Flexible member for a shaving razor

Abstract: A razor assembly having a razor cartridge designed for pivotal, swivel and torsional movement during shaving includes a handle and a flexible member (20) having a first end (22) connected to the handle at a pivot axis, a second free end (24) extending beyond the handle and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends of the flexible member. The razor cartridge, which has a major axis and one or more razor blades, is pivotally connected to the second free end of the flexible member for pivoting about an axis that is substantially parallel to the major axis of the razor cartridge. In addition, the second free end of the flexible member, and the razor cartridge pivotally connected thereto, are movable along an arcuate path centered at the pivot axis and are rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible member.

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to razors, and more particularly to a flexible member for a razor that enables a razor cartridge attached to the flexible member to pivot, swivel and torque during a shaving stroke. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ability to obtain a close and comfortable shave depends upon the quality of the interface between the blades of a razor and the skin surface being shaved. Factors such as contours and/or crevices on a user's skin surface may create an imbalance of shaving forces on a razor, thereby degrading shave performance. In response to this problem, razors have been developed which utilize blades that flex in order to conform to the contours and/or crevices of an individual's skin surface. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,781,997 to Ferraro et al. discloses a flexible razor cartridge that can flex convexly and concavely during shaving to follow the contour of a skin surface. The '997 patent also includes a blade support having a compressible rubber-like material and that allows the blades to angularly and vertically deflect during shaving. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,813,119 to Ferraro et al. discloses another flexible razor cartridge whereby the razor includes a support and at least one rotating pivot movably connected to the support for contacting portions of a razor cartridge. The razor cartridge is normally maintained in a neutral position, however, in response to forces exerted on the razor cartridge, the cartridge may rotate and slide back and forth between a first position and a second position. There have also been efforts to provide razors having degrees of movement, whereby the entire razor cartridge is moveable relative to a razor handle. For example, PCT Publication 93/20983 and United Kingdom Patent GB 2,116,470 both disclose razors having razor cartridges that are capable of swiveling relative to a razor handle. Another system disclosed in United Kingdom Patent GB 2,172,236 permits swiveling and pivoting motion, however, the pivoting causes the blade movement to leave the rotational plane of the surface being shaved. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,535,518 discloses a four bar linkage system which allows for pivoting and swiveling of a razor cartridge in response to shaving forces. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,953,824 discloses a razor that allows a razor cartridge attached thereto to move relative to the razor in response to forces encountered during shaving. In certain embodiments, the razor cartridge is capable of swiveling and also pivoting about an axis normal to a central axis of the razor and normal to an imaginary axis defined by the points of attachments of the razor to a razor cartridge. The razor includes an engagement arm having a slot for controlling movement of the razor cartridge during shaving and during loading/unloading of the razor cartridge. As a result, the razor cartridge maintains an optimum shaving interface with a user's skin surface regardless of the angular differences between the razor cartridge and the razor during a shaving stroke. US Patent No. 2, 844, 870 discloses a safety razor comprising a head, a handle to which the head is attached including a rigid sleeve, a coil spring mounted within the sleeve for sliding movement longitudinally of the sleeve to locate the coil spring alternatively in a position entirely within the sleeve and in positions projecting different distances from one end of the sleeve, the spring having its coils within the sleeve fitting in relatively close relation to the wall of the sleeve to be engaged by said wall to restrict the lateral flexing of the portion of the spring enclosed by the sleeve, means for fixedly attaching the head to one end of the coil spring, and means for clamping the coil spring to the sleeve to hold the spring in adjusted position longitudinally of the sleeve. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other advantages of the present invention are described in further detail below. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a razor assembly comprising: a handle; and a flexible member having a first end connected to said handle at a pivot point, a second free end projecting from the upper end of said handle and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends of said flexible member; wherein the second free end of said flexible member is movable along an arcuate path centered at the pivot point and is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said flexible member, characterised in that the razor cartridge has a major axis and one or more blades, and in that the second free end of the flexible member is adapted for pivotally connecting to the razor cartridge for pivotal movement of the cartridge about an axis that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the major axis of the cartridge. Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to razors adapted to support a razor cartridge during shaving while permitting pivoting (axis A 1 ), torsional (axis A 2 ) and swiveling motion (axis A 3 ) of the razor cartridge relative to the razor in response to forces encountered during shaving. Preferably the second free end of the flexible member and the razor cartridge pivotally connected thereto are moveable along an arcuate path centered at the pivot point (i.e., swiveling motion about axis A 3 ) and are rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible member (i.e., torsional motion about axis A 2 ). The axis A 2 may also extend from the upper end to the lower end of the handle, along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The second free end of the flexible member preferably includes a connecting element adapted for receiving the razor cartridge so that the razor cartridge may be connected thereto. In certain preferred embodiments, the connecting element at the second free end may include a substantially cylindrical shaped rod extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to and/or intercepts the longitudinal axis of the flexible member. The razor cartridge may include an underside having one or more bearing surfaces adapted for engaging the substantially cylindrical shaped rod for connecting the razor cartridge with the second end of the flexible member. In certain embodiments, the bearing surfaces snap-fit over the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical shaped rod so that the razor cartridge may pivot about the rod in response to forces encountered during a shaving stroke. The razor cartridge and flexible member may be adapted for unidirectional pivoting motion of the razor cartridge or bi-directional pivoting motion of the razor cartridge relative to the flexible member. The flexible member may also include a support gusset, such as a triangular shaped support gusset, extending from the second free end of the flexible member toward the first end thereof. The flexible member may also include a lateral support extending in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis of the flexible member. The razor handle may include an upper portion or an upper half and a lower portion or lower half, whereby the upper and lower handle portions are connectable together for surrounding at least a portion of the flexible member. In other preferred embodiments, the handle has one piece that may be plastic or metal. In still further embodiments, the flexible member and handle are plastic and the flexible member is integrally molded with the handle. The handle preferably surrounds the first end of the flexible member with the second end of the flexible member projecting out from the handle. Further advantages and characteristics of the invention are described in further detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows an isometric top side view of a flexible member for a razor having a razor cartridge attached thereto in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a top side view of the flexible member and razor cartridge shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a bottom side view of a razor assembly including the flexible member and razor cartridge of Figures 1 and 2 in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a top side view of the razor assembly shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the razor assembly shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 6 shows a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the razor assembly shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 7A shows a fragmentary right side view of a razor assembly including a flexible member with an unidirectional pivoting system for a razor cartridge, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7B shows the razor assembly of Figure 7A with the razor cartridge in a deflected position. Figure 8A shows a fragmentary right side view of a razor assembly including a flexible member with a unidirectional pivoting system for a razor cartridge, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8B shows the razor assembly of Figure 8A with the razor cartridge in a deflected position. Figure 9A shows a fragmentary right side view of a razor assembly including a flexible member with an unidirectional pivoting system for a razor cartridge, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9B shows the razor assembly of Figure 9A with the razor cartridge in a deflected position. Figure 10A shows a fragmentary right side view of a razor assembly including a flexible member with a bi-directional pivoting system for a razor cartridge, in accordance with yet further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10B shows the razor assembly of Figure 10A with the razor cartridge in a first deflected position. Figure 10C shows the razor assembly of Figures 10A and 10B with the razor cartridge in a second deflected position. Figure 11 shows a front end view of the razor assembly shown in Figures 3 and 4 depicting the range of torsional movement of the razor cartridge. Figure 12A shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the razor assembly of Fig. 1 with the flexible member in a neutral, undeflected position relative to a handle. Figure 12B shows the razor assembly of Fig. 9A with the flexible member in a first torsional movement position relative to the handle. Figure 12C shows the razor assembly of Fig. 9A with the flexible member in a second torsional movement position relative to the handle. Figure 13A shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a razor assembly with a flexible member in a neutral, undeflected position relative to a handle, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13B shows the razor assembly of Fig. 13A with the flexible member in a first torsional movement position relative to the handle. Figure 13C shows the razor assembly of Fig. 13A with the flexible member in a second torsional movement position relative to the handle. Figure 14A shows a shaving assembly having a releasably attached flexible member, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14B shows the flexible member of Figure 14A releasably attached to a handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 and 2 show a flexible member 20 for a razor assembly in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The flexible member 20 has a first or lower end 22 that is preferably connectable to a razor handle and a second or upper end 24 remote therefrom that is preferably connectable to a razor cartridge. The flexible member desirably has a connecting element such as a substantially cylindrically-shaped rod 26 attached to the second end 24 thereof. The rod 26 has a longitudinal axis designated A 1 . The substantially cylindrically-shaped rod 26 is preferably sized and shaped for having a razor cartridge 28 pivotally connected thereto so that the razor cartridge 28 may pivot about longitudinal axis A 1 . The flexible member has a longitudinal axis A 2 extending between the first and second ends 22, 24 of the flexible member 20. The flexible member 20 also preferably includes a substantially cross-shaped lateral support 30 having a left side flange 32 and a right side flange 34. The flexible member 20 also includes left side and right side support gussets 36A and 36B extending from an underside of the rod 26 at the second end 24 of the flexible member 20 toward the first end 22 of the flexible member. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support gussets 36A, 36B extend from the cylindrical rod 26 to a visual indicator 42. The visual indicator 42 projects from the top side of the flexible member 20 and indicates the position of the flexible member 20 during a shaving operation. The flexible member 20 has an upper flange 38 and a lower flange 40. The upper and lower flanges 38, 40 extend in directions that are substantially perpendicular to a flexible web 44. The flexible web 44 is preferably a portion of the flexible member 20 that extends between the pivot point of the flexible member (i.e., axis A 3 ) and the upper and lower flanges 38 and 40. In preferred embodiments, most if not all of the swiveling motion of the flexible member (i.e., motion about axis A 3 ) and torsional motion of the flexible member (i.e., motion about axis A 2 ) occurs at the flexible web 44 of the flexible member. In preferred embodiments, most if not all of the torsional motion of the flexible member (i.e., motion about axis A 2 ) occurs in the support gussets 36A, 36B. However, in other preferred embodiments torsional motion may occur in the flexible web 44 of the flexible member (i.e., motion about axis A2). Figure 2 shows a top side view of the flexible member 20, with the razor cartridge 28 pivotally connected to the substantially cylindrical-shaped rod 26. In certain preferred embodiments, the razor cartridge 28 has an underside 46 that includes bearing surfaces 48 that are sized and shaped to snap fit over the outer surface of the cylindrical rod 26. The bearing surfaces 48 are made of a resilient thermoplastic material so that the razor cartridge 28 may be releasably connected to the rod 26. As a result, razor cartridges may be selectively connected to and/or detached from the flexible member 20, such as when a first razor cartridge (i.e., a worn razor cartridge) is replaced with a substitute razor cartridge. Once the razor cartridge 28 has been pivotally secured to the rod, lateral locking elements 50 prevent and/or limit lateral movement of the razor cartridge 28 relative to the cylindrical rod 26 (i.e., movement along axis A 1 ). The lateral locking elements 50 also preferably guide the outer surface of rod 26 into engagement with the bearing surfaces 48. The razor cartridge 28 also includes end walls 52A and 52B provided at opposite ends of the razor cartridge that may or may not be used in conjunction with cylindrical rod 26 and may or may not be used in conjunction with the lateral locking elements 50. In further preferred embodiments, the rod 26 substantially cylindrical-shaped rod could extend into engagement with the side walls of the razor cartridge for preventing side-to-side or lateral movement of the razor cartridge. In other preferred embodiments, the rod 26 may be pivotally connected to the end walls of the razor cartridge. In these embodiments, the end walls may have concave-shaped bearing surfaces formed therein and the rod may be snap-fit into the bearing surfaces. The flexible member 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be connected to a handle. The connection may be a permanent connection or a releasable connection. For example, the flexible member may be releasably connected to the handle if the flexible member is disposable. Figures 3 and 4 show one preferred razor handle to which the flexible member and razor cartridge of Figures 1 and 2 may be attached. The shaving assembly 54 includes a handle 56, preferably made of a resilient plastic material or metal, having an upper end 58 and a lower end 60 remote therefrom. The handle 56 may comprise two handle halves, an upper handle portion 62 and a lower handle portion 64, that are preferably connected together. The lower handle portion 64 includes annular ribs 66 on an exterior surface thereof for enhancing the gripability of the handle 56. In other preferred embodiments, the handle may comprise a single piece of molded plastic or metal. In still other preferred embodiments, the handle may be integrally formed with the flexible member. be a single piece or may Figure 5 shows a fragmentary, isometric view of the razor assembly 54 of Figures 3 and 4, including upper handle portion 62. The upper handle portion 62 includes an interior surface 68, an exterior surface 70, and an edge 72 extending between the interior and exterior surfaces 68, 70. The upper handle portion 62 may have an arcuate slot 74 extending from the interior surface 68 to the exterior surface 70 through which the visual indicator 42 may pass. As the razor cartridge and the second end of the flexible member 20 swivel about the pivot point centered at axis A 3 , the visual indictor 42 moves along an arcuate path defined by the arcuate slot 74. The upper handle portion 62 preferably includes forward supports 76 and aft supports 78 for receiving the left and right side lateral supports 32 and 34, and the first end 22 of the flexible member. The forward supports 76 define a slot 80 for receiving the left side lateral support 32 and the right side lateral support 34. The aft supports 78 define a slot 82 for receiving the first end 22 of the flexible member 20. The forward and aft supports 76 and 78 provide engagement surfaces and/or points of contact for connecting the flexible member 20 to the handle while enabling the flexible web portion 44 of the flexible member 20 to swivel and/or rotate about respective axes A 2 and A 3 . Thus, once the flexible member 20 is connected to the handle, all swiveling and torsional motion of the flexible member 20 preferably takes place in the flexible web 44 that extends from axis A 3 to the lower end of the upper flange 38 and support gussets 36A, 36B. The flexible member 34 includes lower flange 40 that confronts the interior surface 86 of lower handle portion 84 (Fig. 6), and an upper flange 38 that confronts the interior surface 68 of the upper handle portion 62. The upper flange 38 and the lower flange 40 cooperate together with the respective interior surfaces 68 of the upper handle portion 62 and the interior surface 86 of the lower handle portion 84 to limit the degree of torsional movement of the second end 24 of the flexible member 20. Figure 6 shows a fragmentary, isometric view of the razor assembly 54 of Figures 3 and 4, including lower handle portion 64. The lower handle portion 64 includes interior surface 84. The interior surface 84 of lower handle portion 64 includes forward supports 76' and aft supports 78' that are substantially similar in shape and size as the forward and aft supports of the upper handle portion (Fig. 5). The forward supports 76' secure the left and right side supports 32, 34 of the lateral support 30 of the flexible member. The aft support 78' secures the first or lower end 22 of the flexible member. Lower flange 40 is engagable with interior bearing surface 86 of the lower handle portion 64. The lower flange 40 slides over the interior bearing surface 86 during swiveling movement of the razor cartridge. Figures 7A and 7B show pivotal movement of the razor cartridge 28 relative to the flexible member 20 during a shaving operation. The embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B provides for unidirectional pivotal movement of the razor cartridge relative to the rod 26 of the flexible member 20. Figure 7A shows the razor cartridge 28 in a normally extended or first pivotal position, with biasing element 88 urging the razor cartridge 28 to pivot about rod 26 in a clockwise direction R 1 . Referring to Figure 7B, during a shaving operation, external forces F applied to a top side 90 of the razor cartridge 28 cause the razor cartridge to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction R 2 about the rod 26. As the razor cartridge pivots from the position shown in Figure 7A to the position shown in Figure 7B, the biasing element 88 is compressed. After the force F is removed from the top side 90 of the razor cartridge 28, the biasing element 88 decompresses for returning the razor cartridge to the extended position shown in Figure 7A. Thus, once the force F is greater than the counterforce exerted by biasing element 88, the razor cartridge will pivot from the normally extended position shown in Figure 7A, to the retracted position shown in Figure 7B. Pivotal movement in the counter-clockwise direction R 2 continues until the rearward portion 92 of bearing surface 48 engages the support gussets 36A and 36B (Figures 7A and 7B show gussset 36B) of the flexible member 20. Once the force F is removed from the top side 90 of the razor cartridge 28, the biasing element 88 urges the razor cartridge 28 to pivot back to the normally extended position shown in Figure 7A. Figures 8A and 8B show pivotal movement of a razor cartridge relative to a flexible member, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. The flexible member 120 includes a helical spring 188 attached to an upper end of upper flange 138. The razor cartridge 128 is pivotally mounted to substantially cylindrical rod 126. In Figure 8A, the helical spring 188 urges the razor cartridge 128 into an extended position. When force F is exerted upon the top side 190 of razor cartridge 128, the razor cartridge pivots about the substantially cylindrical-shaped rod in the direction counter-clockwise R 2 , thereby compressing the helical spring 188. When the force F is removed from the top side 190 of razor cartridge 128, the helical spring 188 decompresses and urges the razor cartridge 128 to pivot about the rod 126 in the direction clockwise R 1 . Thus, once the force F is removed, the helical spring 188 urges the razor cartridge 128 back into the extended position shown in Figure 8A. Figures 9A and 9B show a flexible member 220 for a shaving assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The flexible member 220 has a razor cartridge 228 pivotally mounted thereto for unidirectional pivot movement about cylindrical rod 226. The flexible member 220 has a biasing element 288 integrally molded thereto for urging the razor cartridge 228 to pivot in a clockwise direction R 1 about cylindrical rod 226 to the extended position shown in Figure 9A. When a force F is exerted upon the top side 290 of the razor cartridge 228, the razor cartridge pivots about the rod 226 in the counter-clockwise direction R 2 to compress the biasing element 288. The razor cartridge pivots in the counter-clockwise direction R 2 until bearing surface 248 engages support gusset 236. When the force F is removed from the top side 290 of the razor cartridge 228, the biasing element 288 decompresses for urging the razor cartridge 228 to pivot about the rod in clockwise direction R 1 to return the razor cartridge to the extended position shown in Figure 9A. Figure 10A-10C show yet another embodiment of a flexible member for a razor assembly whereby the flexible member includes a bi-directional pivoting system. Referring to Figure 10A, the flexible member 320 has a first biasing element 388A extending from upper flange 338 to engage the bearing surface 348 at the under side of razor cartridge 328. The razor cartridge also includes a second biasing element 388B engagable with lower flange 340. The first and second biasing elements 388A, 388B normally urge the razor cartridge 328 into the neutral position shown in Figure 10A. Referring to Figure 10B, when a force F 1 is exerted upon the top side 390 of razor cartridge 328, the razor cartridge 328 rotates in a counterclockwise direction R 1 about rod 326, thereby compressing first biasing element 328A. When the force F 1 is removed, the first biasing element 388A urges the razor cartridge to rotate in a clockwise direction R 2 back into the neutral position shown in Figure 10A. Referring to Figure 10C, when a force F 2 is directed on the top side 390 of razor cartridge 328, the razor cartridge rotates in a clockwise direction R 1 designated R 2 so as to compress the second biasing element 388B. When the force F 2 is removed, the second biasing element 388B urges the razor cartridge 328 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and back to the neutral position shown in Figure 10A. Thus, the embodiment shown in Figure 10A-10C provides for a razor cartridge that is able to pivot in two directions (i.e., bi-directional pivoting). The biasing elements 388A, 388B return the razor cartridge to a neutral position once external forces have been removed from the razor cartridge. The razor cartridge 28 and flexible member 20 (Fig. 1) of the present invention may also undergo swiveling and torsional movement when external forces are applied to the razor cartridge 28. Figure 2 shows swiveling movement of the flexible member 20. While the first end 22 of the flexible member 20 is secured in place between upper and lower handle portions 62 and 640, the flexible web 44 (i.e., the section of the flexible member 20 between the pivot point defined by axis A 3 and the upper flange 38) is able to flex in the directions indicated by the arrows relative to axis A 3 of the flexible member 204. In other words, the portion of the flexible member 20 at the visual indicator will move along an arcuate path centered on axis A 3 . Figure 11 is a front end view of the razor assembly 54 of Figures 5 and 6 showing torsional movement of the flexible member 20 in response to torsional forces F t1 and F t2 exerted upon the razor cartridge 28. The torsional movement is essentially rotational movement of the razor cartridge about the longitudinal axis A 2 of the flexible member 20. The longitudinal axis A 2 of the flexible member 20 shown in Fig. 8 extends into and out of the paper. The torsional movement of the flexible member preferably occurs between the upper and lower flanges 38, 40 and the cartridge attachment axis A 1 . Figures 12A-12C show torsional movement of flexible member 20. Figure 12A shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the razor assembly 54 of Figs. 3 and 4 including upper handle portion 62 having interior surface 68, and lower handle portion 64 including interior surface 84. In Figure 12A there are no torsional forces acting upon flexible member 20. As a result, the upper and lower flanges 38 and 40 exert no pressure load on the respective interior surfaces 68 and 84. Figure 12B shows the flexible member 20 after torsional forces F t2 have caused the flexible member 20 to rotate in a clockwise direction R 1 about the longitudinal axis A 2 . Figure 12C shows the flexible member 20 after torsional forces F t1 have caused the flexible member 20 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction R 2 about the longitudinal axis A 2 of the flexible member 20. Torsional movement of flexible member 20 (i.e., rotation of the second end 24 of the flexible member 20 relative to the first end 22 of the flexible member about the longitudinal axis A 2 of the flexible member 20) is limited by the increasing stiffness of the cross-sectional geometry of the flexible member 20 as it deforms when torsional forces are applied. This stiffness is a result of the geometry (polar moment of inertia) and the material properties (shear modulus) of the flexible member 20. Referring to Figure 13A, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, a first gap may be present between upper flange 38' and the interior surface 68' of upper handle portion 62', and a second gap may be present between lower flange 40' and the interior surface 84' of lower handle portion 64'. Torsional movement is also limited by the upper flange 38' engaging the interior surface 68' of upper handle portion 62' (Fig. 13B) and/or the lower flange 40' engaging the interior surface 84' of lower handle portion 64' (Fig. 13C). In this embodiment, torsional movement of flexible member 20' may also be limited by the increasing stiffness of the cross-sectional geometry of the flexible member 20' as it deforms when torsional forces are applied. Figures 14A and 14B show a shaving assembly 458 including a flexible member 520 capable of being releasably attached to a handle 556. The flexible member 520 includes a lower end 522, an upper end 524 remote therefrom and a cylindrical rod 526 connected to the upper end 524 of flexible member 520. The handle 556 includes an upper end 558 having an opening (not shown) and a lower end 560 remote therefrom. The handle also includes a button 594 that may be depressed for releasing the flexible member from its connection with the handle 556, as will be described in more detail below. In order to connect the flexible member 520 with the handle 556, the lower end 522 of the flexible member is inserted into the opening at the upper end 558 of the handle. The interior region of the handle may include any one of a number of well known structures for securing a shaft to a razor handle. For example, the interior region of the handle may include a spring loaded element for engaging the outer surface of the lower end 522 of flexible member 520 when the flexible member is inserted into the opening of the handle 556. Figure 14B shows the flexible member 520 after it has been connected to handle 556. The flexible member 520 has razor cartridge 528 pivotally connected thereto. The flexible member 520 will remain attached to handle 556 until button 594 is depressed for releasing flexible member 520 from its attachment to handle 556. After flexible member 520 has been detached from handle 556, a replacement flexible member may be releasably attached to handle 556. In certain preferred embodiments, the flexible member 520 may be disposable. In other words, the flexible member 520 may be sold with one or more razor cartridges 528 and the entire subassembly of the flexible member and razor cartridge thrown away once the cutting blades of razor cartridge 528 have become worn. However, in other embodiments, the flexible member may be sold separately from razor cartridges. In these embodiments, it may be desirable to replace the flexible member 520 once it loses its flexibility and/or resilience, irrespective of whether or not one or more razor blade cartridges connected thereto have become worn. Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative of principles and applications of the present invention. Thus, it is understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims: A razor assembly (54) comprising: a handle (56); and a flexible member (20) having a first end (22) connected to said handle at a pivot point (A 3 ), a second free end (24) projecting from the upper end of said handle and a longitudinal axis (A 2 ) extending through the first and second ends of said flexible member; wherein the second free end of said flexible member is movable along an arcuate path centered at the pivot point and is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said flexible member, characterised in that the razor cartridge has a major axis and one or more blades and in that the second free end of the flexible member is adapted for pivotally connecting to the razor cartridge (28) for pivotal movement of the cartridge about an axis (A 1 ) that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the major axis of the cartridge. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second free end of the flexible member (20) is adapted for receiving the razor cartridge. A razor assembly (54) according to Claim 1 wherein both the second end (24) of said flexible member and the razor cartridge pivotally connected thereto are movable along an arcuate path centered on the pivot point, and in that said second end of said flexible member and said razor cartridge are rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said flexible member. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein each of said one or more razor blades includes a cutting edge extending in a direction substantially parallel to the major axis of the razor cartridge. The razor assembly of Claim 1, wherein said handle (56) comprises a thermoplastic material. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said handle (56) includes an exterior surface having one or more annular ribs (66) so as to provide a gripping surface for said handle. The razor assembly (54) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second free end of said flexible member includes a substantially cylindrical rod (26) extending in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis of the flexible member. The razor assembly (54) as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said razor cartridge has an underside (46) including one or more bearing surfaces (48) engageable with said substantially cylindrical rod for pivotally connecting said razor cartridge to said flexible member. The razor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible member includes a support gusset (36A, 36B) extending from the second free end toward the first end thereof. The razor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible member includes a laterally extending support (32, 34) having an axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of said flexible member, said laterally extending support laying between the pivot point and the first end of said flexible member. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said handle includes an upper handle portion (62) and a lower handle portion (64), said upper and lower handle portions being connectable together for securing at least a portion of the flexible member. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said handle (56) is a one piece handle. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said flexible member (20) is integrally moulded with said handle. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the upper (62) and lower (64) handle portions surround at least the first end (22) of said flexible member. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the upper handle portion (62) has an interior face (68) with a forward receiver channel (76) and an aft receiver channel (78), the forward receiver channel being adapted to receive the laterally extending support of the flexible member and the aft receiver channel being adapted to secure a section of said flexible member adjacent the first end thereof. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein said upper handle portion has an arcuate slot (74) extending from the interior surface to an exterior surface thereof. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said flexible member includes a visual indicator (42) connected thereto and disposed between the first and second ends thereof, and wherein said visual indicator extends through said arcuate slot for indicating the location of said flexible member during shaving. The razor assembly as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 14, wherein the lower handle portion (64) has an interior face (84) with a forward receiver channel (76') and an aft receiver channel (78'), the forward receiver channel being adapted to secure the laterally extending support of the flexible member and the aft receiver channel being adapted to receive a section of said flexible member adjacent the first end thereof.

Inventors: DANSREAU PAUL RICHARD, KING BRIAN FRANCIS, SASUTA MICHAEL JOHN, DANSREAU, PAUL RICHARD, KING, BRIAN FRANCIS, SASUTA, MICHAEL JOHN
Applicants: WARNER LAMBERT CO, WARNER-LAMBERT COMPANY
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B26B21
IPC codes: B26B21