Safety razor and connector and handle for a safety razor

Abstract

To provide a safety razor, and a connector and a handle for the safety razor.SOLUTION: A safety razor (20) has a blade unit (30) having a housing (32) and razor blades (34), and an elongated handle (40) having a uniform thickness and having a first end (44) including an aperture (46) extending into the thickness and an opposing second end (48). The safety razor also has a connector (60) for connecting the blade unit to the handle. A body (62) of the connector has a recess (64) with an opening (66) and a user-actuatable latch (68) including a projection (70) extending into the recess. The first end of the handle is removably received in the recess and the projection is received in the opening to secure the handle to the connector. The protrusion is releasable from the opening by a user-applied force to a lever (74) at an end of the latch opposite the protrusion end to release the first end of the handle from the recess.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to safety razors and, more particularly, to a razor cartridge connector having an integral latch and suitable handle. [Background technology]

[0002] Many modern wet shaving razors, also known as safety razors, typically include a handle and a razor cartridge attached to the handle. Some razors are so-called disposable razors, in which the handle and razor cartridge are disposed of together after use. Other razors may be in the form of so-called systems, with a reusable handle and a removable razor cartridge that can be disposed of after use and replaced with a new cartridge. U.S. Patent No. 5,787,586 discloses an exemplary system razor handle that includes several component parts that, in combination, provide a mechanism for securing and releasing (together with a blade unit) the cartridge connector of the razor cartridge upon activation of a release button by the user.

[0003] Yet another type of safety razor is the so-called semi-disposable razor. A simplified handle (e.g., compared to that in the aforementioned '586 patent), which may be a single-component part, is provided to the user along with a small number of replaceable cartridges as a packaged unit, e.g., one handle and five cartridges. The handle is intended to withstand a limited number of uses with the cartridges provided. This combination offers the convenience of a disposable razor, but requires fewer resources, e.g., "less plastic," compared to, e.g., five fully disposable razors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,577 discloses an exemplary semi-disposable razor. The handle in this patent document has a mounting structure for a cartridge that includes three protrusions whose centers carry teeth that snap onto the cartridge. The '577 handle, therefore, essentially requires certain physical properties, e.g., at least a certain flexural modulus and strain tolerance, for its central protrusion to function as disclosed, at least for the required limited number of cycles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,787,586 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,026,577 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure has as its objective the substantial alleviation of the limitations of prior art razors by providing a safety razor and a connector and handle therefor. The safety razor is provided with a blade unit having a housing with a razor blade and an elongated handle. The handle has a uniform thickness, preferably 2.7 mm, and has a first end and an opposing second end including an opening extending through the thickness. The connector connects the blade unit to the handle. The connector has a body with a first arm and a second arm, both of which extend from the body, and the distal end regions of each of the arms are adapted to connect the blade unit to the handle. The body has a recess with an opening and a user-actuable latch including a protrusion at the first end of the latch, the protrusion extending into the recess. A first end of the handle is removably received in the recess, and a protrusion is received in the opening to secure the connector to the handle, and the protrusion is releasable from the opening by a user-applied force (F) on a lever at a second end of the latch opposite the first end to release the first end of the handle from the recess.

[0006] In some embodiments, the handle has a curved profile perpendicular to the thickness. In some embodiments, the handle is flat in a cross-section. In other embodiments, the handle is not flat, e.g., has a gentle curve in a cross-section. In some embodiments, the opening in the first end of the handle is bounded. In some embodiments, the opening in the first end of the handle extends through the first end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first end of the handle defines a blur prevention feature in combination with the recess in the connector to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle within the connector. The blur prevention feature can include a first outer corner radius and a second outer corner radius, each outer corner radius at the first end of the handle, the first outer corner radius being different from the second outer corner radius, and preferably the first outer corner radius being three times larger than the second outer corner radius.

[0008] In some embodiments, the handle comprises a plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably one of a wood-based and a herbaceous-based material, more preferably bamboo. In some embodiments, the plant-based non-polymeric material defines a fiber direction. In some embodiments, the handle comprises a single layer of the plant-based non-polymeric material. In other embodiments, the handle comprises between two and nine layers of the plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably three layers of the plant-based non-polymeric material. In some of the preceding embodiments, the fiber direction of any one layer is oriented at an angle to the fiber direction of the next adjacent layer, preferably perpendicular to the fiber direction of the next adjacent layer.

[0009] In some aspects, the handle comprises only a single component part.

[0010] In some aspects, the user-actuable latch is supported within the body by a torsion beam spring integrally formed between the body and the latch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connector comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a blend of a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material.

[0012] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a connector adapted to removably connect a handle to a blade unit. The connector has a body with a first arm and a second arm, both extending from the body, and a distal end region of each of the arms adapted to connect the blade unit to the connector. The body has a recess having an opening and a user-actuable latch including a protrusion at a first end of the latch extending into the recess, the recess adapted to removably receive the first end of the handle, the protrusion being received in the opening at the first end, and the protrusion being releasable from the opening by a user-applied force (F) on a lever at a second end of the latch opposite the first end to release the first end of the handle from the recess.

[0013] In some embodiments, the recess of the connector, in combination with the first end of the handle, defines a blur prevention feature to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle when received in the connector. The blur prevention feature can include a first inner corner radius and a second inner corner radius. Each inner corner radius is at the end of the recess facing the opening, and the first inner corner radius is different from the second inner corner radius, preferably three times larger than the second inner corner radius. A wall bounding the recess can include a window opening that allows a user to observe the inner corner radii.

[0014] In some aspects, the user-actuable latch is supported within the body by a torsion beam spring integrally formed between the body and the latch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the user-actuable latch includes a second end opposite the first end and has a lever, and the torsion beam spring is formed with the latch in a region between the first end and the second end.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connector comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or a blend of a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material, hi other embodiments, the connector can comprise a thermoplastic polymer, i.e., a petroleum-based material.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a handle for a safety razor. The handle includes an elongated slat having a uniform thickness, preferably 2.7 mm, and having a first end and an opposing second end including an opening extending through the thickness. The handle can include a plant-based, non-polymeric material with oriented fibers, preferably one of a wood-based and a herbaceous-based material, more preferably bamboo.

[0018] In some embodiments, the handle has a curved profile perpendicular to the thickness. In some embodiments, the handle is flat in a cross-section. In other embodiments, the handle is not flat, e.g., has a gentle curve in a cross-section. In some embodiments, the opening in the first end of the handle is bounded. In some embodiments, the opening in the first end of the handle extends through the first end.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first end of the handle defines a blur prevention feature that, in combination with a recess in the connector for the safety razor, prevents incorrect orientation of the handle within the connector. The blur prevention feature can include a first outer corner radius and a second outer corner radius, each outer corner radius at the first end of the handle, the first outer corner radius being different from the second outer corner radius, and preferably the first outer corner radius being three times larger than the second outer corner radius.

[0020] In some embodiments, the handle comprises a single layer of plant-based non-polymeric material. In other embodiments, the handle comprises between two and nine layers of plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably three layers of plant-based non-polymeric material. In some of the preceding embodiments, the fiber direction of any one layer is oriented at an angle to the fiber direction of the next adjacent layer, preferably perpendicular to the fiber direction of the next adjacent layer.

[0021] In some aspects, the handle comprises only the slats, which are single-component parts.

[0022] Thus, a safety razor, which may be in the form of a semi-disposable razor, is less dependent on its handle having physical characteristics that were at least inherently considered necessary in the prior art. The safety razor can use "sustainable" and plastic-free materials, particularly for its handle.

[0023] These features and advantages will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a safety razor of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Front isometric view of a safety razor. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a connector of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a bottom isometric view of the connector. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an end view of the connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken at 7-7 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a handle of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of another safety razor. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the first end of another handle. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another handle. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the handle taken at 15-15 in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 16] 8A and 8B show details of several views of a connector connected to a handle cut in a plane similar to that of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1 and 2, there is shown a safety razor 20. The safety razor 20 comprises a blade unit 30 having a housing 32 with razor blades 34, an elongated handle 40, and a connector 60 connecting the blade unit 30 to the handle 40. The materials and construction of the blade unit 30 enclosing one or several blades 34 are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described further.

[0026] 3-7, a connector 60 is shown. The connector 60 includes a body 62 with a first arm 80 and a second arm 82, both extending from the body 62. The distal end regions 80a, 82a of the arms 80, 82, respectively, are adapted to connect the blade unit 30 to the connector 60. For example, the distal end regions 80a, 82a may be provided with suitable structure, such as a shell bearing structure, for pivotally coupling the blade unit 30 to the connector 60. The body 62 includes a recess 64 with an opening 66. The body 62 also includes a user-actuable latch 68. The latch 68 has a first end 72 and a second end 76. The first end 72 of the latch 68 includes a protrusion 70 that extends into the recess 64. The second end 76 of the latch 68 includes a lever 74 to which a user can apply an appropriate force F to actuate the latch 68. The latch 68 is supported within the body 62 by an integrally formed torsion beam spring 90 formed with the latch 68 in the region between the first end 72 and the second end 76 .

[0027] The connector 60 is preferably manufactured by injection molding. Preferred materials are biopolymers or blends of biopolymers and granular plant-based non-polymeric materials, e.g., 75% biopolymer / 25% plant material. A preferred biopolymer is medium-chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Medium-chain PHAs are preferred over short-chain PHAs due to their advantages of toughness and resilience compared to short-chain polymers, which are stiff but potentially brittle. The connector 60 can be constructed of non-biomaterial polymers. While this is less preferred for "sustainability" reasons, such materials can provide satisfactory performance. Suitable polymers include polyoxymethylene (POM, also known as acetal), polyamides (e.g., PA6 or PA6.6), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), as well as blends of suitable materials.

[0028] 8-15, there is shown a handle 40. The handle 40 is elongated and has a first end 44 and a second end 48. The handle 40 includes slats 38 that are preferably single-component parts. The handle 40 has a thickness 42 that is preferably uniform (see particularly FIGS. 13 and 14). The handle 40 preferably has a curved profile when viewed perpendicular to the thickness 42 (see FIG. 10). The curved profile can provide ergonomic (tactile) benefits to the user, such as presenting the cartridge 30 in a conventional orientation for use relative to the user's conventional grip position. The handle 40 can also be straight (see FIG. 11). The first end 44 has an opening 46. The opening 46 preferably extends through the first end 44, but can extend partway into the first end (see FIG. 15), with walls bounding the opening 46 adapted to provide adequate engagement with the protrusion 70 of the connector 60 (see FIG. 16). The opening 46 is preferably fully bounded (i.e., the bounding walls can extend completely around the opening 46 or can partially bound it (see FIG. 12)).

[0029] The handle 40 comprises a plant-based, non-polymeric material, e.g., a wood-based or herb-based material, which defines a fiber direction 54. Another suitable material is compressed leaf mass, e.g., palm leaves. A preferred material is bamboo (a type of grass). A preferred wood is birch, although other woods, such as giant redwood, larch, fir, and sturdy Scots pine, are also suitable. The handle 40 preferably comprises a single layer 50 of plant-based, non-polymeric material (see FIG. 13). The handle 40 may equally preferably comprise a laminated (e.g., "plywood") structure of multiple (e.g., two to nine, preferably three) (sub)layers 52 (see FIG. 14). The (sub)layers 52 can be suitably bonded to one another by processes known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments having multiple (sub)layers 52, the fiber directions 54 of adjacent layers can be angularly offset. 9, the fiber direction 54e of layer 52 can be aligned with the length of handle 40 disposed transversely thereto with the fiber direction 54 of the next adjacent layer. The fiber direction 54x can be angled, for example, at 45° with the length of handle 40 with the fiber direction 54x of the next adjacent layer disposed opposite.

[0030] The handle thickness 42 is preferably 2.7 mm, although other thicknesses may be suitable and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one preferred example, the thickness 42 may be provided by laminating three layers 52 of bamboo. The central (sub) layer 52 has a fiber direction 54e aligned with the length of the handle 40, and the (next adjacent) outer layer 52 has a fiber direction 54t transverse to the central layer 52. In another preferred example, the handle 40 comprises a single layer 50 of birch wood having a fiber direction 54e aligned with the length of the handle 40.

[0031] The handle 40 can be manufactured by providing a sheet of plant-based, non-polymeric material having a suitable thickness 42 and stamping (punching) a suitable flat configuration. In examples having a curved profile, the profile can be provided by a suitable heat or heat and moisture process (e.g., steam forming). Such processes are known to those skilled in the art. The handle is preferably flat in cross-section (see Figures 13-14), but can be non-flat throughout its lateral width, e.g., have a gentle curve. Such a non-flat transverse shape can result from a process that provides a curved profile.

[0032] One purpose of the disclosed safety razor 20 is as a semi-disposable razor, whereby a single handle 40 can be packaged with several (e.g., five) replacement cartridges (each including a blade unit 30 connected to a connector 60) so that a user can selectively replace the cartridges. In embodiments in which the handle 40 has a curved profile, it is desirable for the user to properly orient the handle 40 relative to the connector 60. To assist in avoiding user mistakes, the handle 40 in combination with the connector 60 is provided with a Poka-yoke feature 92. Poka-yoke is a Japanese term used in English dictionaries that means "mistake prevention" or "careless error prevention." The first end 44 of the handle 40 can be provided with a first outer corner radius 98 and a second outer corner radius 100. The corner radii 98, 100 are sized to be distinctly different to the user. For example, the first outer corner radius 98 can be 4.5 mm, which is three times larger than the second outer corner radius 100, which can be 1.5 mm. The end of the recess 64 opposite the opening 66 of the connector 60 is provided with complementary first and second inner corner radii 94, 96, respectively. To assist a user in recognizing the correct or incorrect orientation of the first end 44 of the handle 40 in the recess 64 of the connector 60, the wall bounding the recess 64 may be provided with a window opening 88 that allows the user to observe how the inner corner radii 94, 96, and therefore the outer corner radii 98, 100, correctly or incorrectly engage with the inner corner radii 94, 96. For example, if a user attempts to insert the first end 44 into the recess in the wrong orientation, the smaller outer corner radius 96 will contact the larger inner corner radius 94 before the first end 44 is fully inserted into the recess 64. The latch protrusion 70 will not engage the opening 46, and the handle 40 will not be properly retained in the connector 60. FIG. 16 is a detailed portion of a cross-sectional view of connector 60 properly connected to handle 40 showing latch protrusion 70 engaged in opening 46.To disconnect the cartridge from the handle 40, a user can apply an appropriate force F to the lever 74 at the second end 76 of the latch 68. The latch rotates about a torsion beam spring 90 (not shown in this view, see FIG. 4) to disengage the protrusion 70 from the opening 46, thereby allowing the handle 40 to be pulled from the connector 60.

[0033] Features of the present disclosure include the following.

[0034] 1. A blade unit (30) having a housing (32) with a razor blade (34); an elongated handle (40) having a uniform thickness (42), preferably 2.7 mm, and having a first end (44) and an opposing second end (48) with an opening (46) extending into the thickness (42); a connector (60) having a body (62) with a first arm (80) and a second arm (82), both of which extend from the body (62), the distal end regions (80a, 82a) of each of the arms (80, 82) adapted to connect the blade unit (30) to the handle (40); the body (62) having a recess (64) with an opening (66); and a user-actuable latch (68) having a latch (68). a connector (60) having a body (62) including a protrusion (70) at a first end (72) of the handle (40), the protrusion (70) extending into the recess (64), a first end (44) of the handle (40) being removably received in the recess (64), the protrusion (70) being received within the opening (46) to secure the connector (60) to the handle (40), and a user-actuable latch (68) the protrusion (70) being releasable from the opening (46) by a user-applied force (F) to a lever (74) at a second end (76) of the latch (68) opposite the first end (72) to release the first end (44) of the handle (40) from the recess (64). 2. A safety razor (20) according to feature 1, wherein the handle (40) has a curved profile perpendicular to the thickness (42). 3. The safety razor (20) of feature 1 or feature 2, wherein the handle (40) is flat in cross section. 4. A safety razor (20) of any preceding character, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) is bounded. 5. A safety razor (20) of any preceding feature, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) extends through the first end (44). 6. A safety razor (20) of any preceding feature, wherein the first end (44) of the handle (40) defines a blur prevention feature (92) in combination with a recess (64) in the connector (60) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) within the connector (60). 7. The safety razor (20) of Feature 6, wherein the blur prevention feature (92) includes a first outer corner radius (98) and a second outer corner radius (100), each outer corner radius (98, 100) at the first end (44) of the handle (40), and wherein the first outer corner radius (98) is different from the second outer corner radius (100), and preferably the first outer corner radius (98) is three times larger than the second outer corner radius (100). 8. A safety razor (20) of any preceding feature, wherein the handle (40) comprises a plant-based, non-polymeric material, preferably one of a wood-based and a herbaceous-based material, more preferably bamboo. 9. A safety razor (20) according to feature 8, wherein the plant-based non-polymeric material defines the fiber direction (54). 10. A safety razor (20) of any preceding feature, wherein the handle (40) comprises a single layer (50) of plant-based non-polymeric material. 11. The safety razor (20) of any of features 1-9, wherein the handle (40) comprises between two and nine layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably three layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material. 12. A safety razor (20) of feature 11, wherein the fiber direction (54) of any one layer (54) is releasable from the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52), preferably perpendicular to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52). 13. A safety razor (20) of any preceding character in which the handle (40) comprises only a single component part. 14. A safety razor (20) of any preceding character, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) is supported within the body (62) by a torsion beam spring (90) integrally formed between the body (62) and the latch (68). 15. A safety razor (20) of any preceding feature, wherein the connector (60) comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a blend of a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material. 16. A connector (60) for a safety razor (20) adapted to removably connect a handle (40) to a blade unit (30), comprising: a body (62) having a first arm (80) and a second arm (82), both of which extend from the body (62), the distal end regions (80a, 82a) of each of the arms (80, 82) adapted to connect the blade unit (30) to the connector (60); the body (62) having a recess (64) with an opening (66); and a user-actuable latch (68) having a protrusion (70) extending into the recess (64) for engaging the latch (68). ) at a first end (72) thereof, a recess (64) adapted to removably receive the first end (44) of the handle (40), a protrusion (70) received within an opening (46) at the first end (44), the protrusion (70) being releasable from the opening (46) by a user applying a force (F) to a lever (74) at a second end (76) of the latch (68) opposite the first end (72) to release the first end (44) of the handle (40) from the recess (64). 17. A connector (60) of feature 16, wherein the recess (64) of the connector (60), in combination with the first end (44) of the handle (40), defines a blur prevention feature (92) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) when received within the connector (60). 18. A connector (60) of feature 17, wherein the blur prevention feature (92) includes a first inner corner radius (94) and a second inner corner radius (96), each inner corner radius (94, 96) at an end of the recess (64) facing the opening (66), and wherein the first inner corner radius (94) is different from the second inner corner radius (96), and preferably the first inner corner radius (94) is three times larger than the second inner corner radius (96). 19. A connector (60) of feature 18, wherein the wall bounding the recess (64) has a window opening (88) that allows a user to observe the inner corner radii (94, 96). 20. The connector (60) of any one of features 16-19, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) is supported within the body (62) by a torsion beam spring (90) integrally formed between the body (62) and the latch (68). 21. The connector (60) of feature 20, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) includes a second end (76) opposite the first end (72) and having a lever (74), and a torsion beam spring (90) is formed with the latch (68) in a region between the first end (72) and the second end (76). 22. The connector (60) of any one of features 16-21, wherein the connector (60) comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a mixture of a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material. 23. A handle (40) for a safety razor comprising an elongated slat (38) comprising a plant-based non-polymeric material having a uniform thickness (42), preferably 2.7 mm, and having a first end (44) and an opposing second end (48) including an opening (46) extending through the thickness (42), and defining a fiber direction (54), the plant-based non-polymeric material preferably being one of a wood-based and a herbaceous-based material, more preferably bamboo. 24. The handle (40) of feature 23, wherein the handle (40) has a curved profile in a direction perpendicular to the thickness (42). 25. The handle (40) of feature 23 or feature 24, wherein the handle (40) is flat in cross-section. 26. A handle (40) of any of features 23-25, wherein an opening (46) in a first end (44) of the handle (40) is bounded. 27. The handle (40) of any of features 23-26, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) extends through the first end (44). 28. A handle (40) of any of features 23-27, wherein the first end (44) of the handle (40) defines a blur prevention feature (92) in combination with the recess (64) of the connector (60) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) within the connector (60). 29. A handle (40) of feature 28, wherein the blur prevention feature (92) includes a first outer corner radius (98) and a second outer corner radius (100), each outer corner radius (98, 100) at the first end (44) of the handle (40), and wherein the first outer corner radius (98) is different from the second outer corner radius (100), and preferably the first outer corner radius (98) is three times larger than the second outer corner radius (100). 30. The handle (40) of any of features 23-29, wherein the handle (40) comprises a single layer (50) of a plant-based non-polymeric material. 31. The handle (40) of any of features 23-29, wherein the handle (40) comprises between two and nine layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably three layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material. 32. A handle (40) of feature 31 in which the fiber direction (54) of any one layer (54) is disposed at an angle to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52), and preferably is disposed perpendicular to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52). 33. The handle (40) of any of features 23-32, wherein the handle (40) comprises only slats (38), and the slats (38) are single-component parts.

[0035] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, any modifications or variations that may be made within the scope of the appended claims and features disclosed in connection with any one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with the respective features of each other embodiment. In other words, the breadth and scope of any embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but rather should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 20 Safety Razor 34 Razor Blade 38 Slats 40 Thin Handle 60 Connectors

Claims

1. a blade unit (30) having a housing (32) with a razor blade (34); an elongated handle (40) having a uniform thickness (42), preferably 2.7 mm, and having a first end (44) and an opposing second end (48) including an opening (46) extending through the thickness (42); A connector (60) comprising a body (62) with a first arm (80) and a second arm (82), both of which extend from the body (62), with respective distal end regions (80a, 82a) of both arms (80, 82) adapted to connect the blade unit (30) to the handle (40), the body (62) comprising a recess (64) having an opening (66), and a user-actuable latch (68) including a protrusion (70) at a first end (72) of the latch (68), the protrusion (70) extending into the recess (64), and the handle the connector (60) having the body (62) with the user-actuable latch (68), the first end (44) of the connector (40) being removably received in the recess (64), the protrusion (70) being received in the opening (46) to secure the connector (60) to the handle (40), the protrusion (70) being releasable from the opening (46) by a user applying a force (F) to a lever (74) at a second end (76) of the latch (68) opposite the first end (72) to release the first end (44) of the handle (40) from the recess (64); A safety razor (20) comprising:

2. 2. The safety razor (20) of claim 1, wherein the handle (40) has a curved profile oriented perpendicular to the thickness (42).

3. 3. The safety razor (20) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle (40) is flat in cross-section.

4. 4. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) is bounded.

5. 5. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) extends through the first end (44).

6. 6. The safety razor (20) of claim 1, wherein the first end (44) of the handle (40) in combination with the recess (64) of the connector (60) defines a blur prevention feature (92) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) within the connector (60).

7. 7. The safety razor of claim 6, wherein the blur prevention feature includes a first outer corner radius and a second outer corner radius, each outer corner radius being at the first end of the handle, the first outer corner radius being different from the second outer corner radius, and preferably the first outer corner radius being three times larger than the second outer corner radius.

8. 8. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handle (40) comprises a plant-based, non-polymeric material, preferably one of a wood-based and a herb-based material, more preferably bamboo.

9. 9. The safety razor (20) of claim 8, wherein the plant-based non-polymeric material defines a fiber direction (54).

10. 10. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the handle (40) comprises a single layer (50) of plant-based non-polymeric material.

11. 10. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handle (40) comprises between two and nine layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably three layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material.

12. 12. The safety razor (20) of claim 11, wherein the fiber direction (54) of any one layer (54) is arranged at an angle to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52), and preferably is arranged perpendicular to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52).

13. 13. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the handle (40) comprises only a single component part.

14. 14. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) is supported within the body (62) by a torsion beam spring (90) integrally formed between the body (62) and the latch (68).

15. 15. The safety razor (20) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the connector (60) comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium-chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a mixture of a medium-chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material.

16. A connector (60) for a safety razor (20) adapted to removably connect a handle (40) to a blade unit (30), comprising: a body (62) having a first arm (80) and a second arm (82), both of which extend from the body (62), with distal end regions (80a, 82a) of each of the arms (80, 82) adapted to connect the blade unit (30) to the connector (60); the body (62) having a recess (64) with an opening (66); and a user-actuable latch (68) including a protrusion (70) at a first end (72) of the latch (68) that extends into the recess (64), the recess (64) being adapted to connect the blade unit (30) to the connector (60); the body (62) having a user-actuable latch (68) having a projection (70) adapted to removably receive a first end (44) of the handle (40), the projection (70) being received in an opening (46) at the first end (44), the projection (70) being releasable from the opening (46) by a user applying a force (F) to a lever (74) at a second end (76) of the latch (68) opposite the first end (72) to release the first end (44) of the handle (40) from the recess (64); A connector (60) comprising:

17. 17. The connector (60) of claim 16, wherein the recess (64) of the connector (60), in combination with the first end (44) of the handle (40), defines a blur prevention feature (92) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) when received in the connector (60).

18. 18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the blur prevention feature includes a first inner corner radius and a second inner corner radius, each inner corner radius being at an end of the recess facing the opening, the first inner corner radius being different from the second inner corner radius, and preferably the first inner corner radius being three times larger than the second inner corner radius.

19. 20. The connector (60) of claim 18, wherein a wall bounding said recess (64) has a window opening (88) that allows a user to observe said inner corner radii (94, 96).

20. 20. A connector (60) as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) is supported within the body (62) by a torsion beam spring (90) integrally formed between the body (62) and the latch (68).

21. 21. The connector (60) of claim 20, wherein the user-actuable latch (68) includes a second end (76) opposite the first end (72) and having a lever (74), and the torsion beam spring (90) is formed with the latch (68) in a region between the first end (72) and the second end (76).

22. 22. A connector (60) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it comprises one of a biopolymer, preferably a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a mixture of a medium chain polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a plant-based non-polymeric material.

23. A handle (40) for a safety razor, comprising: an elongated slat (38) having a uniform thickness (42), preferably 2.7 mm, and having a first end (44) and an opposing second end (48) including an opening (46) extending through the thickness (42), the elongated slat (38) comprising a plant-based, non-polymeric material defining a fiber direction (54), the material being preferably one of wood-based and herbaceous-based, more preferably bamboo; A handle (40) comprising:

24. 24. The handle (40) of claim 23, characterized in that it has a curved profile oriented perpendicular to said thickness (42).

25. 25. Handle (40) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that it is flat in cross-section.

26. 26. The handle (40) of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) is bounded.

27. 27. The handle (40) of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the opening (46) in the first end (44) of the handle (40) extends through the first end (44).

28. 28. A handle (40) as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the first end (44) of the handle (40) defines a blur prevention (92) feature in combination with a recess (64) in the connector (60) to prevent incorrect orientation of the handle (40) within the connector (60).

29. 29. The handle (40) of claim 28, wherein the blur prevention feature (92) includes a first outer corner radius (98) and a second outer corner radius (100), each outer corner radius (98, 100) at the first end (44) of the handle (40), the first outer corner radius (98) being different from the second outer corner radius (100), and preferably the first outer corner radius (98) being three times larger than the second outer corner radius (100).

30. A handle (40) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a single layer (50) of plant-based non-polymeric material.

31. A handle (40) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that it comprises between 2 and 9 layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material, preferably 3 layers (52) of plant-based non-polymeric material.

32. A handle (40) as described in claim 31, characterized in that the fiber direction (54) of any one layer (54) is arranged at an angle to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52), preferably perpendicular to the fiber direction (54) of the next adjacent layer (52).

33. A handle (40) according to any one of claims 23 to 32, characterized in that the handle (40) comprises only said slat (38), said slat (38) being a single component part.

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