Patent Description:
There is known a T-type razor in which inclination of a head with respect to a handle can be changed. Such a T-type razor is disclosed in Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>, for example. Moreover, there is known a knife whose inclination angle of a blade body with respect to a handle can be adjusted. Such a knife is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, for example.

<CIT> discloses a razor handle for mounting a razor cartridge having at least one razor blade, which cartridge is pivotable about a cartridge pivot axis. The razor handle includes a grip portion, a cartridge mount portion, at least one biasing element, and a lock mechanism. The cartridge mount portion is pivotally attached to the grip portion and is rotatable about a cartridge mount pivot axis. The cartridge mount pivot axis is substantially parallel to the cartridge pivot axis. The at least one biasing element is configured to apply a biasing force against the cartridge mount portion that biases the cartridge mount portion in the normal first position. The lock mechanism is selectively disposable in a lock position and at least one unlocked position.

In the T-type razors described in Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM> described above, inclination of a head with respect to a handle can be selected in accordance with preference of an user. In the knife described in Patent Literature <NUM> described above, an inclination angle of a blade body with respect to a handle can be adjusted so that the knife can be used more conveniently.

In shaving with a razor, shaving by moving the razor along a direction in which a beard grows is called "forward shaving", and shaving in a direction opposite to the forward shaving, that is, shaving by moving the razor in a direction opposite to the direction in which the beard grows is called "reverse shaving". Though the forward shaving has less burden on a skin, unshaven beard can easily remain. Thus, the concerned about insufficiently shaved portion of beard is solved in many cases by the reverse shaving. When a face is to be shaved with the T-type razor in the forward shaving, the user can easily shave the face easily by manipulating the T-type razor in a state where the handle extends to a lower direction. On the other hand, when the face is shaved with the T-type razor in the reverse shaving, the user can shave the face easily by manipulating the T-type razor in a state where the handle extends to an upper direction,. That is, when the forward shaving and the reverse shaving are to be switched, an easy shaving state can be realized for the user by re-holding the razor. An object of the present invention is to provide a razor which can perform the forward shaving and the reverse shaving easily without re-holding the handle upside-down.

In general, the beard grows from a skin surface to a diagonally lower direction in many cases. Thus, in general, the shaving by moving the razor from an upper side to a lower side is the "forward shaving", and the shaving by moving the razor from the lower side to the upper side is the "reverse shaving". Therefore, in this Description, it is explained that, when a cheek is shaved, the shaving by moving the razor from the upper side to the lower side is referred to as the "forward shaving", and the shaving by moving the razor from the lower side to the upper side as the "reverse shaving". In the case of shaving under the chin, it is explained that the shaving by moving the razor toward a direction getting closer to the neck is referred to as the "forward shaving", and the shaving by moving the razor toward a direction moving away from the neck as the "reverse shaving".

In order to solve the problem described above, the present invention provides a razor with the following configuration. In the explanation below, signs and the like in the drawings are added with parentheses in some cases in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, but each constituent element of the present invention is not limited to these specific configurations but should be interpreted widely to a range that persons skilled in the art can technically understand.

One means of the present invention is a handle bending razor as defined by claim <NUM>.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, when the user shaves the cheek in the forward shaving, for example, by having the first state in which the contact surface and the up-down direction become substantially parallel, the contact surface can be moved on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion extends to a lower direction.

Moreover, when the user shaves under the chin in the forward shaving, for example, by having the second state in which the neutral angle is the second angle larger than the first angle, that is, by having the second state in which the contact surface is directed diagonally upward, when the blade assembly body is at the neutral position, the contact surface can be brought into close contact with the skin under the user's chin without interference of the lower end of the grip portion with the user's body and in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. Then, when the user applies a force to the grip portion so as to press the contact surface to the skin, the blade assembly body is tilted to the position where the contact surface and the up-down direction are substantially perpendicular, and the contact surface can be reliably brought into close contact with the skin under the user's chin while the lower end of the grip portion is separated away from the user's body and in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. When the user moves the razor to a front side in this state, the contact surface can be moved in close contact on the skin under the chin and in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. Moreover, when the user shaves the cheek in the reverse shaving, for example, by having the second state, a part of the contact surface, that is, the upper end, for example, can be brought into contact with the skin on the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. And when the user applies a force to the grip portion so as to press the contact surface to the skin, the blade assembly body is tilted to the position where the contact surface and the up-down direction become substantially perpendicular, and the contact surface can be brought into close contact with the skin on the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. When the user moves the razor to a front side in this state, the contact surface can be moved on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction.

Moreover, when the user shaves under the chin in the reverse shaving, for example, by having the second state, the user can bring the contact surface into close contact with the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction without raising an elbow much. When the user moves the razor to the front side, too, the contact surface can be moved in close contact on the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. When the user shaves under the chin in the reverse shaving, even in the first state, the contact surface can be brought into close contact with the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. However, in the case of reverse shaving under the chin in the second state, the user can shave without raising the elbow much and thus, the shaving under the chin can be more comfortable. That is, in both the forward shaving and the reverse shaving, the contact surface can be moved on the user's skin and on the skin under the chin in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. Therefore, the forward shaving and the reverse shaving can be performed easily without a need for the user to re-hold the grip portion so that the grip portion extends to the upper direction.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that the first angle (αf) is <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less;
in the second state, when an external force is applied, the blade assembly body is tiltable so that the angle formed by the contact surface and the up-down direction becomes <NUM>° or more.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, in the first state, when the user shaves the cheek in the forward shaving, the neutral angle suitable for the contact surface to be brought into contact with the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction can be realized.

In the second state, by means of tilting of the blade assembly body so that the angle formed by the contact surface and the up-down direction becomes <NUM>° or more, when the user shaves under the chin in the forward shaving, the state in which the contact surface is reliably in close contact with the skin under the user's chin can be realized in the state where the lower end of the grip portion is separated away so as not to contact the user's body and the grip portion extends to the lower direction. Moreover, when the user shaves the cheek and under the chin in the reverse shaving, the state in which the contact surface is in close contact with the skin on the user's cheek can be realized in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction.

In the handle bending razor according to claim <NUM>, the switching mechanism (<NUM>):.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, when the razor is moved to the front side in use, even if the external force which moves the blade assembly body from the position in the first state to the position in the second state is applied to the blade assembly body, since the movement of the movable body is regulated, an unexpected change of the razor in the first state to the second state can be suppressed. As a result, the razor can be stably used. Moreover, the user can cause the razor to change from the first state to the second state with a simple operation of pressing down the operation portion.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that a difference between the second angle and the first angle is <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, the angle of the contact surface suitable for the forward shaving of the cheek in the first state is realized, and the angle of the contact surface suitable for the forward shaving and reverse shaving under the chin and the reverse shaving of the cheek in the second state can be realized.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that in the grip portion, a groove (10f) accommodating a part of the movable body is formed along the up-down direction, and a width in the left-right direction of the operation portion is larger than a width in the left-right direction of the groove.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, operability of the operation portion by the user can be improved by such a configuration that the operation portion exposed to the outer side of the grip portion is widened in the left-right direction.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that in the first state, a first direction (V1) from the rotating shaft to the elastic support body is substantially parallel to a direction in which the grip portion extends, and
in the second state, a second direction (V2) from the rotating shaft to the elastic support body is directed to a rear side (Z-axis + side), which is a side opposite to the front side (Z-axis - side) to which a blade edge of the blade body in the first state can be exposed as compared with the first direction.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, in the first state, since the grip portion and the head coupling portion can be configured to integrally extend in the up-down direction, the handle bending razor can have a simple shape similar to general razors, and the handle bending razor can be used with a sense of use equal to that of the general razors. Moreover, in the second state, the blade assembly body can be located on the rear side from an extension line on the upper side of the grip portion so as to be suitable for the forward shaving and the reverse shaving under the chin and the reverse shaving on the cheek.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that the grip portion has a part (10a) recessed on the front side where the blade edge of the blade body in the first state can be exposed between the upper end and the lower end (<NUM>) of the grip portion on a plan view from the left-right direction.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, it is easier to put the ball of a finger of the user on the grip portion, that is, to place it. As a result, since the user can hold the grip portion in a state where the user bends some fingers (closed state), shaving can be performed stably without shaking. That is, ease of holding the razor and operability can be improved.

In the aforementioned handle bending razor, it is preferable that
in the grip portion, at least a part of an outer periphery between the upper end and a lower end of the grip portion is smaller than an outer periphery of the lower end.

According to the handle bending razor with the aforementioned configuration, by forming a part which becomes thicker as it goes toward the lower side and is not slippery when the user applies a force so as to move the handle bending razor to the lower side, the handle bending blade having a grip portion shape which is easy to be held and is not slippery can be provided.

A handle bending razor of an aspect of the present invention is characterized by a configuration which enables an user to perform forward shaving and reverse shaving in a state where a grip portion of the razor extends to a lower direction. Specifically, the handle bending razor is capable of switching the handle to a bent state and is characterized in that, in a before-bending state, a contact surface brought into contact with a skin of an user together with a blade body and an up-down direction become substantially parallel, and in the bent state, when an external force is applied, the blade assembly body is configured to be tiltable to a position where the contact surface and the up-down direction are at least substantially perpendicular.

The handle bending razor of the present invention will be specifically explained by referring to the drawings. However, embodiments and examples which will be explained below are only examples of the present invention and are not intended to interpret a technical scope of the present invention in a limited manner. It is to be noted that, in each drawing, the same signs are given to the same constituent elements, and explanation thereof will be omitted in some cases.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a handle bending razor in a before-bending state of this embodiment, when viewed from a rear right side. <FIG> is a perspective view of the handle bending razor in the before-bending state of this embodiment, when viewed from a front left side. <FIG> is a plan view of the handle bending razor in the before-bending state of this embodiment, when viewed from a right side. <FIG> is a plan view of the handle bending razor in the before-bending state of this embodiment, when viewed from a rear side. <FIG> is a plan view of the handle bending razor in a bent state of this embodiment, when viewed from the right side. <FIG> is a perspective view of the handle bending razor in the bent state of this embodiment, when viewed from the rear right side. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the handle bending razor of this embodiment, when viewed from the front right side. <FIG> is a perspective view of a movable body of this embodiment, when viewed from the front right side. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a vicinity of a coupling part between a grip portion and a head coupling portion in the before-bending state of this embodiment, when viewed from the front side. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the coupling part between the grip portion and the head coupling portion in the bent state of this embodiment, when viewed from the front side. <FIG> is a plan view of a razor head of this embodiment, when viewed from the rear side. <FIG> is a plan view of the razor head of this embodiment, when viewed from the front side. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the razor head of this embodiment, when viewed from the rear right side. <FIG> is a plan view of the handle bending razor when a blade assembly body is at a tilted position in the bent state of this embodiment, when viewed from the right side.

In each drawing, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown. An axis directed to a direction in which the grip portion of the handle bending razor extends is defined as the "Y-axis". An axis perpendicular to the Y-axis is defined as the "X-axis"". Moreover, an axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis is defined as the "Z-axis". Here, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis form a right-handed system three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates. Hereinafter, an arrow direction of the Z-axis is called the Z-axis + side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is called the Z-axis - side in some cases, and the same applies to the other axes. The X-axis + side and the X-axis - side are called the "left side" and the "right side", respectively, in some cases. The Y-axis + side and the Y-axis - side are called the "upper side" and the "lower side", respectively, in some cases. The Z-axis + side and the Z-axis - side are called the "rear side" and the "front side", respectively, in some cases. The X-axis direction is called the left-right direction in some cases. The Y-axis direction is called the up-down direction in some cases. The Z-axis direction is called the front-back direction in some cases.

As shown in <FIG>, the handle bending razor <NUM> of this embodiment is configured by including a grip portion <NUM>, a head coupling portion <NUM>, a switching mechanism <NUM>, a coupling pin <NUM> for bending, and a razor head <NUM>. The razor head <NUM> is configured by including a blade assembly body <NUM>, an elastic support body <NUM>, a connecting portion <NUM>, and a blade body <NUM>. The switching mechanism <NUM> is configured by including a torsion coil spring <NUM>, a movable body <NUM>, a coupling pin <NUM> for switching, and a regulating pin <NUM>. Each of the coupling pin <NUM> for bending, the coupling pin <NUM> for switching, and the regulating pin is a shaft-shaped member having a columnar shape and is formed by a resin or metal. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the coupling pin <NUM> for bending and the coupling pin <NUM> for switching are not shown.

The grip portion <NUM> is a rod-shaped member extending in parallel to the Y-axis direction and is gripped by the user. The grip portion <NUM> is also called a "handle" in some cases. The head coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to an upper end of the grip portion <NUM>, rotatably around the coupling pin <NUM> for bending which extends substantially in parallel to the X-axis direction. When the switching mechanism <NUM> is operated by the user, it changes a coupling angle of the grip portion <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM>, and a before-bending state (see <FIG>) and a bent state (see <FIG>) are switched. The before-bending state is a specific example of a "first state" referred to in the present invention. The bent state is a specific example of a "second state" referred to in the present invention. The coupling pin <NUM> for bending is a specific example of a "rotating shaft" referred to in the present invention.

The razor head <NUM> is coupled to an upper side of the head coupling portion <NUM>. In detail, the connecting portion <NUM> of the razor head <NUM> is detachably coupled to the upper side of the head coupling portion <NUM>. The elastic support body <NUM> is provided between the connecting portion <NUM> and the bladed assembly body <NUM>. The elastic support body <NUM> supports the blade assembly body <NUM> tiltably in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. That is, when an external force is applied, the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted at least in either one direction of the front-back direction and the left-right direction. Hereinafter, a position of the blade assembly body <NUM> when the external force is not applied (see <FIG> and <FIG>) is called a "neutral position" in some cases. Moreover, a position of the blade assembly body <NUM> tilted when the external force is applied to the blade assembly body <NUM> is called a "tilted position" in some cases. It is to be noted that the elastic support body <NUM> may support the blade assembly body <NUM> tiltably only in the front-back direction.

The blade assembly body <NUM> has a contact surface 74a which is brought into contact with the skin of the user together with the blade body <NUM> and is faced to the front side. To the blade assembly body <NUM>, the blade body <NUM> is assembled. The blade body <NUM> has the left-right direction, that is, the X-axis direction as a longitudinal direction and at least a part thereof exposed to the front side of the razor head <NUM>. A blade edge 80a of the blade body <NUM> is directed diagonally below on the front side.

Here, a vector directed to a direction in which the grip portion <NUM> extends, that is, a vector in parallel to the Y-axis and directed to the lower side is defined as a "reference vector Vy". A vector in parallel to the direction in which the contact surface 74a of the blade assembly body <NUM> extends and directed to the direction of the blade edge 80a is defined as a "target vector". When the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted with the grip portion <NUM> as a reference, the target vector changes its direction with the tilting of the blade assembly body <NUM>. Specifically, in the before-bending state, the target vector when the blade assembly body <NUM> is located at the neutral position is shown as a target vector Vfn in <FIG>. In the bent state, the target vector when the blade assembly body <NUM> is located at the neutral position is shown as a target vector Vsn in <FIG>. In the bent state, the target vector when the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted to the rearmost side is shown as a target vector Vsi in <FIG>. It is to be noted that, in the bent state, the position of the blade assembly body <NUM> tilted to the rearmost side is defined as a "maximum tilt position".

The switching mechanism <NUM> can change an angle formed by the contact surface 74a of the blade assembly body <NUM> and the up-down direction by an operation by the user. In this embodiment, the angle formed by the contact surface 74a of the blade assembly body <NUM> and the up-down direction is defined as an "angle formed by the reference vector Vy and the target vector" (hereinafter, referred to as a "target angle" in some cases. In the target angles, an angle formed by the reference vector Vy and the target vector when the blade assembly body <NUM> is located at the neutral position is referred to as a "neutral angle" in some cases. That is, the neutral angle is a target angle when the external force is not applied to the blade assembly body <NUM>. Moreover, among the target angles, an angle formed by the reference vector Vy and the target vector when the blade assembly body <NUM> is located at the tilt position is referred to as a "tilt angle" in some cases. That is, the tilt angle is a target angle when the external force is applied to the blade assembly body <NUM>, and the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted to the rear side. Among the tilt angles, particularly a target angle when the blade assembly body <NUM> is located at a maximum tilt position is referred to as a "maximum tilt angle" in some cases.

In this embodiment, the neutral angle αf in the before-bending state is approximately <NUM>° (see <FIG>). The neutral angle αs in the bent state is larger than the neutral angle αf and is substantially <NUM>° (see <FIG>). That is, when the handle bending razor <NUM> transits between the before-bending state and the bent state, a coupling angle between the grip portion <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM> is changed by approximately <NUM>°. It is to be noted that the neutral angle αf in the before-bending state is preferably <NUM>° but may be any angle within a range from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less. Moreover, the neutral angle αs in the bent state is preferably <NUM>° but may be any angle within a range from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less. At this time, by setting a difference (αs - αf) between the neutral angle αs and the neutral angle αf to <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less, an angle of the contact surface suitable for the forward shaving and the reverse shaving can be obtained easily. The neutral angle αf is a specific example of the "first angle" referred to in the present invention. The neutral angle αs is a specific example of the "second angle" referred to in the present invention.

The target angle when the blade assembly body <NUM> is at the maximum tilt position, that is, the maximum tilt angle βs is approximately <NUM>° (see <FIG>). It is to be noted that the maximum tilt angle βs is preferably <NUM>° or more. Moreover, the maximum tilt angle βs is preferably within a range from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less. More preferably, the maximum tilt angle βs is within a range from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less.

The grip portion <NUM> is configured by including a front-side member <NUM>, a rear-side member <NUM>, a non-slip member <NUM>, a protruding member <NUM>, a bifurcated member <NUM>, an internal member <NUM>, and cover members <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>). By coupling the front-side member <NUM> and the rear-side member <NUM> to each other, an outer shell having an internal space is formed. The protruding member <NUM>, the bifurcated member <NUM>, the internal member <NUM>, and the cover members <NUM> and <NUM> are fixed to the internal space of the outer shell in a state assembled to each other. The non-slip member <NUM> is formed of an elastomer, for example, and is mounted on the front side of the front-side member <NUM>.

The protruding member <NUM> is a member extending substantially in parallel to the up-down direction. The upper side of the protruding member <NUM> is a protruding portion 10d protruding upward from an upper end of the outer shell. In the protruding portion 10d, a through hole 10e extending substantially in parallel to the X-axis id formed.

The bifurcated member <NUM> is coupled to the rear side of the protruding member <NUM>. An upper side of the bifurcated member <NUM> has a bifurcated shape by a right-side protruding portion 15aR and a left-side protruding portion 15aL protruding upward being formed. In a space between the right-side protruding portion 15aR and the left-side protruding portion 15aL, a groove 10f in which a surface on the rear side of the protruding member <NUM> becomes a bottom 14a is formed. The groove 10f is formed substantially in parallel to the up-down direction, and a part of the movable body <NUM> is accommodated (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

A front side on a left side surface of the right-side protruding portion 15aR is dug in so as to form an upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR as well as a lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR, a convex portion 15eR, and an upper-side contact surface 15fR as well as a lower-side contact surface 15gR (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR has a recessed shape with a front side open and recessed toward a rear side. In the before-bending state, the regulating pin <NUM> is fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR (see <FIG>). The lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR is located on a lower side of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR. The lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR has a recessed shape with a front side open and recessed toward a rear side. In the bent state, the regulating pin <NUM> is fitted in the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR (see <FIG>).

In a space between the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR and the lower-side pin receiving portion 15dR, the convex portion 15eR protruding toward the front side is formed. On an upper side of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR, the upper-side contact surface 15fR directed downward is formed. On a lower side of the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR, the lower-side contact surface 15gR directed upward is formed.

The left-side protruding portion 15aL has a shape symmetric to the right-side protruding portion 15aR, and an upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL as well as a lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dL, a convex portion 15eL, and an upper-side contact surface 15fL as well as a lower-side contact surface 15gL are formed. The upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL as well as the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dL and the convex portion 15eL are formed at positions opposed to the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR as well as the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR, and the convex portion 15eR, respectively. In the before-bending state, the regulating pin <NUM> is fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL (see <FIG>). In the bent state, the regulating pin <NUM> is fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR (see <FIG>).

The upper-side contact surface 15fL and the lower-side contact surface 15gL are formed at positions symmetric to the upper-side contact surface 15fR and the lower-side contact surface 15gR, respectively.

On the grip portion <NUM>, when viewed on a plan view from the left-right direction, a recessed portion 10a is formed between an upper end <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> (see <FIG>). The recessed portion 10a is formed on the front side of the grip portion <NUM> and is recessed to the rear side from substantially a center in the up-down direction of the grip portion <NUM> to the lower end <NUM>.

In the grip portion <NUM>, at least a part of an outer periphery between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> is smaller than the outer periphery of the lower end <NUM>. In this embodiment, in the vicinity of the upper end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM>, a narrow-width portion 10b whose width in the left-right direction is small when viewed on a plan view from the front-back direction is formed. The grip portion <NUM> has a width gradually widened from the upper end <NUM> toward the lower end <NUM> when viewed on a plan view from the front-back direction, and in the vicinity of the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM>, a wide-width portion 10c having a width larger than that of the narrow-width portion 10b is formed. As described above, by configuring the grip portion <NUM> having a shape widening from the upper end <NUM> toward the lower end <NUM>, whatever position between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> is gripped by the user, when the user applies a downward force, slip of the user's hand on the grip portion <NUM> can be suppressed.

The head coupling portion <NUM> has a substantially rectangular section and a shape extending substantially in parallel to the up-down direction in the before-bending state. In an upper side of the head coupling portion <NUM>, a through hole <NUM> extending substantially in parallel to the Z-axis and having a substantially rectangular section is formed. Into the through hole <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> of the razor head <NUM> is inserted.

On the lower side of the head coupling portion <NUM>, a right-side plate portion 31R and a left-side plate portion <NUM> protruding toward the lower side are formed, which forms a bifurcated shape. A space between the right-side plate portion 31R and the left-side plate portion <NUM> is a groove <NUM> in which the protruding portion 10d of the grip portion <NUM> and the movable body <NUM> are fitted.

In the vicinity of a lower end of the right-side plate portion 31R, a front-side round hole 31a and a rear-side round hole 31b extending substantially in parallel to the X-axis are formed. The rear-side round hole 31b is located on a rear side above with the front-side round hole 31a as a reference in the before-bending state (see <FIG>).

The left-side plate portion <NUM> has a shape symmetric to the right-side plate portion 31R. In the left-side plate portion <NUM>, the front-side round hole 31a and the rear-side round hole 31b are formed at positions opposed to the front-side round hole 31a and the rear-side round hole 31b in the right-side plate portion 31R, respectively.

The coupling pin <NUM> for bending is inserted through the front-side round hole 31a of the right-side plate portion 31R, the through hole 10e of the protruding portion 10d, and the front-side round hole 31a of the left-side plate portion <NUM>. As a result, the head coupling portion <NUM> is connected to the protruding portion 10d of the grip portion <NUM> rotatably around the coupling pin <NUM> for bending.

As described above, the switching mechanism <NUM> is configured by including the torsion coil spring <NUM>, the movable body <NUM>, the coupling pin <NUM> for switching, and the regulating pin <NUM>.

The movable body <NUM> is configured by including a wide-width portion 52a, a narrow-width portion 52b, and an operation portion 52c and is disposed on the rear side of the protruding portion 10d. In this embodiment, the wide-width portion 52a, the narrow-width portion 52b, and the operation portion 52c are integrally formed. The wide-width portion 52a is fitted in the groove <NUM> of the head coupling portion <NUM> and is rotatably coupled to the head coupling portion <NUM>. In detail, in the wide-width portion 52a, a through round hole 52d extending substantially in parallel to the X-axis and into which the coupling pin <NUM> for switching is inserted is formed. The coupling pin <NUM> for switching is inserted into the rear-side round hole 31b of the right-side plate portion 31R, the through round hole 52d of the movable body <NUM>, and the rear-side round hole 31b of the left-side plate portion <NUM>. As a result, the movable body <NUM> is connected to the head coupling portion <NUM> rotatably around the coupling pin <NUM> for switching.

The narrow-width portion 52b has a width smaller than the width in the left-right direction of the wide-width portion 52a and is fitted in the groove 10f of the grip portion <NUM>. In detail, the narrow-width portion 52b is configured by including a right-side plate portion 52bR and a left-side plate portion 52bL and a bottom plate portion 52bB.

The right-side plate portion 52bR and the left-side plate portion 52bL extend from the rear side of the wide-width portion 52a toward the lower side while opposing each other. The left-side plate portion 52bL has a shape symmetric to the right-side plate portion 52bR. Since the bottom plate portion 52bB is formed between the rear side of the right-side plate portion 52bR and the rear side of the left-side plate portion 52bL, a groove 52f in which the bottom plate portion 52bB becomes the bottom is formed. On the right side of the right-side plate portion 52bR, the right-side protruding portion 15aR of the grip portion <NUM> is located. On the left side of the left-side plate portion 52bL, the left-side protruding portion 15aL of the grip portion <NUM> is located.

In the lower side of the right-side plate portion 52bR, a through round hole 52e extending substantially in parallel to the X-axis and into which the regulating pin <NUM> is inserted is formed. In the left-side plate portion 52bL, the through round hole 52e into which the regulating pin <NUM> is inserted is formed at a position opposed to the through round hole 52e of the right-side plate portion 52bR.

The operation portion 52c has a width larger than the width in the left-right direction of the groove <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM>, and is disposed on the rear side of the narrow-width portion 52b. The operation portion 52c is exposed to the outer side of the grip portion <NUM> so that the user can operate it easily. In this embodiment, the operation portion 52c protrudes to the outer side of the groove 10f of the grip portion <NUM>, that is, the rear side of the grip portion <NUM>. The user can push the movable body <NUM> into the front side or move the movable body <NUM> in the up-down direction by operating the operation portion 52c.

The torsion coil spring <NUM> is configured by including a front-side contact portion 51a, a rear-side contact portion 51b, and a coil portion 51c. The rear-side contact portion 51b is brought into contact with the bottom plate portion 52bB of the movable body <NUM>, that is, the bottom of the groove 52f. The front-side contact portion 51a is brought into contact with the bottom 14a of the groove 10f of the grip portion <NUM>. The coil portion 51c is disposed inside the groove 52f of the movable body <NUM>, between the through round hole 52e of the right-side plate portion 52bR and the through round hole 52e of the left-side plate portion 52bL.

The regulating pin <NUM> is inserted into the through round hole 52e of the right-side plate portion 52bR, the coil portion 51c of the torsion spring <NUM>, and the through round hole 52e of the left-side plate portion 52bL. As a result, the coil portion 51c is rotatable on a YZ plane with the regulating pin <NUM> as a rotating shaft.

The torsion coil spring <NUM> is disposed between the bottom of the groove 52f of the movable body <NUM> and the bottom 14a of the groove 10f of the grip portion <NUM> in a compressed state. That is, the torsion coil spring <NUM> urges the movable body <NUM> to the rear side and urges the grip portion <NUM> to the front side.

The user can switch between the before-bending state (see <FIG>) and the bent state (see <FIG>) of the handle bending razor <NUM> by operating the operation portion 52c of the movable body <NUM>. Specifically, the movable body <NUM> moves between a before-bending position (see <FIG> and <FIG>) where the before-bending state of the handle bending razor <NUM> is maintained and a bent position (see <FIG> and <FIG>) where the bent state of the handle bending razor <NUM> is maintained. When the movable body <NUM> is located at the before-bending position, the movement from the before-bending position to the bent position is regulated, and when it is located at the bent position, the movement from the bent position to the before-bending position is regulated. It is to be noted that the before-bending position is a specific example of the "first position" referred to in the present invention. The bent position is a specific example of the "second position" referred to in the present invention.

The regulation on the movement of the movable body <NUM> from the before-bending position to the bent position and the regulation on the movement of the movable body <NUM> from the bent position to the before-bending position are released by pressing-down on the operation portion 52c to the front side by the user.

In the before-bending state, a coupled vector V1 (see <FIG> and <FIG>) directed to the first direction from the rotating shaft parallel to the X-axis direction toward the elastic support body <NUM> is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the grip portion <NUM>, that is, the Y-axis. In the bent state, a coupled vector V2 (see <FIG>) directed to the second direction from the rotating shaft toward the elastic support body <NUM> is directed to the rear side, which is a side opposite to the front side where the blade edge 80a of the blade body <NUM> in the first state can be exposed, as compared with the first direction. Thus, in the before-bending state, since the grip portion <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM> can be configured to integrally extend in the up-down direction, the handle bending razor <NUM> can have a simple shape similar to a general razor, and the handle bending razor can be used with a sense of use equal to that of the general razor. Moreover, in the bent state, the blade assembly body can be located on the rear side from an extension line on the upper side of the grip portion <NUM> so as to be suitable for the forward shaving and the reverse shaving under the chin and the reverse shaving of the cheek. It is to be noted that an angle γ formed by the coupled vector V1 and the coupled vector V2 (see <FIG>) becomes equal to the difference (αs - αf) between the neutral angle αf and the neutral angle αs.

When the movable body <NUM> is located at the before-bending position, a right end and a left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR and the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL, respectively (see <FIG>).

At this time, since the movable body <NUM> is urged to the rear side by the torsion coil spring <NUM>, the regulating pin <NUM> is urged to the rear side through a contact portion with the movable body <NUM>, that is, through the through round hole 52e of the movable body <NUM>. That is, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are pressed onto the upper-side pin-receiving portions 15cR and 15cL, respectively.

Thus, even when the external force to move the movable body <NUM> to the upper side or the lower side is applied to the movable body <NUM>, the movement in the up-down direction of the regulating pin <NUM> is regulated by the upper-side pin-receiving portions 15cR and 15cL and thus, the movement in the up-down direction of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the grip portion <NUM> is also regulated. That is, the movable body <NUM> is fixed to the before-bending position.

The head coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to the grip portion <NUM> rotatably around the coupling pin <NUM> for bending and is also coupled to the movable body <NUM> rotatably around the coupling pin <NUM> for switching. Since the movable body <NUM> is fixed at the before-bending position, rotation of the head coupling portion <NUM> around the coupling pin <NUM> for bending is also regulated. That is, even when the external force to cause the head coupling portion <NUM> to fall down to the front side or the rear side is applied to the head coupling portion <NUM>, the coupling angle between the grip portion <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM> is maintained. That is, the before-bending state of the handle bending razor <NUM> is maintained.

When the user applies the external force to push into the front side to the operation portion 52c against the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>, the torsion coil spring <NUM> is compressed, and the movable body <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM> move to the front side. When a pushing-in amount of the operation portion 52c by the user exceeds a predetermined value, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into a state removed from the upper-side pin-receiving portions 15cR and 15cL, respectively. When the user applies the external force to the operation portion 52c to move the operation portion 52c to the lower side in a state where the operation portion 52c is pushed in, the movable body <NUM> moves to the lower side together with the torsion coil spring <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM>.

The head coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to the movable body <NUM> through the coupling pin <NUM> for switching and thus, it receives a rotary force in a direction to fall down to the rear side from the movable body <NUM> with the coupling pin <NUM> for bending as a rotation center. As a result, the head coupling portion <NUM> falls down to the rear side in accordance with a movement amount of the movable body <NUM> to the lower side.

When the user, for example, moves the movable body <NUM> to the lower side until the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> and the lower-side contact surfaces 15gR and 15gL are brought into contact, respectively, and then, weakens the force to push in the operation portion 52c to the front side, the movable body <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side by the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>. By means of this movement, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into contact with a lower-side inclined surface of the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR and a lower-side inclined surface of the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dL, respectively. Then, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side along these lower-side inclined surfaces and are brought into a state fitted in the lower-side pin-receiving portions 15dR and 15dL, respectively (see <FIG>).

At this time, since the movable body <NUM> is urged to the rear side by the torsion coil spring <NUM>, the regulating pin <NUM> is urged to the rear side through the contact portion with the movable body <NUM>, that is, through the through round hole 52e of the movable body <NUM>. That is, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are pressed onto the lower-side pin-receiving portions 15dR and 15dL, respectively.

Thus, even if the external force to move the movable body <NUM> to the upper side or the lower side is applied to the movable body <NUM>, the movement in the up-down direction of the regulating pin <NUM> is regulated by the lower-side pin-receiving portions 15dR and 15dL and thus, the movement in the up-down direction of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the grip portion <NUM> is also regulated. That is, the movable body <NUM> is fixed at the bent position.

Since the movable body <NUM> is fixed at the bent position, rotation of the head coupling portion <NUM> around the coupling pin <NUM> for bending is also regulated. That is, even if the external force to cause the head coupling portion <NUM> to fall down to the front side or the rear side is applied to the head coupling portion <NUM>, the coupling angle between the grip portion <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM> is maintained. That is, the bent state of the handle bending razor <NUM> is maintained.

It is to be noted that the user can switch the before-bending state to the bent state without moving the movable body <NUM> to the lower side until the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into contact with the lower-side contact surfaces 15gR and 15gL, respectively. Specifically, when the user moves the regulating pin <NUM> until it goes over the convex portions 15eR and 15eL to the lower side and then, weakens the force to push in the operation portion 52c to the front side, for example, the right end of the regulating pin <NUM> is brought into contact with either one of the upper-side inclined surface and the lower-side inclined surface of the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dR by the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>. Similarly, the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> is also brought into contact with either one of the upper-side inclined surface and the lower-side inclined surface of the lower-side pin-receiving portion 15dL. Then, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side along these inclined surfaces and are brought into a state fitted in the lower-side pin-receiving portions 15dR and 15dL, respectively.

In a state where the movable body <NUM> is located at the bent position (see <FIG>), when the user applies the external force to push-in to the front side to the operation portion 52c against the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>, the torsion coil spring <NUM> is compressed, and the movable body <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM> move to the front side. When the pushing-in amount of the operation portion 52c by the user exceeds a predetermined value, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into a state of being removed from the lower-side pin-receiving portions 15dR and 15dL, respectively. When the user applies the external force to move the operation portion 52c to the upper side to the operation portion 52c in the state where the operation portion 52c is pushed in, the movable body <NUM> moves to the upper side together with the torsion coil spring <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM>.

Since the head coupling portion <NUM> is coupled to the movable body <NUM> through the coupling pin <NUM> for switching, a rotary force in a direction to rise to the front side with the coupling pin <NUM> for bending as a rotation center is received from the movable body <NUM>. As a result, the head coupling portion <NUM> rises to the front side in accordance with a moving amount to the front side of the movable body <NUM>.

If the user weakens the force to push in the operation portion 52c to the front side, after moving the movable body <NUM> to the upper side until the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> and the upper-side contact surfaces 15fR and 15fL are brought into contact, respectively, for example, the movable body <NUM> and the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side by the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>. By means of this movement, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into contact with the lower-side inclined surface of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR and the lower-side inclined surface of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL, respectively. Then, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side along these lower-side inclined surfaces and are brought into a state fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portions 15cR and 15cL, respectively (see <FIG>).

It is to be noted that the user can switch the bent state to the before-bending state without moving the movable body <NUM> to the upper side until the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> are brought into contact with the upper-side contact surfaces 15fR and 15fL, respectively. Specifically, when the user moves the regulating pin <NUM> until it goes over the convex portions 15eR and 15eL to the upper side and then, weakens the force to push in the operation portion 52c to the front side, for example, the right end of the regulating pin <NUM> is brought into contact with either one of the upper-side inclined surface and the lower-side inclined surface of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cR by the urging of the torsion coil spring <NUM>. Similarly, the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> is also brought into contact with either one of the upper-side inclined surface and the lower-side inclined surface of the upper-side pin-receiving portion 15cL. Then, the right end and the left end of the regulating pin <NUM> move to the rear side along these inclined surfaces and are brought into a state fitted in the upper-side pin-receiving portions 15cR and 15cL, respectively.

As described above, the razor head <NUM> is configured by including the blade assembly body <NUM>, the elastic support body <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM>, and the blade body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The blade assembly body <NUM> is configured by including a frame portion <NUM>. The frame portion <NUM> has an intermediate part 79a, an upper part 79b, and a lower part 79c. In the frame portion <NUM>, the upper part 79b and the lower part 79c are locked by the intermediate part 79a and mounted, unable to be removed. In the intermediate part 79a, a plurality of blade bodies <NUM> are assembled and aligned in the up-down direction. The blade edge 80a of each of the blade bodies <NUM> is extended and provided in the left-right direction by being exposed to the front side of the intermediate part 79a. In the frame portion <NUM>, an irregular-state loading table portion <NUM> is formed on the rear side of the intermediate part 79a. On the lower side of the loading table portion <NUM> and at a center in the left-right direction, a plateshaped regulating portion <NUM> protruding toward the rear side is formed. Between a base part of the regulating portion <NUM> and the loading table portion <NUM>, a fulcrum groove portion <NUM> is extended and provided in the left-right direction. The front side of the frame portion <NUM>, that is, a surface on a front surface side is a contact surface 74a brought into contact with the skin of the user together with the blade body <NUM>. On the upper part 79b of the frame portion <NUM> and the contact surface 74a of the lower part 79c, a shaving aid is mounted. Particularly on the contact surface 74a of the lower part 79c, a fin 79d made of a soft resin is provided so that the beard can be raised (see <FIG>).

The elastic support body <NUM> is configured by including a support portion <NUM>, a left-side flexible portion <NUM> and a right-side flexible portion 78R. The support portion <NUM> is configured by including a loading portion <NUM>, a left-side continuing portion <NUM> and a right-side continuing portion 85R. Hereinafter, each of the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the right-side flexible portion 78R is referred to simply as the flexible portion <NUM> in some cases. Hereinafter, each of the left-side continuing portion <NUM> and the right-side continuing portion 85R is referred to simply as the continuing portion <NUM> in some cases.

The loading portion <NUM> is formed having a U-shape by an upper part 84a, a left part 84b, and a right part 84c. The loading portion <NUM> is locked by the loading table portion <NUM> of the blade assembly body <NUM> and mounted, unable to be removed. The connecting portion <NUM> is disposed between the left part 84b and the right part 84c of the loading portion <NUM>.

The left-side flexible portion <NUM> is extended between the connecting portion <NUM> and the left part 84b. The right-side flexible portion 78R has a symmetric shape to the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and is extended between the connecting portion <NUM> and the right part 84c. The left-side continuing portion <NUM> and the right-side continuing portion 85R are integrally molded with the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the right-side flexible portion 78R, respectively. The left-side continuing portion <NUM> and the right-side continuing portion 85R are disposed on the left part 84b and the right part 84c, respectively.

The flexible portion <NUM> has a plate shape with a rectangular section and has an inner end portion 78a adjacent to the connecting portion <NUM>, an outer end portion 78b adjacent to the left part 84b or the right part 84c of the support portion <NUM>, and an inclined portion <NUM>. Here, an area of a space connecting the outer end portion 78b of the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the outer end portion 78b of the right-side flexible portion 78R is defined as an "assumed airspace S" (see <FIG>). The inclined portion <NUM> is inclined so as to approach the assumed airspace S as it goes from the inner end portion 78a toward the outer end portion 78b.

Here, the assumed airspace S means a cylindrical space area on an assumed line L connecting the outer end portions 78b of the both flexible portions <NUM> to each other or surrounding an outer periphery of the assumed line L. In other words, it is a cylindrical airspace including an extension line of an outer peripheral edge of the outer end portion 78b having a predetermined sectional shape such as a rectangle shape. An interval between the inclined portion <NUM> of the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the inclined portion <NUM> of the right-side flexible portion 78R gradually becomes larger as it goes from the inner end portion 78a toward the outer end portion 78b. The inclined portion <NUM> is inclined with respect to the assumed airspace S when viewed from both the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

The connecting portion <NUM> is configured by including a continuing portion <NUM>, a main body portion <NUM>, a tongue piece portion <NUM>, and a coupling cylinder portion <NUM>. The continuing portion <NUM> is located between the inner end portion 78a of the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the inner end portion 78a of the right-side flexible portion 78R and is integrally molded with the left-side flexible portion <NUM> and the right-side flexible portion 78R.

On the main body portion <NUM>, the continuing portion <NUM> is provided on the upper side thereof and is faced with the regulating portion <NUM> of the blade assembly body <NUM> above it. The tongue piece portion <NUM> has a plate shape extended and provided from the main body portion <NUM> toward the front side. The coupling cylinder portion <NUM> is extended and provided from the main body portion <NUM> toward the rear side. A thickness in the up-down direction of the tongue piece portion <NUM> is set smaller than a width in the left-right direction and a length in the front-back direction. The length in the front-back direction is smaller than the width in the left-right direction.

On a free end part of the tongue piece portion <NUM>, a fulcrum edge portion <NUM> is extended and provided in the left-right direction and is brought into contact with the fulcrum groove portion <NUM> of the blade assembly body <NUM>. On the fulcrum edge portion <NUM>, a thickness between an upper surface and a lower surface becomes smaller as the upper surface is inclined and goes toward the free end part side. The fulcrum groove portion <NUM> of the blade assembly body <NUM> and the fulcrum edge portion <NUM> of the tongue piece portion <NUM> are disposed on a side lower than the blade edge 80a of the blade body <NUM> and on an inner side of the assumed airspace S. In the razor head <NUM>, the blade assembly body <NUM> and the support portion <NUM> of the elastic support body <NUM> are supported by contact between the fulcrum groove portion <NUM> and the fulcrum edge portion <NUM>.

The blade assembly body <NUM> can take movement positions in a moving direction XV, capable of moving in an arc shape from the neutral position to the front-back direction on the YZ plane including the front-back direction and the up-down direction with deformation of the flexible portion <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). In this embodiment, when the handle bending razor <NUM> is in the before-bending state, the blade assembly body <NUM> is tiltable in the front-back direction within a range of the target angle from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less. Moreover, when the handle bending razor <NUM> is in the bent state, the blade assembly body <NUM> is tiltable in the front-back direction within a range of the target angle from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less. It is to be noted that, in the aforementioned example, the tiltable range of the blade assembly body <NUM> is from <NUM>°, but the tiltable range may be changed arbitrarily. Specifically, it may be configured that the tiltable range of the blade assembly body <NUM> is any angle within a range from <NUM>° or more to <NUM>° or less.

Moreover, with deformation of the flexible portion <NUM>, the blade assembly body <NUM> can take a movement position in a moving direction XH, capable of moving in the arc shape from the neutral position to the front-back direction on a ZX plane including the left-right direction and the front-back direction (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The fulcrum groove portion <NUM> of the blade assembly body <NUM> and the fulcrum edge portion <NUM> of the tongue piece portion <NUM> are formed having an arc shape along the moving direction XV, capable of moving in the arc shape in the front-back direction on the YZ plane. The fulcrum edge portion <NUM> of the tongue piece portion <NUM> is formed having an arc shape along the moving direction XH, capable of moving in the arc shape in the front-back direction on the ZX plane.

In the razor head <NUM>, the support portion <NUM> of the elastic support body <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> are molded at the same time in one die excluding their continuing portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The flexible portion <NUM> is molded with these continuing portions <NUM> and <NUM>. And the support portion <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> are integrally formed by being connected to each other by these continuing portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Regarding coupling between the razor head <NUM> and the head coupling portion <NUM>, an elastic lock/release portion <NUM> is extended and provided toward the rear side in the coupling cylinder portion <NUM> of the connecting portion <NUM>. In the through hole <NUM> of the head coupling portion <NUM>, the coupling cylinder portion <NUM> is inserted and detachably attached by engagement by the elastic lock/release portion <NUM>. In this inserted/attached state, the head coupling portion <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> integrally continue to each other. By releasing the engagement by the elastic lock/release portion <NUM> and by pulling out the coupling cylinder portion <NUM> from the through hole <NUM>, the head coupling portion <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> can be separated from each other.

Subsequently, a use mode of the handle bending razor <NUM> according to this embodiment will be explained by using four typical examples. <FIG> is a view illustrating a first use mode of the forward shaving under the chin by the handle bending razor in the bent state of this embodiment.

In the first use mode, when the beard under the chin is to be shaved in the forward shaving, the user grips the grip portion <NUM> such that the fingertips of the thumb (first finger) F1, the forefinger (second finger) F2, and the middle finger (third finger) F3 are put on an upper front side of the grip portion <NUM>, for example. At this time, the fingertips of the ring finger (fourth finger) F4 and the little finger (fifth finger) F5 touch a lower front side of the grip portion <NUM>, but since the recess portion 10a is formed on the lower front side of the grip portion <NUM>, the balls of the fingertips of the ring finger (fourth finger) F4 and the little finger (fifth finger) F5 can be placed on the recessed portion 10a easily.

As a result, since the user can grip (hold) the grip portion <NUM> in a state where some fingers such as the ring finger F4 or the little finger F5 are bent (closed), it becomes easier for the user to hold the grip portion <NUM>. Moreover, since operability of the handle bending razor <NUM> by the user can be improved, the shaving can be performed stably without shaking the handle bending razor <NUM>.

Moreover, in the first use mode, since the user is using the handle bending razor <NUM> in the bent state, the contact surface 74a of the razor head <NUM> can be brought into contact with under the chin at a target angle of the right angle or close to the right angle. As a result, when the user moves the razor head <NUM> to a direction getting closer to the throat while causing the contact surface 74a in contact with under the chin, contact by the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> with the user's body can be suppressed. That is, when the beard under the chin is to be shaved in the forward shaving, the user can shave a wide range under the chin in the forward shaving without causing the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> to touch the user's body.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a second use mode in which under the chin is reverse-shaved by the handle bending razor in the bent state of this embodiment. In the second use mode, the handle bending razor <NUM> is used in the bent state. When the beard under the chin is to be shaved in the reverse shaving, the user grips the grip portion <NUM> by putting the fingertip of the forefinger F2 on the upper right side of the grip portion <NUM> while placing the fingertip of the thumb F1 on the upper rear side of the grip portion <NUM>, for example. Then, the lower part of the grip portion10 is gripped by the remaining middle finger F3, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5. At this time, the balls close to the second joints of the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 touch the lower front side of the grip portion <NUM> but since the recessed portion 10a is formed on the lower front side of the grip portion <NUM>, the balls close to the second joints of the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 can be placed on the recessed portion 10a easily.

As a result, since the user can grip (hold) the grip portion <NUM> in the state where some fingers such as the ring finger F4 or the little finger F5 are bent (closed), it becomes easier for the user to hold the grip portion <NUM>. Moreover, since operability of the handle bending razor <NUM> by the user can be improved, shaving can be performed stably without shaking the handle bending razor <NUM>.

Moreover, the user can switch between the direction of the handle bending razor <NUM> suitable for the forward shaving (first use mode) and the direction of the handle bending razor <NUM> suitable for the reverse shaving (second use mode) only by rotating the grip portion <NUM> around an axis along the longitudinal direction in the palm. That is, with a conventional razor with a small target angle, when the direction of the razor suitable for the forward shaving and the direction of the razor suitable for the reverse shaving are to be switched, re-holding of the handle is needed in some cases so that the handle becomes upside-down. On the other hand, with the handle bending razor <NUM> of this application, since the target angle can be a right angle or an angle close to the right angle, the direction of the handle bending razor <NUM> suitable for the forward shaving and the direction of the handle bending razor <NUM> suitable for the reverse shaving can be switched with a simple operation of rotating the grip portion <NUM> around the axis along the longitudinal direction by <NUM>°, for example.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a third use mode in which the cheek is reverse-shaved by the handle bending razor in the bent state of this embodiment. In the third use mode, the handle bending razor <NUM> is used in the bent state.

When the beard on the cheek is to be shaved in the reverse shaving, similarly to the second use mode, the user grips the grip portion <NUM> by placing the fingertip of the forefinger F2 on the upper right side of the grip portion <NUM>, while putting the fingertip of the thumb F1 on the upper rear side of the grip portion <NUM>, for example. Then, the lower part of the grip portion <NUM> is gripped by the remaining middle finger F3, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5.

In the third use mode, since the user uses the handle bending razor <NUM> in the bent state, the user can bring the contact surface 74a of the razor head <NUM> into contact with the skin of the cheek at a target angle of the right angle or close to the right angle. As a result, the user can move the contact surface 74a on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. That is, when the grip portion <NUM> was used upside-down as conventional, the user's elbow tended to be raised easily, but in the third use mode, the use in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction can be realized. Thus, more comfortable use than before can be realized in the state where the user's elbow is not raised.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a fourth use mode in which the cheek is forward-shaved by the handle bending razor in the before-bending state of this embodiment. In the fourth use mode, the handle bending razor <NUM> is used in the before-bending state. When the beard under the chin is to be shaved in the forward shaving, the user grips the grip portion <NUM> by placing the fingertip of the forefinger F2 on the upper front side of the grip portion <NUM>, while putting the fingertip of the thumb F1 on the upper right side of the grip portion <NUM>. Then, the lower part of the grip portion <NUM> is gripped by the remaining middle finger F3, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5. At this time, the balls close to the second joints of the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 touch the lower front side of the grip portion <NUM> but since the recessed portion 10a is formed on the lower front side of the grip portion <NUM>, the user can cause the balls close to the second joints of the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 to touch the recessed portion 10a easily.

In the fourth use mode, since the user is using the handle bending razor <NUM> in the before-bending state, the contact surface 74a of the razor head <NUM> can be brought into contact with the skin of the cheek at the target angle of <NUM>° or close to <NUM>°, that is, in a state where the contact surface 74a is substantially parallel to the up-down direction. As a result, the user can move the contact surface 74a on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction.

In the case of shaving using the first to fourth use modes described above, it is assumed that the user changes the use mode in the order of the fourth use mode, the first use mode, the second use mode, and the third use mode. At this time, the user forward-shaves the cheek in the before-bending state (fourth use mode), changes to the bent state and forward-shaves the lower chin (first use mode), rotates the grip portion <NUM> around the axis along the longitudinal direction and reverse-shaves under the chin in the bent state (second use mode), and reverse-shaves the cheek as it is (third use mode). By shaving in the order as described above, in the case of shaving in the forward-shaving from the cheek to under the chin, the shaving can be done by performing only one simple operation of changing the state from the before-bending state to the bent state. In the case of the shaving in the reverse-shaving from under the chin to the cheek, the shaving can be done by performing a simple operation of rotating the grip portion <NUM> around the axis along the longitudinal direction by <NUM>°, for example, without performing a cumbersome operation of re-holding the grip portion <NUM> so that the grip portion <NUM> extends to the upper direction.

Subsequently, a variation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained. This variation is different from the embodiment in the shape of the grip portion and the like. In the following explanation, differences from the embodiment will be explained, while explanation on parts in common with the embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a plan view of a handle bending razor in the before-bending state of the variation of the embodiment, when viewed from the right side. <FIG> is a plan view of the handle bending razor in the before-bending state of the variation of the embodiment, when viewed from the rear side.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle bending razor <NUM> of the variation of the embodiment includes a grip portion <NUM> instead of the grip portion <NUM> as compared with the handle bending razor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Substantially at a center of the grip portion <NUM>, a non-slip member <NUM> formed of an elastomer, for example, is mounted from a right side to a left side through a front side.

On the grip portion <NUM>, when viewed on a plan view from the left-right direction, a recessed portion 20a is formed between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> (see <FIG>). The recessed portion 20a is formed substantially at the center in the up-down direction of the grip portion <NUM> and is recessed to the rear side. A length in the up-down direction of the recessed portion 20a is smaller than the length in the up-down direction of the recessed portion 10a of the handle bending razor <NUM> in the embodiment. It is to be noted that the length in the up-down direction of the recessed portion 20a may be equal to or larger than the length in the up-down direction of the recessed portion 10a of the handle bending razor <NUM> of the embodiment.

In the case of the forward shaving by the user, for example, the ball of the finger top of the middle finger touches the front side substantially at the center of the grip portion <NUM>, and since the recessed portion 20a is formed, the ball of the fingertip of the middle finger touches the recessed portion 20a, which makes holding of the handle bending razor <NUM> easier, and operability of the handle bending razor <NUM> can be improved.

Moreover, when the user performs the reverse shaving without turning the handle bending razor <NUM> upside-down, for example, the ball close to the second joint of the middle finger touches the front side substantially at the center of the grip portion <NUM>. At this time, since the recessed portion 20a is formed, the ball close to the second joint of the middle finger touches the recessed portion 20a, which makes holding of the handle bending razor <NUM> easier, and operability of the handle bending razor <NUM> can be improved.

When the handle bending razor <NUM> is seen on a plan view from the front-back direction, a part of a space between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> is narrowed. In this variation, the vicinity of the upper end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> is an upper-side wide-width portion 20b whose width in the left-right direction is wide when seen on a plan view form the front-back direction. On a lower side of the upper-side wide-width portion 20b and in the vicinity of the recessed portion 20a, there is a narrow-width portion 20c whose width in the left-right direction is narrow when seen on a plan view from the front-back direction. And on the lower side of the narrow-width portion 20c, when seen on a plan view from the front-back direction, there is a lower-side wide-width portion 20d whose width in the left-right direction is wide.

That is, when the handle bending razor <NUM> is seen on a plan view from the front-back direction, a right-side recessed portion 20i and a left-side recessed portion <NUM> are formed on the right side and the left side, respectively, from the upper-side wide-width portion 20b to the lower-side wide-width portion 20d. The shapes of the right-side recessed portion 20i and a shape of the left-side recessed portion 20j are bilaterally symmetric.

As described above, by forming the space between the upper-side wide-width portion 20b and the lower-side wide-width portion 20d in a constricted shape, in the case of gripping by the user at any position between the upper-side wide-width portion 20b and the lower-side wide-width portion 20d, when the user applies a downward force, slip of the user's hand on the grip portion <NUM> can be suppressed.

As shown in <FIG>, in the vicinity of the protruding portion 10d of the grip portion <NUM>, on a side opposite to the operation portion 22c, a protruding portion 20e protruding toward the front side is formed. The protruding portion 20e has a distal end part protruding the most toward the Z-axis - side on both end parts in the left-right direction, respectively, and has a shape similar to a Y-shape in which a recess is provided between these two distal end parts. As described above, by forming the protruding portion 20e, when the handle bending razor <NUM> is placed on the loading surface so that the contact surface 74a is faced downward, for example, the handle bending razor <NUM> is supported at three points of the two distal end parts of the protruding portion 20e and the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM>. As a result, since contact of the lower end of the razor head <NUM> with the loading surface can be prevented, adhesion of the shaving aid mounted on the contact surface 74a of the upper part 79b and the lower part 79c of the frame portion <NUM> to the loading surface or damage to the blade edge 80a of the blade body <NUM> can be prevented. Moreover, adhesion of dirt on the loading surface to the contact surface 74a of the razor head <NUM> and transfer of the dirt to the skin of the user can be suppressed. Furthermore, since a configuration of support at the three points is realized, the handle bending razor <NUM> can be stably supported.

As described above, specific examples have been explained by the embodiment and the variation, and the handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM> described in this Description have features as follows.

The handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM> are configured such that the angle formed by the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction in which the grip portion <NUM> extends can be changed by the user's operation.

Specifically, it is configured such that, when the blade assembly body <NUM> is at the neutral position not subject to the external force, the before-bending state (first state) in which the neutral angle formed by the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction is αf, and the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction are substantially parallel and the bent state (second state) in which the neutral angle is αs, which is larger than αf, can be switched by the switching mechanism <NUM>. Moreover, in the bent state, when the external force is applied, the blade assembly body is tiltable to a position where the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction become at least substantially perpendicular (<NUM>°).

By means of the configuration as above, when the user shaves the cheek in the forward shaving, for example, by having the before-bending state in which the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction are substantially parallel, the contact surfacer 74a can be moved on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. Moreover, when the user shaves under the chin in the forward shaving, for example, by having the bent state in which the neutral angle is αs, which is larger than αf, the contact surface 74a can be brought into close contact with the user's skin under the chin without interference of the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> with the user's body and in the state where the grip portion extends to the lower direction. And when the user applies the force to the grip portion <NUM> so as to press the contact surface 74a onto the skin, the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted to the position where the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction become substantially perpendicular, and the contact surface 74a can be reliably brought into contact with the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction, while the lower end <NUM> of the grip portion <NUM> is kept away from the user's body. When the user moves the razor to the front side in this state, the contact surface 74a can be moved while kept in close contact on the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction.

Moreover, when the user shaves the cheek in the reverse shaving, for example, by having the bent state, a part of the contact surface 74a, that is, the upper end, for example, can be caused to touch the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. And when the user applies the force to the grip portion <NUM> so as to press the contact surface 74a onto the skin, the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted to the position where the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction become substantially perpendicular, and the contact surface 74a can be brought into close contact with the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. When the user moves the razor <NUM> to the front side in this state, the contact surface 74a can be moved on the skin of the user's cheek in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction.

Moreover, when the user shaves under the chin in the reverse shaving, for example, by having the bent state, the contact surface 74a can be brought into contact with the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction, without raising the elbow much. When the user moves the razor <NUM> to the front side, too, the movement can be performed with the contact surface 74a in close contact on the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. It is to be noted that, when the user shaves under the chin in the reverse shaving, even in the before-bending state, the contact surface 74a can be brought into close contact with the skin under the user's chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. However, if the part under the chin is reverse-shaved in the bent state, the user can perform shaving without raising the elbow much and thus, the part under the chin can be shaved more comfortably. Moreover, the forward shaving under the chin, the reverse shaving under the chin, and the reverse shaving of the cheek can be continuously performed in the bent state. That is, in either case of the forward shaving and the reverse shaving, the contact surface 74a can be moved on the user's skin and on the skin under the chin in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. Therefore, the forward shaving and the reverse shaving can be performed easily for the user without re-holding the grip portion <NUM> so that the grip portion <NUM> extends to the upper direction.

Moreover, in the handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM>, the blade assembly body <NUM> is configured tiltably so that the neutral angle αf is set at <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less in the before-bending state and the angle formed by the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction is <NUM>° or more when the external force such as pressing onto the skin by the user is applied in the bent state. By means of this configuration, in the before-bending state, when the user shaves the cheek in the forward shaving, the neutral angle suitable for the contact surface 74a to be brought into contact with the user's cheek can be realized in the state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. On the other hand, in the bent state, since the blade assembly body <NUM> is tilted so that the angle formed by the contact surface 74a and the up-down direction is <NUM>° or more, when the user shaves under the chin in the forward shaving, the state in which the contact surface 74a is reliably in close contact with the skin under the user's chin can be realized while the lower end of the grip portion <NUM> is kept away from the user's body, and in a state where the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction. Moreover, when the user shaves the cheek and under the chin in the reverse shaving, the state where the contact surface 74a is in close contact with the skin of the user's cheek can be realized in the state the grip portion <NUM> extends to the lower direction.

Moreover, in the handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM>, the switching mechanism <NUM> includes the operation portion 52c and the movable body <NUM>, the movable <NUM> has its movement regulated, and when the user presses down the operation portion 52c, the regulation on the movement of the movable body <NUM> is released, and the movement between the before-bending position and the bent position is enabled. With this configuration, when the razor is moved to the front side in use, even if the external force to move the blade assembly body <NUM> from the position in the before-bending state (before-bending position) to the position in the bent state (bent position) is applied to the blade assembly body <NUM>, since the movement of the movable body <NUM> is regulated, an unexpected change to the bent state of the razor in the before-bending state can be suppressed. As a result, the razor can be stably used. Moreover, the user can change a state of the razor from the before-bending state to the bent state with a simple operation of pressing down the operation portion 52c.

Moreover, in the handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM>, the difference between the before-bending angle and the bent angle is preferably <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less. According to this, the angle of the contact surface suitable for the forward shaving of the cheek in the before-bending state is realized, and the angle of the contact surface suitable for the forward shaving and the reverse shaving under the chin and suitable for the reverse shaving of the cheek in the bent state can be realized.

Moreover, in the handle bending razors <NUM> and <NUM>, it is configured such that the groove 10f which accommodates a part of the movable body <NUM> is formed on the grip portion <NUM>, and the width in the left-right direction of the operation portion 52c is larger than the width in the left-right direction of the groove 10f. As a result, operability of the operation portion 52c by the user can be improved.

Specific explanation has been made as above for the embodiment and the variation of the present invention. The aforementioned explanation is only explanation as a configuration example and an operation example, and a scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiment and variation but should be interpreted widely to a range that persons ordinarily skilled in the art can grasp on the basis of similar technical ideas.

When "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular" is referred to in this Description, it does not refer only to a case in which an angle formed by one and the other is <NUM>° but in a range not departing from the gist of the invention, it is to include those with an angle formed by the one and the other at <NUM>°, for example. Moreover, when "parallel" or "substantially parallel" is referred to, it does not refer only to a case in which an angle formed by one and the other is <NUM>° but in a range not departing from the gist of the invention, it is to include those with an angle formed by the one and the other at <NUM>°, for example.

Moreover, the handle bending razor of the present invention is particularly suitable as a razor for face-shaving described in the embodiment but can also be used for portions other than the face. The handle bending razor of the present invention is useful for shaving underarm hair, pubic hair, leg hair and the like. In use for those portions, too, by switching the before-bending state and the bent state of the grip portion <NUM>, the razor can be easily brought into close contact with the skin. Moreover, the razor can be easily brought into close contact with an intended portion by the user without taking a forced posture such as raising the elbow or twisting the wrist.

The razor of the present invention is suitably applied as a razor usable for an user without re-holding the handle upside-down.

Claim 1:
A handle bending razor (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a grip portion (<NUM>) extending in an up-down direction and capable of being gripped by a user, a razor head (<NUM>), and a head coupling portion (<NUM>) coupled with an upper end of the grip portion rotatably around a rotating shaft extending in a left-right direction crossing the up-down direction and coupled with the razor head, wherein the razor head has:
a blade body (<NUM>) with the left-right direction as a longitudinal direction;
a blade assembly body (<NUM>) having a contact surface brought into contact with the user's skin together with the blade body and to which the blade body is assembled;
a connecting portion (<NUM>) connected to the head coupling portion;
an elastic support body (<NUM>) which is provided between the connecting portion and the blade assembly body and supports the blade assembly body tiltably in the up-down direction and a front-back direction crossing the left-right direction;
a switching mechanism (<NUM>) which can change an angle formed by the contact surface and the up-down direction by an operation by the user and, when the blade assembly body is at a neutral position where an external force is not applied, switches between a first state in which a neutral angle formed by the contact surface and the up-down direction is a first angle and the contact surface and the up-down direction become substantially parallel and a second state in which the neutral angle becomes a second angle larger than the first angle is provided; and
in the second state, when the external force is applied, the blade assembly body is tiltable to a position where the contact surface and the up-down direction become at least substantially perpendicular;
the switching mechanism has an operation portion (52c) exposed to an outer side of the grip portion and includes a movable body (<NUM>) moving between a first position where the first state is maintained and a second position where the second state is maintained;
the movable body has movement from the first position to the second position regulated; and
the regulation on the movement of the movable body from the first position to the second position is released by pressing-down on the operation portion by the user.