Patent Application
20220402150
The present disclosure relates to a blade assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an articulating blade assembly for a hair removal device.
Typically, blade assemblies of hair removal devices move in two opposing directions from a neutral position such that the blade assembly will pivot during use to ensure substantially constant contact of the blade assembly with the skin surface during movement along the surface. Many such assemblies utilize a solid axle that extends continuously from one side of the assembly to the opposing side to form the axis of rotation. A coil spring is typically positioned so as to surround the solid axle and provide the restoring force. Alternatively, an axle can be formed by one or more pins with a coil spring positioned around one or more pins. Such options for pivoting a blade assembly can be lacking in that the biasing elements need to be pre-tensioned in order to be functional to generate the required biasing force, and such requirement can make assembly of the devices quite difficult. This particularly the case when an end user may be required to re-assemble a blade assembly that has been dislodged due to dropping or the like.
Known blades assemblies likewise can suffer from a tendency of the axle or pins to break or to cause damage to other parts of the device during a drop test. Even if the assembly is not broken due to dropping, the springs may readily be dislodged from the assembly and can be difficult, if not practically impossible, for the average consumer to put back together.
As seen from the foregoing, known blade assemblies can suffer from insecure or unstable attachment, from a tendency to break upon dropping, and/or from difficulty in reattaching blade assemblies that may become dislodged from the device, such as from dropping. Accordingly, there exists a need for an articulating blade assembly for a hair removal device that addresses or solves at least the above-mentioned matters.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure can provide blade assemblies that are combinable with a handle to form a hair removal device. The blade assembly can be pivotable in a plurality of direction and, as such, can be characterized as an articulating blade assembly for a hair removal device. In some embodiments, such articulating blade assembly can comprise: a blade housing comprising a blade retained therein; a mount arranged to rotationally engage the blade housing so as to define an axis of rotation; a biasing element having a first portion biased against the blade housing and a second portion biased against the mount such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the first portion biased against the blade housing to exert an opposing force upon the blade housing; and a handle adapter engaged with the mount and aligned with a centrally-defined opening in the mount so as to engage a device body of the hair removal device. In further embodiments, the articulating blade assembly can be defined in relation to one or more of the following statements, which can be combined in any number and order to define a variety of configuration that are immediately recognizable in light of the further disclosure provided herein.
The biasing element can be formed integral with or attachable to the mount.
The mount can be formed of a plastic, a metal, a wood, or a combination thereof.
The biasing element can comprise a magnet, and wherein pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes increases and decreases in magnetic field strength thereby creating opposing magnetic forces which bias the blade housing toward an initial position.
The blade housing can be pivotable about the axis of rotation in either of two opposing directions from an initial position.
The blade housing can extend longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end and comprises a front surface and an opposing rear surface, the rear surface extending upward from each of the first end and the opposing second end to form drums having outer faces extending away from one another and force-receiving structures extending upward and parallel to one another.
The force-receiving structures each can comprise a force-receiving surface, the force-receiving surfaces being substantially co-planar with one another.
The mount can extend longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end, each of the first end and the opposing second end defining a drum recess such that the drums of the first end and the opposing second end of the blade housing are arranged to engage respective drum recesses of the first end and the opposing second end of the mount and define the axis of rotation.
The first end and the opposing second end of the mount each further can comprise a pin having an outer face, the outer faces of the pins extending toward one another.
The biasing element can be a torsion spring having a coiled central portion arranged between the first portion and the second portion and arranged about a respective one of the pins, and wherein the first portion defines a moving end biased against the blade housing and the second portion defines a constrained end biased against the mount, such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the first portion to exert the opposing force against the blade housing.
The constrained end can be biased against a top surface of the mount and the moving end is biased against the respective force-receiving structure of the blade housing, such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the moving ends of the torsion springs to exert an opposing force upon the respective force-receiving structures.
The articulating blade assembly further can comprise two torsion springs and two pins, each of the torsion springs having the coiled central portion arranged about the respective one of the two pins.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure further can provide hair removal devices. Such devices can include a blade assembly and a device body that is engagable with the blade assembly to form a functioning hair removal device. In example embodiments, a hair removal device according to the present disclosure can comprise: a blade assembly that includes: a blade housing comprising a blade retained therein and extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end and comprising a front surface and an opposing rear surface, the rear surface extending upward from each of the first end and the opposing second end to form drums having outer faces extending away from one another and force-receiving structures extending parallel to one another; a mount extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end, each of the first end and the opposing second end defining a drum recess such that the drums of the first end and the opposing second end of the blade housing are arranged to engage respective drum recesses of the first end and the opposing second end of the mount and define an axis of rotation, and the first end and the opposing second end of the mount each further comprising a pin having an outer face, the outer faces of the pins extending toward one another; and a torsion spring having a coiled central portion arranged between a constrained end and a moving end of the torsion spring and arranged about a respective one of the pins, where the constrained end is biased against a top surface of the mount and the moving end is biased against the respective force-receiving structure of the blade housing, such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the moving ends of the torsion springs to exert an opposing force upon the respective force-receiving structures; and a device body arranged to engage the blade assembly. In further embodiments, the hair removal device can be defined in relation to one or more of the following statements, which can be combined in any number and order to define a variety of configuration that are immediately recognizable in light of the further disclosure provided herein
The hair removal device further can comprise a handle adapter engaged with the mount and aligned with a centrally-defined opening in the mount so as to engage the device body of the hair removal device.
The torsion spring can be formed integral with or attachable to the mount.
The blade housing can be pivotable about the axis of rotation in either of two opposing directions from an initial position relative to the device body.
The force-receiving structures each can comprise a force-receiving surface, the force-receiving surfaces of each of the force-receiving structures being substantially co-planar with one another.
The hair removal device further can comprise two torsion springs and two pins, each of the torsion springs having the coiled central portion arranged about the respective one of the two pins.
In further embodiments, the present disclosure can provide methods for manufacturing an articulating blade assembly. For example, a method for manufacturing an articulating blade assembly can comprise: providing a blade housing comprising a blade retained therein and extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end and comprising a front surface and an opposing rear surface, the rear surface extending upward from each of the first end and the opposing second end to form drums having outer faces extending away from one another and force-receiving structures extending upward from each of the first end and the opposing second end and parallel to one another; engaging a mount extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end with the blade housing by engaging a drum recess defined in each of the first end and the opposing second end of the mount with the respective drums of the first end and the opposing second end of the blade housing so as to define an axis of rotation, the first end and the opposing second end of the mount each further comprising a pin having an outer face, the outer faces of the pins extending toward one another; arranging a coiled central portion of a torsion spring about a respective one of the pins, the coiled central portion being arranged between a constrained end and a moving end of the torsion spring; and biasing the constrained end of the torsion spring against a top surface of the mount and the moving end of the torsion spring against the respective force-receiving structure of the blade housing, such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the moving ends of the torsion springs to exert an opposing force upon the respective force-receiving structures. In further embodiments, the methods may incorporate one more additional steps and thus may be defined in relation to further elements. For example, in some embodiments, such methods further can comprise engaging a device body with the articulating blade assembly to form a hair removal device.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an articulating blade assembly configured or adapted to provide for secure and reliable attachment of the blade assembly to a handle and movement of the blade assembly during use. More particularly, the articulating blade assembly provides at least the benefits of consistent feel, dual rocking motion, self-positioning, and ease of assembly and reassembly after separation from a handle.
The articulating blade assembly can include at least the blade assembly itself and one or more frame members that are configured or adapted to connect the blade assembly to a handle apparatus, which itself can include a variety of components suitable for driving the blade assembly in a hair-cutting arrangement. The blade assembly in combination with a suitable can be referenced as a hair removal apparatus or assembly, and such hair-cutting assembly or apparatus can relate to any type of hair removal apparatus having at least one blade, such as, but not limited to, a razor, a dermaplaning device, a trimmer, and the like.
In an example embodiment, a suitable handle apparatus can comprise a shell (which may be defined by one or a plurality of layers) and which may comprise a generally linear internal cavity, and front and rear ends, each end having an opening. The apparatus may comprise a core frame structure comprising front, middle and rear sections, where the core frame structure has a corresponding generally linear shape designed to fit within the generally linear internal cavity of the shell by inserting the core frame structure into the open rear end of the shell and allowing a portion of the front section to protrude from the open front end of the shell. An articulating blade assembly as particularly described herein can be removably attachable to the handle and can include, for example, a blade housing, a moving blade, and a stationary blade. When the handle and the articulating blade assembly are interconnected, the portion of the front section of the core frame structure can engage and move the moving blade.
Referring first to the shell 12 as shown in
In some example embodiments, the first layer 20 is formed with a hollow interior that defines an internal cavity 28. The internal cavity 28 may extend along the length of the shell 12 from the open rear end 24 to the open front end 26 of the shell 12. In order to create a seal in the internal cavity 28, gaskets or another type of sealing mechanism may be provided at the open rear end 24 and the open front end 26. The internal cavity 28 may be considered generally linear, as a majority of the length of the internal cavity 28 is linear and not curved. For example, and as illustrated in
The second layer 22 may be considered a resilient layer that is flexible and able to spring back into shape after being bent, stretched, and/or compressed. The second layer 22 may also be formed of a polymeric material such as plastic. However, the second layer 22 may be more flexible than the first layer 20 and therefore, more comfortable to a user when grasping the hair removal apparatus 10. The second layer 22 may be formed by 3D printing, molding, bonding, adhesives, binding agents, and combinations thereof, the second layer 22 onto the first layer 20. In this manner, the shape of the first layer 20 may determine the shape of the second layer 22.
In some example embodiments, where the second layer 22 is the last layer used to form the shell 12, the second layer 22 may be considered as an outer surface of the shell. Thus, where the first layer 20 is curved as described herein, then with the attachment of the second layer 22 to the first layer 20, a curved handle 18 may be formed with a curved shell 12 having a curved outer surface. Further, where the second layer 22 is considered the outer surface of the shell 12, the handle 18 may have a curvature forming a grip for a user to grasp during use. In addition, the handle 18 may define a gripping surface 30 (
Accordingly, as described herein, the first layer 20 may be considered as being formed as a one-piece construction, where the first layer 20 is manufactured such that there is not more than one element forming the first layer 20 or, if more than one element forms the first layer 20, the elements are so engaged with one another (e.g., via ultrasonic welding) that the first layer 20 can be considered unitary or integral. More particularly, as is known in the art, it is often more cost-efficient to manufacture hair removal apparatuses with a structure having a top half and a bottom half (relative to the Y-direction) that attach to one another. When there is a top half and a bottom half a seam is formed at the attachment, which may be susceptible to infiltration of water and debris into the internal cavity 28. However, in order to enable a more substantially water resistant or waterproof hair removal apparatus, the present disclosure contemplates forming the first layer 20 so that there is not more than one element (or if more than one element forms the first layer 20, the elements are so engaged with one another they are considered unitary or integral) forming the first layer 20. When the second layer 22 is attached to the first layer 20 formed as a one-piece construction, as described herein, a curved outer shell 12 with a substantially continuous outer surface is formed from the second layer 22 creating a substantially waterproof tight seal with the first layer 20 so as to protect the core frame structure 14 and components within. More particularly, to be considered a “substantially continuous outer surface,” the second layer 22 covers a substantial entirety of the first layer 20 having a one-piece construction so that a substantial entirety of the second layer 22 (i.e., the outer surface) has no seams or is “seamless.” Without seams, the outer surface appears visually sleek and aesthetically appealing, and also prevents accumulation of debris in any seams and leakage of water into the internal cavity 28. As a result, the core frame structure 14 is insertable through the open rear end 24 and not sandwiched between two separate components of the first layer 20 as is typical in the art. However, a first layer 20 having a two-piece construction, three-piece construction, four-piece construction, etc., is contemplated by the disclosure herein, as well.
Referring now to the core frame structure 14, the core frame structure 14 may define a first end 32 and an opposing second end 34 with one or more mechanically and/or electrically interconnected elements that are securely positioned relative to one another. When the core frame structure 14 is inserted into the shell 12, in some example embodiments, the second layer 22 of the shell 12 may contact the core frame structure 12 and creates a seal.
In some example embodiments, the elements of the core frame structure 14 comprise a transmission 36 arranged toward the first end 32 of the core frame structure 14, a charging receptacle 38 arranged toward the second end 34 of the core frame structure 14, and a motor 40 arranged between the transmission 36 and the charging receptacle 38 and being coupled to the transmission 36. For example, the motor 40 is mechanically-connected to the transmission 36. The motor 40 may be a DC motor, such as, for example, a brushed DC motor, a brushless DC motor, a stepper motor, and the like. Alternatively, the motor 40 may be a brushless AC motor or a linear motor.
A transmission arm 42, which may comprise a separate or integral mechanical coupling 44 for mechanically coupling the transmission arm 42 with the transmission 36. The mechanical coupling 44 may be an end portion of the transmission arm 42 having parallel side walls that alternatingly come into contact with an offset pin of the rotating transmission 36 when the transmission 36 is actuated. Rotary motion of the motor 40 may be transmitted to the transmission 36, which may thereby be converted to reciprocating motion via the mechanical coupling 44. This conversion from the rotary motion of the motor 40 to lateral reciprocation of the transmission arm 42 is completed within the handle 18 as a result of the structure of the mechanical coupling 44. The lateral reciprocation of the mechanical coupling 44 thereby causes the transmission arm 42 to laterally reciprocate in response to actuation of the motor 40.
A power source 46 may be arranged between the motor 40 and the charging receptacle 38. The power source 46 may be a rechargeable battery securely positioned in a power source compartment 48 formed by the core frame structure 14 and arranged toward the second end 34 of the core frame structure 14. The power source 46 may be a power storage component that is electrically-connected to the motor 40 directly or via a first circuit board 50 that may also be housed in or adjacent to the power source compartment 48. The power source 46 may be electrically connected to the charging receptacle 38 directly or via the first circuit board 50.
Referring now to
Alternatively, the charging receptacle 38 may comprise charging contacts. The charging contacts may be a metallic material and may be plated so as to appear gold or rose-gold in color, although other colors are also contemplated. The charging contacts may be arranged toward the second end 34 of the core frame structure 14, so that when the charging receptacle 38 is brought into contact with the charging unit 52, corresponding charging contacts of the charging unit 52 are aligned and in electrical communication with the corresponding charging contacts of the charging receptacle 38.
Referring back to
The shell 12 and the core frame structure 14 may be secured to one another in any number of ways once the core frame structure 14 is inserted into the shell 12. For example, and as illustrated in
Once the core frame structure 14 is inserted within the shell 12, and as illustrated in
To secure the rear cover 80 to the shell 12, the rear cover 80 may define an aperture 86. At least a portion of the charging receptacle 38 may extend out of the shell 12 and into the aperture 86 of the rear cover 80 when the rear cover 80 is engaged with the open rear end 24 of the shell 12. Upper ribs 88 and side ribs 90 may be defined on an internal surface 92 of the rear cover 80, and which respectively engage upper cavities or notches 94 and side cavities or notches 96 defined on the core frame structure 14. In some example embodiments, the rear cover 80 may be secured to the second end 34 of the core frame structure 14 via a screw 98 that is inserted through screw recesses 100 defined in the rear cover 80 and correspondingly in the arc 62 of the charging receptacle 38. Removal of the screw 98 may allow for removal of the rear cover 80 and access to the second end 34 of the core frame structure 14.
Referring now to
A power switch 104 may be coupled (e.g., mechanically or electrically-connected) to the actuator 102 for controlling the flow of the electrical current from the power source 46 to the motor 40 in response to the application of force to the actuator 102. For example, the actuator 102 may be hinged such that the application of force to the actuator 102 causes the actuator 102 to hingedly rotate about a hinged axis (e.g., an axis of a hinge 106) and depress the power switch 104 so as to control the flow of the electrical current from the power source 46 to the motor 40. A masking layer 108 comprising a substantially opaque or light blocking material may be positioned above the actuator 102. One or more openings in the masking layer 108 may permit light to pass through the masking layer. In one example embodiment, the light blocking material of the masking layer 108 is a light-blocking tape that extends over an opening defined in a first layer 20 of the shell 12, whereas in other example embodiments, the masking layer 108 is formed from a portion of the first layer 20 of the shell 12.
As illustrated in
The power switch 104 may be a multi-functional touch switch that is mounted for multi-mode circuit control on a second circuit board 112 arranged toward the first end 32 of the core frame structure 14 in the front portion 14b. The second circuit board 112 may be in electrical connection with the first circuit board 50, and the first circuit board 50 and/or the second circuit board 112 may be in communication with the one or more of the power source 46, the motor 40, the charging receptacle 38, one or more peripheral elements, and the power switch 104.
In some example embodiments, the power switch 104 is formed from an opening in the first layer 20 and an extension having an arm with a circular end formed from a rigid material extends into the opening, while the second layer 22 covers the opening and the extension. In some other example embodiments, and as illustrated in
The power source 46 may be in electrical and/or mechanical communication with one or more peripheral elements such as, for example, light source(s) (e.g., light elements such as LEDs), indicator(s), sensor(s), timer(s), and the like. In some example embodiments, one of the peripheral elements is a first light source 114. As illustrated in
A second light source 124 may be mounted on the second circuit board 112 and electrically-connected with the power source 46 either directly or via the electrical circuit formed between the first circuit board 50 and the second circuit board 112. The second light source 124 may be arranged adjacent to or be integral with the power switch 104, wherein the portion of the shell 12 aligned with the actuator 102 defining the substantially translucent region 110 allows, in response to the application of force to the actuator 102, illumination from the second light source 124 to pass through opening(s) in the masking layer 108 to illuminate the substantially translucent region 110 from the internal cavity 28, where the illumination is visible through the outer surface of the shell 12 and provides an indication of the hair removal apparatus 10 being powered on (e.g., in an “ON” mode in the first operating condition), as illustrated in
In some example embodiments, the illumination of the second light source 124 (and/or the first light source 114) has a cycling sequence (e.g., is intermittent or flashing) during charging of the power source 46 through the charging receptacle 38, even if the hair removal apparatus 10 is in an “OFF” mode in the second operating condition. A similar or different type of cycling sequence for one or both of the second light source 124 and the first light source 114 is contemplated to indicate that the power source 46 of the hair removal apparatus 10 needs charging and/or is charging. Various other visual indicators, such as color change, rapid flashing, slow flashing, constantly on, off and combinations thereof can be used with the second light source 124 and/or the first light source 114 so as to indicate function, mode, low battery, use, and charging.
Referring now to the blade assembly 16, example blade assemblies are described in U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/936,999 to Langberg, filed Nov. 18, 2019, and entitled “Articulating Blade Assembly for Hair Removal Device,” and U.S. Appl. Pub. No. 2018/0326602 to Khubani, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
One example embodiment of the blade assembly 16 is shown, for example, in
The blade assembly 16 may also comprise a transmission arm receiver 132 coupled to a protrusion 134 extending either directly from the moving blade 128 or from a moving blade housing in which the moving blade 128 is attached. As illustrated in
A connector frame 138 may be hingedly coupled to the blade housing 126 so that the blade housing 126 is hingedly moveable relative thereto. More particularly, the blade housing 126 may rotate about an axis of rotation defined by the hinged coupling from an initial or equilibrium position, during application of a force on the blade housing 126. For example, the blade assembly 16 is able to hingedly move from the initial position (
The blade housing 126 may be configured so that no restoring force is present in the initial or equilibrium position, whereas a biasing element 140, such as one, two, three, four, etc., springs, may interact with the blade housing 126 and/or the connector frame 138 to provide a restoring force to the blade housing 126 when application of the force to the blade housing 126 causes the blade housing 126 to rotate out of the initial or equilibrium position. In some example embodiments, a pivot structure on the blade housing 126 may interact with a corresponding pivot structure on the connector frame 138. More particularly, and as illustrated in
Where the biasing elements 140 are springs, the springs may be, for example, C-shaped, I-shaped, H-shaped, M-shaped, T-shaped, U-shaped, X-shaped, W-shaped or triangular shaped springs that each apply force. Such springs may be compression, extension, torsion, linear, variable rate, or constant force springs, using a variety of configurations such as coil springs, leaf springs, flat springs, machined springs, molded springs, or any combinations of the above. Other arrangements of springs may be used to form other geometric shapes that provide a restoring force.
The connector frame 138 may define a channel 146 aligned with the transmission arm receiver 132 and arranged to receive the transmission arm 42 therethrough, when the channel 146 is inserted into the open front end 26 of the shell 12 so as to engage the blade assembly 16 with the shell 12. Upon engagement of the blade assembly 16 with the open front end 26 of the shell 12 (and insertion of the core frame structure 14 within the shell 12), the transmission arm 42 may extend through the open front end 26 of the shell 12 and through the channel 146 of the connector frame 138. In use, the transmission arm 42 may laterally reciprocate against the parallel side walls 136 of the transmission arm receiver 132 to cause lateral reciprocation of the moving blade 128 in the X-direction in response to actuation of the motor 40. Therefore, when force is applied to the actuator 102, the electrical current is caused to flow from the power source 46 to the motor 40, so as to actuate the motor 40 and cause the moving blade 128 to laterally reciprocate relative to the length of the shell 12 when the blade assembly 16 is engaged with the open front end 26 of the shell 12.
To releaseably secure or engage the blade assembly 16 with the open front end 26 of the shell 12, the connector frame 138 may engage a front ring 148, as illustrated in
To remove the blade assembly 16 from the open front end 26 of the shell 12, the outer surface of the shell 12 may comprise an ejection structure that in use, disengages the blade assembly 16 from the open front end 26 of the shell 12 to allow for cleaning of the blade assembly 16 and/or replacement thereof. The ejection structure may be a push button, a slide, or another mechanical arrangement. For example, and as illustrated in
An improved articulating blade assembly 1010 is illustrated in
As will be further evident from the following description of the various components of the device, the improved articulating blade assembly beneficially provides one or more advantages over known blade assemblies that provide for a more robust, durable, and easy to use device. For example, the articulating blade assembly can be configured such that the blade assembly will disengage from the mount component if sufficient force is applied, such as if the overall device is inadvertently dropped by a user. This can prevent breakage of the articulating blade assembly due the drop force. Moreover, the blade assembly may be easily re-engaged with the mount by a user without significant difficulty. This disengagement/reengagement feature can be achieved by the specific configuration of the drum and matching recess as described below. As another example, the blade assembly can be configured to exhibit a static neutral position or resting position. Moreover, the blade assembly can be moved or rotated away from the neutral position by application of force (e.g., an externally applied force), such as encountered during use of the blade assembly. The application of such force can automatically stimulate or enable a restoring force (e.g., an internally applied force) that is provided by one or more biasing elements present in the blade assembly. The restoring force can be sufficient to return the blade assembly to the neutral position once the externally applied force is removed. A plurality of biasing elements can be utilized and configured to provide opposing forces so that the blade assembly will pivot in two directions and will be biased back to the neutral position from either direction. In this manner, an articulating blade assembly 1010 as disclosed herein is enabled to move in either of two opposing directions from a neutral position relative to a handle and return to the neutral position.
Referring now to the figures, the articulating blade assembly 1010 includes a blade housing 1020, having a front surface 1021 with a first edge 1021a and a second edge 1021b, a rear surface 1023, a first end 1027, and an opposing second end 1029. A pair of blade pivot structures (collectively formed of a first blade pivot structure 1030a and a second blade pivot structure 1030b) can be arranged on an uprising 1024 present on the rear surface 1023 of the blade housing 1020. A first blade pivot structure 1030a is circled in
As seen from the foregoing, the blade housing 1020 can extend longitudinally from a first end 1027 to an opposing second end 1029 and can comprise a front surface 1021 and an opposing rear surface 1023. As seen in
The force-receiving structures (1036, 1037) can each comprise a force-receiving surface, and the force-receiving surfaces can be substantially co-planar with one another. For example, the force receiving surface may be the terminal ends that are evident on the top of the force-receiving structures (1036, 1037) in
The at least one force receiving structure of the blade housing 1020 can be configured to accept a restoring force during movement of the articulating blade assembly and thereby urge the blade assembly toward the neutral position. The force receiving structure may be integral to the blade housing 1020 (e.g., as already described above), integral to one or more pivot structure(s), or comprise a separate component. As illustrated in
The articulating blade assembly further comprises a mount 1040 configured to mate with the blade housing 1020 via the pivot structure(s) 1030. The mount 1040 may particularly be configured to rotationally engage the blade housing 1020 along the axis of rotation. The mount 1040 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like. Likewise, the blade housing 1020 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like. As further illustrated in
A force transmitting element or biasing element 1051 is configured with at least one constrained end or portion 1052 and at least one moving end or portion 1054, wherein the moving portion(s) is/are configured to contact the force receiving structure (1036, 1037) when the blade housing 1020 is assembled to the mount 1040. The force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can be configured to have a first portion (e.g., the moving portion 1054) biased against the blade housing 1020 (or a portion thereof) and a second portion (e.g., the constrained portion 1052) biased against the mount 1040 (or a portion thereof) such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the first portion biased against the blade housing to exert an opposing force upon the blade housing. In various embodiments, the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can be formed integrally with the mount 1040 or can be separable and/or attachable to the mount or a portion thereof.
In the example embodiment shown in
As can be seen from the foregoing, the mount 1040 can extend longitudinally from a first end to an opposing second end (e.g., in the same direction as the blade housing 1040 between the first end 1027 and the opposing second end 1029). The first end and the opposing second end of the mount 1040 can correspond substantially with the first engagement structure 1043 and the second engagement structure 1045, respectively. Each of the first end and the opposing second end of the mount 1040 can define a drum recess, which can correspond to the pivot recesses 1044 described above. As such, the drums (1031, 1033) of the first end and the opposing second end of the blade housing 1020 can be arranged to engage respective drum recesses of the first end and the opposing second end of the mount and define the axis of rotation. More particularly, the axis of rotation can correspond to a line extending from a substantially central point in the drum recess or pivot recess 1044 configured in the first engagement structure 1043 to a substantially central point in the drum recess or pivot recess 1044 configured in the second engagement structure 1045 or, in other words, a line extending between the drum recesses in the respective ends of the mount 1040 (e.g., as defined by the engagement structures 1043 and 1045). The first end and the opposing second end of the mount each further can comprise a pin having an outer face (as already described above) such that the outer faces of the pins (1048) extend toward one another. In other words, the outer faces of the pins 1048 are oppositely faced from one another and can be substantially aligned in a parallel fashion. As also pointed out above, the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can be a torsion spring having a coiled central portion arranged between the first portion and the second portion (e.g., arranged between the moving portion 1054 and the constrained portion 1052) and arranged about a respective one of the pins 1048. Further, the first portion can define a moving end biased against the blade housing 1020, and the second portion can define a constrained end biased against the mount 1040 such that pivoting of the blade housing about the axis of rotation causes the first portion to exert the opposing force against the blade housing. The constrained end (e.g., constrained portion 1052) can be biased against a top surface of the mount 1040. Referencing
The engagement structures (1043, 1045) of the mount 1040 can have a rounded terminal end 1047 that can include a sloped portion 1047a. The rounded nature of the terminal end 1047 can encourage the pivot structure and increase smoothness of the pivot. Likewise, the sloped portion 1047a can advantageously improve the ability of a user to easily engage an articulating blade assembly 1010 with the mount 1040 by biasing the drums (1031, 1033) toward the pivot recess 1044 formed in the engagement structures (1043, 1045). The drums (1031, 1033) can include matching sloped sections (1031a, 1033a). Specifically, the respective sloped or slanted portions of the engagement structures (1043, 1045) and the respective sloped or slanted portions of the drums (1031, 1033) can be directionally matched. The slant or slope of the drums and the terminal ends of the engagement structures can improve the ease of sliding a new articulating blade assembly 1010 into a secure engagement with the mount 1040 so that the engagement structures are encouraged to flex outward to allow the drums of the articulating blade assembly to securely lock into the pivot recesses. As the sloped or slanted portions of the drums engage the sloped or slanted portions of the engagement structures, the ends of the respective drums slide past the ends of the engagement structures to cause the engagement structures to flex outwardly and allow the drums to engage the recesses formed in the engagement structures, at which time the engagement structures will return to a non-flexed position wherein the blade assembly 1010 is securely engaged with the mount 1040. This can be characterized as a snap-fit engagement. As described above, this engagement can securely position the blade assembly in the mount but allow the blade assembly to be disengaged from the mount through application of a sufficient force, such as a force resulting from dropping the device. The installation method outlined above can make re-assembly relatively simple and quick for a user of the device.
The articulating blade assembly 1010 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, during application of a force on the first edge 1021a or the second edge 1021b, causing the force receiving structure(s) (1036, 1037) to move relative to the constrained portion 1052 of the force transmitting or biasing element 1051. Movement of the force receiving structure(s) (1036, 1037) causes the moving portion 1054 of the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 to move relative to the constrained portion 1052, creating a restoring force in the force transmitting element 1051. The restoring force is applied by the force transmitting element 1051 to the force receiving structure(s) (1036, 1037) in the opposite direction of the movement of the force receiving structure(s) (1036, 1037).
As previously described above, the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can comprise at least two moving portions 1054, which may extend from a common constrained portion 1052 or may each extend separately from an individual constrained portion. In some embodiments, the two moving portions 1054 may be arranged to exert forces on opposite sides of a single force receiving structure (1036 or 1037). Alternatively, one moving portion 1054 may be arranged to exert a force on a first force receiving structure 1036 in a first direction and a second moving portion may be arranged to exert a second force on a second force receiving structure 1037 in a second direction opposite the first direction. In this manner, two restoring forces of opposite directions exerted on one or more force receiving structures may return the articulating blade assembly to a neutral position. The articulating blade assembly 1020 may be configured so that no restoring force is present in the neutral position, or may be configured such that equal and opposite restoring forces are applied by the force transmitting elements in the neutral position. As such, the blade housing 1020 can be configured to be pivotable about the axis of rotation in either of two opposing directions from an initial position. Preferably, the blade housing 1020 is biased to a neutral position (i.e., the initial position) so as to be automatically repositioned to the neutral position when any force causing the blade housing to pivot in one of the two opposing directions is removed.
The drums (1031, 1033) and recesses 1044 are configured to enable the articulating blade assembly 1020 to be separated without damage or tools and reassembled without damage or tools. In an embodiment, the drums (1031, 1033) and recesses 1044 form a snap fit, a press fit, a magnetic fit, or similar arrangement relative to one another. For example, for a magnetic fit, the drums may comprise a magnetic element and/or the recesses formed in the mount may comprise a magnetic element.
Force transmitting elements 1051 may comprise a variety of structures such as coil springs, leaf springs, other spring types, elastomeric materials, pneumatic configurations, magnetic elements, electromagnetic elements, etc. Any material, mechanism or structure effective to generate a restorative force throughout the movement range may be used. The force transmitting elements may be used to modify an existing blade assembly, such as, for example, the blade assembly of Appl. Ser. No. 62/923,374 and Ser. No. 15/932,888, incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
In one example embodiment, the force transmitting or biasing structure 1051 can comprise two coiled springs, each retained on a pin 1048 and secured in the mount 1040. The pins 1048 can be offset from the axis of rotation. The springs and corresponding pins are configured on opposite sides of the axis of rotation, with a lever arm extending past the axis of rotation to a contact point of a force receiving structure(s) (1036, 1037). In this arrangement, the coil for each spring is on the opposite side of the axis of rotation from the force receiving structure (1036, 1037) aligned with each lever arm. As the blade head rotates in a first direction, the force receiving structure (1036, 1037) toward the direction of rotation pushes the lever arm, causing movement of the lever arm relative to the coil. It is understood that a lever arm as referenced above can specifically be the moving portion 1054 of the force transmitting or biasing element 1051.
The location of the biasing structure 1051 so as to be substantially off the axis of rotation (i.e., non-concentric with the axis of rotation) allows for the utilization of drums with a significantly shortened length and an increased diameter relative to known devices. This, in addition to securing the biasing structure to the coupling element, can significantly increase the overall strength of the coupling elements and reduce or eliminate breakage during a drop test. Likewise, if the blade assembly and coupling element do separate during drop, it is relatively simple for a consumer to reassemble as described above since the biasing structures don't need to be pre-tensioned in order to properly function.
As illustrated in the example embodiment of
Returning to
In
The various configurations illustrated in
Securing of the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can be arranged to allow significantly more movement of the moving portion in comparison to the movement of the constrained portion. As such, in some embodiments, the constrained portion 1052 may still experience some degree of motion, but such motion is less than the motion caused in the moving portion 1054.
A force transmitting or biasing element 1051 may be a separable component from the mount 1040. In other embodiments, however, the force transmitting or biasing element 1051 can be configured so as to be integral with the mount 1040. For example, molded-in leaf springs may be formed during molding or machining of the mount 1040.
In one example embodiment, the force transmitting element or biasing element is attached to, integral with, or located on the articulating blade assembly and the force receiving structure is located in the mount. In one example embodiment, a flexible molded paddle extends to a slot in the mount when assembled.
The foregoing description of use of the device can be applied to the various implementations described herein through minor modifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the art in light of the further disclosure provided herein. The above description of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of the article but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements of disclosure of the present disclosure.
Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2020/060876 | 11/18/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62936999 | Nov 2019 | US |
