Field

The invention generally relates to safety razors and, more particularly, to cartridges of such safety razors.

Background

Safety razors comprise a handle and a cartridge having at least one blade arranged between a guard and a cap. Typically, the safety razor be manufactured as separate components that are subsequently connected together.

Summary

One embodiment provides a cartridge for a safety razor, comprising: a cartridge body including a guard, a cap, and at least one shaving blade housed between the guard and the cap, the cartridge body further including: a retaining structure configured to cooperate with end portions of a pair of resiliently flexible legs belonging to a handle or to a connecting structure of the safety razor to form a snap-fit connection between the cartridge body and either the handle or the connecting structure, wherein the retaining structure is configured to deflect the end portions of the legs in a deflection direction when the snap-fit connection is being made, and at least one stopper element configured to restrict movement of the end portions of the legs in the deflection direction once the snap-fit connection is made.

This configuration allows the cartridge to be connected to another component of the safety razor, such as the handle or the connecting structure, in a relatively straightforward manner by snap-fitting, while also being able to hinder or prevent accidental release of the snap-fit connection if, for example, the razor is dropped or otherwise subjected to an impact.

In one embodiment, the at least one stopper element comprises at least one protrusion formed on an inner surface of the cartridge body. This provides a relatively simple yet effective configuration. The term“inner surface” denotes a surface of a recess (or other type of opening) in the cartridge body.

The term“snap-fit connection” refers to the fact that at least the end portions of the legs deflect or deform past the retaining structure and move to a locking or retaining position by the inherent flexibility or elasticity of the legs. Any suitable retaining structure may be provided. In one embodiment, the retaining structure comprises recesses configured to receive the end portions of the legs. The at least one stopper element may have a height that is between around 1 to 2 mm, for example around 1.5 mm. This is sufficient to effectively hinder or prevent accidental release of the snap-fit connection.

In one embodiment, the cartridge body comprises a blade unit configured to house the at least one shaving blade and a frame secured to the blade unit, the frame including the guard and the cap, and wherein the retaining structure is provided on the blade unit.

One embodiment provides a connecting structure for a safety razor cartridge, comprising: a body configured to be brought into engagement with a handle connecting structure along a connection axis; and a pair of resiliently flexible legs extending from the body and having end portions configured to cooperate with a retaining structure of the cartridge to form a snap-fit connection.

In one embodiment, each of the end portions is T-shaped with a stem and a pair of oppositely extending feet, one foot configured to engage the retaining structure of the cartridge to form the snap-fit connection and the other foot configured to engage a stopper element of the cartridge. In this way the ‘connecting’ and ‘stopping’ functions can be performed by different elements of the end portion. This allows each element to be specifically configured for its specific role. However, other suitable shapes may be implemented. For example, the feet may instead be L-shaped.

In one embodiment, the feet are of substantially the same thickness. In one embodiment, the foot that is configured to engage the stopper element is longer than the foot that is configured to engage the retaining structure. For example, the length of the foot configured to engage the retaining structure may be between around 1 and 3 mm, for example around 2 mm. The length of the foot that is configured to engage the stopper element may be between 2 and 7 mm, for example between around 4 and 5 mm.

The legs may be integral with a handle, for example in the case of a razor where the handle is disposed of at the same time as the cartridge. Thus, one embodiment may provide a handle comprising: a body, and a pair of resiliently flexible legs extending from the body and having end portions configured to cooperate with a retaining structure of a cartridge to form a snap-fit connection. Alternatively, the legs may be part of a connecting structure between the cartridge body and the handle. For example, the legs may be part of a cartridge connecting structure that may be attached to a handle connecting structure and detached from the handle connecting structure to allow replacement of the cartridge when the blades have become dulled. Thus, one embodiment provides a cartridge assembly for a safety razor, comprising: a cartridge as described above; and cartridge connecting structure as described above.

In one embodiment, when the snap-fit connection is being made the at least one stopper element is configured to deflect the end portions of the legs in an upward direction opposite to a direction in which the legs are brought into engagement with the cartridge body. In an alternative embodiment, when the snap fit connection is being made the at least one stopper element is configured to deflect the end portions of the legs in a perpendicular direction to the direction in which the legs are brought into engagement with the cartridge body.

Where the end portions of the legs are T-shaped, one foot may be deflected by the retaining structure and the other foot may be deflected by the stopper element. By providing oppositely extending feet the deflection forces may be divided between the two feet.

One embodiment provides a safety razor system, comprising: a safety razor handle; and a cartridge (or cartridge assembly) as described above.

The handle connecting structure may comprises a lever mounted to a body, the lever having a user end to be actuated by a user, a working end, and a rotation axis about which the lever is rotatable with respect to the body, the rotation axis being situated between the user end and the working end, and wherein the working end of the lever is configured to exert a pushing force on the cartridge connecting structure when the lever is rotated by actuation of the user end, to eject the cartridge connecting structure from the handle connecting structure.

According to this connection system there is little friction between the rotating lever and the other elements of the handle connecting structure, in contrast particularly to push button-type mechanisms in which the force on the button when pushed by the user can give rise to large friction forces between the button and the handle that need to be overcome in order to release the cartridge from the handle. As a result, in this connection system a low overall force may be sufficient to eject the cartridge from the handle (i.e. , the cartridge connecting structure from the handle connecting structure). This means that there may be a low variability in the force used to eject the cartridge from the handle, thereby enabling more controlled ejection of the cartridge by the user. In addition, the provision of a rotating lever may reduce the risk of jamming, especially compared to mechanisms that utilise a sliding ‘pusher’, which typically is of a certain length in the direction of the movement relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement. The provision of a rotating lever may also provide space savings in the handle connecting structure which can be used for other components such as securing elements. Also, the lever can be actioned with a single digit only (such as the forefinger) to eject the cartridge. Thus the mechanism is safer than those that require use of two fingers, or a finger and thumb for example.

The handle connecting structure may be releasably secured to the cartridge connecting structure by complementary securing elements. These may comprise mechanical means (e.g., complementary projections, a projection and a complementary recess or hole) that may form a snap-fit, friction fit, or interference fit, magnetic means (e.g., a magnet and corresponding ferrous metal), or any other suitable means. Thus, the pushing force on the cartridge connecting structure may also release complementary securing elements of the handle and cartridge connecting structures. However, the handle and cartridge connecting structures may be provided with complementary securing elements that may be released by a separate force, i.e. , a separate action from the rotating of the lever by the user.

Friction between the working end of the lever and a generally flat inner surface of the cartridge connecting structure when the lever is rotated may be sufficient to eject the cartridge connecting structure from handle connecting structure. However, to aid in the ejection of the cartridge connecting structure from the handle connecting structure, an inner surface of the cartridge connecting structure may be provided with a protrusion (e.g., a rib) against which the working end of the lever urges when the lever is rotated by actuation of the user end.

The pushing force may be exerted directly on the cartridge connecting structure by the working end of the lever, i.e., without any intermediate element between the working end of the lever and the cartridge connecting structure. The pushing force may deform a wall of the cartridge connecting structure. This deformation may cause the complementary securing elements of the handle and cartridge connecting structures to disengage. The wall of the cartridge connecting structure may return to its original shape once the pushing force ceases to be applied, i.e., the wall may be elastically deformed with little or no permanent deformation, so that the cartridge may be re-attached. Alternatively the cartridge connecting structure may be permanently deformed. The working end of the lever need not deform the cartridge connecting structure, and instead the working end of the lever may engage a protrusion, recess, or hole of the cartridge connecting structure to convert rotating movement into linear motion. The lever may be mounted to the body so that the user end is to be actuated in a direction toward the handle, i.e., in a direction opposite to that in which the handle connecting structure is brought into engagement with the cartridge connecting structure. This means that the space between the handle and the user end of the lever can be for the‘travel’ of the user end. The space for the finger of the user to reach the user end of the lever is on the cartridge side on which more space may be available, e.g., to allow pivoting of the cartridge. Thus, the connecting system may have a compact form factor that allows it to fit into a relatively small ‘neck’ area between the handle and the cartridge, yet still enables the user to easily actuate the lever.

The lever may be rigid and may be any suitable shape(s), e.g., straight, bent, or curved. A straight lever is one in which the user end and the working end are in the same generally straight line. Straight levers provide a simple construction for converting a rotation into a linear motion. The working end of the lever is the portion of the lever that performs the function of pushing against the cartridge connecting structure. It may have a chamfered surface. Such a shape may provide a greater contact area between the working end of the lever and the cartridge connecting structure. This may aid in converting the rotation of the lever into a displacement (ejection) of the cartridge connecting structure.

The working end of the lever may comprise a pair of arms, each arm having a contact portion with a contact surface, and each arm being joined to the user end of the lever at the rotation axis. This allows contact forces between the working end of the lever and the cartridge connecting structure to be distributed over a plurality of surfaces or over a greater surface area.

For example, the user end may be C-, U- or V-shaped, with the arms of the working end extending from the tips of C, U or V. Alternatively, the arms of the working end may be offset either inwardly or outwardly of the user end in directions along the rotation axis. Thus, each arm may further have a bearing portion with a bearing surface, and the user end may have bearing portions which are respectively joined to the bearing portions of the working end at the rotation axis, the bearing portions of the user end having bearing surfaces which face in an opposite direction to the bearing surfaces of the working end. This allows contact forces between the lever and the handle connecting structure to be distributed over a plurality of surfaces or over a greater surface area. The body of the handle connecting structure may comprise a housing and a cover, which may be snap fit together around the lever to form a closed package. The bearing portions of the user end and the bearing portions of the working end may be sandwiched between the housing and the cover of the body, with the bearing surfaces of the user end configured to bear against an inner surface of the housing, and with the bearing surfaces of the working end configured to bear against an inner surface of the cover. Since all parts are sandwiched between other parts or snapped together, the handle connecting structure can be easily stored and transported prior to assembly with the handle.

The working end of the lever may be configured to contact the cartridge connecting structure when the cartridge connecting structure is brought into engagement with the handle connecting structure, to rotate the lever into a position ready for actuation by the user. Thus, when a new cartridge is attached to the handle the lever will return to its‘ready’ position. In this position the user end of the lever may be inclined away from the handle.

The handle connecting structure may include a biasing spring to maintain the position of the lever and prevent ‘rattling’ of the lever when the cartridge connecting structure is not attached to the handle connector structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the lever may have one or more protrusions configured to generate friction against the body of the handle connecting structure. A relatively small amount of friction between the lever and the body may be sufficient to prevent rattling of the lever, and is easy to overcome when the user actuates the user end of the lever. The biasing spring may therefore be eliminated to keep the design simple and the number of components to a minimum.

The cartridge connecting structure may comprises a pair of legs extending outwardly from a body and forming a pivoting connection to a blade unit of the replaceable blade cartridge, the body of the cartridge connecting structure having a pair of holes adjacent to the pair of legs and configured to receive a pair of protrusions extending from the body of the handle connecting structure.

The user end of the lever may have a chamfered surface so that the side of the user end facing the handle extends further than the side of the user end facing away from the handle. This configuration helps to direct the user towards the intended use of the lever, i.e. , to pull the lever towards the handle.

The handle connecting structure and the handle body may be permanently attached to one another so that they are not detachable during normal use. However, they may be individually manufactured and then assembled together. Similarly, the cartridge connecting structure may be permanently attached to the cartridge so that they are not detachable during normal use, but may be individually manufactured and then assembled together.

Another embodiment provides a handle connecting structure for a safety razor handle, comprising: a body configured to be attached to the safety razor handle; and a lever mounted to the body, the lever having a user end to be actuated by a user, a working end, and a rotation axis about which the lever is rotatable with respect to the body, the rotation axis being situated between the user end and the working end, wherein when the handle connecting structure is engaged with a cartridge connecting structure of a replaceable blade cartridge and the lever is rotated by actuation of the user end, the working end of the lever is configured to exert a pushing force on the cartridge connecting structure to eject the cartridge connecting structure from the handle connecting structure.

The handle body may comprise an underneath surface portion facing the skin of the user in use and comprising an attachment means for attachment to a blade unit; a front surface portion facing in the opposite direction from the shaving direction in use; a rear surface portion facing in the shaving direction in use; a top surface portion (54) and side surface portions, one directed to either side of the blade length in use; wherein the top surface portion, underneath surface portion and side surface portions together form a continuous smooth surface which is a substantially cylindrical or substantially ellipsoid or substantially partially spherical surface; and wherein: the distance between the front surface portion and rear surface portion is between one third and three times, preferably between a half and twice, the largest dimension of the largest cross section through the continuous smooth surface.

The “chunky” bulbous shapes of such a handle allow a particularly flexible ergonomic handling, giving many varied gripping positions for the human hand and easy twisting of the handle within the grip to reach different angles. The combination of this chunky shape with the easy release lever allows for a comfortable and safe ejection (and replacement) of cartridges. The lever can be simply actioned with the forefinger alone to eject the razor, with the remaining fingers and thumb comfortably positioned on the handle, away from the blades.

Moreover this shape allows the handle to stand on a surface with the blade and any lubrapad of an attached cartridge suspended above the surface. This can help prevent blade corrosion and adhesion of the shaving aid (lubrapad) to the surface. The front surface portion may be flat or concave. This front surface may extend to the guard side of the attachment to the blade unit, and may conveniently be provided with a logo and/or instructions. It may extend substantially parallel to the rear surface portion and preferably substantially parallel to a main direction (in terms of longest extent) of the handle connecting structure. The front and/or rear surface portions may extend at a slant to the continuous smooth surface (i.e. at a non-perpendicular angle). The top surface portion (and underneath surface portion) of the handle may be approximately parallel to the shaving plane in use. In this case, the front and/or rear surface portions extend at a slant to the user’s skin. The slant may be back away from the cap, giving improved visibility.

A recess may be provided in the underneath surface portion to receive the handle connecting structure. For example, the handle connecting structure may fit, either permanently or detachably, into an insert housed in the recess. The recess may be of rectangular section, with a direction up into the handle, and may be at the same slant as the front and/or rear surfaces.

The body may have any suitable construction. For example, the body may be solid or contain a hard core or hard hollow core. This may allow the use of a softer material for the body.

In a further definition, the handle may comprise a moulded translucent or transparent body of elastomeric material such as TPE, silicone or rubber having a Shore A hardness of 5 to 65 or preferably 10 to 50; wherein the body has a shape which is rounded and chunky (or bulbous), extending with perpendicular length I, width w and height h, wherein none of the maximum length, width and height of the body is more than 2, 3 or 4 times the size of the maximum in the other two dimensions. For example, the height may be the largest vertical cross section through the continuous smooth surface previously defined, the width may be the largest vertical cross section through the continuous smooth surface and the length may be the horizontal distance (parallel with the shaving plane) between the front surface portion and the rear surface portion.

In a further definition, the handle may have a chunky, non-elongate handle body comprising a core layer made of a plurality of sub-layers and an outer layer at least substantially covering the core layer. The sub-layers may be created by injection moulding of one or more subsequent sub-layers onto a first sub-layer. The sub-layers may be of the same material. The core layer may be provided by between two and 6 sub-layers, preferably 4 sub-layers. A first sub-layer may extend in a flat round shape from a handle attachment portion, any intermediate sub-layers may extend in a flat round shape to one side or the other of the first sub-layer and a final sublayer may extend to at least partially surround the first sub-layer and any intermediate sub-layers. An interlocking connection may be provided between two sub layers. The thickness of the sub-layers may be at least substantially constant over the majority of their extent. The outer layer may be of softer material and the core layer may be of one or more harder materials, and preferably wherein both layers are translucent. The borders between the sub-layers and preferably also the border between the core layer and the outer layer may not be easily distinguished by the naked eye. The outer layer may form a complete covering over the core layer on the outer surface of the handle body. The core layer may be thicker than the outer layer and wherein the outer layer is of substantially constant thickness at least over the majority and preferably over substantially the whole core layer. The substantially constant thickness of the outer layer may be between about 1 and 7mm, preferably between about 2 and 5 mm.

In a further definition, the handle body may be bulbous in two orthogonal directions, widening away from an end surface towards the centre of the body. Thus an outline/silhouette of the handle body in both these directions may be generally fat and round. As noted earlier, such a “chunky” bulbous shapes are ergonomic.

The handle body may comprise a further end surface opposite to the end surface. The two opposite surfaces may be connected by a side surface which widens towards the centre (or approximate centre) of the body. The opposite further end surface gives an even better handling feel, particularly if there are opposite flat surfaces. Of course, the handle body may widen away from the end surface not just in two orthogonal directions but in many or all of the directions in between these two orthogonal directions, so that the increase in size is general and thus of most of or the entire cross section. The side surface may be a single continuous curved side surface. This curved side surface, or a plurality of curved side surface portions, may provide the handle body with a cross section that increases continuously (without decreasing) away from the flat end surfaces towards the centre of the body, forming the bulbous shape mentioned above. The further end surface may be a front end surface. This surface thus forms the front of the razor in use, facing in the opposite direction to the shaving direction. Correspondingly, the end surface may be a rear end surface facing in the shaving direction in use. The cartridge attachment means may be on the side surface, for example closer to the front end surface than to the rear end surface.

In use, the safety razor is pulled backwards across the skin in the shaving direction. The end surface may therefore be in front of the blades in the shaving direction (to the rear of the razor if the cartridge is seen as the front), and the further end surface behind the blades in the shaving direction (to the front of the razor).

As mentioned above, one or both end surfaces may be flat. The flat end surfaces may be parallel, providing a symmetrical feel which gives the user a better tactile impression of the overall handle, for improved shaving experience. One or both of the flat end surface(s) may be circular or elliptical, for example.

The handle body may be in the form of a slanted barrel shape, with a skewed barrel surface between two end surfaces. The barrel shape may be terminated at either end with a slanted end surface, which is not orthogonal to the barrel axis. Neither is the barrel shape itself necessarily formed from a circle of varying diameter extruded along a central straight axis. Rather, the handle body as a whole may be viewed as having a skewed barrel shape (potentially with a curved barrel axis).

When the two parallel end surfaces are in a vertical orientation, with the handle connecting structure extending downwards, the barrel surface may be skewed/slanted upwards from the front end surface towards the rear end surface.

If the handle connecting structure projects from the side surface and parallel to the end surface, then a slanted/overhang design of the handle (with the end surface(s) extending at a slant (non-perpendicular angle) to the average direction of the side surface between the centres of the two end surfaces) allows the handle body to sit with the rear end surface at the back of the user’s hand grip on or towards the palm of the hand, with the user’s fingers positioned on the front end surface and side surface. In this position the end surfaces slope up and back towards the user’s hand, allowing a better view of the cartridge.

The barrel shape may have a substantially circular or substantially elliptical cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (which may be straight or curved). The barrel shape may widen continuously from the two end surfaces towards the centre. For example, the largest diameter of the barrel shape (which may be central along its axis) may be between a third and three times the length of the longitudinal axis of the barrel, preferably between a half and twice. The largest diameter of the barrel shape may be larger than the length of its longitudinal axis. The end surface may be provided with a recess or other interface allowing attachment to another part, such as packaging or a travelling case, or suspension from a hook (which could be provided separately) on a wall or other vertical surface.

The handle body may be made of a single part and material (excluding any minor additions of logos etc). In one example it is made of two or more parts, such as a core and an external layer, or two opposite halves, which are fabricated individually, and then connected. The insert may also be connected to form the full body at the same stage.

The handle body may have any suitable construction. The handle body may comprise a single material or may comprise a core material and an outer material. Inserts may be made in the same material or one or more different materials. In one example the handle body is solid or contains a hard core or hard hollow core. This may allow the use of a softer material for the rest of the body.

Another embodiment provides a replaceable blade cartridge, comprising: a blade unit housing a plurality of shaving blades; a frame secured to the blade unit, the frame having a guard in front of the blades and a cap to the rear of the blades; and a cartridge connecting structure comprising a pair of legs extending outwardly from a body and forming a pivoting connection to the blade unit. The ends of the legs may be located within a cavity of the blade unit. As such, the cartridge connecting structure can have a small profile.

Another embodiment provides a safety razor system, comprising: a safety razor handle; a replaceable razor cartridge; and a connection system for connecting the safety razor handle to the replaceable blade cartridge according to any of the definitions above.

The handle body may have a substantially flat end surface and a side surface, the handle connecting structure is attached to the side surface, and when the flat end surface is in contact with a horizontal plane, the safety razor is in a stable position of rest, the flat end surface forming the safety razor’s only region of contact with the plane and elevating the cartridge above the plane.

The flat end surface allows the handle to stand on a horizontal plane, such as a basin edge or shelf with the blades and any shaving aid (e.g., lubrapad) of an attached cartridge suspended above the surface and no other point of contact between the safety razor and the horizontal plane. This can help prevent blade corrosion and adhesion of the shaving aid to the surface. The term“flat” is used herein to describe a surface which is completely or substantially flat and which thus may include some portions which are not flat (and thus some portions which are not in contact with the horizontal plane). For example, the surface may include patterns, a logo, an opening or writing recessed into the flat surface, some surface texturing or curvature or the like. However, the surface may be substantially unbroken. Preferably over 80%, or more preferably over 90% of the surface is in contact with the horizontal plane.

The term “stable position of rest” indicates that the safety razor will stay in the upright position on its flat end surface with the cartridge elevated without any external assistance/force.

The overall handle body shape may be bulbous in two orthogonal directions. Thus an outline/silhouette of the handle body in both directions may be generally fat and round (over the whole extent of the handle body).

The flat end surface and the “chunky” bulbous shapes of the handle allow not just a particularly stable position with the flat end surface on a level counter, but as noted earlier also are ergonomic.

The side surface may be a curved surface (made up of a single surface on several curved surface portions) adjacent to the flat end surface. This can give a good handling feel, with a flat face and possibly also an edge between the flat face and a curved face providing a tangible spatial reference to the user in combination with an easy-grip curved surface.

The handle body may comprise an opposite further end surface, giving even better handling feel. The further end surface may be rounded (concave or convex) and is preferably an opposite flat surface (opposite to the end surface). The side surface may be a single continuous curved side surface (or in fact the rest of the handle body including the opposite end may form a single continuous curved surface). This curved side surface, or a plurality of curved side surface portions, may provide the handle body with a cross section that increases away from the flat end surfaces towards the centre of the body, forming the bulbous shape mentioned above.

The flat end surfaces may be parallel, providing a symmetry which gives the user a better tactile impression of the overall handle, for improved shaving experience. One or both of the flat end surface(s) may be circular or elliptical, for example. In use, the safety razor is pulled backwards across the skin in the shaving direction. The flat end surface may be in front of the blades in the shaving direction (to the rear of the razor if the cartridge is seen as the front), and the further flat end surface may be behind the blades in the shaving direction (to the front of the razor).

The flat end surface may be of a size which gives good stability to the safety razor when resting on a plane. Thus it may have an area which is larger than the footprint of the cartridge on the skin surface, or preferably an area which is twice or more this size.

In some cases, the handle body is not elongate. For example, the largest extent of the handle body (measured in any direction) may be up to twice the smallest dimension of the flat end surface. In one example, the distance between two parallel flat end surfaces is equal to or smaller than the diameter (or smallest dimension) of one or both flat end surfaces.

In one exemplary construction, the centre of mass of the handle and cartridge is above and vertically within the footprint of the flat end surface on the horizontal plane, and the handle body overhangs the flat end surface to one side when the razor is stably positioned on the flat end surface. This overhang side is preferably the side on which the cartridge is mounted. The cartridge may be mounted closer to the further flat end surface than to the flat end surface (i.e. closer to the front of the razor than to the rear in use, and closer to the top of the razor when stably positioned on the plane). Various different angles of overhang are possible.

The stability of the safety razor on the horizontal plane can be assured in any suitable way. The material of the handle body on the same side of the centre of mass as the overhang may be less dense than the material of the handle body to the other side of the centre of mass from the overhang. For example, there may be a hollowed portion extending in the overhang side, or a lower density material.

Equally, the flat end surface may be provided with an anti-tilting lip on the same side as the overhang. The anti-tilting lip may extend from the end surface on the overhang side.

Any suitable means may be provided to aid stability of the safety razor. For example, the flat end surface may be provided with a suction feature, such as an air opening into a hollow part in a flexible handle body to help retention of contact between the flat end surface and the horizontal plane. Equally, the flat end surface may be provided with a recess or other interface allowing attachment to another part, such as packaging or a travelling case, or suspension from a hook (which could be provided separately) on a wall or other vertical surface (or the same air opening could be usable for both purposes).

The handle body may be made of a single part and material (excluding any minor additions of logos etc). In one example it is made of two or more parts, such as a core and an external layer, or two opposite halves, which are fabricated individually, and then connected. The insert may also be connected to form the full body at the same stage.

The handle body may have any suitable construction. The handle body may comprises a single material or may comprise a core material and an outer material. Inserts may be made in the same material or one or more different materials. In one example the handle body is solid or contains a hard core or hard hollow core. This may allow the use of a softer material for the rest of the body.

A further definition of a safety razor handle comprises: a handle body with a substantially flat end surface and a side surface; and a cartridge attachment on the side surface, wherein: when the flat end surface is in contact with a horizontal plane, the safety razor is in a stable position of rest, the flat end surface forming the safety razor’s only region of contact with the plane and elevating the handle connecting structure above the plane.

Thus not only is the handle connecting structure elevated, so that it allows the handle to be resting in a stable position and the user to easily exchange a cartridge, but any attached cartridge is also elevated. As mentioned previously, the cartridge (and handle connecting structure) may be on the side surface positioned towards the further end surface and thus towards the top of the razor when the razor rests on its end surface.

In any of the handle definitions, the handle body may comprise a single moulded translucent or transparent body (forming a core or hollow core, an outer layer or the full body) of elastomeric material such as silicone, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PU (Polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), TPS or rubber (such as liquid silicone rubber or compression silicone rubber) for example having a Shore A hardness of around 5 to 80, preferably a squeezable 20 Shore A under the ASTM D2240-00 testing standard. As used herein, TPEs are thermoplastic elastomers, for example thermoplastic elastomers selected from the group of styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s including TPE SBS and the hydrogenated version of TPE-SEBS; e.g. Thermoplast K, Thermolast M, Sofprene, or Laprene), thermoplastic olefins (TPE-o; e.g. For-Tec E), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV; e.g. Thermolast A, Thermolast V, Hipex, Forprene, Termoton-V, or Vegaprene), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU; e.g. Copec), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamides and mixtures thereof. As used herein, silicones (or polysiloxanes) are polymers that include any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane. These materials give a superior tactile feeling with a material that is soft and yet strong due to the shape of the handle. Moreover, the body being translucent or transparent allows the user to gain a better feel of the positioning of the handle (and thus of the attached blade unit) with respect to the hand and to the skin to be shaved.

In any of the handle definitions, the insert between the handle connecting structure and the handle body may be fabricated separately, for example from PPA Polyphthalamide)(/PPS (Polyphenylene sulphide)/LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). The material may have a glass filling of 0% up to 40%, or 10% to 30%, preferably around 20%. The materials and/or fabrication process may be chosen in such a way that the insert and core material will chemically bond with the handle material. For example, the handle body may be made entirely from a soft transparent silicon and the insert may be made from PPA (Polyphthalamide) with 20% glass filling. In another example, the handle body may made entirely from a soft transparent TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and the insert may be made from PP (polypropylene) with 20% glass filling. In another example, the handle body external portion is made from a soft transparent TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and a handle body core and the insert are formed together from a thermoplastic.

A further definition of a safety razor handle comprises: a handle connecting structure for a cartridge and a handle body comprising an outer layer of softer material at least substantially covering a core layer of harder material, wherein both layers are translucent. The outer layer may form a complete covering over the inner layer on the outer surface of the handle body. The core layer may be thicker than the outer layer. The thickness of the outer layer may be at least substantially constant over the majority of the core layer, or over substantially the whole core layer. The substantially constant thickness of the outer layer may be between about 1 and 7mm, preferably between about 2 or 3 and 5 mm. The core layer may of an overall non-elongate, bulbous shape. The core layer may be made up of a plurality of sub layers of the same material. The outer layer may include an opening leading to a recess in the core layer housing the handle connecting structure. The above indicated embodiments may be combined with each other to achieve the advantageous effects as described above. Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of Figures

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 77, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a safety razor standing upright on its flat end surface on a horizontal plane;

Figure 2 is a side view of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in a use position;

Figure 3 is a front view of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in a use position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the side and underneath of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in an upright position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from directly underneath of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in an upright position;

Figure 6 are perspective views from above of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in a use position;

Figure 7 is a side view from above of the safety razor shown in Figure 1 in a use position;

Figure 8 is a photograph in side view of a safety razor in a use position;

Figures 9a to 9c show the safety razor of Figure 1 with preferable dimensions in millimeters;

Figure 10 is a perspective in-use view of a handle and cartridge with a lubrapad from the top side (user side); Figure 11 is a side view of the handle and cartridge with lubrapad of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is another perspective view of the handle, blade unit and lubrapad of Figure 10, but from the front;

Figure 13 is another perspective view of the handle and cartridge with lubrapad of Figure 10, but from underneath (skin side);

Figure 14 is a front view from underneath of the handle and cartridge with lubrapad of Figure 10;

Figure 15 is a rear view of the handle and blade unit with lubrapad of Figure 10;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a handle and cartridge in a use position with lubrapad demonstrating the translucent material of the handle;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a safety razor in use under the arm;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a safety razor in use on the shin;

Figure 19 is a perspective front view from above of a safety razor including a connection system, in a connected state;

Figure 20 is a perspective front view from above of the safety razor including the connection system shown in Figure 18, in a disconnected state;

Figure 21 is a perspective front view of a razor cartridge and a cartridge connecting structure shown in Figures 19 and 20, in a disassembled state;

Figure 22 is a front view of the razor cartridge and cartridge connector structure shown in Figure 21 , in an assembled state;

Figures 23a and 23b are cross-sectional side views of the razor cartridge and cartridge connecting structure shown in Figure 22, in an assembled state, showing pivoting of the cartridge connecting structure relative to the cartridge; Figure 24 is a perspective view from the side and underneath of the handle body and handle connecting structure shown in Figure 20, in a disassembled state;

Figure 25 is a perspective view from the side of the handle body and handle connecting structure shown in Figure 24, in an assembled state;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional perspective front view from above of the handle body and handle connecting structure shown in Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional front view of the handle body and handle connecting structure shown in Figure 25;

Figure 28 shows top and cross-sectional front views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, in an engaged state;

Figures 29a, 29b and 29c are a sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure shown in Figure 28, showing the engagement;

Figure 30 is a perspective front view from above of the cartridge connecting structure;

Figure 31 is a perspective front view from above of part of the handle connecting structure with the handle insert;

Figure 32 is a perspective front view from above of the handle connecting structure with the handle insert;

Figures 33, 34 and 35 are cross-sectional side views of different ways of securing the handle connecting structure to the cartridge connecting structure;

Figure 36 is a top view of the handle connecting structure;

Figures 37 and 38 are cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure shown in Figure 36;

Figure 39 is a perspective front view from above of the handle connecting structure shown in Figure 36; Figure 40 is an exploded view of the handle connecting structure shown in Figure 36;

Figure 41 is a cross-sectional front view of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure;

Figure 42 is a perspective front view of the lever;

Figures 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d are a sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the disengagement;

Figures 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d are another sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the disengagement;

Figures 45a, 45b, 45c and 45d are a sequence of cross-sectional front views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the disengagement;

Figures 46a and 46b show the forces applied to the cartridge connecting structure by the lever of the handle connecting structure, when disengaging;

Figures 47a, 47b, 47c and 47d are a sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the disengagement, according to another embodiment;

Figure 48 shows the forces applied to the cartridge connecting structure by the lever of the handle connecting structure, when disengaging, according to another embodiment;

Figures 49a, 49b, 49c and 49d are a sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the disengagement, according to another embodiment;

Figure 50 shows the forces applied to the cartridge connecting structure by the lever of the handle connecting structure, when disengaging, according to another embodiment;

Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the lever according to another embodiment; Figures 52a, 52b, 52c and 52d are a sequence of cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, showing the movement of the lever during the engagement;

Figures 53a and 53b are cross-sectional side views of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, the movement the lever can make when the cartridge connecting structure is not engaged;

Figures 54 and 55 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the lever;

Figures 56 and 57 are cross-sectional front views of the lever shown in Figures 54 and 55, respectively;

Figures 58 and 59 are cross-sectional front views of the alternative embodiments of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure;

Figure 60 is a perspective front view of a razor cartridge and a cartridge connecting structure, in a disassembled state;

Figure 61 is a perspective front view from above of a part of the handle connecting structure and the cartridge connecting structure, according to an alternative embodiment;

Figures 62 and 63 are views from above and from the side of the handle connecting structure part shown in Figure 61 ;

Figure 64 is a perspective front view from above of a connection system that can be employed in a safety razor with another handle body design, in a connected state;

Figure 65 is a perspective front view from above of the connection system shown in Figure 64, in a disconnected state;

Figure 66 is a perspective view of a blade cartridge including a cartridge connecting structure, according to an embodiment;

Figure 67 is a view from above of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 66;

Figure 68 is a cross-sectional side view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 66; Figure 69 is a cross-sectional top view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 66;

Figure 70 is a perspective view of a blade cartridge including a cartridge connecting structure, according to an alternative embodiment;

Figure 71 is a view from above of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 70;

Figure 72 is a cross-sectional side view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 70;

Figure 73 is a cross-sectional top view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 70;

Figure 74 is a perspective view of a blade cartridge including a cartridge connecting structure, according to another alternative embodiment;

Figure 75 is a view from above of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 74;

Figure 76 is a cross-sectional side view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 74; and

Figure 77 is a cross-sectional top view of the blade cartridge shown in Figure 74 .

Detailed Description

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate examples and embodiments consistent with this invention. Other embodiments are possible, and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the detailed description is not meant to limit the invention.

The term“underneath” is used to describe features of the handle, cartridge or a lubrapad that are positioned on the skin-contacting side of the cartridge or lubrapad (i.e. , on a shaving-side or underneath of the handle, cartridge or lubrapad) in use, and the term “top” is used to describe features of the handle, cartridge or lubrapad that are positioned on a side opposite the skin-contacting side of the cartridge or lubrapad in use (i.e., on a user side or on top of the cartridge or lubrapad). The terms “front”, “rear”, and “side(s)” are used herein with reference to the shaving direction, i.e., the direction in which the cartridge and lubrapad are intended to be moved during shaving. In particular, the term“front” means facing in the shaving direction,“rear” means facing in the opposite direction to the shaving direction, and “side(s)” mean to either side in the shaving direction. In general, the cartridge is positioned at the front of the razor in use and the razor is pulled backwards across the skin (with the cartridge last).

Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 34, which are views of a cartridge 10 and handle body 50 joined by a stem 59, 61. Generally speaking, the described examples can be differentiated from one another in terms of the handle body 50, which can be of different shapes and constructions and the connection of the handle to the cartridge.

Figures 1 to 9 show different views of a handle body 50 of rounded, chunky design attached to a cartridge 10.

The handle body has a flat end surface 52 on which it can rest stably upright on a (substantially) horizontal surface, as shown in Figure 1. In this orientation, the flat end surface rests on the horizontal plane and thus forms an underneath surface, and the further end surface forms a top surface of the razor. Here, the in-use definitions of directions set out for the general case above do not apply. The handle includes the handle body and a handle stem or cartridge attachment means 59. When the handle body is upright in its position of rest on a plane, the attachment means 59 which is provided on the side surface of the handle body towards the top surface is elevated above the plane. This elevates the cartridge itself above the plane, since the lowest point of the cartridge (the guard) is only slightly below the attachment means.

When the razor is in use, the flat end surface forms the rear surface of the razor, as shown in Figure 2.

Opposite to the flat end surface is a further flat end surface 51 . This is a front surface portion when the razor is in use, as shown in Figure 2, and in the upright resting position is at the top, as previously mentioned. Any of the surfaces of the handle body, but particularly the front surface in use may be provided with information, logos, or other signs and patterns. Such a logo, for example, may have a different surface texture (gloss or matt or rough, for example) from the surrounding material, be protruded or recessed from the surrounding material or have a combination of finish and relief. If the handle body is made from more than one material, the combination of materials (for example using cut-outs or embossing) may be used to distinguish the logo.

These two opposite surfaces are parallel, and are separated by a single continuous side surface 56. As can be seen clearly from Figure 6, this side surface is approximately barrel- shaped and bulbous, with a chunky form that expands from the end surfaces towards the centre of the handle body. The barrel shape is terminated at either end with a slanted end surface, which is not orthogonal to the barrel axis. Neither is the barrel shape itself formed from a circle of varying diameter extruded along a central straight axis. Rather, the handle body as a whole may be viewed as having a skewed barrel shape (with a curved barrel axis as shown in Figure 1). The skewed barrel shape gives a visual effect, for example, of a deformed barrel shape which is produced when a flexible, “jelly” material attached on its circular barrel end surface to a horizontal supporting plane is skewed laterally and parallel to the end surface by movement of the top (or further end) surface.

The side surface of the handle body 56 has a curved underneath portion 53, a curved top portion 54 and curved lateral portions 55 in use as shown in Figures 5 and 6. A handle stem 59 extends from the curved underneath portion of the handle body parallel to the end surfaces. The curved surface portions together form a continuous smooth curved surface which is substantially circular or ellipsoid in cross section, but may vary in shape and size along its length between the front and rear of the handle.

As shown best in Figure 4, the cartridge 10 includes a guard 18, a cap 20, and rounded side portions 42 that together define a blade housing 14 within which a plurality of blades 16 (not shown) are disposed. The number of blades 16 can be, for example, four or five, though it can be fewer or more than this. The guard 18 is in front of the blades 16 in the shaving direction and the cap 20 is to the rear of the blades 16. The cartridge 10 can be connected to the handle body 50, either fixedly or detachably by connection between the handle stem 59 and a cartridge stem 61 (see Figure 7). For example, cooperating means (not shown) on the handle stem and cartridge stem may provide a clipped, spring-loaded connection which can be unclipped using a moving part (not shown) which is contacted by the user to attach and/or detach the handle body and cartridge.

Figures 4 and 5 show the cartridge footprint on the user’s skin, with its parallel sides and rounded edges to each end of the blades. The area of the footprint can be measured by projecting the skin-contacting edges of the cartridge onto a flat plane.

The handle body is made entirely from a translucent silicone or TPE-SEBS in this example, as can be seen better in Figure 8. The material is translucent and light coloured, so light can easily transmit through it. The translucent material is not only attractive but also practical in allowing parts behind the body to be glimpsed through the body and thus aiding user orientation and shaving performance. The surface looks and feels silky and non-sticky to the hands of the user. Figure 8 also reveals the extension of the handle stem 59 into the body. The stem and any other interface part may be made of a harder plastic, such as PPA/PPS/LCP or ABS.

The handle body may be formed by either LSR or injection or compression moulding. The full razor may weigh around 40 to 60 grams, preferably around 55 grams and the handle body may have a Shore A hardness of approximately 10 to 50, preferably 15 to 40 or around 20, to give a squeezable feel and pleasurable tactile sensation when gripped by the user. It may include a logo on the front surface (the further end surface which is on the top when the razor is in the upright position).

The stem may be fixedly connected to the handle body, such as by chemical connection.

In other examples, the handle body may have a hollow or solid insert (such as a core) of another material. If there is a hollow insert, it may store a fluid, such as a shaving preparation. In this case, the stem between the cartridge and handle body may include a fluid passage for a shaving preparation dispensed from within the body and the body may include a dispensing aperture.

The cartridge of these figures may include a lubricating strip or wider lubrapad 12 (not shown) as an additional or integral part of the cartridge, for example with a single frame both surrounding the blades and providing a back support for the lubrapad. The end surface has been shown and described as flat, but may alternatively be curved or uneven, if there is no requirement for the razor to be stable in an upright position.

Some advantageous dimensions of the safety razor which give good manoeuvrability in the human hand are shown in Figures 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d. The maximum radius of curvature of the“skewed barrel shape” side surface may range between 35 and 75mm, preferably 48 and 56 mm, for example 53mm. The radius of curvature of the skewed barrel shape at the barrel ends is between 30 and 55mm, preferably between 40 and 46mm, for example 44mm. The radius of the flat surfaces (measured along the surfaces, rather than perpendicular to the barrel surface) is slightly smaller.

The maximum length of the handle body parallel to the skin surface in use (with the end surface at 45° to the skin surface) is from 40 to 80mm, preferably between 56 and 64mm, for example 61 mm. This is measured from the foremost extent of the front (the lowest portion of the front or further end surface) to the rearmost extent of the rear (the highest portion of the rear or end surface which rests on the horizontal plane when the razor is upright). The maximum height of the handle body in use is between 25 and 55mm, preferably between 36 and 41 mm, for example 39mm.

The distance between the end surfaces is between 25 and 45mm, preferably between 31 and 36mm, for example 35mm. The handle stem (or other interface between the handle and cartridge) starts at 3 to 10, preferably 5 to 6mm along the underneath portion of the side surface in use from the front surface. The maximum width of the handle body measured parallel to the end surfaces is between 35 and 60mm, preferably between 42 and 48mm, for example 46mm.

If the cartridge is flat on the skin in use, the end surfaces extend at between 35 to 55, preferably at 45 degrees to the skin surface.

The cartridge footprint may have a length of around 25-60mm in the blade direction, preferably around 40-50mm and a depth orthogonal to the blade direction from the front to the rear of the cartridge of around 10-30mm, preferably 15-23mm. Whilst the cartridge size may have a natural maximum linked to its function, the handle body and in particular the handle body extent in the blade direction is not similarly limited.

Figures 10 to 15 show slightly different cartridge construction, but the same general handle body shape, with like reference numerals labelling the same parts as for Figures 1 to 9. Therefore, the reader is directed to the previous description thereof.

Figures 10 to 15 show lubrapad 12, and blades 16 in the blade housing 14. The cartridge 10 of these figures includes the lubrapad 12 as an integral part, with a single frame 26 surrounding the blades 16 and providing a back support for the lubrapad 12.

In an alternative definition which can be applied to these figures and the earlier and later figures, some examples of the invention provide a safety razor handle comprising: an underneath surface portion 53 facing the skin of the user in use and comprising an attachment means (such as a stem 61) for attachment to a blade unit; a front surface portion 51 facing in the opposite direction from the shaving direction in use; a rear surface portion 52 facing in the shaving direction in use; a top surface portion 54 and lateral surface portions 55, one directed to either side of the blade length in use; wherein the top surface portion, underneath surface portion and side surface portions together form a continuous smooth surface which is a substantially cylindrical or substantially ellipsoid or substantially partially spherical surface; and wherein: the distance between the front surface portion and rear surface portion is between one third and three times, preferably between a half and twice, the largest dimension of the largest cross section through the continuous smooth surface.

The term substantially cylindrical or substantially ellipsoid or substantially partially spherical surface is used to describe a shape which is close to cylindrical or ellipsoid or partially spherical form, for example with a 10% deviation from one of those forms. In one measure, a section (or all sections) taken vertically through the continuous smooth surface (for example in a direction parallel to the blade length) overlaps with a circle or ellipse drawn to just cover the whole section with the areas of the circle or ellipse which are not covered by the section being up to one tenth of the area of the section.

The front and rear surface portions may be flat or concave. The front surface may extend to the guard side of the attachment to the blade unit, and may conveniently be provided with a logo and/or instructions. It may extend substantially parallel to the rear surface portion and preferably substantially parallel to a main direction (in terms of longest extent) of the stem.

In another embodiment the body is hollow and contains a shaving preparation, which, for example, can be squeezed out by the user via the attachment means to the blade unit. Thus the shaving preparation (which may contain lubricating and/or hair conditioner and/or moisturiser) may pass through the recess, for example within a part of the blade unit which is housed inside the recess.

In one razor embodiment, the attachment means for attachment to the blade unit and corresponding means on the blade unit allow relative movement, such as pivoting movement, between the handle and the blade unit. For example the connection between the corresponding means and attachment means may have some play, or one or both of the attachment means or corresponding means may be flexible.

In one embodiment the corresponding means is a stem extending from the blade unit to the handle. The stem may fit into the recess, permanently or detachably.

In a further embodiment, the razor comprises a hard shell extending from the stem and forming part of the handle. The hard shell may give additional support to the body and enable an enhanced connection to the blade unit. In one embodiment either the stem or the shell is provided with a spigot (outlet for fluid connection from the body) which extends into the handle, to transport shaving preparation.

In one embodiment the shell forms the rear surface portion and part of the underneath and side surface portions of the handle. In this case, the shell may fit over the elastomeric material (such as TPE, rubber or silicone) body described previously. It may fit into receded surface portions of the body, so that the combination of the shell and the body provides a smooth external surface.

In one embodiment the safety razor further comprises a lubrapad. For example, a lubrapad body may be provided adjacent to the blade unit, and extend along a guard of the blade unit and in front of the guard in use. The lubrapad body may have a greatest width and/or depth in the blade direction at the guard, the body width and/or depth reducing in a smooth convex curve away from the guard to a curved front portion of the body.

In one embodiment the lubrapad body and cartridge are provided separately and comprise attachment means to attach them together whilst allowing relative movement, such as flexible projections from a front surface of the guard, which are to be housed in recesses in a surface portion of the lubrapad body which is directly facing the guard front surface.

In a further definition of the handle, invention embodiments provide a safety razor handle comprising a moulded translucent or transparent body of elastomeric material such as TPE, silicone or rubber having a Shore A hardness of 5 to 65 or preferably 10 to 50; wherein the body has a shape which is rounded and chunky (or bulbous), extending with perpendicular length I, width w and height h, wherein none of the maximum length, width and height of the body is more than 2, 3 or 4 times the size of the maximum in the other two dimensions.

For example, the height may be the largest vertical cross section through the side smooth surface previously defined, the width may be the largest horizontal cross section through the side surface and the length may be the horizontal distance (parallel with the shaving plane) between the end surfaces.

Any of the previous features of the handle and safety razor (and safety razor system) may be applied to these embodiments. Figure 16 shows a safety razor with the cartridge construction of Figures 10 to 15 and made of a translucent silicone or TPE. This razor has a non-flat“dished” (gently concave) front surface with an embossed logo.

The composition of the lubrapads described herein can include a gliding agent. Materials which may be selected as the gliding agent are: PEG-400/1 , 4-Butanediol/SMDI Copolymer, PEG-1 15M, PEG 45M, and PEG-5M, or a combination thereof. The composition of the lubrapad can include an antioxidant agent, for example Tocopherol. The composition of the lubrapad can include an anti-inflammatory agent, for example aloe barbadensis leaf juice. The composition of the lubrapad can include a backbone structure. Materials which may be selected as the backbone structure are: styrenic block copolymers and polystyrene, or a combination thereof.

Reference will now be made to Figures 19 to 63, which show various embodiments of a connection system for releasably connecting a razor cartridge to a safety razor handle such as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 18.

Figure 19 shows a safety razor 10 with a handle 50 in a connected state with a replaceable cartridge 10 that has a guard 18, a cap 20, and a plurality of blades 16 between the guard 18 and the cap 20. Figure 20 shows the safety razor 10 of Figure 19 in a disconnected state. The connected and disconnected states are achieved by means of a connection system that comprises a handle connecting structure 102 attached to the handle 50 and a cartridge connecting structure 120 attached to the cartridge 10. Generally speaking, the connection system shown in Figures 19 to 63 replaces the handle stem 59 and cartridge stem 61 shown in Figures 1 to 18.

Figures 21 , 22, 23a and 23b show examples of how the cartridge connecting structure 120 can be attached to the cartridge 10, while Figures 24 to 27 show examples of how the handle connecting structure 102 is attached to the handle 50.

As can be seen in Figure 21 , the cartridge connecting structure 120 comprises a pair of legs 124 extending outwardly from a body 122 to form a pivoting connection to the blade unit 14 of the replaceable blade cartridge 10. The cartridge connecting structure 120 can be constructed to permit some inward flex of the legs 124 (i.e. , towards each other), thereby enabling a snap-fit connection with recesses provided in the blade housing 14 of the cartridge 10. The blade housing 14 is secured to a frame 26 that defines a perimeter of the cartrdige 10. As can be seen in Figures 23a and 23b, which are cross-sectional side views of Figure 22, the cartridge connecting structure 120 allows relative pivoting of the cartridge 10 of about 45 degrees. The pivoting angle is determined by the contact of the arms 124 against portions of the frame 26 of the cartridge 10. Other pivoting angles, in the range of for example 35 to 55 degrees, are also possible of course, or even no pivoting at all.

Referring now to Figures 24 to 27, an insert 101 is disposed in a recess in the underneath surface portion 53 of the handle body 50. As noted earlier the handle body may comprise a single moulded translucent or transparent body of elastomeric material. The handle may be overmoulded around the insert 101. The insert 101 can be made of plastic to provide a‘solid’ supporting structure in which the handle connecting structure 102 can be positioned. As shown in Figure 26 (and visible in more detail in Figures 36 and 39), the handle connecting structure 102 has a pair of hook-shaped retaining elements 148 which form a snap-fit connection with corresponding protrusions 150 provided on the insert 101 . However, the handle connecting structure 120 may be attached to the handle body by other mechanical means, or by non-mechanical means such as by gluing.

Figures 28 to 32 show examples of how the connecting structures 102, 120 can be engaged to each other.

As shown in the upper part of Figure 28, in the connected state between the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the handle connecting structure 102, the body of the cartridge connecting structure 120 is slid over the handle connecting structure 102 along a connection axis up to a lower edge of the handle insert 101 . Of note in the lower part of Figure 28 is that in the connected state the back wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 is not deformed and is flat. Also in this state, the contact surfaces 1 19, visible in Figure 42, of the working end 1 14 of the lever 1 12 are generally in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the handle connecting structure 102, i.e. , generally in parallel with the connection axis. The term “along the connection axis” includes configurations which are parallel to the connection axis as well as configurations which are slightly offset from parallel. Similarly, the term“away from the connection axis” includes configurations which are perpendicular to the connection axis as well as configurations which are slightly offset from perpendicular.

As shown in Figure 29a, when the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the handle connecting structure 102 are initially brought into engagement along the connection axis, the securing element 126 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 moves through a lead-in channel 106 located on the bottom of the handle connecting structure 102. The lead-in channel 106 is best seen in Figure 31 , which shows the handle connecting structure 102 and insert 101 from underneath. In this particular example, the securing element 126 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 is a latch that forms one part of a snap-fit connection (the other part being a recess 104 formed on the handle connecting structure 102). As shown in Figure 29b, at the top of the lead-in channel 106, the securing element 126 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 meets a ramp 154, which forces the securing element 126 outwards. This causes deformation of the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120. Upon further movement the cartridge connecting structure 120 reaches the connected state and, as shown in Figure 29c, the securing element 126 will spring back into the recess 104. This secures the cartridge connecting structure 120 to the handle connecting structure 102 (and thus the cartridge 10 to the handle 50). Complementary positioning features 130 on the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the handle connecting structure 102, e.g., protrusions and recesses may be implemented to minimize‘play’ between the connecting structures 102, 120.

Figures 34 to 35 show alternative configurations for the securing elements of the cartridge and handle connecting structures 102, 120. For comparison purposes, the configuration just described is shown in Figure 33. As shown in Figure 34, the recess 104 can instead be located on the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 35, the recess 104 can be implemented as a cut-out through the full thickness of the rear wall 132.

With reference now to Figures 36 to 42, the handle connecting structure 102 comprises a lever 1 12 mounted to a body 103. Specifically, the body 103 comprises a housing 1 10 and a cover 108, between which the lever 1 12 is sandwiched. The lever 1 12 has a user end 1 13 and a working end 1 14. The working end 1 14 comprises a pair of arms. Each arm has a contact portion comprising a contact surface 1 19, and a bearing portion comprising a bearing surface 1 17. The working end 1 14 is attached to the user end 1 17 along the rotation axis 1 15. The user end 1 13 is C- or U-shaped and has bearing surfaces 156 which face in an opposite direction to the bearing surfaces 1 17 of the working end. As can be seen in Figure 41 , the bearing surfaces 1 17 of the working end 1 14 bear against the inner surface of the cover 108 and the bearing surfaces 156 of the user end 1 13 bear against an inner surface of the housing 1 10. This distributes the load experienced by the handle connecting structure 102 due to rotation of the lever 1 12 across multiple of surfaces. As can be seen in Figures 37 and 41 , the working end of the lever is generally in line with the bottom of the housing 100.

The handle connecting structure 102 may also include a plunger 1 16 that, in use, is biased by a spring 1 18 against a surface of the cartridge 10. This is shown in Figure 19. During shaving the cartridge can follow the contours of the skin, following which the cartridge is biased to its rest position. The plunger 1 16 has small protrusions on the spring end to retain it in the handle connecting structure 102. Also visible in Figures 36 and 39 are the spring-like arms 148 which fasten the handle connecting structure to the insert (see Figure 26).

The lever 1 12 performs two main functions. First, it functions to release the securing elements 104, 126 that hold the cartridge connecting structure 120 to the handle connecting structure 102. Second, it functions to eject the cartridge connecting structure 102 from the handle connecting structure 120. These functions are related in that they each occur when the lever 1 12 is actuated (rotated) by the user, although the degree to which each function is performed may vary as the lever 1 12 is actuated. For example, initial rotation of the lever 1 12 may result in the release of the securing elements 104, 126 (also referred to below as the ‘release phase’), and further rotation of the lever 1 12 may result in ejection of the cartridge connecting structure 120 from the handle connecting structure 102 (referred to below as the ‘ejection phase’). The boundary between the end of the release phase and the start of the ejection phase may be defined in terms of the start of the movement of the cartridge connecting structure 102 away from the handle connecting structure 102 along the connection axis. However, it will be appreciated that the release and ejection phases are not necessarily discrete, due to the configuration in which the lever 1 12 interacts with the cartridge connecting structure 120 to perform both functions. Of course, configurations are possible in which the lever 1 12 may perform the function of ejecting the cartridge connecting structure 120 from the handle connecting structure 102 but not the function of releasing the securing elements 104, 126, for example if an independent release mechanism for the securing elements 104, 126 is provided.

The aforementioned release and ejection phases will now be described with reference to Figures 43 to 46.

Figures 43a, 44a, and 45a show the state of the connection system prior to actuation of the lever 1 12. At the start of the release phase, shown in Figure 43c, 44c, and 45c, the lever 1 12 begins its rotation around the rotation axis 1 15, which results in the working end (arms) 1 14 of the lever 1 12 extending, or further extending, from the underside of the body 103 of the handle connecting structure 102. The contact surfaces 1 19 of the working end 1 14 of the lever 1 12 push onto the cartridge connecting structure 120, and more specifically onto push faces 136 provided on an inner surface of the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 (best seen in Figure 30). This causes deformation of the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120, and the securing element 104 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 to start releasing the complementary securing element 126 of the handle connecting structure 102. For example, in the case of a snap-fit connection the deformation results in the latch 126 moving out of the recess 104. As shown in Figures 43c, 44c, and 45c, at a given deformation the securing element 104 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 is fully released and the cartridge connecting structure 120 is no longer secured to the handle connecting structure 102.

In the ejection phase, due to the deformation of the back wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120, the back wall 132 is angled relative to the release direction of the cartridge 10 as best seen in Figure 43c. Tension between the tips of the working end 1 14 of the lever 1 12 and the back wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 creates a force parallel to the release direction of the cartridge 10. This is represented by Figure 46a by the arrow parallel to the release axis. There is also a force component in the direction perpendicular to the release axis which is represented by the second arrow. Additionally, at some point during the rotation of the lever 112 and subsequent deformation of the cartridge connecting structure 120, the tips of the working end 1 14 of the lever will touch and push onto the push ribs 134 of the cartridge connecting structure 120 (seen in Figures 30, 43a and 43c). This also results in a force parallel to the release direction. This is represented by Figure 46b by the arrow parallel to the release axis. There is also a component in the direction perpendicular to the release axis which is represented by the second arrow. The relative size of the arrows are intended to indicate the relative magnitude of the forces, and may not be exact indications of the actual force. When the securing elements 104, 126 of the connecting structures 102, 120 are released, the combination of the two forces parallel to the release direction will cause the cartridge connecting structure 120 (and the rest of the cartridge 10) to ‘spring off (to be ejected from) the handle connecting structure 102. As shown in Figures 43d, 44d, and 45d, once the cartridge connecting structure 120 has moved away from the lever 1 12, sufficient clearance is available between the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the handle connecting structure 102 to not restrict the further movement of the cartridge connecting structure 120 (and the rest of the cartridge 10). Accordingly, the lever 1 12 has rotated from an inclined orientation relative to the connection direction towards an upright (perpendicular) orientation relative to the connection axis during the release and ejection phases.

Figures 47 to 50 show alternative possible configurations of the release lever 1 12 and the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120. In the configuration shown in Figures 47 and 48, an alternative configuration is to not use the rear wall of the cartridge connecting structure 120 directly. As shown in Figures 47a-d and 48, the release lever 1 12 can have a flat contact surface rather than a chamfered contact surface as shown in Figures 43 and 46. The bottom of the tips of the lever push onto the protrusions (ribs) of the cartridge connecting structure 120. This results in a force perpendicular to the back wall of the cartridge connecting structure 120, which in turn causes deformation of the cartridge connecting structure 120 and subsequent release of the snap-fit connection. Additionally it also results in a force parallel to the release direction, which causes the cartridge connecting structure 120 to spring/eject of the handle connecting structure 102 when the snap-fit is fully released.

In an alternative configuration shown in Figures 49 and 50, the cartridge connecting structure 120 does not have the aforementioned protrusions (ribs). The bottom of the tips of the lever 1 12 push directly onto surfaces (push faces) of the rear wall 132 and only that wall. This results in a force perpendicular to the rear wall 132 of the cartridge connecting structure 120, which cause deformation of the cartridge connecting structure 120 and subsequent release of the snap-fit connection. Additionally it also results in a force parallel to the release direction, which causes the cartridge connecting structure 120 to spring/eject off the handle connecting structure 102 when the snap-fit is fully released.

An alternative configuration for a lever 1 12 is shown in Figure 51. Here, the user end 1 13 of the lever 1 12 is shaped in such a way that it doesn’t have a top face. Such a chamfered surface guides the user towards proper use of the lever 1 12 by inviting the user to rotate the user end 1 13 towards the handle instead of, for example, attempting to push the lever downwards (perpendicular to connection axis/bearing axis) as if it were a push button. Thus, the top surface invites and allows the user to push on the top of it.

Figures 52a-d show how the lever 1 12 can be returned to its‘ready’ position after a cartridge 10 has been ejected and a new cartridge 10 is attached to the handle 50. In particular, the shape of the lever 1 12 and the position of the the rotation axis 1 15 allows the lever to be pushed back to its connected position when the pivot-part is moved onto the connector. As shown in Figures 52b and 52c, when the cartridge connecting structure 120 is connected to the handle connecting structure 102, the contact surface 1 19 of the lever 1 12 is pushed by the rear wall of the cartridge connecting structure 120 to rotate the lever in an opposite direction from rotation by the user. As can be seen in Figure 52d, the free rotation of the lever is restricted by a cut-out portion at the front of the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the push faces located on the rear wall 136 of the cartridge connecting structure 120. Further configurations will now be described with reference to Figures 53 to 63.

Figures 53a and 53b show two configurations in which a return element 138, 140 are added to the biasing plunger 1 16 to force the lever 1 12 into a defined position when the cartridge assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. In these figures, a resilient member, in this case a compression spring 1 18, pushes the biasing plunger 1 16 towards the front of the handle connecting structure 120 (the part of the handle connecting structure 120 that first engages with the cartridge connecting structure 102), so that the biasing plunger 1 16 protrudes from the front of the handle connecting structure 120. As shown in Figure 53a, the plunger 1 16 includes a feature 1 18 that is biased by the compression spring 1 18 against the lever 1 12 above the rotation axis. This forces the lever 1 12 to rotate to an inclined position that corresponds to the ‘ready’ position of the lever 1 12 when the cartridge connecting structure 102 is connected to the handle connecting structure 120. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 53b, the plunger includes a feature 140 that is biased by the compression spring 1 18 below the rotation axis the lever 1 12. This force the lever 1 12 into an upright position.

Turning now to Figures 54 to 59, features (e.g. domes) 142 can be located on the arms of the lever (either on the outside as shown in Figures 54 and 56, or on the inside as shown in Figures 55 and 57) to create a predefined amount of friction with the cut-outs in the connector housing. This prevents free movement of the lever. Protrusions 144 such as ribs can be located cut-outs in the connector housing 1 10 (either on the outside relative to the arms 124 of the lever, as shown in Figure 58, or on the inside of the arms 124 of the lever, as shown in Figure 59) to create a predefined amount of friction with the arms 124 of the lever 1 12. This minimizes or prevents free movement of the lever.

Figure 60 again shows the cartridge connecting structure 120 and the replaceable blade cartridge 10. Figures 61 to 63 show the connecting structures 102, 120 in a connected state. Features 146 (ribs) can be added to the connector that block the deformation of the pivot when connected. This allows for easy deformation of the pivot when snapping it into the cartridge during assembly. However when the cartridge is connected to the handle, the rib will block/limit deformation of the pivot and inward movement of the leg 124. Therefore dramatically increasing the force at which the cartridge may accidentally snap off the pivot (e.g.) during a drop. Therefore increasing robustness. Figures 64 and 65 show that the connector system described above with reference to Figures 19 to 63 can be employed with shaving handles having other shapes. In this particular case, the shaving handles are elongate.

Figures 66 to 77 show configurations of cartridges for a safety razor. For convenience, the cartridges shown in these figures include modified cartridge connecting structures 120 (which together may also be referred to as a cartridge assembly). However, it will be appreciated that the cartridges shown in Figures 66 to 77 can be for safety razors that do not include the cartridge connecting structure 120. For example, the cartridges may be for safety razors in which the cartridge is intended to be‘fixedly’ connected to the handle by means of a pair of legs that extend from the handle. Furthermore, the connection to the cartridge may be a static connection, i.e. , no relative movement such as pivoting.

As shown in Figures 66 to 69, cartridge 10 comprises a blade housing 14 (which may also be referred to as a blade unit) for housing the blades 16 and a frame 26 having a guard 18 and a cap 20. The frame 26 is secured to the blade housing 14 using a plurality of snap-fit connections 180. As shown, seven snap-fit connections 180 are provided: four at the rear, one at the front, and two at the sides. Of course, a different number of snap-connections may be implemented and even other types of connections. Here, the snap-fit connections 180 at the rear of the cartridge 10 are positioned on the blade housing 14 walls where those walls are not supported or stiffened by walls or bars 182. This allows the walls of the blade housing 14 to flex a bit such that the snap-fit between the blade housing 14 and the frame 26 can be made without damaging either. The snap-connection 180 at the front is in an area where the frame 26 may be quite flexible. To increase the stiffness a pair of arms 184 from the blade housing 14 wrap around the snap-fit connection 180. In some implementations, the cartridge 10 does not include the frame 26, i.e., the guard 18 and the cap 20 may be provided on the blade housing 14 itself. Thus the cartridge may simply be defined as comprising a cartridge body which may be a unitary structure or may be made from several discrete structures such as a blade housing 14 and frame 26.

The cartridge 10 also comprises a cartridge connecting structure 120 comprising a pair of legs 124 extending outwardly from a housing 122 to form a pivoting connection to the blade unit 14 of the replaceable blade cartridge 10. The cartridge connecting structure 120 is constructed to permit some inward flex of the legs 124 (i.e., towards each other), thereby enabling a snap-fit connection with the blade housing 14 of the cartridge 10. The can be seen best in Figure 68. The snap-fit connection is formed by a retaining structure 170 on the blade housing 14 and end portions 160 of the legs 124. Here, the end portions 160 of the legs 124 are T-shaped with a stem and a pair of oppositely extending feet 160, 166. Meanwhile, the retaining structure 170 comprises a recess 172 in the blade housing 14. During assembly, the legs 124 will elastically deform as the outwardly extending feet 160 of the end portions 162 of the legs 124 pass over shoulder 174. This is indicated in Figure 68 by the inward pointing arrows (designated d). The outwardly extending feet 160 and/or the shoulder 174 may have chamfered surfaces to assist in this process. At the same time, the inwardly extending feet 166 may be deflected by stopper elements 176 provided on an inner surface 178 of the blade housing 14. This is indicated in Figure 69 by the downward pointing arrows. Thus, the pair of oppositely extending feet 160, 166 may be deflected in different directions when the snap-fit connection is being made, so that the forces on the end portions 162 of the legs 124 can be distributed in different directions. The inwardly extending feet 166 and/or the stopper elements 176 may have chamfered surfaces to assist in this process. Once the feet 160 have cleared the shoulder 174 the legs 124 will return to their original form as the feet 160 engage the recess 172 and the snap-fit connection is made. In this state, the stopper elements 176 restrict the inward movement of the feet 166 so that the oppositely extending feet 160 do not disengage from the recesses 172.

As shown in Figures 66 to 69, the end portions 162 of the legs 124 abut the inner surface 178 of the blade housing 14. This inner surface 178 may be a continuous surface or a plurality of surfaces. In these figures, the snap-fit connection is a snap-fit pivotal connection. Accordingly the inner surface may extend parallel to the shaving blade and may be located above the cap.

While a snap-fit connection is described in which the legs 124 deflect towards each other (inwards), depending on the particular configuration of the snap-fit connection the legs 124 may be deflected away from each other (outwards), or in other directions by the retaining structure. Furthermore, while two stopper elements 176 are shown in Figures 66 to 69 alternative a single elongated stopper element (or more than two stopper elements) could be provided instead. Moreover, while the snap-fit connection is made to the blade unit 14 it could alternatively be made to the frame 26 or another part of the cartridge 10.

Further cartridge configurations will now be described with reference to Figures 70 to 77, with like reference numerals labelling the same parts as for Figures 66 to 69.

As shown in Figures 70 to 73, the inwardly extending feet 166 of the ends portions 162 of the legs 124 are thinner than those shown in Figures 66 to 69. When the snap-fit connection is being made, the inwardly extending feet 166 of the cartridge shown in Figures 70 to 73 are deflected upwards by the stopper elements 176 (as indicated by the arrows in Figures 70 to 73).

As shown in Figures 74 to 77, the end portions 162 of the legs 124 are L-shaped rather than T-shaped. When the snap-fit connection is being made, the end portions 162 of the legs 124 are deflected inwards (as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 76) as well as sideways (as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 77. This will result in some torsion of legs 124 where foot 160 of end 162 will move inwards, but the sideways movement will be limited, as a result of a guiding action of shoulder 174. The heel of the end portion 162 (opposite the foot 160), will be forced by stopper element 176 to move sideways more significantly.

The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Reference numbers

10 cartridge

12 lubrapad

14 blade housing

16 blades

18 guard

20 cap

22 lubrapad body

24 front portion (of the lubrapad body)

26 frame

34 projections

36 recesses

38 first surface portion (of the lubrapad body)

40 front surface (of the guard)

42 rounded side portions (of the cartridge)

44 second surface portion (of the lubrapad body)

46 third surface portion (of the lubrapad body)

50 handle body front surface portion or opposite end surface rear surface portion or flat end surface underneath surface portion

top surface portion

lateral surface portion

continuous side surface

suction feature

handle body recess

handle stem/cartridge attachment means cartridge stem

moulded body

hard shell

spigot

receded portions of body

dispensing aperture

safety razor or safety razor system insert for handle connecting structure handle connecting structure

handle connecting structure body recess

lead-in channel

cover of handle connecting structure body housing of handle connecting structure body release lever

user portion

working portion

rotation axis

biasing plunger

bearing surface of lever

biasing spring

contact surface or edge

cartridge connecting structure

housing of cartridge connecting structure legs of cartridge connecting structure snap

front wall of blade housing

positioning feature back wall of blade housing push rib

push face

return element

return element

domes

ribs

ribs

hook-shaped elements protrusions

ramp

bearing surface of user end foot (snap-in elements) of the legs end portions of the legs stem

foot of the legs

retaining structure (snap-in area) receiving portion

shoulder

stopper element

inner surface of the housing snaps

supporting elements