BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a razor cartridge of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a razor cartridge of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, the shaving unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes base or platform member 12 molded of ABS or other suitable polymer that includes integral coupling groove structure 14 for attachment to a razor handle and guard structure 16 that defines a transversely extending anterior skin engaging surface 18. On the upper surface of platform 12 are disposed leading razor blade 20 having a cutting edge 22, trailing razor blade 24 having cutting edge 26, and aluminum spacer member 28 that maintains razor blades 20 and 24 in spaced relation. Cap member 30 is also molded of ABS or other suitable polymer and has body portion 32 that defines the posterior skin engaging surface 34 that extends transversely between forwardly projecting end walls 36 and has a front edge 38 that is disposed rearwardly of blade edge 26. Integral rivet portions 40 extend downwardly from transversely extending body portion 32 and pass through holes in blades 20 and 24, spacer 28 and platform 12 to secure cap 30, blades 20, 24 and spacer 28 on platform 12. Adhesively affixed to skin engaging surface 34 is device 42.
The shaving unit 50 shown in FIG. 3 is of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,255 to Jacobson, incorporated herein by reference, and includes body 52 with front portion 54 and rear portion 56. Guard member 58 can be resiliently or rigidly mounted to the body and can also comprise a plurality of elastomeric fins as is well known in the art. The shaving unit includes leading razor blade 60 mounted to a bent support 61 and trailing razor blade 62 mounted to a bent support 63. One of skill in the art will understand that the shaving unit may comprise one, two or three or more razor blades and the present invention is not limited in this regard. A shaving aid composite in the form of elongated device 64 is frictionally locked in opening 66 of rear portion 56.
FIGS. 4-6 generally depict variations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “core” refers to an internal portion of a skin engaging member as examined at the cross-section. The core typically runs throughout the skin engaging member along an axis. The axis need not be the central axis. The FIG. 3 designates the core as 70 and the sheath as 72. Embodiments of the present invention have at least one core. As used herein, the term “sheath” refers to an outer coating layer(s) over the core 70. The device 64 comprising the core and sheath is preferably manufactured by a two-component or coextrusion process and cut to length suitable for implant into or onto the body of the razor blade cartridge. The core comprises 50-100% by weight of a solid, water soluble, shaving aid comprising polyethylene oxide. Preferred materials of the sheath are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,558 to Tseng et al. incorporated herein for reference. The skin engaging surface 74 of the sheath has at least one opening 78 to release shaving aid to the skin. Preferably, the device includes from about 3 to about 30 openings 78, most preferably 10-15 openings, preferably evenly distributed along the skin engaging surface 74. The skin engaging surface of the sheath can also comprise a soft layer such as a commercial strip (polyethylene oxide/polystyrene) which will become porous during use. Referring to FIG. 3 the device has an elongated insert member 76. The insert member 76 is designed to frictionally lock in an opening 66 as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. End cap 80 is mounted to an end of the device 64 to at least partially close that end to inhibit the ingress of water to that end of the device and to inhibit the release of the shaving aid from the exposed core. The end cap can be manufactured from a molded polymeric material, most preferably from a polymeric material chosen for its ability to be readily ultrasonically welded to the sheath. The end cap can also be bonded to the device by a suitable adhesive, preferably a cyanoacrylate adhesive, most preferably the grade designated LOCTITE 420 manufactured by HENKEL. The end cap can also be manufactured from a drawn metal, preferably an aluminum alloy and bonded to the device as previously described. A drawn metal end cap can also be mechanically affixed to the device by piercing the wall of the end cap so that a portion of the end cap penetrates the device to prevent removal.
FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. An end of the device exposed by the cut-to-length process is at least partially closed by the application of a suitable film of sealant, 90. The sealant is preferably a lacquer having a volatile component that evaporates after application. The sealant is selected at least for its ability to bond to the sheath to provide a durable film, and for its inability to penetrate the core so that it does affect the release of the shaving aid material through the openings 78 during normal shaving. The sealant can also be a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) material comprising silicone or a two-part epoxy.
FIG. 6 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention. A short length 100 at an end of the device is crushed or otherwise squeezed to expel a portion of the core local to the crushed portion. The inner opposed walls of the sheath are preferably ultrasonically or otherwise welded together to form seam 102 to at least partially close that end of the device. The inner opposed sheath walls can also be bonded together as described above.
It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the particular construction herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the disclosure.
Patent Application
20080028617
