Patent Publication Number: US-2023143109-A1

Title: Coupling mechanism

Description:
FIELD 
     This application claims benefit from European patent application EP20166674.0 filed on 30 Mar. 2020, its content being incorporated herein by reference. 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of skincare, and in particular to shaving. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coupling mechanism for connecting a replaceable shaving cartridge of a shaving device to a handle of a shaving device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical handheld shaving device includes a handle and replaceable shaving cartridges or heads which are configured to connect to the handle via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism should allow for engagement and disengagement of the shaving cartridge to and from the handle. However, many presently available coupling mechanisms are unable to maintain engagement of the shaving cartridge to the handle when force is applied to the shaving cartridge, which leads to unintentional disengagement of the shaving cartridge from the handle. 
     It is desirable to provide an improved coupling mechanism for engaging and disengaging a shaving cartridge of a shaving device to a handle of a shaving device, while also reducing unintentional disengagement of the shaving cartridge from the handle. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects of the present disclosure, a coupling mechanism for engaging and disengaging a shaving cartridge of a shaving device comprises a first coupling element having one or more first engagement surface configured to pivot about a pivot axis, a second coupling element including one or more second engagement surface configured to contact the one or more first engagement surface, the second coupling element being capable of moving in a first direction from a first position to a second position and in a second direction from the second position to the first position, a stop positioned inwardly of the first coupling element configured to impede pivoting of the first coupling element, and wherein, the stop impedes pivoting of the first coupling element when the second coupling element is in the first position and the stop no longer impedes movement of the first coupling element when the second coupling element is in the second position. 
     The pivot axis is located external to the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism further comprises a third coupling element that is configured to support the first coupling element and the second coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the second coupling element may be positioned inwardly of the first coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the first coupling element may include one or more first coupling member, the one or more first coupling member may include a peripheral attachment portion configured to be received by a shaving cartridge of a shaving device, and the peripheral attachment portion may be offset inwardly of the pivot axis. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, a difference in a first distance between the peripheral attachment portions and a second distance between the pivot axes may be in the range of 2.1 mm and 2.3 mm. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the second coupling element may include a ramp and movement of an actuator along the ramp may cause the second coupling element to move in the first direction from the first position toward the second position. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the one or more second engagement surface may come into contact with and apply a force on the one or more first engagement surface when the second coupling element is moving in the first direction. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, application of the force on the one or more first engagement surface may cause the one or more coupling member to pivot and the peripheral attachment portion to move inwardly. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the third coupling element may be configured to be arranged in a stacked relationship with the first coupling element and the second coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the first coupling element may be configured to pivot along a surface of the third coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the second coupling element may be biased toward the first position by a bias member. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the stop may be included on the second coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the first coupling element may include a pair of opposing coupling members. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, the one or more second engagement surfaces may be projections extending from the second coupling element. 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, a shaving device may comprise the coupling mechanism according to any aspect described above. 
     In the manner described and according to aspects illustrated herein, the coupling mechanism may allow for engagement and disengagement of the shaving cartridge while also improving retention of the shaving cartridge to the handle to avoid unintentional disengagement of the shaving cartridge from the handle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of an embodiment will be described in reference to the drawings, where like numerals reflect like elements: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a coupling mechanism within a handheld shaving device according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side perspective exploded view of a portion of the handheld shaving device; 
         FIG.  3    is a side perspective exploded view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a top perspective view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is top view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is side view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , with emphasis on an actuator of the coupling mechanism; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a side view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , with emphasis on the actuator of the coupling mechanism when the actuator is pressed by a user; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing a second coupling element of the coupling mechanism in a first position; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a top view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing the second coupling element of the coupling mechanism transitioning from the first position toward a second position; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a top view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing the second coupling element of the coupling mechanism transitioning from the first position toward the second position; 
         FIG.  7 D  is a top view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing the second coupling element of the coupling mechanism in the second position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment of the coupling mechanism according to aspects of the disclosure will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7 D , wherein like numerals represent like parts, and will generally be referred to by the reference numeral  10 . Although the coupling mechanism  10  is described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without going beyond the general scope as defined by the claims. In particular, individual characteristics of the various embodiments shown and/or mentioned herein may be combined in additional embodiments. Consequently, the description and the drawings should be considered in a sense that is illustrative rather than restrictive. The Figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative aspects depicted are intended only as exemplary. 
     The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiment(s) described. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Various materials, methods of construction and methods of fastening will be discussed in the context of the disclosed embodiment(s). Those skilled in the art will recognize known substitutes for the materials, construction methods, and fastening methods, all of which are contemplated as compatible with the disclosed embodiment(s) and are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. 
     As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Throughout the description, including the claims, the terms “comprising a,” “including a,” and “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising one or more,” “including one or more,” and “having one or more” unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “generally” should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances. 
     When an element or feature is referred to herein as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or feature, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or feature, or intervening elements or features may be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or feature, there may be no intervening elements or features present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or features should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “middle,” “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and/or parameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and/or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the coupling mechanism  10  may be configured to couple parts of a product, such as a handheld shaving device (hereafter, “the product”)  100  having a head/replaceable shaving cartridge  102  and a handle  104 . The coupling mechanism  10  may be included within a housing  106  of the handle  104 . The housing  106  may be directly connected to the handle  104 . It is also contemplated that the housing  106  may be indirectly connected to the handle  104 . Additionally, it is contemplated that the housing  106  may be integral to the handle  104 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the coupling mechanism  10  may be bisected by an axis A-A and include a first coupling element  20 , a second coupling element  40 , a third coupling element  60 , and an actuator  80  configured to allow for engagement and disengagement of the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104 , while also improving retention of the shaving cartridge  102  to the handle  104  to avoid unintentional disengagement of the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104 . The first coupling element  20 , second coupling element  40 , and third coupling element  60  may be configured to be arranged in a stacked relationship. In this arrangement, the second coupling element  40  may fit between and be fully-surrounded by the first coupling element  20  and the first coupling element  20  and the second coupling element  40  may be supported upon and/or within the third coupling element  60 . In the disclosed embodiment, the coupling mechanism  10  may be attached to the housing  106  of the handle  104 . It is contemplated that the coupling mechanism  10  may be attached to the handle  104  via an attachment connection such as a snap-fit or press-fit connection. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the first coupling element  20  may include one or more elastically deformable coupling member (arm)  22  extending from a root  24 . In the disclosed embodiment, the first coupling element  20  may include a pair of opposing coupling members  22  extending from the root  24 . The root  24  may be radial and/or u-shaped to facilitate movement and/or pivoting of the coupling members  22 . It is contemplated that the terms “pivot” and “pivoting,” as used herein, may encompass movements which are made with respect to a fixed point, such as a rotation. Each coupling member  22  may include a peripheral attachment portion  26  configured to be received and retained within the shaving cartridge  102  of the product  100 . Due to pivoting of the coupling members  22 , each coupling member  22 , and thus each peripheral attachment portion  26 , may be capable transitioning between a non-retracted position, wherein the each peripheral attachment portion  26  may be retained in the shaving cartridge  102 , and a retracted position, wherein the peripheral attachment portion  26  may no longer be retained in the shaving cartridge  102 . Each peripheral attachment portion  26  may extend outwardly to an attachment surface  28  which may be the outermost surface of each coupling member  22  and the coupling mechanism  10 . It is contemplated that the terms “outward,” “outwardly,” and “outermost,” as used herein, may be understood to mean a direction away and/or farther from the axis A-A. The attachment surface  28  of the peripheral attachment portion  26  may be arcuate. In the non-retracted position of the peripheral attachment portion  26  (see  FIGS.  5  and  7 A ), each attachment surface  28  may be located at a first distance D 1  from each other. In the disclosed embodiment, the first distance D 1  may be within a range of 21 mm to 23 mm, but may most specifically be 22 mm±0.1 mm. In the retracted position of the peripheral attachment portion  26  (see  FIG.  7 D ), the first distance D 1  between each attachment surface  28  may be less than 20 mm, particularly within a range of 18 mm to 20 mm, but may most specifically be 19.8 mm±0.1 mm. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 4  and  7 A- 7 D , the first coupling element  20  may include arcuate pivot surfaces  30 ,  32  configured to pivot against complementary arcuate pivot surfaces  66 ,  68  of the third coupling element  60 . In the disclosed embodiment, the pivot surfaces  30 ,  32  of each coupling member  22  may include an outer pivot surface  30  having a concave radial geometry configured to pivot against a first complementary radial surface  66  of the third coupling element  60 . The pivot surfaces  30 ,  32  of each coupling member  22  may also include an inner pivot surface  32  having a convex radial geometry configured to pivot against a second complementary radial surface  68  of the third coupling element  60 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , each coupling member  22 , and thus the first coupling element  20 , may pivot about a separate pivot axis A PA , A PB , respectively. Each pivot axis A PA , A PB  may be located external to the coupling mechanism  10 . It is contemplated that the term “external” as used herein may be understood to mean a location outside sidewalls  64  of the third coupling element  60 . The pivot axes A PA , A PB  may be spaced from each other by a second distance D 2 . The second distance D 2  may be greater than the first distance D 1 . In the disclosed embodiment, the second distance D 2  may be in the range of 26 mm and 32 mm, but may most specifically be 26.4 mm±0.1 mm. As such, each attachment surface  28 , and thus each peripheral attachment portion  26 , may be offset inwardly of each respective pivot axis A PA , A PB . It is contemplated that the terms “inward” and “inwardly,” as used herein, may be understood to mean in a direction toward and/or closer to the axis A-A. In the disclosed embodiment, a third distance D 3  corresponding to a difference between the distance D 1  and each distance D 2  may be in the range of 1 mm and 5 mm, but may most specifically be 2.2 mm±0.1 mm. When a user attempts to pull the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104  by force, it may generate a torque on each coupling member  22 . The torque may be applied at the outermost surfaces of the first coupling element  20 , the attachment surfaces  28 . As such, as each pivot axis A PA , A PB  may be offset outwardly at by third distance D 3  from the attachment surfaces  28 , the torque may tend to push each coupling member  22  outwardly and not allow each coupling member  22  to retract, thereby maintaining retention of the peripheral attachment portions  26  within the shaving cartridge  102  and thus maintaining the engagement between the shaving cartridge  102  and the handle  104 . 
     Each coupling member  22  may include a first engagement surface  34  and a second engagement surface  36  configured to engage and disengage surfaces  52 ,  58  included on the second coupling element  40 . In the disclosed embodiment, the first coupling element  20  may include a pair of opposing first engagement surfaces  34  and a pair of opposing second engagement surfaces  36 . Each first engagement surface  34  may function as a cam surface by which energy is received from surfaces  52  of the second coupling element  40 . Each first engagement surface  34  and each second engagement surface  36  may project inwardly toward the axis A-A. Each first engagement surface  34  may be positioned between the second engagement surface  36  and the root  24 . When each second engagement surface  36  is engaged with complementary surfaces  58  of the second coupling element  40 , unintentional disengagement of the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104  may be blocked, as each coupling member  22  is then blocked from pivoting inwardly. When each second engagement surface  36  is disengaged from the complementary surfaces  58  of the second coupling element  40 , disengagement of the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104  may no longer be blocked. Additionally, the first coupling element  22  may include a gap  38  extending from the first engagement surface  34  to the root  24  of the first coupling element  20 . The gap  38  may allow for movement of the second coupling element  40  between the first coupling element  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the second coupling element  40  may be configured to be positioned inwardly of the first coupling element  20 . The second coupling element  40  may include a pair of arms  42  extending from a base  44 . A ramp  46  may extend from the base  44  of the second coupling element  40 . The ramp  46  may be configured to work in combination with the actuator  80  to cause movement of the second coupling element  40 . One or more voids  48 ,  50  may be defined between the arms  42  of the second coupling element  40  for receiving a bias member  90  and/or a component  70  of the third coupling element  60 . In the disclosed embodiment, a first void  48  and a second void  50  may be defined between the arms  42  of the second coupling element  40 . The first void  48  may be defined between engagement surfaces and stops  52 ,  58  (discussed below) of the second coupling element  40 . The second void  50  may be defined between a wall  56  of the second coupling element  40  and the base  44  of the second coupling element  40 . The wall  56  of the second coupling element  40  may extend transverse to the axis A-A. 
     The second coupling element  40  may include one or more engagement surface (second engagement surface) (projection)  52  configured to come into contact with and apply a first force on a corresponding first engagement surface  34  of a corresponding coupling member  22  of the first coupling element  20 . In the disclosed embodiment, the second coupling element  40  includes a pair of engagement surfaces  52 . Each engagement surface  52  of the second coupling element  40  may extend perpendicular to the axis A-A. Each engagement surface  52  may extend from a corresponding arm  42  of the second coupling element  40 . The wall  56  of the second coupling element  40  may be located between the engagement surfaces  52  of the second coupling element  40  and the base  44  of the second coupling element  40 . The second coupling element  40  may also include one or more stop  58  extending transverse to the axis A-A. In the disclosed embodiment, the second coupling element  40  may include a pair of opposing stops  58 . Each stop  58  may extend from a corresponding arm  42  of the second coupling element  40 . Each stop  58  may be positioned inwardly of a corresponding second engagement surface  36  of each coupling member  22  of the first coupling element  20 . As discussed above, each stop  58  may be configured to engage and disengage each corresponding second engagement surface  36  of each corresponding coupling member  22 . When each stop  58  is engaged with the corresponding second engagement surfaces  36  of the first coupling element  20 , pivoting of each coupling member  22  may be impeded, thereby further maintaining retention of the peripheral attachment portions  26  within the shaving cartridge  102 . When each stop  58  is disengaged with the corresponding second engagement surfaces  36  of the first coupling element  20 , pivoting of each coupling member  22  may no longer be impeded, thereby allowing detachment of the shaving cartridge  102  from the handle  104   
     As illustrated by  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the second coupling element  40  may be capable of moving in a first direction d 1  from a first position to a second position and in a second direction d 2  from the second position to the first position. In the disclosed embodiment, movement of the second coupling element  40  in the first direction d 1  may be a direction toward the root  24  of the first coupling element  20  and movement of the second coupling element  40  in the second direction d 2  may be a direction toward the peripheral attachment portions  26  of the first coupling element  20 . It is contemplated that the first position of the second coupling element  40  may be a rest position wherein the stops  58  of the second coupling element  40  may be engaged with the second engagement surfaces  36  of the first coupling element  20 , so that pivoting of the coupling members  22  may be blocked (see  FIG.  7 A ) and the peripheral attachment portions  26  may be in the non-retracted position and retained within the shaving cartridge  102 . It is contemplated that the second position of the second coupling element  40  may be a position wherein the stops  58  of the second coupling element  40  may be disengaged from the second engagement surfaces  36  of the first coupling element  20 , so that pivoting of the coupling members  22  is no longer blocked and the peripheral attachment portions  26  may be in the retracted position and no longer retained within the shaving cartridge  102  (see  FIGS.  7 C- 7 D ). Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the second position of the second coupling element  40  may correspond to a shaving cartridge disengagement position wherein the actuator  90  is fully-pressed. The second coupling element  40  may be biased toward the first position by a bias member  90 . In the disclosed embodiment, the bias member  90  may be a coil spring. The bias member  90  may be secured between the wall  56  of the second coupling element  40  and a wall  70  of the third coupling element  60 . The wall  70  of the third coupling element  60  may extend through the second void  50  of the second coupling element  40 . The second coupling element  40  may move in the first and second directions d 1 , d 2  between the coupling members  22  of the first coupling element  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , movement of the second coupling element  40  may be caused by the actuator  80  of the coupling mechanism  10 . In the disclosed embodiment, the actuator  80  is a push-button actuator. The actuator  80  may be positioned above the second coupling element  40 . The actuator  80  may include a pin  82  which extends perpendicular to the axis A-A toward the second coupling element  40 . The pin  82  of the actuator  80  may be configured to move toward the second coupling element  40  when the actuator is pressed by a user. The pin  82  of the actuator  80  may come into contact with and push against the ramp  46  of the second coupling element  40  by applying a force on the ramp  46  when pressed by a user. Application of force may cause the pin  82  to slide along the ramp  46  in the second direction d 2  (see  FIG.  6 B ). Referring back to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , sliding along the ramp  46  in the second direction d 2  may cause the second coupling element  40  to compress the bias member  90  and move in the first direction d 1  toward the second position (see  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B ). Movement in the first direction d 1  toward the second position may cause the each stop  58  of the second coupling element  40  to no longer engage the each second engagement surface  36  of the first coupling element  20  and no longer impede pivoting of the coupling members  22  of the first coupling element  20  (see  FIGS.  7 B- 7 D ). Movement in the first direction d 1  toward the second position may also cause the first engagement surfaces  52  of the second coupling element  40  to engage the first engagement surfaces  34  of the first coupling element  20  and apply force on the first engagement surfaces  34  of the first coupling element  20  (see  FIGS.  7 B- 7 D ). Application of force by the first engagement surfaces  52  of the second coupling element  40  on the first engagement surfaces  34  of the first coupling element  20  may push the first engagement surfaces  34  of the first coupling element  20  in the first direction d 1 . Pushing the first engagement surfaces  34  of the first coupling element  20  in the first direction d 1  may cause each coupling member  22 , and thus each peripheral attachment portion  26 , to pivot inwardly toward the axis A-A about each corresponding pivot axis A PA , A PB , thereby moving out of retention within the shaving cartridge  102 . In this manner, the coupling mechanism  10  may allow the shaving cartridge  102  to detach from the handle  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the third coupling element  60  may include a frame  62  configured to receive and support the first coupling element  20  and the second coupling element  40 . The wall  70  of the third coupling element  60  may extend from the frame  62  of the third coupling element  60 . The third coupling element  60  may include a pair of axially extending sidewalls  64 . Each sidewall  64  may include a first inner pivot surface  66  complementary to the outer pivot surfaces  30  of the first coupling element  20 . In the disclosed embodiment, each first inner pivot surface  66  may include convex radial geometry complementary to the outer pivot surface  30  of the first coupling element  20 . The third coupling element  60  may also include a second inner pivot surface  68  which may include a concave radial geometry complementary to the inner pivot surface  32  of the first coupling element  20 . Each first engagement surface  34  of the first coupling element  20  may extend over the second inner pivot surface  68  of the third coupling element  60  toward the axis A-A so that pivoting of the coupling members  22  is not impeded by the second inner pivot surfaces  68 . 
     Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. 
     It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims. 
     Additionally, all of the disclosed features of an apparatus may be transposed, alone or in combination, to a method and vice versa.