CA2199129C

CA2199129C - Bi-directional razor structures and systems

Info

Publication number: CA2199129C
Application number: CA002199129A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Edward A. Andrews
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-09-06
Filing date: 1994-09-06
Publication date: 2002-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2014-09-06
Also published as: DE69433116D1; EP0783396A4; EP0783396B1; EP0783396A1; CA2199129A1

Abstract

Single-head razor devices (240) for shaving in two opposite directions without lifting the razor's head (245) from the skin to be shaved are provided. The razor head (241) may be constructed as a disposable cartridge if desired. Two pairs of narrow, razor blade strips are positioned within each head, with one pair of blades extending in one direction and the other extending in an opposite direction. The head (241) remains engaged upon the skin for cutting hair in both directions, and may be rigidly or pivotally attached to the handle (242). Several different constructions and classes of assembled bi-directional razor head structures are disclosed. The blades may be arranged in one or two working planes.

Description

Wo 96/07515 ~ 9 ~ 9 ~ PCT/US94110307 Bl-DIRECTIONAL RAZOR STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The preserlt invention relates in general to hand-held razor structures, cartridges and systems for wet shaving, and in particular, to hand-held highly maneuverable ræor 5 structures, cartridges and systems for wet shaving, which all feature a plurality of razor blades and the ability to operate bi-directionally.
BACKGROUND ART
Uni- ' ecl;G,.al Razors. Modern conventional razors are typically made with either one or a pair of parallel strip-like razor blades secured upon the head of the 10 ræor. A handle extends from the head. The user holds the handle and ordinarily scrapes or moves 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 ræor and brings it back to a point near the original starting position for a second stroke in the same direction. Thus, conventional ræors are uni-directional 15 in operation.
Razors have also been made in which the head holds a single flat safety razor blade with two sharpened blade edges extending in opposite directions. These older style of razors have their blade edges spaced apart on opposite sides of the head, and angled so that they are and operate so as uni-directional devices. That is, the first 20 blade edge is used until dull or filled with lather or cut hairs. Then the user manually turns the razor 180 degrees to present the opposite blade edge toward the skin. Such a single replaceable razor blade having two sharpened edges and mounted within ahead of a razor that can be opened and closed was a one time very common, and itprovided the user with twice the blade life, i.e., once for each sharp edge in uni-25 directional shaving.
Rer)l~Ge~hle C~, l,i.l~e Razors. Many oonventional ræors used for shavinghave a handle or hand grip structure with means for securing a replace~ble razor blade cartridge to it. These cartridge razor systems are desirable, in that a more expensive, ergonomic permanent handle, which can be reused thousands of times, can be 30 provided and used in conjunction with a much less expensive replaceable cartridge containing the ræor blades. The blades in such cartridges dull fairly rapidly with use.
Thus they are frequently replaced, typically after just a dozen or less shaves. A variety of techniques and cartridge structures have been developed to allow the entire razor head to be readily replaced by the user of the razor.

WO 96tO7515 ~ ~ PCT/US94/1030~

Con~,~nliGnal Razor Head Constructions. Conventional safety razors typically comprise a guard or deck member and a cap member between which the razor blade or blades are sandwiched when the ræor is ready for use. The handle, the guard member and cap member traditionally are all fixed relative to one another. The razors 5 may be provided with a single or double-edged blades. In recent decades, the entire shaving unit or head has been made to be disposable.
A conventional modern razor cartridge typically has a blade seat having formed thereon a guard bar for smoothing the skin adjacent to the cutting edge or edges of the razor blade during shaving. The blade seat may include a channel which can be 10 used to re-load the cartridge if the cartridge is re~ ls~hlQ. A cap is provided to complete the main supporting structure of the razor cartridge. The blades are often retained by the passing of plastic pins through holes in the blades and then passing the pins into a heading which forms part of the cap. In this manner, the cap holds the blade or blades in place. The cap typically is pinned, fused, cemented or otherwise bonded 15 together with the blade seat structure and captivates the blade or blades, and any spacers between them.
Wet Razors With Pairs of Blades. In recent years, almost every new wet razor blade system has a pair of parallel strip-like razor blades positioned closely to one another. These parallel-blade constructions are typically used in razor cartridges that 20 are disposable. The handle may also be disposable or it may be essentially permanent and meant to be re-used with many cartridges. In many of these systems, the pair of blades is encased in a razor head or cartridge which provides a fixed orientation of the blades to the skin through the use of leading, trailing and glide surfaces which define a working plane of the razor head. These various surfaces of the head all bear against 25 the skin being shaved, and thus ensure the sharpened edges of the blade strips are presented at the proper angle to skin being shaved.
Guards For Blade Corners. The sharpened corners of the razor blade strips are guarded by the configuration of the head or cartridge structure for the safety of the user, so the corners do not cut the skin. The head often has an elongated narrow30 configuration to provide the user with the ability to shave the skin under the chin and nose and wherever the contours of the face are changing rapidly.
Staqqered Double-Edqed Blade Sets. U.S. Patent No. 4,470,067 to Trotta discloses a double-edged blade configuration in a razor head. It is said to achieve a desired geometrical relationship between the leading and following cutting edges of Wo 96/07515 ~ 9 PCT/US94/10307 the blades so that both are successively active with respect to hair elements being cut during a single shaving stroke. The razor's guard structure is disposed in fixed relation to the cutting edges to define a desired relalionships including a desired "blade tangent angie", and a pref~r,~d "exposure" and "span" and provides deflnitions for 5 these terms. The plafform member includes a back portion upstanding from the blade support portion. The guard and back portions define parallel opposite lengthwis edges of the plafform member. As such, they define a single ~working plane" which bears against the skin and controls the angle at which the sharpened edges of the blades are allowed to bear against a section of the skin to be shaved as the blade is 10 moved in a single direction.
Pivotal Head Razors. Razors which llave a fixed relationship between the head and the handle require considerable maneuvering in order to maintain the shaving unit at its optimum attitude on the shaver's face, particularly when negotiating areas such as the jaw line, where there are rapid changes in facial contour. To provide 15 improved shaving characteristics, many razors have been provided with a pivotable head or callridge, which is preferred by some users of manual safety razors.
In such a pivoting head or cartridge structure, the portion of the handle nearest the cartridge typically includes one or two spring-loaded mecila~ ., .s. The first is used to return the pivoting head to its center or at-rest position. The second is provided if 20 the razor has a removable cartridge. In such case, the cartridge is typically held onto the handle by two pivot pins or bearing surfaces which engage in an interlockingmanner with complementary sockets or arcuate slot structures located on the bottom of the cartridge. Since the handle can be re-used over and over, it is more economical to equip the essentially permanent handle with a more expensive mechanism for 2~ providing this spring-loaded pivoting, alLachment structure than could be economically built into the disposable cartridge which is frequently replaced. This approach results in a cartridge having fewer spring-loaded components resident on it, thus reducing its cost.
Pivots Usinq Pins. To avoid lengthening the razor's head, pivoting 30 arrangements located on the underside of the shaving unit or head away from the blades have been devised. An example is found in U.S. Patent No. 4,094,063 to Trotta, which discloses a razor including a handle and shaving unit or head with the upper end of the handle including means for pivotally mounting the shaving unit so that the unit is free to pivot upon the handle during a shaving operation. The handle is a one-Wo 96/07515 ~ I ~ 9 ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030--piece plastic moiding and has means for biasing the pivotally movable shaving unit towards a central position. The connection between the upper end of the handle and the head is made through pivot pins directed axially inwardly. A leaf spring and stop blocks are provided for returning the head to an at-rest center position.
Pivots Usinq Shell Bearinqs. Another advance has been the use of juxtaposed, spaced, inner and outer, arcuate bearing segments and cooperating hollow shaft segments (also called guide rails) which are received into bearing engagement with the inner and outer bearing segments. The interengaged bearing segments and shaft segment define an axis of rotation for the shaving head that is located immediately adjacent the active elements or blades of the shaving system. This axis extends parallel to the cutting edges of the blades. In other words, each set forms an interengaged flange and groove elements with the end of the flange elements cooperating with the base of the groove elements in a thrust bearing relation. In use, the shaving unit is thus pivotally positioned along the skin so its cutting edges are parallel to the pivotal axis formed by the shell bearing members. An example of this approach is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,935,639 to Terry et al. The Terry ræor also includes a spring that acts between the handle and support member to bias the support member towards a middle position of pivotable adjustment relative to thehandle.
Self-LuL ricc,~ , Glide or Shavin~ Assist Strips. Modern razors often have a solid water-soluble shaving assistance or glide strip to provide a lubricant, whisker softener, razor cleaner, medicinal agent, cosmetic agent or a combination of the above as part of the disposable cartridge or razor itself. Such shaving aids are thus embedded in or formed as part of the glide strip which typically is affixed in the vicinity of the working plane of the razor, often in close proximity to the working edges of the blades. The shaving aid strip may be a shave-aiding agent combined with a solid,water-soluble micro-enc~psu'~ting or micro-porous structure which retains the agent.
The strip can be the agent itself when it is a water-soluble solid. Exemplary materials constituting shaving aid strips are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,170,821 to Booth.
Flexible Razors. Flexible razor blade cartridges have also recently become popular. These may include a pair of flat blades which can flex while remaining captivated alongside or within an integral segmented flexible blade support structure and guard bar. Two examples are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,409,735 to Cartwright et al. and 4,443,939 to Motta et al.

WO 96/07SlS PCT/US94/10307 The Uni- ' ectio.~al Razor A,~ D8CI~. In all of these conventional ræors, the razor head is used for shaving in one direction only. For example, in shaving the user's face or legs, the user holds the handle of a conventional ræor and moves the razor, with the blades contacting the skin, in one direction for cutting the hair extending 5 from the skin. Normally, when the movement in one dire~ion is completed, the user lifts the razor from the skin and brings it back to a point near the original starting position for moving the razor again in the same dlirection. These razors, whether of the fixed head-and-handle type, or of the fixed or pivoting cartridge-type, are uni-directional in operation, since the user strokes the razor in a single direction for cutting the hair.
Early A~ ls At B~-Di,~liG. .al Razors. I recognized that, in many instances, it would be desirable to have a bi-directional razor for more rapidly and efficiently shaving the user's face or arms or legs. That is, it would be convenient to provide a single-head razor construction which is usable for stroking first in one direction and then stroking backwards in the reverse direction without the necessity of the user 15 rotating the entire razor by the handle 180 degrees, so as to reduce the time and effort required in shaving. It is a primary object of this invention to provide several such bi-directional razors.
Limited efforts have been made to provide bi-directional razors, but with littlesuccess. U.S. Patent No. 3,488,764 to Welsh ~ clQses two razor blades mounted on20 a split head with a gap in between. Each blade strip is in effect mounted on its own head, and sharpened edges of two opposed blades face another.
U.S. Patent No. 4,501,066 to Sceberras ~liscloses a dual-headed razor system having a single handle, with a pair of separately detachable razor heads separately connected to the handle. Each head has a pair of blades mounted on it. The razor25 system is said to be useful in shaving forwardly and rearwardly in to and fro strokes.
So, like in the Welsh design, there are two heads, which means the Sceberras structure is wide and has limited maneuverability. Further, using two heads adds significantly to the cost of the bi-directional razor approach by requiring two cartridge support structures and two cartridges. In addition, the working planes of the blades face one 30 another. Thus, it appears that the Sceberras design on a relatively flat area of skin requires an unusual four-step shaving technique, namely: (a) tilt handle rearward to put the blades of forward head into optimum cutting position, (b) stroke the heads forward, (c) tilt handle forward to put blades of rearward head into optimum cutting position, and (d) stroke backwards.

2 ~ 9 ~
WO 96/0751!i PCT/US94/1030--Imcrovements In Bi-Directional Razors Are Still Needed. From my perspective, it would be desirable to provide improved bi-directional razor systems, structures and cartridges which allow the user to shave rapidly, effectively and efficiently. That can be accomplished, in accordance with my invention diccl~sed herein, by providing, on a single razor head, a plurality of blades facing away from one another. Such a razor head construction is usable in a bi-directional mode: that is, the razor head can be stroked in one direction and then reversed and stroked back in the opposite direction, without lifting or turning or repositioning the razor relative to the user's skin. The present invention is concerned with providing such bi-directional razor systems, heads and cartridges.
A first principal object of this invention is to provide several different single-head razor blade constructions, each of which can be used bi-directionally. Each razor construction features a single head which can be moved back-and-forth to shave in two opposite directions by the user who holds and uses the handle in his or her normal manner of holding and using a typical, conventional razor when shaving in one direction. Thus, the user is not required to hold o tilt the razors of my invention any di~ere"lly than when holding and using a conventional ræor. Further, it is a related object to provide such a bi-directional razor which may be used in two opposite directions without lifting or turning or tilting or repositioning the razor relative to the skin. Consequently, this object of the present invention is to provide a razor device which enables the user to simply move the razor back-and-forth, cutting hair in both directions, so as to substantially reduce the time and effort spent shaving.
A second principal object of the present invention is to provide for several different constructions of a economically made, bi-directional cartridge for a razor. In each construction, the object is to provide for either double pairs or two single blades are mounted so that the cartridge can be manually removed from the razor and replaced with a fresh cartridge whenever the blades become sufficiently dull or the user otherwise wishes to change blades. Thus, the user may continually use the same razor handle by changing cartridges as desired.
A third principal object of the present invention is to provide a repl~ce~hl~ bi-directional cartridge structures which can be used on a conventional razor bladehandle directly in place of a conventional uni-directional razor cartridge.
A related fourth principal object of the present invention is to provide compactbi-directional razor structures which can be used as effectively as present-day uni-_ ~ WO 96/07515 PCT/US94110307 directional razor heads to shave in tight locations such as on the face near the nose and under the chin.
A fifth principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved manual shaving method, namely bi-directional shaving using a razor system having a single 5 razor head supporting first snd second pairs of blade strips arranged so that the sharpened blades edges of each set face away from the sharpened blades edges of the other set, whereby the handle of the razor need not be lifted, tilted or twisted as the shaving head or unit is moved back and forth in opposite directions to shave an area of the skin.
A sixth object of the present invention is provide a wet ræor system that will more readily deliver a closer shave than conventional uni-directional dual-blade wet razor systems, by virtue of facilitating shaving the skin in two different directions, and by scraping and conditioning the skin to be shaved with one or two razor blade edges moving in a non-cutting direction.
A seventh object is to provide a wet shave razor blade system that stays sharper longer than a conventional uni-directional razor blade system by virtue of having twice as many shaving edges.
An eighth object is to provide several c~irreren~ constructions of bi-directional razor heads which are particularly economical to manufacture at a cost essentially 20 equal to or slightly more than the cost of conventional uni-directional razor blade heads.
A ninth object is to provide a few different bi-directional razor blade constructions which are able to pivot or swivel while being used, in order to more readily follow the contour of the skin to be shaved.
A tenth object of the present invention is to provide a very stable shell-bearing razor head structure having improved skin-tracking action by virtue of an axis of head rotation being located above the working plane of the blades, that is beneath the skin to be shaved.
An eleventh object is to provide a few different bi-directional razor head 30 structures especially designed to each have a very thin profile to facilitate shaving in tight locations, where the surface topography of the skin is concave and rapidlychanging, and awkward to reach, like the inward curvature under the chin.

wo 96/07515 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030'~

A twelfth object is to provide several different bi-directional razor blade structures wherein two pairs of blade strips both make effective USQ of a single glide or lubricant strip located between them.
A thirteenth object of the present invention is to provide bi-directional ræor head constructions which feature all of the blade strips in substantially the same working plane.
A fourteenth object is to provide bi-directional razor structures each having two pairs of blade strips, with each pair being located in its own working plane facing away from and intersecting the other pair's working plane at an angle in the range of about five degrees up to about fifteen or more degrees.
A fifteenth object of the present invention is to provide a few different pivoting bi-directional razor structures wherein the two pairs of blade strips are each located in their own working plane facing away from the other working plane, with the two working planes intersecting one another at an angle of about twenty degrees or more, but with the pivot mechanism of razor so arranged that the two sets of blade strips during shaving operate in the same effective plane adjacent the user's skin.
A sixteenth object is to provide pivoting bi-directional ræors having two working planes, in accordance with the fifteenth object, that are compactly and simply constructed, and have a thin profile.
A seventeenth object is to provide a few di~renl bi-directional ræor heads with either a pivot mechanism or a pivot-and-slide mechanism which facilit~tes changes in the orientation of the bi-directional head relative to the user's skin without the need for the user to lift, tilt or twist as the handle of the ræor as the shaving head is moved back and forth in opposite directions to shave an area of the skin.
An eighteenth object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting or swiveling ræor head having an adjustment mechan;sr" which allows the user to adjust the return-to-center force associated with the pivoting or swiveling action.
A nineteenth object is to provide a bi-directional ræor head which is flexible and permits the two sets of blade strips to bend while being used so that the working pair of blade strips may more closely track the contours of the user's skin being shaved.
A twentieth object of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional razorconstruction where the ræor blades are individually spring-loaded and may move independently in response to skin forces substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the ræor head is being moved along the skin, so as to permit the individual ~ WO 96/07515 PCT/US94/10307 ~ ~ ~ 9~

blade strips to more closely conform to changing contours of a user's skin during shaving.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the descriptions of the ,ure~r,ed embodiments of the present invention which follow. DISCLOSURE OF IINVENTION
Eighteen different embodiments of the bi-directional razors of the present invention are ~iisclQsed below, and all can be charact~ri~ed as follows. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a single-head bi-directional razor with at least two blade strips, whose sharpened edges extend in opposite directions.
The bi-directional ræor comprises: a single elongated ræor head; a hand grip or handle supporting the head for manual movement by a user of the razor; a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion; anda second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion which extends in a direction away from the edge of the first ræor blade strip.
The elongated razor head preferably has first and second longitudinal edges, and a face and a longitudinal axis. The face and axis are generally located between the longitudinal edges. The face may be generally flat, or it may be curved. Thesharpened blade edge portion of the first ræor blade strip extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face of the razor head. It projects generally toward the first longitudinal edge of the head and away from the longitudinal axis of the head.
Similarly, the second ræor blade strip has its sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face. This second sharpened blade edge portion projects generally toward the second longitud; ,al edge of the ræor head and away from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the sharpened edges of the first and second blades point generally away from one another.
In preferred embodiments of the single-head bi-directional razor of the present invention, two pairs of ræor blade strips are provided, and all strips are preferably of the same length. The third razor blade strip is supported by the head and has a sharpened edge portion that is arranged closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened edge portion of the first blade strip. In this manner, the first and third blade strips form a first pair of blades, and cut hair substantially simultaneously as the ræor is moved in a first direction along the user's skin. Similarly, the fourth razor blade strip is arranged closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the second blade strip, and form a second pair of blades. The sharpened blade WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94/1030--edge portions of this second pair of blade strips cut hair substantially simultaneously as the ræor is moved in a second direction opposite from the first direction along the user's skin.
Several distinctly dir~erer)l embodiments of my single-head bi-directional razor5 with two sets of blade strips as generally described above are ~is~losecl. The razor blade strips may be molded into the razor head, or may be part of an assembled head structure that is designed for holding the blade strips fixedly in place, or movably in place. Exd",ples of the molded style of construction and of the assembled style of construction are provided in the different embodiments of the present invention 10 presented herein.
As is well known, modern conventional uni-directional safety razors often have a pair of adjacent razor blade strips mounted parallel to one another between a forward guard bar, a rear glide strip or surface, and blade-end caps or shields. This modern style of safety razor construction reduces the chance that the razor blade 15 edges will accidently nick or cut the skin during shaving. As is well known, the two parallel blade strips have their edges proiecting into a working plane of the razor that is also in part defined by the surfaces of the guard bar, glide strip or surface and end caps which contact the user's skin. These non-cutting surfaces of the safety razor, which are in or very near to the working plane of the razor, help ensure that the blade 20 edges are presented to and engage the skin of the ussr to be shaved at a proper angle so as to mini.oi~e the chance of nicks or cuts to the skin.
The bi-directional razors of the present invention are preferably constructed ina manner which incorporates those advantages found in the modern uni-directionalsafety razors. However, the bi-directional razors of the present invention preferably 25 utilize two front guard bars, one for each of two opposite direction of transverse movement of the razor head across the skin, and a single glide strip or surface centrally located between the two sets of blades. The blade-end shields, which may take the form of a pair of end caps or raised end portions on the razor head, are configured to shield the end corners of both sets of blade strips. Further, the bi-30 directional razor heads of the present invention are preferably constructed to have asymmetrical appearance or face.
According to a second aspect of the invention, the bi-directional razor heads of the present invention may be constructed as dispos~ble cartridges, designed to be used with re-usable handles. In one embodiment according to this aspect of the WO96/0751S _ ~ ~ 9 ~ PCTIUS94110307 invention, the bi-directional cartridge may be formed of molded plastic material. It is preferably shaped as an elongated, narrow member which can be mounted upon a razor having a handle. The cartridge can thus be removed and replaced with a newcartridge when desired.
In another embodiment of the bi-directional cartridge, a molded construction is Ut~ P~ Pairs of parallel, closely sp~ced, single edge, strip-type ræor blades are embedded in plastic material. The plastic is molded directly around the lower portion of the blade strips, thus anchoring the blades in place.
In yet other embodiments, the main razor blade support structure of the cartridge is pre-molded of plastic or other slJ~t~hle material. It can be made of either flexible material or substantially rigid material. In either case, the blade strips are inserted afterwards in into the pre-molded structure. End caps or blade-retaining bands are then attached to keep the blades in position. In the rigid pre-molded head structure, the blades may be rigidly fixed in position, or they may be individually spring-loaded, and confined to move up and down generally perpendicularly to the working plane. In the flexible molded head structures, the blades are allowed to move with head in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of head travel during use and to the longitudinal axis of the ca,~,idge.
In some embodiments of my bi-directional cartridges, the razor head of the cartridge is rigidly fixed relative to the handle. In others, the cartridge head pivots or swivels relative to the handle, typically on pivot pins or shell bearings found on the bottom side of the razor.
In all styles of construction of my bi-direc~ional razors, I prefer to have one pair of blades with their sharpened edges extending in one direction, and a second pair of blades with their sharpened edges extending in a generally opposite direction, relative to the head. Thus, the sharpened edges in the two pairs of blades extend in opposite directions at an obtuse angle relative to each other, while being disposed at an acute angle relative to their own respective working plane within the razor head. The razor head, as noted above, may take the form of a disposable cartridge, if desired.
The razor head, whether constructed as a disposable cartridge or as a permanent extension of the handle, can be made in many cli~erenl sizes and shapes, as illustrated by the eighteen embodil"enLs. The embodiments are preferably madeto be a size and shape that will fit upon almost any given conventional commercially available handle. Thus, my bi-directional razors may be used by those who shave in - 2 ~

lieu of their uni-directional razors. Further, when constructed as a disposable cartridge, my bi-directional ræor heads may be used as a replacement for a uni-directional cartridges on the conventional handles. All that is required is that the my bi-directional razor head be ouffitted with an appropriate handle-to-head coupling mechanism, including any return-to-center mechanism which may be required, so that it is compatible with the portion of the coupling mechanism found on the conventional handle.
Although most of the razor heads of my invention are shown with and contemplate the use of a double pair of blades, the bi-directional razors of the present 10 invention need not be so complicated. Two single blades that extend in opposite directions, rather than twin-blade pairs, can be used. This style of construction is exemplified by the twelfth embodiment, which I specifically designed to have a very thin profile, so that it could be very easily used in the tightest of places to be shaved. This two single-blade design approach may be used extended to almost all of the other15 embodiments, by simply removing the third and fourth razor blade strips and eliminating the cGr,asponding portion of the support structure associated with the removed blade strips. In every instance, this would reduce the width of the razor head.
The bi-directional razors of the present invention fall into three general classes.
In the first class of the bi-directional razors, which is exemplified by the first through 20 ninth embodiments and the eleventh embodiments of the present invention, the sharpened edge portions of the first and second sets of blades (which point to generally opposite directions) are all arranged in a single common working plane. The twelfth embodiment, which has only two blade strips, is also in this class since the sharpened blade edges point away from one another and are in a common plane.
In the second class of bi-directional razor blades according to the present invention, each pair of blade edges are in their own separate working plane. These two working planes intersect one another at an angle of only a few degrees, such as from about five degrees to less than about 20 degrees, and preferably in the range of about eight to about fifteen degrees. Since skin is generally somewhat compliant, this 30 slight difference in angle between the first and second working planes of the razor blade still enables the bi-directional razor to be used without lifting or turning or tilting the handle of the razor while moving back and forth in opposite directions. Thiscategory of bi-directional razor is exemplified by the tenth embodiment shown in the Figures.

WO 96107S15 ;~ ~ ~33 9 ~ ~ ~ PCT/US9~/10307 This second class of bi-directional razor head constructions constitutes a yet another aspect of the present invention. According to this aspect, there is provided a bi-directional razor head which comprises: a singie elongaled ræor head having a face; a first razor biade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion located in a first working plane a~d extending in a first direction; and a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edgeportion that is located in a second working plane distinct from and angled relative the first working plane and that extends in a second direclioll that is generally opposite of the first direction. The first and second working planes are located adjacent the face 10 of the elongated razor head, and intersect one another at an angle between about four degrees and about 20 degrees, with an angle in the range of about six to about 15 degrees being presently preferred. The line of intersection of the planes is preferably above the longitudinal axis of the razor head, and even above slightly face of the razor head, so the planes face away rather than towards each other.
Third and fourth blade strips are preferably provided and are respectively located adjacent and parallel to the first and second blade strips, so that the sharpened edge portions of the third and fourth strips are respectively located in the first and second working planes. Thus, the first and third blade strips form a first pair of blades and cut hair together as the razor head is moved in a first direction. The 20 second and fourth blade strips form a second pair of blades which cut hair together as the razor is moved in a second direction opposite from the first direction along the user's skin.
The third class of single-head bi-directional razor blades of the present invention feature two sets of blades in each in their own working plane, with the two 25 working planes being angled considerably more than fifteen degrees from one another, such as about 25 degrees part up to about 100 degrees (or more) apart, and arranged to face away from one another. Preferably the angle between the two planes is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees, with a narrower range of about 35 degrees to about 70 degrees being presently preferred. This class of bi-directional 30 razors is exemplified by the thirteenth through eighteenth embodiments of the present invention, and constitutes still other aspect of the present invention. Since the working planes for the two sets of blades are angled so far apart, it is not possible for both set of blades to cut hair, each in its own direction, while the head and handle both remain in the same relative position to the skin being shaved. Accordingly, the razor head WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US9411030 itself and the coupling between the head and handle is deliberately made to pivot in these embodiments.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments, a sliding motion is combined with this pivoting action for improved user control of the shaving action. This style of 5 head and pivot coupling arrangement thus permits each set of blades, in its own working plane, to be brought successively into shaving engagement with the skin as the razor head is moved back and forth along the skin, without the razor head being lifted from the skin, and without the need of the user to change the orientation of the handle.
In this third class of embodiments, then, the razor head pivots (or slides and pivots) into two different cutting positions, while the handle of the razor being held by the user remains oriented in the same direction, as it is moved back and forth by the user. This class of my bi-directional razors thus enables the two sets of blades, each in its own distinct working plane angled far apart from the other working plane, to presented to the skin in same effective working plane, in a successive fashion, each a different time, which depends upon when the user changes the direction that he is moving the razor head. Thus, this third class of bi-directional razor head structures implement a concept of mine that is common to the thirteenth through eighteenth embodiments that have named the ~single effective plane". I coined this term to describe the bi-directional razor blade structures, which, although not having the all of the sharpened edges of the razor blade strips generally found with a common plane of the razor head or cartridge, can nevertheless be used to shave bi-directionally without lifting the razor head from the skin or tilting the handle as the direction of shaving is changed.
The term "single effective plane" as used herein, including in the claims, is deemed to cover any arrangement of a single razor head (or cartridge) which has two working planes that are angled significantly apart from one another so that when the cutting or active blade or pair of blades in shaving contact with the skin, the non-cutting blade or pair of blades are not in contact with the skin, but nevertheless, due to the movable coupling structure between the razor head and the handle or hand grip, can be still used to perform shaving of an area of skin in two opposite directions without lifting the razor head or cartridge from the skin.
Thus, in accordance with this aspect of my invention, there is provided a bi-directional razor head with blades in distinctly .li~erenl working planes but capable of operating in a single effective plane. This razor head minimally comprises: a single elongated razor head; a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion located in a first working plane and extending in a first direction; a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened 6 blade edge portion that is located in a second working plane distinct from, facing away from, and angled relative the first working plan~ so that the working planes intersect one another at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 100 degrees; and coupling means supported by the head for enabling the head to be pivotally engaged by a handle for movement through a range of angles sul,sl~nlially matching the angle 10 between the planes. With this structure, when the ræor head is moved back and forth across and in continuous contact with the a user's skin, the first blade edge portion and the second blade edge portion are successively presented in shaving relation to the user's skin, thus accomplishing bi-directional shaving in a single effective working plane. As in the other aspects of the present invention, third and fourth blade strips 15 are preferably provided and are respectively located adjacent and parallel to the first and second blade strips, so that to provide a pair of razor blades in the first and second working plane.
Ad~,anl~es of the na,or~ of the ~. ~se"t Invention. The bi-directional ræors of the present invention are believed to more readily deliver a closer shave than 20 conventional uni-directional dual-blade wet razor systems for a few reasons. First, the bi-directional ræor of the present invention is easier to use than a uni-directional razor, since the handle of the ræor need not be lifted, ~wisted or tilted in order to repeatedly pass the ræor across an area of skin to be shaved. Second, the bi-directional razor easily cuts hair in two different directions. As is well-known, an area of skin is shaved 25 closer when a ræor is passed across the skin in two opposite directions. Third, in those embodiments of the present invention where the razor blades in opposed directions both bear upon the skin simultaneously, the non-cutting blades scrape- against the skin, which assists in providing a closer shave.
In the "one working plane" embodiments of my bi-directional razors, as the 30 forward-moving set of blades cuts hair, the trailing set of blades typically is dragged across the skin. This dragging action may help stretch the skin and thereby facilitate a closer shave by the active blades. Further, the scraping of the skin by the hard sharp edges of the non-cutting blades should loosen dry skin, debris and may also help individual strands or stubhles of hair to stand up further, so they can be cut more WO 96/07515 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030' closely on the return stroke by those same blades. This scraping action should also have the beneficial effect of helping to spread out more u~irurlllly whatever thin layer of lubricating material remains on or is deposited upon the skin being shaved after the active blades pass over it. The lubricant may shaving soap lather, shaving cream, or 5 the lubricant from a slowly-dissolving conve"lional lubricant strip also provided on the ræor that is left on the skin.
The bi-directional razor systems and structures of the preser,l invention contain twice as many blade edges as does a conventional uni-directional ræor. With advances in razor blade metallurgy, manufacture and/or surface protection, blade10 edges in most present day dual-blade razors corrode more slowly than blades of yesteryear. So, razor blades in daily use tend to dull from use rather than corrosion.
By providing twice as many blade edges as are found in a conventional razor head, my bi-directional ræor heads may well last almost twice as long, since each blade is essentially doing one-half the cutting of the blades in a uni-directional ræor.
Another advantage of my bi-directional razors is that they can each can be held and used in the exact same manner as a uni-directional razor if desired. For example, this is simply accomplished by lifting the engaged ræor blades off of the skin on the return stroke if and when it is desired to do this for any reason. Thus, the new user of my bi-directional razor is not forced to immediately use a back-and-forth motion 20 where the razor head is kept on the skin when shaving in order to begin to make use of my razor devices. Instead, the user can proceed to do so as he or she begins to feel comfortable with the bi-directional shaving technique.
The various constructions of my bi-directional ræor blade heads described below are believed to be particularly economical to manufacture. In developing my 25 designs, I considered it important to have all of the blades for the razor be mounted in a single head. This reduces the overall size of the bi-directional ræor, thus making it easier to handle and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. Further, in my designs, I aller"pled to reduce the number of overall components required, especially the number of pieces that would need to be separately made and/or separately 30 handled during assembly. Also, I wanted to create structures and components which are easy to make and assemble using aulomalic equipment in order to achieve verylow unit costs per ræor. As a result, the individual components can be made using conventional materials and machinery, and the ræor heads can be assembled using ~ Wo 96107515 ~ 2 ~ 1 2 9 PCTIUS94/10307 well-known techniques, such as stamping plas~ic parts together so that they interlock by virtue of using cold-headed plastic pins.
Another advantage present in my desiyl Is is that, in many of the embodiments of the bi-directional razor of the ~r~senl invention, the centrally located glide or 5 lu6ricanl strip located between the two pairs of blade strips, does double duty. The glide area or strip is in use no matter which pair of blades is doing the cutting of hair.
Further, the top surface of this common strip (~ven when curved such as in my later embodiments) is substantially within and forms part of the structure that defines the working plane (or planes) for the first and second set of blade edges.
For purposes of illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, the accompanying figures, in the interest of clarity, at times exaggerate the size, spacing, clearances and/or relative sizes of or between certain parts of the ræor head structures and/or their associated handles. But as noted above, my bi-directional razor heads can readily be used in place of commercially available, uni-directional 15 razor heads. A preferred range of sizes and a typical size for each of the various embodiments of my bi-directional razor heads are given the table near the end of this specification. This table shows that the various embodiments of my invention can be easily constructed in sizes that are quite accep~able to razor users for the shaving of the face and legs. Further, I have designed a number of my embodiments, especially 20 the ninth, tenth and fourteenth embocJi"lellls, so that overall profile of the razor head is quite narrow. I did this so that, even in the tight quarters of a person's face where the contours are rapidly changing, bi-directional shaving can still be readily accomplished.
Other object-c, features, operating principles, and advantages of the bi-25 directional ræors and methods of the present invention will become apparent upon studying the various Figures in the drawings and reading the following detailed description and subjoined claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figures 1 through 7 illustrate a first embodiment of a disposable bi-- 30 directional razor of the present invention, and showing a preferred geometry for the two pairs of blade strips arranged in generally opposite directions:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ~i~pos~l-lQ razor;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 razor with a cover arranged next to the head of the razor;

WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94/1030--Figure 3 is a side elevational view, schematically showing the Figure 1 razor engaging the user's skin and ready to move either upwardly or downwardly for shaving;
Figure 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view, showing the Figure 1 ræor head 5 and blades in cross-section;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the face of the razor head shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an elevational view of the razor illustrated in Figure 2, with its cover, shown in cross-section, frictionally attached over the head; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the removable cover shown in Figure 2.
Figures 8 through 12 illustrate a secG"~I enlL.Gdir"E~"I of the bi-directional razor head of the present invention, which may be used with the handle of the first embodiment, and which has blade blocks assembled into a blade deck structure where:
Figure 8 is a perspective view in transverse cross-section to illustrate the general shape and relationship of the deck structure or blade blocks;
Figure 9 is a plan view of the top of the assembled ræor head showing two opposed sets of parallel blade strips whose end portions are covered with end caps placed on opposite ends of the ræor head;
Figure 10 is a side view of the Figure 9 head in partial cross-section taken along line 10-10 in Figure 9, which shows the skin-smoothing leading edge or guard portion of the razor's deck;
Figure 11 is a partial cross-section view of the Figure 9 razor showirlg the part of the handle and the guard portions located on each side of the razor deck; andFigures 12 is a perspective view of one of the snap-on end caps shown in Figure 9.
Figuresl3through17illustrateathirde"~LG.l;,~elnofthebi-directionalrazor head of the present invention having a perforated deck and snap-on cover, where:Figure 13 is a plan view of the top of the razor head, which has a snap-on top structure with integral end caps that fit over the ræor blade deck structure holding two opposed sets of razor blade strips;
Figure 14 is a side view of the Figure 13 head shown in partial cross-section taken along line 14-14 in Figure 13, which illustrates passages through the head;

WO 96107515 ~ 9 PCT/US94110307 Figure 15 is a partial cross-section view of the Figure 13 razor taken along line 15-15 showing the part of the handie and some of the p~-ss~ges through the head and handle; and Figures 16 and 17 are side and top views respectively of the snap-on cap 5 shown in Figures 13 and 14.
Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the bi-directional razor of the present invention which illustrates a ~ rer,~d geometry for blade strips on a disposable razor blade cartridge that has a sliding track for removably attaching it to the handle where:
Figure 18 is a side, elevational view of the bi-directional cartridge secured upon a razor handle using a sliding track arrangement; and Figure 19 is a perspective view of a bi-directional cartridge razor of Figure 18.
Figures 20 through 22 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, which is a modific~tion of the fourth embodiment that has the 15 same sliding track for removably attaching the disposable razor blade cartridge, but features a modified cartridge head with rippled leading guard bars, end ridges, an optional center lubricant strip, and slightly raised rear razor strips, where:
Figure 20 is a front, elevational view of a razor of the type shown in Figures 18 and 19, but showing the modified end portions of the head raised to provide at each 20 end a skin-deflecting ridge which keeps the skin away from the sharpened corners of the blade strips;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the Figure 20 razor with the cartridge dis~ssembled from the handle, and showing the cartridge in partial cross-section taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 with the razor strips embedded within the head, and 25 terminating at one of the raised ridges; and Figure 22 is an enlarged end cross-sectional view clearly illustrating the working plane formed by the four blade strips and showing the relationships between the blade - strips and leading edge guards.
Figures 23 through 34 illustrate a sixth e.~lLo-Ji,"t:"l of the bi-directional razor 30 of the present invention, which has a removable cartridge head structure with an assembled blade strip structure, the head structure being pivotally mounted upon the upper end portion of the handle, and where:

WO 96/07515 PCTrUS94/103 Figure 23 iS a perspective view of the sixth embodiment, showing the two manually operated buttons on the handle which are pressed inwardly to release the cartridge head from the handle of the razor;
Figure 24 iS a partially e~plc~ed cnlarged cross-sectional end view of the cartridge ræor structure taken along line 24-24 of Figure 23, which shows the box-like deck, the W-shaped blade seat, the two sets of blades, and the Y-shaped cover interlock block;
Figure 25 iS a cross-sectional view of the Figure 24 cartridge fully assembled;
Figure 26 iS an enlarged plan view of the top of the Figure 23 cartridge head 10 with the two end caps assembled thereon, and with the head partially broken away in the center in layers to show selected details of the internal structure;
Figure 27 iS a view of the top of the cartridge deck as viewed from line 27-27 of Figure 24 showing its construction, and also showing on the right-hand side thereof and an end cap ready to be inserted thereon;
Figure 28 iS a view of the blade seat structure as viewed from the direction of line 28-28 in Figure 24;
Figure 29 iS a side-elevational view, mostly in cross-section, depicting the internal spring-loaded mechanism within the upper end of the handle shown in Figure 23; and Figure 30 iS a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of Figure 29, showingthe return-to-center plastic leaf springs of the handle and central prong and cam surfaces located in the center of the razor cartridge;
Figure 31 is a view like Figure 30, but with the cartridge structure pivoted about 15 degrees counter-clockwise from its center position;
Figure 32 iS a view like Figure 30, but with the cartridge structure pivoted fully counter-clockwise (about 35 degrees) and engaging a mechanical stop;
Figure 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pivot pin structure for use in the Figure 29 cartridge-handle connection arrangement; and Figure 34 is a view like Figure 33, but with the cartridge rotated fully counter-30 clockwise relative to the handle, as in Figure 32.
Figures 35 and 36 illustrate a s~.r~.,ll, embodiment of the disposable bi-directional razor of the present invention, whose head is formed from two main pieces and which uses two sets of angled razor blade strips and horizontal locking assembly pins, where:

~ wo g6,075l5 ~ ~ ~ g ~ ~ ~ 9 PCT/US94/10307 Figure 35 is a cross-sectional end view of the head of the razor of the seventh embodiment showing the horizontal assembly pins locking the upper and lower headpieces together, and the s~ hie clip for handle whose upper end is in the form of a yoke for engaging the ends of the head for a pivoting connection between handle and head;
Figure 36 is a fragmentary plan view of the top of the razor head, showing the open passages through the head and showing the locdlion of the assembly pins which lock the blades in position.
Figures 37 through 39 illustrate an eighth e,)lL.ocli"~e.,l of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, similar to the seventh in head construction in its use of angled razor blade strips, but whose head has a smaller width-to-length ratio than the seventh embodiments, due to a more compact head construction, where:
Figure 37 is a perspective view of the razor showing the head connected to a long handle whose upper end is in the form of a yoke for engaging the ends of the head for a pivoting connection between handle and head;
Figure 38 is a plan view of the top of ths razor head, showing the passages through the head and the location of assembly pins which lock the blades in position;
and Figure 39 is a transverse cross-sectional ~/iew, taken along line 39-39 of Figure 38, showing the internal construction of the head, including the generally hollow cartridge base with its integral pedestals for supporting the blade strip and spacers, blade seat which are secured by transverse pins into portion.
Figures 40 through 42 illustrate a ninth embodiment of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, which has a molded flexible razor head, a user-operable return-to-center bias force adjustment mechani3.l" and a detachable handle coupling mechanism which permits head swivels about a center line A outside and above thehead through the use of large-radius, shell bearing members, where:
- Figure 40 shows a side-elevational view in partial cross-section of the razor head and upper portion of the razor handle of the ninth embodiment;
Figure 41 is a simplified end cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of Figure 40, showing the shell bearing tab and comple",enlary track in which it isengaged; and Wo 96/07515 ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030--Figure 42 is a fragmentary side elevational view in partial cross-section of theshell bearing member and the complementary journal which receives same extendingdownwardly from the main portion of the razor head;
Figures 43 through 44 illustrate a tenth emLod;.~.enl of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, which is a mof~ific~tion of the ninth embodiment in that its head has two working planes, each plane being defined by its leading guard bar and a back glide surface, with the two planes being on a slight angle with respect to one another, where so that they face slightly away from one another:
Figure 42 is a view of the tenth embodiment, like the Figure 41 view, but with the razor head rotated about 15 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction about center line A; and Figure 43 is a side cross-sectional view as in Figure 41, but with the razor head rotated counter-clockwise further than in Figure 42 and reaching a positive stop.
Figures 45 through 47 illustrate the ~rinc;ples of G~ el t-lion of permanent andtemporary adjustments to the return-to-center bias spring force applicable to the ninth, tenth and other embodiments, where:
Figure 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D illustrate in cross-section four possible slopes for the return-to-center cam surface of the ninth and tenth embodiments;
Figure 46 is a graph of the return-to-center bias spring force as a function of angle of rotation of the head relative to the handle in one direction from the center position; and Figure 47 is a graph showing the distance of downward travel of the cam member (displacement distance) as a function of angle of head rotation relative to the at-rest center position for the cam surfaces of Figures 45B and 45D.
Figures 48 through ~1 illustrate an ele,lenth embodiment of the bi-directional razor head of the present invention, which features razor strips which are individually movable and spring-loaded within the head, where:
Figure 48 shows an end cross-sectional view taken across the width of the bi-directional head, showing its internal construction and the upper end of the attached handle;
Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view as in Figure 48, but with three of the four razor strips being pushed downwardly within the head by the user's skin;

WO 96/07515 ~ 9 PCT/US94/10307 Figure 50 is a simplified cross-sectional view taken along the length of the head of the eleventh embodiment, showing one angled razor blade strip biased to its full up position by four plastic springs i"Ley,~lly formed in the blade deck; and Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view as in Figure 50, but showing the razor blade5 strip pushed downwardly against the four springs by passing skin (not shown).
FTgures ~2 through 54 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, which utilizes only two opposed angled razor blade strips in a head having a ve~y thin width, and a shell bearing arrangement to provide for pivoting action of the head, where:
Figure 52 is a perspective view of the twelfth embodiment;
Figure 53 is an end cross-sectional view taken along line 53-53 of Figure 52 and showing the simple internal construction of the blade deck and snap-on cover, with individually sprung blade strips; and Figure 54 is an end cross-sectional view taken along line 54-54 of Figure 52 15 showing a typical area of the interior of the twelfth embodiment which is largely open.
Figures 55 and 56 illustrate a tl,i,leenll, e"~l,o-~ir,-e,-l of the bi-directional razor system of the present invention which features two sets of horizontal blade strips located within a single head structure that is pivotally mounted to a handle connected to its bottom and is c~p~l-le of bi-directional operaliol- since the head rotates during 20 use so that the two opposed sets of blades can be used without lifting the razor from the skin, and where:
Figure 55 is a side cross-sectional view of the thirteenth embodiment showing a horizontal blade deck with vertical assembly pins formed into the cap; and Figure 56 shows two bi-directional razors of the thirteenth embodiment, 25 respectively being moved generally upwardly to the upper ieft and generally downwardly to the lower right direction along the skin during shaving.
Figures 57 and 58 illustrate a fou,lee.Oll, embodiment of the bi-directional - razor of the present invention, which is a modific~tion of the thirteenth embodiment but featuring a smaller length-to-width ratio for the head structure, and diagonally-oriented 30 assembly pins, and an outboard pivot pin arrangement, and where:
Figure 57 is a perspective view of the bi-directional razor with its curved headstructure supported by the upper portion of the handle using an outside pivot mount;
and W O96/07515 PCTrUS94/1030 Figure 58 is an end elevational view in cross-section showing the internal construction of the Figure 57 bi-directional razor head.
Figure 59 illu:jl,ales a Sirlee"lll embodiment of the bi-directional razor of the present invention, which operates like the two previous embodiments, and features a simplified internal construction utilizing a single set of vertical assembly pins located along the longitudinal axis of the razor head, and two dfflerent sizes of flat double-edged razor blades.
Figures 60 through 65 illustrate a siAlee,.ll, e"ll,o~lin.enl of my bi-directional razor featuring a pivot connection between the handle and featuring two sets of angled 10 blade strips arranged for bi-directional operation in a single-effective working plane, where:
Figure 60iS a simplified end view of the bi-directional head showing the location of the two sets of blade strips;
Figure 61iS a slightly enlarged cross-sectional view showing the box-like deck 15 structure of the head, and blade seat structure captive within the deck;
Figure 62 is a plan view in partial cross-section of the deck structure;
Figure 63iS a plan view, in partial cross-section, of the blade seat structure; and Figures 64 and 65 are cross-sectional views of two meltable assembly pins used to lock the bi-directional blade assembly together in the fifteenth embodiment, 20 with the pin in Figure 64 being before melt and the pin in Figure 65 being after melt.
Figures 66 and 67 illustrate a se~enlee"ll- embodiment of a bi-directional razor system of the present invention, which is like the sixteenth embodiment, but has a sliding channel arrangement for the pivot pin coupling the upper portion of the handle to the head, and where:
Figure 66 shows pivot pin in the center of the sliding channel; and Figure 67 illustrates the pivot pin at one end of the sliding channel with the handle rotated to a clockwise mechanical stop, and in phantom illustrates the pivot pin at the other end of the sliding channel with the handle rotated to a counterclockwise stop.
Figure 68 illu~ les an ei~l~lee,ltl, ~ LGdi,,,enl of the bi-directional razor ofthe present invention, which is a modification of the seventeenth embodiment that has a curved sliding channel for receiving a pivot pin from the handle, where the razor is shown three times and to respectively illustrate the razor along a stretch of skin shaving upwardly, in transition between shaving positions, and shaving downwardly.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ WO 96/07515 - 2 ~ 9 PCT/US94110:}07 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Numerous bi-directional razors and razor head structures are shown in the Figures and diccussed herein. While these embodiments are plesenLly preferred, they are still only exemplary of the various possible bi-dire~lional razors and razor heads of the present invention~ As explained further below, I contemplate that, within the scope of the present invention, variants of the bi-directional raZorS of my invention may readily be constructed based upon my teachings here.
Note that all of my bi-directional razor head structures are symmetrical about their longitudinal axis. Unless otherwise indicated, they are also symmetrical about their central transverse axis. Thus, those in the art should appreciate that thedescriptions herein of one side, end, or section of any given razor head will also serve to describe the other half of said symmetrical structure on the opposite side of the longitudinal a~is or central transverse axis.
Figures 1 though 7 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 illustrates a modific~tion of it. This first embodiment shows my bi-directional ræor in its most elementary form, with all of the sharpened edges of the blades are found in a common plane. Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective, the bi-directional razor 110, while the remaining Figures 2 through 7 show various aspects of the Figure 1 device and its safety cap. The razor 110 is preferably formed of any s~ ~it~hle molded plastic material to provide a head 111 and an in~egral hand grip or handle 112. The hand grip may have an upper end portion 113 which is molded integrally with the head and a lower, angled hand-holding portion 114. Alternatively, the handle may be shaped in a more curved or in a more ~ aiglll configuration.
The head 111 is in the shape of an elongated, narrow strip or bar. It has a substantially flat, exposed shaving face 115. By way of example, the face may beabout 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) to about 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in width and about 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) in length and about 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) in ~ I ,ess. These dimensions may vary considerably, but in general it can be seen that the head has a narrow, generally rectangular shape.
The head is provided with a first pair of razor blades 120 and 121 and an oppositely, angularly extending, second pair of ra~or blades 123 and 124. The blades are each formed of a narrow, single sharpened edge razor blade strip. As best shown in Figure 4, each blade strip has an inner portion 126, which is embedded within the head, and an outer, sharpened edge, portion 127 or 128 which extends outwardly from WO 96/07515 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030--the head for cutting hair. The sharpened edges are arranged so that edges 127 cut in one direction while edges 128 cut in the opposite direction. Thus, when one pair of edges cut, the other pair merely drags or rides upon the skin and guides the edges that cut. As shown schen,alically in the drawings, the blades of each pair are closely adjacent to each other, such as on the order of 1/32 inch (.8 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). The spacings may be varied as desired, however.
Preferably, each of these blades is formed of a conventional, single edge razor blade which may be made of stainless steel strip or sintered metal, such as a hard carbide, or the like conventional razor blade alloy material. These blades may be 10 embedded in the head of the razor during the molding of the razor head. Alternatively, they may be separately formed and inserted in slots or sockets provided in a molded head or a head made from assembled pieces for the purpose of receiving the blades.
The blades may be fastened in their sockets by the molding of plastic around them, or adhesively, or by some suit~hle mechanical fas~ening means such as cold-headed 15 plastic pins. The blades extend along almost of the entire length of the head.
Significantly, the two opposing pairs of blades are close to each other, and extend outwardly at an acute angle relative to the working plane or face 115 of the head of the razor. This acute angle may be any suitable value, such as in the range of about five degrees to about 40 degrees, with angles in the range of 15 to 35 degrees being 20 presently preferred.
In use, as illustrated in Figure 3, the razor is applied against the user's skin 132 (shown schematically) and is moved back-and-forth. By way of example, when the razor is moved upwardly, as schematically shown in Figure 3, the sharp edges 127 of the one pair of blades 120 and 121 engage the skin and cut the hair in the upward 25 direction. Then, the user may move the handle downwardly so that the sharp edges 128 of the second pair of razor blades 123 and 124 cut the hair without lifting the ræor head away from the skin.
The razor may be used in almost any direction when shaving legs or the sides of faces, etc. The terms upwardly and downwardly are used here to describe the bi-30 directional operation wherein the razor may be stroked in one direction and then reversed to stroke in the opposite direction.
Preferably, the razor 110 is provided with a removable cover or cap 135 as illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 7. This cover is formed of a molded plastic in a trough shape having opposing sidewalls 136, end walls 137 and a base 138. It may also have WO96/07S15 '-- 2 ~ 9 PCT/US94110307 an edge iip 139 for stiffening it, if desired. The cover 135 snugly fits over the head 111 of the ræor and is attached by friction. The cover is dimensioned so that it may be manually pushed over the head and will remain in place due to friction, until manually pulled off of the head.
The precise shape of the cap 135 may vary, depending upon the shape and size of the head. Thus, the cover is schematically illustrated as being shaped to fit over the blades and engage the sides of the head. The cover rnay be formed of a transparent plastic material. An appropriately shaped cover may be used over theblades and head in the other embodiments which follow as well.
Figure 8 illustrates a modified razor head 140 which is similar to head 111 shown in Figures 1-6. However, the face 141 of the head is provided with a pair of razor blade cartridges 142 and 143 each having a pair of blades 144 and 145. Theshapes of the cartridges can be varied as desired. The cartridges may be suitably fastened in any way upon the head. For example, they may be arranged within a depression closely formed in the head and held therein by friction. In all cases their outer surfaces preferably are appl oxir"dLely in the same plane, so that the blade edges will be in the same plane.
Although two pairs of blades are preferred in each of the razors 110 and 140, the razors may be formed with either two single blades or with two triple sets of blades.
The construction and operation will otherwise be similar to that described above.
Since the bi-directional razors 110 and 140 are quite inexpensive to make, l consider them completely disposable, handle and all.
Figures 9 through 12 illustrate a secG,~ ~n~Lcjcl;."t" .l of my invention, namely bi-directional razor 150. Razor 150 is an enhanced version of the razor device shown in Figures 1 through 8, particularly the Figure 8 ~evice.
The bi-directional razor 150 includes a razor head 151 and an integral handle 152. The razor head 151 is comprised of: a blade deck structure 160; two end cap members 161 and 162; and razor blade cartridges 142 and 143, which respectively each support a pair of razor blade strips 144 and 145. The two cartridge blocks 142 and 143 are bonded or otherwise secured to internal flat surfaces 146 and 147 of the structure 160. They may be designed to be manually removable by a user, so that new blocks with sharp blades can replace those that have dulled. In the deck structure 160, three rows of passages 165,166 and 167 are provided for liquids and debris to pass through the deck structure 160, as best shown in Figure 11. The row Wo 96/07515 -- ~ ~ 9 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/1030 of holes 165 provide a place for soap or shaving cream lather and cut stubble to exit after being scraped up or cut off the skin's surface by the forwardmost blade strip 144F. Similarly, the row of through holes 167 provide a debris passage for front blade strip 145F. The centrally located holes 166 provide a path for flushing any shaving 5 debris that accumulates in the center of razor head 151.
End caps 161 and 162 are preferably molded plastic parts, and have smooth planar top surfaces. These surfaces slide across the skin and 171 and 172 are only slightly higher in elevation than the skin-engaging front guard bar portions 174 and 175. As shown in Figures 10,11 and 12, each end cap has a recess or open chamber166 for receiving the ends of the blade strips 44 and 45, as illustrated in Figure 10.
The top wall portion above the recess in each end cap acts as a shield to ensure that the user of the razor is not nicked by the end corners of the blade strips.
The end caps, such as cap 161, best shown in Figure 12, preferably include elongated integrally molded projections, such as studs 173 through 177, which respectively slide into corresponding apertures in the razor deck 160, to interlock the end caps onto the deck. For example, studs 176 and 177 slide into and frictionally engage holes 166 and 167 which are of a complementary width. Similarly, cylindrical projecting studs 173 engage holes 163 in the deck 160, and ensure proper vertical registration of the end cap with the deck.
The front guard bars 174 and 175 preferably have their outwardly facing rounded edges 184 and 185 longitudinally scored or scalloped, as can best be seen in Figure 11. This forms elongated nibs to better engage and stretch the skin just prior to hair being shaved therefrom by the adjacent ræor blades.
In Figures 10 and 11, for the sake of clarity, the relative spacing in the horizontal and vertical dimension, especially between the topmost edge of guard bars 174 and 175, the sharpened edges of the razor blades 144 and 145, and the clearance shown between the blade edges and the inner top surface 179 of the top wall section of end cap 171, has been exaggerated. In practice, the vertical distances between these points of reference just mentioned would be in the range of about .001 inch (.025mm) to about .1 inch (.25mm). Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the upper surface of guard bars 174 and 175, the sharpened edges of blades 144 and 145 and the top surfaces 171 and 172 of end cap 161 and 162 generally fall within and define a common working plane of the razor 150. The sharpened edges of the blades are all located within this working plane. The guard bar's top surfaces of the end caps, ~IWO 96107S15 ~ 9 Q ~ ~ ~ 9 PCT/US94/10307 and the trailing pair of blades all are dragged across and lay in the same plane on the skin, thus helping keep the forward blades at their desired angle relative to the skin.
The trailing blades and guard bar also help condition the skin for a return stroke in ~he opposite direction, in the manner described in the Summary Section above.
Figures 13 through 17 illustrate a third embodiment of my invention, namely bi-directional ræor 180. Razor 180 is quite similar to razor 150, and includes a deck structure 181 and ræor strip carrying blocks 1~2 and 143. But it is provided with a one-piece snap-on cover structure 182, in place of separate end caps 161 and 162.
The deck structure 181 of the razor 180 is modified somewhat, in comparison to deck structure 161, in order to receive and hold the snap-on cover 182. Figures 16 and 17 show the cover 182 by itself from a side elevational view and plan top view respectively.
Figures 15 through 17 show that the generally-open rectangular cover 182 has two side portions 184 and 185 spaced from one another by two end portions 191 and 1~ 192. The side portions 184 and 185 respectively have elongated side walls with tapered bottom portions provided with internal ~ongue portions 186 and 187 whichengage complementary mating grooves 188 and 189 on the side walls of the modified deck 181, as best shown in Figure 15. The upper wall portions 193 and 194 of endportions 191 and 192 create recessed pockets 195 and 196, that hide and shield the blade ends, so they cannot scratch the user of the razor. Any conventional or suitable plastic materials may be used to injection-mold the deck structure 181 and cover 182.
Figures 18 and 19 show my fourth embodiment, which is a simple bi-directional cartridge razor 200. Razor 200 includes a repl^,ce~bl~ cartridge 201 as its razor head, and a re-usable handle 202, upon which head 201 is mounted through asuitable rigid coupling means or connector arrangement, such as a frictionally-engaged sliding track mechanism 203. Cartridge 201 includes a generally flat face 205 and two pairs of blades 120, 121 and 123, 124, with the sharpened edges 127 and 128 of the respective pairs of blades pointing away from each other. All of the sharpened blade edges are arranged in a common working plane, as best shown in Figure 18.
- 30 Coupling mechanism 203 includes a C-shaped carriage member 204 supported by the upper end of handle 202, and comrle."e"lary track members 206, mounted in and extending out from the bottom of head 201. Carriage 204 is slidably engaged on the inner surfaces of track members 206. Frictional forces hold carriage 204 in place on tracks 206. A deliberate sideways force must be applied by the user pushing the c a~
WO 96/07515 ~ ~ ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/103 handle and head in opposite directions to disengage the carriage from the track, in order to change cartridge 201.
Figures 20 throu3h æ show my fifth ~ Ji..-e~l~, which is a second bi-directional cartridge razor 210. Razor 210 includes repl?ce~hle cartridge 211 and handle 212, and coupling mechanism 213 between the head and handle. Connecting mechanism 213 is very similar in style to mechanism 203, but features a carriagemember 214 supported by the upper end of handle 202 that slidably envelops and frictionally engages the outer surfaces of a C-shaped track member 216. As noted by the hatching in Figure 22, track 216 may be made of plastic material. The carriage 215 may also be made out of plastic material. The track and the carriage, if separately made, may be secured to the bottom of head 211 and the top of handle 212 respectively by any known technique, including mechanical interlocking or fasteners, adhesives, sonic welding, thermal bonding, etc.
Razors 200 and 210, like in previous embodiments, have their blades arranged at an acute angle relative to the face of their cartridge. The blades can be molded within the deck structure, fastened into slots in the deck, or be part of an assembled deck. As indicated by dashed lines in Figure 22, rows of passages 217 and 218 toallow liquids and shaving debris may be provided through the razor heads 201 and211 adjacent to the razor blade strips as desired. Each cartridge can be removably connected to the handle by any suitable mecl~anical connecting means which enables the user to release one cartridge and replace it with another similar cartridge whenever desired. Coupling mechanism 203 for razor 200 can be made of out of any suitablematerial, such as cadmium or nickel-coated, hot-rolled thin steel sheet stamped or pressed into the desired shape prior to being fastened to the handle and head. The coupling or connector arrangement can take the form a socket and plug that are detachable from one another. Various other types of s~ ~it~ble or conventional mechanical fastening systems or devices can be used to removably connect the cartridge to the handle, in either a stationary or a pivoting relationship. In my embodiments which follow, a number of them are shown and discusse~
In razor 210, the blade edges 127 and 128 of the blade strips 120 through 124 in the cartridge head 211 are guarded so as to reduce the chance of accidentallyscratching the user's skin during shaving. This guarding is provided by scalloped front guard bars 225 and æ6, which respectively contact the skin just prior to blade edges 127 or 128 passing over the skin when "active", that is, when in their hair-cutting ~ Wo 96/07515 - 2 ~ 9 Q ~ ~ ~ PCT/US94/10307 orientation relative to the skin. The guarding also includes skin-engaging raised end portions Z7 and 228, which abut the corners of the blades and rise slightly above the blade edges. In a fashion similar to the second and third embodiments, the uppersurfaces of the raised end portions, and the uppermost parts of the guard bars preferably fall sulJslanlially within and help define a common working plane which includes the sharpened blade edges.
In Figures 20 and Z1, the phantom lines show a preferred central location between the two pairs of adlacent blades 227R and 228R for an optional, generally rectangular, thin, elongated glide strip 230. This strip 230 is shown in solid lines in 1 0 Figure 22, and may have a water-soluble, lubricant agent or other shaving aid slowly released from its upper surface during shaving. Alternately, strip 230 may be integrally formed out of a plastic material, such as the lel"ai"der of the head 2~ is, and be provided with a smooth finish on its top surface to enhance skin-gliding action. Width W of the preferably planar surface of glide strip 230 may be ~djusted as desired, and 1 5 need not occupy the entire width between adjacent blades.
Figure 22 shows an enlarged end view in cross-section of the head 211, which has the sharpened edges of the inner and outer blades substantially in the same common working plane, but not exactly in the same plane, as will now be explained.
The blade edges in this fifth embodiment are arranged, in a stepped fashion which can produce an enhanced cutting action for each blade, provided proper blade angles,elevations and spacings are used. The pairs of horizontal lines 231 through 234 in Figure Z represent planes 231 through 234, which are parallel to one another and to the plane of face 215 and are located at successively higher elevations above face 216. Plane 231 is defined by uppermost surface portions 235 and 236 of guard bars 225 and 226. Sharpened blade edges 227F and 228F define plane 232. Sharpened blade edges 227R and 228F define plane 233. Lastly, plane 234 is defined by the top surface of glide strip 230, as shown by phantom line 235 on Figure 22. The spacing - between adjacent planes 231 through 234 is preferably in the range of .0005 inch (.013 mm) to about .002 inch (.05 mm). As those in the art should appreciate, the farther the - 30 sharpened edge of a blade projects above the plane of the skin-engaging surface which precedes it, the more that blade edge will tend to engage the user's skin. The precise amount of skin engagement due to increased elevation (sometimes called the "exposure" of the blade) is a function of, among other things, (1) the angle of the blade relative to the working plane of the razor head for that blade (sometimes called the WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94110307~

"blade tangent angle"), and (2) the distance between the cutting edge of the blade and the skin engaging surface forward of that cutting edge (sometimes called the "span").
The optimum angles for, the spacing or span of, and the elevation for pairs of blades relative to a working plane defined by surrounding skin-engaging surfaces on a uni-directional razor head is well known. U.S. Patent 4,407,067 to Trotta, assigned to the Gillette Company, and other patents ~iscuss this subject in detail. Due to the extensive information provided herein about my bi-directional razors, those skilled in the art should be able to readily employ such known information with my bi-directional razors, particularly when armed when with the following insights. There are two 1 0 separate zones where my razor blades are active, one for each direction of shaving.
One such zone is found on each side of the longitudinal axis of each of my bi-directional razor heads. The blades (or blade) in each zone can be set up and adjusted as though they were (or it was) on a uni-directional razor head, once the working plane for those active razor blades (or blade) is esPh'ished by selection of the 1 5 size and location of the other non-cutting surfaces of the head that are to contact the skin while the blades (or blade) of that zone are active.
As illustrated in the Figure 22 embodiment, the rear blades in my bi-directionalrazors can be slightly elevated, if desired, relative to their front blades for enhanced cutting action. Figure 22, the sharpened edges 227R and 228R of rear blade strips 121 and 123 are shown slightly elevated relative to sharpened edges 227F and 228F offront blades 1 20 and 124. Further, the blade tangent angles AF and AR for the front and rear blades respectively may be varied. Further, the span SF, which is the distance between the guard bar and the front blade and the span SR, which is distance between the front blade and rear blade, all as shown in Figure 22, may be 26 varied.
A centrally located glide strip or surface can be used with (or omitted from) virtually any of my bi-directional razors, as desired. When used, it constitutes a rear skin-engaging surface that helps define the working plane for the active blades. The simplest way to use a glide strip in my bi-directional razors, is to have the top surface 233 of the glide strip 230 in plane 231, that is, at an elevation on the head equal to the elevation of the uppermost surfaces 235 and 236 of the guard bars 225 and 226. If rear razor blades 121 and 1 23 have too much cutting action with the rear glide surface or strip 230 at such an elevation, then the top surface 235 of glide strip 230 should be raised, to either the level of plane 231 or plane 232 or somewhere in between. This WO 96/07515 ~ g PCT/US94/10307 will cause the skin being shaved to bear with less force upon the sharpened edge of the rear blades. If the top surface of glide strip 233 is raised sufficiently, it will introduce a shallow acute angle between the face of the razor head and the working plane of each pair of biades. The "working plane" of a razor blade or pair of blades 5 may be defined as that plane generally formed and defined by all of the surfaces on the razor head which engage the skin when that blade or pair of blades is active, i.e., in a hair-shaving orientation relative to the skin. The working plane determines the angle at which the active blade or blades are presented to a suL,sldl llially flat area of skin to be shaved. The surfaces or the razor head which su~ anlially define the 10 working plane include the forward guard bar surface in front of the active blade(s) if any, the rear glide surface behind the active blade(s) if any, the trailing blades (if they are in fact in contact with and dragging across the skin), and the raised surfaces at the ends of the blade strips (if any) which shield the user's skin from being nicked by the corners of the blades.
Those in the art should appreciate from the foregoing ~liscussion, that bi-directional shaving with the elongated, compact, single-head razors of my invention, can be accomplished when the blades are in precisely the same plane as shown in my first four embodiments, or when in substantially the same plane as taught in my fifth embodiment. Further, the precise elevation of the rear glide surface, and the blade 20 tangent angle for each blade, and the elevation, spacing and positioning of the individual blades and of other skin-engaging surfaces of the razor head can all influence the cutting action and performance of the active blade or blades in all of my bi-directional razors. Armed with the foregoing insights into the operation of my bi-directional razors, those skilled in the art will be able to vary these blade-action 25 performance parameters (as just mentioned and as ~isc~csed above in connection with this fifth embodiment) in all of my other embodiments as well, to achieve a desired degree of blade engagement with the skin and excellent shaving action in both directions of head travel.
Figures 23 through 34 illustrate a sixth embodiment of my invention, namely 30 bi-directional razor 240, which includes a pivoting razor 240 that is a replaceable assembled cartridge structure that uses flat razor blade strips and a pivotal mount.
Razor 240 includes a cartridge head 241 which is mounted on handle 242 through areleasable pivoting connector mechanism 243. Finger-operated buttons 244, iocated at the upper end 246 of handle 242, are squeezed inwardly to release cartridge 241 WO 96/07515 ~ PCTrUS94/10307 0 from its pivot mount. Razor 240 has a generally flat face 245 defined in part by the molded plastic end covers 247 and 248 which shield the blade ends, and the central glide surface 249.
Figure 24 shows the main cartridge structure 246 in an end cross-sectional view taken along lines 24-24 of Figure 23. Figure 25 shows the same structure 246 in an assembled state, with the end cover 247 attachsd, from an end view taken along lines 25-25. Figure 25 reveals more about the internal support structure and shaving debris p~gs~ges. The blade-carrying cartridge structure 246 includes: base structure 251 resembling a ship's hull; a blade-supporting deck structure 252; a blade-retaining Y-10 shaped cover structure 253; two pairs of diagonally-oriented, elongated flat blade strips 254 and 255; diagonally-oriented blade-interlock pins 256 and 257; elongated blade spacers 258 and 259 made of mica or any other s~it~ material; and a centrally-located glide strip 260 secured to the top of cover block 253 by adhesive layer 261.
Figures 24 through 27 and 29 show base structure 251 in greater detail.
15 Figures 24 and 27 reveal that base structure 251 includes elongated side portions 264 and 265 interconnected to end portions 267 and 268. Interior walls of the side and end portions define an interconnected open chamber 262 having an elongated loweropening 265, a middle vertical-wall region 269, a sloping slide wall region 270, and an upper vertical side wall region 271. Further, base structure 251 has elongated 20 scalloped top edge portions 274 and 275 on side wall portions 264 and 265 forming skin-engaging guard bars for razor head 241. Structure 251 also has rows of debris passages 276 and 277 respectively passing through side wall portions 264 and 265, as best shown in Figures 26 and 27. Rectangularly-shaped passages 276 are defined in part by interior vertical support column portions 278 and end wall portions 279 and 2~ 280. Figures 24,25 and 27 show that base structure 251 fully supports complementary exterior surface portions of deck structure 252 at spaced intervals, when structure 252 is inserted in the generally open trough-shaped chamber 262 defined in part by regions 269,270 and 271 of base structure 251.
Blade seat structure 252, best shown in Figures 24,25 and 28, has a cross-30 sectional shape resembling the letter W. Structure 252 iS comprised of diagonally-oriented, elongated upper wall sections 284 and 285, connected to lower seat portions 288 and 289. A lower cam section 286 (shown in phantom is also connected to portions 288 and 289, spaced apart elongated passages 287 are provided therebetween.

WO 9610751S -- ~ 7 ~ PCT/US94/10307 As best shown in Figure 28, blade seat structure 252 includes two rows of cylindrical holes 290 and 291 passing through upper wall sections 284 and 286. The interior diagonal surfaces 292 and 294 of lower portion 288 of structure 252 are at right angles to one another, and cradle and suppor~ blade 254F. Mica blade spacer 2~8 and interior diagonal surfaces 296 and 298 of portion 288 cradle and support blade 254R, as can be seen in Figures 24 and 25. These surfaces 292 and 298, along with spacer block 258, enable the razor blade strips 2s4F and 254R to be moved into position on the blade deck 252, prior to insertion of cold-headed pins 256 through holes 290 and the corresponding registration holes in blades 254 and cover interlock block 253.
As best shown in Figure 24 and as can be understood from study of Figure 28, cover interlock block 253 has a Y-shaped cross-section when viewed from the end.Block 253 preferably includes three lower "registration and lock~ key portions 310 directly opposite top surface 312, which are frictionally press fit under light pressure into complementary holes 287 in deck structure 252. Diagonally oriented surfaces 314 and 315 of block 253 bear against blades 254R and 255R once the interlock block 253 has been pressed into place over the subAsser"~ly consi~li,)g of deck 252, blades 254 and 255, and spacers 258 and 259. The top block 253 holds the blades in place prior to two rows of plastic pins 256 and 257 being pushed through the deck, spacers and blades and pressed into corresponding friction-fit holes 316 and 317 in block 253.
Thereafter, glide strip 260 is bonded by adhesive layer 261 to surface 312 of the cover block to complete a subassembly 320 consisting of assembled deck, spacers, blades, pins, top interlock block and glide strip 260. Subassembly 320 is then inserted, as shown in Figure 25, into deck structure 251 to complete cartridge structure 246.Thereafter, end caps 247 and 248 are added to form the completed cartridge 241.
Figure 26 shows how end caps 247 and 248 cover and shield the ends of the bladesin cartridge assembly 241, and thus prevent the user from being nicked by blade corners. Figure 27 illustrates how the end cover¢, such as cap 247, may be provided with protrusions such as flange 322 and studs 324, that are received by and snugly frictionally engage corresponding complementary surfaces 326 and holes 328 in deck structure 251.
Figures 24, 25 and 29 illustrate one preferred form that the pivoting interconnection arrangement 243 between ca,l,idge 241 and handle 242 may take.
This pivoting mechanism includes two sets of spring forces operating in orthogonal WO 96/07515 - ~ ~ 9 ~ PCT~US94/10307 directions. One set of springs biases the manual release buttons 244 outwardly. The other set of springs provides a return-to-center function for the pivot action.
Mechanism 243 also includes dual-positive stops to prevent accidental over-rotation of cartridge 241 relative to handle 242.
MeCIlal)iSrll 243 has a handle-mounted portion 360 and a cartridge-mounted portion 361. Because handle 202 iS intended to be reused thousands of times, while cartridge 241 iS to be disposed after about twenty or thirty uses, my pivot mechanism is designed with the more expensive components in handle portion 360. As shown in Figure 29, portion 361 on razor cartridge 241 includes the lower cam section 286 and lower portions 288,289 of the blade deck structure 252. Portion 361 also includes sockets 362 and 363 formed in lower blocks 364 and 365 of base structure 251. Asshown by dotted lines 366 and 368, these block sections could readily be larger, but I prefer to reduce them in size as shown in Figure 29 and Figure 33 to save material.
Lower cam section 268 of blade deck structure 252 includes thick wall sections 371 and 372 surrounding parabolically-shaped shoulder which defines cam surface 373 symmetrically positioned about the main transverse plane of cartridge structure in which line 30-30 iS drawn. A similar parabolic cam surface 374 iS provided on the opposite side of cam section 268. Cam surfaces 373 and 374 taper downwardly and inwardly from top to bottom, as shown in Figure 30. The topmost surfaces 377 and378 of the parabolic shoulders (see Figure 30) provide positive stops for leaf-spring plastic fingers 381 and 382 of the portion of mechanism 380 on the handle.
Handle-mounted coupling mechariis", 362 at the top end of handle 242 includes box-like upper handle support frame 384 having a generally hollow substantially closed chamber 385 formed by side wall sections 386 and 387 and lower wall section 389 and front and rear wall sections 411 and 412. Mechanism 362 also includes movable arms 390 and 391 which support pivot pins 390 and 392 at their free ends. The pivot pins move longitudinally outwardly to engage complementary sockets 362 and 363. Mechanism 360 also includes longitudinally-extending guide rods 396and 397 mounted to frame 384. The rods pass through and ensure arms 390 and 391 can move only in a longitudinal direction. Helical springs 398 and 399 co-axially mounted about rods 396 and 397, and shown in their compressed state in Figure 29, provide longitudinal forces that attempt to drive pins 392 and 393 into sockets 362 and 363. Figure 29 shows the arms 390 and 391 in their ~ctu~ted state, with springs 398 and 399 compressed, as they would be when pushed inwardly by the user's fingers WO 96/07515 ~ 2 ~ PCT/US94/10307 bearing against buttons 244, in order to remove cartridge 241 from handle 242 bydecoupling the pivot pins from the sockets. When arms 390 and 391 are in their normal, rels~ced position, the pivot pins will be in their respective sockets, and buttons 244 will be in the positions indicated by dotted lines 401 and 402.
Figure 30 shows key portions of handle-mounted coupling mechanism 360 from an end cross-sectional view. As shown, spring return-to-center spring mechanism 380 is comprised of leaf-spring finger portions 381 and 382 made of semi-rigid bendable plastic material, which extend up from front and back wali portions 411 and 412 of housing structure 384. Point 420 shown in Figures 31 and 32 represents the axis of 1 0 rotation of the pivot pins 392, 393 within their sockets 394, 395.
During operation of pivot connection mechanism 243, arms 390 and 391 are extended outwardly by spring force so that pivot pins 392 and 393 engage sockets 362 and 363 of deck structure 251. The leaf-spring fingers 381 and 382 extending from the handle on a coupling structure 360 engage the parabolic side wall cam surfaces 373 1 5 and 374 normally as shown in Figure 30. The razor 240, when in use, is moved by a user along his or her skin. As a counter-clockwise force, represented by arrows 421 and 422 in Figure 31, is applied to the ca,l,i~ge 251, it begins to rotate about point 420, as shown. Leaf-spring fingers 381 and 382 are pushed outwardly by surfaces 375 and 374, and thus tend to resist rotation and provide a le:,loring force proportional to the displacement of the fingers that tries to return the cartridge 251 to its at-rest center position. If rotational forces 421 and 422 continue to build, eventually the coupling mechanism reaches the point shown in Figure 32. In this position, the top of leaf spring 382 is engaged in the top of arcuate shoulder 378 of cam section 286, thus stopping further rotation.
Figure 33 shows one pre~er,ed internal construction for socket 363 and pivot pin 393, with both socket and pin being shown in their at-rest center position. Socket 363 has a pair of inwardly-projecting stops 423 and 424 on opposite sides of the socket. Pivot pin 393 is provided with a central section 425 and two wedge-shaped wing sections 426 and 427. In use, central section 425 of pivot pin 393 rotates on the - 30 inner surfaces of stops 423 and 424, which constitute opposed arc segments of an inner cylindrical bearing surface, and on the outer opposed arcuate surfaces of wedge sections 426 and 427 which rest on complementary interior cylindrical surface segments of socket 363. If cartridge 251 rotates suri:~ ~nlly far, as illustrated in Figure 34, then radially-aligned surfaces of wedge-shaped sections 426 and 427 engage WO 96107515 ~ ~ g ~ PCT/US94/103070 adjacent radially-aligned surfaces of stop locks 423 and 424. This provides additional balanced positive-stop action which helps to prevent the rotational forces applied to the cartridge 251 by the user of razor 240 from exceeding the yield point of the leaf-spring material or the cor,esponding positive stops of cartridge-to-handle coupling mechanism 243. The coupling mechanism 243 may be constructed of all plastic materials, although rods 396, 397 and springs 398, 399 are preferably a steel alloy resistant to corrosion from exposure to water and all usual shaving aid products.
Those in the art will appreciate that, however, the various assembled structures of and major components of razor 240 may be made from any suit~hle material, and be fastened together in alternate ways.
Figures 35 and 36 illustrate a seventh ~ E~Il of my invention, namely a disposable bi-directional cartridge razor 440. Ræor 440 is comprised of a cartridge head 441, connected to a handle 442 by a simple all-plastic slidable interlock mechanism 443 having an internal carriage molded into head 241 and outer track 1 5 molded onto the top of handle 442. Head 441 has fewer pieces and is narrower in width than razor 240 of the previous embodiment, and still has an essentially flat face 445. Cartridge structure 441 is formed mainly of two pre-molded pieces: a blade seat structure 446, which includes an integral end cap portion 447 and guard bar portion 448; and a cover structure 450 which includes side por~ion 451 and end portion 452.
Cartridge 441 also has two pairs of angled blade strips 454 and 455, a row of head-locking pins 456, blade spacer strips 457 and 458, and an elongated centrally-located glide strip 460.
Blade seat structure 446 includes base portion 462 through which two rows of passages 263 and 264 extend for flushing out cut hair and spent shaving cream.
Structure 446 also includes center wall portion 465 and interior side wall portions 466 and 467 and an exterior side wall portion 468, all integrally formed with base 462.
Rows of horizontal holes 470 having counter-sunk ends 472 extend through wall portions 465-467. Wall portion 451 associated with cover structure 450 also includes transverse horizontal hole portions 474 having countersunk ends 476. All of these holes are for receiving horizontally-disposed cartridge-interlock pins 456, which retain the blades firmly in place and provide additional rigidity to the overall cartridge structure.
The construction of the razor cartridge 441 shown in Figures 35 and 36 begins with pre-molded base structure 446 and cover structure 450. First, angled razor blades _, WO 96/07515 PCT/US94/10307 454 are sandwiched between mica spacer bloc~ 458 and inserted into the elongatedslot between wall portions 465 and 467. Next, blades 455 and spacer block 457 are brought together and inserted into the elongated slot between wall portions 466 and 466. Then, cover member 450 is placed into position, as shown in Figures 35 and 36.
6 Dado joints or other mating surfaces may be used as adjacent contacting surfaces of seat and cover structures 446 and 450 to ensure perfect rey;~lr~lio~, in all three orthogonal directions. Next, pins 456 are inserted through holes 470 and 474, and suitably fastened to ensure that the cartridge 441 does not come apart. The pins 456 may be made of metal or plastic or any other 5~ ahle material. If plastic, the pins may 1 0 have one end melted into the countersunk hole portions 472 and/or 476. Obviously, registration holes are provided in the vertical wall portions of razor blades 454 and 455 and in spacers 457, 458 to receive the pins. This completes the cartridge structure except for the placement of optional lubricant strip force 60 and connecting the handle to the cartridge using coupling mechan;sm 443. Note while pins 456 are shown being used to hold the completed head structure 441 together, any other suit~hle permanent fastening technique may be used instead.
Blades 454 and 455 may be made out of any conventional steel or other alloy material, either as an integral one-piece member as shown, or from two steel strips, namely a very thin flat blade strip with a sharpened edge laser spot welded to the diagonal portion of an angled thicker blade support member. Such two-piece angled blade constructions are well-known and in common use in some commercially available razors, but without pin rey;~ lion holes.
Figures 37 through 39 illustrate an eiç~hth ~ LocJin~el)L of my invention, namely bi-directional razor 480, which includes disposable bi-directional cartridge 481 mounted on a permanent handle 482 through a semi-flexible, pivot connecting mechanism 483. Razor head cartridge 481 includes as its main molded components a base structure 484, a blade support structure 485, and end covers 487 and 488. Pivot mounting structure 483 includes a handle-mounted section 489 on upper end 490 of handle 482. This section 489 includes elons dled upper arm members 491 - 30 and 492 having upper end portions 493 and 494 from which pivot pins 495 and 496 extend inwardly facing one another. Pivot pins 495 and 496 resemble thick shaft ends and may have a frusto-conical shape and are engaged in corresponding bowl-shapedapertures 497 and 498 formed in end cover str~lctures 487 and 488. Although not shown, within the upper end members 493, 494 and corresponding surfaces of cover WO 96/07Sl5 ~ PCTrUS94/10307 0 structures 487 and 488, there may be provided spring return-to-center mechanisms and positive stops to control the pivoting action of the head 481 upon the handle 482 and to prevent over-rotation of the razor head on handle 482. Upper arms 491 and 492and their end portions 493 and 494 are ~rererably made of semi-flexible plastic material, so that a user, upon sc~uee~ing the cartridge 481 by its side wall surfaces 503 and 504 and pushing it along in a longitudinal direction, may e!~sLic~l~y deform the arm members Surri~ ~n~ly to uncouple one of the pivot pins 495 and 496 from its corresponding socket, and then angle the uncoupled end of the head upwardly so as to remove the cartridge from the handle. I"~ on of a new cartridge 41 simply requires reversing this procedure. Thus, a new cartridge may be easily installedwhenever desired.
As shown in Figures 38 and 39, base structure 484 includes bottom portion 502 and side wall portions 503 and 504, which together form a U-shaped channel when viewed in cross-section as best shown in Figure 39, with a large chamber 505 which opens upwardly. A blade suh~-ssembly 485 iS installed in chamber 505, as shown in Figure 39. Lower portion 502 of base structure 484 pre~erably includes three rows of internal support pedestals 506,507 and 508, each formed like a mesa, for precisely locating blade subassembly 485 during installation, and for preventing the blades from moving downwardly during use of razor 480. Bottom portion 502 also includes a plurality of through p~ss~ges 509 through 512 for allowing water and shaving debris to flow through the largely open razor blade subassembly 485 and out of the bottom 502 of the razor cartridge. A row of hori~o"l~lly aligned holes 513 and 514 are provided in side walls 503 and 504 of base structure 484 for receiving blade-retaining interlock pins 515. Hole 513 may be enlarged as shown in area 516 for receiving the head of a cold-headed plastic pin 515.
The blade sub~-ssembly 485 includes four identical spool-like spacers having a axially-aligned cylindrical hole therethrough for receiving the blade-retaining pins. An elongated rectangular slab-like spacer 517 iS also provided between the two adjacent rear blades 524R and 525R. The distance between blades 524F and 525F from guard bars 527 and 528 at the top of side wall portions 503 and 504 iS determined by the thickness of spacers 518. The cleararlce between the front and rear blades is determined by the thickness of spacers 519. If desired, the spacers 518 and 519 may be made identical in configuration and/or size to reduce manufacturing costs.

W O 96/07515 - 2 ~ PCT~US94/10307 End cover 486 and 487 are registered with and secured to base structure 484 by a plurality of projecting studs 530 which are press-m into cGrf~sponding apertures 531 in the end walls of base structure 484 shown in Figure 39. The bottom of Figure 38 shows two studs 530 projecting into two such apertures 531 in the base structure.
Razor cartridge 481 can be asse",bled manually or automatically. Assembly begins with preparing razor blade sub~csembly 485, with blades 424 and 425 sandwiched into position as shown in Figure 39 between spacers 515 and 517.
Subassembly 485 can be temporarily held together by two (or more) temporary interlock pins resembling pointed he~r~'ess nails having an overall length no wider than 1 0 the sub~-ssembly, which are inserted into the through-holes in the set of spacers and blades making up the suh~csembly. Once prepared, suh~csembly 485 is then inserted into its proper position within chamber 505 of base structure 484. At this point, the permanent interlock pins 515 may be coldheaded into place through the horizontalholes, including holes 513 in side wall 503, through the subiqssembly 485, and into 1 5 press-fit engagement with holes 51 4 in side wall 504. The act of inserting permanent interlock pins 515 will drive the te,-,pGrary interlock pins out of the cartridge entirely.
Then, end caps 486 and 487 are installed to complete cartridge 481.
Those in the art should appreciate that razor cartridge 481 has very narrow width, and that all blades are shown arranged in a single, common working plane. In this embodiment, the trailing pair of blades act as rear glide strips for the active blades of the other pair. Dimensions, spacing and elevations of gùard bars and blades and blade tangent angles may be changed as desired to produce an effective bi-directional razor device using the structure Jisclosed in Figures 37-39.
Figures 40 through 42 illustrate a ninth ~mbodiment of my invention, namely bi-directional razor 540. It includes a replace~hlQ cartridge 541 mounted to handle 542 through a movable coupling mechanism 543 featuring a shell bearing pivot arrangement 544 and a field-a~just~ble return-to-center spring force adjustment - mechanism 546. The cartridge 541 has a generally flat face 545. Figure 40 is a side elevational view taken in partial cross-section showing the internal construction of flexible cartridge 541 and the field ~ljusPble spring force mechanisr" 546. Cartridge 541 includes, as its part of movable coupling means 543, matched spaced opposingshell bearing support structures 549 and 550, in which are formed female shell bearing cylindrical arcuate surfaces 551 and 552 which resemble curved grooves. Handle 542 includes as part of its portion of coupling means 543, male shell bearing members 553 WO 96/07515 e~ PCTrUS94/1030 and 554 which are curved flanges that have the same basic radius as grooves 551 and 552. The grooves face longitudinally inwardly toward the central transverse axis of cartridge 541. Shell bearings 553 and 554 extend from arms 555 and 556 longitudinally outwardly away from the central transverse action axis of the cartridge.
Dashed line A in Figure 40 represents the axis of rotation of cylindrical arcuate shell bearings 553 and 554. Point A in Figure 41 repr~sen~s this same axis. The radius of shell bearing segments 551 through 554 was deliberately selected to be large enough so that this axis of rotation A would be s-,bsl~rllially above the working plane of the razor, which is represented by horizontal lines 557 in Figures 40 and 41. The 10 axis of rotation A is preferably about 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) to about 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) above plane 557. As noted in the Summary of the Invention above, placing this axis of shell bearing rotation above the working plane of the blade edges is believed to improve the degree of control over bi-directional cartridge 541 experienced by the user, particularly as the contour of the skin changes rapidly. It causes improved tracking 15 over the skin to by bi-directional cartridge 541 particularly along rapidly changing skin contours. The cartridge tends to more quickly rotate or pivot the active blades away from contact with the skin, than it otherwise would if the axis of rotation were placed precisely in the working plane 557, as it is in prior art uni-directional razors.
Cartridge 541 may if desired be made of substantially rigid plastic material.
20 Preferably, it is made of fairly flexible plastic or synthetic rubber material. In either case, shell bearing coupling mechanism 543 and return-to-center mechanism 546 will work well. The use of serpentine flexible cartridges in uni-directional razors is known, as is taught in aforementioned U.S. Patents 4,409,735 and 4,443,939, and as found in widely available Schick Tracer razor. However, to my knowledge, no one has ever 25 applied flexible razor constructions to ca, ll idles having four ræor blades, or to razor heads having razor blades whose sharpened edges pointed in opposite directions.
The flexible embodiment of cartridge 541 shown in Figures 40 through 42 will now be described.
Cartridge 541 includes central elongated lubricant glide strip 560, a flexible deck 30 structure 561, a flexible blade seat structure 562, and two molded end cover plates 563 and 564. The end cover plates are inslalled on the cartridge after the razor blade strips and seat structure 562 are placed in deck structure 561, as shown in Figure 41.
The cover plates shield the user from the blade ends to prevent nicks, and help hold the razor blade strips and seat structure 562 in place within deck structure 561. Cover Wo 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94110307 plates 562 and 564 are retained on the deck structure 561 by spring clip or bandmembers 567 and 568, which may be made of spring steel (or any other suitable material) in a conventional manner likc on the Gillette Sensor razor cartridge. Such clip or band members rest in a transverse track in ~he middle of the top surface of their respective cover plates, and completely or partially encircle the sides and bottom of ends of adjacent deck structure to which the cover is attached.
Deck structure 561 has, as shown in Figure 41, a bottom or floor portion 572 and side wall portions 673 and 574, thus forming a channel having U-shaped cross-section when viewed in end cross-section, as shown in Figure 41. This leaves an open 1 0 chamber 570 in the deck structure 561, into which seat structure 562 is placed. Side wall portions 573 and 574 each include a row of spaced interior vertical column portions 575 and 576 (similar to vertical interior column portions 271 in Figure 27) which at spaced intervals abut side wall portions 577 and 578 of seat structure 562.
Between these two rows of spaced vertical columns 575 and 576 are debris passages 581 and 582 which pass through cartridge floor 572 to allow the open areas in front of blades 584F and 585F and behind guard bars 587 and 588 to be flushed. Interior passages 599 and 600 are more flush holes through floor 572.
Deck and seat structures 561 and 562 each are preferably made of an elongated serpentine-like interconnection structure of planar vertical and horizontal segments portions, such as segment portions 60!5 through 61 8 shown generally in the right half of Figure 40. (Since the razor head structure 541 is symmetrical about its longitudinal and central transverse axis, it is sufficient to describe one-half of structures 561 and 562.) Odd-numbered planar segment portions represent generally vertical portions while even-numbered segmer,l portions represent generally horizontal portions. The planes of these vertical segments are perpendicular to axis A, and the planes of the horizontal segments are parallel to face 545. This serpentine pattern of interconnected segment portions allows the blade deck and support structures 561and 562 to flex in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and central transverse axis of the razor head 541. In other words, cartridge 541 is able to flex when in use in a direction generally perpendicular to face 545 and working plane 557.
As seen in Figure 40, adjacent overlapping sets of three segments have upright and inverted U-shaped cross-sections, which enables flexing to occur at both the top and bottom portions of deck and blade structures 561 and 562.

WO 96/07515 ~ ~ PCT/US94/10307O

Figure 41 shows that blade seat structure 662 supports flat blade strips 584 and585 in a diagonal orientation with the two sets of sharpened edges pointing away from one another. Individual strips are inserted into slots pre-formed into structure 562, such as slot 623 in which blade 585F is loc~ted. The blades preferably do not fit 5 snugly into the elongated slots. Instead each blade slot is made slightly wider than the width of the blade strip so that the blade will be free to bend in a direction transverse to the plane of the blade and slot, and can freely move longitudinally relative to individual transverse planar segments of structure 562. This manner of mounting blades 584 and 585 promotes the flexibility of cartridge 541, as will be further1 0 explained.
Figure 41 further shows that blade seat structure 562 has been molded to have further flexibility that is independent of the flexing of deck structure 561. The lower interior surface 625 of structure 562 is sculpted to produce four thick regions separated by three thinner regions 626, 627 and 628. Central thin region 627, coupled with the 1 5 nominal clearance space 629 between surface 625 and the adjacent interior surface of floor portion 572 of deck structure 561, allows seat structure 662 to bend downwardly in the center along its longitudinal axis, which tends to bend or bow the two sets of blade strips 584 and 585 in opposite directions generally perpendicular to their respective blade strip planes. Thin side regions 526 and 528 of seat structure provide further flexibility and in independent bending of seat structure 562 and the two sets of blade strips. This ability to bend the sets of blade strips in opposite directions due to clearances provided between the blade strips and their respective slots, and the flexibility within seat structure 562 itself due to the thin regions 526-528 helps ensure that one set of blades does not act as a stiffener within seat structure 562 agent to oppose the bending of the other set of blades. Rec~lJse of the multiple degrees of freedom for bending of the blade strips 584 and 585 and deck and seat structures 561 and 562, cartridge 561 has an excellent ability to flex so as to conform the sharpened edges of the blades more closely to the contours of the skin to be shaved with ræor 240.
The return-to-center spring force adjustment mechanism 546 includes a cam surface 632 between horizontal segments 61 6 and 618 extending from the floor section 552 of deck structure 561, and a cam operator 634 at the end of cam lever 636 extending upwardly from the upper end of handle 542. The cam lever is located inbore 638 and urged upwardly by helical spring 640 resting upon surface 641 of adjustment screw screwed into complementary threaded socket 643 in the upper end644 of handle 542. Screw 642 has a knurled finger-~ct~l~ted knob 646 ~ccessil~'ethrough clearance hole 648 in intermediate section 645 of handle 542. Guide rod 650 extends be~Neen a bore in screw 642 and a bore within cam lever 636 to ~ai"lai~
spring 640 in proper poSition as it biases cam lever into cam sur~ace 632. The knob 646 may be adjusted by the user. Alternately knob 646 may be repl^ced with a tool-actuated end such as a hex nut end that requires a small wrench to operate. Further the screw 642 may be hidden if desired to allow only knowledgeable service personnel to adjust same. While the knob 646 is user-ar~iusphle hiding the screw behind a 1 0 cover plate would make the mechanism ~just~ only by qualified personnel in the field. The operation of mecl~an,s", 546 will be explained shortly in connection with Figures 43 and 44.
The Figure 40 shows in the lower right-hand portion thereof the internal mechanism which carries movable arm 55~. Like the ar,~nyen,ent shown in Figure 29 concerning the sixth embodiment arm 555 is operated through user-actuated buttons 244 which when pushed inwardly as shown decouple the shell bearings 553 and 554 from corresponding bearing surfaces 551 and 552 thus allowing cartridge 561 to be changed. Arm 655 rides on rods 656 and 657 and is returned to its normal position indicated by dotted lines 402 in Figure 40 by bias spring 658 on the part of arm structure 555 opposite button 244.
Figures 43 and 44 illustrate the tenth embodiment o~ the present invention namely pivotable razor head 680 which is similar in a number of respects to razor 540 shown in Figures 40 and 42. In particular the spring-return spring force mechanism is identical and therefore will be used now to fur~her explain now the pivot operation of razor 540. Figure 41 shows the cartridge 561 in its center position at rest on handle 542. When a rotation-inducing force is applied to the cai l,idge 661 such as counter-clockwise ( CCW ) force represented by arrows 421 and 422 in Figure 43 the shell bearing 553 slides in arcuate its groove 551 thus causing the cartridge to rotate about center point A as shown in Figure 43. If the CCW rotational forces 421 422 continue to build then as shown in Figure 44 end portion 663 of shell bearing 553 contacts end wall 661 of bearing surface groove 551 thus preventing further rotation. Those in the art will appreciate that opposite end 662 o~ groove 551 also is a positive stop to prevent rotation in the opposite direction in response to ciockwise pivot forces.

WO 96/07515 - ~ ~ 9 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCTrUS94/10307 The cam lever 636 iS continuously biased upwardly against cam surface 632 by compression spring 640. A comparison of Figures 41,43 and 44 reveals that as the angle of rotation of the cartridge increases, change in the thickness of cam surface 632 causes cam lever 636 to be pressed downwardly against the force of spring 640 5 in proportion to the amount of rotation. In this manner, the return-to-center spring force mechanism 546 exerts a continuous re~loring force that is suL slanlially linear with the angle of rotation, assuming the curvature of cam surface 632 has been properly selected.
Adjustment knob 646 can be used to adjust the force exerted by spring 640.
When knob 646 iS used to turn screw 642 clockwise, the spring 640 iS compressed,thus increasing the pressure cam 634 exerts through lever 636 on the cam surface 632, and thus more strongly tending to urge the ca,l,idge from a pivoted position to its at-rest position. Conversely, rotating knob 646 in screw 642 counter-clockwise reduces the force on spring 640, and thus reduces the spring return-to-center restoring force exerted through cam lever 636 and cam surface 632. Hence, the user (or service person having access to screw 642 iS able to adjust the bias force operating on the shell bearing pivot mechanism of razor 540 and razor 680. Those in the art will appreciate that this user-~iust~hle variable return-to-center biasing force allows the user to customize, to some extent, the pivoting action of razors 540 and 682 to his or her liking. The spring restoring force can be made whether heavy or light, as preferred by the user.
Figures 45 through 47 illustrate that the cam surface 632 may be varied, with different results, in terms of altering the return-to-center force in relation to the angle of rotation (i.e., pivoting) of the cartridge to the handle, and these results are graphed in Figure 46. Figure 47 iS a graph of distance traveled by cam lever 636 as a function of angle of rotation.
Figure 45A shows my first cam 632A (which is identical to cam surface 632 shown in Figures 41 and 43). Cam surface 632B shown in Figure 46B has a shallower rise, and thus produces less force per unit of angle rotation, as shown in line 632B in Figure 46, but still produces a linear restoring force as a function of angle of rotation.
Figure 45C and 45D show cam surfaces 632C and 632D which produce variable rate (nonlinear) restoring forces. Their restoring forces start slowly and then increase rapidly as a function of angle of roL~lion, in almost exponential form. Since the rate of rise of cam surface 632C iS greater than cam surface 632D, the graphs of -WO 96/0751~ PCT/US94110307 force versus angle of rotation in Figure 646 show greater force being produced by cam surface 632C than by cam surface 632D. Arme~ with the foregoing information, those skilled in the art should be able to design any given spring-to-return force versus angle characteristics they may desire in conjunction with ræor heads or cartridges which pivot upon their handles.
Figures 43 and 44 illustrste the tenth embodiment, namely bi^directional razor 680 which has two distinct working planes which are less than 15 degrees away being co-planar, Because skin to be shaving is normally soK and pliant, razor 680 is still able to operate in a manner substantially identical, from the user's point of view, to my bi-1 0 directional razors which have all their blades in s~lbsla~llially the same working plane.
Bi-directional razor 680 shown in Figures 43 and 44 includes a pivoting cartridge 681 of substantially the same in construction as cartridge 561 in the previous embodiment, except that the blade seat structure 682 has sub~ ar ?~y solid planar vertical and horizontal segments, (e.g., those segments corresponding to segments 605 through 616 shown in Figure 40). In other words, the sculpted bottom surface 628 found on blade seat structure 562 (see Figure 41) has been replaced in blade seat structure 682 by solid material as shown in Figure 43. Blade strips 584 and 586 are still loosely mounted in dia~onally-oriented slots, such as slot 683, so that they can move relative to seat 562 when cartridge 681 is flexed. Cartridge 681 also includes a modified glide strip 685 which is slightly rounded between top surfaces 687 and 689.
Cartridge 681 also includes a modified profile for top surface 688 of end cover plate 663 to accommodate the two working planes which will be discussed next. Tl~e planes may be identified relative to cartridge 681, namely guard (or front blade) edge plane 690, first working plane 691, and second working plane 692. Plane 690 extends parallel to the face 695 of blade seat structure 682, and is defined by the topmost surfaces of guard bars 687 and 588 of cartridge ~81~ It is parallel to the front blade edge plane, defined by the sharpened edges blades 584F and namely 585F~ The first set of blades 584 are found in the first working plane 691, which extends between guard bar 588 and rear guard surface 689 of glide strip 685. The sharpened edges of blade strips 585 are found in the second working plane 692, which extends between front guard bar surface 587 and rear glide strip surface 687. The first and second working planes are both at equal and opposite angles (in the range of about 2.5 degrees to 7~5 degrees) to the guard bar plane 690. In order for the bi-directional razor 680 to be usable in essentially the same manner as the previous embodiments, WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94/103070 it is necessary for this acute angle to be about 8 degrees or less. Thus, the combined angle between working planes 691 and 692 is shown in Figure 43 to be 14 degrees,but may be anywhere in the range of about 5 to about 1 5 degrees for example. Aslong as this combined angle anything less than about 1 5 degrees, this dual plane will still permit both sets of blades to engage the skin to be shaved as the cartridge 681 is moved back and forth by a user who without the need to liK, turn or tilt the handle for shaving bi-directionally, i.e., (in opposite directions of movement) with cartridge 681 along the skin.
While razor cartridges 651 (in Figure 41) and 681 (in Figure 43) have been 1 0 shown to have loose-fitting diagonally-oriented slots in which flat blades 584 and 585 are placed, such loose-fitting slots are not necess~ry if the razor cartridge is not flexible. In other words, when the seat structures 562 and 682 are to be made out of substantially rigid material, the loose slots may be repl^^ed with snug-fit or very-light-press-fit diagonal slots for the blade strips. The resulting structure for razor 680 may take the appearance of cartridge 681A in Figure 44. Thus, those in the art should appreciate that the basic design for dual-plane razor head 681 may be used with rigid as well as flexible cartridges, and with fixed as well as pivoting razor head and handle combinations.
Figures 48 through 51 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the invention, namely bi-directional ræor 710 having cartridge 711 secured rigidly to handle 712 through a sliding track coupling. Razor head 711 includes: a base structure 712; a blade spacer structure 713; first set of blades 714; second set of blades 715; glide strip 716; a pair of end covers, such as cover 717; and a series of horizontallyarranged interlock pins 71 8 which pass through elongated registration holes 720 in the razor blade strips. The blades 71 4, 71 5 are individually sprung by a set of leaf-spring fingers 722 integrally formed within the base structure 71 2, as shown in Figures 49 and 50, that curve upwardly and push up on the bottom of the blade strips. Angled blades 714, 715 may thus be depressed by the passing skin 723 as shown in Figure 49.
There, blade 714F is at its full upright position, while the remaining blades 714R and 71 5 are partially depressed. Figure 51 illustrates how the individual blades, such as blade 71 5F may also be tilted at an angle to the guard bar plane or face of the razor in response to forces applied by the skin of the user that is to be shaved. The bi-directional razor 710 and cartridge 711 thus illustrate that individually-sprung blades may be employed in the bi-directional razors of my invention.

WO 96/07515 ~ ~ PCT/US94/10307 Figures 52 through 54 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of my invention, namely bi-directional razor 740, which has a cartridge of ultra-thin width, in part due to the use of a single blade in each shaving zone, as will now be explained. Razor 740 includes a repl~ce~le bi-directional cartridge 741 pivotally mounted on handle 742 by 5 virtue of a shell-bearing pivot arrangement of the type disc~ssed in connection with Figures 40 through 44, which needs no further ej~.lanalion. Cartridge 741 includes a main cartridge structure 742, and end cap meMbers 743 and 744. It has a single working plane 745 defined by centrally-located glide strip 746 and front guard bars 747 and 748, as well as the top surfaces of end cover 743 and 744. The main cartridge 1 o structure 742, shown in Figure 53, includes base section 752, and side wall sections 7~3 and 754 which snap onto upstanding prongs 75~ and 756 of base section 752.
Sets of leaf springs 761 and 762 respectively bias in an upward direction angledblades 764 and 765 to their full upright position. Center section 766 and interior side wall sections 767 and 768 serve to keep the blades in a generally upright position, 1 5 even if they should be biased downwardly by forces generated during engagement of the skin against the blades. The internal structures of cartridge 741 depicted in Figure 63 are preferably repeated at three to four times along the length of cartridge 741.
Figure 54 illustrates another end cross-sectional view of cartridge 741 showing how the cartridge construction may be generally open between internal wall sections 767 and 768 to provide a generally open interior and debris passages 777 and 778through base section 752 to minimize the problems associated with cut hair and other shaving byproducts that might otherwise collect within cartridge 741 and possibly impede proper operation of razor blade strips 764 and 765 by sets of springs 761 and 762. Blades 764 and 765 may be of a two-piece construction as shown. For example, blade 765 includes a thin-gauge elongated flat ræor strip 771 with a single sharpened edge that is laser welded or otherwise bonded to a thicker gauge angled blade strip support member 772. Finally, attention is directed to the lack of blade-retaining - interlock pins in this embodiment. This shows that my bi-directional razors may be provided with movable ræor blade strips without using blade-strip interlock pins. In - 30 cartridge 741, it is the end covers 743 and 744 which ensure that the blade strips cannot become detached from the cartridge during use.
Figures 55 and 56 illustrate the thirtee~th ~ G.Ii,..enl of my invention, namely bi-directional ræor 780 having a dual-plane cartridge 781 mounted on handle 782 using a pivot pin mounting mechanism 783. Razor cartridge 780 includes main WO 96/07515 -- 2 ~ PCT/US94/10307 cartridge structure 786, and end caps 787 and 788 (cap 788 is not shown). The end caps may be integrally formed as molded end walls on the base member 790 of the main cartridge structure 786. Cartridge 781 includes two pairs of blade strips 794 and 795 and two blade strip spacers 796 and 797, which are all pinned into position by blade cap 800. Cap 800 includes two rows of pins 804 and 805 which respectively pass through registration holes in blade strips 794 and 795 and registration holes in spacers 796 and 797, before being press-fit into regisl,dLion holes 806 and 807 of th base member 790. Cartridge 781 also includes a guide strip 81 0 which has slopedsurfaces 811 and 812 and top surface 813. The strip 810 is glued or otherwise 1 0 fastened to blade cap 800. Cartridge 781 also includes scalloped front guard bars 81 4 and 81 5 as shown. The first working plane, in which sharpened edges of blade strips 494 are located, is defined in part by front guard bar 81 4 and rear glide strip surface 811. The second working plane, in which sharpened edges of blades 795 reside, isdefined in part by front guard bar 81 5 and rear glide surface 812.
1 5 Figure 56 depicts razor cartridge 781 in operation in two di~e, er" locations and directions 821 and 822 along a stretch of skin 823. When razor head 781 moves inthe direction shown by arrow 821 along skin 823, head 781 toggles or pivots intocontact with the skin as shown at location 825, with the first working plane of the razor and blades 794 in contact with the skin 823. As can be seen, front guard bar 814 and rear glide surface 811 are also in contact with the skin. When the direction is reversed, as shown by arrow 822, the cartridge 781 toggles into the orientation shown in location 826. This toggling action occurs as the handle 782 is pulled backwards, which causes the head 781 to roll about pivot point 827. This causes top surface 813 of glide strip 81 0 to come into contact with skin 823 at about location 829. As handle 782 continues to move, cartridge 781 naturally flips or toggles so that the second working plane defined by front guard bar 815 and rear glide surface 812 comes into contact with the skin at about location 830, at which time blades 795 become active and begin to shave hair from the skin. When the user wishes to resume shaving in direction 821, thetoggling action just described is reversed at whatever location on the skin the cartridge happens to be at. Figure 56 clearly shows that the first and second working planes of cartridge 781 intersect at a line above longitudinal axis of the cartridge at an obtuse angle. Clearly the angle between the working planes is such that when one set ofblades is active against the skin, the other set will be rotated off of the skin entirely.
Nevertheless, when shaving a flat portion or plane of skin, the first and second working _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ WO 96107515 ~ PCT/US94110307 ptanes of razor head 781 are toggled into and out of position so that the two opposed blade sets are effectively operating in the same single plane. Accordingly, l sometimes call this dual-plane pivoting ræor head design illustrated in the thirteenth embodiment a "single effective plane" design since the two distinct working planes operate in a "single effective plane".
Figures 57 and 58 illustrate a fo~l. le~ embodiment of my invention, namely dual-plane bi-directional razor 840. Ræor 840 includes cartridge 841 mounted on handle 482 through pivoting mechanism 483 alrcady ~lisclJssed in connection with the Figure 37 embodiment. Thus, only the details of ca,L,idge 841 need be disc~ssed 1 0 here. Cartridge 841 includes end cover members 842 and 843 which have a rounded triangular appearance and shield the blade edge corners from nicking the user.
Cartridge 841 includes base structure 846, blade-retaining interlock pins 847 and 848, blade spacer member 849, blade cap member ~50, and an arcuate elongated glide strip 845 having surface segments 851 and 852. Base structure 846 includes front1 5 guard bars 854 and 855.
Cartridge structure 841 has a reduced width due to a more compact internal structure Diagonally-oriented interlocking pins to retain the two sets of blade strips 854 and 855, which themselves are less wide than corresponding blade strips 794 and 795 in the previous embodiment. Deck structure 846 includes front guard bars 856 and857. The first working plane, in which blade edges 854 reside, is defined in part by front guard bar 8~6 and glide strip surface segment 851. The second working plane, in which blade edges 855 reside, is defined by front guard bar 857 and rear guard strip surface 8~2. In operation, the carl,i~ge 841 lransilions from the first to the second working plane and back more readily than previous razor 780 does because it is narrower and because glide strip 845 is more rounded and smaller than glide strip 810.
Also, strip 845 lacks a flat surface-like flat surface 813 on strip 810 that tends to impede the transition of cartridge 781 between working planes.
Figure 59 illLI3l~dles a rirLeel,ll, embodiment of my invention, namely razor 860, which is a modification of razor 840. Razor 860 features a still smaller overall size - 30 and narrower width than razor head 841 shown in Figure 58. Razor head 861 has a simplified internal construction utilizing one row of vertical interlocking pins to hold the blades of dual plane cartridge 861 in place. In previous cartridge 841, interlock pins 847 and 848 are press fit into corresponding holes in blade cap member 850. In contrast, in cartridge 861 of Figure 59, has an end cap 872 from which the vertical interlocking pins 873 are integrally formed with and extend downwardly from blade cap 872 into blade deck structure 876. Blades 874F and 875F may be made from one piece of flat ræor blade strip stock sharpened on both sides. Similarly, the ræor blade edges 874R and 875R may be made from a narrower single piece of ræor blade stripstock sharpened along both edges. The simplified construction of cartridge 861 should make it cheaper to mass-produce than cartridge 841 in Figures 57 and 58. In all other respects it operates in the same way as cartridge 841.
The thirteenth through fifteenth embodiments just described all employ two sets of horizontally arranged, vertically-stacked ræor blade strips disposed in cartridge 1 0 structures having a generally trapezoidal or triangular shape when viewed in end cross-section. Further, each cartridge featured generally two distinct working planes separated from the horizontal blade deck plane by about 10 to 15 degrees or more.
Due to the pivoting interconnection between the dual-plane cartridge and the handle, these pivoting razor heads are nonetheless able to operate bi-directionally with the two working planes toggling into and out of a single effective plane. Pivoting or toggle-action dual-plane bi-directional ræors of my invention may also be constructed with vertically arranged angled blade strips interconnected by horizontally-disposed interlock pins, as shown in the next three embodiments.
Figures 60 through 63 illustrate a siAIeenll, embodiment of my invention, namely dual-plane pivoting bi-directional ræor 880. For ease of illustration, the usual handle, such as handle 482 has been omined from the drawings so that attention may be focused upon dual-plane cartridge 881. Figure 60 shows that cartridge 881 employs an outside socket 882 on end cover member 883 to receive the pivot pin of pivoting connection mechanism, such as mechanism 489 shown in Figures 37 and 38.Cartridge 881 has two sets of blades 884 and 885, with the sharpened edges of each arranged in its own distinct working plane. Blades 884 are in a plane parallel to diagonal surface 886 of end cover 883. The second working plane containing the sharpened edges of blade 885 is parallel and closely adjacent to diagonal surface 887 of cover 883.
Figure 61 shows a preferred construction for cartridge 881 which includes:
blade deck structure 892, a blade seat structure 893 and a blade cap structure 894 having a lubricant strip 895 disposed thereon provided with planar rear glide surfaces 896 and 897. Figure 62 shows a top view of deck structure 892, in plan on the left and in longitudinal cross-section on the right. This view reveals rows of debris passages WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94/10307 901 through 904. Figure 63 shows the blade seat structure 893 in plan view and partial cross-sectional view. The razor head 881 includes rows of interlock pins 905.
Figure 64 shows one embodiment for a plastic interlock pin 905 before use.
Figure 65 shows the same pin with its ends pa, lially melted by heat after insertion into a cartridge structure, so as to have a final appearance as shown in Figure 65. The bulging ends 906 and 907 ensure the pin 905 will remain locked into position with the cartridge.
In operation, cartridge 881 operates in the same manner as the previous three embodiments. The first and second working planes toggle into and out of contact with 1 0 the skin to be shaved as the ræor handle is moved back and forth by the user.
Figures 66 and 67 illustrate a se~ le~"ll, e-~LocJi.,~ l of the present invention namely a dual plane bi-directional razor 920 having a razor head 921 and handle 922 connected together by a "slide and pivot" coupling mechanism 923.
Cartridge 921 may be constructed in the same manner as ca~ ge 881, and need not 1 5 be further diccussed, except with respect to its slide-and-pivot mechanism 923. The upper end portion 924 of handle 922 includes a large pivot pin 926. The couplingmechanism 923 may be substantially similar to ,-,echa~ ", 489 shown in Figures 37 and 38, if desired. The elongated horizontal slot 930 with semi-circular end portions is located in the end cover section or wall portion 933 of cartridge 921. Pivot pin 926 will normally be in either location 931 or 932 when razor 920 is in use. Pivot pin 926 will be in location 931 when blades 884 are active, that is, when the first working plane and surface 886 are bearing against the user s skin. Pivot pin 926 will be in location 932 when the second set of blades 885 are active due to the second working planeand surface 887 bearing against the skin.
The slide and pivot coupling mechar,i;."~ 923 of razor 920 is advantageous because it places the pivot pin 926 directly adjacent to and centrally located above and between the active blades for improved user control of the cartridge 921. This - also represents the placement of the pivot point directly above located at or very near the mid-point of the active working plane. For example, in location 932, pivot pin 926 is located along line 935 substantially equidistant between front and rear blades 885F
and 885R and s~ Lar,Lially equidi~lanL from the front guard bar location indicated by line 936 and the rear glide strip location indicated by line 937.
Figure 67 shows the razor head 921 with positive stops blocks 938 and 939 added. Positive stops 938 and 939 are strategically positioned on and mounted WO 96/07515 PCT/US94/10307~
~2 ~99 ~2 ~

securely to side wall of end cover 933 to contact the upper portion of 924 of handle 922 when the handle should not be further rotated relative to the cartridge without physically pivoting the cartridge with the handle. As can be seen, these stop blocks 938 and 939 help the user use the handle if so desired to pivot cartridge 921 further 5 than it wants to pivot on its own while being pulled along parallel to the plane of the skin. While the positive stops shown in Figure 67 take the form of blocks contacting the handle, any other form of positive stop mechanisr" may be used for the application just described.
Figure 68 ill~,~l,a~es the e~ ~,lee..ll. ~ li."e,~l of my invention, namely dual-1 0 plane bi-directional razor 940. Razor 940 includes bi-directional ræor head 941 and handle 922, attached through a curved "slide-and-pivot" coupling mechanism 943. The cartridge 941 may be constructed in the manner of cartridge 881 shown in Figures 60 through 63, except for the differences attributable to the new coupling mechanism 943.
Mechanism 943 includes a large pivot pin 926 on the upper portion 924 of handle 922.
1 5 The end wall portion 944 includes a curved elongated slot 950. The longer curved surface 951 of slot 950 generally corresponds proportionally to the shape of nearby surfaces 952, 953 and 954 along the top edge 95~ of end wall portion 944. As a result, the toggling or transition of cartridge 941 between the three positions shown namely positions 941 -1 (upper illustration-first working plane engaged), position 941 -C
(center illustration-transition between working planes) and position 941-2 (lower illustration-downward direction of travel-second working plane engaged) is made to occur more smoothly. This is because the pivot pin 926 esse"lially or generally is not moving toward or away from the skin as the cartridge 941 transitions back and forth between locations 941-1 and 941-2. Thus, by using the curved "slide and pivot"
2~ coupling mechanism 943, the user enjoys a more co-"~o, Ldble shave with cartridge 943 since the handle remains at approximately the same distance from the skin even as the pivot pin 926 and razor head 941 toggles and transitions back and forth between the two orientations of first and second working planes by the user moving the handle 922 to and fro in opposite directions.
Bi-cli, e cliGnal Shavin~3 Methods Having described 18 exemplary embodiments of the bi-directional razors and cartridges of my invention, it is now useful to summarize the shaving methods associated with the different classes of embodiments of my bi-directional razors.

_ WO 96/07S15 PCT/US94/10307 In order to shave with any one of my bi-directional ræors in the first twelve embodiments, the user holds the ræor by the handle or hand grip in the normal manner in which he or she has become Ar~cu.stomed to holding a conventional uni-directional razor. The user grasps the razor handle and applies the head of the razor 5 adjacent the skin portion to be shaved. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the razor head is placed against the skin schematically shown at 132. The user may stroke the razor first in one direction, and then, at the end of the stroke, reverse the movement to stroke in the opposite direction. This back-and-forth motion is in~;c~ted by the arrows adjacent the handle and the head in Figure 18. Thus, no special grip and no 10 unusual motion is required to engage in bi-directional shaving with my new manual bi-directional razors. In other words, the required shaving techniq.le is performed in accordance with the grip style and motions very similar to the user's previous experience with uni-directional manual safety razors. To that end, my bi-directional razors need not be tilted, or lifted, or repositioned for the return strokes or to cut in an 15 opposite direction, as is the practice with a normal uni-directional ræor. Hence, my bi-directional razors may simply be moved back-and-forth, fairly rapidly, to complete the shaving process bi-directionally and exre~litis~-lsly.
When shaving with any of my dual-plane pivoting or toggli"g bi-directional ('~BD") razors shown in thirteenth through eiglllee"ll, embodiments, the user grips the 20 TBD razor handle the way he or she grips a conventional uni-directional razor. The user still moves the handle in the same manner as well after the razor has been placed against the skin. Most importantly, the user can stroke and cut hair in both directions without lifting the TBD razor head from the skin, or changing the orientation of the handle as the direction of razor head travel is changed. However, the user will have 25 to adapt to the slight motion of the razor head toggling or transitioning from one shaving zone or working plane of the razor head to the other, as the direction of razor head travel is reversed. As shown and di~cussed in my later embodiments, the construction of these dual-plane pivoting bi-directional razors may be optimized to minimize the distraction l, ~nsilion motion this may present to the user. Other than this 30 one change, the overall shaving experience with these TBD razors should be very similar to that of my other bi-directional razors whose sharpened edges are in the exact same plane or in substantially the same plane or in two distinct working planes having a combined angle between them of less than about 15 degrees.

WO 96/07515 a~ PCT/US94/10307 Further Advc..,lages of the Structures of the ~,asenl Invention The Back Blades As an ~rric;e"l Glide Surface. One of the advantages of the bi-directional ræors of my invention, such as in the first embodiment, but also the second through ninth embodiments shown in Figures 8 through 42, is that the second set of razor blade strips which are not actually cutting hair are being dragged along the skin, and thus are functioning as part of back-portion skin-locating and rear glide means. The use of one of two polished metal blade strips at an angle anywhere between close to zero degrees up to about 20 degrees from the horizontal, over even up to 35 degrees from the horizontal provides a smooth stable rear glide surface that helps define the working plane of the forward ræor blade strips actually involved in the cutting of hair.
Those in the art will appreciate that my bi-directional razor blade structures may be utilized in conjunction with such a flexible cartridge system. Specifically, the ninth and tenth embodiments which feature blade strips in two horizontal planes, in particular can be adapted to such a flexible cartridge structures as are taught in the aforementioned Motta patent with a flexible razor blade cartridge symmetrical about its axial center line that releasably secures the ca, Iridye through a pivoting mechanism from its bottom side.
It should be appreciated that most if not all of my assembled bi-directional razors can be efficiently constructed and economically mass-produced using current manual safety ræor construction and automated assembly techniques. In particular, all molded plastic components can all be made from conventional plastic materialusing available molding machinery with dies that have been machined to produce finished parts, such as, for example deck structure 251, blade seat structure 252, and cover structure 253 of ræor 240. The blade strips and blade spacers, with their registration holes can be made using conventional equipment. Special tooling caneasily be made to allow my bi-directional ræors to be automatically assembled using conventional equipment at very low cost.
Fl~rer,ed Di",e"siGns For My Bi-Ji,ectiGnal Razors Many of my bi-directional ræors shown in the Figures and described here are sized and configured to be aesthetically pleasing, well-balanced, and comfortable to hold and use. Due to the need to be able to emphasize and clearly show key features under discussion, the Figures are not always shown to scale. Accordingly, the following table lists, for each of the illustrated embodiments of my present invention, Wo 96/07S15 - ~ ~ 9 ~ ~ ~ 9 PCT/US94/10307 typical overall widths and heights and a prer~r,ed range of overall widths and heights to give a clearer picture of the relative sizes of the ditr~3rel .l embodiments. The width on the razor head is measured across the front guard bars on either side of the razor head. The height is measured from the bottom of the razor deck structure (or seat 6 structure if no deck is used) to the highest point of the working face or plane(s) or blade cap or central glide strip of the razor~
A preferred length to the bi-directional ræors of the present invention is about1.5 inches (75 mm), and preferred range of lengths for the head of the razor in each embodiment is between about 1 inch (25 mm) to about 2 inches (50 mm). Dimensions10 in the table below are given in fractions of an inch (and corresponding metric dimensions are given in parentheses).

WO 96/07~1S -- 2 ~ 2 ~ PCTIUS94/10307 FigureEmbodiment l~picalRange of TypicalRange of Numbers Number Width Widths Height Heights 1 -- 7 1st, 7/163/8 to 5/8 3/161/8 to 1/4 18 -- 19 4th (11)(95 to 16) (4.7)(3.2 to 6.4) 8 -- 12 2nd, 9/167/16 to 13/16 1/43/16 to 3/8 13 -- 17 3rd (14.3)(11 to 21) (6.4)(4.8 to 9.5) 20 -- 22, 5th, l/27/16 to 3/4 1/43/16 to 3/8 23 -- 34 6th (12.7)(11 to 19) (6.4)(4.8 to 9.5) 35 -- 36 7th 7/163/8 to 5/8 5/161/4 to 3/8 1 0 (11)(9 5 to 16) (8.2)(6-4 to 9.5) 37 -- 39 8th 3/85/16 to 1/2 5/161/4 to 3/8 (9.5)(8.2 to 12.7)(8.2)(6.4 to 9.5) 40 -- 42 9th l/2318 to 5/8 1/43/16 to 3/8 (12.7)(9 5 to 16) (6.4)(4.8 to 9.5) 43 -- 44 10th ln 318 to 5/8 5/161/4 to 7/16 (12.7)(95 to 16) (8.2)(6.4 to 11) 48 -- 51 11th 7/163/8 to 5/8 1/43/16 to 3/8 (11)(9 5 to 16) (6.4)(4.8 to 9.5) 52 -- 54 12th 1/43/16 to 3/8 5/161/4 to 3/8 (6.4)(4.8 to 9 5) (8.2)(6.4 to 9.5) 55 -- 56 13th 3/87/16 to 13/16 5/161/4 to 3/8 (9.5)(11 to 21) (8.2)(6.4 to 9.5) 57 -- 58 14th l/23/8 to 5/8 5/161/4 to 3/8 (12.7)(95 to 16) (8.2)(6.4 to 9.5) 59 15th 1/45/16 to 9/16 5/161/4 to 3/8 (6.4)(to 14.3) (8.2)(6.4 to 9.5) 64 -- 65 16th 3/81/4 to 9/16 3/81/4 to l/2 66 -- 67 17th (9.5)(6.4 to 14.3)(9.5)(6.4 to 12.7) 68 18th As can be seen from the foregoing table, the overall size of a number of my bi-30 directional razor designs will very likely be regarded by a typical user of a wet razor as being really no bigger or heavier than the existing uni-directional wet razor he or she may be using. I believe that the size, weight, balance and overall appearance of such bi-directional razor designs should be readily accepted by consumers. Further, once the distinct advantages of bi-directional razors and shaving are appreciated by 35 consumers, bi-directional razors may well achieve widespread use.

WO 96/07515 ~ PCT/US94/10307 Epilo~ue The term "razor blade strip" as used herein, including the claims, encompasses any elongated blade device having a sharpened edge, no matter how constructed, and no matter whether flat or angled. Thus, this term covers blade strips made of a single piece of metal or other sharpened or sharpenable ",aterial. It also covers razor blade strips made by bonding a thin gauge strip of m~tal to a more rigid piece of metal, by laser spot welding or the like, like the blades used in the Gillette Sensor ræors.
Those skilled in the field will appreciate ~hat the foregoing eighteen illustrated and ~iscussed embodiments of the bi-directional razor structures and systems of the present invention are subject to modification and change without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims below. Needless to say, the size, proportion, materials, weight and clearances of the various components used in the razor heads, handles and movable connection head-to-handle mechanisms of the bi-directional razors of the present inYention Gan be varied as r.eeded or desired. A
number of other possible modifications have already been described above. Further changes are clearly possible, as will now be rliscussed first in the following examples.
(1 ) Different features and aspects of one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment to provide a bi-directional razor or system with the desired features from both. (2) In the tenth embodiment with its two working planes, the blade strips are shown in a flexible molded plastic seat structure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this embodiment could be changed to have substantially rigid head, such as an assembled head including a blade seat structure, blade spacers and blade-retaining cap with pins for interlocking the blade strips into position. (3) The lubricant strip used in my embodiments may also be built into the razor head structure through impregnation or molding, rather than being a separate strip glued on to the razor's cap. In other words, a solid shaving aid strip may be provided as an integral portion of the cap or other structural member in any form that is substantially immovable. (4) A smoothly finished glide strip or surface which does not dissolve with use may be used in place of a dissolving lubricant strip material. The glide surface can 30 be made of the same plastic material as the rest of the head. Alternatively any suitably smooth or slippery material may be used as a glide strip by being integrally molded, bonded or mechanically fastened to the cap structure of the bi-directional razor. The glide strip may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or of molded plastic coated by vapor deposition or other s' ~it~hl~ methods with a smooth slippery relatively wear-WO 96/07515 C ~ ~ 9 ~ PCT/US94/10307 0 resistant and substantially inert layer. Such a layer could be gold, silver, chrome or any other metal suitable for contact with human skin, or a non-toxic glassy material such as silicon oxide or the like. (~) The individually sprung blades disclosed in the thirteenth embodiment may be provided in a bi-directional structure which looks like 5 a bi-directional version the double-bladed Gillette Sensor razor widely sold in recent years. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,270,268 and 4,492,024, both to JacoL)son, disclose Sensor style spring-loaded blade structures. Such spring-loaded blade structures may beutilized in the manner generally taught in the ll,i,leenll, embodiment of the present invention to achieve a bi-directional razor blade structure. (6) Any type of conventional 10 or suitable pin or post arrangement, beyond those already rlisclosed herein, may be utilized to retain the elongated blade strips within the bi-directional razor head structures of the present invention. In addition, the blades may also be attached without the need for rivet portions by direct molding, or by being held captive in a suitable clamp between the clamp and plafform portions, such as the clamping mechanism disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,403,413 to Trotta. (7) The sharpened edges of the rear blade strips in the fifth embodiment are shown to be slightly elevated relative to the working plane defined by in part by sharpened edge of its forward blade strip. This technique for optimizing the cutting action of the rearward blade strips, by having each rearward blade protrude ever so slightly more than the blade strip in front of it may be utilized in all embodiments of the present invention which are shown with all of the sharpened edges of the blade strips being in a common plane. (8) Any of my bi-directional razors disclosed above may be constructed as a detachable, replaceable cartridge-style razor head, and can be designed so that they can be used with any conventional or suitable re-usable handle.
Thus, it is to be understood that the presenl invention is by no means limited to the particular constructions herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings. Instead, the present invention also encompasses any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the disclosures that are fairly covered by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A single-head bi-directional razor comprising:
a single elongated narrow razor head having two ends and at least one elongated face therebetween, the head having an overall generally rectangular shape with first and second longitudinal edges and a longitudinal axis;
an elongated hand grip having an end connected to the head between the ends of the head;
a first, elongated, thin, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion mounted to the head and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened first edge, the outer edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and a second, elongated, thin, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion mounted to the head and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened second edge, the outer edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, such that the first and second outer edge portions extend in generally opposing directions, the sharpened blade edges of the first and second outer edge portions defining a single flat plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the razor head, the razor hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in one direction along the skin of a user for shaving hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in the opposite direction along the skin of the user for shaving hair extending therefrom while holding the head on the skin of the user during movements in the opposite directions, whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor back and forth as in his own normal manner of moving a conventional razor upon his skin during shaving hair while continuing to hold the hand grip in the same way during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.

2. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 1, where the first and second blade edges are in a plane which is generally parallel to the plane of the face.

3. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 1, further comprising:
third and fourth blade strips, each substantially identical in length and shape to the first and second blade strips, with the third blade strip having an inner portion mounted to the head closely adjacent to the inner portion of the first blade strip and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened third edge, the outer edge portion arranged parallel to and closely spaced from the outer edge portion of the first blade strip, so that the first and third blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor is moved in a first direction along the skin of the user, and the fourth blade strip having an inner portion mounted to the head closely adjacent to the inner portion of the second blade strip and an outer elongated edge portion with a sharpened fourth edge, the outer edge portion arranged parallel to and closely spaced from the outer edge portion of the second blade strip, so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction along the skin of the user.

4. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 3, wherein all of the sharpened blade edges are in the single flat plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the razor head.

5. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 3, wherein all of the sharpened blade edges are in substantially the same plane, but the third and fourth blade edges are slightly elevated relative to the single flat plane defined by the first and second blade edges to thereby improve cutting action.

6. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 3, wherein the razor head has:
a first guard bar, forming at least most of the first longitudinal edge, which is located near but spaced apart from the sharpened edge of the first blade strip; and a second guard bar, forming at least most of the second longitudinal edge, which is located near but spaced apart from the sharpened edge of the second blade strip.

7. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 6, wherein:
the sharpened blade edges are in substantially the same plane;
the razor head has a glide strip between the third and fourth razor blade strips;
and the guard bars and glide strip are substantially within the same plane as the sharpened blade edges, whereby the guard bars and glide strip help define a working plane in which the sharpened edges of the razor blade strips will safely and effectively shave hair from skin.

8. A bi-directional razor in Claim 6, wherein:
the sharpened edges of the first and third razor blade strips are substantially in a first working plane defined in part by the first guard bar;

the sharpened edges of the second and fourth razor blade strips are substantially in a second working plane defined in part by the second guard bar; and the first and second working planes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and each working plane is arranged at an acute angle to the plane defined by the sharpened edges of the first and second blade strips.

9. A bi-directional razor in Claim 6, wherein:
the razor head has a movable connection to the hand grip, such that the head is able to move relative to the hand grip within a predetermined range of at least about 20 degrees when shaving hair in different directions.

10. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 9, wherein the movable connection includes a shell bearing arrangement which has an axis of rotation that is above the sharpened edges of the blade strips and above the flat plane , whereby the axis of rotation for the working plane is essentially beneath the skin while the razor head is cutting hair.

11. A bi-directional razor for manual shaving, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a working face with first and second elongated hair cutting zones, each zone being arranged in a generally planar configuration and respectively defining first and second working planes where contact with the skin of a user is to be made for cutting hair while shaving, the head having an overall generally rectangular shape with first and second ends, first and second generally parallel longitudinal edges extending between the ends, and a longitudinal axis generally running parallel to and located substantially equidistant between the first and second longitudinal edges, with the first cutting zone being generally located between the first and second ends and between the first longitudinal edge and the longitudinal axis, and with the second cutting zone being generally located between the first and second ends and between the second longitudinal edge and on a side of the longitudinal axis opposite the first cutting zone;
an elongated hand grip having a principal axis and a first end portion connected to and supporting the head for movement, with the principal axis being substantially equidistant from the first and second ends of the head;
a first, elongated, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion connected to and supported by the head and an integral, sharpened outer blade edge portion in the first cutting zone of the head which extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to the first working plane and projects generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis;
a second, elongated, narrow razor blade strip extending along substantially the length of the head and having an inner portion connected to and supported by the head and an integral, sharpened outer blade edge portion in the second cutting zone of the head which extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to the second working plane and projects generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, so that the first and second outer blade portions extend in generally opposite directions from one another, the first and second blade edge portions having their blade edges arranged so as to define a single flat blade edge plane that is generally parallel to longitudinal axis of the razor head, the hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in a first direction along the skin of the user for cutting hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in a second direction opposite from the first direction along the skin of the user for cutting hair extending therefrom while holding the head on the skin of the user during movements in the two opposite directions, whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor head back and forth upon his skin during shaving hair while continuting to hold the hand grip in the same way during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.

12. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 11, wherein the first and second working planes are substantially in a single common plane.

13. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 12, wherein:
the first sharpened blade edge portion is in a plane which is at a slight acute angle relative to the first working plane of the head, the second sharpened blade edge portion is in a plane which is at a slight acute angle relative to the second working plane of the head, the hand grip being selectively movable in opposite directions for engaging the sharpened blade edge portion of either the first blade strip blade or the second blade strip with the skin of the user, depending upon the direction of movement of the razor relative to the skin of the user, and the razor head is arranged so the non-engaged sharpened blade edge portion slides along the skin of the user during shaving of at least flat portions of the skin of the user, and helps maintain the engaged blade at a desired angle relative to the skin of the user.

14. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 11, further comprising third and fourth razor blade strips, each being substantially identical in length to the first and second razor blade strips, the third blade strip being arranged closely adjacent to the first blade strip and having an inner portion supported by the head adjacent to the inner portion of the first blade strip and an outer sharpened blade edge portion being arranged generally parallel to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the first blade strip, so that the first and third blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor head is moved in the first direction along the skin of the user, and the fourth blade strip being arranged closely adjacent to the second blade strip and having an inner portion supported by the head adjacent to the inner portion of the second blade strip and an outer sharpened blade edge portion being arranged generally parallel to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the second blade strip, so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair simultaneously as the razor head is moved in the second direction along the skin of the user, whereby the razor cuts in the first direction with the first and third blade strips, and then in the second direction opposite from the first direction with the second and fourth blade strips by manually moving the hand grip in the first and second opposite directions while continuously holding the head on the skin of the user.

15. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 11, wherein the first and second working planes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and each working plane is arranged at an acute angle to the single flat blade edge plane.

16. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 15, wherein the acute angle is in a range between about five degrees to about fifteen degrees, and the first and second working planes intersect one another at a location above the single flat blade edge plane.

17. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 11, wherein the hand grip and the razor head are interconnected to one another through a mechanical arrangement which allows the head to move while the razor is in use relative to the hand grip about at least one axis of rotation, whereby the head is able to follow more closely the contours of the skin surface being shaved, such that the hand grip less often needs to be tilted in different directions during working strokes of the razor head in two different directions along the skin which is contoured.

18. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 17, wherein the mechanical arrangement includes a pair of pivot pins.

19. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 17, wherein the mechanical arrangement includes a pair of shell bearing segments spaced from one another.

20. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 19, wherein the shell bearing segments are sized and arranged relative to the razor head so that the axis of rotation of the shell bearing segments is above the single flat blade edge plane of the razor head.

21. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having first and second longitudinal edges, and a face and a longitudinal axis both generally located between the edges;
a hand grip supporting the head for manual movement by a user of the razor;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second razor strips are angled apart from one another by no more that 180 degrees.

22. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 21, wherein the hand grip is an elongated member having a principal axis and wherein the hand grip and razor head are mechanically interconnected so that the principal axis of the hand grip is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the razor head.

23. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 22, wherein the razor head has a top and a bottom, and the face is located on the top of the razor head, and the hand grip is connected to the bottom of the razor head.

24. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 23, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with blade strip locating means for restricting the first and second blade strips to predetermined locations; and a blade cap structure for helping captivate the blade strips to the predetermined locations.

25. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 21, further comprising:
a third razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened edge portion substantially identical in length to the sharpened edge portion of the first razor biotic strip and arranged to be closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened edge portion of the first blade strip so that the first and third blade strips cut hair substantially simultaneously as the razor is moved in a first direction along the skin of the user; and a fourth razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened edge portion substantially identical in length to the sharpened edge portion of the second razor blade strip and arranged to be closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened edge portion of the second blade strip so that the second and fourth blade strips cut hair substantially simultaneously as the razor is moved in second direction opposite from the first direction along the skin of the user.

26. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 25, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with first blade strip locating means for restricting at least the first and second blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, second blade strip locating means for restricting at least the third and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, and a blade cap structure connected to the blade seat structure, for helping captivate the blade strips within the predetermined locations.

27. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 26, wherein the razor head further includes blade spacing means for providing a predetermined distance between the sharpened edge portions of two adjacent blade strips.

28. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 26, wherein the razor head includes:
a base structure having a large generally open chamber, and blade spacing means for providing predetermined distances between the first through fourth razor blade strips, and at least one pre-formed structural member which is assembled, along with the blade strips, into the blade seat structure as part of making the razor.

29. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 26, wherein the assembled structure of the razor head further includes a plurality of pin members for locking the plurality of blades into predetermined locations and assisting in providing increased structural integrity for the razor blade structure.

30. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 26, wherein each of the razor blade strips is generally flat without any bends and each blade strip has only one sharpened edge.

31. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 30, wherein the blade seat structure is arranged to hold the four blade strips such that the plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the first and third blade strips are in a predetermined orientation that intersect the plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth blade strips.

32. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 26, wherein:
the blade cap structure has a portion with a V-shaped cross-section and a plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of pin members, and the razor head further includes first and second sets of pin members respectively interlocking the first and second blade strips into position and engaged in the holes of the blade cap structure for retaining the cap structure in position as well.

33. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 25, wherein:
the blade strips each have first and second ends;
the razor head includes first and second end portions positioned at opposite ends of the razor head, the first end portion being arranged adjacent to the first ends of the blade strips, and the second end portion being arranged adjacent to the second ends of the blade strips; and each end portion having at least one elongated planar surface against which the skin of a user's face rubs as the razor is used, and each end portion being configured in relation to nearby ends of the blade strips to prevent the skin of the user from being scratched by the nearby ends.

34. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 33, wherein the first and second end portions are formed from separate pieces of plastic material and extend above and partially envelop the nearby ends of the blade strips.

35. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 33, wherein:
the razor head is an assembled structure including a blade support structure for restricting the blade strips substantially within predetermined locations; and the first and second end portions are formed as individual molded members, each having at least a pair of formed mating surfaces which engage complementary mating surfaces on the blade support structure.

36. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 33, wherein:
the razor head includes a blade holding structure, and the first and second end portions are integrally formed with the remainder of the razor head and constitute ridges raised slightly above the working plane of the razor head defined by the sharpened blade edge portions.

37. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 33, wherein the first and second end portions are part of a common cover structure for the razor head constructed as a single unitary piece of plastic material.

38. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 25, wherein the razor head is a structure having:
first and second guard bar portions respectively forming the first and second longitudinal edges of the razor head, each of the guard bar portions being for smoothing and stretching the skin immediately prior to such skin being shaved by the blade strips adjacent the guard bar.

39. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 38, wherein the first and second guard portions are part of a common cover structure.

40. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 38, wherein each of the guard bars form part of a common working plane in which all of the sharpened edge portions of the blade strips are found.

41. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 38, wherein each guard bar forms the forward portion of a distinct working plane in which the sharpened edge portions of a set of blade strips are found.

42. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 21, wherein:
the razor head includes at least one glide strip having generally a planar surface which is located generally between the first and second blade strips and generally above the longitudinal axis of the razor head for contacting the skin immediately after the skin is shaved by a razor blade strip during movement in either the first or second direction.

43. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 38, wherein the razor head includes at least one glide strip means located generally between the third and fourth blade strips and generally above the longitudinal axis of the razor head, the one glide strip means having first and second planar surfaces generally arranged at an angle to one another, the first planar surface being generally within the working plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the first and third blade strips and the second planar surface generally being within the working plane defined by the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth blade strips, each of the planar surfaces being for contacting the skin immediately after the skin is shaved by a pair of razor blade strips during movement in the first or second direction.

44. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 43, wherein:
the glide strip means also has an angled shape with two distinct surfaces, one of which forms part of a working plane with part of the first guard bar portion therein and the other of which forms part of a second working plane with part of the second guard bar portion therein, whereby a respective one of the surfaces of the glide strip means forms a trailing edge for its respective working plane which contacts a portion of the skin of the user immediately after that portion of skin has been shaved by the set of blade strips preceding that trailing edge.

45. An elongated cartridge for a single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a razor head structure having first and second longitudinal edges, and a face and a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head structure and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle from the face toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis; and a second razor blade strip supported by the head structure and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle from the face and projecting toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second razor strips are angled apart from one another by no more than 180 degrees.

46. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 45, for a razor having a re-usable handle extending generally transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the razor head structure, the handle having connector means for releasably fastening the razor blade cartridge thereon, wherein:
the razor head structure is elongated and generally rectangularly-shaped, and the structure has first and second ends, an exposed working face located between ends, and first and second sides, the longitudinal axis extends between the first and second ends, and the first and second longitudinal edges extend between the ends, and are located opposite one another about the longitudinal axis;
and the cartridge further comprises:
means, attached to the cartridge, for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle, whereby the cartridge is manually connectable to and releasable from the handle so that the cartridge can be replaced by a duplicate cartridge when desired, and whereby the cartridge may be manually moved by the handle in first and second opposite directions along the skin of the user in order to effect cutting of hair by the first and second blade strips respectively while holding the cartridge on the skin of the user and while maintaining the general inclination of the handle relative to the skin of the user while reversing directions, so that the user may slide the razor back-and-forth upon his skin while continuing to hold the handle in his normal manner during such back-and-forth movement of the razor.

47. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 45, wherein the razor head structure is an assembled structure and includes:
a generally rectangular, elongated blade seat structure having at least first and second strip receiving locations, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, for respectively receiving the first and second blade strips; and an elongated cap structure means for maintaining at least the first and second razor blade strips in their respective strip receiving locations substantially within the cartridge.

48. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 45, wherein the blade strips are captivated in the razor head structure so that the blade strips are substantially inflexible while the razor is in use.

49. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 47, wherein the blade strips are arranged within the cartridge so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head structure in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being moved against the skin of the user.

50. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 46, wherein the cartridge is connectable to a handle such that the cartridge is movable relative to the handle over a limited range in two opposite directions about a center position generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

51. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 50, wherein the means, attached to the cartridge, for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle includes:
pivot means for permitting a limited range of movement of the cartridge in either direction relative to the handle in response to forces generated during the use of the razor cartridge upon the skin of the user, and biasing means for returning the cartridge to the center position when forces upon the cartridge applied during use are removed.

52. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 50, wherein the means attached to the cartridge for releasable engagement with the connector means of the handle for securing the cartridge to the handle includes a shell bearing arrangement.

53. A disposable bi-directional razor with handle and head substantially formed of molded plastic material, comprising:
a single unitary elongated razor head substantially formed from molded plastic material and having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal edges on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the razor head having a generally elongated narrow exposed working face with first and second hair cutting zones on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis;
an elongated hand grip substantially formed from molded plastic material having a first end integrally connected to and supporting the head so that the hand grip extends transversely from the head;
a first, elongated, razor blade strip set with a first blade edge and a second blade edge extending along the length of the head, the first blade strip set having inner portions supported by the head and integral, sharpened outer, elongated blade edge portions extending outwardly of the face at an acute angle relative to the first hair cutting zone, and projecting toward the first longitudinal edge away from the longitudinal axis;
a second, elongated, razor blade strip set, with a third blade edge and a fourth blade edge, substantially identical in size and shape to the first razor blade strip set and extending along the length of the head and spaced apart therefrom and having elongated inner portions supported by the head and integral, sharpened outer, elongated blade edge portions extending outwardly of the face at an acute angle to the second hair cutting zone, and projecting toward the second longitudinal edge away from the longitudinal axis, so that the first and third blade edge portions extend in generally opposite directions towards their respective first and second longitudinal edges;
the hand grip being adapted for manually grasping and for moving the hand grip and the head in one direction along the skin of the user for cutting hair extending therefrom and then for reversing the direction of movement of the hand grip for moving the head in the opposite direction along the skin of the user for cutting hair extending therefrom without lifting, tilting or repositioning the head from the skin of the user during movements in the opposite directions, whereby the user of the razor may slide the razor back and forth in his own normal manner of moving a conventional razor upon his skin without changing his manner of holding the hand grip during the back and forth sliding movement upon his skin.

54. A disposable bi-directional razor as in Claim 53, wherein the hand grip and the head are in a substantially stationary fixed position relative to one another, and each of the razor blade strip sets are formed from a plurality of metal strips.

55. A disposable bi-directional razor as in Claim 54, wherein the hand grip and at least a lower support portion of the head form a one-piece molded plastic structure and are rigidly fixed to one another.

56. A disposable bi-directional razor as in Claim 53, wherein the hand grip and head are connected such that the head is movable relative to the hand grip over a limited range in two opposite directions generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

57. A disposable bi-directional razor as in Claim 56, wherein the hand grip and head are connected using a pivot arrangement having at least two projecting pin members which are coaxial with and define an axis of rotation of the head.

58. A disposable bi-directional razor as in Claim 56, wherein the hand grip and head are connected using a shell bearing arrangement including at least two axially spaced shell bearing members and at two complementary arcuate tracks, the shell bearing arrangement providing an axis of rotation spaced from the shell bearing members and disposed along an axis parallel to the first and second blade strips.

59. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 53, wherein the first and second hair cutting zones are substantially in a single common plane.

60. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 53, wherein the first hair cutting zone is arranged at an obtuse angle to the second hair cutting zone.

61. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 22, wherein the blade strips are arranged so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the skin of the user in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

62. A bi-directional razor cartridge as in Claim 26, wherein the blade strips are arranged so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the skin of the user in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

63. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a top and a bottom, first and second longitudinal edges, a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and a face located on the top of the razor head generally between the edges;
an elongated hand grip supporting the razor head for manual movement and connected to the bottom of the razor head;
a first razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip;
a second razor blade strip supported by the head and having a sharpened blade edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge and away from the longitudinal axis, and arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip;
a third razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened blade edge portion substantially identical in length to and closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the first razor blade strip, the third blade strip being arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip; and a fourth razor blade strip supported by the head and provided with a sharpened blade edge portion substantially identical in length to and closely adjacent to and spaced a short distance from the sharpened blade edge portion of the second razor blade strip, the fourth blade strip being arranged to be movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip, whereby each of the blade strips is movable while being pushed against the skin of the user during use of the razor.

64. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 63, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:
a blade seat structure with first blade strip locating means for restricting at least the first and second blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, second blade strip locating means for restricting at least the third and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined locations, and retaining means connected to the blade seat structure, for helping captivate the blade strips within the predetermined locations.

65. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 63, wherein:
the razor head is an assembled structure, further including blade spacing means for providing a predetermined distance between the sharpened edge portions of two adjacent blade strips, and each of the blade strips is movable independently of the movement of other blade strips.

66. A bi-directional razor, comprising:
an elongated razor head structure having first and second longitudinal edges, a working face and a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and connection means;
a re-usable handle with connector means for releasably fastening to the connection means of the head structure;
the razor head structure including first and a second narrow razor blade strips extending along the working face, each strip having an integral inner portion captivated in the head structure and an integral outer portion which extends outwardly of a respective one of the working face at an acute angle relative thereto, with the outer portions being sharpened to provide blade shaving edges and angularly extending in generally opposite directions away from each other so that the sharpened outer portion of the first blade strip angularly extends at an acute angle generally toward the first longitudinal edge of the head structure, and so that the sharpened outer portion of the second blade strip extends at an acute angle generally toward the second longitudinal edge of the head structure, whereby the handle is manually releasable from the head structure so that the head structure can be replaced by a duplicate head structure when desired, and whereby the head structure may be manually moved by the handle in first and second opposite directions along the skin of the user in order to effect cutting of hair by the first and second blade strips respectively without lifting the head structure from the skin of the user and without altering the inclination of the handle relative to the skin of the user while reversing directions, so that the user may slide the razor back-and-forth upon his skin without changing his normal manner of holding the handle during such back-and-forth movement of the razor.

67. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 66, wherein the razor head structure is a generally rectangular, assembled structure which includes:
an elongated blade seat structure having a longitudinal axis, and at least first and second strip receiving locations, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, for respectively receiving the first and second blade strips; and means for maintaining the first and second razor blade strips in their respective strip receiving locations substantially within the head structure during use of the razor.

68. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 66, wherein the blade strips are captivated in the razor head structure so that the blade strips are substantially inflexible while the razor is in use.

69. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 66, wherein the blade strips are arranged within the head structure so that each blade strip is movable relative to the razor head structure in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while being pushed against the skin of the user in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

70. A single-head bi-directional razor, comprising:
a single elongated razor head having a generally rectangular top and a bottom, first and second longitudinal edges, a longitudinal axis generally located between the edges, and a face located on the top of the razor head and between the edges;
an elongated hand grip supporting and connected to the bottom of the razor head;
first, second, third and fourth razor blade strips, each strip supported by the head, each strip being substantially identical in length to the other blade strips, each strip having a sharpened edge portion extending outwardly at an acute angle relative to the face and projecting away from the longitudinal axis, and each strip being arranged so that it is individually movable relative to the razor head in response to pressure applied to that blade strip while it is being pushed against the skin of the user during shaving, the first and third razor blade strips projecting generally toward the first longitudinal edge, and generally being arranged such that their respective sharpened edge portions are parallel to and spaced closely to one another, and the second and fourth razor blade strips projecting generally toward the second longitudinal edge, and generally being arranged such that their respective sharpened edge portions are parallel to and spaced closely to one another.

71. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein the razor head is an assembled structure including:

a base structure;
first means, associated with the base structure, for restricting movement of the first and third razor blade strips substantially within predetermined first and third locations that are spaced closely to but apart from one another; and second means, associated with the base structure, for restricting movement of the second and fourth blade strips substantially within predetermined second and fourth locations that are spaced closely to but apart from one another.

72. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein each of the individual razor blade strips includes a very thin flat blade strip segment which contains the sharpened edge portion of the razor strip and an elongated angled thicker blade support segment to which the very thin blade strip segment is rigidly connected.

73. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein:
the face of the razor head has first and second distinct working planes that are both arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and that intersect one another in a location adjacent to and above the longitudinal axis near the top of the razor head;
the sharpened edge portions of the first and third razor blade strips are operatively associated with and positioned very closely to the first working plane; and the sharpened edge portions of the second and fourth razor blade strips are operatively associated with and positioned very closely to the second working plane.

74. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein the razor head is disconnectable by a user from the handle, and the handle is re-usable and includes user-operated means for releasably attaching the handle to the bottom of the razor head.

75. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein:
the bottom of the razor head has a movable connection connectable to the hand grip, such that the head is able to move relative to the hand grip within a predetermined range of at least about 20 degrees when shaving hair in different directions, and the movable connection includes a shell bearing arrangement.

76. A bi-directional razor as in Claim 70, wherein the razor head further includes a plurality of spring members associated with each blade strip, with each spring member pushing at least a portion of its respective blade strip generally upwardly and away from the bottom of the razor head.