Patent Publication Number: US-2006016293-A1

Title: Combination blade cleaner, sharpener and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention relates to a blade cleaner and sharpener. More specifically, the invention relates to cleaning and sharpening apparatus and method that is ideally suited to treat a used razor blade.  
      2. Background Art  
      The life of today&#39;s razor blade may last for up to seven days of comfortable use. After that, the blade&#39;s effectiveness tends to diminish rapidly. A razor blade becomes uncomfortable to use when its edge(s) becomes dulled. A loss of sharpness occurs when the leading edge of a blade bends. Such problem can be ameliorated when, for example, a leather strap is applied to an open-faced or cut-throat razor blade. Such a method, however, is ill-suited for contemporary razorblade heads which are often encased in a plastic housing.  
      A deformed edge typically fractures after prolonged deployment. This results in the cutting surface becoming consequently damaged. In shaving operations, such an edge on the leading edge of a blade is uncomfortable and results in unwanted cuts. After superficial cuts and abrasions occur, the blade and/or razor are ultimately thrown away.  
      Counterpart observations are also applicable to other applications and uses that require a finely honed edge. Such applications include tools, kitchen knives, and surgical equipment.  
      In the case of razor blades, a satisfactory experience upon use is often diminished when the space between adjacent blades of a multi-blade shaver head becomes clogged with the debris that results from cutting. Accordingly, it would be desirable to clean away such debris that may remain after rinsing under a faucet with a tool that was specially designed for the purpose.  
      Against this background, it would be desirable to have a tool for rejuvenating a used edge so that disposal can be avoided and the edge can again be imbued with sharpness.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      One object of the present invention is to provide a combined apparatus for cleaning between the blades of a razor head and sharpening the blade in order to rejuvenate it and restore it to a mint condition.  
      It is also an objective of the invention to extend the useful service life of a razorblade.  
      Another purpose of the present invention is to provide in one tool a means for cleaning and for sharpening so that early disposal of the blade is avoided. Otherwise, tools may need separately to be purchased, used and perhaps become mislaid.  
      Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a tool that is entirely portable, safe to use, does not require a source of electrical energy, can be used on any brand of disposable razor, is easy to use, and has a reasonably long life expectancy.  
      Accordingly, the invention includes a tool for sharpening a cutting edge and cleaning between adjacent cutting edges. The tool has an elongate gripping section between a first end and a second end. Extending from the first end is a means for sharpening. A means for cleaning extends from the second end.  
      Preferably, the means for sharpening comprises a V-shaped abrasive surface that receives the edge to be sharpened.  
      In one embodiment, the means for cleaning includes a strip of resilient material having a periphery that can be moved within an area to be cleaned, from which debris can be dislodged by inserting the strip laterally and inwardly and outwardly. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a tool for sharpening a cutting edge and cleaning between adjacent cutting edges;  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of a means for cleaning that extends from one end of the tool; and  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a means for sharpening that extends from the other end of the tool. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is depicted a tool  10  for sharpening a cutting edge  12  and for cleaning between adjacent cutting edges  14 ,  16 . The tool includes an elongate gripping section  18  that has a first end  20  and a second end  22 . Extending from the first end is a means for sharpening  24 . A means for cleaning  26  extends from the second end.  
      Preferably, the means for sharpening includes a V-shaped abrasive surface  28  that receives the edge  12  to be sharpened.  
      At the other end of the elongate gripping section  18  from the V-shaped abrasive surface  28  is a strip  30  of resilient material. This material has a periphery  32  that can be moved adjacent to an area  34  to be cleaned from which debris can be dislodged by inserting the strip  30  and moving it laterally and inwardly and outwardly.  
      Ideally, the length of the disclosed tool is about 4-5 inches with a width of about 3/16 of an inch and a thickness also of about 3/16 of an inch. It will be appreciated that the object depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  are not to scale. The main body of the elongate gripping section  18  is preferably about 1½ inches. It is formed from brass, or from a 304 stainless steel or similar material.  
      To facilitate manipulation, the gripping section  18  has a vulcanized or rubberized grip  36 .  
      At the first end  20  there is provided the means for sharpening  24 . Preferably, the means for sharpening  24  has an abrasive surface such as sand paper, emery paper, or a file-like material. Preferably, the sharpener is about ¼ of an inch in width and each jaw is about 1/32 of an inch in depth. The means for sharpening  24  is connected to the elongate gripping section  18  by a neck portion  38 . The neck portion  38  comprises a weldment that may provide rigidity or flexibility of the means for sharpening in relation to the gripping section as desired.  
      Preferably, the means for sharpening  24  is embodied in two pieces of file stock, each of which having one abrasive face. In one form of the invention, the means for sharpening is about 1/32 of an inch long, and about 1/32 of an inch thick, with the abrasive surfaces oriented inwardly. A gap of about 1/32 of an inch separates the facing jaws of the V-shaped abrasive surface  28 . This gap allows insertion of an edge to be sharpened. The open end of the V-shaped means for sharpening  24  is preferably rounded to avoid injury.  
      The means for cleaning  26  extends from the other end of the elongate gripping section  18 . Preferably, the means for cleaning  26  extends at about a 45° angle to longitudinal axis of the elongate gripping section  18 . The means for cleaning  26  includes a material that is about 3/16 of an inch thick and 3/16 of an inch wide. Preferably, it is formed from a plastic material such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) copolymer. The material from which the cleaner is made is preferably a high polymer can be shaped or molded with or without the application of heat.  
      Preferably, a tapered section  40  links a means for cleaning  26  and the elongate gripping section  18 . If desired, the means for cleaning  26  can be attached to the elongate gripping section  18  by a compatible epoxy.  
      In use, the disclosed tool can, if desired, first be used to clean between adjacent blades and housings. To do this, the means for cleaning  26  is inserted in a space defined between adjacent blades and gently move laterally to remove cutting debris.  
      Once the blades are cleaned, the means for cleaning  26  is removed and the tool is inverted. The means for sharpening is then inserted over the blade surface to be rejuvenated and is again moved laterally. In practice, approximately 4-5 strokes per blade is all that is needed, depending upon the abrasive characteristics of the V-shaped abrasive surface  28 . Finally, the razor is rinsed off and is again ready for use.  
      While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.