Patent Publication Number: US-2021187766-A1

Title: Razor handles

Description:
This application is a National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/070518, filed on Jul. 30, 2019, now published as WO/2020/025623 and which claims priority to European patent application EP 18186683.1 filed on Jul. 31, 2018, entitled “RAZOR HANDLES”. 
     The present disclosure relates to a razor handle, and more specifically, to a razor handle comprising a handle and a flexible element that is adapted to support the handle. Additionally, a razor may include the razor handle and blade assembly including at least one blade. The blade assembly may be fixed or detachable from the handle. The blade assembly may be interchangeable, in particular, when a blade or blades of the blade assembly have been blunted. The razor may be specifically adapted for shaving facial, head, and/or body hair. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Two common problems with shaving blade assemblies is storage of the razor and, at the same time, keeping a high level of hygiene. For example, shaving blade assemblies that require a tray are common, however the trays are difficult to store due to their bulky size and can leave the razor blade in a pool of still water due to the orientation of the blade within the tray, especially if the tray is left in a location where water is present, e.g., the shower. Therefore, there is a need for a structure that allows the razor blade to be hygienically and easily stored. 
     To address this problem, shaving blade assemblies comprising a mechanism to orient and hold the razor upright have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,198 A discloses a razor comprising a pair of fold down legs which are extended from pivots on the handle. Each leg has a foot section at lower end by which the razor is maintained in a standing position when the legs are in an outward position. The foot sections are accommodated in a notch in the handle when the legs are in the inward position. The legs can be made of plastic or metal. 
     Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,757 A which discloses a ball-like balancing part formed of rubber that has a socket to receive the shaving blade assembly. 
     Another example is US 2017/0036361 A1 which discloses a razor having a triangular shaped handle. The base naturally stands upright when not in use, thereby keeping the blade from making direct contact with wet surfaces for extended periods of time. 
     SUMMARY 
     To address the problems of storing a razor easily and, at the same time, keeping a high level of hygiene, the present disclosure according to claim  1  is provided. 
     In particular, a razor handle may comprise a top portion for connection to a blade assembly and a bottom portion with a flexible element reversibly deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The flexible element may present, in the second configuration, a broader footprint than in the first configuration, the broader footprint being configured for supporting the razor handle upright. 
     This configuration allows the handle or razor to be easily stored on a flat surface, for example, to fully dry after a wet shave. Additionally, this configuration allows the flexible element to have a slender profile and a small footprint, so it can be stored on a surface with limited available space. When a user is finished with the shaving and desires to store it in a confined space, such as a medicine cabinet or a toiletry bag, the razor or handle can simply be toggled into the first configuration. This easily transformative configuration eliminates the need for a tray. 
     The flexible element may comprise an elastomer. The elastomer allows the flexible element to be easily moved between the first and second configurations. Additionally, elastomers are easy to clean and are known to resist bacterial growth. Furthermore, elastomers have a high fatigue life and thus permit the user to move the flexible element between the first and second configurations a multitude of times without breaking or cracking. 
     The flexible element may have one or more fold lines. This fold line provides a predetermined collapsible point that makes it easier for the user to properly balance the handle or shaving blade assembly. 
     The flexible element may extend towards the top portion of the handle in the first configuration and may extend away from the top portion of the handle in the second configuration. These two configurations aid in having the handle or razor by easily stored in an upright position to dry or in a compact position for storing in a confined space. 
     The flexible element may have a plurality of fold lines distributed such that the flexible element adopts a stepped profile. These fold lines provide a set of predetermined collapsible points that make it easier for the user to properly balance the handle or shaving blade assembly. 
     The flexible element may have at least two legs. The legs make it easier for the user to properly balance the handle or shaving blade assembly. 
     The flexible element may be injection molded with the bottom portion of the handle. The injection molding process facilitates the manufacturing of the handle or shaving blade assembly. The handle and flexile element can be molded in one or more molding steps. Further, the injection molding process can permit the flexible element to be attached to the handle, for example, the handle having a notched cavity and the flexible element being molded to fill the notched cavity. 
     The flexible element extends from a first to a second end, wherein the second end is fixed to a bottom portion of the handle and the first end extends farther away from the top portion of the handle when in the second configuration, than in the first configuration. This deformation of the flexible element allows the razor to be stored in an upright position when in the second configuration. 
     The handle may include a first cavity that may house a spring and a latch mechanism. Positioning the spring and latch mechanism inside of a cavity formed in the handle facilitates storing the razor. 
     The spring and latch mechanism may be configured to move the flexible element between the first and second configurations. This configuration allows a user to easily transition the flexible element between the first and second configurations. 
     The latch mechanism may be adapted to slidably connect with one or more grooves formed on a surface defining the first cavity. Configuring the handle to have a groove that interfaces with the latch mechanism allows for the assembly to have fewer components. 
     The latch mechanism may be selectively latched with the grooves within the first cavity by compressive pressure being applied to the spring. This configuration allows a user to easily transition the flexible element between the first and second configurations. 
     The flexible element may form a second cavity configured to form a fluid tight enclosure with the bottom of the handle. This configuration allows the engagement assembly to be protected from any fluids that may compromise it, for example repeated exposure to water may deteriorate a metal spring if it is included in the engagement assembly. 
     In other aspects, a razor may comprise the razor handle and a blade assembly configured to be attached to the top portion of the razor handle. It is contemplated that the handle, with or without a blade assembly attached thereto, can be moved with between the first and second configurations and that the flexible element can support either the handle or the handle with the blade assembly attached thereto in an upright position. 
     In aspects, a method of configuring a razor handle to be stored in an upright position may comprise providing a handle comprising a top portion for connection to a blade assembly and a bottom portion with a flexible element reversibly deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the flexible element presents, in the second configuration, a broader footprint than in the first configuration, for supporting the razor handle upright. This method facilitates hygienic and efficient storage of a razor and/or razor handle. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each and every implementation of the concept. In particular, selected features of any illustrative embodiment within this disclosure may be incorporated into additional embodiments unless clearly stated to the contrary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a razor according to a first example when the flexible element is in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a razor according to the first example when the flexible element is in a second position; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a razor according to a second example when the flexible element is in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a razor according to the second example when the flexible element is in a second position; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a razor according to a third example when the flexible element is in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a razor according to the third example when the flexible element is in a second position; 
         FIG. 3C  is a cross-section of the razor according to the third example showing the engagement assembly disposed within the handle when the flexible element is in the first configuration; and 
         FIG. 3D  is a cross-section of the razor according to the third example showing the engagement assembly disposed within the handle when the flexible element is in the second position. 
     
    
    
     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 described. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative aspects depicted are intended only as exemplary. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a razor  100  having a blade assembly, handle  40 , and flexible element  50 . The blade assembly may have a housing  20  that may be hollow and generally form a rectangular parallelepiped; however, the housing  20  may be any other suitable shape. 
     Secured within the housing  20  is at least one blade  30 . In this embodiment, a plurality of blades  30  are shown, however, it is contemplated that the blade assembly may have any number of blades  30 . Additionally, the blades  30  that are shown are elongate in shape; however, it is contemplated that the blades  30  may be formed into any other suitable shape. Additionally, each blade may be one piece, bent to form an angle, or may comprise a blade support attached on it. 
     The housing  20  may also include a guard bar  22 , a cap  24 , and a pair of substantially c-shaped retainers  25 ,  26  each having a top portion, a bottom portion, a substantially convex portion connecting the top and bottom portions, where the retainers  25 ,  26  are adapted to retain the position of the blades  30  within the housing  20 . The retainers may extend along a pair of side edges of the housing  20  and are spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the housing  20 . The retainers  25 ,  26  may be either integral with the housing or a separate component assembled with the housing. 
     The saving blade assembly  100  further includes an elongated handle  40  extending along a vertical central axis A-A. The handle has a top portion  40   a  and a bottom portion  40   b.  The handle  40  may be shaped to better adapt to the natural contours of a hand. The top portion  40   a  of the handle  40  may have a connecting member (not shown) that is adapted to connect to the housing  20  of the blade assembly. The blade assembly may be monolithically formed with the handle  40 , it may be fixed to the handle  40 , or it may be interchangeable with the handle  40 . 
     The razor  40  may further include a flexible element  50 . The flexible element  50  has a first end  50   a  and a second end  50   b.  The second end  50   b  may be attached to the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . This may be achieved by any suitable means including but not limited to fasteners, injection molding, press-fit, etc. The flexible element  50  may be formed of any appropriate material permitting the flexible element to elastically bend, for example, an elastomer such as a polysiloxane. The thickness of the exposed portions of the flexible element  50  may vary or may be uniform. The flexible element  50  may be formed as a paraboloid. The flexible element  50  may be formed to adapt to the contours of the handle  40 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1A , the flexible element  50  is in a first, collapsed, configuration. In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  has a smaller footprint with a width X 1  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A, for example 10-30 mm, in examples 20 mm, facilitating its storage. A length D 1  of the flexible element  50  in the collapsed configuration may be measured along the axis A-A. This length D 1  may be 10-40 mm, in examples 15 mm. As can be seen in  FIG. 1B , the flexible element  50  is in a second, deployed, configuration. In this configuration, the handle  40  can be balanced on the first end  50   a  of the flexible element  50 , which is folded along a fold line F-F, such that the handle  40  can stand in an upright position. In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  can easily stand on a flat surface, for example, to fully dry after a wet shave. In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  has a larger footprint with a larger width Y 1  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A. For example, Y 1  may be 10-45 mm, in examples 30 mm. A length d 1  of the flexible element  50  in this deployed configuration may be shorter than the length D 1  in the collapsed configuration. For example, the length d 1  may be 5-18 mm, in examples 10 mm. 
     The flexible element  50  can be formed to take any suitable shape, for example, formed as a cup, formed to have two or more legs, or formed to appear like a flower. In the case where the flexible element  50  is formed as having legs, the legs may be formed on the first end  50   a  which is the opposing end from the second end  50   b  that is attached to the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . Thus, the legs  50   a,    50   b  may be adapted to be manipulated such that the flexible element  50  can be moved between the first and second configurations. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  show a razor  200  according to a second example. The razor  200  is the same as the razor  100  except for the flexible element  60 . Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference numerals will be used. 
     The flexible element  60  has a first end  60   a  and a second end  60   b.  The second end  60   b  may be attached to the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  by any suitable means including but not limited to fasteners, co-injection molding, press-fit, etc. The flexible element  60  may be formed of any appropriate material permitting the flexible element to elastically bend, for example, an elastomer. 
     The thickness of the exposed flexible element  60  may vary. The flexible element  60  may be formed so as to have at least one fold line  60   c.  The flexible element  60  may have a plurality of fold lines F-F. The thickness of the flexible element  60  along the fold line  60   c  may be the minimum thickness and may be less than the thickness of the flexible element not on the fold line  60   c.  The fold line  60   c  may operate as a predetermined collapsible region. The flexible element  60  may have a plurality of fold lines  60   c.  The distance between the fold lines may be 2.5-10 mm, in examples 5 mm. 
     The flexible element  60  can be formed in any suitable shape, for example as a cup. The flexible element  60  may form a paraboloid when in a first, collapsed, configuration or in a second, use, configuration. The flexible element  60  may be formed to have a stepped profile where the steps are formed by the fold lines  60   c.  The flexible element  60  may be formed to adapt to the contours of the handle  40 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2A , the flexible element  60  is in a first, collapsed, configuration. In this configuration, flexible element  60  extends from the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  towards the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 . This configuration reduces the footprint of the handle  40  having a width X 2  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A, for example, 10-30 mm, in examples 15 mm, facilitating its storage. A length D 2  of the flexible element  60  in the collapsed configuration may be measured along the axis A-A. This length D 2  may be 10-40 mm, in examples 15 mm. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , the flexible element  60  is in a second, collapsed, configuration in which the flexible element  60  is unfolded at the at least one fold line  60   c.  In this configuration, flexible element  60  extends from the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  and away from the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 . In this configuration, the handle  40  can be balanced on the first end  60   a  of the flexible element  60  such that the handle  40  can stand in an upright position. Additionally, the handle  40  with the blade assembly connected thereto may be balanced in an upright position using the flexible element  60 . In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  has a larger footprint with a larger width Y 2  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A. For example, Y 2  may be 15-45 mm, in examples 30 mm. A length d 2  of the flexible element  60  in this deployed configuration may be shorter than the length D 2  in the collapsed configuration. For example, the length d 2  may be 5-18 mm, in examples 10 mm. 
     In this configuration, the razor  200  can easily be stored on a flat surface, for example, to fully dry after a wet shave. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  show a razor  300  according to a third example. The razor  300  is the same as the blade assemblies  100  and  200  except for the flexible element  70 , an engagement assembly  80 , and the first and second cavities C 1 , C 2  formed in the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference numerals will be used. 
     The razor  200  has a blade assembly including a housing  20  that may have at least one blade  30 , an elongated handle  40  extending along a vertical central axis A-A that may be attached to the housing  20 , the handle  40  may have a flexible element  70  attached to the bottom portion  40   b,  and an engagement assembly  80  that may be disposed within the handle  40  and flexible element  70 . 
     The flexible element  70  has a first end  70   a  and a second end  70   b.  The second end  70   b  may be attached to the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  by any suitable means including but not limited to fasteners, co-injection molding, press-fit, etc. The flexible element  70  may be formed of any appropriate material permitting the flexible element  70  to elastically bend, for example, an elastomer. 
     The thickness of the flexible element may be uniform or may vary. The flexible element may be formed so as to have at least one fold line  70   c,  wherein the flexible element  70  is thinner along the fold line  70   c  than elsewhere. Therefore, the fold line  70   c  may operate as a predetermined collapsible region. The flexible element  70  may have a plurality of fold lines  70   c.    
     The flexible element  70  can be formed in any suitable shape, for example as a cup. The flexible element  70  may form a cylinder when in a first, vertically extended, configuration. The flexible element  70  may form a frustum when in a second, laterally extended, configuration. 
       FIG. 3A  shows the razor when the flexible element  70  is in the first, vertically extended, configuration. In this configuration, the flexible element  70  extends from the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  and away from the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 . This configuration makes the handle  40  or razor  300  easy to store because of the slender profile of the handle  40  and flexible element  70 . In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  has a smaller footprint with a width X 3  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A of, for example, 8-30 mm, in examples 15 mm. A length D 3  of the flexible element  70  in the vertically extended configuration may be measured along the axis A-A. This length D 3  may be 10-40 mm, in examples 25 mm. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3B , the flexible element  70  is in a second, laterally extended, configuration. In this configuration, at least one fold line  70   c  may be utilized, which is shown corresponding to a fold line F-F. As can be seen, flexible element  70  extends from the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40  and laterally away from the vertical central axis A-A. In this configuration, the handle  40  can be balanced on the first end  70   a  of the flexible element  70  such that the handle  40  can stand in an upright position. Additionally, the handle  40  with the housing  20  connected thereto may be balanced in an upright position using the flexible element  70 . In this configuration, the handle  40  or razor  100  has a larger footprint with a larger width Y 3  perpendicularly to the vertical central axis A-A. For example, Y 3  may be 15-45 mm, in examples 30 mm. A length d 3  of the flexible element  70  in this deployed configuration may be shorter than the length D 3  in the laterally extended configuration. For example, the length d 3  may be 5-25 mm, in examples 15 mm. 
     This configuration allows the razor  300  to be easily stored on a flat surface, for example, to fully dry after a wet shave. Additionally, the flexible element  70  has a slender profile and can be stored on a surface with limited available space. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3C and 3D , to enable the razor to move between the first and second configurations, the razor  300  comprises an engagement assembly  80 . The engagement assembly  80  may be disposed along the vertical central axis A-A within first and second cavities C 1 , C 2  in the handle  40  and within a cavity C 3  formed by the flexible element  70 . The handle  40  and flexible element  70  may be joined together such that their respective cavities C 1 -C 3  form an enclosure. This enclosure may be fluid tight. 
     The surface of the first handle cavity C 1  may be formed as a cam having a plurality of grooves G 1 -G 8 . Four of the grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7  may have the same dimensions and extend partially along the surface of the first handle cavity C 1  in a vertical direction that is parallel to the vertical central axis A-A. Each of these grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7  may have an angled termination position T 1 , T 3 , T 5 , T 7  which may be at an angle α relative to the vertical central axis A-A, wherein this angle α may be 20-60 degrees, in examples 45 degrees. These groves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7  may be considered as “short grooves.” 
     The remaining grooves G 2 , G 4 , G 6 , G 8  may have the same dimensions and extend substantially along the surface of the first handle cavity C 1  in a vertical direction that is parallel to the vertical axis A-A. These grooves may be considered as “long grooves.” 
     For example, four of the grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7  (short grooves) may extend along a smaller fraction of the vertical length of the first handle cavity Cl and the grooves G 2 , G 4 , G 6 , G 8  (long grooves) may extend over a larger fraction of the vertical length of the first handle cavity C 1 . A difference ΔL in the vertical length of the short and long grooves may be 2-10 mm, in examples 5 mm. 
     It is envisioned that the surface of the first handle cavity C 1  may have any number of grooves and is not limited to eight. The grooves G 1 -G 8  may be disposed in an alternating pattern on the surface of the first handle cavity C 1 . For example, the pattern may be a short groove, followed by a long groove, followed by a short groove, and so on. 
     Turning to the engagement assembly  80 , which may be disposed within the enclosure formed by the handle  40  and flexible element  70 , may be connected to a top end  40   e  of the first handle cavity C 1  and a lower end  70   e  of the flexible element  70 . 
     The engagement assembly  80  may include a follower  82  having head portion  82   a  and a shaft portion  82   b,  a spring  84 , and a push button  88 . 
     The head portion  82   a  of the follower  82  may have a set of four vertical flanges F 1 -F 4  thereon. Each of the flanges F 1 -F 4  may have the same dimensions and extend partially along and beyond the upper exterior surface of the head portion  82   a  in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical central axis A-A. The tips of the flanges F 1 -F 4  may be at an angle β of, for example, 30-60 degrees, in examples 45 degrees, relative to vertical central axis A-A. These flanges F 1 -F 4  may be dimensioned and positioned to correspond to a respective groove G 1 -G 8  formed in the first handle cavity C 1 . For example, the four vertical flanges F 1 -F 4  may be dimensioned and positioned to correspond with each of the short grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7 . It is envisioned that the head portion  82   a  may have any number of flanges and is not limited to four. 
     The shaft portion  82   b  of the follower  82  may have a smaller radial distance relative to the vertical central axis A-A than the head portion  82   a.  The shaft portion  82   b  of the follower  82  may be rotatably connected to or rotatable relative to the top end  40   e  of the first handle cavity C 1 . Further, the shaft portion  82   b  may be disposed partially within the second handle cavity C 2 . 
     The engagement assembly  80  may further include a spring  84  that is disposed around the shaft portion  82   b  of the follower  82 . One end of the spring may be configured to contact the top end  40   e  of the first handle cavity C 1  and the opposing end of the spring  84  may be configured to contact the head portion  82   a  of the follower  82 . The spring  84  may have a smaller radial distance from the central axis A-A than the head portion  82   a.  In this configuration, the spring  84  is adapted to urge the head portion  82   a  toward the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . 
     The engagement assembly  80  further includes a push button  88  having a head portion  88   a  and a shaft portion  88   b.  The head portion  88   a  may be formed so as to have eight angled recesses R 1 -R 8 . Each of the angled recesses R 1 -R 8  may have an angle λ of, for example, 30-60 degrees, in examples 45 degrees. The angled recesses R 1 -R 8  of the push button  88  may be dimensioned and positioned to correspond with the angled flanges F 1 -F 4  of the follower  82 . Further, the push button  88  is slidably connected to the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . 
     The engagement assembly  80  may further include a second spring  86  that is disposed around the shaft portion of the push button  88 . This spring  86  provides a return force on the push button  88 . One end of the spring may be configured to contact a bottom end  40   b  of the first handle cavity C 1  and the opposing end of the spring  84  may be configured to contact the head portion of the push button  88 . The spring  86  may have a smaller radius distance from the central axis A-A than the head portion. In this configuration, the spring  86  is adapted to urge the head portion toward the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 . 
       FIG. 3D  shows a cross-section of the razor  300  in the first, vertically extended, configuration. As can be seen, flanges F 1 -F 4  of the follower  82  are disposed within the long grooves G 2 , G 4 , G 6 , G 8  in the first handle cavity Cl. The spring  84  is extended and urges the follower  82  toward the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . The angled flanges F 1 -F 4  of the follower  82  are interlocked with the angled recesses R 1 -RA of the push button  88 , thus the force from the spring  84  is transferred through the follower  82  to the push button  88 . The push button  88  is held in an extended configuration, pushing against the lower end  70   e  of the flexible element  70 . Further, the stiffness of spring  86  is less than spring  84 , therefore when spring  84  urges the pushbutton  88  toward the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 , spring  84  compresses spring  86  between the head of the push button  88  and the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . 
     When the push button  88  is depressed toward the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 , the spring  84  is compressed resulting in the follower  82  being dislodged from the long grooves G 2 , G 4 , G 6 , G 8  while maintaining engagement with the angled recesses R 1 -R 4  of the push button  88 . When this occurs, the push button  88  pushes the follower  82  further into handle  40  by moving the shaft portion  42   b  of the follower  42  deeper into the second handle cavity C 2 . 
     Due to an offset of the position of the grooves G 1 -G 8  in the first handle cavity C 1  relative to the angled recesses R 1 -R 8  of the push button  88 , the angled tips of the flanges F 1 -F 4  of the follower  82  slide along the surface of the angled recesses R 1 -R 8  of the push button  88  and is thereby rotated about the vertical central axis A-A. The follower  82  rotates until the angled tips of the flanges F 1 -F 4  are received in the deepest points of the coordinating angled recesses R 1 -R 8 . This rotation aligns the flanges F 1 -F 4  with the short grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7 . 
     When the push button  88  is subsequently released, the spring  84  urges the follower  82  in the opposite direction, e.g. toward the bottom portion  40   b  of the handle  40 . The push button  88  is also urged in this direction due to the force of the spring  84  that is translated through the follower  82 . This motion continues until the ends of the flanges F 1 -F 4  of the follower  82  contact the respective termination points T 1 , T 3 , T 5 , T 7  of the short grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7 . 
     In this configuration, when the angled flanges F 1 -F 4  are in contact with the termination positions T 1 , T 3 , T 5 , T 7  of the short grooves G 1 , G 3 , G 5 , G 7 , the spring  84  is held in a compressed state. As a result, the push button  88  is not being forced in a vertically extended configuration by the spring  84  and follower  82 . Additionally, in this configuration, the spring  86  urges the push button  88  toward the top portion  40   a  of the handle  40 . In this “locked” position, the push button  88  is not pushing against the flexible element  70  and the flexible element  70  is free to be deformed along the at least one fold line  70   c  into the second, laterally extended, configuration. In this configuration, the flexible element  70  may form a frustum, where the first end  70   a  of the flexible element  70  has a larger radial distance from the vertical central axis A-A than the second end  70   b  of the flexible element  70 . 
     In this configuration, the handle  40  can be balanced on the first end  70   a  of the flexible element  70  such that the handle  40  can stand in an upright position. Additionally, the housing  20  may be attached to the top end  42   a  of the handle  40  and the razor  300  may be able to balance in an upright position. 
     If the push button  88  is engaged again, the follower  82  is rotated such that the flanges F 1 -F 4  are aligned with the long grooves G 2 , G 4 , G 6 , G 8  and the razor  300  is returned to the first, vertically extended, configuration. 
     Although the described embodiments were provided as different exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that these embodiments are combinable or, when not conflicting, the features recited in the described embodiments may be interchangeable. 
     Throughout the description, including the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” 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” and/or “approximately” and/or “generally” should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances. 
     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.