The present invention relates to an apparatus for shaving, more particularly it relates to styling facial hair.
A facial hair style commonly known as “shape-up”, “line-up” or “edge-up” is now gaining in popularity, especially with young males. This style involves designing or styling hair such that some of the facial hair or head hair is shaped or lined up with a unique design. As an example, the hair is usually cut around the hairline and can be combined with other hair styles. This styling is normally performed by a barber, due to the precision required, and involves cutting the hair to a deserved minimal height, and employing clippers or a sharp, single razor blade to line up the customer's hair line, while some individuals prefer to groom themselves. Personal grooming through the use of clippers or a sharp, single razor blade to achieve this facial hair style can be particularly challenging due to the diminished visibility of the razor blade relative to the hairline, and therefore can be time consuming. Most trimmers, electric razors, single razor blades or multiple razor blades on the market are designed for shaving the entire face, and are not easily adaptable for effective self-styling of facial hair.
It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
In one of its aspects, there is provided a razor assembly comprising a first razor head member; a second razor head member; a handle; and wherein said first razor head member and said second razor head member are pivotable about each other.
In another of its aspects, there is provided a razor assembly comprising a handle; and a razor head having a first member and the second razor head member formed together as a unitary part, wherein the first razor head member and a second razor head member are disposed at a fixed angle relative to each other.
In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a razor assembly comprising a handle portion having a frustoconical portion and a ring portion depending therefrom; a blade support removably secured to said ring portion; a blade cartridge having a blade member, whereby said blade cartridge is removably attached to said blade support.
In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a blade cartridge comprising: a body; blade member retained by said body; said body having a pair of resilient arms parallel to said vertical axis and interconnected by a midsection; said arms having a pair of protruding lips facing each other adjacent the extremities of said arms; and whereby said resilient arms are removably coupled to a blade support.
In another of its aspects, there is provided a razor assembly that is suited for styling trimming styles of sideburns, beards, and moustaches, to give a desired appearance. Advantageously, the razor assembly provides precise shaving in confined, contoured, hard-to-reach areas, crevices, such as chin clefts, and around the edges of sideburns, moustaches and beards. In addition to the precision trimming, the razor assembly is easy to use, easy to control or manipulate, and the desired styles are achievable in a less time-consuming manner. Also, the razor assembly may be easily disassembled for cleaning.
Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying block diagrams and schematic diagrams, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of the individual operating components, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.
Looking at
Referring now primarily to
Now looking at
With particular reference to
Referring now primarily to
Turning now to
As stated above, the razor assembly 10 is assembled by receiving the disc-shaped finger 34 within the gap 54 between the top disc-shaped plate 50 and the bottom disc-shaped plate 52, such that the central bore 54 of the disc-shaped finger 34, and the bore 102 of top disc-shaped plate 50 and the bore 86 of the bottom disc-shaped plate 52, are aligned or lie on the same longitudinal axis. The radially protruding teeth 62 of geared ring 60 are in close proximity with the front surface 42 of the body 36 of the second razor head member 18 within the gap 54, and the rounded edge 84 abuts the front face 26 of body 20 of the first razor head member 16. The bottom surface 90 of the bottom disc-shaped plate 52 is along the same longitudinal axis of the top wall 76 of the T-shaped channel 66 of the first razor head member 16, such that the top wall 76 is substantially contiguous with the bottom surface 90 of the bottom disc-shaped plate 52.
The T-shaped channel 66 receives a T-shaped cartridge 167 which carries a razor blade member 168. The T-shaped cartridge 167 is a unitary formed member comprising a pair of arms 168, 169 and a stem 170 having a channel 171 for receiving the razor blade member 168. The T-shaped cartridge 167 is slid into the T-shaped channel 66 of the first razor head member 16 via the curved back surface 28, such that the arms 168, 169 are secured between the legs 68, 70 and the top wall 76, while the stem 170 abuts the opposing feet 72, 74. Correspondingly, the T-shaped channel 122 receives a T-shaped cartridge 167′ which carries a razor blade member 168′. The T-shaped cartridge 167′ is a unitary formed member comprising a pair of arms 168′, 169′ and a stem 170′ having a channel 171′ for receiving the razor blade member 168′. The T-shaped cartridge 167′ is slid into the T-shaped channel 122 of the second razor head member 18 via the curved back surface 44, such that the arms 168′, 169′ are secured between the legs 124, 126, and the top wall 132, while the stem 170′ abuts the opposing feet opposing feet 128, 130. Preferably the razor assembly 10 comprises disposable cartridges 167, 167′ having a razor blade member 168 or 168′.
As mentioned above, a fastening means retains the handle portion 12, the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 together. An exemplary fastening means is a screw 172 having a screw head 173, a threaded body 174 with threads 176 and a distal end 178. The screw 172 is associated with a resilient means, such as a spring 180 or elastomeric member, resting on the screw head 173. The screw 172 bearing the spring 180 is received by bores 86, 54 and 102 in a pin and slot arrangement, such that the spring 180 is retained between the screw head 173 and the annular shoulder 114, and the distal end 178 of the screw 172 extends beyond the top surface 112 of the nipple 100. The screw 172 thus rotatably mounts the first razor head member 16 and the second first razor head member 18.
The body bore 78 extending from the top surface 22 to the top wall 76 and the body bore 128 extending from the top surface 38 to the top wall 132 comprise screws 182, 182′ which are threadably received therein.
The handle portion 12 is coupled to the second razor head member 18 when the nipple 100 is introduced in the first cavity 159 such that the top surface 112 of the nipple 100 abuts the first annular transition shoulder 160. The distal end 178 of the screw 172 is threadably received by the second reduced diameter bore 162 of the handle portion 12. As the screw 172 is received, starting in a first position the teeth 120 of semi-circular geared portion 116 of the second razor head member 18 engage the radial gears 154 of the ring portion 144, and the gear teeth 120 of the semi-circular geared portion 116 engage the internal radial gears 156 of the half ring 152. The spring 180 biases the frustoconical portion 142 against the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18, such that the ring portion 144 rests on the top surface 98 of the second razor head member 18. The half ring 152 is received in the arcuate recess 66 between the portion of geared ring 60 above the gear-less finger portion 64 and the front surface 26, and the gears 156 of the half ring 152 engage the gear teeth 62 of the first razor head member 16. In this configuration, the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 are locked in place by the frustoconical portion 142, and can not rotate about the screw 172.
In order to move the apparatus 10 into a second position, a force is applied to the frustoconical portion 142 to unbiase the spring 180 such that the force is sufficient to cause the gear 156 of the half ring 152 to disengage the geared ring 60 of the disc-shaped finger 34, while maintaining the engagement between the teeth 120 of semi-circular geared portion 116 of the second razor head member 18 and the radial gears 154 of the ring portion 144. Accordingly, the first razor head member 16 is now able to rotate about the screw 172, while the second razor head member 18 and the frustoconical portion 142 stay in a locked arrangement via the teeth of gears 154, 156 and gear teeth 120 engagement. When the first razor head member 16 is in the desired second, the force is removed and the spring 172 biases the gears of the half ring 152 against the geared ring 60 of the disc-shaped finger 34, and lock the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18. Accordingly, the first razor head member 16 can be placed in a plurality of positions relative to the second razor head member 18, as dictated by the meshing of the gears 156 of the frustoconical portion 142 and gear teeth 62 of the first razor head member 16. The positioning thus also depends on the pitch of gear 62 on the first razor head member 16, gears 154, 156 on the frustoconical portion 142, and gears 120 on the second razor head member 16.
In an exemplary manner of operation of the razor assembly 10 by a user, the T-shaped cartridge 167 bearing a razor blade member 168 is slid into the T-shaped channel 66 of the first razor head member 16 via the curved back surface 28; and correspondingly, the T-shaped cartridge 167′ is slid into the T-shaped channel 122 of the second razor head member 18 via the curved back surface 44. By applying a force to the frustoconical portion 142, the spring 170 is unbiased to allow rotation of the first razor head member 16 about the screw 172, while the second razor head member 18 and the frustoconical portion 142 stay in a locked together. Accordingly, the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 may be placed into a plurality positions relative to each other, and the positions correspond to a plurality of curve profiles which are suitable for effecting the desired particular facial hair styles, as will be described below. The user then grasps the handle portion 12 and positions the razor blades 168, 168′ on the surface area to be styled, such as hair-lines, sideburns, moustaches, and beards, to effectively trim or sculpt those areas. Following use, the razor assembly 10 may be easily cleaned using conventional cleaning methods, such as placing the razor assembly 10 under a running tap, or brushing off the hair. However, if a thorough cleaning is mandated, then the razor assembly 10 may be easily disassembled by unthreading the screw 172 from the frustoconical portion 142, and separating the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 from each other. Once disassembled, the individual parts of the razor assembly 10 may be cleaned, or serviced.
As can be deduced, multiple curve profiles are possible by placing the first razor head member 16 at a plurality of angles relative to the second razor head member 16, in which the angle ranges from 0° to 90° and 0° to −90°, for a 180° span.
In another embodiment, a single cartridge is employed, and extends between channel 66 of body 20 to channel 122 of body 36, and holds a single razor blade member dimensioned to extend between channel 66 of body 20 to channel 122 of body 36. Accordingly, both the cartridge and the razor are resilient, flexible or bendable and are capable of being place in a plurality of positions as described above.
In another embodiment, the edges of the blades 168, 168′ are coloured such that the point of contact of the blade edge with the surface having hair is more visible to the user. The increased visibility of the blade edge against the skin allows the user to better develop outline profiles, which results in better results.
In another embodiment, the blade portion 206 is transparent to enhance visibility of the location of the blade member 168, 168′ on the shaving site.
In another embodiment, the handle portion, first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 are formed together as a unitary part, wherein the razor head 14 comprises a first razor head member 16 and a second razor head member 18 are disposed at a fixed angle relative to each other. As an example, the set angles may correspond to curve profiles described above, or other desired curve profiles.
In another embodiment, the razor assembly 10 comprises a handle portion for receiving a plurality of interchangeable razor heads 14, in which the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 are formed together as a unitary part, and wherein the first razor head member 16 and the second razor head member 18 are disposed at a fixed angle relative to each other. As an example, the set angles may correspond to curve profiles described above, or other desired curve profiles.
In yet another embodiment, there is shown a razor assembly generally designated by the numeral 200 in
Referring now primarily to
Looking at
As can be seen in
Now turning to
In order to remove the blade cartridge 206 from the blade support 204 a force is applied to dislodge the protruding lips 246, 246′ from the orifices 232, 232′ and urge the protruding lips 246, 246′ down the guide tracks 230, 230′ towards the base 228 until the protruding lips 246, 246′ are free of the guide tracks 230, 230′. Alternatively, a force substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is applied to arms 242, 242′ to extricate the protruding lips 246, 246′ out of the orifices 232, 232′. As noted above, the actuating rod 224 may be urged along axial bore 218, bore 220 and axial bore 222 towards the channel 218 in order to urge the blade cartridge 206 out of the channel 218. A resilient member, such as spring means, may be associated with rod 224 to return the rod 224 to a rest position after forcing out the blade cartridge 206 out of channel 218, and retain rod 224 within axial bore 218, bore 220 and axial bore 222.
In another embodiment, blade member 240 is reduced in size and secured at a predetermined location on longitudinal edge of body 237, as shown in
In another embodiment, blade member 240 is reduced in size and secured at a predetermined location on longitudinal edge of body 237, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, blade support 204 pivotable about the handle 208, as shown in
In another embodiment, rod 224 includes threads which mesh with complementary threads on walls of one of axial bore 220 and axial bore 222, to translate the actuating rod 224 along bores 220 and 222.
In another embodiment, the blade portion 206 or body 237 is transparent to enhance visibility of the location of the blade member 168 or 240 on the shaving site.
In another embodiment, handle portion 202 and blade support 204 are integrally formed, such that a disposable blade cartridge 206 is snapped on or off the blade support 204. Accordingly, the unitary body comprising the handle portion 202 and blade support 204 may be formed of plastic or stainless steel.
In another embodiment, as shown in
In another embodiment, the blade portion 254 is transparent to enhance visibility of the location of the blade member 260 on the shaving site.
In another embodiment, blade member 260 is reduced in size and secured at a predetermined location on longitudinal edge of body 254, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, as shown in
Similar to blade cartridge 206, blade cartridge 276 is securedly held on the blade support 274 when the apparatus 270 is in operation. Razor assembly 270 also includes an actuating rod 305 for adapting the angle between the first member 292 and second member 294, to place the first member 292 in a plurality of positions relative to the second member 294, similar to the method of operation described above in accordance to the embodiment of
As depicted in
Similar to apparatus 10, first razor head member 292 can be placed in a plurality of positions relative to the second razor head member 294, as dictated by the meshing of internal radial gear teeth 340 of half ring 287 and gear teeth 342 of first razor head member 292. The positioning thus also depends on the pitch of gear 342 on the first razor head member 292, internal radial gear teeth 344 on ring portion 286, and gears 346 on the second razor head member 294. In operation, starting in a first position the gear teeth 346 of semi-circular geared portion of the second ring razor head member 294 engage the radial gear teeth 344 of the ring portion 286, and gear teeth 346 of the semi-circular geared portion of the second ring razor head member 294 engage the internal radial gears 340 of the half ring 287. The spring 330 biases the handle portion 272 against the first razor head member 292 and the second razor head member 294, and the first razor head member 292 and the second razor head member 294 are locked in place, and can not rotate about the screw 320.
In order to move the apparatus 270 into a second position, a force is applied to the actuating rod 305 to cause the actuating rod 305 to travel towards opposing arms 311, 311′ of the interior rod 307, and the pair of opposing detents 317, 317′ travel within opposing channels 318, 318′ in handle 278, compressing the spring 319, until coming to a stop. The applied force is thus transmitted to the interior rod 307 and is sufficient to cause the gear teeth 340 of the half ring 287 to disengage the gear teeth 342 of the first razor head member 292, while maintaining the engagement between the teeth 346 of semi-circular geared portion of the second razor head member 294 and the radial gear teeth 344 of the ring portion 286. Accordingly, the first razor head member 292 is now able to rotate about the screw 320, while the second razor head member 294 and the frustoconical portion 284 stay in a locked arrangement. When the first razor head member 292 is in the desired second position, the force is removed and the spring 320 biases the gear teeth 340 of the half ring 287 against gear teeth 342 of the first razor head member 292, to lock the first razor head member 292 and the second razor head member 294, in the second position.
Other disposable razor configurations for mounting on first razor head member 292 and the second razor head member 294, may be employed to effect a desired shaving profile. For example, in another embodiment, disposable cartridge 276 comprises an arcuate body 254, and the degree of curvature depends on the desired shaving profile.
In another embodiment, disposable cartridge 276 comprises a U-shape body 254, with an elongate aperture 350 within midsection 264. The aperture 248 enhances visibility of the shaving site, as well as impedes accumulation of shaving products and hair on body 237, as shown in
In another embodiment, disposable cartridge 276 comprises a U-shape body 254, formed with a pair of hinged portions 352, 352′, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, a blade cartridge 276 comprises a flexible body 360, with a flexible blade 362, mountable on first razor head member 292 and the second razor head member 294, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, the edges of the blade members 240, 260, and 362 are coloured such that the point of contact of the blade edge with the surface having hair is more visible to the user. The increased visibility of the blade edge against the skin allows the user to better develop outline profiles, which results in better results.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as “essential” or “critical.”
The preceding detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Further, the present invention may be practiced using one or more servers, as necessary. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined by the preceding description, and with respect to the attached claims.
This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/634,406 filed on Feb. 27, 2015.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1589826 | Strand | Jun 1926 | A |
2517028 | Ridner, Sr. | Aug 1950 | A |
2937976 | Granahan | May 1960 | A |
3161953 | Theodorou | Dec 1964 | A |
3652342 | Fischbein | Mar 1972 | A |
4791724 | Dumas | Dec 1988 | A |
5426853 | McNinch | Jun 1995 | A |
5933960 | Avidor | Aug 1999 | A |
6557265 | Coffin | May 2003 | B2 |
6754958 | Haws | Jun 2004 | B2 |
8914980 | Solomennikov | Dec 2014 | B2 |
9931754 | Schmidt | Apr 2018 | B1 |
20030033717 | Cecil | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20070220755 | Dror | Sep 2007 | A1 |
20080022530 | Royle | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20110283539 | Bryan | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20120131801 | Gonzales | May 2012 | A1 |
20140123506 | Gaines | May 2014 | A1 |
20150183119 | Contaldi | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20160288350 | Contaldi | Oct 2016 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180133911 A1 | May 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 14634406 | Feb 2015 | US |
Child | 15868605 | US |