WO2024264034A1 - Razor - Google Patents

Abstract

A razor apparatus including a head assembly attached to a handle assemble. The handle assembly includes a main body and a stem. The stem is received by a head chamber of the head assembly and magnetically couples the stem with the head assembly. The head assembly includes at least two frames connected to each other creating at least two sides of the head assembly. Each side of the head assembly includes one or more blades. A user may change the side of the head assembly in use by removing the head assembly from the handle assembly and rotating the head assembly 180 degrees relative to the handle assembly.

Description

RAZOR

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/522,757 (filed June 23, 2023) and 63/561,894 (filed March 6, 2024), the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present exemplary embodiment relates to a razor. More particularly the present razor design is directed to a construction including a permanent handle and a replaceable blade inclusive cartridge.

[0003] Modern razors are often made with either one or multiple parallel strip-like razor blades secured upon the head of the razor. A handle extends from the head. The user holds the handle and scrapes the head in one direction along the skin so the blade or blades will cut the hair. After each movement in one direction, when the stroke is completed, the user lifts the razor and brings it back to a point near the original starting position for a second stroke in the same direction. Unfortunately, the blades in typical razors dull fairly rapidly with use. Thus, either a blade cartridge or the entire razor is frequently replaced, typically after just a dozen or fewer shaves.

[0004] International application No. WO 97/27030 discloses a razor with a reversible blade unit, in order to extend the useful life of the blade unit. The blade unit is engaged in a housing and is provided with turning knobs, located at either end of the blade unit. Upon the dulling of the cutting edges on one side of the blade nit, the user tuns the knobs such that the dulled cutting edges are rotated to the rear of the housing while the still sharp, unused cutting edges are rotated such that they are exposed at the front of the housing and are then ready for use. One disadvantage of such a razor is that, when the user wants to turn the knobs, his soapy hands might slip on the knobs, thereby preventing him from turning the blade unit in a single movement. Another disadvantage of such a razor is that the knobs are thin and located near the blades, wherein any wrong move might result in the user cutting his fingers.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,846 describes one type of reversible razor. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a manual (i.e. non-powered) shaving device 10 useful for shaving human hair. Shaving device 10 comprises a disposable head assembly 20 to shave the hair of a user of shaving device 10, as well as a handle 60 to hold and manipulate the shaving device 10. Many features of the illustrated razor are relevant to the present disclosure. As such, the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,846 is herein incorporated by reference.

[0006] The illustrated prior art disposable head assembly 20 comprises a blade cartridge 22 and a blade cartridge support member 24. Blade cartridge support member 24 comprises a generally U-shaped cartridge support frame 26. U-shaped cartridge support frame 26 comprises two generally curved support arms 30.

[0007] To facilitate pivotable attachment of blade cartridge 22 to the blade cartridge support member 24, the blade cartridge 22 and the blade cartridge support member 24 may include pivot assembly 3 that allows the blade cartridge 22 to rotate about a pivot axis PA. The pivot assembly 3 may be configured to allow the blade cartridge 22 to rotate approximately 180 degrees about pivot axis PA such that a front side 140 and rear side 156 of the blade cartridge 22 may be used.

[0008] The head assembly 20 may be selectively detachably connectable to the handle 60. The blade cartridge support member 24 may include a support hub 50, which may be centrally disposed between the two support arms 30. Support hub 50 includes a mechanical connection element 52 which mechanically connects the blade cartridge support member 24 to a mechanical connection element 64 of elongated shaft 62 of handle 60.

[0009] Shaving device 10 may include one or more blade cartridge pivot biasing mechanisms 90 to control the rotation of the blade cartridge 22 about a pivot axis PA. Pivot biasing mechanism 90 may include one or more elongated cylindrical rods 92 which slide within cylindrical recess 94 of handle 60. The elongated cylindrical rod 92 may be biased (e.g., springs or the like) generally towards the blade cartridge 22.

[0010] The rod 92 may contact the blade cartridge 22 at a location above the pivot axis PA, and the pivot biasing mechanism 90 may urge the blade cartridge 22 in the opposite direction. Alternatively, rod 92 may contact the blade cartridge 22 at a location below the pivot axis PA and the pivot biasing mechanism 90 may urge the blade cartridge 22 in the opposite direction. As such, depending on where the biasing rod 92 contacts the blade cartridge, the pivot biasing mechanism 90 may urge the blade cartridge 22 generally in either direction or may generally inhibit rotation of the blade cartridge 22. In at least one embodiment, blade cartridge 22 may be configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees or more about the pivot axis PA such that the user can select either the front or rear surfaces 140 and rear side 156 thereof.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the pivot biasing mechanism 90 may optionally include an actuation button 100. The actuation button 100 may be coupled to the rod 92 and may be configured to retract the rod 92 out of the path of the blade cartridge as the blade cartridge 22 is rotated.

[0012] A blade cartridge rotation limiter may comprise a resilient, deformable stop member or pawl 36 configured to contact against an opposite side of the blade cartridge 22. For example, the deformable pawl 36 may contact an edge region of the blade cartridge 22 at a location below the pivot axis PA once the blade cartridge 22 pivots about pivot axis PA beyond a certain/predetermined point (degree of rotation).

[0013] To rotate the blade cartridge 22 to select a different fact (e.g., either face 140 or face 156), the user may retract the bias pin 92 out of the path of the blade cartridge 22 and may then rotate the blade cartridge 22.

[0014] The illustrated design suffers from several drawbacks including an external rotation biasing rod 92 that can be easily damaged and a mechanism which may encourage handling of the blade cartridge during rotation. Physical contact with the blade cartridge, particularly in a wet and/or soapy condition has inherent risk. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a razor with a blade inclusive head that provides more than one blade or set of blades to prolong its usable life. Preferably, the rotatable blade mechanism would be simple to operate.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 10,814,508, herein incorporated by reference, discloses another type of reversible razor. FIG 3 shows a manual (i.e. non-powered) shaving device 200 useful for shaving human hair. Shaving device 200 comprises a handle 202, as well as a blade cartridge 204 to shave the user of shaving device 200.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following summary of the invention is provided for illustration purposes. It is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the invention. [0017] According to a first embodiment, a razor apparatus including a head having at least one blade member on a first and a second opposed side of the head is attached to a razor handle. Each blade member has a straight front cutting edge and a rear noncutting edge. The head includes a frame defining an opening through which the cutting edges are accessible. The head also includes a spring-loaded assembly which when actuated causes two side mounted springs to open and release an axialyl mounted center spring. The center spring interfaces with the frame containing the cutting edges and causes the frame to rotate 180 degrees about a center axis.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the spring-loaded assembly is positioned in the handle and interfaces, for example, with a post extending from the head and disposed within a receptacle in the handle.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, a razor apparatus is provided with includes a handle and a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes at least one blade member on a first and second opposed side of the blade assembly. Each blade member has a straight front cutting edge and a rear non-cutting edge. The blade assembly includes a frame by which the cutting edges are accessible. At least one of the handle or the blade assembly has a protruding stem that interlocks with a cavity in the other of the handle or blade assembly. Either the blade assembly or the handle is equipped with at least one first magnet and the other component includes at least one metal piece or a second magnet to which the first magnet is attracted.

[0020] According to an additional embodiment, a blade assembly is provided where at least a portion of the components of the blade assembly of are made from a biodegradable plastic material.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a razor apparatus including a head assembly attached to a handle assemble. The handle assembly includes a main body and a stem. The stem is received by a head chamber of the head assembly and magnetically couples the stem with the head assembly. The head assembly includes at least two frames connected to each other creating at least two sides of the head assembly. Each side of the head assembly includes one or more blades. The two sides may be separated by a separator. This separation prevents debris generated by one side’s blades from contacting the other side’s blades. [0022] Certain embodiments include the stem being in hinged connection with the main body. This hinged connection may allow the stem to pivot relative to the main body. As the head assembly is coupled to the stem, the head assembly and the stem may pivot relative to the main body. A tongue may extend from the main body and provide resistance to the pivoting of the stem and head assembly

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/APPENDIXS

[0023] FIGS. 1-2 are illustrations of a prior art razor;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view of a razor;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of a razor forming a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the rotating cartridge assembly components of the razor of FIG. 4;

[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of frame assembly of the razor of FIG. 4;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a side view of the disassembled handle and rotatable cartridge assembly of a another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a side view of magnetically attachable rotatable cartridge assembly of FIG. 7;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a top view of a handle end that connects magnetically to the rotatable cartridge assembly of the FIG. 7;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the assembled razor of FIG. 7.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a front view of a handle assembly belonging to a third embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the handle assembly of FIG. 11.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a front view of a head assembly belonging to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the head assembly of FIG. 13.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a side view of the head assembly of FIG. 13.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a side view ofthe head assembly of FIG. 13 with a separator in place. [0038] FIG. 17 is a front view of a razor forming a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the razor of FIG. 17. [0040] FIG. 19 is a side view of the razor of FIG. 17.

[0041] FIG. 20 is a side view of the razor of FIG. 17 with a separator in place.

[0042] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the razor of FIG. 17.

[0043] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the razor of a further embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the magnet engagement post.

[0044] FIG. 23 is a side view of the assembled razor of Figure 22 displaying the blade cartridge in a home point.

[0045] FIG. 24 is a side view of the razor of Figure 22 in an alternative home position.

[0046] FIG. 25 is a side view of Figure 22 with a force acting in an upward direction.

[0047] FIG. 26 is a front view of the blade shield of.

[0048] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the installed blade shield.

[0049] FIG. 28 is a front view of the installed blade shield.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed description of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

[0051] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0052] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] As used herein, the terms about, generally, and substantially are intended to encompass structural or numerical modifications which do not significantly affect the purpose of the element or number modified by such term.

[0054] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients /steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredient/steps, along with any impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

[0055] The razor of the present disclosure includes a handle holding a blade cartridge that will rotate 180 degrees axially about the longitudinal of the handle when the first blade side is dull and used. The 180 degree rotation will position a second (typically unused) side of the blade cartridge for use in an ergonomically desirable relationship with the shape of the handle. In a preferred embodiment the opposed sides of the blade cartridge can be identical to one another in either or both construction and shape.

[0056] The razor of present disclosure can include a handle that attaches either by magnets or by a locking hook mechanism to a blade-containing assembly the assembly parts are made from a biodegradable plastic substitute. Either embodiment will allow a user to rotate the head 180 degrees to begin using a different blade or set of blades when theirs becomes dulled. The rotation of the head can be performed mechanically, for example using a spring, or manually by the user pulling the head and rotating it 180 degrees.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3, the longitudinal axis “L” of the razor is depicted. As illustrated, the razor handle 202 can have a front side curve 252 which places blade cartridge 204 forward relative to the longitudinal axis when gripped by a user in the ergonomic operating position. This provides a razor shape which encourages shaving with side 257 of the razor. The present disclosure is directed to a razor having similar features.

[0058] The blade cartridge can mounted to the handle in a rotatable manner via a post element within the handle. The post is received within a socket formed in the head. A slidable locking member is further secured to the handle. The locking member allows selective rotation and disengagement of the head. In an engaged state, the head is rotatable on the post to allow the working surface of the head to be changed. In a disengaged state, the head is removeable from the handle and a replacement head can be substituted therefore.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 4, a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. A razor 300 is comprised of three assemblies, a blade assembly 301 , a cartridge assembly 302, and handle 303. The blade assembly 301 connects via a snapping mechanism to the cartridge assembly 302. These assemblies are then able to connect to handle 303. The cartridge assembly contains a torsional spring 305 that when a button 304 is pressed, the blade assembly 301 rotates 180 degrees. The torsional spring 305 is mounted on a center post 306 that releases the torsional spring 305 upon actuation.

[0060] In FIG. 5 an exploded view of exemplary components of the cartridge assembly 302 is depicted. These components include, but are not limited to the actuation button 304, the torsional spring 305, the center post 306, at least one more spring 307 to allow for button activation, a housing 308 for holding the components, and a closure 309 that will allow the headbase assembly 302 to connect to the blade assembly 301.

[0061] The remaining components include top headbase 401 , bottom headbase 402, head slider left 403, head slider right 404, center post 405, twist head spring 406, button springs 407, button casing bottom 408, button puncher open left 409, button puncher open right 410, button puncher springs 411 , button casing 412, and button cartridge 413. [0062] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of exemplary components of the blade assembly 301. The components include but are not limited to a plurality of blades 310 on each side of the cartridge, a pair of hinges 311 to allow the blade assembly to attach to the headbase assembly in a resilient manner, clamps 312 to hold the blades in place, and a removeable guard 313 to cover the set of blades not in use.

[0063] More particularly, the components include head top 401, head bottom 402, head spring left 404, head spring right 405, head silicone top 406, head silicone bottom 407, blades bottom 408, blades bottom 409, blade clamps bottom 410, blades top 411, blades top 412 and blade clamps top 413.

[0064] FIG. 7 depicts a side-by-side view of the handle 317 and the blade assembly 314 of an alternative embodiment. These components interface with each other and allow a user to get several shaves from the same blade assembly 314 by manually rotating the blade assembly 314 180 degrees to access a new set of blades 310 in association with the curvature of the handle 317 that provides an ergonomically shaped shaving position. Moreover, the shaving side of the handle is designated with an S.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a side view of a blade assembly 314. The blade assembly 314 can be rotated manually. The stem 316 allows the assembly to be rotatably mounted to the handle 317 (see Fig. 9). It is designed to contain a plurality of blade cartridges. The open center of blade assembly 314 can include a divider 321 to prevent debris from a first side of the cartridges from pressing to the second side. Each side head of blade assembly 314 can have an angle defined by the offset from the longitudinal axis of the stem wherein that angle is between 5 and 60 degrees and is equal for each side of the head of the blade assembly 314 after rotation.

[0066] FIG. 9 depicts a top-down view of the handle 317. A cavity 331 that is the same shape is provided to receive the stem 316 of blade assembly 314. There is also further cavity 333 configured to receive the base 319 of the cartridge. The handle 317 and the blade assembly 314 interface with each other and connect via magnets inside either the handle 317 or the blade assembly 314 with magnetic metal being inside the other. For example, the handle may be secured by screws that are magnetic and are attracted to magnets in the base 319 blade assembly 314 (or vice versa).

[0067] FIG. 10 depicts a sectioned view of razor 315 with the blade assembly 314 secured in the handle 317. In this particular instance, a magnet 318 is secured in the handle 317 and a metallic element 319 is secured in the stem 316 of the blade assembly 314. A spring 320 is also secured in the stem 316 of the blade assembly 314 so as to yield a more resilient engagement between the magnet 318 and the blade assembly 314. [0068] FIGS 11 and 12 show a front and rear side of a handle assembly 500 suitable for use in a further embodiment. The handle assembly 500 can be seen to have a main body 510 and a stem 520. The main body 510 can be seen having a tongue 512 and a rubber injection hole 514. The main body 510 and the stem 520 may be operatively connected. For example main body 510 and the stem 520 have a hinged connection. Stem 520 can be rotationally secured to posts 530 and 532, for example by pins. [0069] In some embodiments the stem 520 may include a magnet. In other embodiments the stem 520 may include a metal component.

[0070] Tongue 512 has a first end disposed within main body 510 where it engages a tension spring 540 (shown in phantom). Tension spring 540 resiliently supports tongue 512 provides resistance to stem 520 which is rotatable toward the viewer in Fig. 11 and away from the view in Fig. 12.

[0071] Stem 520 includes an edge 550 that mates with main body 510 in its home position. Stem 520 may further include a projection 571 to create an interference first within head assembly 600 (see Figs. 13-16) connects to the handle via a locking hook mechanism.

[0072] Stem 520 can further include a magnet 560 (shown in phantom) to allow releasable engagement with a cartridge (see Fig. 13). As with prior embodiments, the head assembly 600 is removable from the handle and rotatable to locate a fresh blade side in the correct ergonomic shaving position.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a front view of a head assembly 600. The head assembly 600 can be seen with a frame 610, one or more blades 612, and a head chamber 620.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a head assembly 600. Two frames 610 can be seen operatively connected to each other. In the displayed embodiment the two frames 610 are connected with screws, while in other embodiments they may be connected with glue, welded, etc. The head chamber 620 can be seen with a metal strip 622 which connects to the stem magnet 560. In some embodiments the head chamber 620 may include a magnet and the stem a metal strip.

[0075] FIG. 15 is a side view of the head assembly 600. The frames 610 can be seen connected back to back. This connection shows the head assembly 600 to have a truncated pyramid cross section. This connection also provides the head assembly 600 with both a rounded top and rounded bottom.

[0076] FIG. 16 is a side view of the head assembly 600 with a separator 630 in place. As a user uses the blades 612 on one side of the head assembly 600 debris is generated and moves through the blades 612 and into the head assembly 600. The separator 630 prevents debris generated on one side of the head assembly 600 from entering the other side of the head assembly 600. [0077] FIGS 17 and 18 show a front view and rear view of a razor 400. The head assembly 600 and handle assembly 500 can be seen operatively connected to each other. The stem 520 of the handle assembly 500 and the head chamber 620 of the head assembly 600 are correspondingly sized and shaped to assist the operative connection. The corresponding size and shape allows the stem 520 to be received by the head chamber 620. The operative connection between head assembly 600 and the handle assembly 500 is also achieved through magnetic connection. In some embodiments both the stem 520 and the head chamber 620 have magnets that are oriented to attract as the stem 520 is inserted into the head chamber 620. In other embodiments only one of the stem 520 or the head chamber 620 has a magnet, while the other has a metal component, such that as the stem 520 is inserted into the head chamber 620 the magnet and metal component are attracted. This magnetic coupling allows a user to grab the head assembly 600 and remove it from the handle assembly 500. The user can then rotate the head assembly 600 180 degrees relative to the handle assembly 500 and reconnect the head assembly 600 and handle assembly 500. This allows the user to select which side and which blades 612 of the head assembly 600 they are using.

[0078] FIG. 19 is a side view of the razor 400. FIG. 20 is a side view of the razor 400 with a separator 630 in the head assembly 600. As the user shaves with the razor 400 debris travels through the blades 612 and into the head assembly 600. The separator 630 prevents the debris entering one side of the head assembly 600 from reaching the other side. This ensures that when the user switches sides of the head assembly 600 by removing the head assembly 600 from the handle assembly 500 and rotating the head assembly 180 degrees relative to the handle assembly 500 and reattaching the head assembly 600 to the handle assembly 500 the new side of the head assembly 600 is still fresh and free of debris.

[0079] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the razor 400. The handle assembly 500 can be seen with the stem 520 inserted into the head chamber 620 of the head assembly 600. A tongue 512 can be seen extending from the main body 510 and contacting the stem 520. The tongue 512 may have a spring pushing it toward the stem 520 and providing resistance. The stem 520 and the main body 510 have a hinged connection, allowing the stem 520 to pivot relative to the main body 500. The head assembly 600 is coupled to the stem 520 such that as the stem 520 pivots relative to the main body 510 so does the head assembly 600. As a user uses the razor 400 they apply the head assembly 600 face opposite of the tongue 512 to the area they wish to shave. As the razor 400 is pressed against the user the head assembly 600 and stem 520 pivot relative to the main body 510. As the head assembly 600 and stem 520 pivot, the stem 520 contacts and depresses the tongue 512. As the razor 400 is moved away from the user, the tongue 512 generates a force on the stem 520 and causes the head assembly 600 and stem 520 to pivot back to the original position.

[0080] The head is displaceable less than 20° in a shaving side direction as determined by an ergonomic shape of the handle and by greater than 20° in a swing from the shaving side direction. The head can be displaceable less than 15° in the shaving side direction and more than 35° away from the shaving side direction.

[0081] The angle between the respective sides of the cartridges can be between 5 and 60 degrees. The head assembly has a truncated pyramid cross section. The head assembly has a top which is rounded. The cross section of the head assembly is generally diamond shaped. The head assembly may be removed from the handle assembly by hand and rotated 180 degrees. The stem comprises at least one magnet, and the head chamber comprises a metal component. The stem and head chamber magnetically connect, creating an operative connection between the handle assembly and the head assembly. The head assembly further comprises a removable guard. The removable guard may cover one of the at least two frames.

[0082] Figs. 22-25 depict the angles at which the blade(s) may be oriented. Moreover, the at home angle of the stem 520 may be designed to provide a blade angle relative to horizontal between 7 and 12 degrees (Fig. 23) or between 20 and 25 degrees (Fig. 24). With a force acting upon the head the stem can rotate to between 40 and 45 degrees (Fig. 25).

[0083] Turning now to FIGS. 26-28, a blade guard embodiment is displayed. Blade guard 701 includes a first side 703 and a second side 704. Each side can include tabs that mate with the channel of the blade cartridge. The first and second sides can be at least substantial mirror images of each other. This allows a first side to be removed for shaving and the second side guard can be moved to the first side of the blade cartridge when the head is rotated to expose fresh blades.

[0084] In select embodiments, the handle assembly forms an ergonomically shaped arcuate grip.

[0085] In select embodiments, the disposable cartridge elements will be formed of a biodegradable bicarbonate material. DuraSense ® by Stora Enso is a suitable example. In a preferred embodiment the disposable cartridge will be formed from a biodegradable material with the exception of the blade and necessary rotation items (e.g. springs and/or magnetic locking elements).

[0086] In accordance with another aspect of the invention a polycrystalline ceramic substrate blade is provided. The ceramic material can be polycrystalline alumina. In particular embodiments, the razor blade polycrystalline ceramic substrate material is selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, mullite, hafnia, yttria, zirconia, and alumina, and has a grain size of less than five thousand Angstroms and a bend strength in excess of 300 MPa; the sputter-etched surfaces immediately adjacent the cutting edge have widths of about 0.1 micrometer and an effective included angle substantially greater than the included angle of the mechanically abraded facets, and the blade further includes a sputter-deposited layer of electrically conductive metal of less than five hundred Angstroms thickness on the cutting edge, and an adherent polymer coating of less than ten micrometers thickness on the metal coated cutting edge. Ceramic blades typically exhibit excellent mechanical characteristics such as high hardness, anticorrosion capability, and wear resistance.

[0087] The blades may be formed from a base material such as stainless steel. Particularly, in the base material such as stainless steel, in order to increase hardness of the razor blade, a hear treatment process is performed, and then in order to form a razor blade edge, a grinding process is performed. Thereafter, a process of depositing various coating materials on an edge of a final razor blade is performed.

[0088] Ceramic blades can be formed as green ceramic bodies by molding or injection and subsequently sintered. Since the ceramic bodies are quite thick, further machining treatments such as cutting and polishing are required to thin the ceramic bodies and create edges. However, machining treatments may cause surface roughness and defects such as induced residual stress.

[0089] U.S. Pat. No. 6,151 ,786, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a ceramic blade formed by injection. Injection alone, however, cannot directly form a thing blade, thereby applications of the injected ceramic blade are restricted.

[0090] U.S. Pat. No. 5,121 ,660, 5,048,191 , and 5,056,227 the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference, disclose ceramic blades mechanically treated by, for example, grinding and polishing, to reach a desired thickness. Mechanical treatments may, however, cause surface roughness and induced residual stress. Thus, an additional protective layer is required to increase strength and toughness.

[0091] A coating layer can be applied on both sides and the edge, wherein the ceramic body is formed using a scraper to create a substantially flat surface and prevent residual stress damage. The coating material may be used in a thin film of a metal-based or ceramic-based carbide, nitride, and oxide, which are a general hard thin film material. Further, after the hard thin film material is coated at the razor blade, when a user shaves, the hard thin film material decreased a friction with a skin, and in order to improve a shaving performance, an organic material of Polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter, referred to as ‘PTFE’) may be deposited. Therefor, in order to increase adhesive strength between the razor blade and the hard thin film and an organic matter such as the PTFE, a metal thin film of Chromium (Cr), Titanium (Ti), Tungsten (W), and Niobium (Nb) may be deposited between the PTFE and the hard thin film.

[0092] Diamond materials may also be used for the blades. This could include either polycrystalline diamond materials or monocrystalline diamond is possible. Monocrystalline diamond is extremely difficult to produce and to machine, on the other hand, and, on the other hand, it is very expensive so that it is likely to be unsuitable for use in mass-produced products, such as for example razor blades. Polycrystalline diamond layers, as are used in the state of the art, are distinguished by a clearly heterogeneous distribution of the size of the crystalline domains.

[0093] The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come withing the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A shaving device comprising: a reusable handle assembly, a cartridge assembly with at least two frames that can each accommodate at least one metal blade, and a rotating assembly, having at least one spring allowing for selective 180° rotational motion around a center axis.

2. The shaving device of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge assembly includes two substantial identical frames.

3. The shaving device of claim 2, wherein the identical frames are attached to each other via a hinge.

4. A shaving device comprising: a reusable handle assembly, having an ergonomic shape to incorporate a preferred shaving orientation, a head assembly with at least two frames that each accommodate at least one blade, said frames being at least substantially identical and facing one another, a magnet placed in either of the handle assembly or the head assembly, and a metal piece, compatible with the magnet, placed in the opposite component as the magnet.

5. The shaving device of claim 4 where the head assembly has a stem disposed within a chamber in the handle.

6. The shaving device of claim 5 where the handle is held together by metal screws.

7. The shaving device of claim 6 where the head assembly contains the at least one magnet and can be attracted to the metal screws, allowing the head assembly to be secured in the handle and to be manually removed by hand and rotated 180 degrees.

8. A shaving device comprising: a reusable handle assembly, having an ergonomic shape to incorporate a preferred shaving orientation, a head assembly with at least two frames that each accommodate at least one blade, said frames being at least substantially identical and facing one another, a magnet placed in either of the handle assembly or the head assembly, and a metal piece, compatible with the magnet, placed in the opposite component as the magnet.

9. A disposable blade assembly comprised of biodegradable plastic and at least one metal blade.

10. A blade cartridge assembly of claim 9, where there are at least two biodegradable plastic clamps per set of blades that secure the blades into each head.

11 . A blade cartridge assembly of claim 1 , where the blade cartridge assembly has a stem protruding from the end.

12. A blade cartridge assembly of claim 11 , where the stem interfaces with an equally sized concavity in the handle.

13. A shaving device of claim 11 where there is a spring inside the stem of the blade assembly.

14. A shaving device of claim 4 where the angle between the heads is between 5 and 60 degrees.

15. A shaving device of claim 13 where the spring is attached to a metallic element.

16. A shaving device of claim 4 where there is a magnet in the handle.

17. A shaving device comprising: a reusable handle assembly; a head assembly, the head assembly comprising: at least two frames, the at least two frames each comprising: at least one blade; wherein the at least two frames are operatively connected.

18. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the head assembly further comprises a head chamber.

19. The shaving device of claim 18, wherein the handle assembly comprises: a main body and a stem operatively connected to the main body.

20. The shaving device of claim 19, wherein the main body and the stem operative connection is a hinge connection.

21. The shaving device of claim 19, wherein the head chamber and the stem are similarly sized as to allow the stem to be received within the head chamber.

22. The shaving device of claim 21 , wherein the handle assembly and the head assembly are operatively connected.

23. The shaving device of claim 22, wherein the head assembly may rotate 180 degrees about the handle.

24. The shaving device of claim 23, wherein the head assembly may be removed from the handle assembly by hand and rotated 180 degrees.

25. The shaving device of claim 21 , wherein the stem comprises at least one magnet, and the head chamber comprises a metal component.

26. The shaving device of claim 25, wherein the stem and head chamber magnetically connect, creating an operative connection between the handle assembly and the head assembly.

27. The shaving device of claim 21 , wherein the head chamber comprises at least one magnet, and the stem comprises a piece of metal.

28. The shaving device of claim 27, wherein the stem and head chamber magnetically connect, creating an operative connection between the handle assembly and the head assembly.

29. The shaving device of claim 21 , wherein the head chamber comprises at least one magnet, and the stem comprises at least one magnet.

30. The shaving device of claim 29, wherein the stem and head chamber magnetically connect, creating an operative connection between the handle assembly and the head assembly.

31. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the head assembly further comprises a separator.

32. The shaving device of claim 31 , wherein the separator divides the head assembly into a first half and a second half.

33. The shaving device of claim 32, wherein the separator protects one half of the head assembly from debris generated by the other half of the head assembly.

34. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the head assembly further comprises a removable guard.

35. The shaving device of claim 34, wherein the removable guard may cover one of the at least two frames.

36. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the head assembly has a truncated pyramid cross section.

37. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the head assembly has a top which is rounded.

38. The shaving device of claim 17, wherein the cross section of the head assembly is generally diamond shaped.

39. The shaving device of claim 19, wherein the main body includes a rubber injection hole.

40. The shaving device of claim 17 wherein the head is displaceable less than 20° in a shaving side direction as determined by an ergonomic shape of the handle and by greater than 20° in a away from the shaving side direction.

41. The shaving device of claim 17 wherein the head is displaceable less than 15° in the shaving side direction and more than 35° away from the shaving side direction.

42. The shaving device of claim 17 further including a protective cover, said cover comprising of two distinct halves, each configured to engage one of the two frames.

43. The shaving device of claim 42 wherein each cover is a mirror image of the other.