Razor attachment and razor attachment set

Abstract

This razor attachment enables a second blade body cartridge to be connected to a handle for a razor having a connection mechanism for connecting a first blade body cartridge, the second blade body cartridge having a different connection mechanism than the first blade body cartridge. The razor attachment comprises: a connection hole provided at one end and enabling the second blade body cartridge to be connected by inserting a cartridge connection part of the second blade body cartridge; and a handle connection part which is provided at the other end and which is connectable to the handle.

Description

Razor attachments and razor attachment sets

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a razor attachment.

[0002] In recent years, the 3Rs have been advocated, a collective term for the three Rs: Reduce, which uses things carefully and reduces waste; Reuse, which repeatedly uses usable items; and Recycle, which reuses waste as a resource. Furthermore, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations Summit is to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns, which calls for a significant reduction in waste generation. Under these circumstances, there is a need to promote the development of environmentally friendly razors that satisfy the 3Rs, even in the field of razors.

[0003] Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter for connecting a razor handle and a razor cartridge together, which includes a handle engaging portion, a cartridge engaging portion, and a tongue member.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 1,052,558

[0005] Of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations Summit, Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," calls for ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns, and calls for a significant reduction in waste generation. For example, Goal 12-5 calls for a significant reduction in waste generation by 2030 through the prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse of waste. Under these circumstances, there is a call for a reduction in waste generation in the razor sector as well.

[0006] The inventors are working on improvements to razors with the goal of achieving the prevention of waste generation, which is one of the goals listed in Goal 12-5 of the SDGs. The present invention can achieve waste reduction by, for example, making it possible to use razor handles for a long period of time.

[0007] Conventional razors have a handle (holder) to which a blade cartridge (also called a blade or razor head) specifically designed for that handle is attached. In this case, if a user wanted to use a new blade cartridge, they had to prepare a dedicated handle to attach the blade cartridge. Therefore, even if a user wanted to use a new blade cartridge, there were financial and psychological hurdles for the user, making it difficult to casually try out a new blade cartridge. In addition, there were cases where users felt guilty about discarding a usable handle.

[0008] The adapter described in Patent Document 1 or a similar configuration allows blade cartridges other than those specifically designed for the handle to be connected, but the configuration is complex and the adapter itself is prone to damage. In particular, the adapter in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise of having a swivel mechanism with a tongue member, so there is a risk that the swivel mechanism, which is a movable part, may be damaged and become unusable, or that dirt and debris may accumulate around the movable part during use, causing it to stop moving and resulting in a malfunction.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a razor attachment for enabling a second blade cartridge having a connecting mechanism different from that of the first blade cartridge to be connected to a razor handle having a connecting mechanism for connecting a first blade cartridge, the razor attachment comprising: a connecting hole provided at one end into which the cartridge connecting portion of the second blade cartridge can be inserted to connect the second blade cartridge; and a handle connecting portion provided at the other end which can be connected to the handle.

[0010] The razor attachment configured as described above allows the second blade cartridge to be connected via a simple connecting hole that does not include any moving parts, making it less susceptible to damage or malfunction. This allows the second blade cartridge to be used with an attachment that can be used for a relatively long period of time attached to a handle that can be used for a similar long period of time.

[0011] In other words, from the customer's perspective, by attaching the attachment to a handle that can be used for a long time, they can easily try out the second blade cartridge without any financial or psychological hurdles. Furthermore, because they can continue to use the handle, they can use the second blade cartridge without any guilt. This broadens the customer's options, such as making it easier to try blade cartridges (second blade cartridges) other than the blade cartridge (first blade cartridge) specifically designed for the handle. Furthermore, while the attachment configured as described above may appear to be downgraded at first glance due to its simple structure, it can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, making it easier to popularize second blade cartridges as replacement blades. Furthermore, this attachment is an invention created from a completely new perspective, providing new value to customers and leading to innovation in the razor industry.

[0012] In particular, the attachment of the present invention has a hole for connecting the second blade cartridge to the attachment, allowing anyone to easily replace the blade by simply inserting the second blade cartridge into the hole. Furthermore, the second blade cartridge can be configured with a swing mechanism, allowing customers to select the blade that best suits their razor, thereby providing new value to customers. The present invention is an invention that serves as a means for further popularizing this new value.

[0013] Furthermore, from the perspective of the SDGs, handles can be used continuously without being discarded, which reduces waste generation and contributes to creating a sustainable and better world.

[0014] The razor attachment preferably does not have any movable members.

[0015] The razor attachment having the above-described configuration eliminates movable parts that are relatively prone to breakage or malfunction, allowing for a configuration that can be used for a long period of time.

[0016] In the above razor attachment, preferably, the handle connecting portion is configured to be connectable to a connecting mechanism for connecting the first blade cartridge.

[0017] According to the razor attachment configured as described above, the attachment is connected to the connecting mechanism, so that the attachment and the second blade cartridge connected to the attachment can be stably held by the handle.

[0018] Preferably, the above razor attachment does not have a pivoting mechanism for tilting the second blade cartridge relative to the handle, and the second blade cartridge has a blade and a pivoting mechanism for tilting the blade relative to the handle.

[0019] According to the razor attachment of the above configuration, the attachment does not have a swivel mechanism, but the second blade cartridge has a swivel mechanism, thereby providing an attachment that can be used for a long period of time while still allowing the razor to have a swivel mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the razor attachment further comprises a tilt prevention portion that prevents tilting relative to the handle.

[0021] The razor attachment configured as described above is configured to prevent the oscillating mechanism, which is a movable member of the handle, from functioning, thereby reducing damage or malfunction of the movable member. Furthermore, if the second blade cartridge is provided with an oscillating mechanism, the second blade cartridge can be prevented from tilting more than necessary relative to the handle. Furthermore, if the second blade cartridge does not have an oscillating mechanism, the handle can be used without an oscillating mechanism. In other words, the presence or absence of an oscillating mechanism and its range of motion can be determined by the second blade cartridge.

[0022] In the above-mentioned razor attachment, preferably, the connecting hole is formed so that the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge connecting portion into the connecting hole has a longer vertical length, which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the blade held by the second blade cartridge, than the horizontal length, which is the extension direction of the blade held by the second blade cartridge.

[0023] With the razor attachment of the above configuration, the connecting hole is intentionally made longer vertically than horizontally, which prevents the handle from interfering with the tilting of the second blade cartridge when the second blade cartridge tilts (rotates) around the axis along which the handle extends to perform a swiveling motion.

[0024] In the above razor attachment, preferably, the first blade cartridge cannot be connected to the connecting hole.

[0025] The razor attachment is preferably formed from a single member.

[0026] The razor attachment having the above configuration is simpler and less expensive, and is relatively less susceptible to damage and can be used for a long period of time.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is a razor attachment set comprising the above-mentioned razor attachment and the second blade cartridge, wherein the razor attachment does not have a swivel mechanism for tilting the second blade cartridge relative to the handle, and the second blade cartridge has a blade and a swivel mechanism for tilting the blade relative to the handle.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a razor attachment and a handle according to an embodiment when they are connected together. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a razor attachment and a handle when they are separated from each other. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a razor attachment according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a razor attachment according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a blade cartridge that can be connected to a razor attachment according to an embodiment.

[0029] The razor attachment of the present invention is designed to connect a blade cartridge other than a dedicated blade cartridge to a handle for a conventional razor designed to be connected to the dedicated blade cartridge, and to allow the use of the blade cartridge. The razor attachment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0030] In this specification, a razor attachment may be referred to simply as an "attachment." A razor attachment may also be referred to as a "razor adapter" or simply as an "adapter." In this specification, a dedicated blade cartridge intended to be connected to a handle may be referred to as a "dedicated cartridge," as described above. On the other hand, an alternative blade cartridge that is connected using an attachment will be simply referred to as a "blade cartridge." A configuration including an attachment and a blade cartridge will be referred to as a "razor attachment set" or an "attachment set."

[0031] Each drawing in this specification shows an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The longitudinal direction of the connecting hole is defined as the "x-axis," and the transverse direction is defined as the "y-axis." The axis extending perpendicular to both the "x-axis" and "y-axis," and the direction in which the cartridge connecting portion of the blade cartridge is inserted into the connecting hole, is defined as the "z-axis." The y-axis is the direction in which the blade extends in the blade cartridge connected to the attachment. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis form a Cartesian coordinate system that is orthogonal to one another. The direction of the x-axis arrow is sometimes referred to as the x-axis + side, and the direction opposite the arrow is sometimes referred to as the x-axis - side, and the same applies to the other axes. The z-axis + side and z-axis - side are sometimes referred to as the "rear side" and "front side," respectively. The x-axis + side, the side on the handle where the blade cartridge is located, is referred to as the "upper side," and the x-axis - side is referred to as the "lower side."

[0032] <Overall Configuration> Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a razor attachment 1 and a handle 2, with Figure 1 showing the razor attachment 1 and the handle 2 connected together and Figure 2 showing the razor attachment 1 and the handle 2 separated from each other.

[0033] The configuration of the handle 2 varies depending on the razor, but in order to provide a concrete explanation, a specific configuration example is given in this embodiment. However, as will be understood from the spirit of the attachment of the present invention, the configuration of the handle 2 is not limited to that described in this embodiment and may be of any configuration. Similarly, the handle connector 11 of the attachment 1 that is connected to the handle 2 may be replaced with a configuration that is compatible with the connector mechanism of the handle 2.

[0034] <Handle 2> The handle 2 is a conventional razor handle having a connecting mechanism for connecting a dedicated blade cartridge. The handle 2 has a grip portion 21 and a connecting portion 22.

[0035] The grip portion 21 extends vertically in a rod shape and is gripped by the user when using the razor including the handle 2 .

[0036] The connecting portion 22 is originally a connecting mechanism for connecting a dedicated cartridge to the handle 2, but can also be connected to the handle connecting portion 11 of the attachment 1. The connecting portion 22 of the handle 2 in this embodiment has handle end connecting portions 221 and a handle center connecting portion 222.

[0037] The handle end connectors 221 are provided at both ends in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the upper end of the handle 2, and are configured to be connectable to the attachment end connectors 111 of the attachment 1. Each of the handle end connectors 221 has a shaft-like portion extending like the axis of a cylinder, and this shaft-like portion is detachably inserted into an insertion hole provided in the attachment end connectors 111.

[0038] The handle central connector 222 is a Y-shaped member provided in the center of the upper end of the handle 2 in the width direction, and is configured to be connectable to the attachment central connector 112 of the attachment 1. The handle central connector 222 detachably clamps the attachment central connector 112 from both ends in the width direction with its Y-shaped portion.

[0039] When a dedicated cartridge is connected to the handle 2 of this embodiment, the dedicated cartridge becomes tiltable relative to the handle 2 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-218646 for specific configurations and operations). In contrast, the handle connecting portion 11 of the attachment 1 is equipped with two first tilting prevention portions 111a, two second tilting prevention portions 111b, and one third tilting prevention portion 112a to prevent the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2 (see FIG. 3). The first tilting prevention portion 111a and the second tilting prevention portion 111b are formed on the attachment end connecting portions 111, and the third tilting prevention portion 112a is formed on the attachment center connecting portion 112. These first tilting prevention portion 111a, second tilting prevention portion 111b, and third tilting prevention portion 112a are collectively referred to as the "tilting prevention portion."

[0040] The first tilting prevention portion 111a, the second tilting prevention portion 111b, and the third tilting prevention portion 112a are contact surfaces that contact predetermined surfaces of the handle 2 and function to prevent the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2. In FIG. 2 , the first tilting prevention portion 111a and the third tilting prevention portion 112a prevent the attachment 1 from tilting toward the handle 2, while the second tilting prevention portion 111b prevents the attachment 1 from tilting away from the handle 2. In other words, the attachment 1 does not tilt relative to the handle 2, while the blade cartridge 3 connected to the attachment 1 tilts by itself, as described below. By providing such tilting prevention portions, excessive tilting of the blade cartridge 3 relative to the handle 2 can be prevented and unstable operation can be avoided. Note that the tilting prevention portions may also function to restrict large tilting of the attachment 1 relative to the handle 2.

[0041] 3 and 4 are enlarged views of the attachment 1. The attachment 1 is a component that enables a blade cartridge 3, which has a connection mechanism different from a dedicated cartridge, to be connected to the handle 2. The attachment 1 has a handle connection portion 11 provided at the lower end and a connection hole 12 provided at the upper end. The attachment 1 is formed of resin or metal, or resin and metal, and is preferably formed as a single member. The attachment 1 of this embodiment is configured without a movable member such as a swing mechanism for tilting the blade cartridge 3.

[0042] The handle connecting portion 11 can be connected to the connecting portion 22 of the handle 2. The handle connecting portion 11 has attachment end connecting portions 111 and an attachment center connecting portion 112.

[0043] The attachment end connection parts 111 are provided at both widthwise ends of the lower end of the attachment 1, at positions corresponding to the handle end connection parts 221 of the handle 2. The attachment end connection parts 111 are configured to be connectable to the handle end connection parts 221. Each of the attachment end connection parts 111 has an insertion hole into which the shaft-shaped part of the handle end connection part 221 is inserted. The attachment end connection parts 111 have two first tilt prevention parts 111a and two second tilt prevention parts 111b that prevent the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2.

[0044] The attachment central connecting part 112 is a columnar member provided at the center of the width direction of the lower end of the attachment 1 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the width direction and the up-down direction. The attachment central connecting part 112 is clamped by the handle central connecting part 222. The attachment central connecting part 112 has a third tilt prevention part 112a that prevents the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2.

[0045] As described above, the two first tilting prevention portions 111 a, the two second tilting prevention portions 111 b, and the third tilting prevention portion 112 a function as tilting prevention portions that prevent the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2.

[0046] The connecting hole 12 is a through-hole having an opening 12a on the back side and an opening 12b on the front side. The blade cartridge 3 can be connected by inserting the cartridge connecting portion 6 of the blade cartridge 3 into the connecting hole 12. The cross section of the connecting hole 12 in an xy plane perpendicular to the z-axis direction, which is the insertion direction of the cartridge connecting portion 6, is longer vertically than horizontally. The opening 12a on the back side of the connecting hole 12 is approximately rectangular, and the opening 12b on the front side is approximately trapezoidal in shape, with the upper side wider than the lower side and curved upward.

[0047] The attachment 1 has a connection surface 14, a stepped surface 15, a hole lower surface 16, and a protrusion 17 inside the connecting hole 12. The stepped surface 15 is a surface formed along the xy plane that is recessed from the outer edge surface 13 of the attachment 1. The connecting surface 14 is a surface formed along the yz plane that connects the outer edge surface 13 and the stepped surface 15. The hole lower surface 16 is a surface formed below the connecting hole 12. The hole lower surface 16 has a portion that abuts against the lower surface of the cantilever spring 63 in the cartridge connecting portion 6 of the blade cartridge 3, and an inclined surface that slopes downward from this portion toward the front side. This inclined surface is the portion that abuts against the lower end of the engaging / disengaging portion 64 when the guide portion 62, the cantilever spring 63, the engaging / disengaging portion 64, and the operating portion 65 are inserted into the connecting hole 12 to connect the attachment 1 to the blade cartridge 3. Since the lower surface 16 of the connecting hole 12 is an inclined surface, the connecting hole 12 has a shape that tapers vertically from the front side to the back side.

[0048] A pair of protrusions 17 are formed at positions facing each other in the y-axis direction so as to protrude from the surface on the z-axis positive side of the connecting hole 12 toward the surface on the z-axis negative side. When the blade cartridge 3 is connected to the attachment 1, the protrusions 17 face the rear end surfaces 6a of the right plate portion 62b and the left plate portion 62c of the blade cartridge 3. In this embodiment, the protrusions 17 are configured not to abut against the rear end surfaces 6a of the right plate portion 62b and the left plate portion 62c, but may also be configured to abut against them.

[0049] <Blade Cartridge 3> Figure 5 is a diagram showing the blade cartridge 3 connected to the attachment 1. As shown in the figure, the blade cartridge 3 includes a blade assembly 4, an elastic support 5, and a cartridge connecting portion 6. Note that the blade cartridge 3 connected to the attachment 1 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment.

[0050] <Blade assembly 4> The blade assembly 4 includes five blade bodies 41 and a frame body 42 that holds these blade bodies 41. The blade bodies 41 extend along the y-axis. The front end faces of the blade bodies 41 form cutting edges and are exposed on the front side. The surfaces including the cutting edges of the multiple blade bodies 41 form the skin contact surfaces that come into contact with the user's skin. The blade bodies 41 are biased toward the front side to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the user's skin. The number of blade bodies 41 can be changed as desired.

[0051] The frame 42 is formed of a hard resin such as ABS resin, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the frame 42 is formed by connecting multiple members. However, the frame 42 may be formed of a single member. The frame 42 has an opening that is open on the front side, and the cutting edge of the blade 41 is exposed through this opening. A restricting portion (not shown) extending toward the back side is provided on the back side of the frame 42. The restricting portion (not shown) restricts tilting of the blade assembly 4 beyond a certain limit.

[0052] <Elastic Support Body 5> The elastic support body 5 is formed from a flexible material such as soft resin or rubber, and includes a connecting portion 5c, a flexible portion 5b, and a pair of left and right connecting portions 5d. The elastic support body 5 is provided on the back side of the blade assembly 4. The connecting portion 5c of the elastic support body 5 is located on the back side of the center of the blade assembly 4 and is connected to the blade assembly 4. A pair of flexible portions 5b extend left and right from the connecting portion 5c. The pair of flexible portions 5b are connected to the frame body 42 by the left and right connecting portions 5d. The left and right connecting portions 5d are fixed to the frame body 42, and the connecting portion 5c is connected to the frame body 42 so as to be tiltable mainly in the xz plane. Bending of the flexible portion 5b of the elastic support body 5 allows the blade assembly 4 to tilt relative to the attachment 1, which tilts the skin-contacting surface of the blade 41, allowing the razor to which the attachment 1 is attached to perform its pivoting function.

[0053] The upper end portion, which is the upper end surface of the elastic support 5, is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the front side. The inclined blade assembly 4 is restricted from tilting by abutting against the upper end portion of the elastic support 5. In other words, the upper end portion of the elastic support 5 serves as a tilt restriction mechanism that restricts tilting of the blade assembly 4 beyond a certain level. The inclined surface of the upper end portion of the elastic support 5 has an inclination angle that allows it to come into surface contact with the abutting surface of the blade assembly 4 when it abuts against the blade assembly 4.

[0054] <Cartridge connecting portion 6> The cartridge connecting portion 6 includes a main body portion 61, a guide portion 62, a cantilever spring 63, a disengaging portion 64, an operating portion 65, and a plate-like portion 66. The guide portion 62, the cantilever spring 63, the disengaging portion 64, and the operating portion 65 are inserted into the connecting hole 12 when the blade cartridge 3 is connected to the attachment 1. The cartridge connecting portion 6 is made of a hard resin such as ABS resin. The cartridge connecting portion 6 is preferably made of a single member, but at least the cantilever spring 63 and the disengaging portion 64 are formed to be elastically deformable.

[0055] The main body 61 is the upper, front-facing portion of the cartridge connecting portion 6, and is connected to the elastic support 5 and also to the guide portion 62. The guide portion 62 is located below the main body 61 and extends toward the back side. The front ends of the guide portion 62 and the cantilever spring 63 are arranged so that they do not protrude toward the front beyond the front edge 18 of the attachment 1. In other words, in the cartridge connecting portion 6, no components other than the main body 61 protrude toward the front beyond the front edge 18 of the attachment 1.

[0056] The guide portion 62 includes an upper plate portion 62a, a right plate portion 62b, and a left plate portion 62c formed symmetrically to the right plate portion 62b. The upper plate portion 62a, the right plate portion 62b, and the left plate portion 62c form a U-shaped cross section in the xy plane. The front portion of the guide portion 62 is formed to extend downward more than the back portion. In this embodiment, the back side of the guide portion 62 is open, but it may also have a bottom surface. However, if the back side of the guide portion 62 is open, there is no bottom surface facing the operating portion 65, allowing the operating portion 65 to undergo significant elastic deformation, which may facilitate attachment and detachment of the blade cartridge 3 to and from the attachment 1. The upper plate portion 62a, the right plate portion 62b, and the left plate portion 62c of the guide portion 62 each face the inner surface of the connecting hole 12 and, in some cases, abut against it. When the blade cartridge 3 attempts to move in the x-axis or y-axis direction relative to the attachment 1, the guide portion 62 abuts against the inner surface of the connecting hole 12, thereby restricting the movement. Similarly, when the blade cartridge 3 attempts to rotate in the xy plane about the z-axis relative to the attachment 1, the guide portion 62 abuts against the inner surface of the connecting hole 12, thereby restricting the rotation.

[0057] A pair of plate-like portions 66 are formed, protruding to the right and left from the right and left plate portions 62b and 62c of the guide portion 62, respectively. The front surface of the plate-like portion 66, together with the front end surfaces of the right and left plate portions 62b and 62c, forms a plane parallel to the xy plane. A rear surface 66a, which is the rear surface of the plate-like portion 66, faces an edge portion 18 on the front side of the attachment 1. When the blade cartridge 3 is connected to the attachment 1, the rear surface 66a of the plate-like portion 66 abuts against the edge portion 18. The abutment between the rear surface 66a and the edge portion 18 restricts movement of the blade cartridge 3 in the z-axis direction relative to the attachment 1, and the attachment 1 and the blade cartridge 3 are connected stably without any rattle in the z-axis direction.

[0058] In the configuration of this embodiment, the plate-shaped portion 66 abuts against the attachment 1 in the z-axis direction as described above, thereby restricting the movement of the blade cartridge 3 in the z-axis direction relative to the attachment 1. However, the attachment 1 and the blade cartridge 3 may also abut in the z-axis direction at different parts.

[0059] The cantilever spring 63 is located below the lower end of the blade assembly 4 in the vertical direction (x-axis direction), with a portion of its front end spanning between the right plate portion 62b and the left plate portion 62c. The cantilever spring 63 is formed to extend toward the rear side. The front end of the cantilever spring 63 is a fixed end, and the rear end is a free end. An operating portion 65 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the rear end (free end) of the cantilever spring 63. A disengaging portion 64 is provided below the operating portion 65. The lower surface of the disengaging portion 64 faces the connection surface 14 and is configured so as not to protrude rearward from the rear opening 12a of the connecting hole 12. In other words, the side surface (y-axis surface) of the lower end of the disengaging portion 64 is covered by the attachment 1.

[0060] The rear surface of the operating portion 65 curves upward and inwards, with the vicinity of the upper end thereof forming a pressing surface 65a. At least the pressing surface 65a of the operating portion 65 is exposed on the rear side of the connecting hole 12. The operating portion 65 is formed so that it is longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

[0061] <Attaching and Detaching Operation Between Attachment 1 and Blade Cartridge 3> When the cartridge connecting portion 6 is inserted into the connecting hole 12 and locked, if the user presses the pressing surface 65a toward the negative z-axis side, the operating portion 65 and the cantilever spring 63 elastically deform, and the pressing surface 65a moves toward the negative z-axis side, and the lower end of the engaging / disengaging portion 64 moves toward the positive x-axis side while tilting toward the positive z-axis side. This causes the engaging / disengaging portion 64 to be shifted toward the positive x-axis side (upper side) relative to the step surface 15 in the x-axis direction, and the engaging / disengaging portion 64 moves over the step surface 15 to the negative z-axis side (front side), thereby releasing the engaged state of the cantilever spring 63 and the engaging / disengaging portion 64 and entering an unlocked state.

[0062] On the other hand, when connecting the blade cartridge 3 to the attachment 1 in an unlocked state where the cartridge connecting portion 6 of the blade cartridge 3 is disengaged from the connecting hole 12, the user inserts the guide portion 62, cantilever spring 63, engaging / disengaging portion 64, and operating portion 65 of the cartridge connecting portion 6 of the blade cartridge 3 into the connecting hole 12. At this time, the lower end of the engaging / disengaging portion 64 abuts on the inclined surface of the lower surface 16 of the hole, and the upper plate portion 62a of the guide portion 62 abuts on the upper surface 19 of the hole, causing the cantilever spring 63 to bend toward the positive x-axis side (upward) and the engaging / disengaging portion 64 to move toward the positive x-axis side. Furthermore, when the cantilever spring 63 and the disengagement portion 64 are inserted into the + side (rear side) of the z axis and the disengagement portion 64 moves over the stepped surface 15 to the + side (rear side) of the z axis, the cantilever spring 63, which has been bent toward the + side (upper side) of the x axis, moves toward the - side (lower side) of the x axis due to the biasing force, and the disengagement portion 64 also moves toward the - side (lower side) of the x axis. As a result, the disengagement portion 64 and the cantilever spring 63 enter a locked state in which they are locked to the stepped surface 15. As a result, the blade cartridge 3 is locked to and connected to the attachment 1.

[0063] <Pivoting Movement of the Blade Assembly 4 Relative to the Attachment 1> As already described, the configuration of this embodiment allows the blade assembly 4 to pivot relative to the attachment 1. The flexible portion 5b of the elastic support 5 of the blade assembly 4 elastically deforms so that the skin-contacting surface of the blade 41 becomes parallel to the surface it abuts. The range of the tilting angle of the blade assembly 4 is determined by the abutment surface between the restricting portion on the back side of the frame 42 and the main body portion 61, and the abutment surface between the upper end of the elastic support 5 and the frame 42. When the restricting portion abuts against the main body portion 61, the upper end of the blade assembly 4 is restricted from tilting downward any further. When the abutment surface 42a on the back side of the frame 42 abuts against the upper end of the elastic support 5, the lower end of the blade assembly 4 is restricted from tilting upward any further.

[0064] As described above, the attachment 1 does not have a swing mechanism for tilting the blade cartridge 3 relative to the handle 2, but has a tilt prevention portion that prevents the blade cartridge 3 from tilting relative to the handle 2. On the other hand, the blade cartridge 3 has a swing mechanism for tilting the blade 41 of the blade assembly 4 relative to the handle 2.

[0065] <Modifications> The attachment 1 of the above embodiment may be configured to include a different handle coupling portion for each handle to be coupled.

[0066] In a modified example, the attachment may have a handle connecting part to which a dedicated blade cartridge corresponding to the handle can be connected, instead of the handle connecting part 11 in the attachment 1 of the embodiment. The handle connecting part of the modified example has, for example, a handle insertion hole or a connecting mechanism that allows it to be connected to a handle different from the handle 2 of the embodiment.

[0067] <Features of the embodiment> The attachment 1 of the embodiment described above by exemplifying the embodiment and the modified examples has the following features.

[0068] The attachment 1 is an attachment for connecting a blade cartridge 3 having a connecting mechanism different from that of the dedicated blade cartridge to a razor handle 2 having a connecting mechanism for connecting a dedicated blade cartridge. The attachment 1 has a connecting hole 12 and a handle connecting portion 11. The connecting hole 12 is a hole provided at the upper end, into which the cartridge connecting portion 6 of the blade cartridge 3 can be inserted to connect the blade cartridge 3. The handle connecting portion 11 is provided at the lower end, and can be connected to the handle 2.

[0069] Such an attachment 1 can be configured to be less susceptible to damage because the blade cartridge 3 can be connected to it using the simply configured connecting hole 12. Therefore, the blade cartridge 3 can be used by attaching the attachment 1, which can be used for a relatively long period of time, to the handle 2, which can be used for a similar long period of time.

[0070] Furthermore, the attachment 1 is configured to have no movable parts, and therefore can be used for a long period of time as it does not have any movable parts that are relatively prone to breakage or malfunction.

[0071] The handle connecting portion 11 of the attachment 1 is configured to be connectable to a connecting mechanism for connecting a dedicated blade cartridge.

[0072] Furthermore, the attachment 1 does not have a swing mechanism for tilting the blade cartridge 3 relative to the handle 2, whereas the blade cartridge 3 has the blades 41 and a swing mechanism for tilting the blades 41 relative to the handle 2. In this way, the attachment 1 can be constructed from a single component, without the swing mechanism, which is a movable component, and without any assembly parts for assembling the swing mechanism. This allows for a configuration that can suppress malfunctions due to breakage and accumulation of dirt and debris that are likely to be caused by movable components and assembly parts, and allows the attachment 1 to be used for a long period of time while still having a swing mechanism as a razor.

[0073] The attachment 1 also includes a tilt prevention part that prevents the attachment 1 from tilting relative to the handle 2. This prevents the tilt mechanism, which is a movable member of the handle 2, from functioning, thereby preventing damage or malfunction of the movable member.

[0074] Furthermore, the attachment 1 is configured so that a dedicated blade cartridge cannot be connected thereto.

[0075] Furthermore, in the attachment 1, the connecting hole 12 is formed so that the cross section of the connecting hole 12 taken on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge connecting portion 6 into the connecting hole 12 is longer in the vertical direction, perpendicular to the extension direction of the blade 41, than in the horizontal direction, which is the extension direction of the blade 41 held by the blade cartridge 3. In this way, the connecting hole 12 is intentionally made longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, so that when the blade cartridge 3 tilts (rotates) around the axis in the direction in which the handle 2 extends to perform a swinging motion, the handle 2 is prevented from interfering with the tilting of the blade cartridge 3.

[0076] Furthermore, since the attachment 1 is formed from a single member, it is simpler and less expensive, and is relatively less likely to break and can be used for a long period of time.

[0077] The present invention also includes a razor attachment set comprising an attachment (1) and a blade cartridge (3).

[0078] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1... Razor attachment (attachment) 11... Handle connecting portion 12... Connecting hole 2... Handle 21... Grip portion 22... Connecting portion 3... Blade cartridge 4... Blade assembly 5... Elastic support 6... Cartridge connecting portion

Claims

1. A razor attachment for connecting a second blade cartridge having a connecting mechanism different from that of the first blade cartridge to a razor handle having a connecting mechanism for connecting a first blade cartridge, the razor attachment comprising: a connecting hole provided at one end into which the cartridge connecting part of the second blade cartridge can be inserted to connect the second blade cartridge; and a handle connecting part provided at the other end which can be connected to the handle.

2. The razor attachment according to claim 1, which has no movable members.

3. The razor attachment according to claim 1, wherein the handle connector is configured to be connectable to a connecting mechanism for connecting the first blade cartridge.

4. A razor attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the razor attachment does not have a swing mechanism for tilting the second blade cartridge relative to the handle, and the second blade cartridge has a blade and a swing mechanism for tilting the blade relative to the handle.

5. A razor attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tilt prevention portion that prevents tilting relative to the handle.

6. A razor attachment as described in claim 1, wherein the connecting hole is formed so that the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge connecting portion into the connecting hole has a longer vertical length perpendicular to the extension direction of the blade held by the second blade cartridge than the horizontal length in the extension direction of the blade held by the second blade cartridge.

7. A razor attachment according to claim 1, wherein the first blade cartridge cannot be connected to the connecting hole.

8. A razor attachment according to claim 1, formed from a single member.

9. A razor attachment set comprising the razor attachment of claim 1 and the second blade cartridge, wherein the razor attachment does not have a swivel mechanism for tilting the second blade cartridge relative to the handle, and the second blade cartridge has a blade and a swivel mechanism for tilting the blade relative to the handle.

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