Hair removal implement and cartridge dispenser

Abstract

A hair removal implement (or device) includes a handle body and a cartridge. The cartridge includes at least one blade and up to nine blades. The cartridge includes a comb guard structure with a rinse-through channel positioned between the comb guard and the at least one blade. The cartridge includes connecting features for a sliding or translating attachment to mating features on the handle. The connection is along the length of the cartridge or orthogonal to the central axis of the handle. One or more latch or detent connections provide secure connection between the cartridge and the handle. A dispenser for cartridges includes a plurality of receptacles having one or more connecting structures that releasably retain cartridges therein.

Description

HAIR REMOVAL IMPLEMENT AND CARTRIDGE DISPENSERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 627,988, filed on February 1 , 2024, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1 . Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to hair removal implements for reducing the length of hair, including dispensers for hair removal cartridges for such hair removal implements.2. Background Information

[0003] Razors of the wet shave or manual type include a cartridge and a handle that are connected together. Razors are generally intended to reduce the length of hair extending from the hirsute surface. Dermaplaning and exfoliation devices are similarly intended to reduce the length of hair from the hirsute surface. Dermaplaning and exfoliation devices are typically a single elongate blade used to scrape, and / or include a foil, where the user applies the blade edge or the foil to the hirsute surface. These devices are often-times sharp or bulky. While there are a number of different offerings to reduce the length of hair, these implements fail to offer a small option (e.g., having a compact footprint) that improves portability in a personal item that may be small (e.g., a purse, handbag, or satchel, etc.). Additionally, such existing implements are not discreet as the structure and aesthetics are apparent to others who may be present when being carried or used in public settings (e.g., to, from, or within a restroom). Further, these existing implements fail to provide targeted hair length reduction, particularly where the topography of the hirsute surface is unique, arcuate, have a significant change in slope over a short distance, or otherwise varied. This is particularly significant for portions of the body that are narrow. Additionally, offering a shaving implement suitable for light touch-up work is desired, particularly for stray hairs and / or vellus hairs that are thin or short. While certain powered offerings are available, including those utilizing a laser, a manual option is desirous to avoid the need to recharge or replace the power source. Accordingly, there is a need for a shaving and / or exfoliation implement that alleviates the aforementioned shortcomings of existing shaving, dermaplaning, and / or exfoliation implements.SUMMARY

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hair removal implement is provided. For simplicity, the present disclosure will contemplate a “hair removal implement”, a “shaving implement” or simply “implement”, albeit it is understood that this isinclusive of dermaplaning and exfoliation implements. Such implement includes a handle and a cartridge. Optionally, the implement includes a cover enclosing the cartridge and attaching to the handle. Optionally, a dispenser for cartridges is provided.

[0005] The cartridge includes a housing that is optionally two pieces. The cartridge includes at least one blade secured to or at least partially within the housing. The at least one blade is optionally a plurality of blades, and is optionally between two blades and nine blades, or between three blades and seven blades, or three blades, or five blades, or seven blades. In such embodiments having a plurality of blades, the blades are stacked such that the span between the blades is at least equal to the thickness of thinnest of the plurality of blades and up to three times the thickness of the thickest blade. Optionally, the span is between about 0.0 mm and about 0.3 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 0.2 mm, or about 0.01 mm, or about 0.1 mm, or about 0.17 mm, or about 0.18 mm, or about 0.2 mm, or less than 0.2 mm. The cartridge includes a guard and a cap, generally opposite to each other and separated by the at least one blade. The guard is optionally a comb guard having a series of protrusions where adjacent protrusions are separated by a valley. The cap optionally includes a skin conditioning element. The guard and the at least one blade (e.g., the first blade) are spaced apart by a rinse-through channel.

[0006] According to any embodiment herein, the guard is attached to the first portion - a first housing - of the cartridge housing. Optionally, the cap is attached to the second portion - a second housing - of the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing is optionally attached by welding, ultrasonics, glue, and / or mechanical engagements (e.g., press-fit, snap-fit, latches, clips, post(s) and bore(s), etc.). Optionally, the first housing and the second housing including alignment features and connecting features.

[0007] According to any embodiment herein, the cartridge is an open architecture cartridge having an opening on the lower front side extending substantially across the entire length of the cartridge (e.g., up to and between each lateral side of the cartridge frame).

[0008] According to any embodiment herein, the cartridge has an attachment feature configured as an elongate bar located on the rearward side of the cartridge. The bar is optionally up to the length of the entire cartridge. The bar is optionally arcuate. The bar includes one or more recesses. The one or more recesses are located in the central portion of the attachment feature inward of the first lateral end portion and the second lateral end portion.

[0009] According to any embodiment herein, at least one blade is provided. The blade includes a forward region. The forward region has a cutting edge. The blade includes a middle region located adjacent the forward region and opposite to the cutting edge. The blade includes a support region located adjacent the middle region. The support region has an upper portion (e.g., upper region) that is generally opposite to a lower portion (e.g., lower region). The lower region defines a lowermost edge that is generally opposite to the cutting edge.

[0010] According to any embodiment herein, the cutting edge is angled with respect to the lowermost edge. Optionally, the blade has a bend in the middle region, the bend having a bend angle defined between the cutting edge and the lowermost edge of between about 90 degrees and about 130 degrees. Optionally, the bend angle is between about 100 degrees and about 125 degrees.

[0011] According to any embodiment herein, the blade is a bent blade, a welded blade, or is a flat blade.

[0012] The cartridge housing includes a shelf. The shelf is optionally attached to the first housing and / or the second housing. The shelf extends along the length of the cartridge.

[0013] According to any embodiment herein, the cartridge housing includes a blade support at each lateral end region (e.g., a first lateral end region and a second lateral end region). The blade supports are optionally attached to the second housing.

[0014] According to any embodiment herein, the razor cartridge housing includes at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is inward of the at least one blade support at each lateral end. The at least one protrusion is optionally located in the center region of the cartridge housing. The at least one protrusion is optionally attached to the first portion of the cartridge housing.

[0015] According to any embodiment herein, the blade supports extend upwardly from a base portion of the cartridge housing and towards the skin engaging surface.

[0016] According to any embodiment herein, the at least one protrusion extends rearwardly and / or downwardly from the skin engaging surface.

[0017] According to any embodiment herein, the handle includes a connecting region at a first end (e.g., an upper end) of the handle. The handle includes a body region. Between the connecting region and the body region is a shoulder. The body includes a bottom end. The bottom end is optionally a plug that is attached to the handle.

[0018] According to any embodiment herein, the connecting region includes a connecting surface that is optionally configured as a trough. The connecting region includes a front end and a rear end defining the connecting surface. An opening is located between the front end and the rear end. The connecting region includes a first lateral end portion, a central portion, and a second lateral end portion. The central portion includes a recess. The first lateral end portion, the central portion, and the second lateral end portion at least partially define the trough.

[0019] According to any embodiment herein, a cover includes a perimeter wall and a top wall, the cover includes an outer surface generally opposite an inner surface. The cover has a lower edge of the perimeter wall that attaches to the shoulder region of the handle and optionally the bottom end of the handle.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a hair removal cartridge is provided. The hair removal cartridge optionally includes a guard region.

[0021] According to any embodiment herein, the hair removal cartridge includes at least one blade. The at least one blade has a blade length. The at least one blade has a cutting edge.

[0022] According to any embodiment herein, the hair removal cartridge optionally includes a cap region.

[0023] According to any embodiment herein, the hair removal cartridge includes a housing. The housing has a housing length. The housing length is generally parallel to the blade length. The housing includes a connecting region. The connecting region has a central region between lateral end portions. The connecting region has a neck. The neck includes a bar extending from the neck. The neck includes a recess located in a central region of the connecting region.

[0024] According to any embodiment herein, the guard region is forward of the at least one blade. The cap region is aft of the at least one blade. The guard region is spaced from the at least one blade forming a rinse-through channel.

[0025] According to any embodiment herein, the housing length is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

[0026] According to any embodiment herein, the at least one blade comprises a plurality of blades. The plurality of blades is between two blades and nine blades.

[0027] According to any embodiment herein, the plurality of blades are in a stacked configuration. The plurality of blades are in the stacked configuration such that the span between two adjacent blades is at least equal to the thickness of the blade and up to three times the thickness of the thickest of the plurality of blades.

[0028] According to any embodiment herein, each of the cutting edges of the plurality of blades generally have an equal exposure. Optionally, at least two of the plurality of blades generally have an equal exposure. Optionally, at least one of the plurality of blades has an exposure that is different from at least one other of the plurality of blades.

[0029] According to any embodiment herein, each of the plurality of blades as a forward region height that is different from the other of the plurality of blades such that the exposure of each of the plurality of blades is equal. Optionally, each of the plurality of blades has a support region generally opposite of the forward region. The support region has a support region height. Optionally, the support region height of each of the plurality of blades is equal such that when the plurality of blades are in a stacked configuration, each of the support regions are supported by a shelf with a stepped surface or sloped surface to conform or support each of the lowermost edges of the plurality of blades to accommodate, conform to, or support the varying heights of the support regions.

[0030] According to any embodiment herein, each of the cutting edges of the plurality of blades has an interblade span of between about 0.0 mm and about 0.3 mm, or between about 0.01 mm and about 0.3mm.

[0031] According to any embodiment herein, the cartridge has a neutral or negative exposure.

[0032] According to any embodiment herein, the cartridge has a neutral or positive exposure.

[0033] According to any embodiment herein, the rinse-through channel has a width that is between about 0.7 mm and about 1.3 mm.

[0034] According to any embodiment herein, the surface area of the rinse-through channel is greater than or equal to the surface area of the at least one blade.

[0035] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a handle for a hair removal implement is provided. The handle includes a connecting region. The connecting region defines a trough between a front end and a rear end. The connecting region has a first lateral end portion, a central portion adjacent the first lateral end portion, and a second lateral end portion adjacent the central portion. The trough extends generally between at least portions of the first lateral end portion and the second lateral end portion. The central portion includes a retention feature.

[0036] According to any embodiment herein, the handle includes a shoulder region adjacent the connecting region. The handle includes a body region adjacent the shoulder region.

[0037] According to any embodiment herein, a cover is provided with the handle. The cover is configured to attach to a shoulder region of the handle. The shoulder region has a width that is generally equal to the thickness of the cap at a lower end of the cover.

[0038] According to any embodiment herein, the shaving implement with the cover attached has a total height (e.g., the implement height). The cover has a cover height. Optionally, the cover height is between about 25% to about 50% of the implement height.

[0039] According to any embodiment herein, the cover attaches to the handle by way of a press-fit, snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, and / or with a detent connection.

[0040] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispenser for hair removal cartridges is provided. The dispenser includes a body having an upper surface generally opposite a back surface. The upper surface and the back surface are joined by a peripheral wall. The upper surface has a lower surface. The peripheral wall and the back surface define a basin forming at least one cavity.

[0041] According to any embodiment herein, the lower region of the upper surface and the peripheral wall define a lead-in surface. The lead-in surface has a ramp surface.

[0042] According to any embodiment herein, the lead-in surface further includes a wall generally opposite to the ramp surface.

[0043] According to any embodiment herein, the lead-in surface includes a second lead-in surface. The second lead-in surface is aligned on an opposite side of the peripheral wall such that each lead-in surface is on a parallel side of the at least one cavity.

[0044] According to any embodiment herein, the dispenser includes at least one latch feature. The at least one latch feature disposed in a middle region of the dispenser. The at least one latch feature is disposed proximal the at least one cavity.

[0045] According to any embodiment herein, the at least one cavity comprises between three cavities and eight cavities.

[0046] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, aspects and / or embodiments of the present disclosure may include any one or more of the individual features or elements disclosed above and / or below alone or in any combination thereof. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is an angled view of an implement including a cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a front angled view of an implement with the cover removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a detail view of FIG. 2.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a detail view similar to that of FIG. 3 but showing only the handle.

[0051] FIG. 5 is an angled front view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an angled back view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional illustration of a cartridge taken at plane A-A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional detail illustration of a cartridge taken at plane A-A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 10 is an angled view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional illustration of the dispenser of FIG. 8 taken at plane B-B.

[0058] FIG. 12 is an angled view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 12.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Referring now to exemplary FIGS. 1-2, an implement 20 is provided. The implement 20 includes a cartridge 22, and a razor handle 24. Optionally, a cover 26 is provided. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 10-13, a dispenser 28 is provided.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 1 , the implement 20 has an implement height 30, an implement width 32, and an implement depth 34. The implement 20 is structured to be compact such that it can be grasped and optionally concealed within the hand of a user. The implement 20 has an implement height 30 of between about 50 mm and about 150 mm, or between about 60 mm and about 140 mm, or between about 60 mm and about 100 mm, or between about 80 mm and about 100 mm, or about 80 mm, or about 90 mm. The implement width 32 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. The implement depth 34 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 15 mm. Optionally, the implement width 32 and the implement depth 34 are about equal.

[0062] The cover 26 has an outer surface 36 and an inner surface (shown with phantom arrow 38) generally opposite thereto. The cover 26 has a perimeter wall 40 with a cover wall thickness 42. The cover 26 has a top wall 44 attached to the perimeter wall 40. The cover 26 has a lower edge 46 of the perimeter wall 40. The cover 26 has a cover height 48, a cover width 50 and a cover depth 52. The cover height 48 is between about 25 mm and about 40 mm. The cover width 50 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. The cover depth 52 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. Optionally, the cover width 50 and the cover depth 52 are equal.

[0063] The cover wall thickness 42 at the lower edge 46 of the cover 26 is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 13, the handle 24 has an outer surface 54. Optionally, the handle 24 is a thin-walled part and also includes an inner surface (shown by phantom arrow 56) generally opposite to the outer surface 54. The handle 24 includes a body region 58 and a connecting region 60. The connecting region 60 is at a first end (or upper end) 62 of the handle 24. The handle 24 includes a second end (or bottom end) 64 generally opposite the upper end 62 with the connecting region 60. The handle 24 is generally tubular, prismatic, cubic, or rectangular and otherwise suitably sized for gripping / holding by a user. Optionally, the implement 20, the handle 24 and the cap 26 has a cross-sectional geometry (as shown by exemplary dashed line 66 on handle 24) in the x-y plane that is square, rectangular, prismatic, polygonal, triangular, trapezoidal, circular, ovular, squircle, and combinations thereof.

[0065] The handle 24 has a handle height 68, a handle width 70, and a handle depth 72. The handle height 68 of between about 50 mm and about 150 mm, or between about 60 mm and about 140 mm, or between about 60 mm and about 100 mm, or between about 80mm and about 100 mm, or about 80 mm, or about 90 mm. The handle width 70 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. The handle depth 72 is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. Optionally, the handle width 70 and the handle depth 72 are equal.

[0066] The body region 58 and the connecting region 60 are separated by a shoulder 74. The shoulder 74 has a dimension (e.g., diameter, width or length) that is less than the respective dimension of the body region 58. Optionally, the shoulder 74 has a dimension (e.g., diameter, width or length) that is greater than or equal to the dimension (e.g., diameter, width or length) of the connecting region 60. The shoulder has a height 76. The shoulder height is between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 3 mm.

[0067] The connecting region 60 includes an exterior wall 78 that is optionally tapered or sloped. The exterior wall 78 tapers upwardly from the shoulder 74. The exterior wall 78 includes a front wall portion 80 and a rear wall portion 82, and two side wall portions 84 between each end of the front wall portion 80 and each end of the rear wall portion 82. The exterior wall 78 tapers upwardly from the shoulder 74. The exterior wall 78 tapers such that a projection 85 of the front wall portion 80 and a projection 86 of the back wall portion 82 converge.

[0068] The shoulder width 88 is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. The shoulder thickness 90 is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. Optionally, the shoulder width 88 is about equal to the shoulder thickness 90.

[0069] Optionally, the connecting region 60 includes a first grip region (or a front grip region) 92. The front grip region 92 is optionally concave, or is otherwise suitably shaped to receive at least a portion of a user’s finger. The connecting region 60 includes a second grip region (or a rear grip region) 94. The rear grip region 94 is optionally concave or recessed, or is otherwise suitably shaped to receive at least a portion of a user’s finger. The front grip region 92 and the rear grip region 94 are optionally different in shape and structure. In such embodiment, the front grip region 92 is suitable for at least a portion of a user’s index finger. In such embodiment, the rear grip region 94 is suitable for at least a portion of a user’s thumb. In another embodiment, the front grip region 92 is suitable for at least a portion of a user’s thumb. In such other embodiment, the rear grip region 94 is suitable for at least a portion of a user’s index finger. The front grip region 92 and the rear grip region 94 are optionally similar in shape and structure.

[0070] As exemplified in FIG. 4, the connecting region 60 includes a feature suitable for receiving the connecting feature 96 on the cartridge 22 as contemplated in greater detail below. The connecting region 60 includes a surface 100 that forms a trough 102. The surface (e.g., the connecting region surface) 100 is a u-shaped or trunnion-shaped or generally arcuate surface. The connecting region 60 includes an opening 104 spaced between the ends (e.g.,front end 106, and rear end 108) of the surface 100. The connecting region 60 includes a first lateral end portion 1 10 and a second lateral end portion 1 12 and a central portion 114 between the first lateral end portion 1 10 and the second lateral end portion 1 12.

[0071] A front end 106 of the connecting feature 96 optionally includes at least one finger-like projection tapering towards a front tip region 116. The at least one finger-like projection is optionally two finger-like projections, one at each end of the connecting region 60. The front tip region 116 is optionally generally pointed such that the outer surface of the front tip region 116 and the inner surface of the front tip region 1 16 converge. The front tip region 1 16 is optionally chamfered or flat. The front tip region 116 optionally includes a first chamfered (or flat) portion 120 and a second chamfered (or flat portion) 122.

[0072] A rear end 108 of the connecting region 60 optionally includes at least one finger-like projection tapering towards a rear tip region 1 18. The at least one finger-like projection is optionally two finger-like projections, one at each end of the connecting region 60. The rear tip region 118 is optionally generally pointed such that the outer surface of the front tip region and the inner surface of the rear tip region 1 18 converge. The rear tip region 1 18 is optionally chamfered or flat. The rear tip region 1 18 optionally includes a first chamfered (or flat) portion 120 and a second chamfered (or flat portion) 122.

[0073] The connecting region 60 includes a retention feature 124 in the central portion 1 14, such as a latch or a detent. The retention feature 124 is optionally on the front end 106. The retention feature 124 is optionally on the rear end 108. The retention feature 124 is optionally positioned such that it creates a reduced cross-sectional dimension in the connecting region 60 surface 100. While the retention feature 124 is optionally deflectable, the first lateral end portion 110 and the second lateral end portion 1 12 are substantially rigid. Optionally, the retention feature 124 is also a finger-like projection tapering towards a front tip (e.g. a front latch tip, or a front detent tip) 126.

[0074] As exemplified in FIG. 3, the connecting region 60 is configured to have a pitched top surface 128. The pitched top surface 128 includes, for example, either or both of the front end 106 and the rear end 108, and more particularly, the plane defined by the front end 106 and the rear end 108. The pitched top surface 128 has an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees, or about 25 degrees, or about 26 degrees. The pitched top surface 128 includes a pitched angle 130 between the pitched top surface 128 and a plane parallel to the surface 132 on which the handle 24 is situated in the upright position.

[0075] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 2, the bottom end 64 includes a ledge 134 extending inwardly from the body region 58. The ledge 134 has a dimension (e.g., diameter, width or length) that is less than the respective dimension of the body region 58. The bottom end 134 has a height 138. The ledge 134 has a ledge height 136. The ledge 134 has a ledge height 136 of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 5mm, or between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. The ledge 134 has a ledge width 140 that is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. The ledge 134 has a ledge depth 142 that is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. The ledge width 140 is optionally about equal to the ledge depth 142.

[0076] The handle 24 is, in some embodiments a solid component. In other embodiments, the handle 24 includes a hollow portion. In such embodiments, the handle 24 may include one or more weights such as one or more slugs (not shown). The slug may be configured to balance the handle 24 during use and as such, be positioned within the body region 58, and / or proximal the bottom end 64. The slug may be configured as a separate component from the handle 24. Alternatively, the slug may be integral with a handle 24 component, such as the bottom end 64.

[0077] Referring now to exemplary FIGS. 2-9, a cartridge 22 is provided. The cartridge 22 typically includes a guard (e.g., guard region) 144 albeit other configurations will be discussed herein, at least one blade 146, and a cap (e.g., cap region) 148.

[0078] As best seen in FIG. 5, the cartridge 22 optionally includes a guard 144 spanning from a cartridge front end 150 and a rear edge 152 of the guard 144. The guard 144 extends laterally such that it has a guard length 154 (see FIG. 3) that is optionally commensurate with the cartridge length 156 and / or the blade length 182 (see FIG. 7) of the at least one blade 146. The guard length 154 is optionally greater than the blade length 182 of the at least one blade 146. The guard length 154 is optionally less than the cartridge length 156. Accordingly, dimensions provided for the blade length 182 and / or the cartridge length 156 are also suitable for the guard length 154.

[0079] The guard 144 has a guard depth generally orthogonal to the guard length 154. Optionally, the guard depth is generally equal to the peak length 164 and / or the valley length 170 as described in further detail below. The guard depth is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 1 .7 mm, or about 1 .8 mm, or about 2 mm.

[0080] The guard 144 is generally in front of or forward of the at least one blade 146. The guard 144 includes a skin-engaging surface 160 designed to prepare the hirsute surface for the at least one blade 146, and / or align hairs as they enter the at least one blade 146. The guard 144 optionally has a topography that includes peaks 158 and valleys 162 between peak surfaces158. Such topography optionally includes fins, ribs, a comb-type structure, or other protuberances.

[0081] The peaks 158 each have a length 164, width 166, and height 168 that are each between 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 1.8 mm, or between about 1.2 mm and about 1.8 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm, or about 1 mm or about 1.2 mm or about 1.5 mm. The height 168 of the peaks 158 (and also the depth of the valley162) is defined as the distance from the lowest portion of the adjacent valley 162 on either side of the peak 158 to the highest portion of peak 158. The valley 162 has a length 170, a width 172, and depth 168 that are each between 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 1.8 mm, or between about 1.2 mm and about 1.8 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm, or about 1 mm or about 1 .2 mm or about 1 .5 mm. Optionally, there is between about 5 and about 10 peaks 158 and between about 3 and about 10 valleys 162. The valleys 162 have a width 172 suitable in dimension for hair to pass and potentially align between peaks 158 on either side of a given valley 162. The guard 144 topography is optionally castellated. The guard 144 topography is optionally arcuate. The guard 144 topography optionally includes peaks 158 that have a plateau. The guard 144 topography optionally includes valleys 162 that are generally flat. The peak 158 and its adjacent valley(s) 162 optionally include a fillet or chamfer therebetween. The peak 158 optionally includes roundels or chamfers at its edges.

[0082] Referring now to at least exemplary FIGS. 7-9, the cartridge 22 includes at least one blade 146. Forthe purposes of the present disclosure, the term “blade” 146 is synonymous with “razor blade”, 146 and where “at least one blade” 146 is referred to, it is commensurate with “at least one razor blade” 146. The blade, at least one blade, razor blade, and / or at least one razor blade 146 includes a forward region 174 that is generally opposite a support region 176. The forward region 174 includes a cutting edge 178. The support region 176 is adjacent a middle region 180 adjacent the end of the forward region 174 opposite to the cutting edge 178. The middle region 180 optionally includes a bend.

[0083] The at least one blade 146 includes a structure where the forward region 174 has a cutting edge 178 that is generally symmetric about a cross-section transverse to the blade length 182 of the at least one blade 146. Optionally, the at least one blade 146 includes a structure where the forward region 174 has a cutting edge 178 that is generally asymmetric about a cross-section transverse to the blade length 182 of the at least one blade 146.

[0084] The middle region 180 is defined as the portion that has a change between the forward region 174 and the support region 176. Such change includes a bend, or the juncture / overlap of the forward region 174 of the blade 146 and the support region 176 (e.g., one welded to the other).

[0085] The at least one blade 146 is optionally a welded blade structure including a forward region 174 welded to a support region 176 (either on the top surface of the blade support region 224 or a lower surface of the blade support region). The at least one blade 146 is alternatively a bent blade such that it has a forward region 174 and a blade support region 176. The at least one blade 146 is optionally generally flat where a forward region 174 is generally opposite the blade support region 176. The support region 176 faces towards the guard 144 or faces towards the cap 148.

[0086] The lowermost edge 184 is opposite to the cutting edge 178. The cutting edge 178 is angled with respect to the lowermost edge 184. The middle region 180 optionallyincludes a bend angle 186. The bend angle 186 is defined between the cutting edge 178 and the lowermost edge 184 as they extend through the middle region 180. For clarity, the bend angle 186 is between a projection along the lower surface 198 of the blade 146 extending from the forward region 174 and the projection along lower surface 198 of the blade 146 extending from the support region 176 to the point of intersection of the projections proximal to the middle region 180.

[0087] Although FIGS. 7-9 show a bent blade 146, a welded blade 146 may have an angle as described with the bend angle 186 that has the same dimensions as contemplated herein. It is understood that the bend angle 186 can be taken along any portion of the blade length 182, despite variations in the blade 146 (e.g., bow or camphor in the middle region 180 having a bend which is a byproduct of blade bending). The bend angle 186 is between about 90 degrees and about 130 degrees, or between about 100 degrees and about 125 degrees, or between about 105 degrees and about 123 degrees, or between about 108 degrees and about 123 degrees, or between about 108 degrees and about 1 18 degrees, or between about 108 degrees and about 1 12 degrees, or about 90 degrees, or about 100 degrees, or about 102 degrees, or about 103 degrees, or about 104 degrees, or about 106 degrees, or about 108 degrees, or about 1 10 degrees, or about 112 degrees, or about 1 15 degrees or about 1 18 degrees, or about 120 degrees.

[0088] The blade 146 has a blade length 182, a blade thickness 188, and a height 190. The blade length 182 is typically between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, or about 13 mm, or about 15 mm, or about 17 mm, or about 20 mm. The blade thickness 188 is between about 0.05 mm and about 0.125 mm, or about 0.076 mm. The blade height 190 is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, or about 3 mm to about 4 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm. The forward region 174 has a forward region height 192 of about 1 mm to about 3 mm or between about 1.2 to about 1.5 mm. The middle region height 196 is about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, and the support region has a width of about 1 mm to about 3 mm or between about 2.4 mm and about 2. 7 mm. The bend (e.g., middle region 180 of a bent blade 146) can be arcuate and can have an external radius in a range 0.2 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm, or about 0.4 mm.

[0089] The at least one blade 146 optionally includes a plurality of blades 146, such as between two and nine blades, or between three and seven blades, or three blades, or five blades, or seven blades. Each of the plurality of blades 146 optionally has one or more of the same dimensions (e.g., blade length 182, blade thickness 188, blade height 190, bend angle 186, radius, etc.) For instance, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of blades 146 has the same blade length 182, the same forward region height 192, same support region height 194, the same blade thickness 188, and / or the same bend angle 186. Each of the plurality of blades 146 optionally has one or more different dimensions (e.g., blade length 182, blade thickness 188, blade height 190, bend angle 186, radius, etc.). For instance, in one embodiment, eachof the plurality of blades 146 has a different support region height 194 or a different forward region height 192. Optionally, each of the plurality of blades 146 has a forward region height 192 that is different from the other of the plurality of the blades 146. In such embodiment the top-most (or rearwardmost) blade 146B has a forward region height 192 that is longer than the other of the plurality of blades 146 (e.g., the adjacent blade 146A, the bottom-most or forwardmost blade 146, etc.). For instance, the forward region height 192 of the forwardmost blade 146 is optionally about 1 .47 mm, the adjacent blade 146A optionally has a forward region height 192 of about 1.37 mm, and the rearwardmost blade 146B optionally has a forward region height 192 of about 1 .27 mm.

[0090] In such embodiment, the bottom-most (or forwardmost) blade 146 of the plurality of blades 146 has a forward region height 192 that is longer than the other of the plurality of blades 146 (e.g., the adjacent blade 146A, the top-most or rearwardmost blade 146B). The plurality of blades 146 have varying forward region height 192 such that the cutting edges 178 of each of the plurality of blades 146 has generally the same exposure. Optionally, the plurality of blades 146 have varying forward region height 192 such that at least two of the cutting edges 178 of at least two of the plurality of blades 146 have generally the same exposure. Optionally, at least one of the plurality of blades 146 has a varying forward region height 192 such that it has a cutting edge 178 that has a different exposure than at least one other of the plurality of blades 146.

[0091] The blades 146 are optionally in a stacked configuration (e.g, see FIGS. 8-9). In such a configuration, a first blade 146 is adjacent a second blade 146A, and the second blade 146A is adjacent a third blade 146B, . . . and an n-1 blade is adjacent an nth blade, etc. In such a configuration, the support region 176 of each of plurality of blades 146 is adjacent, such that a first blade support region 176 is adjacent a second blade support region 176A, and a second blade support region 176A is adjacent a third blade support region 176B, . . . an n-1 blade support region is adjacent an nth blade support region, etc.

[0092] Optionally, the forward region 174 of each of the plurality of blades 146 is adjacent, such that first blade forward region 174 is adjacent a second blade forward region 174A, and a second blade forward region 174A is adjacent a third blade forward region 174B, . . . an n-1 blade forward region is adjacent an nth blade forward region, etc.

[0093] In such a configuration, adjacent of the plurality of blades 146 do not have a rinse-through channel therebetween. In such a configuration, the plurality of blades 146 are configured to be in the same blade slot 200. In such a configuration, the plurality of blades 146 support each other, and by way of example, the first blade support region 176 defines a support surface on which the second blade support region 176A rests, and the second blade support region 176A defines a support surface on which the third blade support region 176B rests, . . . and the n-1 blade support region defines a support surface on which the nth support region rests, etc. By way of another example, the nth blade defines an nth blade support surface onwhich the n-1 blade rests, . . . the third blade support region 176B defines a support surface on which the second blade support region 176A rests, and the second blade support region 176A defines a support surface on which the first blade support region 176 rests.

[0094] Referring to exemplary FIGS. 2,3, 5, and 7-9, the cap 148 is positioned rearward of the at least one blade 146. The guard 144 and / or cap 148 optionally includes skin benefit agents such as lubricating material, emollients, nourishing ingredients, moisturizing ingredients, astringents, aseptics, anti-coagulants, combinations thereof, etc. In further embodiments, the guard 144 and the cap 148 include a skin benefit agent such as a lubricant or lotion.

[0095] As shown in exemplary FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, the cartridge 22 includes spans between the various features of the cartridge 22, such as a rinse-through span 204 between the rear edge 152 of the guard 144, and the at least one cutting edge178, and in embodiments with a plurality of blades 146, a blade span 206 is the distance between the cutting edges 178 of two adjacent blades 146, 146A, and the cap span 208 is the distance from the at least one cutting edge 178 to the front end 151 of the cap 148. The rinse-through span 204 between the rear edge 152 of the guard 144 and the at least one (e.g., first or forwardmost) cutting edge 178 relates to the rinse-through channel 202, and has a channel span 204 between about 0.7 mm and about 1.3 mm, or between about 0.9 mm and about 1.1 mm, or about 0.7 mm, or about 0.75 mm, or about 0.8 mm, or about 1 mm. The blade span 206 between adjacent cutting edges 178 is between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm, or between about 0.15 mm and about 0.25 mm, or about 0.17 mm, or about .018 mm, or about 0.20 mm. The cap span 208 between the at least one blade (e.g., last or rearward-most) cutting edge 178 and the front end 151 of the cap 148 is between about 0.5 mm and about 1 .5 mm, or between about 0.7 mm and about 1 .2 mm, or about 0.75 mm, or about 1 mm.

[0096] The cartridge 22 has a blade exposure for the at least one blade 146 with respect to the at least one cutting edge 178 and an exposure plane 210 defined by the front edge of the cap 148 and the rear edge 152 of the guard 144. In one embodiment, the blade exposure for the at least one blade 146 is negative, that is, the cutting edge 178 of the at least one blade 146 is located below the exposure plane 210. In another embodiment, the blade exposure for the at least one blade 146 is neutral, that is, the cutting edge 178 of the at least one blade 146 is located on the exposure plane 210. In another embodiment, the blade exposure for the at least one blade 146 is positive, that is, the cutting edge 178 of the at least one blade 146 is located below the exposure plane 210. In embodiments having a plurality of blades 146, the exposure of each of the plurality of blades 146 is negative, neutral, or positive. Optionally, in embodiments having a plurality of blades 146, the exposure increase or decreases from the first or forwardmost blade to the rearward-most blade. In such embodiments, the increasing or decreasing exposure can include all of the plurality of blades 146 individually having a negative exposure or a positive exposure, or varying amongstnegative, neutral, and positive exposures. Optionally, each of the plurality of blades 146 has an equal exposure.

[0097] The cartridge 22 is configured to have a pitched upper surface 212 (see FIG. 3). The pitched upper surface 212 optionally includes one or more of the guard 144, the at least one blade 146, and the cap 148. The pitched upper surface 212 has an angle 214 of between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees, or about 25 degrees, or about 26 degrees. The pitched upper surface 212 is defined as the angle 214 between a plane 216 parallel to the surface 132 on which handle 24 (when the cartridge 22 is connected to the handle 24) is situated in the upright position.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the cartridge housing 218 includes multiple components. Optionally, the housing 218 includes the guard 144 and / or the cap 148. Optionally, the housing 218 has a first housing 218A and a second housing 218B. The first housing 218A includes the guard 144. The first housing 218A optionally includes a shelf 220 extending laterally from a first lateral end region 222 of the first housing 218A to a second lateral end region 222A of the first housing 218A. The first housing 218A includes blade supports 224 at each end of the shelf 220, each of the blade supports 224 extending rearwardly and / or downwardly. The shelf 220 optionally includes a centrally located protrusion 226 extending rearwardly and / or upwardly (note: the exploded view of FIG. 7 is upside-down, and thus protrusion 226 appears to extend downwardly, but during use where the at least one blade 146 is upward and forward, the protrusion 226 extends rearwardly and / or upwardly). The blade supports 224 are optionally positioned slightly inward of the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. The blade supports 224 are optionally positioned to be generally flush with the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. The blade supports 224 are optionally positioned to generally extend to be commensurate with the cartridge length 156. The blade supports 224 are optionally congruent.

[0099] The protrusion 226 is optionally at least one protrusion 226, or a series of protrusions 226 extending along the shelf 220 along the cartridge length 156 of the first housing 218A but inward of the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. The at least one protrusion 226 is laterally inward of the blade supports 224, or said differently, the blade supports 224 are positioned laterally outward of the at least one protrusion 226.[000100] The at least one protrusion 226 extends from the housing 218. Further optionally, the at least one protrusion 226 extends from the first housing 218A. The at least one protrusion 226 extends downwardly and away from the skin-engaging surface 160. The at least one protrusion 226 extends inwardly within the housing 218. The at least one protrusion 226 extends outwardly or rearwardly from the first housing 218A. The at least one protrusion 226 has a protrusion height 228. The protrusion height 228 is optionally less thanthe blade support height 230 of each of the blade supports 224. In certain embodiments, no protrusion 226 is provided.[000101] The housing 218 has an internal surface 232 designed to support and retain, in cooperation with the at least one blade support 224, the at least one blade 146. Optionally, the second housing 218A has an internal surface 232 designed to support and retain, in cooperation with the at least one blade support 224, the at least one blade 146. The internal surface 232 is optionally configured to have a first portion 232A and a second portion 232B, where each of the first portion 232A and the second portion 232B are configured to support at least a portion of the support region 176 and the at least a portion of the forward region 174 of the at least one blade 146, respectively. Optionally, the first portion 232A and the second portion 232B are angled with respect to each other. Optionally, the first portion 232A and the second portion 232B are angled to be generally commensurate with and / or generally equal to the bend angle 186. Optionally, a roundel or a chamfer is provided between the first portion 232A and the second portion 232B.[000102] Optionally, the housing 218 includes internal surface 232 having a staggered or sloped structure to support the lowermost edges 184 of the plurality of blades 146.[000103] Optionally, shelf 220 supports the at least one blade 146. In embodiments having a plurality of blades 146 with support regions 176 having a staggered or sloped structure such that the lowermost edges 184 are supported.[000104] The housing 218 includes a cap 148. Optionally, the second housing 218B includes the cap 148. The second housing 218B includes an internal surface 232 with a first portion 232A that is substantially planar and a second portion 232B that is substantially planar and angled with respect to the first portion 232A.[000105] The cartridge 22 includes at least one attachment region 234 extending outward from the housing 218. A neck (e.g., neck region) 236 connects the at least one attachment region 234 to the housing 218. The neck region 236 is narrowed with respect to the at least one connecting region 60. The at least one attachment region 234 optionally includes at least two attachment regions 234A, 234B, or two attachment regions, or three attachment regions 234A, 234B, 234C, a first lateral region 234A, a second lateral region 234B, and a central region 234C. The at least one attachment region 234 optionally includes a bearing surface. The at least one attachment region 234 optionally includes a recess 240 or other suitably shaped feature to engage with a reciprocal feature on the handle 24. The at least one attachment region 234 is optionally in the form of a bar or is otherwise generally tubular, cylindrical or arcuate. The cross section 238 of the at least one attachment region 234 is rectangular, cubic, prismatic, cylindrical, oval, squircle, etc. The at least one attachment region 234 may include other features such as roundels, fillets, and chamfers. The at least one attachment region 234 optionally extends generally the cartridge length 156.[000106] Referring now to FIG. 7, the housing 218 optionally includes one or more connecting features 242 that have male and female engagement between the first housing 218A and the second housing 218B. For instance, the first housing 218A optionally includes at least one latch (or at least one detent) 244. The at least one latch (or detent) 244 is optionally at least two latches (or detents) 244A, 244B. The at least one latch (or detent) 244 is optionally positioned at one or both of the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. The at least one latch (or detent) 244 includes a stem portion 248 and a latch portion 250.[000107] The housing 218, such as the first housing 218A or the second housing 218B, optionally includes one or more alignment features 246 useful during assembly. The one or more alignment features 246 are optionally positioned at one or both of the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. Optionally, the one or more alignment features 246 are pins. The one or more alignment pins 246 located on a first housing 218A matingly engage a reciprocal bore 252 located on the second housing 218B, or vice-versa. The reciprocal bore 252 is suitably sized to receive the alignment feature (e.g., pin) 246.[000108] In certain embodiments, the housing 218 includes one or more connecting features 242 and one or more alignment features 246. In further embodiments, the housing 218 includes at least two connecting features 242, 242A and at least two alignment features 246, 246A. Optionally, housing 218 includes two connecting features 242, 242A and two alignment features 246, 246A.[000109] As best seen in FIG. 5, the housing has an open architecture. The housing 218 and optionally the first housing 218A, includes at least one port 254 spanning between the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218. The port 254 includes a rinse-through channel 202 (see FIG. 8) extending from the at least one port 254 between the rear edge 152 of the guard 144 and the at least one blade 146 (e.g., the first or forwardmost blade 146). The port 254 is optionally two ports 254, 254A, divided by the shelf 220. The port 254 is optionally at least two ports 254, 254A, divided by the at least one protrusion 226.[000110] The guard 144, at least one blade 146, and / or cap 148 are optionally attached to and retained by or within the housing 218. The guard 144, at least one blade 146, and / or cap 148 are optionally integral with the housing 218. Further embodiments include a housing 218 that is integral. In some embodiments, the at least one blade 146 is insert-molded into the housing 218, and the guard 144 and the cap 148 are also molded with the frame or are a second shot during molding. The at least one blade 146 is optionally positioned between the first substantially planar portion 232A and the blade supports 224 at each end of the housing. Optionally, the at least one blade 146 is positioned between the second substantially planarportion 232B and the blade supports 224 at the first lateral end region 222 and the second lateral end region 222A of the housing 218.[00011 1] When the cartridge 22 is fully-assembled, the guard 144, the rinse-through channel 202, the at least one blade 146, and the cap 148 each have a surface area that is operable to engage the hirsute surface. Such surface areas optionally define a plane akin to the skin-engaging surface 160. The guard 144 has a surface area is optionally greater than or equal to the surface area of the cap 148. The guard 144 has a surface area that is optionally less than the surface area of the cap 148. The rinse-through channel 202 has a surface area that is optionally greater than or equal to the surface area of the at least one blade 146. The at least one blade 146 has a surface area and when combined with a surface area of the rinse- through channel 202, the sum is optionally generally equal to either or both of the surface area of the guard 144 and the surface area of the cap 148.[000112] The surface area of the rinse-through channel 202 is between about 4 mm2and about 12 mm2, or between about 5 mm2and about 10 mm2, or between about 6 mm2and about 10 mm2, or between about 8 mm2and about 9 mm2. The surface area of the at least one blade 146 is between about 1 mm2and about 4 mm2, and about 2 mm2and about 3 mm2.[000113] Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, a dispenser 28 is provided and suitable for retaining at least one cartridge 22, or optionally at least two cartridges, or three cartridges, or four cartridges, or between one cartridge and eight cartridges or between three and eight cartridges. The dispenser 28 has an upper surface 256 generally opposite a back surface 258. The dispenser 28 includes a lower surface 260. The dispenser 28 includes a basin 266 between the lower surface 260 and the back surface 258, where the basin 266 is further divided into one or more cavities 262 each suitably sized for retaining a cartridge 22. The dispenser 28 has a peripheral wall 264. The peripheral wall 264, in conjunction with the lower surface 260, form at least one cavity 262.[000114] The dispenser 28 has a first lateral end section 268, a middle section 270 adjacent the first lateral end section 268, and a second lateral end section 272 adjacent the middle section 270. The dispenser 28 optionally has symmetry along the central axis 98. The dispenser 28 optionally has symmetry along an axis 274 orthogonal to the central axis 98.[000115] The upper surface 256 and the peripheral wall 264 form a lead-in region 276 having at least one lead-in surface 278. The lead-in surface 278 is optionally at least two lead- in surfaces 278, 278A, and optionally at least four lead-in surfaces 278, 278A, 278B, 278C, such that there are two lead-in surfaces on each end of a cavity 262. The lead-in surface 278 is optionally configured in the form of a trough, is arcuate, sloped or tapered. Opposing lead- in surfaces 278, 278A on an end of the dispenser 28 are optionally configured to have a cross- sectional area 290 that is a frusto-conic, is prismatic, or is trapezoidal. Optionally, the lead-in surface 278 is configured as a ramp 280. Optionally the lead-in surface 278 is configured as a guiding structure (or wall) 282. Optionally, a first lead-in surface 278 is configured as a ramp280 and a second lead-in surface 278 is configured as a guiding structure (or wall) 282. The opposing lead-in surfaces 278, 278A form a first distance 284 of such cross-sectional area 290 at the dispenser upper end 288. The opposing lead-in surfaces 278, 278A form a second distance 286 of such cross-sectional area 290 at a lower surface 260. The first distance (e.g., upper end distance) 284 is greater than or equal to the second distance (e.g., lower end distance) 286.[000116] The dispenser 28 includes one or more alignment structures 292 within each cavity 262. Each alignment structure 292 is upstanding and has a height that is less than the height of the lowest portion of the upper surface 256. Each cavity 262 optionally includes alignment structures 292 configured such that there is symmetry about the central axis 98. There is optionally at least one, at least two, at least three alignment structures 292 on each end of the cavity 262. There is optionally one, two or three alignment structures 292 on each end of the cavity 262.[000117] At least one latch 294, and optionally at least two latches 294, 294A, or two latches 294, 294A, are configured in between respective cavities 262. The at least one latch 294 is configured to deflect to receive, retain, and release a cartridge 22, as discussed in greater detail below.[000118] Focusing now on the interrelationship of various components of the implement 20, the cartridge 22 and the handle 24 are generally aligned along the central axis 98. Optionally, the implement 20 has symmetry along the central axis 98. Optionally, each of the cartridge, 22, the handle 24, and the cover 26 have symmetry along the central axis 98.[000119] Optionally, the cartridge 22, and handle 24 are attached and configured for use by a consumer. Optionally, the cartridge 22, the handle 24, and the cover 26 are attached and configured for use by a consumer. These components are separable.[000120] The cover height 48 is between about 25% and about 50% of the implement height 30. Optionally, the cover height 48 is less than or equal to about 50% of the implement height 30, or less than 50% of the implement height 30, or less than or equal to about 40% of the implement height 30. Optionally, the cover height 48 is between about 30% and about 40% of the implement height 30. Optionally, the cover height 48 is between about 30% and about 33% of the implement height 30.[000121] The cover 26, when attached to the handle 24 to enclose the cartridge 22, has an outer surface 36 that is substantially flush with the outer surface 54 of the handle 24. The cover 26, when attached to the bottom end 64 of the handle 24 has an outer surface 36 that is substantially flush with the outer surface 54 of the handle 24. When the cover 26 is attached to the handle 24 thereby covering the cartridge 22 and / or the connecting region 60 of the handle 24, the inner surface 38 of the cover 26 is engaged with the outer surface 54 of the handle 24 at the shoulder 74. Such engagement is a press-fit, snap-fit, interference fit, and / or friction-fit.[000122] The bottom end 64 includes a ledge 134 suitably sized to matingly engage with the lower edge 46 of the cover 26. When the cover 26 is attached to the handle 24 at the bottom end 64 such that the inner surface 38 of the cover 26 is engaged with the outer surface 54 of the handle 24 at the bottom end 64, the outer surface 36 of the cover 26 is substantially flush with the outer surface 54 of the handle 24. Such engagement is a press-fit, snap-fit, interference fit, and / or friction-fit. When the cover 26 is attached to the bottom end 64 of the handle 24, the bottom end 64 is substantially enclosed by the cover 26.[000123] To remove the cover 26 from the handle 24, whether the cover 26 is attached to the shoulder 74 or the bottom end 64, the cover 26 and the handle 24 undergo relative movement with respect to each other such that one is pulled from (e.g., outwardly or away from) the other along the central axis 98. The force to remove the cover 26 from the handle 24 (the “cover removal force”) is between about 1 N and about 20 N, or between about 10 N and about 20 N, or between about 10 N and about 12 N, or about 10 N, or about 1 1 N, or about 12 N, or greater than 10 N. The cover removal force is great enough to mitigate against inadvertent dislodging of the cover 26 during storage or transport while maintaining a cover removal force that is not too great and thereby increases difficulty to remove the cover 26.[000124] The at least one attachment region 234 enables the cartridge 22 to selectively attach to, or matingly engage with the handle 24 as described further below. The at least one attachment region 234 is in mechanical communication with reciprocal features - the connecting features - on the connecting region 60 of the handle 24. The at least one attachment region 234 is connected or attached to the connecting region 60 by way of sliding or translating motion. The attachment region 234 bar is aligned laterally proximal to either end (e.g., the first lateral end region 222 or the second lateral end region 222A) of the connecting region 60 such that the bar is aligned with the surface 100 of the connecting region 60 (e.g., the trough). The neck 236 of the attachment region 234 is also aligned laterally proximal to either end (e.g., the first lateral end region 222 or the second lateral end region 222A) of the connecting region 60 such that the neck 236 is positioned within the opening 104 between the opposing front end 106 and rear end 108.[000125] The opening 104 is sized suitably to permit the neck region 236 to extend outwardly through the opening 104. The opening 104 has a width that is greater than the width of the neck 236 region. The opening 104 has a width that is less than the width of the attachment region 234.[000126] The connecting region surface 100 includes a connecting interior perimeterthat is suitable to receive the attachment feature 234 bar exterior perimeter. Accordingly, the connecting interior perimeter is larger than the attachment feature 234 bar exterior perimeter.[000127] When the connecting region 60 and the attachment region 234 are aligned as contemplated above, the cartridge 22 and the handle 24 undergo relative movement with respect to each other such that the attachment feature 234 bar is slid or translated into theconnecting region surface 100 (e.g., the trough). The first lateral region 234A of the attachment feature 234 bar slides or translates through the connecting region surface 100 (e.g., the trough) and deflects upwardly the at least one retention feature (e.g., latch or detent) 124 located in the central portion 1 14. Once the first lateral region 234A of the attachment feature 234 bar is positioned within the far end (e.g. the second lateral end portion 1 12), the central region 234C of the bar including a recess 240 aligns with the retention feature (e.g., latch, detent) 124 thereby releasing the retention feature (e.g., the deflected latch, or the detent) 124. Once the retention feature (e.g., the deflected latch, or the detent) 124 has returned to its at-rest configuration and is engaged with the central portion 114 of the connecting region 60, the cartridge 22 is connected or attached to the handle 24.[000128] To remove the cartridge 22 from the handle 24, the cartridge 22 and handle 24 undergo relative movement with respect to each other such as sliding or translation. A force greater than the retention force of, for instance, the retention feature (e.g., latch or detent) 124, is required to separate the cartridge 22 from the handle 24. The retention force is between about 4 N and about 10 N, or between about 5 N and about 6 N, or is about 5 N, or is about 6 N. Such retention force is in both the dry condition and in the wet condition.[000129] When the handle 24 and the cartridge 22 are connected or attached, the cartridge 22 and the upper surface pitch 212 and the pitched top surface 128 are generally equal.[000130] The lead-in surface 278 of the dispenser 28 suitably sized to receive the connecting region 60 of the handle 24. For instance, the front wall portion 80 of the connecting region 60 of the handle 24 has a first surface that slides upon the ramp 280 of the dispenser 28. Similarly (and optionally simultaneously), the rear wall portion 82 of the connecting region 60 has a first surface that is oriented against wall 282 of the dispenser 28. The connecting region 60 of the handle 24 has a chamfered surface that is generally parallel to the lower surface 260 of the lead-in region 276 (e.g., the basin of the trough). The connecting region 60 has a cross-sectional shape that is similar to the cross-sectional shape formed by the lead-in region 276. Optionally, the connecting region 60 and the lead-in region 276 have a cross- sectional area that is a frusto-conic, is prismatic, or trapezoidal.[000131] To remove a cartridge 22 from the dispenser 28, the handle 24 is positioned such that a first lateral end section 268 of the handle 24 connecting region 60 is within the lead- in region 276 of the second lateral end section 272 of the dispenser 28, such that the majority of the handle 24 is positioned laterally outward of the dispenser 28 (as opposed to the handle 24 covering the majority of a cavity 262 containing a cartridge 22 within the dispenser 28). The handle 24 is moved laterally by sliding ortranslation such that the connecting surface 100 (e.g., the trough) of the connecting region 60 engages the bar of the attachment region 234, and similarly, the neck region 236 of the attachment region 234 is within the opening 104 of the connecting region 60 (e.g., between the first lateral end portion 1 10 and the second lateral endportion 1 12). The handle 24 and cartridge 22 engage and connect or attach to each other as described above. Once the handle 24 and the cartridge 22 are connected or attached, the handle 24 and the dispenser 28 undergo relative movement with respect to each other. Such relative movement is generally orthogonal to the prior lateral relative movement. The dispenser 28 is optionally retained or fixed such that it does not move (e.g., held firmly in one hand of a user). The handle 24 is held by the user (e.g., in a different hand than the hand holding the dispenser 28). The handle 24 is pulled from (e.g., outwardly or away from) the dispenser 28. The cartridge 22 moves past the at least one latch 294 within the dispenser 28. The dispenser 28 retention force is exceeded by the force exerted by the user to remove the cartridge 22 from the dispenser 28. The dispenser retention force is between about 2 N and about 10 N, or between about 2 N and about 4 N, or about 2 N, or about 3 N, or about 4 N.[000132] To return a cartridge 22 to the dispenser 28, the opposite process is undertaken. The handle 24 is aligned substantially over a vacant cavity 262 within the dispenser 28 such that the cartridge 22 is generally aligned with the cavity 262. The handle 24 undergoes relative movement with the dispenser 28 such that the cartridge 22 is moved into the cavity 262. The cartridge 22 is pushed against the latch 294 thereby deflecting the latch 294 outwardly. The cartridge 22 slides or is translated past the latch 294 until the latch 294 catches the neck region 236 of the cartridge 22 and returns to a relaxed state. The handle 24 is then moved relative to the dispenser 28 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the handles 24 prior movement to position the cartridge 22 within the cavity 262. Such orthogonal movement is generally lateral (e.g., with respect to plane B-B). The handle 24 slides or translates such that a first end of the handle 24 connecting region moves within the first lead-in region 276. A force is applied to the handle 24 to overcome the retention feature force. Once the handle 24 has moved relative to the dispenser 28 such that the second lateral end portion 1 12 of the handle 24 connecting region is within the first lead-in region 276, the handle 24 is removed from the dispenser 28 and the cartridge 22 is retained within the dispenser 28.[000133] The implement 20 of the present disclosure is formed from a variety of materials and methods. Each component of the implement 20 is manufactured from materials and methods suitable to such component part.[000134] More broadly regarding the materials and manufacturing for the implement, a variety of materials are suitable for implement 20. For instance, hard plastics are generally suitable for the cartridge 22, the handle 24 (e.g., also including any weight(s)), the cover 26, and the dispenser 28, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and ABS. Thermoplastic elastomeric materials and rubbers are suitable for cartridge 22 features such as without limitation: guards 144, caps 148; and also handles 24, covers 26, and dispensers, and typically support skin supporting elements and / or skin stretching / wiping, bending, frictional connections, grippability, etc. Other materials including carbon fiber, composites, laminates, naturalmaterials derived from wood and grass, compostable materials, recycled materials (e.g., recycled polypropylene), metallic and / or ferrous materials are also available.[000135] In some embodiments, the implement 20 and more specifically the cartridge 22, the handle 24 (e.g., also including any weight(s)), the cover 26, and the dispenser 28 comprise a plant-based, non-polymeric material, preferably one of wood-based and grass-based. One such material is a compressed leaf mass, e.g., palm leaves, or compressed plant mass such as corn byproduct or mushrooms. Another such material is bamboo (a type of grass). Another such wood is pine or other coniferous wood species (e.g., the fir, and the mighty Scots pine), balsam, poplar, birch, and the larch. Other fibrous materials include compressed wood and wood derivatives, paperboard, cardboard, particle board, OSB, etc. In some embodiments, the cartridge 22, the handle 24, the cover 26, and the dispenser 28 include recycled resin material or a biopolymeric material. Optionally, such components include a blend of recycled resin material and virgin resin material, of at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% recycled resin material by weight. Optionally, such components include a blend of biopolymeric material and virgin resin material, of at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% biopolymeric material by weight. Optionally, such components include a blend of biopolymeric material and recycled resin material, of at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% biopolymeric material by weight. Optionally, such components include a blend of biopolymeric material and recycled resin material, of at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% recycled resin material by weight.[000136] Optionally, the handle 24 and the cover 26 are blow molded or are thermoformed. Optionally, the cartridge 22, the handle 24, the cover 26, and the dispenser 28 are optionally multi-shot parts having a first material provided in a first shot during an injection molding process, and a second material provided in a second shot during an injection molding process. In any or all of the cartridge 22, the handle 24, the cover 26, and the dispenser 28, the first material may be a hard plastic, such as a polyethylene, polypropylene, or ABS, whether virgin, recycled, bio-based, or blends thereof. In any or all of the cartridge 22, the handle 24, the cover 26, and the dispenser 28, the second material may be a thermoplastic elastomeric material, whether as a percentage blend of the material, or be it virgin, recycled, bio-based, or combinations thereof.[000137] Optionally, the bottom end 64 is in the form of a plug and is attached to the handle 24, or optionally the body region 58 of the handle 24. The plug may also be integral with one or more weights (e.g., one or more slugs), and / or contain the weight(s) (e.g., slug(s)) within handle 24. The bottom end 64 is press-fit, snap-fit, friction fit, glued, or attached by way of ultrasonics, heat staking, etc. Such a plug, when attached to the body region 58, is attached such that it has a plug removal force of between about 1 N and about 40 N, or between about 20 N and about 40 N, or between about 20 N and about 30 N. Such plug removal forcemitigates against inadvertent removal during storage, transit or use. Such plug removal force mitigates against separation if the handle 24 is inadvertently dropped.[000138] Regarding the manufacturing of the at least one blade 146, a representative sectional view of the blade 146 having a bend is shown in FIGS. 7-9. Such blade 146 with a bend is optionally formed by a bending process such as a punch-and-die process. The bending process can also be a "swivel bending" process, e.g. as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application publication 2010 / 0107425 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated for reference for its disclosure of a bending process. The bending process can also be any suitable process to impart a bend to a blade 146 as exemplified in FIGS. 7-9. The bending process is preferably performed without any prior reheating process to modify the blade's 146 structure or ductility in the region of the blade 146 being bent, i.e. the middle portion, that subsequently becomes the bend after the bending process.[000139] The at least one blade 146 includes an alloy, aluminum, or a stainless steel. More particularly, the at least one blade 146 optionally, includes a martensitic stainless steels having a carbon content 0.6-0.7% or more, about 13% (e.g. 12.5% to 13.5%) chromium and substantially free of molybdenum have been used for making razor blades 146. These materials are widely available, have adequate corrosion resistance for their intended use and can be sharpened to provide a high-quality cutting edge. Exemplary commercially available materials are those such as GINS (e.g., GIN5) made by HITACHI METALS and 13C26 made by ALLEIMA (formerly SANDVIK). Another commercially available martensitic stainless steel suitable for manufacturing razor blades is the grade designated GIN7 manufactured by HITACHI METALS.[000140] The terms “substantially”, “generally” and / or “about” as contemplated herein are used with the appreciation that small variations in dimensions are within the present disclosure. Such small variations can include variations due to manufacturing tolerances and / or expansion / contraction and or wear of parts subjected to varying conditions (e.g., pressure, force, temperature, etc.), up to and including a 10% variance of the nominal dimension.[000141] While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.[000142] It is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a block diagram, etc. Although any one of these structures may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may berearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.[000143] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "comprising a specimen" includes single or plural specimens and is considered equivalent to the phrase "comprising at least one specimen." The term "or" refers to a single element of stated alternative elements or a combination of two or more elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, "comprises" means "includes." Thus, "comprising A or B," means "including A or B, or A and B," without excluding additional elements.[000144] It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the present description and drawings (the contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of reference). It is noted that these connections are general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and / or any other possible attachment option.[000145] No element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 1 12(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, or any other variation 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.[000146] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the disclosures may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present application. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts, and features of the disclosures-such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and components, and so on-may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts, or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present application even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above within the Detailed Description portion of the present specification, elements may be described as individual units and shown as independent of one another to facilitate thedescription. In alternative embodiments, such elements may be configured as combined elements. It is further noted that various method or process steps for embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. The description may present method and / or process steps as a particular sequence. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the description should not be construed as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A hair removal cartridge, comprising: a guard region; at least one blade having a blade length, the at least one blade having a cutting edge; a cap region; and a housing having a housing length that is generally parallel to the blade length, the housing including a connecting region having a neck and a bar extending from the neck, the neck including a recess located in a central region; wherein the guard region is forward of the at least one blade and the cap region is aft of the at least one blade, the guard region is spaced from the at least one blade forming a rinse-through channel.

2. The hair removal cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the housing length is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

3. The hair removal cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the at least one blade comprises a plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of blades is between two blades and nine blades.

4. The hair removal cartridge of claim 3, wherein the plurality of blades are in a stacked configuration.

5. The hair removal cartridge of claim 4, wherein the plurality of blades are in the stacked configuration; and wherein an interblade span between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades is at least equal to a thickness of the at least one blade and up to three times a thickest blade thickness of a thickest blade of the plurality of blades.

6. The hair removal cartridge of claim 4, wherein at least two of cutting edges of the plurality of blades generally have an equal exposure.

7. The hair removal cartridge of claim 4, wherein each of the cutting edges of the plurality of blades has an interblade span of between about 0.0 mm and about 0.3 mm.

8. The hair removal cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the hair removal cartridge has an exposure that is neutral or positive.

9. The hair removal cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the rinse-through channel has a width that is between about 0.7 mm and about 1 .3 mm.

10. The hair removal cartridge of claim 1 , wherein a rinse-through surface area of the rinse- through channel is greater than or equal to a blade surface area of the at least one blade.

11. A handle for a hair removal implement, comprising: a connecting region, the connecting region defining a trough between a front end and a rear end, the connecting region having a first lateral end portion, a central portion adjacent the first lateral end portion, and a second lateral end portion adjacent the central portion, the trough extending generally between at least portions of the first lateral end portion and the second lateral end portion, the central portion comprising a retention feature.

12. The handle of claim 1 1 , further comprising a shoulder region adjacent the connecting region; and a body region adjacent the shoulder region.

13. The handle of claim 12, further comprising a cover, the cover configured to attach to the shoulder region of the handle, wherein the shoulder region has a width that is generally equal to a thickness of the cover at a lower end of the cover.

14. The handle of claim 13, wherein the hair removal implement with the cover attached has an implement height, wherein the cover has a cover height, wherein the cover height is between about 25% to about 50% of the implement height.

15. The handle of claim 13, wherein the cover attaches to the handle by way of a press-fit, snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, and / or with a detent connection.

16. A dispenser for at least one hair removal cartridge[[s]], comprising: a body having an upper surface generally opposite a back surface, the upper surface and the back surface joined by a peripheral wall, the upper surface has a lower surface, the peripheral wall and the back surface define a basin forming at least one cavity; wherein the lower surface of the upper surface and the peripheral wall define a lead-in surface, the lead-in surface having a ramp surface.

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the lead-in surface further includes a wall generally opposite to the ramp surface.

18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the lead-in surface comprises a second lead-in surface, the second lead-in surface aligned on an opposite side of the peripheral wall, and wherein each of the lead-in surface and the second lead-in surface is on a side of the at least one cavity.

19. The dispenser of claim 16, further comprising at least one latch feature, the at least one latch feature disposed in a middle section of the dispenser and proximal the at least one cavity.

20. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the at least one cavity comprises between three cavities and eight cavities.21 . A hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: a guard region 144; at least one blade 146 having a blade length 182, the at least one blade 146 having a cutting edge 178; a cap region 148; and a housing 218 having a housing length that is generally parallel to the blade length 182, the housing 218 including a connecting region 60 having a neck 236 and a bar 234 extending from the neck 236, the neck 236 including a recess located in a central region 12;wherein the guard 144 is forward of the at least one blade 146 and the cap region 148 is aft of the at least one blade 146, the guard 144 is spaced from the at least one blade 146 forming a rinse-through channel 202.

22. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing length is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

23. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one blade 146 comprises a plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of blades is between two blades and nine blades.

24. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of blades 146 are in a stacked configuration.

25. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of blades 146 are in the stacked configuration, and wherein an interblade span 206 between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades 146 is at least equal to a thickness 188 of the at least one blade and up to three times a thickest blade thickness of a thickest blade of the plurality of blades 146.

26. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of cutting edges 178 of the plurality of blades 146 generally have an equal exposure.

27. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cutting edges 178 of the plurality of blades 146 has an interblade span 206 of between about 0.0 mm and about 0.3 mm.

28. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hair removal cartridge 22 has an exposure that is neutral or positive.

29. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rinse-through channel 202 has a width that is between about 0.7 mm and about 1 .3 mm.

30. The hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a rinse- through surface area of the rinse-through channel 202 is greater than or equal to a blade surface area of the at least one blade 146.31 . A handle 24 for a hair removal implement 20 according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: a connecting region 60, the connecting region 60 defining a trough 102 between a front end 106 and a rear end 108, the connecting region 60 having a first lateral end portion 1 10, a central portion 1 14 adjacent the first lateral end portion 110, and a second lateral end portion 1 12 adjacent the central portion 114, the trough 102 extending generally between at least portions of the first lateral end portion 1 10 and the second lateral end portion 1 12, the central portion 1 14 comprising a retention feature 124.

32. The handle 24 according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a shoulder region adjacent the connecting region; and a body region adjacent the shoulder region 74.

33. The handle 24 according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover 26, the cover 26 configured to attach to tye shoulder region 74 of the handle 24, wherein the shoulder region 74 has a width 88 that is generally equal to a cover wall thickness 42 of the cover 26 at a lower end 46 of the cover 26.

34. The handle 24 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hair removal implement 20 with the cover 26 attached has an implement height 30, wherein the cover 26 has a cover height 48, and wherein the cover height 48 is between about 25% to about 50% of the implement height 30.

35. The handle 24 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover 26 attaches to the handle 24 by way of a press-fit, snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, and / or with a detent connection.

36. A dispenser 28 for at least one hair removal cartridge 22 according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: a body having an upper surface 256 generally opposite a back surface 258, the upper surface 256 and the back surface 258 joined by a peripheral wall 264, the upper surface 256 has a lower surface 260, the peripheral wall 264 and the back surface 258 define a basin 266 forming at least one cavity 262; wherein the lower surface 260 of the upper surface 256 and the peripheral wall 264 define a lead-in surface 278, the lead-in surface 278 having a ramp 280.

37. The dispenser 28 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lead-in surface 278 further includes a wall 282 generally opposite to the ramp 280.

38. The dispenser 28 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lead-in surface 278 comprises a second lead-in surface 278A, the second lead-in surface 278A aligned on an opposite side of the peripheral wall 264 such that each of the lead-in surface 278 and the second lead-in surface 278A is on a side of the at least one cavity 262.

39. The dispenser 28 according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one latch feature 294, the at least one latch feature 294 disposed in a middle section 270 of the dispenser 28 and proximal the at least one cavity 262.

40. The dispenser 28 according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cavity 262 comprises between three cavities and eight cavities.