)


3


,


4


are precut into razor head


2


to form an angle of approximately 15 degrees to approximately 20 degrees with longitudinal edge


6


,


7


. Orientation for this acute angle can be from either longitudinal side


6


or longitudinal side


7


, as in the preferred embodiment.





FIG. 8



b


shows three single-edged trapezoidal blades in this embodiment. Razor head end covers


38




a


,


38




b


(not seen) are separate components, which however, rigidly physically attach to either end


9


,


10


of razor head


2


. Razor head end covers


38




a


,


38




b


lock in and secure single-edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


, and prevent inadvertent nicks or cuts. As seen in front view in

FIG. 11

, guard


13


is below and adjacent to, and physically attached to adjacent and covers vertical support space bars


61


,


62


,


63


.




Beveled blade edges


25




a


of each single-edged trapezoidal blade(s)


3


,


4


,


5


, are exposed except those portions within end covers


38




a


,


38




b


. As seen in

FIG. 11

, vertical support space bars


61


,


62


,


63


are visible. Each vertical space support bar


61


,


62


,


63


is comprised of tungsten steel or spring steel.





FIG. 12

illustrates one two curved end pieces


38




a


of razor head


2


. Curved end pieces


38




a


and


38




b


are protective caps on each width end


9


,


10


of razor head


2


when razor head


2


is detachable and disposable, but the handle is reusable. As seen in

FIG. 12

, each vertical space support bar


61


,


62


,


63


maintains an opening


66


of approximately 0.10 inch between blades


3


and


4


in this particular illustration. More or fewer vertical space support bars are also within the scope of my invention. Doubled edged rectangular razor blades


35




a


,


35




b


,


35




c


are also within the scope of this embodiment of my invention.




Vertical space support bars


61


,


62


,


63


are also located in this particular illustration between blades


3


,


4


as well as between trapezoidal single-edged blade


3


and longitudinal edge


6


. Again referring to

FIG. 12

, vertical space support bars


61


,


62


,


63


are approximately 0.25 inch in height and approximately 0.05 inch in width.

FIGS. 8



a


and


11


illustrate two blades


3


,


4


unlike

FIG. 8



b


which illustrates three blades


3


,


4


,


5


.




Each vertical space support bar


61


,


62


,


63


also comprises: an upper end


170




a


, a lower end


170




b


, an anterior surface


170




c


and a posterior surface


170




d


(not seen in

FIG. 12

)





FIG. 12

illustrates my fourth embodiment, with guard


13


not shown in partial cutaway view. One sees blades


3


,


4


and frame


67


. Frame


67


is located posteriorly to vertical space support bars


61


,


62


,


63


. Anterior to frame


67


, vertical support space bars


61


,


62


,


63


are parallel to each other and to sides


9


,


10


in rectangular razor head


2


. Vertical support space bars


61


,


62


,


63


are also integrally connected to frame


67


at each of their lower ends


170




b.






Referring now to

FIG. 13



a


each razor head end cover


38




a


,


38




b


is located at width ends


9


,


10


of razor head


2


. Each razor head end cover


38




a


,


38




b


comprises an upwardly curved upper lip


70


and an upwardly curved bottom lip


71


. Two tubular slots


72


,


73


are formed by each set of upwardly curved lips


70


and


71


. Tubular slots


72


,


73


also comprise longitudinal edges


6


,


7


. Edges


6


,


7


, turn back on themselves to form central components


74


,


75


of tubular slots


72


,


73


.





FIG. 13

also illustrates a crimp


64


comprising each vertical space bar


61


,


62


,


63


to support singled-edge trapezoidal blades


3


,


4


. Vertical space support bars


61


,


62


,


63


are in parallel orientation to each other and to width edges


9


,


10


.




Handle


8


has a shaft


8




b


which is approximately 4.0 inches in length and 0.75 inch in width. As seen i

FIG. 13



b


, shaft


8




b


bends at a predetermined angle of approximately 35 degrees and terminates as stem


8




c


. Stem


8




c


comprises a rounded or angled end


8




d


. In one variation of this fourth embodiment, stem


8




c


comprises a transverse aperture


8




e


at terminal end


8




d


. Aperture


8




e


completely penetrates stem


8




c


from its first side


8




f


(shown) to second side


8




g


(not shown).




As seen in

FIG. 13



b


, straight segment


80


with first end


81


and second end


82


traverses aperture


8




e


. Segment


80


can be of any shape in cross-section. Segment


80


is attached at first end


81


and second end


82


respectively to prongs


86




a


,


86




b


and


87




a


,


87




b


. Prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


as well as segment


80


are comprised of light spring steel or plastic. More preferable is any flexible plastic to comprise prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


, and stem


80


. Stainless steel or tungsten-thin flexible steel are also satisfactory.




In another variation of this fourth embodiment in

FIG. 13



c


, segment


80


and prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


are an integral physically contiguous physical component of stem


8




c


. As such this embodiment can be manufactured in one mold by processes well known to those skilled in the art.




Referring again to

FIGS. 13



b


and


13




c


, prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


and stem


80


are flexible. As a result, there is a snug fit when prongs and stem are manually squeezed into, and then guided though slots


72


and


73


. As seen in

FIG. 13



c


, prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




c


flex inwardly to insert into slots


72


,


73


when pressed together to fit into one slot


73


,


73


. Prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


then immediately spring back to their original orientation to extent rigid slots


72


,


73


will allow, thus securing a snug fit of handle


8


to razor head


2


. There is no swiveling: prongs


86




a


,


86




b


,


87




a


,


87




b


fit tightly within each respective slot and prevent this unwanted motion. The angle between stem


80


and shaft


8




b


is preferably approximately 30 degrees to approximately 35 degrees. Referring now to

FIG. 14

, in another variation of the fourth embodiment, there are two spring wires


90




a


,


90




b


. Spring wires have properties which are well known to those skilled in the art. Each spring wire


90




a


,


90




b


is tightly attached to upper tips


95


,


96


respectively of prongs


86




a


and


87




a


and


86




b


,


87




b.






When prongs


86




a


,


86




b


are initially manually pushed through slots


72


,


73


, spring wires


90




a


,


90




b


follow within tubular slots


72


,


73


. Spring wires


90




a


,


90




b


enhance a snug, yet easily reversible resilient fit of razor head


2


on handle


8


.




My improved angled razor is versatile in that it can be adapted to existing razor heads and/or handles without limitation. The four embodiments presented herein are not intended to be exclusive examples, and all other similar adapations are within the scope of my invention. Manufacturers of razors and others skilled in this particular art quickly recognize the manner in why my angled blades can fit any variation of razor head slot and/or handle.




My angled blades give a smoother safe shave, alone or in combination with my generic guards, on any razor head.



Claims
  • 1. A hand-held razor, said razor comprising:(a) a razor head, said razor head further comprising: (i) a first parallel length and a second parallel length, (ii) a first parallel width and a second parallel width, (iii) a predetermined thickness, said thickness further comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, (iv) at least one slot, said slot extending between said first parallel length and said second parallel length, said slot extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, (v) a single edged razor blade, said single edged razor blade being trapezoidal in shape, said trapezoidal single edged razor blade comprising an angle of approximately 20 degrees from said first parallel length or said second parallel length when inserted within said slot, said razor blade further comprising at least one cutting edge, said cutting edge comprising a bevel, (vi) a guard, said guard comprising a triangular area adjacent said trapezoidal single-edged razor blade, said guard comprising a substance from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, or cured polyacrylates, (b) a handle, (i) said handle having a first upper end and a second lower end, (ii) said first upper end rigidly connected to said bottom surface of said razor head, Whereby said razor head is rigidly attached to said handle so that said razor head containing said angled blade can be manually used to cut hair.
  • 2. The hand held razor as described in claim 1 wherein said razor head is rectangular and comprises one said slot.
  • 3. The hand held razor as described in claim 2 wherein said razor head and said handle are integrally attached and disposable.
  • 4. A hand-held razor, said razor comprising:(a) a razor head, said razor head further comprising: (i) a first parallel length and a second parallel length, (ii) a first parallel width and a second parallel width, (iii) a predetermined thickness, said thickness further comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, (iv) at least one slot, said slot extending between said first parallel length and said second parallel length, said slot extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, (v) at least one razor blade, each said razor blade comprising an angle of approximately 12 to 28 degrees from said first parallel length or said second parallel length when inserted within said slot, each said razor blade further comprising at least one cutting edge, each said cutting edge comprising a bevel, (vi) a guard, said guard comprising a triangular area adjacent said razor blade, said guard comprising a substance from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, or cured polyacrylates, (b) a handle, (i) said handle having a first upper end and a second lower end, (ii) said first upper end connected to said bottom surface of said razor head, Whereby said hand held razor containing at least one said angled blade is used to cut hair.
Parent Case Info

This application is a continuation of provisional application No. 60/103,584 Oct. 9, 1998.

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Number Name Date Kind
D. 258016 Pace Jan 1981
D. 282878 Skidmore Mar 1986
794934 Gaylor Jul 1905
1180963 Ashwell Apr 1916
1824338 Finn Sep 1931
1979404 Pautler Nov 1934
2073713 Siegel Mar 1937
2169574 Wennmann Aug 1939
2342558 Schjotz Feb 1944
3597841 Miller Aug 1971
4128937 Adorney Dec 1978
4335509 Smith Jun 1982
4663843 Savage May 1987
4791724 Dumas Dec 1988
5012578 Siefer May 1991
5343622 Andrews Sep 1994
5526568 Copelan Jun 1996
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number Date Country
534434 Mar 1941 GB
628331 Aug 1949 GB
296510 May 1932 IT
456027 Mar 1950 IT
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/103584 Oct 1998 US