Interconnect mechanism for a razor

Abstract

An interconnecting mechanism for engaging an adapter to a razor handle, the interconnecting mechanism comprising: a sleeve extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the sleeve includes a flange and an opening, and wherein the distal end of the sleeve includes a connecting portion offset from a central horizontal axis relative to the central axis of the sleeve opening, wherein the sleeve is configured to engage with a razor handle engaging portion; and an adapter including a rod extending between the distal end and the proximal end.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European patent application EP23216371.7, filed on 13 December 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an interconnection mechanism for engaging an adapter for a razor head to a razor handle, and a sleeve including the interconnection mechanism. Background Technology

[0003] A razor is a handheld device widely used to shave unwanted hair from various parts of the body, such as the face, legs, and underarms. A conventional razor typically consists of a razor handle and a blade assembly containing multiple cutting elements (blades). Over time, the blades in the blade assembly become dull, necessitating replacement of the entire blade assembly. Additionally, the razor handle may also deteriorate over time and require replacement. However, conventional razor designs often do not allow for easy replacement of the razor handle, leading to waste as the user must discard the entire razor handle and adapter. These components are often made of different materials (for example, the adapter may be metal, and the razor handle may be plastic or wood), resulting in waste that is difficult or impossible to recycle.

[0004] Furthermore, the growing demand for razors that can be personalized to user needs and expectations necessitates adapting them to a variety of razor handle designs and materials, thus providing consumers with more customization options and improved ergonomics. However, existing razor designs often lack the flexibility required to accommodate different razor handle designs while maintaining the same adapter.

[0005] To address these challenges, there is an ongoing need to develop interconnect mechanisms that allow for easy replacement of razor handles while also providing the flexibility to accommodate a variety of razor handle designs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an interconnecting mechanism is provided for engaging an adapter to a razor handle. The interconnecting mechanism includes:

[0007] - A sleeve extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the sleeve includes a flange and an opening, and wherein the distal end of the sleeve includes a connecting portion offset from the central horizontal axis of the sleeve opening, wherein the sleeve is configured to engage with a razor handle.

[0008] - An adapter comprising a rod having a body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes a key element configured to align the adapter with a sleeve opening, and wherein the distal end of the adapter includes the body of the rod, the body of the rod being off-center relative to the central horizontal axis of the key element, wherein the central horizontal axis of the sleeve opening and the central horizontal axis of the key element coincide along a first horizontal axis, and wherein the body of the rod is configured to align with a connecting portion of the sleeve along a second horizontal axis, the second horizontal axis coinciding with the central horizontal axis of the body of the rod and the central horizontal axis of the connecting portion, and wherein the second horizontal axis is off-center relative to the first horizontal axis.

[0009] Therefore, the interconnection mechanism is designed to securely connect the razor handle and the adapter together, while also allowing for quick and easy removal of the razor handle for replacement purposes.

[0010] Furthermore, the interconnect mechanism is designed to be compatible with a variety of razor handle designs made of different materials and / or shapes, allowing users to choose a razor handle that suits their personal preferences. This provides users with greater convenience, flexibility, and customization options.

[0011] In one embodiment, the key element and the body of the rod may have a cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, the adapter may be movably attached to the sleeve.

[0012] In the implementation, the flange may contact the proximal end of the razor handle.

[0013] In one implementation, the adapter rod can be configured to insert into the sleeve opening.

[0014] In an embodiment, the proximal end of the sleeve may include at least one locking element.

[0015] In the implementation scheme, the connecting portion of the sleeve may include a uniform elastomer.

[0016] In the implementation scheme, the connecting portion of the sleeve may include multiple resilient protrusions.

[0017] In the example, a razor including an interconnecting mechanism and a razor handle can be provided.

[0018] In some implementations, the razor handle may also include a handle engagement portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the handle engagement portion may include an opening adapted to receive a sleeve of the interconnecting mechanism.

[0020] In one implementation, the body of the rod can be configured such that when the adapter or razor handle is rotated toward the engagement direction, the body of the rod and the connecting portion of the sleeve fit together tightly.

[0021] In one implementation, the body of the rod can be configured such that when the adapter or razor handle rotates toward the engagement direction, the body of the rod frictionally engages with the connecting portion of the sleeve.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one locking element of the sleeve may be configured to be inserted into the razor handle engagement portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the proximal end of the sleeve of the interconnecting mechanism may include at least one locking element, and the handle engagement portion may also include at least one groove, the at least one groove being designed such that at least one locking element of the sleeve can be inserted into the at least one groove.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one locking element of the sleeve may be configured to restrict rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the razor handle.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one locking element of the sleeve may be a bump or protrusion. In another embodiment, at least one groove may be a recess or opening, which may be designed or configured to engage with a corresponding locking element of the sleeve.

[0026] In the implementation, the sleeve can be securely attached to the razor handle.

[0027] In one implementation, the body of the rod can be configured such that when the razor handle or adapter is rotated toward the engagement direction, the body of the rod can deform the connecting portion of the sleeve.

[0028] In the implementation scheme, the connecting portion of the sleeve can deform outward when the razor handle or adapter rotates toward the engagement direction.

[0029] In one implementation, the body of the rod can be configured such that when the razor handle or adapter is rotated in the opposite direction of engagement, the connecting portion of the sleeve can return to its initial shape before deformation.

[0030] In one embodiment, when the razor handle or adapter rotates toward the engagement direction, a plurality of resilient protrusions of the connecting portion of the sleeve can extend outward. In another embodiment, the connecting portion of the sleeve can be configured such that when the razor handle or adapter rotates in the opposite direction to the engagement direction, the plurality of resilient protrusions of the connecting portion of the sleeve can return to their initial position before extending outward.

[0031] In the implementation, the adapter may be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0032] In the implementation scheme, the sleeve may be made of rubber or plastic.

[0033] In the implementation scheme, the razor handle may be made of rubber, plastic, paper, ceramic, wood, metal, or glass.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a component kit is provided. The kit includes an interconnect mechanism substantially as described herein, a razor handle substantially as described herein, and a sleeve.

[0035] Throughout the following description and claims, the term "engaged position" should be understood as the state in which the adapter is removably connected to the razor handle.

[0036] Throughout the following description and claims, the term "engagement direction" should be understood as the direction in which the rotatable element (which is an adapter or razor handle) is fastened or coupled to the non-rotatable element (which is, respectively, a razor handle or an adapter). The term "rotatable element" should be understood as an adapter or razor handle. When a rod is referred to as a single term (i.e., "rod"), it should be understood as both the key element and the body of the rod.

[0037] The additional objectives, details and features of the implementation scheme are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain this disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals in different figures indicate similar or analogous features.

[0039] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the interconnection mechanism according to the implementation scheme, which includes an adapter, a sleeve, and a razor handle.

[0040] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a front view and detailed sectional view of the sleeve, showing the central horizontal axis (2-2') of the sleeve opening and the central horizontal axis (4-4') ​​of the connecting part.

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a front view and detailed sectional view of the adapter, showing the central horizontal axis of the key element (1-1') and the central horizontal axis of the rod body (3-3').

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the adapter and sleeve before their connection, showing the coincidence of the central horizontal axis of the sleeve opening with the central horizontal axis of the key element along a first horizontal axis A-A', and the coincidence of the central horizontal axis of the connecting portion with the central horizontal axis of the rod body along a second horizontal axis B-B'. Furthermore, Figure 4This shows that the second horizontal axis B-B' is off-center relative to the first horizontal axis A-A'.

[0043] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic side view of the interconnecting mechanism before the rotating element rotates to the engagement position.

[0044] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a schematic side view of the interconnecting mechanism after the rotating element has rotated to the engagement position, showing the operating principle of the mechanism through tight fit / friction fit.

[0045] Figure 7A The interconnecting mechanism moves along the axis of rotation before the rotating element reaches the engagement position. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Front cross-section view of section Z-Z'.

[0046] Figure 7B After the rotating element has rotated to the engagement position, the interconnecting mechanism moves along... Figure 6A and Figure 6B The front cross-section Z-Z' shows the operating principle of the mechanism through tight fit / friction fit. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The implementation scheme of the interconnection mechanism will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1An exploded view of the interconnection mechanism according to the present disclosure and a razor handle 30 is shown. The interconnection mechanism includes: a sleeve 20 extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the sleeve 20 includes a flange 230 and an opening 210, wherein the distal end of the sleeve 20 includes a connecting portion 220 offset from the central horizontal axis 2-2' of the sleeve opening 210, wherein the sleeve 20 is configured to connect with a razor handle; and an adapter 10 including a rod having a body 120 extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes a key element 110 configured to align the adapter 10 with the sleeve opening 210, and wherein the adapter 10… The distal end includes the body of the rod 120, which is off-center relative to the central horizontal axis 1-1' of the key element 110, wherein the central horizontal axis 2-2' of the sleeve opening 210 and the central horizontal axis 1-1' of the key element 110 coincide along a first horizontal axis A-A', and wherein the body of the rod 120 is configured to align with the connecting portion 220 of the sleeve along a second horizontal axis B-B', which coincides with the central horizontal axis 3-3' of the body of the rod 120 and the central horizontal axis 4-4' of the connecting portion 220, and wherein the second horizontal axis B-B' is off-center relative to the first horizontal axis A-A'.

[0049] The body of lever 120 must be off-center relative to key element 110 because this is to align key element 110 with sleeve opening 210 on the first horizontal axis A-A' and simultaneously align the body of lever 120 with connecting portion 220 on different second horizontal axes B-B'. The fact that the first horizontal axis A-A' is off-center relative to the second horizontal axis B-B' allows the rotatable element (which is adapter 10 or handle 30) to lock adapter 10 to sleeve 20, which is rotationally restricted relative to razor handle 30, as will be explained in detail below, when rotated toward the engagement direction. This ultimately results in adapter 10 being locked together with razor handle 30. Furthermore, rotating adapter 10 in the opposite direction of engagement allows the adapter to be removed from sleeve 20 and ultimately from razor handle 30.

[0050] Adapters (such as adapter 10 of this disclosure) are sometimes referred to as “modular” adapters because they are constructed with standardized units or sizes to allow for flexibility and versatility in use. As an example, such adapters in this disclosure can be used with a variety of different handles and / or sleeves.

[0051] In the example, the key element 110 and the main body of the rod 120 can have a cylindrical shape.

[0052] In the example, adapter 10 can engage with sleeve 20 via interference, gap, or transition fit (more specifically via snap fit or push fit).

[0053] In the example, adapter 10 can be movably attached to sleeve 20.

[0054] In the example, adapter 10 can be removably attached to sleeve 20.

[0055] In the detailed drawing, the lever of adapter 10 can be inserted into sleeve 20 in the direction of movement using the alignment provided by key element 110 and sleeve opening 210, such as, for example Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 As shown, the central horizontal axis 1-1' of the key element 110 and the central horizontal axis 2-2' of the sleeve opening 210 coincide along the first horizontal axis A-A', resulting in alignment between the two elements.

[0056] In the example, due to the alignment between the central horizontal axis 3-3' of the main body of rod 120 and the central horizontal axis 4-4' of connecting part 220, the main body of rod 120 can also engage with connecting part 220. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the central horizontal axis 3-3' of the main body of rod 120 and the central horizontal axis 4-4' of connecting part 220 coincide along the second horizontal axis B-B', thereby causing alignment between the two components. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the second horizontal axis B-B' is off-center relative to the first horizontal axis A-A'.

[0057] In the example, a razor including an interconnecting mechanism and a razor handle 30 may be provided.

[0058] In the example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the razor handle 30 may also include a handle engagement portion 310, wherein the handle engagement portion 310 may include an opening adapted to receive the sleeve 20 of the interconnecting mechanism.

[0059] In the example, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 7A As shown in the diagram, the adapter 10 and the sleeve 20 can then be inserted into the razor handle engagement portion 310 located at the proximal end of the razor handle. The flange 230 can act as a stop element by contacting the proximal end of the razor handle 30. The flange 230 can be configured to block the sleeve 20, thereby preventing undesirable movement of the sleeve 20 within the razor handle engagement portion 310.

[0060] In the example, the razor handle engagement portion 310 can be configured to engage the sleeve 20, and more specifically, to lock the sleeve in place, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the sleeve 20 relative to the razor handle 30.

[0061] In the example, rotational movement may be restricted due to the tight fit between the sleeve 20 and the razor handle engagement portion 310.

[0062] In this example, rotational movement may be restricted due to the frictional engagement between the sleeve 20 and the razor handle engagement portion 310. For example, the sleeve 20 may be made of rubber, and the razor handle engagement portion 310 may be made of rubber, plastic, paper, ceramic, wood, metal, or glass. Thus, the friction between the materials of the rubber sleeve 20 and the razor handle engagement portion 310 can restrict rotational movement between them.

[0063] In the example, the proximal end of the sleeve 20 may also include at least one locking element 240 configured to be inserted into the razor handle engagement portion 310.

[0064] In one example, the handle engagement portion 310 may further include at least one recess 340, which is designed such that at least one locking element 240 of the sleeve 20 is inserted into the at least one recess 340. In another example, the at least one locking element 240 may be a recess or groove, and the at least one recess 340 may be a bump or protrusion.

[0065] At least one locking element 240 may be configured to restrict rotational movement of the sleeve 20 relative to the razor handle 30. For example, at least one locking element 240 may be configured to engage with at least one groove 340 located in an inner portion of the razor handle engagement portion 310. This engagement may restrict rotational movement between the sleeve 20 and the razor handle 30.

[0066] In this example, the sleeve 20 and the razor handle 30 can be formed integrally, meaning they can be constructed as a single unit. As a single unit, this means that the sleeve 20 cannot rotate relative to the razor handle 30.

[0067] In the example, such as Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7B As symbolically shown, the body of lever 120 can be configured such that when the razor handle 30 or adapter 10 rotates toward the engagement direction, the body of lever 120 engages tightly with connecting portion 220, thereby ensuring that adapter 10 and sleeve 20 are securely fastened to razor handle 30. In other examples, the body of lever 120 engages with connecting portion 220 through friction.

[0068] In the detailed drawing, when the adapter 10 rotates toward the engagement direction, the body of the lever 120, which is an integral part of the adapter 10, also rotates. As described above, the sleeve 20 cannot rotate relative to the razor handle 30. This causes the body of the lever 120 to rotate within the now-fixed connecting portion 220 and create a tight-fitting interference, thereby locking the adapter 10 to the sleeve 20 and the razor handle 30. The connecting portion 220 is fixed because it is an integral part of the sleeve 20, and the sleeve's rotation relative to the razor handle 30 is restricted due to a tight fit, a frictional fit, or the presence of at least one locking element 240 and a corresponding at least one groove 34, as explained in detail above. The same principle also applies when the razor handle 30 rotates toward the engagement direction, such as, for example... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown. Rotation of the razor handle 30 also causes the sleeve 20 to rotate together with the razor handle 30, since the sleeve 20 cannot rotate relative to the razor handle 30, as described above. This causes the connecting portion 220 to rotate relative to the body of the rod 120 (now the fixed part), and creates a tight-fitting interference that locks the adapter 10 to the sleeve 20 and the razor handle 30. In other examples, the interference could be a frictional fit, also as described above. Figure 7A and Figure 7B It shows along Figure 5B and Figure 6B The cross-section shown is the cross-section Z-Z'. More specifically, Figure 7A It shows the path along the rotating element before it rotates. Figure 5B The cross section Z-Z' is the cross section, and Figure 7B This shows what happens after the rotating element rotates toward the engagement direction. Figure 6B The cross section Z-Z'. Rotational motion / direction in Figure 7B The arrows represent the numbers.

[0069] In the example, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 7A As shown in the symbol, the body of the lever 120 can be configured such that when the razor handle 30 or the adapter 10 is rotated to a direction opposite to the engagement direction, the connection between the adapter 10 and the razor handle 30 loosens, thereby allowing the adapter 10 to be pulled out.

[0070] In this way, the complete razor system (i.e., adapter 10, sleeve 20, and razor handle 30) can be disassembled, thus making it easy for the user to connect, disconnect, and replace various parts of the razor system, such as different razor handles, different adapters, etc.

[0071] In the example, the connecting portion 220 may include a uniform elastomer.

[0072] In the example, the connecting part 220 can be made of rubber or plastic.

[0073] In the example, the body of the lever 120 can be configured such that when the razor handle 30 or the adapter 10 is rotated toward the engagement direction, the body of the lever 120 can deform the connecting portion 220.

[0074] In this way, due to the deformation of the connecting part 220, the main body of the rod 120 fits tightly with the connecting part 220, thereby ensuring that the adapter 10 and the sleeve 20 are securely fastened to the razor handle 30.

[0075] In the example, when the razor handle 30 or the adapter 10 rotates toward the engagement direction, the connecting portion 220 can deform outward.

[0076] Thus, due to the outward extension of the connecting portion 220, the sleeve 20 is securely fastened to the interior of the razor handle receiving portion 310, thereby ensuring that the adapter 10 and the sleeve 20 are securely fastened to the razor handle 30.

[0077] In the example, the body of the lever 120 can be configured such that when the razor handle 30 or adapter 20 is rotated in the opposite direction of engagement, the connecting portion 220 can return to its initial shape before deformation. This allows for complete disassembly of the razor system as described above. It should be understood that the initial shape of the connecting portion 220, and therefore the initial shape of the sleeve 20, corresponds to the shape before any deformation caused by rotation of the adapter 10 or handle 30 as described in this specification.

[0078] In the example, the connecting portion 220 may include multiple resilient protrusions.

[0079] In the example, when the razor handle 30 or the adapter 10 is rotated toward the engagement direction, a plurality of resilient protrusions of the connecting portion 220 can extend outward. Thus, due to the outward extension of the resilient protrusions, the sleeve 20 is securely fastened to the interior of the razor handle receiving portion 310, thereby ensuring that the adapter 10 and the sleeve 20 are securely fastened to the razor handle 30.

[0080] In the example, the coupling portion 220 can be configured such that when the razor handle 30 or adapter 10 is rotated in the opposite direction of engagement, the plurality of resilient protrusions of the coupling portion 220 can return to their initial positions before they extended outward. It should be understood that the initial positions of the plurality of resilient protrusions of the coupling portion 220, and therefore the initial positions of the sleeve 20, correspond to positions before any extension caused by rotation of the adapter 10 or handle 30 as described in this specification. This again allows for complete disassembly of the razor system as described above.

[0081] Although only a few specific embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will understand that other alternatives, obvious modifications, and / or equivalents are possible. Furthermore, this disclosure is intended to cover all possible combinations of the specific embodiments described. Reference numerals in relation to the drawings and placed in parentheses in the claims are used only to attempt to increase the comprehensibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the specific embodiments but should be determined solely by a reasonable reading of the following claims.

Claims

1. An interconnection mechanism for engaging an adapter (10) to a razor handle (30), the interconnection mechanism comprising: - A sleeve (20) extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the sleeve (20) includes a flange (230) and an opening (210), wherein the distal end of the sleeve (20) includes a connecting portion (220) offset from the center of the horizontal axis (2-2') of the sleeve opening (210), wherein the sleeve (20) is configured to connect with a razor handle (30). - Adapter (10), the adapter including a rod (120) having a body, the adapter (10) extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes a key element (110) configured to align the adapter (10) with the sleeve opening (210), and wherein the distal end of the adapter (10) includes the body of the rod (120), the body of the rod being offset from the center relative to the central horizontal axis (1-1') of the key element (110), wherein the central horizontal axis (2-2') of the sleeve opening (210) is... The central horizontal axis (1-1') of the key element (110) coincides with the first horizontal axis (A-A'), and the body of the rod (120) is configured to align with the connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20) along a second horizontal axis (B-B'), the second horizontal axis coinciding with the central horizontal axis (3-3') of the body of the rod (120) and the central horizontal axis (4-4') ​​of the connecting portion (220), and wherein the second horizontal axis (B-B') is off-center relative to the first horizontal axis (A-A').

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The main body of the key element (110) and the rod (120) has a cylindrical shape.

3. The mechanism of claims 1-2, wherein, The adapter (10) is movably attached to the sleeve (20).

4. The mechanism of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flange (230) contacts the proximal end of the razor handle (30).

5. The mechanism of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rod (120) of the adapter (10) is configured to be inserted into the sleeve opening (210).

6. The mechanism of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The proximal end of the sleeve (20) includes at least one locking element (240).

7. The mechanism of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20) comprises a uniform elastomer.

8. The mechanism of claims 1-6, wherein, The connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20) includes a plurality of resilient protrusions.

9. A razor comprising a razor handle (30) and a mechanism according to claims 1 to 8, the razor handle (30) comprising a handle engagement portion (310), wherein the handle engagement portion (310) includes an opening adapted to receive the sleeve (20) of the interconnecting mechanism, and wherein the body of the rod (120) is configured such that when the adapter (20) or the razor handle (30) is rotated toward an engagement direction, the body of the rod (120) engages tightly with the connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20).

10. The razor of claim 9, wherein, The proximal end of the sleeve (20) of the interconnecting mechanism includes at least one locking element (240), and the handle engagement portion (310) further includes at least one groove (340) designed such that the at least one locking element (240) of the sleeve (20) is inserted into the at least one groove (340).

11. The razor of claim 10, wherein, The locking element (240) of the sleeve (20) is configured to restrict the rotational movement of the sleeve (20) relative to the razor handle (30).

12. The razor of claims 9-11, wherein, The sleeve (20) is fixedly attached to the razor handle (30).

13. The razor of claims 9-12, wherein, The body of the rod (120) is configured such that when the razor handle (30) or the adapter (10) is rotated toward the engagement direction, the body of the rod (120) deforms the connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20).

14. The razor of claim 13, wherein, When the razor handle (30) or the adapter (10) rotates toward the engagement direction, the connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20) deforms outward.

15. The razor of claim 9, the razor comprising the interconnecting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the body of the rod (120) is configured such that the plurality of resilient protrusions of the connecting portion (220) of the sleeve (20) extend outward when the razor handle (30) or the adapter (10) is rotated toward the engagement direction.

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