Multi-material pivot return for shaving systems
AssigneeShavelogic, Inc.
InventorsWilliam E. Tucker, Craig A. Provost, John W. Griffin, Aaron G. Cantrell, Douglas R. Kohring
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element provides resistance during shaving and positions the blade unit in a rest position when not in use.
Claims23
A method of shaving comprising contacting the skin with the blade unit of a shaving system that includes (a) a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and (b) pivotably mounted on the handle, a replaceable shaving assembly that includes an interface element configured to be removeably connected to the handle, and a return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions, the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element,
- wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.
A replaceable shaving assembly comprising:
- an interface element configured to be removeably connected to a handle,
- a blade unit that is pivotably mounted on the interface element, and
- a return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions,
- the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element,
- wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.
A shaving system comprising:
- a handle having a distal end and a proximal end;
- and
- a shaving assembly, removably mounted on the distal end of the handle, the shaving assembly having an interface element configured to be removably connected to the handle, a blade unit pivotably mounted on the interface element, and a return element extending from the interface element, the return element including a pair of spaced first and second portions, each of the first and second portions extending from a distal end at the interface element towards a proximal end at the blade unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade unit, joined by a third portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions bend during rotation of the blade unit, causing the third portion to move towards the distal ends of the first and second portions,
- the return element comprising a multi-layer laminate, the multi-layer laminate including an elastomeric layer comprising a material selected to provide a desired degree of restoring force and durability and a non-elastomeric layer comprising a material having sufficient rigidity to provide a desired degree of lateral stability to the return element,
- wherein the multi-layer laminate has a spring rate that combines the properties of the elastomeric layer and non-elastomeric layer so as to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.