Multi-material pivot return for shaving systems

Abstract

Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element provides resistance during shaving and positions the blade unit in a rest position when not in use.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to shaving systems having handles and replaceable blade units. Shaving systems often consist of a handle and a replaceable blade unit in which one or more blades are mounted in a plastic housing. Such shaving systems often include a pivoting attachment between the blade unit and handle, which allows the blade unit to maintain optimum contact with the surface being shaved. The pivoting attachment often includes a mechanism to provide resistance during shaving and return the blade unit to a neutral or “rest” position when it is not in contact with the user's skin.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure pertains to shaving systems and to replaceable shaving assemblies for use in such systems. The systems include a flexible return element. The flexible return element is a multi-material element that includes a semi-rigid plastic layer and an elastomeric material, which work together to provide the resistance and return forces that are often provided by a pusher and follower mechanism in prior art shaving systems.

In one aspect, the invention features a replaceable shaving assembly comprising a blade unit and an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted. The interface element further comprising a multi-material return element configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

Some implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The return element can be configured to bias the blade unit towards a rest position with respect to a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a long axis of the blade unit. The return element may comprise a non-elastomeric thermoplastic material. Furthermore, the return element may comprise an elastomeric element, e.g., a layer of thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic urethane. The return element may be generally U-shaped, or may be in the form of one or more fingers. If the return element is U-shaped, a base portion of the U-shape may be configured to engage a surface of the blade unit. The return element may be configured to bend or buckle upon rotation of the blade unit toward an upper surface of the handle.

In some implementations, the interface element comprises a substantially rigid portion defining a cavity configured to receive a distal end of the handle. The return element may be molded onto or attached to interface element, e.g., to the substantially rigid portion of the interface element. The interface element may comprise pivot elements that are configured to be received by corresponding elements on the blade unit.

In another aspect, the invention features a shaving system comprising: a handle having a distal end and a proximal end; and a shaving assembly, mounted on the distal end of the handle. The shaving assembly includes an interface element configured to connect the blade unit to the handle, and a blade unit that is pivotably mounted on the interface element, the interface element comprising a multi-material return element configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

In some implementations, this aspect of the invention can include any one or more of the features discussed above or elsewhere herein.

Moreover, in some implementations the interface element may be configured to be removably mounted on the handle, allowing replacement of the shaving assembly. Alternatively, the interface element may be fixedly mounted on the handle, e.g., attached to the handle by mechanical engagement or welding, or by molding the interface element integrally with the handle.

In yet a further aspect, the invention features a method of shaving comprising contacting the skin with the blade unit of a shaving system. The shaving system comprises (a) a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and (b) pivotably mounted on the distal end of the handle, a replaceable shaving assembly that includes a blade unit and an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to the handle, the interface element comprising a multi-material return element configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

In some implementations, the method may include any of the features disclosed above or elsewhere herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a shaving system according to one implementation, with the blade unit in various rotational positions.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the shaving assembly and a portion of the handle of the shaving system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the blade unit being rotated toward the upper part of the handle, as indicated by the arrow.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the same rotational position of the blade unit from a different viewpoint.

FIGS. 6 and 6A show the shaving assembly with the blade unit rotated further toward the upper part of the handle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the handle, interface element and return element with the blade unit removed for clarity.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 from the bottom. the handle, interface element and return element with the blade unit removed for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the return element.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the return element with the elastomeric element removed.

FIG. 10 is a side, sectional view of one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side, sectional view of one embodiment with the elastomeric element removed.

FIG. 12 is a bottom, planar view of one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a bottom, planar view of one embodiment with the elastomeric element removed.

FIGS. 14A-14D are diagrammatic views illustrating how the angle of the blade unit with respect to the handle at rest, and to the skin surface during shaving, is measured.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of shaving systems according to alternate embodiments.

FIGS. 17A-17C are plan views of shaving systems according to three embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic side plan view showing an example of a pivot stop that may be used in the shaving systems disclosed herein. FIGS. 19A-19B are perspective views of an embodiment in which the shaving assembly is designed to be permanently attached to the handle.

FIGS. 20A is a perspective view of one embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22A where the cross-hatched area represents an inflexible, hard-plastic material and the lined area represents an flexible, elastomeric material.

FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment show in FIG. 10, where the cross-hatched area represents an inflexible, hard-plastic material and the lined area represents an flexible, elastomeric material.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an embodiment showing the backbone element configured in two separate pieces connected by an elastomeric element.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23A shown from the bottom.

FIGS. 22-24 are perspective views of alternate embodiments showing different configurations of the elastomeric element with respect to the backbone element.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternated embodiment of the return element.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown FIG. 25.

FIGS. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the return element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show a shaving system 10 that includes a handle 12, an interface element 14, a return element 16, and a blade unit 20 that includes a plurality of blades 22 (FIG. 1) and that is pivotably mounted on the interface element. The interface element includes a generally rigid body that defines a cavity 15 (FIG. 8) dimensioned to receive the distal end of handle 12. Generally, the interface element 14, the return element 16, and blade unit 20 are sold to the consumer as an integrated replaceable shaving assembly.

Referring to FIG. 4, the blade unit 20 is mounted on interface element 14 by the positioning of a pair of fingers 30 (FIG. 7A) which extend from the interface element 14 into receiving bores 35 (FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B) on the blade unit 20. The receiving bores 35 may be molded integrally with the blade unit 20. This attachment allows pivoting of the blade unit with respect to the interface unit and thus the handle. A blade unit pivot stop (e.g., a stop flange 40 as shown in FIG. 18) may be integrally formed with the blade unit 20 to limit the pivoting of the blade unit 20. Pivoting of the blade unit 20 is about an axis that is generally parallel to the long axis of the blade unit and is generally positioned to allow the blade unit 20 to follow the contours of a user's skin during shaving. Referring to FIGS. 14A-14D, preferably the angle of blade unit 20 with respect to handle 12 is about 15 degrees at rest, and the angle of the blade unit with respect to the skin surface can range from approximately 15° to 105° during shaving. The handle 12 provides a manner in which the shaving system can be manipulated and leverage can be applied to achieve desired shaving results.

The blade unit 20 is shown in three different rotational orientations in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 1, the blade unit is preloaded by the return element and is in an at rest position, pivoted slightly toward a bottom surface 21 of the handle; in FIG. 2, the blade unit is pivoted slightly toward a top surface 23 of the handle, and in FIG. 3 the blade unit is pivoted further toward the top surface 23. These positions are representative of the normal range of pivoting motion of the blade unit. As the blade unit pivots between these positions, the return element 16 flexes between an extended position (FIG. 1) and a bent position (FIG. 3), as will be discussed further below.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A, the return element 16 is mounted on interface element 14 and extends generally downwardly and outwardly from surface 15 of the interface element. The return element 16 is generally U-shaped, and includes a generally straight central portion 17 that is configured to engage the back surface of the blade unit (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4).

As shown in detail in FIGS. 4-6A, as the blade unit pivots toward the upper surface of the handle 23, the return element 16 deforms more and more, until it finally reaches the bent position shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. As it deforms, the return element 16 provides resistance during shaving, limiting the free pivoting of the blade unit about the pivot axis described above. In addition, the return element 16 provides a return force that biases the blade unit 20 towards its rest position, in the same manner that resistance and return force are typically provided by a pusher/follower assembly.

In all of the embodiments discussed herein, the return element is designed such that its geometry and other characteristics provides an applied load as assembled that is sufficient to overcome the friction of the system at rest (pretensioned load), typically at least 5 grams, e.g., 5 to 40 grams, and a load during shaving of from about 30 to 110 grams.

Referring to FIGS. 7-13, the return element 16 comprises a multi-layer laminate that includes two generally distinct elements: a backbone element 200 of a non-elastomeric plastic material, and an elastomeric element 205 that covers the backbone element 200. The backbone element 200 extends from the lower surface 15 of the interface element 14, as shown in FIG. 7A. The backbone element is thin (e.g., from about 0.05 to 1.5 mm thick, for example from 0.3 to 1 mm), and is wide relative to its thickness, giving it good torsional rigidity. The backbone may not have a uniform thickness and/or width; the thickness range given above is the average thickness of the backbone. In some implementations, the ratio of width to thickness is between about 1:1 and 10:1, where width is measured as indicated by W in FIG. 9. As a result, the return element 16 resists flexure that would be about the long axis of the handle.

The backbone element may also help protect the return element from unwanted deformation during manufacturing, assembly, shipment, and storage. The backbone element provides lateral stability to the return element, due to its torsional rigidity, keeping the return element properly located during manufacturing and use. The multi-material return element also has a spring rate that combines the properties of the two materials (elastomeric and non-elastomeric) so as to provide both a relatively high preload and a relatively low spring rate during shaving.

The backbone element can be formed, for example, from a non-elastomeric thermoplastic material such as acetyls (e.g., POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high impact polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) (high and low density),

ABS. Preferred materials have sufficient rigidity to provide the desired degree of lateral stability to the return element.

The elastomeric element 205 comprises an elastomer that is molded to or over the backbone element. Generally, the backbone element 200 is much thinner than the elastomeric element. The elastomeric element 205 enhances the flexing characteristics of the return element 16. The elastomeric element 205 maybe, for example, from about 0.25 to 2.5 mm thick, for example from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm.

The elastomeric element can be formed, for example, from synthetic or natural rubber materials. Other suitable materials could include, for example, polyether-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) available from Kraiburg HTP, polyether-based thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer (TPVs) available from GLS PolyOne Corporation under the tradename Santoprene™ and thermoplastic urethanes (TPUs) available from GLS PolyOne Corporation under the tradename VERSOLLAN™. The elastomeric material is selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability. In some implementations the material has a durometer of 30 to 80 Shore A.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, the return element may have a different shape, for example the return element 16 may be in the form of two separate members 42, as shown in FIG. 15, or a single, centrally disposed member 44, as shown in FIG. 16. In this case, the members are configured to deform in the same manner described above and provide a similar restoring force. In these implementations, as well as in some implementations in which the return element is generally U-shaped, the back surface of blade unit 20 may include one or more support features 46 which are positioned to act as a stop for the distal end of the return element 16. Support features 46 may enhance the ability of the return element 16 to bend or buckle in response to rotational forces.

Also, while removable shaving assemblies have been discussed above, in some implementations the shaving system is designed to be disposable as a whole. In these cases, the shaving assembly is affixed to the handle in a manner that is not intended for the consumer to remove, e.g., by fixedly mounting the interface element on the distal end of the handle. This may be accomplished, for example, by engagement of corresponding mechanical locking features on the handle and interface element, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding), by molding the interface element integrally with the handle, or by any other desired mounting technique. An example of a disposable shaving system 100 is shown in FIG. 19A, and the shaving assembly for such a system is shown in FIG. 19B. In this case, the handle 112 includes protrusions 150 (only one of which is shown, the other being on the opposite side of the handle), and the interface element includes corresponding locking indentations 152.

The return element may also have various shapes when seen from the side. For example, the side profile may define a single curve, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, or a double-curved, “S” shape, as shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, and 10. The latter shape may be used to move the return force further from the pivot point of the blade unit to better balance the blade unit during shaving.

Furthermore while it was shown that the return was extending from the front surface of interface element (FIG. 7). The return element, or elements thereof, for example the elastomeric element or the backbone element, may extend from another surface of the interface element.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, the backbone and/or elastomeric elements can be dimensioned to provide for preferred flexing areas. In some implementations, the backbone element may include a notch, groove, weakened cross-sectional region, or the like, to provide an area for preferential flexing.

Also, the elastomeric element 205 may be on either the top or the underside (as shown in FIG. 20A, 20B, 20C) of the backbone element 200. Moreover, the elastomeric element 205 may be configured on the edges of the backbone element 200, or a combination of the edges and top and/or underside. For example, the elastomeric element 205 may be configured on both the inside and outside edges of the backbone element 200 (FIG. 22), or just the outside edges of the backbone element 200 (FIG. 23), or just the inside edges of the backbone element 200 (FIG. 24).

In alternative implementations, as shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, a backbone element 200 shown in a sinusoidal shape and previously shown as a single or double curved shape, may be sandwiched between two elastomeric layers 205 or vice versa.

In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 26, the elastomeric element 205 may be integrally molded into the backbone element 200 so that it occupies a similar plane as the backbone element.

In addition, the backbone element can extend from a different surface of interface element.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of shaving comprising contacting the skin with the blade unit of a shaving system that includes (a) a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and (b) pivotably mounted on the handle, a replaceable shaving assembly that includes an interface element configured to be removeably connected to the handle, and a return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions, the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element, wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

2. A replaceable shaving assembly comprising: an interface element configured to be removeably connected to a handle,a blade unit that is pivotably mounted on the interface element, anda return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions,the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element,wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

3. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the return element is configured to bias the blade unit towards a rest position with respect to a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a long axis of the blade unit.

4. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the interface element comprises a substantially rigid portion defining a cavity configured to receive a distal end of the handle.

5. The shaving assembly of claim 4, wherein the return element is molded onto or attached to the substantially rigid portion of the interface element.

6. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the return element comprises a base portion at a distal end of the U-shape that is configured to engage a surface of the blade unit.

7. The shaving assembly of claim 6, wherein the surface of the blade unit includes one or more support features configured to act as a stop for the base portion.

8. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the return element is configured to bend or buckle upon rotation of the blade unit toward an upper surface of the handle.

9. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the interface element comprises pivot elements that are configured to be received by corresponding elements on the blade unit.

10. The shaving assembly of claim 2, further comprising a pivot stop formed integrally with the blade unit.

11. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric layer is formed of a material having a durometer of 30 to 80 Shore A.

12. The shaving assembly of claim 2, wherein the non-elastomeric layer has a thickness of from about 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

13. The shaving assembly of claim 12, wherein the non-elastomeric layer has a ratio of width to thickness between about 1:1 and 10:1.

14. The shaving assembly of claim 12, wherein the elastomeric layer has a thickness of from about 0.25 to 2.5 mm.

15. A shaving system comprising: a handle having a distal end and a proximal end; anda shaving assembly, removably mounted on the distal end of the handle, the shaving assembly having an interface element configured to be removably connected to the handle, a blade unit pivotably mounted on the interface element, and a return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions,the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element,wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

16. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the interface element comprises a substantially rigid portion defining a cavity configured to receive a distal end of the handle.

17. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the return element is molded onto or attached to the substantially rigid portion of the interface element.

18. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the return element comprises a base portion at a distal end of the U-shape that is configured to engage a surface of the blade unit.

19. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the return element is configured to deflect and then bend or buckle upon rotation of the blade unit toward an upper surface of the handle.

20. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the interface element comprises pivot elements that are configured to be received by corresponding elements on the blade unit.

21. The shaving system of claim 15, further comprising a pivot stop formed integrally with the blade unit.

22. The shaving system of claim 15 wherein the interface element is configured to be removably mounted on the handle, allowing replacement of the shaving assembly.

23. The shaving system of claim 15, wherein the interface element is fixedly mounted on the handle.