Shaving razor handle

Abstract

A shaving razor handle with a proximal end configured to attach to a shaving razor cartridge. A terminal end is opposite the proximal end. A distal end portion is located between the proximal end and the terminal end. The distal end portion having a width of 25 mm to 31 mm. A neck region is located between a distal distance of 50 mm to 54 mm from the terminal end and a proximal distance of 90 mm to 98 mm from the terminal end. The neck region having a first width of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the distal distance, a second width of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the proximal distance and a mid-width of 10 mm to 18 mm located at a distance of 65 mm to 80 mm from the terminal end.

Description

[0001]

[0002] SHAVING RAZOR HANDLE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to wet shaving safety razors and more particularly to shaving razor systems that have a shaving razor cartridge mounted to an ergonomically formed handle for shaving a person’s shoulders, underarms, intimate areas, chest, back and / or stomach portions of the body.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In general, a cartridge or blade unit of a safety razor has at least one blade with a cutting edge which is moved across the surface of the skin being shaved by means of a handle to which the cartridge is attached. Some shaving razors are provided with a spring biased cartridge that pivots relative to the handle to follow the contours of the skin during shaving. The cartridge may be mounted detachably on the handle to enable the cartridge to be replaced by a fresh cartridge when shave performance has diminished to an unsatisfactory level, or it may be attached permanently to the handle with the intention that the entire razor be discarded when shave performance or the shaving razor is perceived in other ways as unusable.

[0007] Razor blade assemblies have been disclosed wherein cutting edge portions of the blade members are held between skin engaging surfaces which are generally referred to as the guard and cap of the razor blade assembly. The guard contacts the skin in front of the blade member(s) and the cap contacts the skin behind the blade member(s) during a shaving stroke. The cap and guard may aid in establishing the so-called "shaving geometry", i.e., the parameters which determine the blade orientation and position relative to the skin during shaving, which in turn have a strong influence on the shaving performance and efficacy of the razor. The cap may comprise a water leachable shaving aid to reduce drag and improve comfort. The guard may be generally rigid, for example formed integrally with a frame or platform structure which provides a support for the blades. Guards may also comprise softer elastomeric materials to improve skin stretching.

[0008] Consumers shaving the body (e.g., shoulders, back, stomach, underarms, intimate areas and chest) have been steadily growing market segment among men over the last several years. Products for the removal of unwanted hair from the face have been commercially available for many years. Men have also used these razors to shave their bodies. However, there are limited options available that are specifically designed for body shaving. The designs for shaving razors have focused primarily on facial, underarm and leg hair removal, typically for female bodies. These designs restrict how the user can hold the handle of the shaving razor. These designs are also not easily manipulated by the user to enable different types of shaving strokes. Other shaving devices that were originally designed to shave the face, such as electric razors and safety razors also do not lend themselves well when shaving the body. The task of shaving the body region requires coordination and constant manipulation of the razor to provide long and variable shaving strokes over areas of the skin. Body shaving is more difficult than shaving one’s face because of the various positions the shaving razor needs to be held. It also takes longer to shave the body because of the increase in surface area. Accordingly, handle ergonomics are even more important when considering various design aspects for a shaving razor handle specifically designed to shave certain areas of the body. For example, reach, control, visibility and physiology are all aspects that should be considered. In addition, an increase in handle security in a wet shaving environment may provide more confidence and perceived safety when shaving hard to reach & low visibility areas.

[0009] The removal of hair from the body area creates a number of challenges for consumers. In particular, the ability to reach and fully remove all body hair remains a key unmet need for shavers. The complex anatomical curves and skin mobility of the chest, shoulders, armpits, intimate areas and stomach present specific challenges. Moreover, the nature of the hair over these areas differs from that in other body sites, in terms of elevation angle, fiber shape and diameter. Therefore, hair removal devices available for the legs and underarms may not be particularly effective at removal of body hair, especially considering the intimate areas of the body such as, the scrotum, the perineum and anus. Commercially available products do not address these particular needs. There is thus still a need to provide a hair removal device for shaving body hair, which effectively cuts the hair type in these areas in a safe, easy, and efficient manner such that the user of the device is confident during use and thereby ensures an improved hair removal end result whilst reducing likelihood of any associated irritation. There is also a need for a shaving razor system having an ergonomic handle to allow for proper control and manipulation for shaving one’s body (e.g., shoulders, stomach, under arm, intimate areas, and chest).

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect, the invention features, in general a shaving razor handle with a proximal end configured to attach to a shaving razor cartridge. A terminal end is opposite the proximal end. A distal end portion is located between the proximal end and the terminal end. The distal end portion having a width of 25 mm to 31 mm. A neck region is located between a distal distance of 50 mm to 54 mm from the terminal end and a proximal distance of 90 mm to 98 mm from the terminal end. The neck region having a first width of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the distal distance, a second width of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the proximal distance and a mid-width of 10 mm to 18 mm located at a distance of 65 mm to 80 mm from the terminal end.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention features, in general a shaving razor handle having a proximal end configured to attach to a shaving razor cartridge and a terminal end opposite the proximal end. A front surface of the shaving razor handle defines an elongated recess extending between the terminal end and the proximal end. A distal end portion of the shaving razor handle is located between the proximal end and the terminal end. The distal end portion has a width of 25 mm to 31 mm. The distal end portion defines a recessed area opposite the elongated recess. Certain embodiments may optionally include the elongated recess having a length of 75mm to 95mm and or a width of 8mm to 16 mm.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention features, in general a shaving razor handle with a proximal end configured to attach to a shaving razor cartridge and a terminal end opposite the proximal end. A distal end portion is located between the proximal end and the terminal end. A neck region extends between the proximal end and the distal end portion. A shape extending along the neck region and at least a portion of the distal end portion are defined by the equation w= 2{a-.05x)24e"0 lx} in which “w” is a width in millimeters of the shaving razor handle at a position “x” along a length of the shaving razor handle from a zero point starting at a length between 90 mm and 100 mm from the terminal end of the handle, “a” is a width shift having a value of 13.5 to 15.5, and x has a set of values from 0 mm to 60 mm.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, can be more fully understood from the following description of the various embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is rear perspective view of a shaving razor system being held by a user in a first possible grip orientation.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the shaving razor system of FIG. 1 being held by a user in the first possible grip orientation.

[0018] FIG. 3 is front perspective view of a shaving razor handle of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a palmar surface of a hand including mapping zones.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the shaving razor handle of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of the shaving razor system of FIG. 1 being held by a user in a second possible grip orientation.

[0022] FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of the shaving razor system of FIG. 1 being held by a user in a second g possible rip orientation.

[0023] FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of the shaving razor system of FIG. 1 being held by a user in a third possible grip orientation.

[0024] FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the shaving razor system of FIG. 1 being held by a user in a third possible grip orientation.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a graph of a curve fit of a portion of the handle geometry.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a graph relating the shape of the handle to the curve fit.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] When shaving one’s face, a razor handle is typically held at an angle between 30 degrees and parallel to the plane of the surface of the skin being shaved, either in the form of downward strokes or upward strokes. This arrangement is generally comfortable and intuitive for the user and also provides good visibility when shaving in front of a mirror. The hand is kept a good distance from the shave surface, meaning that the reflected view of the area being shaved is not obscured by the shaver’s own hand. This scenario has shaped the way razors have been designed and optimized for over one hundred years. However, the positional relationship between a shaving razor handle and the body may vary significantly depending on the location that is being shaved (e.g., chest, stomach, under arms, back, intimate areas and shoulders).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a rear perspective view and a front perspective view (respectively) one possible embodiment of a shaving razor system 10 is shown. A shaving razor cartridge 12 may be mounted to a proximal end 14 of a shaving razor handle 16. The shaving razor handle 16 may have a nominal thickness of about 10 mm to about 14 mm. The shaving razor cartridge 12 may have at least one blade 18 for cutting hair (FIG. 1). The at least one blade 18 may be positioned between a guard 20 and a cap 22 of the shaving razor cartridge 12 (FIG. 1). The guard 20, the cap 22 and the at least one blade 18 may define a shaving surface 24 (FIG. 1). The shaving razor cartridge 12 may be releasably mounted to the proximal end 14 of the shaving razor handle 16. However, it is understood the shaving razor cartridge 12 may be fixed to the proximal end 14 of the shaving razor handle 16. Accordingly, the shaving razor cartridge 12 and the shaving razor handle 14 may be disposed as shave performance diminishes to an unsatisfactory level. As will be described in greater detail below, the geometry and dimensions of the shaving razor handle 16 may allow the shaving razor handle 16 to be held safely and securely within a consumer’s hand during shaving strokes, while also allowing for quick and easy manipulation of the shaving razor system 10 between shaving strokes, thus allowing for other holding configurations.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the shaving razor handle 16 is illustrated. The shaving razor handle 16 may have an overall length LI extending from the proximal end 14 to a terminal end 26 of the shaving razor handle 16 of about 90 mm to about 150 mm, preferably about 100 mm to 140 mm and more preferably about 110 mm to about 130 mm. In certain embodiments, the terminal end 26 may be arcuate (e.g., convex). It is understood that the geometry and dimensions described herein may be applied to handles having longer lengths. As will be described in greater detail below, the various contact areas of the shaving razor handle 16 with a hand of a user are established more toward the terminal end 26 of the shaving razor handle 16 than the proximal end 14, for improved grip and control. Accordingly, a length of the shaving razor handle 16 that is not held in the palm of a user (i.e., the proximal end 14) may be longer without impacting ergonomics and maneuverability of the shaving razor system 10. A distal end portion 28 may be located between the terminal end 26 and the proximal end 14. In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 28 may taper outwardly toward a terminal end portion 30 and then taper inwardly to the arcuate terminal end 26.

[0031] The distal end portion 28 may taper inwardly to a neck region 32 having a pair of opposing curved sides 34 and 36. Each of the curved sides 34 and 36 may be configured to receive one of a thumb and index finger of a user. The neck region 32 may be located between the proximal end 14 and the distal end portion 28. The neck region 32 may be located at a distal distance dl of 50 mm to 54 mm from the terminal end 26. The neck region 32 may extend a proximal distance d2 of 90 mm to 98 mm from the terminal end 26. Accordingly, the neck region 32 may have a neck length L2 of 36 mm to 48 mm extending from the distal distance dl to the proximal distance d2. As will be described in greater detail below, the neck region 32 may be long enough to accommodate a thumb and / or index finger of a user. As will be explained in greater detail below, the shaving razor handle 16 may allow for other grips.

[0032] The neck region 32 may have a first width W1 location at the distal distance dl. The first width W1 may be greater than 25 mm to 32 mm, and more preferably 28 mm to 30 mm. The neck region 32 may have a second width W2 location at the proximal distance d2. The second width W2 may be greater than 25 mm to 32 mm and more preferably 28 mm to 30 mm. In certain embodiments the second width W2 may be greater than the first width W1 to provide more control toward the proximal end 14 of the shaving razor handle 16. The neck region 32 may have a midwidth W3 of 10 mm to 18 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm to 18 mm. The mid-width (W3) may extend a length of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably 12 mm to 16 mm. The mid-width W3 may be at a mid-point 38 between the first width W1 and the second width W2. The mid-point 38 may be located from the terminal end 26 a distance d3 of 65 mm to 80 mm and more preferably 70 mm to 75 mm. The mid-width W3 may be smaller than the first width W1 and the second width W2 to allow for improved precision and control, as well as facilitate moving the shaving razor handle 16 between the thumb and index finger. For example, a user may easily pinch and secure the shaving razor handle 16 within the neck region 32 between their thumb and index finger. The first width W1 being larger than the second width W2 may help lock the thumb and index finger in place allowing the user to push and / or pull the razor shaving razor system 10 (FIG. 1) without the shaving razor handle 16 slipping in their hand.

[0033] The distal end portion 28 of the shaving razor handle 16 may have a handle width W4 of about 20 mm to about 35 mm and more preferably about 25 mm to about 31 mm that extends along the distal distance dl. The distance d2 may extend from a proximal end 35 of the neck region 32 to the terminal end 26.

[0034] The geometry of the neck region 32 allows for a precision fit with the thumb and the index finger for easy manipulation and secure gripping of the shaving razor handle 16. The distal end portion 28 may be dimensioned such that the distal end portion 28 is not in the way of the thumb (and index finger) and allows sufficient room for the shaving razor handle 16 to be manipulated within the palm of the hand. The combination of the width and length of the neck region 32 with the width and length of the distal end portion 28 may create a paddle shape that facilitates manipulation and an ergonomic grip for the shaving razor handle 16. In certain embodiments a ratio of the neck length L2 to the distal distance dl may be 3:4 to 1:1 and more preferably 4:5 to 17:20. If the neck region 32 is too short, then it becomes more difficult for a consumer to fit their thumb and index finger in the neck region 32. Conversely, if the neck region is too long, the thumb and index finger may not fit securely within the neck region 32, thus limiting the ability of the user to manipulate the shaving razor handle 16. If the distal end portion 28 is too long, the shaving razor handle 16 may extend beyond the palm of the user, thus negatively impacting the consumer’s ability to grip and manipulate the shaving razor handle 16 within their hand. Conversely, if the distal end portion 28 is too short, there may not be sufficient area on the shaving razor handle 16 to be gripped within the palm of the hand.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a palmar portion of a hand 100 containing a plurality of mapping zones to illustrate areas of contact between the hand 100 and the shaving razor handle 16 (FIG. 1). Hand mapping allows better use of a user's hand during activities with finger force and / or hand force. Specifically, hand mapping may allow for improved ergonomics for handobject coupling, locating bearing surfaces to reduce stress concentrations, and utilizing stronger parts of the hand for the exertion of force.

[0036] Increasing friction during hand-object coupling reduces the amount of force that is required by the fingers to accomplish a task, such as gripping and / or manipulating an object. Increased friction may be of particular interest when the task requires a user to manipulate an object numerous times, which typically occurs in shaving various aspects of the body’s surface. Additionally, increasing friction during hand-object coupling can make holding the shaving razor handle 16 less fatiguing, thus making holding the object feel more pleasant and comfortable, which may also reduce stress induced on the hand and wrist . The mapping may also allow for the proper design, so the object fits naturally within the hand and to the various contours of the hand and digits (i.e., fingers and thumb), thus allowing for improved dexterity and ergonomics.

[0037] The hand 100 may include mapping within a resting zone 102 (i.e., palm of the hand), and a dexterity zone 104, including zones on a thumb 106 and an index finger 108. A hand of a person and / or a hand of a model can be used in designing and testing the shaving razor handle 16, described in association with FIG. 1. Force and placement studies may be performed within the resting zone 102 (i.e., palm of the hand) and the dexterity zone 104 (e.g., the thumb 106 and an index finger 108) in connection with an object, such as the shaving razor handle 16 (FIG. 1) being placed into or contacted by a palm area of a human hand and / or separately into or contacted by a palm of a model of a hand.

[0038] The resting zone 102 may include areas within the palm that typically receive and / or contact the shaving razor handle 16 (FIG. 1). For example, the resting zone 102 may include a thenar zone 110, a hypothenar zone 112, and an interdigital zone 128. The thenar zone 110 is an area located near the base of the thumb 106 and is defined by anatomical features on the hand 100 including a radial border 114, a thenar 116, and a palmar digital 118 of the thumb 106. The thenar zone 110 includes a group of muscles known as thenar eminence.

[0039] The hypothenar zone 112 includes a group of muscles known as hypothenar eminence that controls the motion of the small finger 122. The hypothenar zone 112 is defined by anatomical features including an ulnar border 124, the thenar 116, and a proximal palmar 126. Damage to the hypothenar zone 112 may lead to hypothenar hammer syndrome, which occurs when a person uses the palm of the hand repeatedly, especially the hypothenar eminence, such as in using a hammer to grind, push, and twist objects. These types of activities (e.g., hammering) can damage blood vessels of the hand, resulting in a reduction of blood flow to the fingers.

[0040] The interdigital zone 128 is an area located on the middle and upper palm of the hand 100. The interdigital zone 128 is defined by anatomical features including the distal palmar 130 and a palmar digital 132 of each of the fingers 108, 134, 136, and 122. In some embodiments, the interdigital zone 128 extends down to the proximal 126. The interdigital zone 128 includes a group of ligament fibers known as the transverse fasciculi, which if injured may limit or prevent dexterity with one or more of the fingers 108, 134, 136, and 122.

[0041] The dexterity zone 104 includes areas that are typically manipulated to grip, insert, or otherwise move objects, specifically the fingers 108, 134, 136, and 122. The dexterity zone 104 includes a plurality of dexterity zones for the thumb 106, the index finger 108, the middle 134, the ring finger 136, and the small finger 122. The plurality of dexterity zones are located on the pulp of the finger (or finger pulp), which is the tissue on the palmar surface for the thumb 106 and each of the fingers 108, 134, 136, and 122.

[0042] The plurality of dexterity zones within the thumb 106 includes a front zone 138, located on the finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the thumb 106, and a side zone 140, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the distal phalanx. The thumb 106 also includes a front zone 142, located on the finger pulp covering a proximal phalanx of the thumb 106, and a side zone 144, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx. Finally, the thumb 106 includes a top zone 146, located on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest a nail bed of the thumb 106.

[0043] The plurality of dexterity zones within the index finger 108 includes a front zone 145 and a side zone 148, located on finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the index finger 108. The front zone 145 is located on a front surface of the finger pulp whereas the side zone 148 is located on a side surface of the finger pulp, closest to the thumb 106. Also, the index finger 108 includes a front zone 150 and a side zone 152, located respectively, on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of an intermediate phalanx of the index finger 108, closest to the thumb 106. Additionally, the index finger 108 includes a front zone 154 and a side zone 156, respectively located on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of the proximal phalanx of the index finger 108, closest to the thumb 106. Finally, the index finger 108 includes a top zone 158, located on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest a nail bed of the index finger 108. The side zones 140, 144 and the top zone 146 of the thumb 106 may be used to move, position, or otherwise arrange small objects (e.g., manipulating the shaving razor handle 16 of FIG. 1 between shaving strokes). The side zones 148, 152, 156 and the top zone 158 of the index finger 108 may also serve a similar functionality.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, an enlarged front view of the shaving razor handle 16 is shown. The shaving razor handle 16 may include a front surface 50 opposite the shaving surface 24 (FIG. 1). The front surface 50 may define an elongated recess 52 extending from the distal end portion 28 and into the neck region 32. In certain embodiments, the elongated recess 52 may have a front rim 54 and a rear rim 56 that are dimensioned to receive an index finger of a user. The front rim 54 may facilitate a user holder the shaving razor handle toward the proximal end 14 of the shaving razor handle, thus giving the user more control. The rear rim 56 may facilitate the user holding the shaving razor handle 16 toward the terminal end 26. For example, in an alternate grip, the user may pinch the distal end portion 28 at the rear rim 56 between their thumb and index finger or middle finger. The elongated recess 52 may have a recess length L3 of 75mm to 95mm and more preferably 80 mm to 90 mm. The recess length L3 may be greater than or equal to 50% of the overall length LI (FIG. 3) extending from the proximal end 14 to the terminal end 26, for example, about 50% to about 90% and more preferably about 60% to about 80%. The elongated recess 52 may have a width W5 of 8 mm to 16 mm and more preferably 10 mm to 14 mm. In certain embodiments, the width W5 may be about 80% to 90% of the mid-width W3 (FIG. 3) of the neck region 32.

[0045] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, a front view and a rear view of the shaving razor system 10 is illustrated being held by a user, respectively. In addition, FIG. 5 illustrates various touch points on the shaving razor handle 16 that interact with different areas of the user’s hand 100, which is illustrated in FIG. 4. The user may grip the shaving razor handle 16 in the neck region 32 to facilitate precision and control during shaving strokes. In addition, gripping the shaving razor handle 16 in the neck region 32 between the thumb 106 and index finger 108 may allow the user to easily rotate the shaving razor system 10. The pair of opposing curved sides 34 and 36 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) of the neck region 32 may be dimensioned to receive thumb 106 and / or index finger 108. For example, the curved side 34 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) may be configured to receive the front zone 147 and the side zone 148, located on finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the index finger 108 (FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, the curved side 34 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) may also be configured to receive the front zone 150 and the side zone 152, located respectively, on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of the intermediate phalanx of the index finger 108, closest to the thumb 106 (FIG. 4). The opposing curved side 36 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) may be configured to receive the front zone 138, located on the finger pulp covering a distal phalanx and the side zone 140, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the distal phalanx of the thumb 106 (FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, and depending on the size of a thumb of the user, the curved side 36 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) may also be configured to receive the front zone 142, located on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx of the thumb 106 and the side zone 144, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx (FIG. 4).

[0046] The distance d3 between the mid-point 38 of the neck region 32 and the terminal end 26 may facilitate the shaving razor handle 16 to rest comfortably within the hand 100, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the terminal end 26 (FIG. 1) may naturally rest between the thenar zone 110, the hypothenar zone 112 and interdigital zone 128 (FIG. 4) when neck region 32 of the shaving razor handle 16 is gripped between the thumb 106 and the index finger 108, as shown in FIG. 1. The neck region 32 may include a plurality of protrusions 40, such as fins, that comprises a soft elastomeric material such that the protrusions 40 deflect as the neck region 32 is being gripped by a user. The neck region 32 and / or the protrusions 40 may comprise a softer material than other areas of the shaving razor handle 16, such as a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of 10 to 60 and more preferably 25 to 50 to further improve gripping the neck region 32.

[0047] The distance between the neck region 32 and the terminal end 26 may facilitate the user to place the small finger 122, the middle finger 134 and the ring finger 136 on a rear surface 42 of the shaving razor handle 16 that defines a recessed area 44. The recessed area 44 may be dimensioned to receive the small finger 122, the middle finger 134 and the ring finger 136 (FIGS. 1 and 4), thus providing increased security of the shaving razor handle 16 within the hand 100. If the distance between the neck region 32 and the terminal end 26 is too long, the shaving razor handle 16 may extend beyond the ulnar border 124 of the palm of the hand 100 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal end 26 resting within the hand 100 may provide greater control and support of the shaving razor handle 16. If the distance between the neck region 32 and the terminal end 26 is too short, the shaving razor handle 16 may not allow a user to properly place the small finger 122, the middle finger 134 or the ring finger 136 on the shaving razor handle 16 for a secure grip. The recessed area 44 may optionally include a plurality of gripping features, such as protrusions 46. In certain embodiments, the recessed area 44 may comprise a softer material than other areas of the handle 16, such as a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 10 to about 60 to further improve grip. As will be explained in greater detail below, the rear surface 42, and thus the recessed area 44, may be on an opposite side of the shaving razor handle as the front surface 50 (and the elongated recess 52) to facilitate one or more specific gripping orientations for improved control and maneuverability.

[0048] The pair of opposing curved sides 34 and 36 may be symmetrical. Accordingly, the curved side 36 (FIG. 1) may also be configured to receive the front zone 146 and the side zone 148, located on finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the index finger 108. In certain embodiments, the curved side 36 may also be configured to receive the front zone 150 and the side zone 152, located respectively, on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of the intermediate phalanx of the index finger 108, closest to the thumb 106 (FIG. 4). Similarly, curved side 34 (FIG. 1) may be configured to receive the front zone 138, located on the finger pulp covering a distal phalanx and the side zone 140, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the distal phalanx of the thumb 106. The curved side 34 (FIG. 1) may also be configured to receive the front zone 142, located on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx of the thumb 106 and the side zone 144, located near the index finger 108 on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx of the thumb 106 (FIG. 4).

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a rear perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively, of the shaving razor system 10 is shown being held by a user. As shown in FIG. 6A, a user may hold the shaving razor handle 16 in a triangle grip. For example, the user may hold the shaving razor handle 16 in the neck region 32 between their thumb 106 and middle finger 134. The thumb may rest against the curved surface 34 and the middle finger 134 may rest against the curved surface 36. The ring finger 136 may rest within the recessed area 44. As shown in FIG. 6B, the index finger 108 may rest against the front rim 54 of the elongated recess 52. The triangle grip may provide for more control, which may be beneficial when shaving sensitive areas (e.g., around the nipples of the chest) and / or sculpting and shaping of body hair (e.g., shaving to create specific shapes or patterns).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a rear perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively, of the shaving razor system 10 being held by a user is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a user may hold the shaving razor handle 16 in a shovel grip. For example, the user may hold the shaving razor handle 16 at the distal end portion 28 with the thumb 106 positioned within the recessed area 44 on the rear surface 42 of the shaving razor handle 16. The distal end portion 28 may also be held between the index finger 108 and the ring finger 136. As shown in FIG. 7B, the middle finger 134 may rest within the elongated recess 52. The shovel grip may facilitate longer shaving strokes or reaching areas that are further away, such as the legs and areas of the back.

[0051] Referring back to FIG. 1, the pair of opposing curved sides 34 and 36may be symmetrical to allow for easy manipulation by a right-handed user or a left-handed user. The pair of opposing curved sides 34 and 36 of the neck region 32 may represent or imitate the shape of the index finger

[0052] 108 (e.g., the front zones 146 and 150 and the side zones 148 and 152 of FIG. 4) and the thumb 106 (e.g., the front zones 138 and 142 and the side zones 140 and 144 FIG. 4). Referring with FIG. 8 a graph is shown of a curve fit of a portion of the shaving razor handle 16 geometry (e.g., the neck region 32 and part of the distal end portion 28 of FIG. 1). The horizontal axis (x-axis) represents the length or distance from a zero point starting at a length between 90 mm and 100 mm from the terminal end 26 of the handle 16. The curve fit may extend over the neck region 32 and toward the distal end portion 28 (e.g., at least a portion of the distal end portion 28). The vertical axis (y-axis) represents the half width of the shaving razor handle 16. Referring to FIG. 9, is a front view of the shaving razor handle 16 having an overlay of the curve of FIG. 8. It is understood that the curve of FIG. 8 may not extend the entire length of the shaving razor handle 16. For example, a minimum range (200) for the curve fit may include x values from 0 mm to 60 mm. A maximum range (210) for the curve fit may include x values from 0 mm to 80 mm. The width “w” in millimeters along the neck region 32 and the distal end portion 28 may be defined by an equation w= 2{a-.05(x)24e'lx} in which “x” is a position along the shaving razor handle 16 from a zero point starting at a length (L4) between 90 mm and 100 mm from the terminal end 26 of the shaving razor handle 16 and “a” is a width shift having a value of 13.5 to 15.5. In certain embodiments, both of the curved sides 34 and 36 (FIG. 3) may follow the same geometry of this equation, namely +{a-.05(x)24e"lx} for one side and -{a-.05(x)24e"lx} for opposite side so that the total width is the difference of the two, i.e., “w” as indicated above. A top curve 160 of the graph of FIG 8 represents the upper limits for the equation and a bottom curve 164 represents the lower limits for the equation. A curve 162 between the top curve 160 and the bottom curve 164 may represent nominal curve fit for the equation.

[0053] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. The dimensions should not be held to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that does not allow for discrepancies due to typical manufacturing and measuring tolerances. Therefore, the term “about” should be interpreted as being within typical manufacturing and measuring tolerances.

[0054] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0055] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A shaving razor handle (10) comprising: a proximal end (14) configured to attach to a shaving razor cartridge (12); a terminal end (26) opposite the proximal end; a distal end portion (28) between the proximal end and the terminal end, the distal end portion having a width (W4) of 25 mm to 31 mm; a neck region (32) located between a distal distance (dl) of 50 mm to 54 mm from the terminal end and a proximal distance (d 2) of 90 mm to 98 mm from the terminal end, the neck region having a first width (Wl) of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the distal distance (dl), a second width (W2) of greater than 25 mm to 30 mm located at the proximal distance (d2), and a mid-width (W3) of 10 mm to 18 mm located at a distance (d3) of 65 mm to 80 mm from the terminal end.

2. The shaving razor handle (10) of claim 1 wherein the mid-width (W3) extends a length of 10 mm to 20 mm.

3. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mid-width (W3) extends a length of 12 mm to 16 mm.

4. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a ratio of a neck length (L2) to the distal distance (dl) is 3 :4 to 1 : 1.

5. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a ratio of a neck length (L2) to the distal distance (dl) is 4:5 to 17:20.

6. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second width (W2) is greater than the first width (Wl).

7. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first width Wl is 28 mm to 32 mm.

8. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second width W2 is 28 mm to 32 mm.

9. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mid-width (W3) is 15 mm to 18 mm.

10. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the neck region (32) comprises a plurality of deflectable protrusions (40).

11. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an elongated recess (52) extends along the distal end portion (28) and into the neck region (32).

12. The shaving razor handle (10) of claim 11 wherein the elongated recess (52) has a length (L3) of 75mm to 95mm.

13. The shaving razor handle (10) of claims 11 or 12 wherein the elongated recess (52) has a length (L3) greater than or equal to 50% of an overall length (LI) extending from the terminal end (26) to the proximal end (14).

14. The shaving razor handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the neck region (32) comprises a pair of opposing curved sides (34, 36) configured to receive a thumb of a user.

15. The shaving razor handle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a shape extending along the neck region (32) and at least a portion of the distal end portion are defined by the equation w= 2{a-.05x)2.4e-0.1x} in which “w” is a width in millimeters of the shaving razor handle (16) at a position “x” along a length of the shaving razor handle from a zero point starting at a length between 90 mm and 100 mm from the terminal end (26) of the shaving razor handle (16), “a” is a width shift having a value of 13.5 to 15.5, wherein x has a set of values from 0 mm to 60 mm.

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