Razor cartridge seal

Abstract

The razor cartridge has a housing with a blade mounting region between a guard and a lid. First and second razor blades are sequentially mounted in the blade mounting region with intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structures between the blades. The intermediate structures have a leading edge region closest to the guard and at or adjacent to the skin-engaging surface of the intermediate structures. The leading edge region of the intermediate structures has an elastomeric linear seal that contacts the first razor blade to seal any gap between the intermediate structure and the first blade.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to safety razors, and more particularly to razor cartridges having seals, particularly elastomeric seals. [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0277759 generally discusses the difficulty of flushing shaving debris (including hair and skin particles, as well as shaving cream or other shaving preparations) from the spaces between adjacent blades of a typical multi-blade safety razor cartridge. The specification generally recognizes that during normal shaving, debris remaining in the spaces between the blades can adversely affect the performance of the razor cartridge by preventing skin on the surface to be shaved from entering the spaces between two or more blades. Furthermore, debris can pack and accumulate to the extent that the spaces are overfilled, pushing the skin surface to be shaved away from the cutting edges of the blades. The accumulated debris can also be visually undesirable to the user.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. 2011 / 0146079 discloses an intermediate non-cutting and skin-supporting structure between blades, and states that the rinse-through gap from the intermediate structure to the adjacent structure can range in width from 0.05 mm. A typical male user's beard hair (terminal hair) is approximately 0.1 mm in diameter and grows at a rate of approximately 0.4 mm per day. Wet shaving typically involves cutting the hair shaft at an acute angle to its length, which can undesirably generate particles of hair debris that get stuck in the small gaps. Such gaps are also difficult to rinse from the opposing ends of the gap.

[0004] The aforementioned '759 application further discusses the dilemma between the desire to shorten the tip-to-tip spacing (also considered the spacing between the blade and the non-cutting structure) to increase comfort and the desire to increase the spacing to achieve greater rinsability.

[0005] The present applicant has discovered that rather than providing such a clog-prone gap, it may be preferable to completely eliminate the small rinse gap. Further complicating this desire is the fact that the blade structures of many modern wet shaving cartridges are not completely flat or straight. Such blade structures may include blades on curved supports and so-called curved blades. U.S. Patent No. 5,010,646 acknowledges and dimensionally defines some of the distortions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to substantially alleviate the limitations of prior art razor cartridges by providing an intermediate inter-blade structure having an elastomeric (resilient) seal that completely fills any gap between the intermediate structure and the preceding razor blade structure.

[0007] The razor cartridge includes a housing having a guard in a front region of the housing, a lid in a rear region of the housing, and opposing end walls connecting the guard and the lid. The housing defines a blade mounting region between the guard and the lid. A first razor blade closest to the guard and a second razor blade are both mounted in the blade mounting region, with the cutting edges of both razor blades facing the guard. An intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure is located between the first and second razor blades, the intermediate structure being closest to the guard and having a leading edge region at or adjacent to the skin-engaging surface of the intermediate structure. The leading edge region has an elastomeric linear seal that contacts the first razor blade.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the intermediate structure is integrally formed with the housing. The linear seal extends generally along the leading edge region between the opposing end walls. The interface between the intermediate structure and the trailing edge of the linear seal is castellated. The linear seal is co-formed with the elastomeric structure of the guard. The linear seal includes a blend of a thermoplastic elastomer and a hydrophilic polymer.

[0009] In a further aspect, the intermediate structure can comprise a plurality of cantilevered platforms, and the gaps between adjacent platforms can decrease in width in a direction from the front to the rear of the cartridge, e.g., the gap width at the rear is 0.1 mm.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the rear region of the guard can include a gap.

[0011] The linear seal seals any gaps between the intermediate structure and the first razor blade that may not be flat or straight. Because any gaps are sealed, unwanted clogging of potentially small gaps is avoided. The linear seal can include a lubricious hydrophilic polymer for wet friction benefits during use.

[0012] The above 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]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an upper isometric view of a razor cartridge of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another razor blade configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an upper isometric view of another razor cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the cartridge of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a razor cartridge 20 is depicted comprising a housing 30 having a guard 40 at a front region of the housing 30 and a lid 50 at a rear region of the housing 30. In the context of this disclosure, terms such as front, forward, leading edge, etc., and rear, rear, trailing edge, etc., are used relative to the direction of movement of the razor cartridge 20 during use. The housing has opposing end walls 60 connecting the guard 40 and the lid 50. The housing defines a blade mounting area 70 between the guard 40 and the lid 50. A first razor blade 80, closest to the guard 40, and a second razor blade 90 are mounted in the blade mounting area 70. The cutting edges 82, 92 of both blades 80, 90, respectively, face forward, toward the guard 40.

[0015] The housing 30 is manufactured by injection molding a suitable thermoplastic polymer such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0016] An intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure 100 is disposed in the blade mounting region 70 between the razor blades 80 and 90. The intermediate structure 100 is preferably integrally formed with the housing 30, and more specifically, with the end wall 60. The intermediate structure 100 has a leading edge region 102 closest to the guard 40 and at or adjacent to the skin-engaging surface 106 of the intermediate structure 100. The leading edge region 102 has an elastomeric linear seal 110 that contacts the first razor blade 80. The linear seal 110 preferably extends completely between the opposing end walls 60. The interface 104 between the intermediate structure 100 and the trailing edge 112 of the linear seal 110 is castellated. Compared to a straight interface, this effectively increases the contact area between the intermediate structure 100 and the linear seal 110, enhancing the bond strength therebetween.

[0017] The protective portion 40 includes an elastomeric portion 42, e.g., a finned structure, as depicted and as known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the linear seal 110 is co-molded with the elastomeric protective portion 42. A suitable elastomeric polymer (TPE) for the linear seal 110 (and the elastomeric protective portion 42) has a Shore A hardness range of between 28 and 65 Shore A, preferably between 35 and 45 Shore A. A suitable material is THERMOLAST K TF6 manufactured by Kraiburg. This material is selected for its advantages, including favorable bond strength when co-molded with ABS. The TPE of the linear seal 110 can include a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), for wet friction benefits during use.

[0018] In Figure 2, the razor blades 80, 90 depicted are so-called curved blades. In Figure 3, a satisfactory alternative blade construction is shown of first and second flat razor blades 84, 94, respectively, on curved supports 86, 96, respectively.

[0019] The linear seal 110 seals any gap between the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure 100 and the first razor blade 80, or equivalently, between the skin-engaging structure 100 and the first flat razor blade 84 on its curved support 86. Because the linear seal is formed from an elastomeric material, it can conform to irregularities along the length of the razor blade 80.

[0020] 4-6, another razor cartridge is depicted, with similar features bearing the same reference numerals as the cartridge of FIG. 1. Razor cartridge 20 includes a housing 30 having a guard 40 at a front region of the housing 30 and a lid 50 at a rear region of the housing 30. The housing has opposing end walls 60 connecting the guard 40 and the lid 50. The housing defines a blade mounting region 70 between the guard 40 and the lid 50. A first razor blade 80, closest to the guard 40, and a second razor blade 90 are mounted in the blade mounting region 70. The cutting edges 82, 92 of both blades 80, 90, respectively, face forward, toward the guard 40. An intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure 100 is disposed in the blade mounting region 70 between the razor blades 80, 90. The intermediate structure 100 is preferably integrally formed with the housing 30, and more particularly, with the end wall 60. The intermediate structure 100 has a leading edge region 102 closest to the guard 40, at or adjacent to the skin-engaging surface 106 of the intermediate structure 100. The leading edge region 102 has an elastomeric linear seal 110 that contacts the first razor blade 80. The linear seal 110 preferably extends completely between the opposing end walls 60. An interface 104 is between the intermediate structure 100 and a trailing edge 112 of the linear seal 110. Preferably, the linear seal 110 is co-formed with the elastomeric guard portion 42. In this cartridge 20, the intermediate structure 100 includes a plurality of cantilevered pedestals 120, e.g., a total of 30, with gaps 122 between adjacent pedestals 120 (see particularly FIGS. 5 and 6). As depicted, the gaps 122 may decrease in width in a direction from the front to the rear of the razor cartridge 20. For example, the front width 124 of the gap 122 may be 0.5 mm and the rear width 126 may be 0.1 mm. The spacing 128 between the bases 120 may be 1.0 mm and the front-to-rear length 130 of the bases may be 1.2 mm. The gap 122 may align and prepare hairs to be cut by the cutting edge 92 of the second razor blade 90. That is, because a typical beard hair is 0.1 mm in diameter, the hairs may be lightly gripped between adjacent bases 120 and lightly pulled or stretched from their roots ahead of the second cutting edge 92.

[0021] The shaving shape defining rail 44 in the rear region of the guard 40 may also be provided with a gap 46 .

[0022] 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, modifications or variations that can be made within the scope of the appended claims and the features disclosed in connection with any one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with the features of each of the other embodiments. Thus, the breadth and scope of any embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0023] 20 Razor Cartridges 30 Housing 40 Protection Department 42 parts 50 Lid 60 End Wall 70 Blade mounting area 80 razor blade 82 Cutting edge 90 razor blade 92 Cutting edge 100 intermediate structure 102 Leading Edge Region 104 Interface 106 Skin-engaging surface 110 Linear sticker

Claims

1. 1. A razor cartridge comprising: a housing having a guard portion at a front region of the housing, a lid portion at a rear region of the housing, and opposing end walls connecting the guard portion and the lid portion, the housing defining a blade mounting region between the guard portion and the lid portion; a first razor blade closest to the guard and a second razor blade both mounted in the blade mounting area, each of the first razor blade and the second razor blade having a cutting edge, each of the cutting edges of the first razor blade and the second razor blade facing the guard; an intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure between the first and second razor blades, the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure closest to the guard and having a leading edge region at or adjacent a skin-engaging surface of the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure, the leading edge region having an elastomeric linear seal that contacts the first razor blade and is configured to seal a gap between a curved region of the first razor blade and the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure; A razor cartridge comprising:

2. The razor cartridge of claim 1 , wherein said intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure is integrally formed with said housing.

3. 2. The razor cartridge of claim 1, wherein said linear seal extends between said opposing end walls and generally along said leading edge region.

4. 10. The razor cartridge of claim 1, wherein the interface between the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure and the trailing edge of the linear seal is castellated.

5. The razor cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the linear seal is co-formed with an elastomeric structure of the guard.

6. The razor cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure comprises a plurality of pedestals.

7. The razor cartridge of claim 6 , wherein said base is cantilevered.

8. 7. The razor cartridge of claim 6, wherein the gaps between adjacent pedestals decrease in width from the front to the rear of the cartridge.

9. 9. The razor cartridge of claim 8, wherein the rear gap width is 0.1 mm.

10. 10. The razor cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rear region of the guard is gapped.

11. 10. The razor cartridge of claim 1, wherein the linear seal comprises a blend of a thermoplastic elastomer and a hydrophilic polymer.

12. 1. A razor cartridge comprising: a housing having a lid and opposing end walls at a rear region of the housing, the housing defining a blade mounting region forward of the lid; a first razor blade and a second razor blade mounted in the blade mounting region, each of the first razor blade and the second razor blade having a cutting edge, the cutting edge of each of the first razor blade and the second razor blade facing the front region; an intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure between the first and second razor blades, the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure being closest to the first razor blade and having a leading edge region at or adjacent a skin-engaging surface of the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure, the leading edge region having an elastomeric linear seal that contacts the first razor blade and is configured to seal a gap between the curved region of the first razor blade and the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure; Equipped with the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure is integral with the housing; Razor cartridge.

13. The razor cartridge of claim 12 further comprising a guard in front of said first razor blade.

14. 14. The razor cartridge of claim 13, wherein said guard is in said front region of said housing, and said opposing end walls connect said guard and said lid.

15. 13. The razor cartridge of claim 12, wherein said linear seal extends between said opposing end walls and generally along said leading edge region.

16. 13. The razor cartridge of claim 12, wherein said linear seal extends between said opposing end walls and generally along said leading edge region.

17. 1. A razor cartridge comprising: a housing having a lid and opposing end walls at a rear region of the housing, the housing defining a blade mounting region forward of the lid; a first razor blade and a second razor blade mounted in the blade mounting region, each of the first razor blade and the second razor blade having a cutting edge, the cutting edge of each of the first razor blade and the second razor blade facing the front region; an intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure between the first and second razor blades, the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure being closest to the first razor blade and having a leading edge region at or adjacent a skin-engaging surface of the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure, the leading edge region having an elastomeric linear seal that contacts the first razor blade and is configured to seal a gap between the curved region of the first razor blade and the intermediate non-cutting and skin-engaging structure; Equipped with the intermediate structure comprises a plurality of pedestals; Razor cartridge.

18. 18. The razor cartridge of claim 17, wherein said base is cantilevered.

19. 20. The razor cartridge of claim 18, wherein the gaps between adjacent pedestals decrease in width in a front-to-rear direction of the cartridge.

20. 20. The razor cartridge of claim 19, wherein the rear gap width is 0.1 mm.

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