Patent Description:
A typical double-edge razor consists of a razor and a double-edge blade used by being inserted and fixed in the razor. The double-edge blade is replaceable, and the razor can be used semi-permanently by periodically replacing the double-edge blade without replacing the entire razor.

The razor includes a handle, a frame connected to the handle, the double-edge blade mounted on the frame, and a top cap placed on top of the double-edge blade to fix the double-edge blade to the frame. The frame and the top cap not only fix the double-edge blade disposed therebetween, but also allow only the blade portions of the double-edge blade to be exposed on the outside of the razor. The exposed blade portions of the double-edge blade are used to cut hair.

A typical double-edge blade razor generally uses a single double-edge blade, and a double-edge blade razor using multiple blades has been developed to improve shaving performance. Since a double-edge blade razor has a raised center as viewed from a side thereof, two double-edge blades of different sizes need to be provided at lower and upper portions of the razor to be used, or a single double-edge blade needs to be provided at the lower portion of the razor, two single-edge blades need to be inserted at the top of the single double-edge blade.

An example of double-edge blade razor with multiple blades is disclosed by the patent documentation <CIT>.

To address the aforementioned problems, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a razor which is capable of allowing two double-edge blades of the same type to be inserted therein, without the need to install any additional blades, facilitating the maintenance, repair, and replacement of blades, and providing an improved cutting force and improved adhesion to the skin because the protruding amounts and the protruding angles of the edge portions of blades are uniform.

Additional advantages, subjects, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a razor includes: a handle; a frame coupled to one end of the handle; a spacer disposed above the frame; a top cap mounted at the top of the spacer; a first blade fixedly coupled between the frame and the spacer; and a second blade fixedly coupled between the spacer and the top cap, wherein the first blade is coupled and fixed to the razor and then at least partially supported on a top surface of the frame and a bottom surface of the spacer and thus has a first profile that is convexly curved upwardly between cutting edges at both ends thereof, and the second blade is coupled and fixed to the razor and then at least partially supported on a top surface of the spacer and a bottom surface of the top cap and thus has a second profile including a central region that is convexly curved upwardly and a pair of regions that are concavely curved downwardly.

An angle formed by tangent lines at the cutting edges of the first blade may be greater than an angle formed by tangent lines at inflection points in the pair of regions of the second blade, and a curvature radius of the central region of the second profile may be smaller than a curvature radius of the pair of regions of the second profile.

The frame and the spacer may support the first blade, at least in parts of both ends of the first profile, the spacer may support at least part of the central region of the second blade, and the top cap may support at least part of the pair of regions of the second blade. The spacer and the top cap may be configured to support at least part of both ends of the second blade. A first coupling portion may be disposed at one end of the handle to which the frame is coupled, a second coupling portion may be disposed on the bottom surface of the top cap to protrude downwardly, and the top cap and the handle may be coupled by coupling the first and second coupling portions. The first coupling portion may be a screw coupler, and the second coupling portion may be a screw.

Holes into which the second coupling portion is inserted may be formed at the spacer and the frame, and the second coupling portion may be coupled to the first coupling portion through the holes.

The spacer may be coupled to the frame by coupling a third coupling portion, which is disposed at one end of the frame, and a fourth coupling portion, which is disposed at one end of the spacer, and coupling a fifth coupling portion, which is disposed at the other end of the frame, and a sixth coupling portion, which is disposed at the other end of the spacer.

The third and fourth coupling portions may be hinge-coupled, the fifth coupling portion may be a snap fit, and the sixth coupling portion may be a snap fit coupler.

The frame and the spacer may be integrally formed by forming the third and fourth coupling portions as an integral film hinge that is rotatable.

Each of the first and second blades may include at least one through hole in the middle thereof, a boss may be formed on the top surface of the frame and protrudes in a Z-axis direction to pass through the through hole of the first blade, and a boss may be formed on the top surface of the spacer and protrudes in the Z-axis direction to pass through the through hole of the second blade.

Each of the first blade, the second blade, and the spacer may include at least one through hole in the middle thereof, and a boss may be formed on the top surface of the frame and protrudes upwardly to pass through the through holes of the first blade, the second blade, and the spacer.

Through holes may be formed at both ends of the frame to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction, and cutting edges of the first blade and cutting edges of the second blade may be located in regions where the through holes are formed.

The first and second blades may be double-edge blades of the same size.

Each of the first and second blades may have cutting edges at both ends thereof face each other, and the first and second blades may have a flat shape before being coupled and fixed to the razor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a razor includes: a handle; and a razor head portion coupled to one end of the handle and having a plurality of blades mounted therein, wherein the plurality of blades are double-edge blades having cutting edges at both ends thereof face each other, and the plurality of blades have a flat shape before being mounted in the razor head portion and are convexly curved to have different curvatures in central regions thereof after mounted in the razor head portion.

A curvature radius of the central region of an upper blade may be smaller than a curvature radius of the central region of a lower blade.

Other features and exemplary embodiments may be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, at least the following effects can be provided.

Since a double-edge blade razor using two double-edge blades of the same type is provided, there is no need to mount blades of different types in a razor, and it is easy for user to maintain, repair, and replace blades of a razor.

Since double-edge blades of the same type can be employed, and at the same time, an optimum protruding amount and an optimum cutting angle can be set with a simple structure, a user can be provided with improved adhesion to the skin and a safe shave.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects and other effects which are not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different provides and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention will only be defined by the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present invention, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a razor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a razor head portion <NUM>, which is formed as the body of a razor <NUM>, is formed above a handle <NUM>, which is formed in an elongated shape similar to that of a typical double-edged razor. The head portion <NUM> is coupled to one end of the handle <NUM> and is equipped with a plurality of blades. The razor <NUM> may be generally formed of a plastic material, but may also be formed of a metal or another material into which a plastic material or a metal are mixed.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the elements of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment can be disassembled along the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM> of the razor <NUM>. The longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM> of the razor <NUM> will hereinafter be referred to as a z axis, and a positive z-axis direction will be referred to as an upward direction. Also, an axis orthogonal to the z axis and extending along the longitudinal direction of guard bars <NUM> of the razor will hereinafter be referred to as an x axis, and an axis orthogonal to both the x and z axes will hereinafter be referred to as a y axis.

The handle <NUM> is disposed at the bottom of the razor <NUM>, and a first coupling portion <NUM>, to which a top cap <NUM> and a frame <NUM> that will be described later are coupled, is disposed at the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is elongated vertically so that a user can easily grab and use the razor <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is provided with a plurality of protrusions that are uniformly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM> and extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM>, thereby increasing the frictional force so that a better grip of the handle <NUM> can be provided when the user grabs and uses the razor <NUM>.

The razor head portion <NUM>, which is formed as the body of the razor <NUM>, includes the frame, which is connected to the handle <NUM> and is configured to mount blades thereon, a spacer <NUM>, which is mounted at the top of the frame <NUM> and support the blades in the gap with the frame <NUM>, and the top cap <NUM>, which support the blades between the spacer <NUM> and is coupled to the handle <NUM> so as to maintain the coupling structure of the entire razor <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment is coupled to the end of the handle <NUM> where the first coupling portion <NUM> is disposed. The frame <NUM> is one of the basic elements of the body of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment.

The frame <NUM> is elongated in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM> so that the blades can be mounted and used thereon.

A handle connecting portion <NUM>, to which the end of the handle <NUM> can be connected, may be formed on the bottom surface of the frame <NUM>. The handle connecting portion <NUM> may be projected toward the handle <NUM> so as to be able to be connected in the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM>, and as a result, the end of the handle <NUM> can be at least partially received in the handle connecting portion <NUM> when the handle <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are coupled. In this case, the outer wall portion of the first coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled to the handle connecting portion <NUM> and may thus connect the handle <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. Since the handle connecting portion <NUM> wraps at least part of the handle <NUM>, the handle <NUM> and the frame can be coupled more tightly than when the handle <NUM> is not wrapped by the handle connecting portion <NUM>. Also, a razor cartridge <NUM> can be prevented from deviating from its initial fixed location when the user manipulates the handle <NUM> for shaving.

The inside of the handle connecting portion <NUM> may be coupled to the end of the handle <NUM> in a snap-fit manner so that the end of the handle <NUM> can be securely coupled and fixed thereto. The shapes of the handle connecting portion <NUM> and the end of the handle <NUM> are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made thereto as long as the handle connecting portion <NUM> and the end of the handle <NUM> are formed to correspond to each other and thus to be able to securely couple the handle <NUM> and the frame.

A first blade <NUM>, which is a double-edge blade, is mounted on the top surface of the frame <NUM>. A typical double-edge blade, which has a flat shape before being coupled, fixed, and supported by the elements of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment and has cutting edges at both ends thereof face each other, may be used as the first blade <NUM>, or a double-edge blade which has a convex central portion may be used as the first blade <NUM>. Even though the first blade <NUM> has a flat shape before being mounted on the razor head portion <NUM> of the razor <NUM>, the central portion of the first blade <NUM> is bent and mounted in a convex shape once the first blade <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the frame <NUM>.

The first blade <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the frame <NUM>, but is not necessarily placed in contact with the frame <NUM> at all positions on a frame top surface <NUM>. Thus, at least part of the first blade <NUM> may be supported by the frame top surface <NUM>, and the frame top surface <NUM> may preferably support the first blade <NUM> at least partially at both ends of the first blade <NUM> so that the curvature of the first blade <NUM> can be formed. This will be described later in detail, together with a first profile <NUM>.

The frame top surface <NUM> may be formed to be parallel to an x-y plane, but may be convexly projected in an upward direction so that the first blade <NUM> can be supported in a wider area.

At least one first blade through hole <NUM> may be formed along a y-axis centerline of the first blade <NUM>, and a first blade hole <NUM> may be formed in the middle of the first blade <NUM>. The first blade through hole <NUM> and the first blade hole <NUM> may be formed separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, alternatively, the first blade through hole <NUM> and the first blade hole <NUM> may be integrally formed.

At least one frame boss <NUM>, which is upwardly projected, may be disposed along the y-axis centerline of the frame top surface <NUM>. The frame boss <NUM> may be disposed at a location corresponding to the first blade through hole <NUM> and may thus penetrate the first blade through hole <NUM> when the first blade <NUM> is mounted on the frame top surface <NUM>. A groove (not illustrated), into which the frame boss <NUM> can be inserted, may be formed at the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> so that the frame <NUM> and the spacer <NUM> can be further securely coupled. Accordingly, the frame boss <NUM> can prevent the first blade <NUM> from deviating from the frame top surface <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that two frame bosses <NUM> and two first blade through holes <NUM>, which correspond to the two frame bosses <NUM>, are formed on both sides, in an x-axis direction, of the razor <NUM>. However, the numbers of frame bosses <NUM> and first blade through holes <NUM> are not particularly limited. That is, alternatively, only one frame boss <NUM> and only one first blade through hole <NUM> may be formed, or three or more frame bosses <NUM> and three or more first blade through holes <NUM> may be formed.

First blade cutting edges <NUM>, which can cut hair, may be formed at both ends, in a y-axis direction, of the first blade <NUM> to extend in the x-axis direction and to be opposite to each other.

A frame hole <NUM>, into which a second coupling portion <NUM> that will be described later, together with the top cap <NUM>, can be inserted, is formed in the middle of the top surface of the frame <NUM> to extend along the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM>.

The guard bars <NUM> may be further disposed at both ends, in the y-axis direction, of the frame <NUM>. The guard bars <NUM> are parts of the frame <NUM> that are disposed near the cutting edges of a blade and determine a shaving plane P during shaving by determining, together with the top cap <NUM>, the degree to which the cutting edges of the blade are to be outwardly projected while being in contact with the skin for shaving. The guard bars <NUM> perform the functions of the guards of a typical razor. It will be described later, with reference to <FIG>, how the guard bars <NUM> determine the shaving plane P together with the top cap <NUM>.

The guard bars <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the frame <NUM>. For example, the guard bars <NUM> may be formed of a rubber material, or at least part of the frame <NUM> that is generally formed of a material such as a plastic material may be formed of a rubber material and may thus perform the functions of the guard bars <NUM>. These types of rubber guards may be placed in contact with the skin and may pull the skin so as to facilitate shaving. In another example, the guard bars <NUM> may be provided as comb guards to comb and align hair before the hair is reached by blades during shaving. In another example, lubrication bands may be provided at the guard bars <NUM> and may provide lubrication to the skin to protect the skin and to provide a smooth shave. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Groove portions <NUM>, which are at least partially open at the top thereof in the x-axis direction, may be formed between the guard bars <NUM> and the frame top surface <NUM>. The groove portions <NUM> are elongated in the x-axis direction and may serve as spatial boundaries that divide the guard bars <NUM> and the frame top surface <NUM>. The groove portions <NUM> are formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of top cap corners <NUM>, which are the corner portions of the top cap <NUM> that extend in the x-axis direction from both ends, in the y-axis direction, of the top cap <NUM>, and are formed to be open at the top thereof. Since the top cap corners <NUM> are inserted into the groove portions <NUM> in an opposite direction to the z-axis direction during the coupling of the top cap <NUM>, the groove portions <NUM> prevent the top cap <NUM> from deviating in the y-axis direction because the range of movement of the top cap corners <NUM> is limited by both sidewalls of each of the groove portions <NUM>.

Frame through holes <NUM> are openings that are formed by opening parts of the bottom surfaces of the groove portions <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that a total of three frame through holes <NUM> are formed at one end of each of the groove portions <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The frame through holes <NUM> are open in the vertical direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) and may thus discharge shaving residues generated during shaving to the outside of the razor <NUM>. The cutting edges <NUM> of the first blade <NUM> and cutting edges <NUM> of a second blade <NUM> are located in the groove portions <NUM>, which are open spaces between the guard bars <NUM> and a top surface <NUM> of the top cap <NUM>, and the frame through holes <NUM>, which are openings formed by opening the bottom surfaces of the groove portions <NUM>, may be located directly below the cutting edges <NUM> of the first blade <NUM> and the cutting edges <NUM> of the second blade <NUM>. In this case, shaving residues generated by the cutting edges <NUM> and the cutting edges <NUM> can be easily discharged in a downward direction via the groove portions <NUM> and the frame through holes <NUM>, even if they drop below the cutting edges <NUM> and the cutting edges <NUM>, and the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> can be easily rinsed in running water.

Fifth and third coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed at both ends, in the x-axis direction, of the frame <NUM>. The interactions between the fifth and third coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> and sixth and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The spacer <NUM> is an element of the razor <NUM> that determines at least part of the first profile <NUM> and at least part of a second profile <NUM> and determines the distance between the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>.

The bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> is seated on the top surface of the first blade <NUM>, which is seated on the top surface of the frame <NUM>. Thus, the first blade <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the razor <NUM> by being supported between the top surface of the frame <NUM> and the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM>.

The first blade <NUM> is supported by being at least partially in contact with the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> and the top surface of the frame <NUM>, and as a result, the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> and the top surface of the frame <NUM> determine a shape into which the first blade <NUM> is to be bent when the assembly of the razor <NUM> is complete. The bent shape of the first blade <NUM> is defined as the first profile <NUM>. The bent shape of the first blade <NUM> may be determined by determining into what shape the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> is to be formed.

The second blade <NUM>, which is a double-edge blade, is mounted on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. A typical double-edge blade, which has a flat shape before being coupled, fixed, and supported by the elements of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment and has cutting edges at both ends thereof face each other, may be used as the second blade <NUM>, or a double-edge blade which has a convex central portion may be used as the second blade <NUM>. The first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> are of the same type. That is, blades of the same type may be used without regard to their installation locations. Referring to <FIG>, the shapes of the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>, illustrated with solid lines, show that the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> are flat when they are yet to be assembled into the razor <NUM>, and the shapes of the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>, illustrated with dotted lines, show that the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> are bent once they are assembled into the razor <NUM>.

The second blade <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>, but is not necessarily placed in contact with the spacer <NUM> at all positions on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. Thus, at least part of the second blade <NUM> may be supported by the top surface of the spacer <NUM>.

The top surface of the spacer <NUM> may be formed to be parallel to the x-y plane, but may be convexly projected in the upward direction so that the second blade <NUM> can be supported in a wider area.

At least one second blade through hole <NUM> may be formed along a y-axis centerline of the second blade <NUM>, and a second blade hole <NUM> may be formed in the middle of the second blade <NUM>. The second blade through hole <NUM> and the second blade hole <NUM> may be formed separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, alternatively, the second blade through hole <NUM> and the second blade hole <NUM> may be integrally formed.

At least one spacer boss <NUM>, which is upwardly projected, may be disposed on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. The spacer boss <NUM> may be disposed at a location corresponding to the second blade through hole <NUM> and may thus penetrate the second blade through hole <NUM> when the second blade <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. A groove (not illustrated), into which the spacer boss <NUM> can be inserted, may be formed at the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> so that the spacer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM> can be further securely coupled. Accordingly, the spacer boss <NUM> can prevent the second blade <NUM> from deviating from the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that two spacer bosses <NUM> and two second blade through holes <NUM>, which correspond to the two spacer bosses <NUM>, are formed on both sides, in the x-axis direction, of the razor <NUM>. However, the numbers of spacer bosses <NUM> and second blade through holes <NUM> are not particularly limited. That is, alternatively, only one spacer boss <NUM> and only one second blade through hole <NUM> may be formed, or three or more spacer bosses <NUM> and three or more second blade through holes <NUM> may be formed.

Second blade cutting edges <NUM>, which can cut hair, may be formed at both ends, in the y-axis direction, of the second blade <NUM> to extend in the x-axis direction and to be opposite to each other.

A spacer hole <NUM>, into which the second coupling portion <NUM> that will be described later, together with the top cap <NUM>, can be inserted, is formed at the center of the top surface of the spacer <NUM> to extend along the longitudinal direction of the handle <NUM>.

The sixth and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed at both ends, in the x-axis direction, of the spacer <NUM>. The interactions between the fifth and third coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the sixth and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> is seated on the top surface of the second blade <NUM> where the top surface of the spacer <NUM> is seated. Thus, the second blade <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the razor by being supported between the top surface of the spacer <NUM> and the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>.

The second blade <NUM> is supported by being at least partially in contact with the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> and the top surface of the spacer <NUM>, and as a result, the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> and the top surface of the spacer <NUM> determine a shape into which the second blade <NUM> is to be bent when the assembly of the razor <NUM> is complete. The bent shape of the second blade <NUM> is defined as the second profile <NUM>. The bent shape of the second blade <NUM> may be determined by determining into what shape the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> and the top surface of the spacer <NUM> are to be formed. The top cap <NUM>, which is an element formed at the top of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, covers the entire razor <NUM> and determines the shaving plane P together with the guard bars <NUM>. The top and bottom surfaces of the top cap <NUM> are formed to be convexly curved in the upward direction.

The second coupling portion <NUM> is disposed at the center of the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM>, which is an element of the top cap <NUM> that is coupled and fastened to the first coupling portion <NUM> at one end of the handle <NUM>, may be formed to protrude in a downward direction toward the handle <NUM>.

The second coupling portion <NUM> is coupled and fastened to the first coupling portion <NUM> disposed at one end of the handle <NUM>, which is coupled to the handle connecting portion <NUM> via the second blade hole <NUM>, the spacer hole <NUM>, the first blade hole <NUM>, and the frame hole <NUM>. Thus, the second coupling portion <NUM> may be formed to have a smaller diameter than the second blade hole <NUM>, the spacer hole <NUM>, the first blade hole <NUM>, and the frame hole <NUM> and may thus be able to pass through the second blade hole <NUM>, the spacer hole <NUM>, the first blade hole <NUM>, and the frame hole <NUM>.

The first and second coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a screw coupler and a screw, respectively, and may thus be screw-coupled to each other. Accordingly, the first and second coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be firmly coupled to each other and can be easily assembled or disassembled by the user. Alternatively, the first and second coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a screw and a screw coupler, respectively, or various other modifications can be made to the shapes of the first and second coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Top cap protruding portions <NUM> are formed at both ends, in the x-axis direction, of the top cap <NUM>. Thus, the user can easily hold and grip the top cap <NUM> when assembling the top cap <NUM> to, or disassembling the top cap <NUM> from, the razor <NUM>.

The shapes of the first and second profiles of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the curvature radius of each profile of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment, as viewed from a side of the razor.

Referring to <FIG>, once the assembly of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment is complete, the first cutting edges <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> are located in the open space between the top cap <NUM> and the guard bars <NUM>. Also, the first cutting edges <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> are slightly projected from the inside of the razor head portion <NUM> to the outside of the razor head portion <NUM> with respect to the shaving plane P formed by the top cap <NUM> and the guard bars <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a direction indicated by an arrow on the outside of the razor <NUM> is defined as a shaving direction D. The shaving direction D is a direction in which the razor <NUM> is moved and cuts hair during shaving performed using the razor <NUM>.

An imaginary plane formed by a tangent line that touches both the guard bars <NUM>, which are located at a more distant place than the first blade cutting edges <NUM> from the center in the y-axis direction, and the top cap top surface <NUM> is defined as a shaving plane P. That is, the surface where the top cap top surface <NUM> and the guard bars <NUM> are placed in contact with the skin during shaving becomes the shaving plane P.

The first cutting edges <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> are located in an open space adjacent to the shaving plane P. As described above, the open space is a space between the guard bars <NUM> and the top cap <NUM>. The first cutting edges <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> may protrude beyond the shaving plane P toward the outside of the razor <NUM> or may be located further inside the razor <NUM> than the shaving plane P.

Referring to <FIG>, the shapes of the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM>, which are formed as the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment are bent by the spacer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM>, can be identified.

The first profile <NUM> is formed between the frame <NUM> and the spacer <NUM> into a shape that is convexly curved in the upward direction between the first blade cutting edges <NUM> by supporting at least part of the first blade <NUM> at the top surface of the frame <NUM> and the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM>.

A second profile central region <NUM> is formed between the spacer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM> to be convexly curved in the upward direction by supporting at least part of the second blade <NUM> at the top surface of the spacer <NUM> and the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>, and at the same time, a pair of second profile curvature regions <NUM> are formed between the second profile central region <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> to be concavely curved in the downward direction. In other words, the second profile <NUM> is not a curved line that is convex only in one direction, but is formed as a curved line that is upwardly convex in the central region <NUM> and downwardly concave in the curvature regions <NUM> between both ends thereof and the central region <NUM>.

The first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM>, which are formed after the installation of the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> in the razor <NUM>, are both convexly curved in the central regions thereof. However, the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> may preferably be curved to have different curvatures in the central regions thereof. The curvature radius of the central region of the second blade <NUM> needs to be formed to be smaller than the curvature radius of the central region of the first blade <NUM>. That is, the curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the curvature radius of the central region of the first profile <NUM>. It is an object of the present invention to make the protruding amounts and the protruding angles of two pairs of cutting edges (<NUM>, <NUM>) of two blades similar or identical to each other in a double-edge blade razor <NUM> having a triangular side cross-sectional shape, as can be identified over the y-z plane. In order to achieve this object, the degrees of curvature of upper and lower blades need to be adjusted differently. Thus, as already mentioned above, the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM>, which are different from each other, are provided.

The first profile <NUM> has a shape that is convexly curved in the upward direction. In the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, the curvature radius of the first profile central region <NUM> is maintained through the entire first profile <NUM>, i.e., the first profile <NUM> has a single curvature radius. Alternatively, the locations of the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> and the top surface of the frame <NUM> that are placed in contact with the first blade <NUM> may be adjusted so that the first profile <NUM> can be configured to have one or more curvature radiuses depending on the purpose of use.

The curvature radius of the first profile <NUM> may be formed to be greater than the curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM>. As described above, the side cross-sectional shape of the razor head portion <NUM>, as viewed from the y-z plane, is similar to a triangular shape. Thus, the width, in the y-axis direction, of the first profile <NUM> is greater than the width, in the y-axis direction, of the second profile <NUM> because the second profile <NUM> should be more curved than the first profile <NUM> in order to make the pairs of cutting edges <NUM> and <NUM> protrude by the same amount, or by similar amounts, with respect to the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM> through the use of blades of the same type.

The curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than the curvature radius of the second profile curvature regions <NUM>. If the curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM> is maintained throughout the entire second profile <NUM>, it may be difficult to maintain the angle that the second blade cutting edges <NUM> form with the shaving plane P within an appropriate cutting angle range during shaving. Even if the angle that the second blade cutting edges <NUM> form with the shaving plane P is within the appropriate cutting angle range during shaving, the protruding amount of the second blade cutting edges <NUM> from the shaving plane P is formed to be different from the protruding amount of the first blade cutting edges <NUM> from the shaving plane P. The angles formed by the first blade cutting edges <NUM> and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> with respect to the y-z plane will hereinafter be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the angle formed by both cutting edges of each blade of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment and the angle formed by tangent lines drawn from inflection points in the central region of the second profile <NUM>, as viewed from a side of the razor <NUM>, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of an area of <FIG>, enclosed by a dotted line, showing the angles formed by pairs of tangent lines.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM>, which are defined in terms of curvature radius, as shown in <FIG>, are redefined in terms of angle.

The angle formed by the shaving plane P, which is represented as a straight line in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, and the first blade cutting edges <NUM> and the angle formed by the shaving plane P and the second blade cutting edges <NUM> may be <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably, <NUM>° to <NUM>° to provide a safe shave with improved adhesion to the skin. If the angles formed by the shaving plane P and blades are too large or small, the cutting edges of each of the blades may be oriented vertically with respect to the skin, instead of being oriented in a direction suitable for shaving, and thus, shaving may not be able to be properly performed. Particularly, if the angles formed by the shaving plane and the blades are below the aforementioned angle ranges, the skin may easily get scratched or hurt by the blades during shaving. Thus, the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are formed through bending so as for the pairs of cutting edges <NUM> and <NUM> to form a range of angles for an effective shave, such as the aforementioned angle ranges, with respect to the shaving plane P.

Referring to the second profile <NUM>, each of the second profile curvature regions <NUM> between the second blade cutting edges <NUM> and the second profile central region <NUM> forms a curved line that is downwardly concave, and the second profile central region <NUM> forms a curved line that is upwardly convex. Thus, in order for a curved line to be downwardly concave and then upwardly convex without discontinuity, there must be an inflection point in the curved line where the slope changes. Since the slope of the second profile <NUM> must have changed in the left half of the second profile <NUM> with respect to the central region <NUM>, the slope of a tangent line drawn from the inflection point in the second profile <NUM> would be greater than the slope of a tangent line drawn from anywhere else in the second profile <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an angle A1 formed by the tangent lines of the first blade cutting edges <NUM> and an angle A3 formed by the tangent lines of the second blade cutting edges <NUM> may be configured to be greater than an angle A2 formed by tangent lines at inflection points near the center of the second profile <NUM>. Also, the angle A1 formed by the tangent lines of the first blade cutting edges <NUM> and the angle A3 formed by the tangent lines of the second blade cutting edges <NUM> may be configured to be the same for similar reasons to those described above with regard to the curvature radius of the first profile <NUM> and the curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM>. Since the first blade <NUM>, which is bent along the first profile <NUM>, and the second blade <NUM>, which is bent along the second profile <NUM>, have different widths in the y-axis direction because of the almost triangular side cross-sectional shape of the razor head portion <NUM>, as viewed from the y-z plane, the second profile <NUM> needs to be more curved than the first profile <NUM> in order for the pairs of cutting edges to have the same protruding amount or similar protruding amounts.

The tangent lines of each of the pairs of cutting edges <NUM> and <NUM> refer to the tangent lines at the end points of each of the pairs of cutting edges <NUM> and <NUM> on the y-z plane, as shown in <FIG>, because the end points of each of the pairs of cutting edges <NUM> and <NUM> become both end points of each of the blades <NUM> and <NUM>, which are bent into a curved shape along the first or second profile <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the locations at which each blade is supported by the frame, the spacer, and the top cap, as viewed from a side of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the locations, on the top surface of the frame <NUM>, the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM>, the top surface of the spacer <NUM>, and the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>, at which each of the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> is supported are indicated by arrows.

The first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are not formed by supporting the entire first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> with the frame <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, and the top cap <NUM>, but formed into a desired shape simply by supporting the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> only in some regions.

The first blade <NUM> may be bent into the shape of the first profile <NUM> of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment simply by being supported by the frame top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> only in first profile end portions <NUM> adjacent to the first blade cutting edges <NUM> because in the first exemplary embodiment, the first profile <NUM> only has a single curvature radius and is configured to be upwardly convex. Thus, simply by at least partially fixing both ends of the first blade <NUM>, a single curvature radius can be formed.

The second blade <NUM> has the curvature radius of the second profile central region <NUM>, described above with reference to <FIG>, by being supported upwardly, in at least part of the second profile central region <NUM>, by the top surface of the spacer <NUM>. Also, the second blade <NUM> has the curvature radius of the second profile curvature regions <NUM>, described above with reference to <FIG>, by being supported upwardly, in at least part of the second profile end portions <NUM> adjacent to the second blade cutting edges <NUM>, by the top surface of the spacer <NUM> and being supported downwardly, in at least part of the second profile curvature regions <NUM>, by the top cap bottom surface <NUM>. However, since the top cap <NUM> downwardly supports the second blade <NUM> in at least part of the second profile end portions <NUM>, the second blade cutting edges <NUM> may be excessively lifted and thus may not be able to maintain the effective cutting angle described above with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a plan view showing the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment, as viewed from the top thereof, with the top cap removed.

Specifically, <FIG> is a plan view showing the second blade <NUM> mounted on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>, as viewed from the top of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the second blade <NUM> being mounted on the top surface of the spacer <NUM>, at least one spacer boss <NUM> projected upwardly passes through at least one second blade through hole <NUM>. Thus, the spacer boss <NUM> prevents the second blade <NUM> from deviating from the top surface of the spacer <NUM> of the second blade <NUM>.

The second blade hole <NUM> is formed in the middle of the second blade <NUM>, and the second coupling portion <NUM> of the top cap <NUM> passes through this hole and is coupled to the first coupling portion <NUM>, which is disposed at one end of the handle <NUM>, thereby supporting the second blade <NUM> between the top cap <NUM> and the spacer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view showing the spacer <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM> with the top cap <NUM> and the second blade <NUM> of the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment removed.

Specifically, <FIG> is a view showing how the spacer <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> and supports the first blade <NUM> between its bottom surface and the frame top surface <NUM> and illustrates the spacer <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, but not the top cap <NUM> and the second blade <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the third and fifth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed at both ends, in the x-axis direction, of the frame <NUM>, and the fourth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed at both ends, in the x-axis direction, of the spacer <NUM>.

When the first blade <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the frame <NUM> and the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM> is mounted on the first blade <NUM>, the third coupling portion <NUM> at one end of the frame <NUM> is coupled to the fourth coupling portion <NUM> at one end of the spacer <NUM>, and the fifth coupling portion <NUM> at the other end of the frame <NUM> is coupled to the sixth coupling portion <NUM> at the other end of the spacer <NUM>. Thus, the coupling portions at both ends of each of the frame <NUM> and the spacer <NUM> are coupled, thereby firmly coupling and fixing the first blade <NUM>, which is supported between the frame top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface of the spacer <NUM>.

Here, the third and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled and fastened to each other only if they are formed to correspond in shape to each other. Thus, the third and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be hinge-coupled. Alternatively, the third and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a snap fit and a snap fit coupler, respectively, and may be snap-fit-coupled.

Here, snap-fit coupling means forming a coupled state without deflection, using a material with elasticity such as plastics, after undergoing a temporary deflected state, from a state yet to be coupled, due to an external force. For snap-fit coupling, a snap fit and a snap fit coupler in which the snap fit can be received are needed. In <FIG>, which shows the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the snap fit is illustrated as a latching protrusion, and the snap fit coupler is illustrated as a rectangular ring. Thus, the snap fit coupler is deflected in order for the protruding snap fit to be received in the ring of the snap fit coupler, and once the rectangular ring reaches the latching protrusion of the snap fit, a snap fit coupling that holds them together and thus prevents them from being separated can be formed. On the other hand, in order to release the snap fit coupling, an external force needs to be applied in a direction away from the snap fit while holding the snap fit. Then, the snap fit coupler is deflected and is detached from the snap fit, and as a result, the snap fit and the snap fit coupler are separated.

Similarly, the fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled and fastened to each other only if they are formed to correspond to each other in shape. Thus, the fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be hinge-coupled. Alternatively, the fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a snap fit and a snap fit coupler, respectively, and may be snap-fit-coupled.

In the razor <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the third and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the razor <NUM> are hinge-coupled, and the fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed as a snap fit and a snap fit coupler, respectively, and are snap-fit-coupled.

At least part of the exterior of each of the coupling portions formed as snap fits is engraved so that the user can easily hold the snap fits to uncouple them through the application of an external force.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing that the spacer of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment is boss-hinge-coupled to the lower portion of the frame so as to be rotatable.

Referring to <FIG>, the sixth coupling portion <NUM> is formed at one end of the spacer <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, the fifth coupling portion <NUM>, which corresponds to the sixth coupling portion <NUM>, is formed at one end of the frame <NUM> corresponding to the end of the spacer <NUM> where the sixth coupling portion <NUM> is formed, and the sixth and fifth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed as a snap fit coupler and a snap fit, respectively, to be snap-fit-coupled to each other. The fourth coupling portion <NUM> is formed at the other end of the spacer <NUM>, the third coupling portion <NUM>, which corresponds to the fourth coupling portion <NUM>, is formed at the other end of the frame <NUM> corresponding to the end of the spacer <NUM> where the fourth coupling portion <NUM> is formed, and the fourth and third coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed as a hinge boss and a hinge slot, respectively. Thus, the fourth and third coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are hinge-coupled to each other. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth coupling portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are coupled and fastened and can thus be fixed between the frame <NUM> and the spacer <NUM>. The first blade <NUM> can be replaced by separating the fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> and rotating the spacer <NUM> about the third and fourth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which are hinge-coupled to each other, so as to detach the spacer <NUM> from the top surface of the first blade <NUM> with ease.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of boss-hinge-coupled portions of <FIG>.

The spacer <NUM> of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment has a hinge boss as the fourth coupling portion <NUM>, and the hinge boss is coupled to the third coupling portion <NUM>, which is formed at the bottom surface of the frame in the shape of a hinge slot, so as to be rotatable.

Thus, the spacer <NUM>, which is boss-hinge-coupled to the frame <NUM>, is rotatable about the hinge boss and the hinge slot, and <FIG> and <FIG> show a state where the spacer <NUM> is rotated by a predetermined angle from the frame top surface <NUM>.

Boss-hinge coupling fixes, and at the same time, couples two elements so as to be freely rotatable. The hinge boss may be in the shape of a cylinder or a cylindroid. The hinge slot may be implemented as a cylindrical opening corresponding to the shape of the hinge boss and may be formed to correspond to the hinge boss, which is in the shape of a cylinder or a cylindroid. The shape of the hinge boss is not particularly limited but may vary as long as the hinge boss can be formed to correspond to the hinge slot and to be rotatable. The contact surface between the hinge boss, which is formed in the shape of a cylinder, and the hinge slot may be uneven so that the spacer <NUM> can intermittently rotate. Only one hinge boss and only one hinge slot may be formed, but in the first exemplary embodiment, a total of two hinge bosses are formed on both sides, in the y-axis direction, of the frame <NUM>, and a total of two hinge slots are formed on both sides, in the y-axis direction, of the spacer <NUM>. However, the numbers of hinge bosses and hinge slots are not particularly limited, and more than two hinge bosses and more than two hinge slots may be formed.

<FIG> is a side view showing that a spacer of a razor according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention has snap fit couplers as fourth and sixth coupling portions.

<FIG> shows a case where fourth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> are formed as snap fit couplers, as described above. In this case, third and fourth coupling portions are formed as snap fits and are snap-fit-coupled to the fourth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> so as to couple a spacer <NUM> to a frame.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a case where a spacer and a frame of a razor according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention are integrally formed.

In the razor according to the third exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a top cap and a second blade are separated, and a spacer <NUM> is opened.

The spacer <NUM> of the razor according to the third exemplary embodiment, like that of the razor according to the first exemplary embodiment, includes a hinge, but the hinge replaces third and fourth coupling portions. In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third and fourth coupling portions may be integrally formed to form a film hinge <NUM>. The film hinge <NUM> is not of a hinge structure formed by coupling a typical hinge rod and a typical hinge slot, but refers to a movable permanent connecting portion which is formed in the shape of a notch or the like to be thinner than the surroundings and is rotatable like a hinge due to the elastic characteristics of the material thereof.

A first blade is mounted on the top surface of a frame portion <NUM> in a state where a spacer portion <NUM> included in a frame-spacer <NUM> of the razor according to the third exemplary embodiment is opened, and the spacer portion <NUM> is rotated about the film hinge <NUM> to cover the top surface of the first blade. As the spacer portion <NUM> is rotated, the film hinge <NUM> is deflected. The spacer portion <NUM> is coupled to the frame portion <NUM> by coupling fifth and sixth coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and as a result, the first blade is supported by the spacer portion <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM>.

By providing the film hinge <NUM> into which the third and fourth coupling portions are incorporated, the frame portion <NUM> and the spacer portion <NUM> are integrally formed. Thus, since the frame-spacer <NUM>, into which the frame portion <NUM> and the spacer portion <NUM> are incorporated, is formed through injection, the effect of simultaneously forming a frame and a spacer through injection can be offered, and as a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, due to less assembly tolerance and deformation as compared to a cylindrical hinge boss according to the first exemplary embodiment, the cutting edge portions of each of first and second blades can be prevented from being warped, rather than being in parallel to each other.

<FIG> is an exploded view showing a frame in which a further-extended frame boss of a razor according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is formed and the assembly structure of the razor.

Specifically, <FIG> shows a case where the elements of the razor according to the fourth exemplary embodiment are vertically separated with a top cap removed.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one first blade through hole <NUM> and at least one second blade through hole <NUM> are formed in the middle of first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>, and at a spacer <NUM>, which is disposed between the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>, at least one spacer through hole <NUM>, instead of the frame bosses of the first through third exemplary embodiments, is formed at a location corresponding to the second blade through hole <NUM> to vertically penetrate the spacer <NUM>.

On the top surface of a frame <NUM>, at least one frame boss <NUM>, which is more elongated vertically than the frame bosses of the first through third exemplary embodiments, is formed at a location corresponding to the first blade through hole <NUM>, the second blade through hole <NUM>, and the spacer through hole <NUM>.

Since the frame boss <NUM> is more elongated vertically than the frame bosses of the first through third exemplary embodiments and is disposed at the location corresponding to the first blade through hole <NUM>, the second blade through hole <NUM>, and the spacer through hole <NUM>, the first blade <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, and the second blade <NUM> are configured to pass through their respective through holes when the first blade <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, and the second blade <NUM> are sequentially assembled onto the frame <NUM>. Thus, all the elements of the razor according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, except for a top cap and a handle, can be fixed by the frame boss <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and can be prevented from deviating sideways, not vertically.

Since the spacers of the first through third exemplary embodiments are coupled to a frame via fourth and sixth coupling portions, first and second blades may not be able to be aligned as designed because of tolerances generated during fabrication and assembly, deformation caused by an external force, and the like. However, in the razor according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, elements are fixed by the same frame boss <NUM>, and thus, first blade cutting edges and second blade cutting edges can be prevented from being warped, instead of being in parallel to each other.

<FIG> illustrates that pairs of coupling portions at both ends of the frame <NUM> and at both ends of the spacer <NUM> are snap-fit-coupled and hinge-coupled, as in the first exemplary embodiment, but the structures of the coupling portions of <FIG> are not particularly limited. The coupling portions of <FIG> may be implemented as all possible combinations of the coupling portions that have been described above in connection with the first through third exemplary embodiments.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a razor according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which includes two spacers and three blades, as viewed from a side of the razor.

Referring to <FIG>, the razors according to the above-described exemplary embodiments use two blades <NUM> and <NUM>, but the razor according to the fifth exemplary embodiment uses an additional third blade <NUM>. That is, the razor according to the fifth exemplary embodiment uses three blades <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A typical double-edge blade, which has a flat shape before being coupled, fixed, and supported by the elements of the razor according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, may be used as the third blade <NUM>, or a double-edge blade which has a convex central portion may be used as the third blade <NUM>. Thus, the double-edge blade used as the third blade <NUM> is of the same type as double-edge blades used as the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM>, and the double-edge blades used as the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> are as already described above.

The third blade <NUM> may be located above the second blade <NUM>. Thus, the first, second, and third blades <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are sequentially located in a region from a frame <NUM> to a top cap <NUM>. Also, unlike in exemplary embodiments where the second blade <NUM> meets the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>, a second spacer <NUM> is further disposed between the second and third blades <NUM> and <NUM> to further dispose the third blade <NUM>. Accordingly, a spacer disposed between the first and second blades <NUM> and <NUM> becomes a first spacer <NUM>. The relationships between the frame <NUM>, the first blade <NUM>, the first spacer <NUM>, and the second blade <NUM> are as already described above. A second spacer <NUM> performs the same functions as the top cap <NUM>, and thus, a description thereof will be omitted.

The bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> is seated on the top surface of the third blade <NUM> where the top surface of the second spacer <NUM> is seated. Thus, the third blade <NUM> is fixedly coupled to a razor <NUM> by being supported between the top surface of the second spacer <NUM> and the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM>.

The third blade <NUM> is at least partially in contact with, and supported by, the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> and the top surface of the second spacer <NUM>, and as a result, the top surface of the second spacer <NUM> and the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> determine a shape into which the third blade <NUM> is to be bent when the assembly of the razor is complete. The bent shape of the third blade <NUM> is referred to as a third profile <NUM>. The bent shape of the third blade <NUM> may be determined by determining into what shape the bottom surface of the top cap <NUM> and the top surface of the second spacer <NUM> are to be formed.

The third profile <NUM> is determined by being supported by the second spacer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM> in a similar manner to that used to form first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM> with the frame <NUM>, the first spacer <NUM>, and the second spacer <NUM>. The third profile <NUM>, like the first and second profiles <NUM> and <NUM>, may be configured to have different curvatures in the central region and the curvature regions thereof, thereby controlling the degree to which, and the angle at which, cutting edges protrude. The cutting edges of the third blade <NUM> may be disposed above groove portions <NUM>.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, three blades <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are used, but the number of blades that can be used at the same time by a razor is not particularly limited. That is, four or more blades may be used. It is obvious that the number of spacers that separate blades may vary depending on the number of blades used.

Some exemplary embodiments where a plurality of blades are inserted in a single razor <NUM> have been described above, but other exemplary embodiments that allow a user to insert a single blade at a desired location in a razor and to use the razor are possible. Also, in some exemplary embodiments, like in the fifth exemplary embodiment, the user can arbitrarily insert only one blade or two blades at a desired location in a razor and use the razor. Thus, as the number of spacers provided in a razor changes, the number of blades may be one more than the number of spacers, but may be equal to or less than the number of spacers.

Claim 1:
A razor (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle (<NUM>);
a frame (<NUM>) coupled to one end of the handle (<NUM>);
a spacer (<NUM>) disposed above the frame (<NUM>);
a top cap (<NUM>) mounted at a top of the spacer (<NUM>);
a first blade (<NUM>) secured between the frame (<NUM>) and the spacer (<NUM>) and having cutting edges on both ends in a lateral direction;
a second blade (<NUM>) secured between the spacer (<NUM>) and the top cap (<NUM>) and having cutting edges on both ends in a lateral direction,
a first coupling portion (<NUM>) disposed at the end portion of the handle (<NUM>);
a handle connecting portion (<NUM>) projected from a bottom surface of the frame (<NUM>) toward the handle (<NUM>) so as to be able to be connected in a longitudinal direction of the handle (<NUM>);
guard bars (<NUM>) disposed at both lateral ends of the frame (<NUM>) to be adjacent to cutting edges of the first blade (<NUM>); and
groove portions (<NUM>) configured to forming an open space into which top cap corners (<NUM>) of both lateral ends of the top cap (<NUM>) can be inserted between the guard bars (<NUM>) and an upper surface of the frame (<NUM>) and having a shape corresponding to the top cap corners (<NUM>) to prevent the top cap (<NUM>) from lateral movement,
wherein the first blade (<NUM>) is supported by at least a portion of a top surface of the frame (<NUM>) and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the spacer (<NUM>) such that a first profile (<NUM>) of the first blade (<NUM>) is convexly curved upward,
wherein the second blade (<NUM>) is supported by at least a portion of a top surface of the spacer (<NUM>) and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the top cap (<NUM>) such that a second profile (<NUM>) of the second blade (<NUM>) comprises a curved central region (<NUM>) that is convexly curved upward and a pair of curved side regions (<NUM>) that are concavely curved downward on opposite sides of the central region (<NUM>),
wherein a projecting amount of a cutting edge (<NUM>) of the first blade (<NUM>) from a shaving plane (P) and a projecting amount of a cutting edge (<NUM>) of the second blade (<NUM>) from the shaving plane (P) are the same; and
wherein an inside of the handle connecting portion (<NUM>) is configured to be coupled to an outer wall portion of the first coupling portion (<NUM>) in a snap-fit manner.