WO1997038830A2

WO1997038830A2 - Shaving system with rotating guard elements

Info

Publication number: WO1997038830A2
Application number: PCT/US1997/005308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory M. Clark; Alan Peters
Original assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
Priority date: 1996-04-12
Filing date: 1997-04-01
Publication date: 1997-10-23
Also published as: WO1997038830A3; AU2921597A

Abstract

One aspect is directed to razor heads and shaving systems comprising at least one blade (40, 60) which moves during shaving. A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise skin-engaging elements (34) which are linked to at least one blade edge and drive the blade edge back and forth in a lateral direction during shaving. Also disclosed is a razor head wherein lateral blade movement is coupled with blade movement in at least one other direction. Another aspect comprises a razor head for a wet shaving system comprising at least two blades (40, 60) wherein at least one of the blades moves laterally in a first direction while at least one other blade does not move laterally in that same direction at the same time. The other blade may be totally fixed with respect to the blade support structure, the other blade may simply be fixed with respect to the lateral direction, or the other blade may move in the opposite lateral direction while the first blade is moving in the lateral direction during shaving. Another aspect is directed to a razor head with a rotatable guard element (34), while still further embodiments impart discernible sounds and/or novel skin sensations.

Description

SHAVING SYSTEM WITH ROTATING GUARD ELEMENTS

The present invention is directed to wet shaving systems. One aspect ofthe present invention is directed to shaving systems having at least one blade which moves laterally with respeα to a support structure during shaving. Another aspect is directed to novel razor heads comprising guard members which are rotatable during shaving.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENΗON

For many years, wet shaving systems included one or more blades which remained fixed relative to the handle of the razor during shaving. Recent advances have included blades which change position during shaving. For example, a flexible blade package sold by Warner

Lambert Co. supports blades which flex in response to forces encountered during shaving. The general purpose ofthe shaving systems having blade packages which flex during shaving has been to provide a shave which is both close and comfortable. Other "dynamic" systems comprise skin-

engaging elements including guard bars and one or more blades which move "downwardly" to less aggressive positions in response to shaving forces.

Most previously disclosed shaving systems have blade packages and blade

orientations which were designed to cut whiskers with a straight chopping-like action. The portion

of a blade edge of such prior systems which first contacts a point on a whisker traveled directly through the whisker to the opposite side of that whisker. The direction ofthe blade edge, with respect to the whisker, can be analogized to the chopping action of a larger cutting operation.

Those familiar with other cutting operations will appreciate that it is often more efficient to slice

through the object being cut than to chop that same object. A slicing operation typically requires less force and can also extend the useful life ofthe cutting edge. The difference between the chopping motion and the slicing motion is achieved by moving the blade laterally, i.e., in the general direction of the axis defined by the cutting edge, while the blade is moving through the objeα being cut. In this manner, the point on a blade which first contacts a cylindrical object being cut will not be the last point on that blade edge to exit that object.

One prior attempt to provide a safety razor with lateral blade movement is shown in U.S. Patent No. 1,679,670 to King issued August 7, 1928. This early attempt to design a razor

with lateral blade movement positioned an actuating roller in the middle ofthe cap, well behind the cutting edge of the laterally moving blade and also well behind the forward edges of the guard element and cap. This design suffered from several disadvantages. For example, the rearward positioning ofthe actuating roller permits the skin surface being shaved to contact the blade edge without necessarily engaging the actuating roller.

In order to maximize the closeness and comfort of a shave, it has also been recognized that it is desirable to carefully control various aspects of the shaving geometry of a shaving system. For example, the shaving angle, blade exposures and blade spans are three variables which are typically considered in the design of a shaving system. In order to maintain the desired flow of skin over the cutting edges of the blades of a multi-blade system, it is highly

desirable to keep the skin-engaging portions of the shaving system as free as possible from an accumulation of shaving debris, such as soap, hair, skin cells, etc.

In light ofthe shortcomings of previous designs and since greater cutting efficiency may be obtained with a slicing motion, as distinguished from a chopping action, it would be desirable to provide a mechanical system which insures a lateral cutting motion when the blade edge is drawn across a skin surface.

It would also be desirable to provide a wet shaving system which enhances blade

life.

It would also be desirable to provide a shaving system designed to minunize the accumulation of shaving debris which can interfere with optimum shaving geometry.

While some previously disclosed shaving systems have utilized guard bars which

yield in response to forces encountered during shaving, it would also be desirable to provide a guard member which is rotatable relative to the blade support.

Furthermore, it would be desirable to impart novel discemable stimuli to the surface being shaved in order to provide a more pleasurable shaving experience. For example, it is desirable to provide discemable sounds and skin sensations during shaving.

SUMMARY OF THE JUNVENTION

One aspect ofthe present invention is directed to razor heads and shaving systems comprising at least one blade which moves laterally during shaving. According to a number of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, skin-engaging elements are positioned forwardly of and/or laterally to at least one blade and serve to drive at least one blade back and forth in a lateral direction relative to a handle during shaving. Another aspect ofthe present invention is directed to a razor head wherein lateral blade movement is coupled with blade movement in at least one other direαion. According to one illustrated embodiment of the present invention, at least one point on a blade edge moves both laterally and forwardly-rearwardly in a substantially figure eight path during shaving.

Another aspect ofthe present invention comprises a razor head for a wet shaving system comprising at least two blades wherein a first blade moves laterally in a first direction while a second blade does not move laterally in that same direction at the same time. The second blade may be totally fixed with respeα to the blade support structure, the second blade may simply be fixed with respeα to the lateral direction, or the second blade may move in the opposite lateral direction while the first blade is moving laterally during shaving.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one blade in a multi-blade shaving system is movable with respeα to at least one other blade and at least one and preferably a plurality of blades are provided with perforations. The relative blade movement and perforations cooperate to facilitate removal of shaving debris during shaving.

The lateral blade movement provided by various embodiments of the present invention is designed to provide a shaving system with a more efficient cutting action and to reduce the cutting forces required, while increasing blade life and minimizing the accumulation of shaving debris.

A still further aspeα ofthe present invention is direαed to razor heads comprising rotatable guard members. The rotatable guard members can advantageously be utilized to provide novel, discemable sensations to the skin as the razor head is drawn across the area being shaved during shaving, as well as to control the drag forces experienced by a skin surface being shaved

and/or to increase the surface area of a guard element which contaαs the surface being shaved during shaving.

Another aspeα ofthe present invention is direαed to a mechanical shaving system which provides discemable sounds to the shaver during shaving.

These and other embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the driving element of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view ofthe razor head shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a rotating guard bar. Fig. 5 A is a partial perspective view of a blade package and lateral driving- mechanisms ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 is a partial top view of a further embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 6A is a partial perspeαive view of the lateral driving mechanism of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is a top view ofthe blade moving mechanism of a still further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view ofthe lateral driving mechanism ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 8 is a top view ofthe blade driving mechanism of a still further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a partial top view of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of one blade driving mechanism of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of two blades ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 is a partial top view with portion shown in phantom of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

Figs. 10A, 10B and IOC are cross-sectional views ofthe embodiment illustrated in

Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 is a top view of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 1 IA is a partial perspective view of a blade package ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. 5 with a skin-engaging roller cam shown in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspeα of the present invention is direαed to razor heads and mechanical shaving systems wherein at least one cutting edge is driven laterally during shaving by a skin- engaging member disposed forwardly and/or laterally of a cutting edge of a blade. As used herein, the term "razor head" is meant to include cartridges which are designed and manufactured for attachment to a separate razor, as well as the operative portion of a disposable razor wherein the skin-engaging portions are integrally formed with a handle section. The term "lateral" is used to indicate that at least one component ofthe blade movement is parallel to a blade edge movement. For example, in a conventional razor head having side walls, lateral movement would indicate movement of a point on the blade edge toward one of those side walls. As used herein, "lateral" movement does not preclude other types of movement and does not require that a portion of the blade move to the portion of a side wall which is closest to that portion of the blade. From the present description, it will be understood that "lateral" movement will include components in directions other than the direction ofthe shaving stroke. Therefore, movement of a cutting edge in a direction diagonal to the shaving stroke which includes a forward/rearward component and a side-

to-side component comprises a "lateral" component of movement as that term is used herein.

The term "mechanical" as used herein with reference to shaving systems distinguishes the shaving systems of the present invention from shaving systems comprising a powered driving unit such as an electric motor.

Another aspeα of the present invention is direαed to a razor head comprising a rotatable guard element. The rotatable guard elements ofthe present invention can be particularly advantageous in controlling the drag forces applied to a skin surface being shaved prior to contaα by a blade edge. One embodiment of the present invention comprises means for reducing the rotational speed ofthe guard element so that it does not rotate freely but provides a greater drag force to the surface being shaved.

Furthermore, movable skin-engaging elements such as the rotatable guard elements

can also be useful in providing novel, discemable sensations to the surface being shaved as well as sounds which are audible to the person during shaving in order to provide a more pleasurable experience. A rotatable guard element can also offer me advantages ofgreater surface area relative to conventional guard elements. This can be particularly advantageous when a guard element comprises a shaving aid. One preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. - According to this illustrated embodiment, a blade support 20 is movably connected to a handle conneαor 10. The handle conneαor 10 comprises connecting members 12 for attachment to a handle (partially shown in phantom in Fig. 1). Handle conneαor 20 also comprises attachment

members 14 for guard element axle 32. Attachment members 14 conneα the handle attachment 10 to the blade support 20 while allowing the blade support 20 to move laterally relative to the handle. A plurality of rotatable skin-engaging guard members 34 are rotatably conneαed to guard axle 32 and are designed to rotate relative to base 20 when the razor head is drawn across a skin surface during shaving.

A plurality of protrusions 38 are provided on the surface of guard members 34 to increase the friαion between the skin surface and the rotating guard member 34. The protrusions 38 also provide a novel, discemable sensation to the skin surface being shaved as the guard member are drawn across a skin surface. These sensations can increase the comfort of the shave. This embodiment of the present invention also comprises a plurality of spaced guard fingers 35 which

terminate forwardly ofthe edge 42 of seat blade 40 and facilitate control ofthe skin flow in the area between the rotating guard element 34 and seat blade 40. Since the rotating guard element might tend to push skin too far below the blade edge 42 as the guard elements 34 are rotating, guard fingers 35 will prevent skin from being pinched between the rotating guard elements 34 and blade edge 42.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the rotating guard member 34 is designed to operate cooperatively with the blade support 20 in a manner which will cause the blade support 20 to move laterally relative to the handle connector 10 when the guard members 34 are rotated. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one side of a guard member segment is provided with a series of inclined steps 36 Blade support 20 comprises a pin 26 which rides up and down on inclined surfaces 36 of rotatable guard member 34 during shaving. In this manner, the pin 26 and inclined surfaces 36 constitute a cooperative driving means which moves the blade support relative to the 5 guard member 34 Engagement ofthe pin 26 and inclined surfaces 36 is maintained during shaving by a biasing spring 16 which is preferably integrally formed with the handle attachment 10 and positioned on the side ofthe handle attachment 10 opposite to the inclined surfaces 36. As shown in Fig. 4, biasing member 16 engages a raised ridge 22 on the bottom of blade support 20 and thereby urges the blade support 20 and base pin 26 into engagement with the inclined surfaces 36 of l o rotatable guard member 34

From the present description, it will be appreciated that the load on raised ridge 22 created by biasing member 16 will effect the amount of force required to rotate guard segments 34

during shaving. During shaving, the person shaving must apply sufficient force to the razor head as

15 the razor head is drawn across the surface being shaved in order to overcome the resistance to rolling created by friction and the load of biasing member 16. While the design of biasing member 16 is one manner of controlling the amount of drag forces which must be applied to the rotating

guard elements 34 in order to cause them to rotate, it is also possible to use other designs without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. For example, it is also within the scope ofthe

20 present invention to provide resistance between the guard segments 34 and the guard axle 32 if the guard elements 34 are designed to rotate around a stationary guard axle 32. On the other hand, if the guard axle 32 is designed to rotate within recesses in blade support 20, greater or lower frictional forces can be applied to guard axle 32 through the selection of materials used in forming the interior ofthe recesses which receive the guard axle 32. For example, a resilient material having a high coefficient of friαion used in such recesses will cause greater resistance forces than a substantially rigid material.

While the illustrated embodiment comprises a seat blade 40, spacer 50, cap blade 60 and a cap 70 which are conneαed to the blade support 20 utilizing a plurality of pins 75 which pass through the blades and spacer and are received within receptacles 27, it is also possible to use other configurations. For example, the advantages of the present invention can be obtained by using a

single blade shaving system or a system comprising more than two blades. It is also within the scope of the present invention to utilize one or more skin engaging elements which move in response to forces encountered during shaving. For example, one or more of the blades can be mounted on a biasing member which will allow the blade to move to a less aggressive position in response to shaving forces.

While the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of raised protrusions 38 on each rotatable guard element 35, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide

different materials capable of delivering a wide range of sensations to the skin surface during shaving. While the illustrated embodiment is preferably formed of a rubber-like material, the surface can also be smooth, or formed out of a material having a higher or lower coefficient of friction with the surface being shaved.

Another aspeα ofthe present invention comprises providing a discemable sound to the person during shaving. As shown in Fig. 3, the inclined surfaces 36 on the sides of rotatable guard segments 34 drop off sharply. Since the pin 26 and inclined surfaces 36 are biased together, pin 26 will cause a slight but discemable click when it passes over the top of one inclined surface and impinges upon a foUowing inclined surface. By varying the arrangement of cooperative, relatively removable elements, it is within the scope ofthe present invention to alter the discemable sounds obtained with a mechanical shaving system.

Different sensations can be imparted to the surface during shaving by varying the

design of a movable skin-engaging element, such as the rotating guard elements 34 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. For example, the surface can be provided with a greater or lesser number of protrusions 38. AdditionaUy, the height, width, and texture of such protrusions can also be varied widely. It may also be desirable to impart a shaving aid to the skin surface prior to contaα with seat blade 40. To this end, the rotatable guard element of the present invention provides a greater surface area which is avaUable for contaα with the skin surface than a stationary shaving aid.

As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,170,821 to Booth, which is hereby incoφorated by reference, a shaving aid may comprise one or various combinations ofthe following:

A. A lubricating agent for reducing the frictional forces between the razor and the skin, e.g., a micro-encapsulated silicone oil.

B. An agent which reduces the drag between the razor parts and the shaver's face, e.g., a polyethylene oxide in the range of molecular weights between 100,000 and 6,000,000; a non-ionic polyacrylamide; and/or a natural polysaccharide derived from plant materials such as "guar gum".

C. An agent which modifies the chemical structure ofthe hair to allow the razor blade to pass through the whiskers very easily, e.g., a depilatory agent is

one example. D. A cleaning agent which aUows the whisker and skin debris to be washed more easily from the razor parts during shaving, e.g., a silicon polyethylene oxide block copolymer and detergent such as sodium lauryl sulphate.

E. A medicinal agent for killing bacteria, or repairing skin damage and abrasions.

F. A cosmetic agent for softening, smoothing, conditioning or improving the skin.

G. A blood coagulant for the suppression of bleeding that occurs from nicks and cuts.

Alternatively, the shaving aid may comprise one or more ofthe shaving aids disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,056,221 to Thoene, U.S. Patent No. 4,044,120 to RowseU et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,095,619 to Davis et al., or Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 7 [1995] - 24156 to Miyazaki, et al. which are also hereby incoφorated by reference.

Figs. 5 and 5A iUustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a unitary rotating guard element 140 is rotatably supported relative to side walls 170 by a shaft 145. The side ends of the rotating guard element 140 are provided with cam surfaces 190

which are contaαed by a pair of actuating arms 180. Actuating arms 180 are biased against cam surfaces 190 by spring members 185. In the manner best shown in Fig. 5 A, the rearward portions of actuating arms 180 are attached to a blade package comprising cap blade 110, seat blade 120, upper blade block 132 and lower blade block 134 which coUectively comprise a twin blade package. The blade package is supported for lateral movement by a support bar 175 which extends through upper blade block 132. Support bar 175 is shaped and dimensioned to permit the blade package to slide freely in the lateral direction while preventing rotation of the blade package relative to the support bar. In this illustrated embodiment, the entire blade package is driven back and forth laterally by the sliding engagement ofthe guide arms 180 against the cam surfaces 190 of rotating guard element 140. Movable contaα is maintained between the guide bars 180 and cam surfaces 190 by the biasing members 185.

The skin-engaging portion ofthe rotating guard element 140 advantageously has a sufficient co-efficient of friction to insure that the guard element 140 will rotate when drawn across a soapy wet skin surface. In this regard, according to a further embodiment ofthe present invention shown in Figs. 6 and 6A, a rotating guard member 240 may be provided with a plurality of bristles 245, preferably formed of a material having a high co-efficient of friction with a surface being shaved in order to insure rotation ofthe rotating guard element during shaving. The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 and 6A is otherwise similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 5A with the addition of a rotating cap member 250 which is also provided with a terminal cam surface 295. Cam surface 295 is identical to, but intentionaUy offset from, cam surface 290 of rotating guard element 240 in order to drive cap blade 210 in a direction opposite to the lateral movement of seat blade 220. In this embodiment, each blade is independently supported by a blade block 230 and a support bar 275. While both blades move in different directions in this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to have one ofthe blades fixed relative to the side waUs 270 or to provide one of the blade blocks with freedom to move in a different direction, i.e. in a direction other than laterally. Figs. 7 and 7A iUustrate the operative blade driving mechanism of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wherein portions of at least one blade move both lateraUy and forwardly-rearwardly during shaving. According to this embodiment of the present invention, a

blade support 315 is movably conneαed to a rotatable skin-engaging guard element. The rotating guard element of this Ulustrated embodiment comprises a rotating guard surface 340, eccentric shaft portions 345, skin-engaging driving disks 395 and terminal support pins 392. The entire rotating guard element is rotatably supported within recesses 375 in a support frame 370. At least one end

of a support pin 392 is provided with a cam surface 390 which, upon rotation ofthe guard element, wiU cause the guard element to move lateraUy relative to support structure 370. In this embodiment, the right support pin is provided with a cam surface 390 while a resilient biasing member 393 is provided between the left support pin 392 and the left recess 375 in order to urge the entire guard element toward the right in Fig. 7. In this manner, as the circumferential edge of driving disks 395 and the guard surface 340 contaα a skin surface during shaving, the entire element wiU rotate and cam surface 390 will cause the guard element to move lateraUy relative to support structure 370.

The blade support 315 of this embodiment is linked via a pair of guide pins 380 to the pair of eccentric shaft portions 345 positioned between driving disks 395 and the rotating guard surface 340. The guide pins 380 are positioned in contaα with the eccentric shafts 345 which are disposed in a recess defined by the inner sidewaUs of driving disks 395 and the outer sidewaUs ofthe main rotating guard element. In this manner, as the guard element moves lateraUy, the blade support 315 and consequently the blades (not shown) will also move lateraUy during shaving. Furthermore, since eccentric shafts 345 are eccentricaUy mounted along the rotating axis of the guard element, rotation ofthe guard element wiU also cause the blade support 315 to shift forwardly and rearwardly about a pivot point defined by a generaUy centraUy, rearwardly located nipple 372 - which abuts the rearward side of blade support 315. Therefore, not only wiU the blade support move lateraUy in the direαion of arrows L but as one side shifts rearwardly, the other side wiU shift forwardly in the directions generaUy indicated by arrows A. Since points on a blade edge wiU be 5 moving both lateraUy and forwardly-rearwardly during shaving, each point wiU travel in a generaUy figure eight path.

The manner of connecting one or more blades to any one of the blade supports disclosed herein can take several forms known to those skiUed in the art. For example, one or more l o blades may be fixed relative to the blade support or can be connected in a dynamic fashion such that the blades are free to move not only lateraUy but also rearwardly, downwardly, flexibly, etc. as has been previously suggested in the shaving industry. Furthermore, additional supports may be needed to hold a blade support Ulustrated in some ofthe figures, such as Fig. 7. Since it is weU within the scope of those skiUed in the art to provide such additional support, the details of such additional

15 supports are not set forth in detail herein.

A stiU further embodiment ofthe present invention is Ulustrated in Fig. 8, wherein a blade support and rotating guard element combination is Ulustrated. According to this embodiment ofthe present invention, a rotating guard element comprises two segments 440 and 441 which are 20 rotatably mounted along a common axis 445. According to this embodiment, each segment ofthe guard element comprises a plurality of cam surfaces which are linked to a blade support frame 450. A central guide pin 462 is positioned between internal side walls 442 and 444 of guard segments 441 and 440, respectively. Opposing guide arms 464 and 466 are positioned in contaα with the

outer sidewaUs of guard segments 440 and 441, respectively. As shown in this embodiment of the present invention, the cam surfaces are provided with non-constant slopes. Therefore, as the guard element rotates during shaving, the blade support 450 wiU move during certain portions ofthe guard element's rotation but wiU remain

still relative to the outer frame 420 during other portions ofthe guard element's rotation. From this embodiment of the present invention, those skiUed in the art wiU appreciate that it is possible to provide a wide range of desired blade movement by the appropriate design of the cooperative elements of a blade support and one or more movable skin engaging elements.

Fig. 9 iUustrates another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wherein a plurality of blades are movably supported for lateral movement in opposite directions at a given time. According to this embodiment, the drive mechanisms ofthe blades are configured so that one blade wiU move in a first lateral direction while a second blade moves in another lateral direction. In this Ulustrated embodiment, the cap blade 610 is linked to a pivot member 630 which is pivotally conneαed to a support structure 670 by a linking pin 632. A forwardly projectmg actuating finger 634 which is disposed in engagement with eccentric portion 645 of a rotatable guard element 640 causes the pivot member 630 to pivot about the linking pin 632. The cooperative engagement of the linking member 630 and the eccentric portion 645 of rotating guard element 640 is best Ulustrated in Fig. 9A which is a bottom, perspective view. From the figures, it wiU be appreciated that as rotating guard element 640 rotates the actuating finger 634 of pivot member 630 is forced rearwardly and will cause the pivot member 630 to pivot about pivot pin 632 in a direction indicated by arrow P. As the pivot member 630 pivots about pivot pin 632 in the general direαion of arrow P, a rearwardly positioned pin 636 moves outwardly, i.e. away from the center of the

Ulustrated razor head, thereby moving cap blade 610 lateraUy (to the right in Fig. 9). As the rotatable guard element continues to rotate and elongated portion 645 is no longer forcing pivot member 630 upwardly, a biasing spring 635 returns cap blade 610 to its left-most position.

The seat blade 620 is similarly linked to a pivot member shown on the left side of the razor head in Fig. 9. From the present description, it wiU be appreciated that the blades are driven independently and in opposite directions as rotatable guard element 640 rotates during shaving. A spacer 611 is positioned between cap blade 610 and seat blade 620 of this Ulustrated embodiment of the present invention. Spacer 611 can be independently supported or can be conneαed to one ofthe blades. Spacer 611 is most preferably formed of at least one material with a relatively low coefficient of friction with the surface of any blade to which it experiences relative movement during shaving by rninimizing any potential adverse affeαs of friction which could impede the relative movement ofthe blades during extended use. WhUe not shown in Fig. 9, it is also preferable to enhance the friction ofthe rotatable guard element 640. For example, a material having a high co-efficient of friction can be used on the skin-engaging portion of this guard element or the surface can otherwise be modified.

According to another preferred aspeα of this embodiment ofthe present invention,

each blade is provided with a plurality of perforations 615 designed to facilitate the removal of shaving debris and provide greater spaces for the flow of water to enhance rinsing. Shaving debris which tends to accumulate between the blades wiU tend to be loosened and preferably dislodged by

the relative movement ofthe blades and the edges ofthe perforations 615. According to a further embodiment ofthe present invention, Ulustrated in Figs. 10,

10A, 10B and IOC lateral movement is provided to at least one blade with a greater frequency per

revolution of the skin-engaging driving element. In this embodiment, a blade support is provided

with a pluraUty of pins 730 which ride into and out of a pluraUty of recesses 735 provided in the

outer sidewaUs of a rotatable guard element 740. In the position shown in Fig. 10, the pin 730

positioned on the right in this figure is positioned with a recess 735 while the pin 730' located on the

left in this figure is positioned between recesses 735. As the guard element 740 is caused to rotate a

little further due to engagement ofthe knurled outer surface ofthe guard element 740 with the skin surface being shaved, guide pin 730' will slip into a recess 735 while guide pin 730 will be pushed

out of a recess 735. In this manner, the guide pins and conneαed blade supports wUl move lateraUy

to the left. As the guard 740 is rotated still fiirther, guide pin 730 wUl shp into the next recess whUe

guide pin 730' wiU again be pushed out of a recess and to the left to the position shown in Fig. 10.

As shown in Figs. 10B and 10C, the outer side waUs of guard 740 have a plurality of recesses 735,

therefore, for each rotation of guard element 740 the blade support wUl complαe many cycles of

lateral movement. From the present description, it wUl be appreciated that the number of times that

a blade can be caused to complαe a cycle of movement from left to right and then back to left can readily be controUed by increasing or decreasing the number of recesses in the guard element.

Various types of linkages can be provided to conneα the pin 730 to one or more of

the blades. For example, one of the linkages Ulustrated above with reference to one of the other

embodiments may be utilized or an alternative linkage can be provided without departing from the

scope ofthe present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention Ulustrated in Figs. 11 and I IA

comprises a cap blade 810 and a seat blade 820 supported by a blade block 830. A cap member

850 is integraUy formed with the blade block 830 and a shaving aid 860 is provided on cap 850.

This embodiment also comprises a forwardly disposed guard element 840. Guide pins 880 are

provided on both sides of the blade block 830 in order to provide engagement with a driving

mechanism described below. While the illustrated guide pins 880 extend lateraUy in a direction

substantiaUy paraUel to the blade edges, it is also feasible within the scope ofthe present invention to position the guide pins 880 at a different position and/or to angle the guide pins 880 at a different orientation.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, a lateral component of movement is provided to the blade package by the cooperative engagement of guide pins 880 and

cam surfaces 890 of a rotating, skin-engaging wheel 895. This embodiment comprises two skin-

engaging wheels 895 which rotate about a common axis. WhUe the rotating wheels 895 of the

Ulustrated embodiment are supported by outwardly extending axles which are rotatably received

within inner recesses of side waUs 870, it would also be feasible to extend a common axle from one

skin-engaging wheel 895 entirety through the blade block 830 and through the other skin-engaging

wheel 895 without interfering with the lateral movement ofthe blades.

The circumferential edges 897 of skin-engaging wheels 895 are preferably designed

to decrease the likelihood of slippage on wet skin. Therefore, the circumferential edge 897 is

preferably knurled, and/or entirely formed or coated with a material having a higher coefficient of

friction with a wet skin surface than a smooth rigid plastic, such as polyethylene, which is commonly

used in forming a conventional razor head. In this manner, when the circumferential edges 897 of the skin-engaging side wheels 95 contaα a skin surface during shaving, wheels 895 are rotated in- the direction of arrow R shown in Fig. 11 A.

Rotation of skin-engaging wheels 895 causes the rotation of cam surfaces 890

which drive the blade block 830 lateraUy during shaving. As shown in Fig. 11, the opposing cam surfaces 890 are offset 180 degrees so that when the left cam surface is rotating in a direαion which wiU push the left guide pin 880 to the right, the right cam surface 890 is rotating to a position which will allow the right guide pin 880 to sUde lateraUy to the right. In this manner, the cam surfaces provide complimentary driving forces to guide pins 880 and thereby drive blade block 30 lateraUy. As a result, as the razor head is drawn across a skin surface during shaving, each point on a blade edge wiU move both forwardly and lateraUy with respeα to the hair being shaved.

WhUe the embodiment of the present invention Ulustrated in Figs. 11 and I IA comprises a fixed guard element 840 and a movably mounted cap 850, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a movable guard element as described above.

In order to facilitate engagement of the circumferential edge 897 of skin-engaging wheels 895 with the skin surface being shaved, a portion of circumferential edge 897 advantageously extends above the highest of any plane contacting at least two ofthe skin-engaging portions ofthe guard 840, the blade edges and/or the cap member 850, as weU as above the upper, skin-engaging surface of side waU 870. For example, the uppermost portion ofthe circumferential surface 897 of rotating wheel 895 preferably extends at least 0.5 - 2 millimαers, and most preferably at least 1 miilimαer above any ofthe planes or the top surface of sidewaU 870. WhUe the cam Ulustrated surface 890 is attached to the skin-engaging wheels 895, it is also within the scope ofthe present invention to conneα the cam surface to the blade block or even directly to one or more blades and to position the guide pins on a movable skin-engaging element such as the rotating wheel 895.

5

WhUe the Ulustrated embodiments comprise movable skin-engaging elements conneαed to one or more blades, it wUl be appreciated that such movable skin-engaging elements can either be direαly conneαed to a blade or indirectly conneαed via intermediate elements. As used herein, the term "conneαed" as used with respeα to the relation of a skin-engaging element o and a blade, is meant to include both direα contaα and indireα linkages.

The angles and relative dimensions of the Ulustrated embodiments can be changed without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. It is also within the scope ofthe present invention to provide cam surfaces which have non-continuous slopes in order to modify the 5 acceleration and velocity profiles ofthe motion provided to the movable elements. WhUe various embodiments Ulustrate lateraUy movable blades, it is also within the scope ofthe present invention to provide other skin-engaging portions such as guard elements, cap elements and side waUs with lateral components of movement. From the present description, those skiUed in the art wiU appreciate that the degree of lateral movement as weU as the frequency at which the blades will o move back and forth can be varied in order to optimize performance.

From the present description, it will be appreciated that various embodiments ofthe present invention comprise at least one blade which moves lateraUy during shaving. The lateral movement of at least one blade can be coupled with movement in another direction. These embodiments of the present invention provide blade motion adapted to provide a more efficient cutting aαion and to increase the useful life of a blade edge.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mechanical shaving system comprising: a gripping member; a support; at least one blade movably disposed for movement relative to at least one of said gripping member or said support; and a movable skin-engaging element disposed forwardly of said blade and operatively linked to said blade for moving said blade lateraUy during shaving.

2. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said blade and said support move lateraUy relative to said gripping member during shaving.

3. A shaving system according to claim 2 wherein said skin-engaging element forms a guard member.

4. A shaving system according to claim 3 wherein said skin-engaging element

comprises a rotatable guard member.

5. A shaving system according to claim 3 further comprising at least one fixed

guard element.

6. A shaving system according to claim 3 further comprising a pluraUty of fixed guard elements.

7. A shaving system according to claim 4 wherein said guard member

comprises a non-smooth surface.

8. A shaving system according to claim 4 wherein said guard member comprises a pluraUty of raised elements.

9. A shaving system according to claim 2 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises a pluraUty of separate segments.

10. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises an inclined surface.

11. A shaving system according to claim 10 wherein said surface comprises a non-constant slope.

12. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said support and said movable skin engaging element coUectively comprise cooperative means for moving said support, whereby movement of said skin engaging element causes said support to move relative to said skin engaging element.

13. A shaving system according to claim 12 wherein said support moves lateraUy relative to said skin-engaging element.

14. A shaving system according to claim 12 wherein said moving means- comprises two separate elements and said system further comprises means for biasing said elements of said moving means into contaα.

15. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises a rotatable cam surface.

16. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises a generaUy cylindrical skin-engaging portion.

17. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element is conneαed to at least one actuating finger and wherein said actuating finger is linked to said blade.

18. A shaving system according to claim 17 further comprising a blade support, wherein said actuating finger is connected to said blade support, and wherein said blade support is conneαed to said blade.

19. A shaving system according to claim 18 wherein said blade support is conneαed to a plurality of blades.

20. A shaving system according to claim 19 wherein said blades are not movable relative to said blade support.

21. A shaving system according to claim 1 further comprising means for lateraUy biasing said blade.

22. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element 5 comprises at least one skin-engaging portion, and wherein said blade moves relative to said skin surface during shaving at a faster rate than said skin-engaging portion moves relative to a skin

surface.

23. A shaving system according to claim 22 wherein said cam surface is l o integraUy formed with said skin-engaging element comprises a cam surface.

24. A shaving system according to claim 23 wherein said cam surface is integraUy formed with said skin-engaging element.

15 25. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises at least one resilient portion.

26. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element

comprises bristles.

20

27. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element comprises at least one skin-engaging portion, and wherein said blade moves relative to said skin surface during shaving at a faster rate than said skin-engaging portion moves relative to a skin surface comprises a non-smooth surface.

28. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said skin-engaging element also causes at least a portion of said blade to move forwardly during shaving.

5 29. A shaving system according to claim 28 further comprising at least one eccentric portion conneαed to said skin-engaging element and said blade for causing said blade portion to move forwardly during shaving.

30. A shaving system according to claim 29 wherein said eccentric portion l o moves lateraUy during shaving.

31. A shaving system according to claim 30 further comprising means for

biasing said skin-engaging element lateraUy.

15 32. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein at least one portion of said blade moves both lateraUy and forwardly during shaving.

33. A shaving system according to claim 1 wherein a first portion of said blade moves forwardly whUe a second portion of said blade moves rearwardly during shaving.

20

34. A shaving system according to claim 33 further comprising a pivot member

about which portions of said blade pivot.

35. A shaving system according to claim 1 further comprising a pluraUty of movable skin-engaging elements.

36. A shaving system according to claim 35 further comprising a pluraUty of cam surfaces linked to said blade.

37. A shaving system according to claim 1 further comprising a pluraUty of cam surfaces conneαed to said blade.

38. A shaving system according to claim 1 comprising at least two blades.

39. A shaving system according to claim 38 wherein said blades are connected so that said blades move in the same direction at any given time.

40. A shaving system according to claim 38 wherein said blades are independemly supported so that said blades do not move in the same direction at all times.

41. A shaving system according to claim 38 wherein at least one blade moves lateraUy in a first direction whUe a second blade does not move in said first direction.

42. A shaving system according to claim 41 wherein said second blade moves lateraUy in a second direction which is different from said first direction while said first blade moves in said first direction.

43. A shaving system according to claim 41 wherein at least one of said blades comprises at least one perforation.

44. A shaving system according to claim 43 wherein at least two of said blades each comprise at least one perforation to enhance removal of shaving debris.

45. A shaving system according to claim 43 wherein at least two of said blades each comprise a plurality of perforations to enhance removal of shaving debris.

46. A shaving system according to claim 1 further comprising a blade support and wherein said skin-engaging element and said blade support comprise means for causing lateral relative movement when said skin-engaging element moves during shaving.

47. A shaving system according to claim 46 wherein said movement causing means comprises at least one recess and at least one protruding member which moves into and out of said recess during shaving.

48. A shaving system according to claim 47 comprising a pluraUty of recesses into and out of which said protruding member moves during shaving.

49. A mechanical shaving system comprising: a gripping member; a blade housing; at least one blade movably disposed for movement relative to at least one of^" said gripping member and said blade housing; and a skin-engaging element disposed to the side of said blade and Unked to said support structure for moving said blade during shaving.

50. A shaving system according to claim 49 wherein said skin-engaging element

comprises a cam surface.

51. A shaving system according to claim 50 wherein said cam surface comprises o a non-constant slope.

52. A shaving system according to claim 49 wherein said gripping member is a handle.

5 53. A razor head for wα shaving comprising: a first blade and a second blade; means for engaging a skin surface being shaved; means for connecting said engaging means with at least one of said first

blade and second blade; o wherein said engaging means moves and thereby causes at least one of said first blade or said second blade to move lateraUy during shaving.

54. A razor head for wα shaving according to claim 53 wherein said first blade is movable independent of said second blade.

55. A razor head for wet shaving according to claim 54 wherein said blades move in different directions.

56. A razor head for wα shaving according to claim 54 comprising two blades wherein at least one of said blades comprises at least one perforation.

57. A razor head for wα shavmg according to claim 56 wherein both of said blades comprise at least one perforation.

58. A razor head for wα shaving according to claim 56 wherein both of said blades comprise a pluraUty of perforations.

59. A razor head for wα shaving comprising: a blade support; a first blade movably connected to said blade support for lateral movement during shaving; a second blade; wherein at least one of said blades comprises at least one perforation.

60. A razor head for wα shaving according to claim 59 wherein both of said blades comprise a pluraUty of perforations.

61. A razor head for wα shaving according to claim 59 wherein said first blade moves relative to said second blade during shaving.

62. A razor head comprising: 5 a blade support; at least one blade; and a rotatable guard member.

63. A shaving system according to claim 62 further comprising at least one l o fixed guard element.

64. A shaving system according to claim 62 further comprising a pluraUty of fixed guard elements.

15 65. A razor head according to claim 62 wherein said blade is linked to said

guard member and rotation of said guard member causes said blade to move.

66. A razor head according to claim 65 further comprising a gripping member and wherein rotation of said guard member causes said blade to move relative to said gripping

20 member.

67. A razor head according to claim 65 wnerein said blade moves relative to said support.

68. A razor head according to claim 62 wherein said guard member comprises a shaving aid.

69. A razor head according to claim 62 further comprising he means for reducing the rate of rotation of said guard member.

70. A mechanical shaving system comprising

at least one blade; a blade housing substantially surrounding non-cutting portions of said blade; a gripping element; and means for moving said housing in response to forces encountered during shaving.

71. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 70 wherein said housing moves lateraUy relative to said gripping element.

72. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 70 comprising a plurality

ofblades.

73. A mechanical shaving system comprising at least one movable skin- engaging element, wherein said system creates a discernible sound during shaving.

74. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 73 wherein said movable

skin-engaging element is a guard element.

75. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 73 wherein said movable skin-engaging element is a rotatable guard element.

76. A mechanical shaving system comprising at least one movable skin- engaging element, wherein said system creates a discernible vibration during shaving.

77. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 76 wherein said movable skin-engaging element is a guard element.

78. A mechanical shaving support according to claim 76 wherein said movable skin-engaging element is a guard element.

79. A mechanical shaving system according to claim 1 wherein said movable skin-engaging element comprises staggered protrusions.