IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK

OFFICE

INVENTOR: MILTON GUSSACK and MICHAEL SEKERICH TITLE: RAZOR SHARPENING APPARATUS SPECIFICATION

Related Applications:

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 60/681,213 filed May 16, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a blade sharpening apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for sharpening razors having one or more blades housed in a blade head. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Razors having a handle, and one or more blades housed in a head connected or releasably connected to the handle, are used by both men and women for personal shaving needs. The term "razor" as used herein is not limited to handles that are integrally connected to a blade head but rather is intended to include handles that are either integral with or removably attachable to the blade head. Furthermore, the term "blade head" covers integral blade heads or blade cartridges that include one or more blades and which are releasably connected to the handle to permit replacement of the cartridge. The blade sharpener of the present invention, therefore, could be used to sharpen razors having either integral blade heads or replaceable blade cartridges.

While razors are capable of providing multiple shaves, the number of uses of each razor, or blade head, is limited. The cutting edges of the individual razor blades that shear hair, are dulled by use and may become unfit for shaving after only a few uses. Most razors are not equipped with sharpeners. As a result, the razor, or the blade head, must be discarded when its useful life is reached. The life of the average razor, or blade head, is estimated to be approximately three to seven shaves. Assuming a user that shaves daily, approximately seventy razors or blade heads would need to be purchased and discarded annually. This is not only costly, but adds to the environmental burden of discarded plastic, packaging and metal. Known devices for sharpening blades are shown, for example, in the following U. S.

Patents:

3,854,251 to Paule describes a device wherein the safety razor blade to be sharpened reciprocates between a series of honing elements.

3,979,857 to Kobylarz describes a safety razor sharpener wherein an abrasive disc is hand rotated over the blade. 4,974,322 to Butka describes a knife that can be sharpened with a hand operated movable casing.

5,036,731 to Fletcher describes an apparatus used for the sharpening of a razor blade by hand operation.

5, 139, 138 to Isaksen describes a combination razor assembly for shaving and a container for sharpening the blade manually.

5, 785,586 to Delsignore describes a method and apparatus for sharpening a blade by polishing it in a slurry.

Other sharpening devices are shown in US Patents 6,030,281 to CozzinL 6,488,834 to Francis, 6,506,106 to Fletcher and US Design patents Des. 162,356, Des. 211,482, and Des. 446,883.

Other known devices are shown in US Patent Nos. 1,859,554; 2,098,465; 2,331,370; 2,458,257; 2,511,188; 2,565, 281; and 3,057,062.

The sharpener disclosed in each of these references has one or more disadvantages. For example, the sharpening action for some of the devices must be provided manually by a user requiring effort and time to achieve the benefit of sharpening. Other known devices that are motor- driven to provide blade sharpening, rely upon an external power source. Such devices lack portability. Some of these devices, in which the external power source is that typically supplied to a household at 120 volts AC, present a potential electrical hazard when the sharpener is used in wet environments. Other known sharpening devices are directed to sharpening razor blades that are intended to be inserted by a user into a blade head. Such devices, therefore, cannot be used to sharpen the razor blades of a razor. Other known sharpening devices are included in combination with shavers, thereby adding weight to the shaver and resulting in a less ergonomic design.

SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for sharpening the blades of a razor. The razor includes a blade head in which the blades are retained and a handle connected to the blade head for manipulating the blade head. The sharpening apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior space and an opening adapted to receive the blade head of a razor. The apparatus also includes a blade sharpener located within the housing adjacent to the opening. The blade sharpener is rotatably supported for rotation about an axis and includes at least one flexible sharpening strip having an abrasive surface arranged for sweeping over the blades of the blade head. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism, such as a motor, operably connected to the blade sharpener to rotate the blade sharpener about the axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings several embodiments that are presently preferred.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the sharpening apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2 of the sharpening apparatus of this invention showing a razor seated in the sharpening apparatus prior to sharpening;

Fig.4 is a partial side view of the sharpening apparatus of this invention shown with the blades of a razor contacting the blade sharpener;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the blade sharpener and razor, the razor shown without its handle.

Fig.6 is a partial side view of a sharpening apparatus of this invention showing the blades of a razor and the blade sharpener; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the sharpening apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of this invention taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 11 prior to placement of the razor head therein;

Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 9 prior to placement of the razor head therein;

Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 9 with the razor head inserted in the sharpener;

Fig. 12 is the drive wheel for the sharpener apparatus of this invention; Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an electrical schematic of the activating switch used to drive the sharpener shown in Figs. 1-8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in Figs.1-8 and 14, one embodiment of an apparatus 100 according to the invention, for sharpening a razor 110. Referring to Figs. 3, 4 and 6, a typical razor 110 used with this invention comprises a handle 8 connected to the shaver cartridge or blade head 15. The blade head 15 can house one or more blades 15a. The handle 8 is used to facilitate manipulation of the blade head 15. Such razors 110 are well known and used by millions of people to shave typically, the face, underarms and legs.

The sharpening apparatus 100 includes an upper housing 1 on which the razor 110 is seated, see Fig.3, and a lower housing 2 which rests upon a surface, e.g., sink surface. As shown in Fig. 1, the lower housing 2 may have feet 6 which elevate the device 100 above the sink surface to provide protection from water that can coat the sink and to provide a stable, cushioned footing for the sharpener 100. The lower housing 1 has on the bottom thereof vents or drains 13 to permit any water and debris to pass through or drain from the apparatus and permit the rinsing of the device.

The sharpening apparatus 100 of this invention increases the useful life of the shaver cartridge or blades 15 in an efficient, clean, and inexpensive manner. Typically a razor 110 lasts for three to seven shaves (of a face) if not sharpened. The sharpening apparatus 100 of this invention can extend the life of such razor 110 substantially, and depending on the use to which the razor 110 is put, almost indefinitely, for example up to one hundred times the ordinary life of such razor 110.

Referring to Figs 4-6, the razor cartridge 15 includes one or more blades 15a secured in the cartridge 15. The razor 110 is shown in Fig. 5 without the handle 8 and with the blade head 15 exposed for clarity of view. The blade head 15 can be either integral with the razor handle 8 or can be a blade cartridge 15 that is adapted to releasably attached to the razor handle 8. As such, the term "razor" includes devices with blade heads 15 that are either integral with or releasably attached to the handle 8. The blade sharpener 100 of the present invention, therefore, can be used to sharpen razors 110 having either integral blade heads or replaceable blade cartridges.

Referring to Figs. 1-3, the housing comprises an upper housing 1 and a lower housing or base 2. The upper and lower housings 1,2 may be releasably attached to each other to provide access to the interior of the housing to permit maintenance thereof, e.g., a change of battery 9.

The housings 1,2 define an interior space in which a sharpening mechanism, generally 120, is contained. Preferably, the housings 1,2 are constructed from a polymeric or plastic material. The use of a plastic material for the housings facilitates easy manufacture and provides for a lightweight, durable, structure. As shown more clearly in Figs.2, 3, 4 and 8, the upper housing 1 includes an opening 50 in the shaver head 15 enclosure 21 formed in the top thereof. The opening 50 is dimensioned for receipt of the blade head 15 of razor 110 to provide access to the sharpening mechanism 110 contained within the housings 1,2 for sharpening of the blades 15a. The opening 50 is of a size and shape that can accommodate numerous types and sizes of razor heads. Preferably, the opening 50 is substantially rectangular to accommodate the blade head 15 that is generally rectangular in configuration. The shape of the opening 50, however, need not be a true rectangle and could have other shapes. For example, the opening 50 could include rounded ends to facilitate manufacture and be oversized to accommodate different sized razor heads 15. The opening further includes a locking rib 16 around at least a portion of the opening 50 to assist in locking the razor head 15 therein.

Referring to Fig.8, the upper housing 1 preferably includes a razor head guide 23 located in the opening 50 having substantially upstanding walls 23a that surround the opening 50. The upstanding walls 23a of the head guide 23 function to retain the shaver cartridge head 15 of razor 110 and position the head 15 with respect to the opening 50 in the upper housing 1. As shown in Figs 1-3 and 7, the housings 1, 2 are preferably elongated to include a tail portion 2a that can provide support for the handle 8 of razor 110. The elongated shape for the housings also facilitates ergonomic handling of the sharpener 100.

Referring to Figs. 1-6, the sharpening mechanism 52, which is located within the interior space of the housings 1, 2, includes a hub 11 which is rotatingly supported on shaft 19, preferably both of which are cylindrical. As shown in Figs. 4-6, the hub 19 has at least one axial slot 11a therein, and as depicted two slots 11a. Removably inserted or mounted in at least one of these slots 11a is a flexible sharpening member or flap 10. The sharpening flap 10 can be a sandpaper or other type of flexible member having at least one side of which that is abrasive and suitable for sharpening razor type blades 15a, such as silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, ceramics or any other suitable material which provide a sufficiently abrasive surface. In the embodiment depicted there are two slots 11a and one sharpening flap 10. The hub 19 may have any number of such

slots 11a and sharpening flaps 10 and is dependant on the flap grit, speed of operation and other parameters. However, two slots 11a and one sharpening flap 10 are preferred by the inventor.

Preferably, as depicted in Figs. 3-6, the hub 11 , shaft 19, slots 11a are parallel to the blades 15a such that the sharpening flap 10 when inserted therein is also parallel thereto. It is possible to have these elements angulated to the blades 15a, however this presents an unnecessarily complex device. Referring to Fig.4, the sharpening flap is of a length B that when inserted in a slot 11a a portion of the length of the flap 10 sweeps across all of the blades 15a when rotated in (as shown) in a counterclockwise direction. Referring to Fig. 4, the length B of the sharpening flap 10 is greater than the distance A between the centerline of rotation of the flap 10 and the head 15 to facilitate flap 10 sweeping across the blades 15a.

Still referring to Figs 4-6, the sharpening flap 10 preferably has an axial length that is approximately equal to the length of the cutting edges of the razor blades 15a. As a result, the abrasive side of the sharpening flap 10 engages only the blades 15a and not the shaver cartridge ends 15b of the cartridge 15. Referring, for example to Figs. 2 and 3, the shaft 19 of the blade sharpener mechanism

52 is rotatably supported in the housings 1,2 at either end. The opposite ends of the shaft 19 are supported on upstanding walls (not shown)within the interior space of the housings 1,2. As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 8, the blade sharpener 52 is located adjacent the opening 50 of housing 1 such that, the abrasive surface of the sharpening flap 10 sweeps across the blades 15a of blade head 15 when the razor 110 is seated on the housing 1. As shown, the blade sharpener 52 is supported within the housings 1, 2 such that the cutting edges of the blades 15a extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the hub 11 of the blade sharpener 52.

The amount of sharpening that is required will depend on multiple factors, including the dullness of the blades 15a, the material composition of the blades, the material composition of the abrasive body of the sharpening flap 10 and the speed of rotation of the hub 11. However, it is anticipated that blade sharpening will occur in about three to five seconds.

The sharpening mechanism 52 further includes a drive mechanism or system to rotate the shaft 19, hub 11 mounted thereto and associated sharpening flap 10. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, particularly Figs. 2 and 3, the drive system includes a motor 20 having a rotatingly driven output shaft 20a and a first or driver gear 14 connected to the output shaft 20a of the motor 20 for rotation therewith. Preferably, the motor is a DC motor. The drive system

further includes a second or driven gear 12 connected to an end of the shaft 19 for rotation therewith. Each of the gears 12, 14 includes teeth formed about an outer periphery. As shown in Figs.2 and 3, the motor 20 is mounted within the housings 1,2 substantially parallel to the blade sharpener shaft 19, and offset therefrom, such that the teeth of the gears 12, 14 meshingly engage each other to transfer rotation of the output shaft of motor 20 to rotation of the shaft 19, and the sharpening flap 10 thereon. Other means for transferring rotation between the motor 20 and the shaft 19 can be used instead of a geared system, such as a belts, pulleys and/or rollers.

The sharpening mechanism 52 includes at least one battery 9 mounted within the housings 1, 2 between a battery holder 18 and the enclosure 21 to provide an internal power source for the motor 20. The battery 9 may be a conventional disposable battery, or may be a rechargeable battery. If the battery 9 is rechargeable, conventional electrical connections between the battery and an external power source, such as an A/C outlet, would preferably also be included. A removable cover or access panel may be formed in the housing at the location of the battery 9. It is also within the scope of the invention that the razor sharpening apparatus 100 could be constructed for disposal following depletion of the internal power source. For such a disposable apparatus, no access to the internal power source would be required. It is also contemplated that the apparatus could be constructed without an internal power source and, instead, be adapted for connection to a source of power located externally of the housings 1,2. The sharpening apparatus 100 also includes an activation switch 7 extending from the top of the housing 1 and preferably on the front end of the apparatus 100, see Figures 1, 2 and 7, for actuation of the sharpener by a user. When the switch 7 is actuated by a user, power is supplied to the motor 20 causing the motor 20 to rotate the shaft 19 on which the hub 11 and sharpening flap 10 is mounted. It is also contemplated that the motor may be automatically activated upon sensing of a razor 110 or a blade head 15. For example, an optical or pressure sensor may be located near the opening 50 for sensing when a blade head 15 is located within the opening. A signal would be provided to activate the motor and rotation of the sharpener mechanism. Alternatively, a pressure sensor could be located within the recess for sensing when the handle 8 of the razor 110 is seated in the recess. Again, a signal would be sent to the motor to activate it. Those skilled in the art would be readily capable of incorporating these and other mechanisms for automatically activating the motor into the present invention. Upon activation, the device may

be configured with conventional circuitry to operate for a predetermined period of time, e.g. , 3 seconds.

Referring to Figs. 1, 3, 7 and 8, the apparatus 100 of this invention is further provided with a spring activated clamping plate 3. The clamping plate comprises a top portion 3a and side portions 3b and 3c. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the side portions 3b and 3c are pivotally attached to the sides of the lower housing 2, although they could be attached to the upper housing 1, through pivot pins 5. This enables the clamping plate 3 to be pivoted between a first position (Fig. 1) and a second position (Fig. 3). The top portion 3a is adapted to cover the shaver head 15 when inserted in opening 50. Referring to Fig.3, the clamping plate 3 is spring activated to maintain the clamping plate in the first position (Fig. 1). Referring to Fig. 7, when the clamping plate 3 finger depression 22 is pressed, the clamping plate 3 pivots into the second position, permitting the shaver cartridge head 15 to be positioned in opening 50. When the pressure on finger depression 22 is released, the spring means, e.g. leaf spring 17, forces clamping plate 3 onto the shaver head 15 to thereby securely maintain the razor head 15 in opening 50 for subsequent sharpening. Underlying the upper portion of the clamping plate 3a is gripping surface 4 to assist in maintaining the shaver cartridge 15 in opening 50. After the shaver head 15 is in position, the activation switch 7 is pressed to commence sharpening. The present invention is not limited to any particular switch and any suitable switch could be used, such as a slide switch. This embodiment of the invention has many advantages, including achievement of electrically powered sharpening of razors. The razor sharpening apparatus described herein is also lightweight and includes relatively inexpensive components. It will be appreciated that the incorporation of an internal battery power of the razor sharpening apparatus permits the apparatus to be used in any location. Additionally, if used within a wet environment, the battery power does not present an electrical hazard to the user. However, it should be recognized that the present invention is not limited to the preferred use of batteries. On the contrary, a conventional electrical cord may be used to provide power to the device.

Figs. 9-13 depict another embodiment of this invention, in particular a hand operated razor sharpening apparatus, i.e., non-electrical. In this embodiment similar elements have the same numbers as the prior embodiment. The apparatus 200 comprises a housing 26 having rotatably mounted thereto a driver wheel 25 on each side of the housing 26. The housing 26

includes an opening 54 surrounded by guide walls 27. The opening 54 is dimensioned for receipt of the blade head 15 of razor 110 to provide access to the sharpening mechanism 56 contained within the housing for sharpening of the blades 15a. Preferably, the opening 54 is substantially rectangular to accommodate the blade head 15. The opening further includes a pair of spring locking tabs 28 around at least a portion of the opening 54 to assist in locking the razor head 15 therein. The opening 54 is of a size that can accommodate numerous types and sizes of razor heads.

Referring to Figs.9-12, the sharpening mechanism 56, which is located within the interior of the housing 26, includes a hub 11 which is rotatingly supported on shaft 24, preferably both of which are cylindrical. As shown in Figs. 10, the hub 11 has at least one axial slot 11a therein, and as depicted two slots 11a. Removably inserted or mounted in at least one of these slots 11a, and preferably both for this hand operated device, is a flexible sharpening member or flap 10. As in the previous embodiment, the sharpening flap 10 can be a sandpaper or other type of flexible member having at least one side of which that is abrasive and suitable for sharpening razor type blades 15a. As with the other embodiment, hub 19 may have any number of such slots 11a and sharpening flaps 10. However, two slots 11a and two sharpening flaps 10 are preferred. Preferably, hub 11, axle 54, and slots 11a are parallel to the blades 15a such that the sharpening flaps 10 when inserted therein are also parallel thereto. Referring to Fig. 10, the sharpening flaps 10 are of a length that when inserted in the slots 11a a portion of the length of the flap 10 sweeps across all of the blades 15a when rotated in (as shown) in a counterclockwise direction.

As shown in Fig. 9, the sharpening flap 10 preferably has an axial length that is approximately equal to the length of the cutting edges of the razor blades 15a. As a result, the abrasive side of the sharpening flap 10 engages only the blades 15a and not the shaver cartridge ends 15b of the cartridge 15. Referring to Figs.9 and 10, the axle 24 of the blade sharpener mechanism 56 is rotatably supported in the housing 26 at either end and project therefrom. Driver wheels 25 are fixedly attached to each end of the axle 58. Each driver wheel 25 can have a gripping surface 31 on the outer periphery to permit it to grip the surface it is rolled on. Referring to Figs. 11- 13, at least one driver wheel 25 may be provided with a detent means for permitting rotation of the wheels 25 in one direction and prohibiting rotation of the wheels 25 in the other direction. For example, as depicted, the wheel has on it a spring loaded detent 32 that when rotated in the correct

direction for sharpening (in this case counterclockwise) slides over a stationary perforate hub 60. When rotated in the opposite direction (not suitable for sharpening), the spring loaded detent 32 snaps into a perforation 29 to prevent or at least inhibit improper rotation of the drive wheels 25.

In order to use the sharpener 200 the razor head 15 is positioned in the opening 54 and snapped into the spring locking tabs 28. The handle 8 is then gripped and the sharpener 200 rolled on a surface. The drive wheels drive the axle 24, hub 11 and sharpening flaps 10 to sharpen the blades 15a.

The foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.