Multi-material pivot return for shaving systems

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2017008182-A1
Application number	US-201615270273-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Sep 20, 2016
Priority date	Dec 9, 2013
Publication date	Jan 12, 2017
Grant date	—

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.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . 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, and a generally U-shaped return element extending from the interface element, the return element comprising an elastomeric layer and a non-elastomeric layer and being configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

2 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , 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.

3 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the interface element comprises a substantially rigid portion defining a cavity configured to receive a distal end of the handle.

4 . The shaving assembly of claim 3 , wherein the return element is molded onto or attached to the substantially rigid portion of the interface element.

5 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , 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.

6 . The shaving assembly of claim 5 , wherein the surface of the blade unit includes one or more support features configured to act as a stop for the base portion.

7 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the return element is configured to bend or buckle upon rotation of the blade unit toward an upper surface of the handle.

8 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the interface element comprises pivot elements that are configured to be received by corresponding elements on the blade unit.

9 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a pivot stop formed integrally with the blade unit.

10 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric layer is formed of a material having a durometer of 30 to 80 Shore A.

11 . The shaving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the non-elastomeric layer has a thickness of from about 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

12 . The shaving assembly of claim 11 , wherein the non-elastomeric layer has a ratio of width to thickness between about 1:1 and 10:1.

13 . The shaving assembly of claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric layer has a thickness of from about 0.25 to 2.5 mm.

14 . 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 a blade unit, an interface element configured to connect the blade unit to the handle, on which the blade unit pivotably mounted, and a generally U-shaped return element extending from the interface element, the return element comprising an elastomeric layer and a non-elastomeric layer and being configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

15 . The shaving system of claim 14 , wherein the interface element comprises a substantially rigid portion defining a cavity configured to receive a distal end of the handle.

16 . The shaving system of claim 14 , wherein the return element is molded onto or attached to the substantially rigid portion of the interface element.

17 . The shaving system of claim 14 , 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.

18 . The shaving system of claim 14 , 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.

19 . The shaving system of claim 14 , wherein the interface element comprises pivot elements that are configured to be received by corresponding elements on the blade unit.

20 . The shaving system of claim 14 , further comprising a pivot stop formed integrally with the blade unit.

21 . The shaving system of claim 14 , wherein the interface element is configured to be removably mounted on the handle, allowing replacement of the shaving assembly.

22 . The shaving system of claim 14 , wherein the interface element is fixedly mounted on the handle.

23 . 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 a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to the handle, and a generally U-shaped return element extending from the interface element, the return element comprising an elastomeric layer and a non-elastomeric layer and being configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.

Assignees

• Shavelogic Inc

Inventors

• Tucker William E
• Provost Craig A
• Griffin John W
• Cantrell Aaron G
• Kohring Douglas R

Classifications

• B26B21/4068

  Mounting devices; Manufacture of razors or cartridges (B26B21/528 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B26B21/4081

  Shaving methods; Usage or wear indication; Testing methods · CPC title

• B26B21/14 Primary

  Safety razors with one or more blades arranged transversely to the handle · CPC title

• B26B21/225

  the changeable unit being resiliently mounted on the handle · CPC title

• B26B21/521 Primary

  Connection details, e.g. connection to razor heads · CPC title