Razor and razor treatment system

A razor treatment system includes a razor having a head, and a razor treatment device including a drum rotationally supported within the razor treatment device, at least two cam members supported within the razor treatment device, at least two guide members configured to cooperate with the cam members to expose the blade, and a first actuating member configured to effect rotation of the drum. The head includes a cover for housing a blade. The cover is configured to expose the blade. The razor interfaces with the razor treatment device to move the cover of the razor to expose the blade. Each cam member may define a cam track that guides linear retraction of the blade, rotational movement of the blade and cover, and linear extension of the blade into a position between the drums.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates generally to razor treatment systems and, more particularly, to a razor configured to interact with a razor treatment system.

Description of Related Art

Razors have become ubiquitous and are used by both men and women for their personal shaving needs. Straight-blade razors, which are made of high carbon or stainless steel, exemplify the early modern popular style of shaving implements. These razors can be used for many shaving sessions over a long period of time, but must be maintained by regular sharpening and stropping. The process of sharpening, or honing, the blade uses an abrasive material that removes material from the blade's edge. Stropping, which must be done with each use of a straight-blade razor, straightens and re-aligns the blade, which tends to bend and pit under use, preventing a close shave if not straightened.

Double-edged safety razors replaced the straight edge in popularity in the early part of the twentieth century. The disposal of blades after limited use was made popular and economical by the arrival of blades made of low-cost, thin steel, thereby eliminating the need for stropping or honing. The safety feature of these razors, protecting the user from all but the very edge of the blade, appealed to users. The orientation of the handle and the blade required the user to develop the proper technique to achieve an optimal shave. The next evolution combined the safety of small, thin blades exposed only at the edge, with the proper angle-of-attack and a pivoting head to adjust to the contours of the face. The disposable razor embodied the ease and simplicity of shaving, sacrificing longevity of product by providing disposable blades with limited life. This incarnation of men's and women's personal shaver remains the most popular and widely used, contributing a sizeable negative global economic impact.

While the convenience and ease of use of current disposable razor technology is attractive to users, improvements to certain aspects of the technology may be desirable. A razor that incorporates the safety and usability aspects of the safety razor and the longevity of the straight blade razor would be a desirable improvement to razor technology.

Several different razor sharpening systems are known in the art, however, many of these sharpening systems fail to provide simplified sharpening and stropping of a razor. The razor blade disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,805,895 is used in a stropping device to bend the blade of the razor. However, the razor head remains stationary within the stropping device and fails to work in concert with the stropping device to expose the blade for stropping. Likewise, the razor sharpening system disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0237134 fails to provide a razor with a head that works in concert with the sharpening system. This sharpening system does not use drums with an abrasive material to sharpen the blade nor is the blade sharpened by rotational movement of the drums. Further, the razor does not open and extend into the sharpening device through the use of a cam track to expose the blade of the razor. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,874 discloses a razor sharpening system. However, this sharpening apparatus does not use drums with an abrasive material directly attached on an outer diameter of the drums nor does the razor open and extend the razor blades upon insertion into the sharpening apparatus. This sharpening apparatus is directed towards prolonging the use of a disposable razor, rather than a razor that is specifically designed to operate in concert with the sharpening device. The sharpening apparatus is used to resharpen existing cartridge razors but does not expose the underside of the razor blade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a razor treatment system is provided. The razor treatment system generally comprises a razor having a head and a razor treatment device including a drum rotationally supported within the razor treatment device, at least two cam members supported within the razor treatment device, at least two guide members configured to cooperate with the cam members to expose the blade, and a first actuating member configured to effect rotation of the guide members. The head includes a cover for housing a blade and the cover is configured to expose the blade. The razor interfaces with the razor treatment device to move the cover of the razor to expose the blade.

Each cam member may define a cam track that guides linear retraction of the blade, rotational movement of the blade and cover, and linear extension of the blade into a position on the drum. The blade of the razor may be spring-biased in the cover. At least a portion of the drum may comprise an abrasive material. The razor may further include a pair of pins. Each pin may extend from an end of a longitudinal axis of the blade and extends out of the cover of the razor. The pins may be movable along the cam path of each cam member by each guide member in order to expose the blade in the razor treatment device.

Each guide member may be arcuate-shaped and define at least two recesses with surfaces configured to guide the pins along the cam path of each cam member. At least one latching mechanism may be positioned on at least one of a top surface of the cover and a bottom surface of the cover. At least one cradle member may be positioned on the head of the razor and configured to hold the spring-biased blade within the cover of the razor, wherein the blade may be spring-biased against the cradle member and may contact the cradle member at a portion that is abraded to position a cutting edge of the blade in a same position after each use of the treatment system. The abrasive material may be provided in a spiral configuration around the outer surface of the drum.

The razor treatment system may include a second drum having at least a portion of a surface thereof comprising an abrasive material. The razor treatment device may include a stropping portion. The stropping portion may include another rotatably mounted drum comprising a surface thereof comprising a material used to strop the blade.

In another embodiment, a shaving razor is provided. The shaving razor generally comprises a handle and a head. The head comprises a blade and a cover. The head is pivotally connected to the handle. The cover is configured to house the blade. The cover is rotatable relative to the handle to extend the blade from the cover.

In another embodiment, a razor treatment device is provided. The razor treatment device generally comprises a drum rotationally supported within a housing, at least two cam members supported within the housing, at least two guide members configured to cooperate with the cam members to interact with a shaving razor, and a first actuating member configured to effect rotation of the guide members.

Further details and advantages will be understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, as used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings, figures, or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and configurations. It is also to be understood that the specific components, devices, features, and operational sequences illustrated in the accompanying drawings, figures, or otherwise described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Further, unless otherwise stated, all other components within the sharpener and razor hereinbelow are duplicated on each side of the sharpener and razor so, although they may be discussed herein as a single component, the discussion applies equally to the analogous component on the opposite side of the sharpener or razor. Therefore, in the drawings several reference characters are used multiple times.

An embodiment of a razor100A shown inFIGS. 1-3(or in an alternative embodiment,100B, shown inFIGS. 5-9) is disclosed with an extendable blade102such that the blade102can be exposed to be honed and/or stropped while remaining connected to a razor frame104. As shown inFIGS. 1-9, the razor100A,100B comprises a handle106pivotally connected to a razor head108, which includes the razor frame104. The razor frame104includes a cover110and a frame back112. The blade102is movably mounted within the razor frame104and is positioned with respect to the frame104so as to provide an appropriate shaving angle (typically between about 20 and 45 degrees between the blade102and a user's shaving surface). The blade102can be made of stainless steel or any hard, non-corrosive material (i.e., various metals, ceramic, etc.). Blade pins114extend from each side of the blade102through a slot116in each side of the cover110. Screws136are used to secure portions of the frame104and head108together. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 4-9, magnets118may be positioned within recesses defined in an upper surface of the cover110and/or a lower surface of the cover110, as well as within recesses defined in the frame back112of the razor head108. In one position, the magnets118on the lower surface of the cover110interact with the magnets118on the frame back112of the razor head108. In this position, the magnets118are used to hold the cover110closed in the frame104of the razor head108. In a second position, the magnets118on the top of the cover110interact with a cross member424(FIGS. 21-27) to keep the cover110open during treatment of the blade102. This arrangement is explained in more detail below. Although these magnets118are shown as flush with the cover110and frame104, it is contemplated that the magnets may be positioned further in or out of the respective structures. Alternatively, any type of mechanical latching mechanism that provides a retaining force may be interchanged with the magnets118, for retaining the cover110in position while the blade102is honed, as described below.

The blade102is biased forward within the frame104by springs120received on pins122. A cutting edge of blade102is retained within pockets123defined in cradles124positioned on the frame104. Spring-loading the blade102forward ensures that the blade102is in a desirable shaving position. This may be of particular importance since the process of honing the blade removes material from the edge of the blade102. Therefore, slight adjustment of the blade102position within the frame104may be necessary after honing in order to retain the proper shaving position when the blade102is returned to its location within the frame104. As shown inFIG. 10, the blade102is positioned in a desirable position for a preferred shaving position for the razor100A, B. Point A is the cutting point of the blade102. It is desirable to keep this point in the same position with respect to the cradle124(and by extension, the head108of the razor100A, B). Points B and C are the contact points of the blade102, which contact the cradle124. As the blade102is sharpened, the blade102is shortened, thereby shifting the position of point A in the cradle124. To compensate for the shortened blade102, the springs120bias the blade102forward in the pocket123of the cradle124to position points B and C at the same contact point each time the blade102is retained in the cradle124. The razor frame104is pivotally attached to the handle106via frame pins126. A spring or other biasing member (not shown) extending from the frame104keeps the frame104biased forward and the frame pin126allows the frame104to pivot around an axis that runs through the frame pin126, in order to accommodate the contours of the body surface during shaving while keeping the blade102at the correct angle relative to the skin. One end of this spring may be received within the frame104and an opposing end may be received within the razor handle106.

Cover pins130are positioned on an inside surface of cover110, optionally extending from tabs131. The cover110is pivotable around an axis extending through cover pins130such that cover110can open to expose the blade102. Opening of the cover110is accomplished by movement of the blade pins114in a direction toward the cover pins130such that the springs120are compressed and the blade102is retracted. Upon retraction of the blade102(FIGS. 7, 8), the blade102moves out of pockets123of the cradles124. When the blade102is not engaged in the pockets123, the cover110is able to be moved away from the frame back112by pivoting the cover110around the cover pins130(FIG. 9). Once the cover110is open, the pins114can be released and will move away from the cover pins130, thereby releasing the springs120, resulting in expansion of the springs120, once again biasing the blade102into a forward position Without the cradles124to restrain it, the blade102can extend forward and protrude from the cover110.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a razor treatment device200for maintenance of the razor100A,100B. Referring now toFIGS. 11-14, the razor treatment device200includes a housing202comprising aback side204, a left side206, aright side208, a top210, and a bottom212. The housing202also includes a front side214with a front panel216, an opening218, a cross bar220including a hook222, and ball spring plungers224. The ball spring plungers224are located on atop edge226of the front panel216, opposite the hook222and may be spaced equidistant from the sides of the housing202. It is also contemplated that the ball spring plungers124may be replaced with other suitable mechanisms suitable for snap fitting the razor head108within the housing202.

Within the housing202is a portion228for honing the blade102of the razor100A,100B. Honing portion228includes an upper sharpening drum230and a lower sharpening drum232rotationally supported within the housing202. As detailed below, blade102is received in between drums230,232. It is also contemplated that only one drum may be used to sharpen and/or strop the blade102. As shown inFIG. 17, a raised sharpening surface234of the upper drum230is in the form of a ribbon that wraps around the drum230in a helical fashion. A non-sharpening surface236sits below and in-between the sections of the sharpening surface234. The sharpening surface234of the upper drum230opposes a non-sharpening surface240of the lower drum232. The non-sharpening surface240also is a ribbon that wraps around the drum in the alternate space from the sharpening surface234. The non-sharpening surface240sits below and in-between the section of a sharpening surface238on the lower drum232. Likewise, the non-sharpening surface236of the upper drum230opposes the sharpening surface238of the lower drum232. Because the sharpening surfaces234and238are raised with respect to the non-sharpening surfaces236and240, the sharpening surfaces234,238of the opposite drums are able to overlap such that the sharpening surface234of the upper drum230extends into a gap defined by non-sharpening surface240of the lower drum232. Likewise, the sharpening surface238of the lower drum232extends into a gap defined by the non-sharpening surface236of the upper drum230. By providing a helical sharpening surface234,238on each drum230,232, the drums230,232are configured to engage or inter-engage with one another to create an overlap. This overlap may be desirable in order to maintain the desired angle on the razor blade102after sharpening of the blade102. If the surface of the drums230,232were flat and simply flush against each other, the angle of the blade102created by honing with those drums would approach zero degrees, while extremely sharp, a blade with this angle may be too fragile to cut well. The angle of a cutting tool is a balance between sharpness (smaller angle) and durability (larger angle). In some embodiments, the angle between a top surface and a bottom surface of the razor blade102is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the razor blade102is 16 degrees. The overlap of the upper sharpening drum230and the lower sharpening drum232can produce the appropriate angle.

The helical aspect of the design accommodates sharpening of substantially the entire length of blade102. As the drums230,232rotate, the portions of the sharpening surfaces234,238in contact with the blade102move down the entire length of the blade surface on both sides thereof. The sharpening surfaces234,238of the sharpening drums230,232may include a very hard material such as stone or a diamond coating, as is typically used for sharpening purposes.

As shown inFIG. 15, the lower drum232is biased in a rearward position by a spring242. The spring242is positioned on a member272of the housing202at one end and positioned on the linkage250at an opposing end. The spring242is biased so as to pull the linkage250rearward, thereby also biasing the lower drum232in a rearward position. This resting position may be desired so that when the razor100A,100B is engaged in the razor treatment device200and the cover110of the razor100A,100B is opened to expose the blade102for sharpening (see discussion below), the lower drum232is not in a position to block the opening of the cover110or the extension of the blade102out of the cover110. The lower drum232is moved forward into the correct position once the blade102is in position for sharpening. The mechanics of the positioning of the lower drum232will be discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, the lower drum232may be held stationary, without the spring242biasing the lower drum232in a rearward position. In this embodiment, however, the linear retraction of the blade102within the cover110is increased so that the blade102may clear the lower drum232upon insertion into the razor treatment device200.

Also within the housing202are rotatably mounted gears244,246and248(received on respective axles mounted to housing202) and linkage250extending between gears244and a drum gear254, which together compose a gear train that moves the lower drum232forward and into place for sharpening of the blade102. Drum gears252and254are mounted on common axles with respective upper sharpening drum230and lower sharpening drum232, with the drum axles mounted to housing202.

Unless otherwise stated, all other components within the housing202are duplicated on each side of the razor treatment device200so, although they may be discussed herein as a single component, the discussion applies equally to the analogous component on the opposite side of the razor treatment device200. Also contained in the housing202are two forked guide members256, one on either side of the pair of drums230,232. Each forked guide member256is associated with a cam track258. As will be discussed in further detail, the forked guide member256, when biased in a forward position, engages the pin114on the blade102within a forked end260of the forked guide member256when the razor100A,100B is inserted in the razor treatment device200. As the forked end of the forked guide member256is moved rearward, the associated blade pin114is pushed along with the forked guide member256. The blade pin114rides on a surface of the cam track258as it moves rearward. This arrangement results in the opening of the cover110and release of the blade102for sharpening, as described in more detail below. The cam track258includes a first run262and a second run264. The forked guide members256are biased forward via a coil spring or the like incorporated into an actuating member268, configured such that rotation of the actuating member268rotates the forked guide members256. When the razor100A,100B is removed from the razor treatment device200, the forked guide members256move forward automatically and are in place and available to receive the blade pins114the next time the razor100A,100B is inserted in the razor treatment device200.

The razor treatment device200includes two actuating members266,268which may be located on a side of the razor treatment device200. The actuating members266,268are shown as knobs, but may be replaced by levers or any other mechanism to impart movement from the user to the appropriate components within the razor treatment device200, and/or they may be positioned in any location on the razor treatment device200provided they are able to perform the appropriate functions as described herein. One actuating member268connected to forked guide members256by rod member270may be turned by the user after the razor100A,100B has been latched into the razor treatment device200. Movement of actuating member268is converted to movement of the forked guide members256by rotation of rod member270, which engages and moves the blade pins114, and also to movement of the lower drum232into the correct position for sharpening.

The second actuating member266may be turned by the user once the blade102is extended and in place for sharpening. This actuating member266turns the drums230,232so that the blade102is sharpened by the movement of the sharpening surfaces234,238along each side of the blade102. This process will be discussed in further detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the actuating member266may include a slip clutch to prevent the actuating member266from being turned in the wrong direction, which could damage the blade.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 16, the razor treatment device300includes a stropping portion302. For the purposes of this discussion, the stropping portion302is located opposite the honing portion304within the housing306of the razor treatment device300but can be located elsewhere, as desired. For example, the stropping portion302may be located above or below the honing portion304. The stropping portion302has the same or similar mechanical arrangement and mechanical functions as described for the honing portion304except for the differences described herein. As shown inFIG. 36, the drums308,310of the stropping portion302may be made of rubber, leather, or other suitable material that will bend the edge of the blade102back to true. Alternatively, the drums308,310may be coated with an extremely fine abrasive material that can polish and bend the edge of the blade102, as opposed to the abrasives that remove larger amounts of material from the edge of the blade102as would be used for honing. This extremely fine abrasive material may be a paste or polishing compound that may be externally applied to the drums308,310to achieve a very fine abrasion. Once the razor head108is inserted into the opening of the stropping portion302of the razor treatment device300and the blade102is released and extended to contact the stropping drums308,310by turning of a lower actuating member314connected thereto, the stropping drums308,310are turned in a similar fashion as the sharpening drum316. However, as viewed from the right side318of the razor treatment device300, an upper actuating member312of the stropping portion302is turned in a clockwise direction to rotate the upper stropping drum308in a clockwise direction. The upper stropping drum gear320rotates in a clockwise direction with the upper stropping drum308and imparts a counterclockwise rotation to a lower stropping drum gear (not shown). The lower stropping drum gear is associated with the lower stropping drum310, which also rotates in a counterclockwise direction. This concerted movement of the stropping drums308,310results in straightening of the edge of the blade102. As opposed to honing, no material is removed from the blade102in the stropping process, but the existing blade edge is bent back to a straight form.

The honing of the blade102and the stropping of the blade102are performed in opposite directions. When the blade102is honed, the sharpening drums230,232are rotated “into” the blade102. When the blade102is stropped, the drums230,232are rotated “away” from the blade102. This opposite direction of rotation lends itself to having only one user input actuating member to rotate both sets of drums in their respective directions, even if the razor100A,100B is only engaged in one side of the razor treatment device200. This reduces the number of actuating members needed for rotating the drums and reduces the cost of manufacturing such device. This also helps to eliminate user confusion as to which actuating member is used to rotate which set of drums. In order to ensure the user rotates the actuating member in the correct direction, a slip clutch (or similar anti-rotational device) may be incorporated so the actuating member266can only be turned in one direction.

It should be noted that, while the actuating members312,314are shown as being located on the right side318of the razor treatment device300, the actuating members312,314may alternatively be located on the left side322. This alternative location of the actuating members312,314would require suitable alteration of the gear train associated with these actuating members312,314and the stropping drums308,310, as would be known to one skilled in the art, in order to produce the proper rotation of the stropping drums308,310required to straighten the blade edge (i.e., clockwise rotation of the upper stropping drum308and counterclockwise rotation of the lower stropping drum310as viewed from the right side318).

In another alternative embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 18-35, the forked guide members256are replaced with a different type of guide members. These arcuate guide members402, along with the cam track257, provide for similar blade motion as the forked guide member256and the cam track258. The cam track257remains stationary and positioned on the sharpener200while the blade pins114ride along the surface of the cam track257. In contrast, the arcuate guide members402rotate to engage the blade pins114and move the blade pins114over the cam track257surface. The arcuate guide members402are arcuate-shaped and define at least two recesses404,406defining surfaces408,410to receive the blade pins114. The blade102may be retracted back into the cover110by rotating the arcuate guide member402in an opposite direction, so as to move the blade pins114along the surface of an opposing recess.

In an alternative embodiment, shown inFIGS. 18-20, the arcuate guide members402may be connected to a rack412, received on linear bearing414, and pinion416mechanism. In this embodiment, an actuating member418, shown as a lever, uses linear motion to move the rack412, which translates into rotation of the arcuate guide members402. The user actuates the actuating member418that is connected to the rack412, which turns the pinion416, which is connected to the arcuate guide members402. The limits of rotation of the arcuate guide members402are created by the linear distance the rack412is permitted to travel. Two hardstops420are positioned on the top and the bottom of the linear bearing414of the rack412. In this embodiment, there are two different stable positions for the arcuate guide member402. The first stable position occurs upon insertion of the razor100A,100B into the razor treatment device200. The second stable position occurs when the blade102is engaged with the sharpening drums230,232, which is the position in which the actuating member266is rotated. Neither of these stable positions is at the hardstops420but rather in between the limits of travel of the rack412. Full rotation of the arcuate guide members402(at the hardstop) only moves the blade102through the first two steps of movement (linear retraction and rotation), so to achieve the final linear extension of the blade102, the arcuate guide member402needs to reverse direction to allow the blade springs120to extend the blade102.

It is desirable to have a limited number of user inputs (or user actions) to operate the system. One action engages/disengages the blade102into the sharpening drums230,232and one action rotates the sharpening drums230,232. By using the arcuate guide members402with offset stable positions, a complex motion with a single user input is achieved. The offset stable positions from the hardstops420are created by using springs422to bias the linear rack412to the middle of the stroke and spring plungers426(or similar “catches”) that keep the rack412in place when it reaches the stable position.

It is contemplated that this razor treatment device200may be used on a horizontal surface or mounted vertically on wall, such as a wall in a shower. The razor treatment device200may be waterproof and may use water as a sharpening lubricant. The razor treatment device200may be cleaned with common household products (rubbing alcohol, vinegar, dish soap, etc.). The razor treatment device200may have a storage portion for the razor100A,100B to be housed in when not in use. The razor100A,100B may also have a separate blade protector that may be stored in the razor treatment device200or used to protect the blade102when not in use.

Turning now to one process for sharpening the blade102of the razor100A,100B, all movement will be described as viewed from the left side206of the housing202. It is also to be understood that a similar process is used to strop the blade102of the razor100A,100B. First, the razor100A,100B is inserted into the razor treatment device200. With the front of the razor head108facing the opening218on the front side214of the razor treatment device200, a lever116on the back of the razor frame104is aligned in the hook222of the crossbar220above the opening218. Once the lever116is engaged in the hook222, the razor head108can be pivoted downward so that the cover110is aligned within the opening218. The ball spring plungers224engage the lower edge134of the razor head108and lock it into place within the opening218as the razor head108is pivoted fully forward. When the razor head108is locked in place, the forked end260of each forked guide member256receives a respective blade pin114.

With the razor head108in place, the user may initiate the process to sharpen the blade102. In the resting position, the forked guide members256receive their respective blade pin114and the lower drum232is biased in a rearward position. As the user turns the lower actuating member268in a counterclockwise direction to initiate the honing process, the forked guide member256is likewise rotated in a counterclockwise direction around an axis perpendicular to the forked guide member256. As this rotation occurs, the forked guide member256moves its associated blade pin114. Each blade pin114moves along an associated cam track258surface. As the blade pin114moves along a first run262of the cam track258, the blade pin114is moved toward the cover pin130of the razor head108. The movement of the blade pins114toward the cover pin130compresses the springs120and the blade102is retracted from the pockets132of the cradles124. As the forked guide member256pushes the blade pin114along a second run264of the cam track258, the razor cover110is moved to an open position as it pivots around the cover pin130. As a result of the spring-loading of the blade102within the cover110and the absence of the cradles124in its direct path, the blade102is then extended to a forward position as it moves into place against the upper sharpening drum230.

During this movement of the forked guide member256, counterclockwise rotation of the actuating member268causes the gear244also to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. As the teeth of the gear244engage the teeth of the gear246, the gear246is rotated in a clockwise direction. A portion of the circumference of the gear246does not contain teeth. Consequently, as a toothless portion247of the gear246moves past the gear248, there is no movement imparted to the gear248. Once the forked guide member256reaches the end of its counterclockwise movement, the first tooth of the gear246engages the teeth of the gear248and the gear248is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise rotation of the gear248is imparted to the linkage250and swings the linkage250in a forward direction (toward the razor100A,100B). The linkage250is attached to the lower sharpening drum232, which is consequently swung into place against the upper sharpening drum230and the extended blade102.

With the razor blade102and the sharpening drums230,232in place, the user may turn the upper actuating member266to rotate the sharpening drums230,232and sharpen the blade102. The user may rotate the upper actuating member266in a counterclockwise direction, which results in the counterclockwise rotation of the upper sharpening drum230. The drum gear252rotates counterclockwise with the upper sharpening drum230and imparts a clockwise rotation to the drum gear254. The drum gear254is operatively connected to the lower sharpening drum232, which consequently rotates in a clockwise direction. This coordinated rotation results in the sharpening of the blade102following a limited (for example, three or four) number of rotations of the actuating member266, depending on the gear ratio used.

Once the sharpening process is complete, the lower actuating member268may be rotated in the opposite direction as previously described (clockwise, as viewed from the left side206of the housing202) and the previous actions initiated with counterclockwise rotation of this actuating member268are reversed to retract the blade102and close the cover110. Clockwise rotation of lower actuating member268results in the movement of the forked guide member256toward the front side214of the razor treatment device200. As the forked guide member256moves forward, it pushes against the blade pin114and moves the blade pin114in the forward direction along the second run264of the cam track258. The force against the blade pin114pushes the blade102back against the springs120and pulls the cover110into a closed position. When the forked guide member256moves the blade pin114along the reverse path of the first run262of the cam track258, the blade pin114is released resulting in forward movement of the blade102within the cover110. Since the cover110has been closed, the extension of the spring-loaded blade102is received into the pockets123of the cradles124, locking the cover110closed and positioning the blade102for a close shave. The razor100A,100B may then be removed from the razor treatment device200by pulling on the handle106to release the razor head108from the ball spring plungers108. The razor100A,100B may then be swung upward to release the lever116from the hook222.

In an alternative embodiment, a different process uses the arcuate guide members402to sharpen the blade102, wherein the razor100A,100B and blade102move through a similar motion. In an initial position, the actuating member418is in a first stable position. The actuating member418is linearly actuated in a downward position to the second stable position (where the blade102is retracted and fully rotated). The actuating member418is then released and pushed up into the first position by the springs422. This allows the arcuate guide members402to rotate to allow the blade102to linearly extend in between the drums230,232. To release the razor100A,100B and blade102from the sharpening drums230,232, the actuating member418is pushed from the first stable position upward to a second stable position. This allows the blade pins114to move along the cam track257, which allows the blade102to linearly retract into the cover110, rotate about the handle106, and linearly extend in the cover110to return the razor100A,100B to its normal operating condition.

As stated above, the blade102moves through a three phase motion to engage and disengage from the sharpening drums230,232. The cam track257provides the trajectory for this motion and the arcuate guide member402supplies the force to move the blade pins114along the track. However, the arcuate guide member402only moves the blade102through the first two stages. The third stage is achieved by the blade springs120extending the blade102along the remaining portion of the cam track257. An additional “catch” may be needed to keep the blade in position when it transitions from phase 2 (rotation) to phase 3 (linear extension). Without the “catch”, the blade102may rotate in the opposite direction rather than extend linearly. Therefore, the magnets118may be used to keep the blade102in a linearly extending motion, rather than rotating in an opposite direction. The magnets118interact with cross member424to keep the blade102in the correct position. In the reverse motion (disengaging the blade102from the sharpening drums230,232), the same motion is achieved, but in the opposite direction. The magnets118also help to keep the cover110closed in the shaving position as well.

The foregoing embodiments are not to be construed as limiting of the present invention but are illustrative thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that many modifications in the exemplary embodiments are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. For example, the locations of the actuating members266,268,312,314,418and/or the location of the opening218on the device200can be varied, provided that their relationship and interaction with the associated components of the device that are critical for the function of the device are properly maintained. Also, different mechanisms may be used to move the pins114so as to retract the blade102to expose the blade102for sharpening; similarly, other mechanisms may be used to retract the blade102. Other variations and modifications will be understood by one of skill in the art. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

While an embodiment of a razor and treatment system is shown in the accompanying figures and described hereinabove in detail, other embodiments will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.