Title of Invention	"CARTIRIDGE AND DISPENSER FOR A RAZOR CARTRIDGE AND HANDLE FOR CONNECTING TO A REPLACABLE CARTIRIDGE"
Abstract	A cartridge dispenser for razor blade cartridges including latches that retain cartridges in predetermined positions permitting connection to a handle connecting Structure on a handle as the handle is moved toward *the cartridge, each latch having a latch camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle camming structure so as to cause the latch to be deflected and to unlatch a cartridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to cartridge connecting structure of a cartridge. The dispenser also has blade unit dividers that extend from the base, are substantially perpendicular to the base, and define blade unit regions in which the blade units are received, and angled dividers that extend from the ends of respective blade unit dividers at acute angles with the base and define angled regions through which the blade units pass in delivery to and removal from the blade unit regions and in which the cartridge connecting structure is received.

Title of Invention

"CARTIRIDGE AND DISPENSER FOR A RAZOR CARTRIDGE AND HANDLE FOR CONNECTING TO A REPLACABLE CARTIRIDGE"

Abstract

A cartridge dispenser for razor blade cartridges including latches that retain cartridges in predetermined positions permitting connection to a handle connecting Structure on a handle as the handle is moved toward *the cartridge, each latch having a latch camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle camming structure so as to cause the latch to be deflected and to unlatch a cartridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to cartridge connecting structure of a cartridge. The dispenser also has blade unit dividers that extend from the base, are substantially perpendicular to the base, and define blade unit regions in which the blade units are received, and angled dividers that extend from the ends of respective blade unit dividers at acute angles with the base and define angled regions through which the blade units pass in delivery to and removal from the blade unit regions and in which the cartridge connecting structure is received.

Full Text	The present invention relates to a cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge ana a handle for connecting a replaceable razor cartridge. The invention relates to dispensing razor blade cartridges £rom a dispenser onto a handle. Razor blade cartridges are typically removed from a dispenser by connecting the handle to the cartridge while the cartridge is still retained in the dispenser. The user then pivotally moves the handle with respect to the dispenser, using the leverage of the handle against a friction or interference fit of a projection that holds the cartridge body, and frees the cartridge from the dispenser. When the cartridge is of a t/pe that has a pivotal connection to Che handle, r.he user must pivot the handle beyond the range of motion allowed by the pivotal connection before leverage is applied tC' the friction or interference fit. In one aspect, the invention features, in general, a dispenser for razor blade cartridges used with a handle. The dispenser has a housing structure that defines sections for receiving respective cartr-idges and retaining the cartridges in predetermined positions that permit connection of a handle connecting structure on the handle to one of the cartridges as the handle is moved toward the cartridge. The dispenser also has a latch for each section. Each latch has a latch camming structure that rs shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding handle camming structure on the handle, causing the latch to be deflected and to release the partridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to cartridge, In another aspect, the invention features in general a dispenser having a housing structure that includes,a base and a plurality of angled cartridge dividers that define angled sections for receiving respective cartridges.; Certain implementations of tHe invention may include one or more of the following features. In certain implementations, each latch has a resilient cantilevered arm that' extends from a cartridge divider and has an end vith a cam follower and a blocking surface that is substantially perpendicular to the arm for blocking removal of the' cartridge. The cartridge dividers include blade unit dividers that extend from the base, are substantially perpendicular to the base, and define blade unit regions in which the blade units are received. The cartridge dividers also include angled dividers that extend from the ends of respective blade unit dividers at acute angles with the base and define 'angled regions through which the blade;units pass in delivery to and removal trom the blade unit regioiis and in which the cartridge connecting structure is received. An angled region of one section partially overlies a bljade unit region of an adjacent section. The angled cartridge divijders have first portions that extend between the side walljB closer to the base and second portions that extend t^waird from the first portions but are not connected to the side walls. The angled dividers make an angle of greater thai^ 30 with the base. The dispenser has drainage 'holes associated with respective sections. The dispenser-has raised members on which end structures (e.g., clips); of the cartridge are supported so as to avoid contact of the blades with the dispenser. another aspect, the invention features, in general, a handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge held in a predetermined position in a dispenser by a latch. The handle has a hand engageable portion and a handle connecting structure at the upper end of the handle that imakes connection to the cartridge by movement along a connection axis toward the cartridge in the dispenser. The handle connecting structure includes a handle camming struGtixre that is shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on the latch on the dispenser so as to cause the latch to be deflected and to release .the cartridge as the handle is moved along the connection axis toward and is connected to the cartridge. in certain implementations of the invention, the handle connecting structure fits within a cartridge connecting structure on the cartridge, and the handle connec-ing structure is asymmetrical so as to guarantee proper alig3:iment of a cam surface on the handle with a cam follower on the dispenser as the handle is moved toward and is connected to the cartridge. The handle carries-a-button used to.eject the cartridge; the button is located on a platform adjacent to the cam surface and has a recessed region in line with the cam surface to provide a space to receive the latch during or after connection of the handle to the cartridge. In another aspect, the invention features, in gcncrsil, a r«pla.e«abl« razoi- hlade cartridge that includes a blade unit and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the blade unit to a handle by movement of; the handie along a connection axis toward the cairtridge connecting structure. The cartridge connecting structure includes a recessed portion for receiving a cam surface on the he-ndlo as the handle is moved along the connection axis. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a replaceable razor blade cartridge that includee a blade unit and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the blade unit to a handle by TnOTjMpnt of the handle along a connection axis toward the owkridge connecting structure- The cartridge connectfjg atrticture includes a cutaway portion functioning as a Keyway for receiving a mating key structure on the handle as the handle is tdoved aXong the connection axis to enhance proper orientation of the handle. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a replaceable razor blade cartridge that includes^ a bla4e unit and a cartridge connecting structure for conijecting the blade unit to a handle by movement of the handle along a coiinection axis toward the cartridge connecting structure. The blade unit includes an elongated housing and a cross bar that is parallel to the coiinection axis and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing at a bottom portion of the housing. The cartridge connecting "structure includes a latching portion for engagement by a latch on a cartridge dispenser. Th^ latching portion is aligned with the cross bar, so that the cro«» bar is aligned with the latch upon removal of; the cartridge from the dispenser, ! In certain iit^lementations of the invention^ the cartridge connecting structure has inwardly directed surfaces that define a flat-shaped region for insertion of a flat-shaped handle connecting structure. The cartridge connecting structure has an engagement structure providing a releaaable le.g,, snap-fit} connection to the handle. The engagement structure Te a projection for mating with a matbhing depression on the handle. In another aspect, the invention features, in genteral a razor including a handle with a cam. surface and a carjtridge with a recessed portion for receiving the cam suriface or. the handle as the handle is moved along a-cormection axis during connection of the cartridge to the hanidle. ; In another aspect, the invention features, in general, the combination of a cartridge dispenser, a cartridge stored in the dispenser, and a handle. The dispenser has a latch that releasably holds the cartridge stolred on the dispenser in a latched position and has a latjch camming structure. The handle has a handle camming^ stricture that interacts with the latch camming structure to cause the latch to be deflected from the latched position ahdj to release the cartridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to the cartridge. The handle also includes a plaitform on which the latch rides in an unlatched position aftjer the latch has released the cartridge prior to removal of ithe connected cartridge from the dispenser. In"another aspect, the invention features,-in general, the combination of a cartridge dispenser and a carjtridge in the dispenser. The cartridge has a blade unit andi -a cartridge connecting structure that is movably connected to the blade unit. The dispenser has a housing structure that supports the blade unit and a latch that engages the cartridge connecting structure. The housing strtucture and the latch hold the cartridge in an immobile position ready to be unlatched and connected to a handle. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of using a replaceable razor cartridge. Thej cartridge is .stored in a dispenser. Handle connecting strjucture of a handle is moved toward cartridge connecting striucture of the cartridge along a connection axis to connect the cartridge to the handle. Thereafter the cartridge is removed from the dispenser while connected to the handle by retracting the handle substantially along a retraction axis, which preferably i» the same as the -' connection axis used for connecting the handle to the cartridge. In certain in^lementations the cartridge, after use, is replaced in the same or a different dispenser by moving the handle and connected cartridge along the same or a different connection axis. The cartridge is disconnected fiTora the handle, and the handle is retracted while the cartridge remains in the dispenser. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle in a proper orientation. The cartridge is stored in an angled region between a front angled divider and a rear angled divider in a dispenser. The; dividers are generally parallel to each other, and the cartridge has a cartridge connecting structure with a cartridge connection axis that passes between the front and rear angled dividers. Handle connecting structure of a handle is moved toward the cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge along the connection axis to connect the cartridge to the handle. The handle has asymmetrical geometry with respect to the connection axis such that a blocking structure on the handle will be on the side of the axis closer to the rear divider and will be blocked by the rear angled divider when the handle is in an improper orientation, and the blocking structure on the handle will be on the side of the axis away from, the rear divider and will be clear of the rear angled divider when the handle is in la proper orientation. In certain implementations: the blocking structure includes a button carried on the handle; the handle connecting structure is offset from an elongated hand gripping structure of the handle by a transition portion, and the blocking structure includes the transition portion. In another aspect, the invention features, ifa. generali a method of using a replaceable razor cartridge. The cartridge is stored in a dispenser. Handle connecting structure of a handle is connected to cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge, and the cartridge is removed frotn the dispenser while connected to the handle by retracting the handle along a retraction axis. The dispenser includes a resilient member that exerts a biasing force on che cartridge connecting structure as the cartridge is removed, and the biasing force has a component along the retraction axis to assist in ejecting the cartridge from the dispenser. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle. The method includes storing the cartridge in a dispenser having a latch that retains a cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge. A handle conniftcting structure of the handle is moved toward the cartridge connecting structure along a connection axis. The latch is automatically moved to an unlatched position with a handle canmiing structure that interacts with a latch camming Structure as the handle is moved toward and is connected to the cartridge connecting structure. In another aspect, the invention features, in general, making a dispenser for razor blade cartridges by permanently connecting a bottom plastic part and a top plastic part that; together define sections for receiving respective razor blade cartridges. In certain implementations ox the invention^ the top part and the bottom part are connected by ultrasonically welding; and blade unit dividers on the bottom part are ultrasonically welded to angled dividers on the top part. Embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages. Handles are easily connected to new cartridges,, and the cartridges are automatically unlatched from the dispenser during connection of the handle to the cartridge. The use of blade unit regions and overlying angled regions provides for conserved space along the basje of the dispenser and efficient placement of cartridges for a given peg space requirement for the dispenser. Xhe user is prevented from connecting the handle to a cartridge in the wrong orientation owing to asymmetrical features of the handle; these features can include one or more of: asymmetrical connecting sections on the handle and cartridge, mating key/ke^-^ay features on the cartridge and handle connecting structures/ and blocking structure on the handle [e.g., an ejector button on one side or an offset transition portion) that will be blocked by a rear angled divider when the handle is in the wrong orientation but will not be blocked when in the proper orientation. Other advantages or features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof and from the claims. The present invention relates to a cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a handle having a housing structure defining a cartridge receiving section for receiving a respective cartridge retained in said section in a predetermined position permitting connection of said respective cartridge to a handle connecting structure on said handle, characterized in that said handle connection structure connects with said cartridge as said handle is moved towards said cartridge, and in that a latch is carried by the housing structure and has a latch camming structure and a cartridge portion extending with said cartridge receiving section of the housing, said latch camming structure being shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle structure to cause said latch to be deflected to an unlatched position in which said cartridge retaining portion releases said cartridge as said handle is moved toward and connected to a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge. The present invention also relates to a handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge by latch held in a dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, said handle characterized by a hand engageable portion having an upper end, and a handle connecting structure at said upper end that makes connection with said cartridge by movement along a connection axis towards said cartridge in said dispenser, said handle connecting structure having a handle camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on said latch on said dispenser so as to cause said latch to be deflected and to release said cartridge as said handle is moved along said connection axis toward and is connected to said cartridge. The present invention also provides a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle, characterized by the steps of storing said cartridge in a dispenser having a latch that retains said cartridge at a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge, moving said handle together with a handle connecting structure of said handle towards said cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge from a region external of said dispenser along a connection axis deflecting said latch to an unlatched position with a handle interaction structure of said handle that interacts with a latch camming structure as said handle is moved towards said cartridge connecting structure along said connection axis, and engaging said handle connecting structure with said cartridge connecting structure so as to join said structures together as said handle is moved towards said cartridge connecting structure along said connection axis. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser for razor blade cartridges. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of showing a replaceable raor cartridge aligned with a handle (shown as a partial view) on which the cartridge is connected for us Pig. 3 is a plan view of the Fig. i dispenser. Fig. 4 ia a vertical sectional view, taken at 4-4 of Fig, 3, of the Fig. i dispenser. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the Pig. 1 dispenser. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view, taken at 6-6 of Fig. 4, of an angled divider and latch of the Fig. i dispenser. Fig, 7 is a plan view of a handle connecting structure at the upper end of the Fig. 2 handle. Fig. 8 is an elevation of the Pig. 7 handle connecting structure. Fig. 8A is a vertical sectional view, taken at 8A-8A of Fig. 8, of the end of the Fig. 7 handle connecting structure. Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a cartridge connecting' Structure of the Pig. 2 cartridge. Pig. 10 is an illustration showing the position of a Fig. 2 cartridge stored between dividers in a section of the Pig. 1 dispenser. Figs. 11-16 are illustrations showing the positions of the cartridge, dispenser cott^onents, and handle during connection of the handle to a cartridge in the Fig. 1 dispenser and removal of the connected cartridge from the dispenser. Referring to Pigs. 1-4, there is shown cartridge dispenser 10 {Fig. 1) for storing razor blade cartridges 12 (Fig. 2), which each have blade unit 14 that is pivotally connected to cartridge connecting structure 16. Dispenser 10 includes housing structure 18 that defines sections 20 for receiving cartridges 12 and latches 22 associated with sections 20 to retain each cartridge 12 in a respective section 20. Sections 20 are defined by cartridge dividers 24 and side walls 26 of housing structure 18. Each cartridge divider 24 includes a perpendicular blade unit divider portion 36, at the bottom, and angled divider-portion 42 above it. Dispenser 10 is made of two molded parts 23,30, that are joined together by ultrasonic welding at seam 32 (Fig. 4). Bottom part 28 include© base 34. perpendicular blade unit divider portions 36, and contoured cartridge supports 3S spaced slightly in from side walls 26 (Figs. 3, 4) ^ Cartridge supports 38 are contoured to support and are aligned with clips 40 on cartridges 12 (Fig. 2) at the ends of blade unit 14 in order to avoid contact of the blades that are retained under clips 40 with the dispenser. Referring to Pig. 5, it ia seen that base 34 has drainage openings 53 that are each associated with a section 20 for receiving a respective cartridge 12. Referring to Figs, 3-4, upper part 30 includes angled dividers 42, which each include a lower portion 44 that extends between side walls 26 and two upper portions 46 that are not connected to side walls 26 in order to permit flexure of upper portions 46. Alternatively, upper portions 4tC con be connected to side wallet 26,- having a space between upper portions 46 and side walls 26 is optional. Upper portions 46 have tops 47. Between the two upper portions 46 of each angled divider portion 42 is a latch 22 that extends upward from lower portion 44. Front wall 48 similarly has lower portion 50 between side walls 26^ two free standing upper portions 52, and latch 22 therebetween. Upper portions 46, 52 have spaces nearby the ends of latches 22 to receive the connecting structures of the cartridge and handle during connection and disconnection. Referring to ?ig. S, axio 56b extending through the lower portion 44 of angled divider portion 42 and the portion of latch 22 extending therefrom make a 35** angle a with connection seam 32 and base 34 thereunder. The angle Q should be no less than 30°; a value of about 35° provides a good balance between providing a sufficient number Referring to Fig. 2, handle 63 includes elongated, straight hand gripping portion 65 and handle connecting structure 64 at the upper end of hand gripping portion 65. Generally flat extension 66 of structure 64 is designed to fit within mating r biaaed plimger 61, for biasing pivotal blade unit 14 at a Cam surface on cross bar 41, and button 68, used to extend a presser from a forward end of extension 66 (not shown in Fig* 2) to eject cartridge 12 from handle 63. The details of the structure and operation of cartridge 12 and handle connecting structure 64, the interaction of plunger* 61 and the cam surface on cross bar 4X, and the connection and disGcnnection of the cartridge 12 and handle 63 are described in Serial Number 08/630,437, filed April 10, 1996, and a patent application entitled "Shaving Razor and Method" filed concurrently herewith, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Referring primarily to Figs. 7 and 8, handle connecting structure 64 of handle 63 includes handle camming structure 69 having cam surface 70 for acting against cam follower structure 54 (surface 56 and junctions 58, 60) of 14tch 22 (Fig. 6) as extension 66 is inserted into recess 67 {Fig. 9) of a cartridge 12 contained within dispenser 10 (Pig. 11) . As shown in Fig. 8, surface 70 makes an acute angle (about 22°) with connection axis 72. Handle-connecting structure 64 includes platform portion 74 with generally semicircular portions 76 on both sides of cam surface 70, and cartridge connecting structure 16 has cutaway portion 80 (Pigs. 2, 9> with a matching shape for receiving platform 74 of handle connecting structure 64. Cutaway portion 80 functions as a keyway for mating platform portion 74 on handle 63 to guarantee proper alignment of cam- Surface 70 and the cam follower structure of latch 22 as well as proper orientation of handle 63 during connection to cartridge 12, As shown in Fig. 8A, extension 66 has an asymmetrical shape in a planar section perpendicular to connection axis 72 (Figs. 7-8) through its outwardly directed surfaces; recesa 67 (Pig. 9) in cartridge connecting structure 16 of cartridge 12 has the same shape in a planar section perpendicular to connection axis 72 through its mating inwardly directed surfaces. The asymmetrical shapes, liKe the mating platform and cutaway portions just mentioned, also Enhance proper alignment of cam surface 70 and cam follower structure 54 of latch 22 as well as proper orientation of handle 63 and cartridge 12 during connection. Button 68 has recessed region 73 in line with cam surface 70 to provide a space to receive latch 22 during and after connection of handle connecting structure 64 with the connecting structure 16 of cartridge 12, when handle 63 is in a tilted forward orientation (Fig. 14). Referring to Pig. 9, it is seen that cartridge connecting structure 16 has recessed region 7S for receiving cam surface 70 of handle S3 as handle 63 is moved along connection axis 72 (Pigs, 12, 13). Cartridge connecting structure 15 also has latching portion 82, located at the juncti-on of the top of recessed region 78 and the center of cutaway portion 80. Latching portion 82 is contacted by retaining surface 62 of latch 22 when retained in dispenser 10 (P;.gs- 6, 10) , Cartridge connecting structure 16 also has two detents 83 for mating with two depressions 85 (Fig. 8) on handle 63. Extending from the end of cartridge conriecting structure 16 are two arms 77 with pivots 79 (only one axm and one pivot are shown in Pig. 9) that make a pivotal connection with blade unit 14 (Fig. 2), as is described in detail in the above-referenced patent application U.S. Serial Number 08/630,437. In loading a cartridge 12 into a respective section 20/ the bottom of each blade unit 14 is guided by upper surface 90 of divider 42 (or of back angled wall 95) (Figs. 4, 10) and passes through angled region 92 into blade unit T&g±on 94. (Surfaces 90 thus include the upper surfaces of bot\|h lower portion 44 and upper portion 4€ of dividers 42.) The bottom of blade unit 14 is also guided along the upper ,countoured surfaces of cartridge supports 36 and rest^ on euppor-^s 3 8 with the front of the blade unit resting against jblade unit divider; portion 36. As shown in Fig. 4, ' cartridge supports have an initial generally horizontal portion, followed by a first angled portion, followed by a second anglftd portion at a smaller angle. As shown in Fig. 10, pivotal cartridge connecting structure 16 is held in a position in which retaining surface 62 of latch 22 engages latching portion 82 of cartridge connecting structure 16, As not-sd above, cartridge connecting structure 16 is pivotally mounted with respect to blade unit 14. In Fig, 10, blade unit 14 is shown at the limit of pivoting at the most open orientation with respect to cartridge connecting structure 16, and thus latching portion 82 cannot move downward from the position shown in Pig. 10 and cannot move rearward (to the right) out of region 92 owing to interference by retaining surface 62. In the cartridge storage position shown in Fig. 10, there is no deflection of latch 22 from its undeflected position, and there thus is zero- or minimal force of latch 22 on cartridge connecting structure 16. if there were a slight deflection of latch 22 outward, or if tolerances permitted a slightly more open orientation of cartridge connecting structure 16 and blade unit 14 or a slight space between latching portion 82 and retaining surface 62, latching portion S2 of cartridge coniiecting structure 16 could move slightly rearward (to the right) and contact a different position of retaining surface 62; latching portion 82, however, is prevented from clearing blocking surface 56a of latch 22 in the absence of a very lAtge deflection of latch 22 outward {i.e., upward in Fig. 10) . In use, when a shaver desires to replace a cartridge 12 on handle 63, the presently mounted cartridge 12 is ejected using button 68 and discarded {or inserted into a vacant section 20 in a dispeneer 10, ae is discussed below) . Then an used cartridge 12 in dispenser 10 is connected to handle 63 by moving extension €fi into mating recess 67 along connection axis 72» Pig. 10 shows the position o£ cartridge connecting structure 16 in dispenser 10 during storage and prior to connection to handle 63, Fig. 11 shows the position of handle connecting structure 64 as cam surface 70 on handle 63 first contacts latch camming structure 54 of latch 22 on dispenser 10, Fig. 12 shows the initial deflection of latch 22 as handle connecting structure 64 is inserted fvirther, and Pig. 13 shows handle connecting structure 64 connected to cartridge connecting structure 16. The user is prevented from connecting handle 63 to cartridge 12 in the wrong orientation owing to asymmetrical features of handle 63 with respect to connection axis 72. Two of hhRsa features are the rtpymrnrthr-i ofll shi^p? o^ extension $6 and the mating key/keyway feature of eemicircular platform 74. These two features prevent insertion of extension 66 all of the way into recess 67 with engagement of detents 83 with depressions 85 unless handle 63 is in the proper orientation ti^anfiition portion 71 are on the side of connection axis 72 closer to the front angled divider 42 (see Figs. 1/ 5, and IX), are ciear of ^the rear angled divider 42, and are not blocked by any structure on dispenser 10. If a user ' atten^'ts to attach a cartridge 12 with handle 63 upside down, button 68 and transition portion 71 will be on the side of axis 72 closest to the rear divider 42 and will be blocked by it. Thus, owing to the use of angled dividers on dispenser 10, button 68 and transition portion 71 ace as blocking structures making it more likely that the user place handle 63 iii the proper orientation before attempting to connect it no a cartridge 12 in dispenser 10. Assuming that handle 63 is in the proper orientation shown in Fig. 11, as handle connecting structure 64 is moved along connection axis 72, cam surface 70 contacts cam follower structure 54 of latch 22 (Pig. 11) and, with continued insertion along axis 72, cam surface 70 biases the end of cantilevere^d latch 22 outward (Fig. 12). As latch 22 moves outward, its cantilevered arm bends primarily near the base (see Pigs. 4,. 6), and blocking surface 56a {Fig, 6) moves substantially along the plane of its surface (perpendicular to longitudinal ajcis 5fib through lower portion 44). As handle connecting structure 64 is inserted further along axis 72, latch 22 rides up onto platform 74 to an unlatched position clearing the cartridge structure prior to, or simultaneously with, detent 83 snapping into place in depression 85 in the connected position shown in Fig. 13. Receseed region 78 provides a region in cartridge connecting structure 16 for receiving cam surface 70 in the connected position. If the user tilts handle 63 upward at this time, or if the user so tilts handle 63 during attachment or removal, latch 22 can deflect further and ride up above platform 74 into reeeased region 73 in button sa (Pig. 14) without risk of breaking latch 22. The user then retracts handle $3 and connected cartridge 12 from dispenser 10, typically along the sAme axis along which the handle travelled during connection, namely connection axis 72. Cartridge moves from the initially connected position of Fig. 13 to the initial retraction position of Fig. 15 and the further retracted position of Pig. 16. Because latch 22, which is a resilient cantilevered structure, is still in a deflected position during initial retraction when latch 22 rides over the outside of cartridge connecting structure 16 (Figs. 15 and 16) , latch 22 exerts a biasing force on cartridge connecting structure 16. in the position of Fig. 16, where latch 22 contacts the curved front surface 100 of connecting st?mcture 16, the biasing force exerted by latch 22 has a component along axis 72, and this assists in ejecting the connected cartridge from the dispenser 10. As the handle and connected cartridge move further outward from the position shown in Fig. 16, blade unit 14 passes latch 22. If latch 22 contacts the back of blade unit 14 at this time, latch 22 will ride over cross bar 41 on th-s back of blade unit 14 (Fig. 2) , which is perpendicular to the blades and is aligned with latching portion 82. Latch 22 thus will not get caught on other structure (e.g., perpendicular portions of the housing of blade unit 14) on the back of blade unit 14, cross bar 41 also provides strength to blade unit 14 and has a camming surface that is acted upon by spring biased plunger 61. When a user wishes to replace a cartridge 12 after it ha3 been used for shaving, the cartridge can be returned to diapenser 10 by insertion along connection axis 72 and ejection of the cartridge using button 68. Prior to ejection, latch 2:2 rides on platform 74. If the handle ie tilted upward (e.g., as shown in Fig. 14) prior to ejection, latch 22 will move into recessed region 73. The cartridge will automatically be engaged by latch 22, as the handle 63 is retracted, and latch 22 will ride down platform 74 and cam surface 70 during retraction. Xiguid on a used'blade unit 14 stored in dispenser 10 can drain through drainage holes. 53 (Pig. 5) . Other embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the claims. WE CLAIM: 1. A cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a handle having a housing structure defining a cartridge receiving section for receiving a respective cartridge retained in said section in a predetermined position permitting connection of said respective cartridge (12) to a handle connecting structure (64) on said handle (63), characterized in that said handle connection structure (64) connects with said cartridge (12) as said handle (63) is moved towards said cartridge (12), and in that a latch (22) is carried by the housing structure and has a latch camming structure (54) and a cartridge portion extending with said cartridge receiving section of the housing, said latch camming structure (54) being shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle structure to cause said latch (22) to be deflected to an unlatched position in which said cartridge retaining portion releases said cartridge (12) as said handle (63) is moved toward and connected to a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge (12). 2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch (22) retains said respective cartridge (12) in said section. 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are multiple said sections and respective latches for multiple cartridges. 4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein respective said section retains a respective razor blade cartridge therein. 5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch camming structure has a cam follower, and said corresponding handle structure has a cam surface. 6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch camming structure has a latch cam surface. 7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said housing structure has a base and a plurality of cartridge dividers extending upward from said base and defining said sections, and said latches extend from said cartridge dividers. 8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches are located at midportions of said dividers. 9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have resilient cantilevered arms that extend from said cartridge dividers and have ends with said latch camming structure extending from one side of said latches. 10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have resilient cantilevered arms that extend from said cartridge dividers and have ends with said latch camming structure extending from one side of said latches and blocking surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to said arms for blocking removal of said cartridges, 11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein razor blade cartridges are retained in respective said sections, said cartridge connecting structure connects to said handle by movement of said handle along a connection axis towards said cartridge connecting structure, and said cartridge connecting structure has a recessed portion for receiving said cam surface on said handle as said handle is moved along said connection axis. 12. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein blade cartridges are retained in respective said sections, said cartridge connecting structure has inwardly directed surfaces for mating with outwardly directed surfaces of said handle connecting structure, said cartridge connecting structure connects to said handle by movement of said handle along a connection axis towards said cartridge connecting structure, and said cartridge connecting structure has a latching portion that is engaged by said latch and a recessed portion adjacent said latching portion for receiving said cam surface on said handle as said handle is moved along said connection axis. 13. A dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein said recessed portion has an inwardly directed angled surface. 14. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing structure is made of a bottom part and a top part that are connected together. 15. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bottom part and said top part are made of molded plastic. 16. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bottom part and said top part are made of molded plastic, and said bottom part and top part are connected to each other by ultrasonic welding. 17. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said housing structure has drainage holes associated with respective section or sections. 18. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have resilient cantilevered arms extending from said cartridge dividers and ends that each have said latch camming structure extending from one side of said latches, and said cartridge dividers have spaces nearby said ends of said cantilevered arms to receive said handle connecting structure. 19. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cartridges have blades and cartridge and structure outside of and above said blades, and said housing structure has raised numbers on which said cartridge end structures are supported so as to avoid contact of said blades with said housing structure. 20. A handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge by latch held in a dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, said handle (63) characterized by a hand engageable portion having an upper end, and a handle connecting structure at said upper end that makes connection with said cartridge by movement along a connection axis towards said cartridge in said dispenser (10), said handle connecting structure having a handle camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on said latch on said dispenser so as to cause said latch to be deflected and to release said cartridge as said handle (63) is moved along said connection axis toward and is connected to said cartridge (12). 21. A handle as claimed m claim 20, wherein said handle connecting structure is asymmetrical in a section taken through a plane that is transverse to said connection axis to enhance proper alignment of said cam surface with said cam follower as said handle connecting structure is moved along said connection axis towards and connected to said cartridge. 22. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said handle connecting structure has outwardly directed surfaces for mating with inwardly directed surfaces of said cartridge connecting structure, said outwardly directed surfaces having said cam surface, said handle connecting structure provided with a platform adjacent said cam surface and a button on said platform used to eject said cartridge. 23. A handle as claimed in claim 22, wherein said button has a recessed region in line with said cam surface to provide a region that can receive said latch during or after connection of said handle connecting structure to said cartridge connecting structure. 24. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said latch camming structure has a cam follower, and said handle camming structure has a cam surface. 25. A handle as claimed in claim 24, wherein said cam surface is at an acute angle with said connection axis. 26. A handle as claimed in claim 25, wherein said handle connecting structure fits within cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge. 27. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said handle connecting structure carries a button used to eject said cartridge connecting structure. 28. A handle as claimed in claim 24 wherein said handle connecting structure carries a button used to eject said cartridge connecting structure, and wherein said button is carried adjacent said earn surface. 29. A handle as claimed in claim 27, wherein said button has a recessed region in line with said cam surface to provide a space that can receive said latch during or after connection of said handle connecting structure to said cartridge connecting structure. 30. A handle as claimed in claim 22, wherein said platform is generally semicircular, and said cam surface is located adjacent to a midsection of said platform. 31. A cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a handle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 32. A handle for connecting to a replacable razor cartridge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge ana a handle for connecting a replaceable razor
cartridge.
The invention relates to dispensing razor blade cartridges £rom a dispenser onto a handle.
Razor blade cartridges are typically removed from a dispenser by connecting the handle to the cartridge while the cartridge is still retained in the dispenser. The user then pivotally moves the handle with respect to the dispenser, using the leverage of the handle against a friction or interference fit of a projection that holds the cartridge body, and frees the cartridge from the dispenser. When the cartridge is of a t*/pe that has a pivotal connection to Che handle, r.he user must pivot the handle beyond the range of motion allowed by the pivotal connection before leverage is applied tC' the friction or interference fit.
In one aspect, the invention features, in general, a dispenser for razor blade cartridges used with a handle. The dispenser has a housing structure that defines sections for receiving respective cartr-idges and retaining the cartridges in predetermined positions that permit connection of a handle connecting structure on the handle to one of the cartridges as the handle is moved toward the cartridge. The dispenser also has a latch for each section. Each latch has a latch camming structure that rs shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding handle camming structure on
the handle, causing the latch to be deflected and to release the partridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to cartridge,
In another aspect, the invention features in general a dispenser having a housing structure that includes,a base and a plurality of angled cartridge dividers that define angled sections for receiving respective cartridges.;
Certain implementations of tHe invention may include one or more of the following features. In certain implementations, each latch has a resilient cantilevered arm that' extends from a cartridge divider and has an end vith a cam follower and a blocking surface that is substantially perpendicular to the arm for blocking removal of the' cartridge. The cartridge dividers include blade unit dividers that extend from the base, are substantially perpendicular to the base, and define blade unit regions in which the blade units are received. The cartridge dividers also include angled dividers that extend from the ends of respective blade unit dividers at acute angles with the base and define 'angled regions through which the blade;units pass in delivery to and removal trom the blade unit regioiis and in which the cartridge connecting structure is received. An angled region of one section partially overlies a bljade unit region of an adjacent section. The angled cartridge divijders have first portions that extend between the side walljB closer to the base and second portions that extend t^waird from the first portions but are not connected to the side walls. The angled dividers make an angle of greater thai^ 30* with the base. The dispenser has drainage 'holes associated with respective sections. The dispenser-has raised members on which end structures (e.g., clips); of the cartridge are supported so as to avoid contact of the blades with the dispenser.
another aspect, the invention features, in general, a handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge held in a predetermined position in a dispenser by a latch. The handle has a hand engageable portion and a handle connecting structure at the upper end of the handle that imakes connection to the cartridge by movement along a connection axis toward the cartridge in the dispenser. The handle connecting structure includes a handle camming struGtixre that is shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on the latch on the dispenser so as to cause the latch to be deflected and to release .the cartridge as the handle is moved along the connection axis toward and is connected to the cartridge.
in certain implementations of the invention, the handle connecting structure fits within a cartridge connecting structure on the cartridge, and the handle connec-ing structure is asymmetrical so as to guarantee proper alig3:iment of a cam surface on the handle with a cam follower on the dispenser as the handle is moved toward and is connected to the cartridge. The handle carries-a-button used to.eject the cartridge; the button is located on a platform adjacent to the cam surface and has a recessed region in line with the cam surface to provide a space to receive the latch during or after connection of the handle to the cartridge.
In another aspect, the invention features, in gcncrsil, a r«pla.e«abl« razoi- hlade cartridge that includes a blade unit and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the blade unit to a handle by movement of; the handie along a connection axis toward the cairtridge connecting structure. The cartridge connecting structure includes a recessed portion for receiving a cam surface on the he-ndlo as the handle is moved along the connection axis.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a replaceable razor blade cartridge that includee a blade unit and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the blade unit to a handle by TnOTjMpnt of the handle along a connection axis toward the owkridge connecting structure- The cartridge connectfjg atrticture includes a cutaway portion functioning as a Keyway for receiving a mating key structure on the handle as the handle is tdoved aXong the connection axis to enhance proper
orientation of the handle.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a replaceable razor blade cartridge that includes^ a bla4e unit and a cartridge connecting structure for conijecting the blade unit to a handle by movement of the handle along a coiinection axis toward the cartridge connecting structure. The blade unit includes an elongated housing and a cross bar that is parallel to the coiinection axis and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing at a bottom portion of the housing. The cartridge connecting "structure includes a latching portion for engagement by a latch on a cartridge dispenser. Th^ latching portion is aligned with the cross bar, so that the cro«» bar is aligned with the latch upon removal of; the cartridge from the dispenser,
! In certain iit^lementations of the invention^ the cartridge connecting structure has inwardly directed surfaces that define a flat-shaped region for insertion of a flat-shaped handle connecting structure. The cartridge connecting structure has an engagement structure providing a releaaable le.g,, snap-fit} connection to the handle. The engagement structure Te a projection for mating with a matbhing depression on the handle.
In another aspect, the invention features, in genteral a razor including a handle with a cam. surface and a carjtridge with a recessed portion for receiving the cam suriface or. the handle as the handle is moved along a-cormection axis during connection of the cartridge to the hanidle.
; In another aspect, the invention features, in general, the combination of a cartridge dispenser, a cartridge stored in the dispenser, and a handle. The dispenser has a latch that releasably holds the cartridge stolred on the dispenser in a latched position and has a latjch camming structure. The handle has a handle camming^ stricture that interacts with the latch camming structure to cause the latch to be deflected from the latched position ahdj to release the cartridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to the cartridge. The handle also includes a plaitform on which the latch rides in an unlatched position aftjer the latch has released the cartridge prior to removal of ithe connected cartridge from the dispenser.
In"another aspect, the invention features,-in general, the combination of a cartridge dispenser and a carjtridge in the dispenser. The cartridge has a blade unit andi -a cartridge connecting structure that is movably connected to the blade unit. The dispenser has a housing structure that supports the blade unit and a latch that engages the cartridge connecting structure. The housing strtucture and the latch hold the cartridge in an immobile position ready to be unlatched and connected to a handle.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of using a replaceable razor cartridge. Thej cartridge is .stored in a dispenser. Handle connecting strjucture of a handle is moved toward cartridge connecting striucture of the cartridge along a connection axis to
connect the cartridge to the handle. Thereafter the cartridge is removed from the dispenser while connected to the handle by retracting the handle substantially along a retraction axis, which preferably i» the same as the -' connection axis used for connecting the handle to the cartridge.
In certain in^lementations the cartridge, after use, is replaced in the same or a different dispenser by moving the handle and connected cartridge along the same or a different connection axis. The cartridge is disconnected fiTora the handle, and the handle is retracted while the cartridge remains in the dispenser.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle in a proper orientation. The cartridge is stored in an angled region between a front angled divider and a rear angled divider in a dispenser. The; dividers are generally parallel to each other, and the cartridge has a cartridge connecting structure with a cartridge connection axis that passes between the front and rear angled dividers. Handle connecting structure of a handle is moved toward the cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge along the connection axis to connect the cartridge to the handle. The handle has asymmetrical geometry with respect to the connection axis such that a blocking structure on the handle will be on the side of the axis closer to the rear divider and will be blocked by the rear angled divider when the handle is in an improper orientation, and the blocking structure on the handle will be on the side of the axis away from, the rear divider and will be clear of the rear angled divider when the handle is in la proper orientation.
In certain implementations: the blocking structure includes a button carried on the handle; the handle connecting structure is offset from an elongated hand gripping structure of the handle by a transition portion, and the blocking structure includes the transition portion.
In another aspect, the invention features, ifa. generali a method of using a replaceable razor cartridge. The cartridge is stored in a dispenser. Handle connecting structure of a handle is connected to cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge, and the cartridge is removed frotn the dispenser while connected to the handle by retracting the handle along a retraction axis. The dispenser includes a resilient member that exerts a biasing force on che cartridge connecting structure as the cartridge is removed, and the biasing force has a component along the retraction axis to assist in ejecting the cartridge from the dispenser.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle. The method includes storing the cartridge in a dispenser having a latch that retains a cartridge connecting structure of the cartridge. A handle conniftcting structure of the handle is moved toward the cartridge connecting structure along a connection axis. The latch is automatically moved to an unlatched position with a handle canmiing structure that interacts with a latch camming Structure as the handle is moved toward and is connected to the cartridge connecting structure.
In another aspect, the invention features, in general, making a dispenser for razor blade cartridges by permanently connecting a bottom plastic part and a top plastic part that; together define sections for receiving respective razor blade cartridges.
In certain implementations ox the invention^ the top part and the bottom part are connected by ultrasonically welding; and blade unit dividers on the bottom part are ultrasonically welded to angled dividers on the top part.
Embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages. Handles are easily connected to new cartridges,, and the cartridges are automatically unlatched from the dispenser during connection of the handle to the cartridge. The use of blade unit regions and overlying angled regions provides for conserved space along the basje of the dispenser and efficient placement of cartridges for a given peg space requirement for the dispenser. Xhe user is prevented from connecting the handle to a cartridge in the wrong orientation owing to asymmetrical features of the handle; these features can include one or more of: asymmetrical connecting sections on the handle and cartridge, mating key/ke^-^ay features on the cartridge and handle connecting structures/ and blocking structure on the handle [e.g., an ejector button on one side or an offset transition portion) that will be blocked by a rear angled divider when the handle is in the wrong orientation but will not be blocked when in the proper orientation.
Other advantages or features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof and from the claims.
The present invention relates to a cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a handle having a housing structure defining a cartridge receiving section for receiving a respective cartridge retained in said section in a predetermined position permitting connection of said respective cartridge to a handle connecting structure on said handle, characterized in that said handle connection structure connects with said cartridge as said handle is moved towards said cartridge, and in that a latch is carried by the housing structure and has a latch camming structure and a cartridge portion extending with said cartridge receiving section of the housing, said latch camming structure being shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle structure to cause said latch to be deflected to an unlatched position in which said cartridge retaining portion releases said cartridge as said handle is moved toward and connected to a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge.
The present invention also relates to a handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge by latch held in a dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, said handle characterized by a hand engageable portion having an upper end, and a handle connecting structure at said upper end that makes connection with said cartridge by movement along a connection axis towards said cartridge in said dispenser, said handle connecting structure having a handle camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on said latch on said dispenser so as to cause said latch to be deflected and to release said

cartridge as said handle is moved along said connection axis toward and is connected to said cartridge.
The present invention also provides a method of connecting a replaceable razor cartridge to a handle, characterized by the steps of storing said cartridge in a dispenser having a latch that retains said cartridge at a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge, moving said handle together with a handle connecting structure of said handle towards said cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge from a region external of said dispenser along a connection axis deflecting said latch to an unlatched position with a handle interaction structure of said handle that interacts with a latch camming structure as said handle is moved towards said cartridge connecting structure along said connection axis, and engaging said handle connecting structure with said cartridge connecting structure so as to join said structures together as said handle is moved towards said cartridge connecting structure along said connection axis.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser for razor blade cartridges.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of showing a replaceable raor cartridge aligned with a handle (shown as a partial view) on which the cartridge is connected for us
Pig. 3 is a plan view of the Fig. i dispenser. Fig. 4 ia a vertical sectional view, taken at 4-4 of Fig, 3, of the Fig. i dispenser.
Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the Pig. 1 dispenser.
Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view, taken at 6-6 of Fig. 4, of an angled divider and latch of the Fig. i dispenser.
Fig, 7 is a plan view of a handle connecting structure at the upper end of the Fig. 2 handle.
Fig. 8 is an elevation of the Pig. 7 handle connecting structure.
Fig. 8A is a vertical sectional view, taken at 8A-8A of Fig. 8, of the end of the Fig. 7 handle connecting structure.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a cartridge connecting' Structure of the Pig. 2 cartridge.
Pig. 10 is an illustration showing the position of a Fig. 2 cartridge stored between dividers in a section of the Pig. 1 dispenser.
Figs. 11-16 are illustrations showing the positions of the cartridge, dispenser cott^onents, and handle during connection of the handle to a cartridge in the Fig. 1 dispenser and removal of the connected cartridge from the dispenser.
Referring to Pigs. 1-4, there is shown cartridge dispenser 10 {Fig. 1) for storing razor blade cartridges 12 (Fig. 2), which each have blade unit 14 that is pivotally connected to cartridge connecting structure 16. Dispenser 10 includes housing structure 18 that defines sections 20 for receiving cartridges 12 and latches 22 associated with sections 20 to retain each cartridge 12 in a respective
section 20. Sections 20 are defined by cartridge dividers 24 and side walls 26 of housing structure 18. Each cartridge divider 24 includes a perpendicular blade unit divider portion 36, at the bottom, and angled divider-portion 42 above it.
Dispenser 10 is made of two molded parts 23,*30, that are joined together by ultrasonic welding at seam 32 (Fig. 4). Bottom part 28 include© base 34. perpendicular blade unit divider portions 36, and contoured cartridge supports 3S spaced slightly in from side walls 26 (Figs. 3, 4) * ^ Cartridge supports 38 are contoured to support and are aligned with clips 40 on cartridges 12 (Fig. 2) at the ends of blade unit 14 in order to avoid contact of the blades that are retained under clips 40 with the dispenser. Referring to Pig. 5, it ia seen that base 34 has drainage openings 53 that are each associated with a section 20 for receiving a respective cartridge 12.
Referring to Figs, 3-4, upper part 30 includes angled dividers 42, which each include a lower portion 44 that extends between side walls 26 and two upper portions 46 that are not connected to side walls 26 in order to permit flexure of upper portions 46. Alternatively, upper portions 4tC con be connected to side wallet 26,- having a space between upper portions 46 and side walls 26 is optional. Upper portions 46 have tops 47. Between the two upper portions 46 of each angled divider portion 42 is a latch 22 that extends upward from lower portion 44. Front wall 48 similarly has lower portion 50 between side walls 26^ two free standing upper portions 52, and latch 22 therebetween. Upper portions 46, 52 have spaces nearby the ends of latches 22 to receive the connecting structures of the cartridge and handle during connection and disconnection.
Referring to ?ig. S, axio 56b extending through the lower portion 44 of angled divider portion 42 and the portion of latch 22 extending therefrom make a 35** angle a with connection seam 32 and base 34 thereunder. The angle Q should be no less than 30°; a value of about 35° provides a good balance between providing a sufficient number Referring to Fig. 2, handle 63 includes elongated, straight hand gripping portion 65 and handle connecting structure 64 at the upper end of hand gripping portion 65. Generally flat extension 66 of structure 64 is designed to fit within mating r biaaed plimger 61, for biasing pivotal blade unit 14 at a Cam surface on cross bar 41, and button 68, used to extend a presser from a forward end of extension 66 (not shown in Fig* 2) to eject cartridge 12 from handle 63. The details of the structure and operation of cartridge 12 and handle connecting structure 64, the interaction of plunger* 61 and the cam surface on cross bar 4X, and the connection and disGcnnection of the cartridge 12 and handle 63 are described in Serial Number 08/630,437, filed April 10, 1996, and a patent application entitled "Shaving Razor and Method" filed concurrently herewith, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Referring primarily to Figs. 7 and 8, handle connecting structure 64 of handle 63 includes handle camming structure 69 having cam surface 70 for acting against cam follower structure 54 (surface 56 and junctions 58, 60) of 14tch 22 (Fig. 6) as extension 66 is inserted into recess 67 {Fig. 9) of a cartridge 12 contained within dispenser 10 (Pig. 11) . As shown in Fig. 8, surface 70 makes an acute angle (about 22°) with connection axis 72. Handle-connecting structure 64 includes platform portion 74 with generally semicircular portions 76 on both sides of cam surface 70, and cartridge connecting structure 16 has cutaway portion 80 (Pigs. 2, 9> with a matching shape for receiving platform 74 of handle connecting structure 64. Cutaway portion 80 functions as a keyway for mating platform portion 74 on handle 63 to guarantee proper alignment of cam- Surface 70 and the cam follower structure of latch 22 as well as proper orientation of handle 63 during connection to cartridge 12,
As shown in Fig. 8A, extension 66 has an asymmetrical shape in a planar section perpendicular to connection axis 72 (Figs. 7-8) through its outwardly
directed surfaces; recesa 67 (Pig. 9) in cartridge connecting structure 16 of cartridge 12 has the same shape in a planar section perpendicular to connection axis 72 through its mating inwardly directed surfaces. The asymmetrical shapes, liKe the mating platform and cutaway portions just mentioned, also Enhance proper alignment of cam surface 70 and cam follower structure 54 of latch 22 as well as proper orientation of handle 63 and cartridge 12 during connection. Button 68 has recessed region 73 in line with cam surface 70 to provide a space to receive latch 22 during and after connection of handle connecting structure 64 with the connecting structure 16 of cartridge 12, when handle 63 is in a tilted forward orientation (Fig. 14). Referring to Pig. 9, it is seen that cartridge connecting structure 16 has recessed region 7S for receiving cam surface 70 of handle S3 as handle 63 is moved along connection axis 72 (Pigs, 12, 13). Cartridge connecting structure 15 also has latching portion 82, located at the juncti-on of the top of recessed region 78 and the center of cutaway portion 80. Latching portion 82 is contacted by retaining surface 62 of latch 22 when retained in dispenser 10 (P;.gs- 6, 10) , Cartridge connecting structure 16 also has two detents 83 for mating with two depressions 85 (Fig. 8) on handle 63. Extending from the end of cartridge conriecting structure 16 are two arms 77 with pivots 79 (only one ax*m and one pivot are shown in Pig. 9) that make a pivotal connection with blade unit 14 (Fig. 2), as is described in detail in the above-referenced patent application U.S. Serial Number 08/630,437.
In loading a cartridge 12 into a respective section 20/ the bottom of each blade unit 14 is guided by upper surface 90 of divider 42 (or of back angled wall 95) (Figs. 4, 10) and passes through angled region 92 into blade unit
T&g±on 94. (Surfaces 90 thus include the upper surfaces of bot|h lower portion 44 and upper portion 4€ of dividers 42.) The bottom of blade unit 14 is also guided along the upper ,countoured surfaces of cartridge supports 36 and rest^ on euppor-^s 3 8 with the front of the blade unit resting against jblade unit divider; portion 36. As shown in Fig. 4, ' cartridge supports have an initial generally horizontal portion, followed by a first angled portion, followed by a second anglftd portion at a smaller angle. As shown in Fig. 10, pivotal cartridge connecting structure 16 is held in a position in which retaining surface 62 of latch 22 engages latching portion 82 of cartridge connecting structure 16, As not-sd above, cartridge connecting structure 16 is pivotally mounted with respect to blade unit 14. In Fig, 10, blade unit 14 is shown at the limit of pivoting at the most open orientation with respect to cartridge connecting structure 16, and thus latching portion 82 cannot move downward from the position shown in Pig. 10 and cannot move rearward (to the right) out of region 92 owing to interference by retaining surface 62. In the cartridge storage position shown in Fig. 10, there is no deflection of latch 22 from its undeflected position, and there thus is zero- or minimal force of latch 22 on cartridge connecting structure 16. if there were a slight deflection of latch 22 outward, or if tolerances permitted a slightly more open orientation of cartridge connecting structure 16 and blade unit 14 or a slight space between latching portion 82 and retaining surface 62, latching portion S2 of cartridge coniiecting structure 16 could move slightly rearward (to the right) and contact a different position of retaining surface 62; latching portion 82, however, is prevented from clearing blocking surface 56a of latch 22 in the absence of a very
lAtge deflection of latch 22 outward {i.e., upward in Fig. 10) .
In use, when a shaver desires to replace a cartridge 12 on handle 63, the presently mounted cartridge 12 is ejected using button 68 and discarded {or inserted into a vacant section 20 in a dispeneer 10, ae is discussed below) . Then an used cartridge 12 in dispenser 10 is connected to handle 63 by moving extension €fi into mating recess 67 along connection axis 72» Pig. 10 shows the position o£ cartridge connecting structure 16 in dispenser 10 during storage and prior to connection to handle 63, Fig. 11 shows the position of handle connecting structure 64 as cam surface 70 on handle 63 first contacts latch camming structure 54 of latch 22 on dispenser 10, Fig. 12 shows the initial deflection of latch 22 as handle connecting structure 64 is inserted fvirther, and Pig. 13 shows handle connecting structure 64 connected to cartridge connecting structure 16.
The user is prevented from connecting handle 63 to cartridge 12 in the wrong orientation owing to asymmetrical features of handle 63 with respect to connection axis 72. Two of hhRs*a features are the rtpymrnrthr-i ofll shi^p*? o^
extension $6 and the mating key/keyway feature of eemicircular platform 74. These two features prevent insertion of extension 66 all of the way into recess 67 with engagement of detents 83 with depressions 85 unless handle 63 is in the proper orientation ti^anfiition portion 71 are on the side of connection axis 72 closer to the front angled divider 42 (see Figs. 1/ 5, and IX), are ciear of ^the rear angled divider 42, and are not blocked by any structure on dispenser 10. If a user ' atten^'ts to attach a cartridge 12 with handle 63 upside down, button 68 and transition portion 71 will be on the side of axis 72 closest to the rear divider 42 and will be blocked by it. Thus, owing to the use of angled dividers on dispenser 10, button 68 and transition portion 71 ace as blocking structures making it more likely that the user place handle 63 iii the proper orientation before attempting to connect it no a cartridge 12 in dispenser 10.
Assuming that handle 63 is in the proper orientation shown in Fig. 11, as handle connecting structure 64 is moved along connection axis 72, cam surface 70 contacts cam follower structure 54 of latch 22 (Pig. 11) and, with continued insertion along axis 72, cam surface 70 biases the end of cantilevere^d latch 22 outward (Fig. 12). As latch 22 moves outward, its cantilevered arm bends primarily near the base (see Pigs. 4,. 6), and blocking surface 56a {Fig, 6) moves substantially along the plane of its surface (perpendicular to longitudinal ajcis 5fib through lower portion 44). As handle connecting structure 64 is inserted further along axis 72, latch 22 rides up onto platform 74 to an unlatched position clearing the cartridge structure prior to, or simultaneously with, detent 83 snapping into place in depression 85 in the connected position shown in Fig. 13. Receseed region 78 provides a region in cartridge connecting structure 16 for receiving cam surface 70 in the connected position. If the user tilts handle 63 upward at this time, or if the user so tilts handle 63 during attachment or
removal, latch 22
can deflect further and ride up above
platform 74 into reeeased region 73 in button sa (Pig. 14) without risk of breaking latch 22.
The user then retracts handle $3 and connected cartridge 12 from dispenser 10, typically along the sAme axis along which the handle travelled during connection, namely connection axis 72. Cartridge moves from the initially connected position of Fig. 13 to the initial retraction position of Fig. 15 and the further retracted position of Pig. 16. Because latch 22, which is a resilient cantilevered structure, is still in a deflected position during initial retraction when latch 22 rides over the outside of cartridge connecting structure 16 (Figs. 15 and 16) , latch 22 exerts a biasing force on cartridge connecting structure 16. in the position of Fig. 16, where latch 22 contacts the curved front surface 100 of connecting st?mcture 16, the biasing force exerted by latch 22 has a component along axis 72, and this assists in ejecting the connected cartridge from the dispenser 10.
As the handle and connected cartridge move further outward from the position shown in Fig. 16, blade unit 14 passes latch 22. If latch 22 contacts the back of blade unit 14 at this time, latch 22 will ride over cross bar 41 on th-s back of blade unit 14 (Fig. 2) , which is perpendicular to the blades and is aligned with latching portion 82. Latch 22 thus will not get caught on other structure (e.g., perpendicular portions of the housing of blade unit 14) on the back of blade unit 14, cross bar 41 also provides strength to blade unit 14 and has a camming surface that is acted upon by spring biased plunger 61.
When a user wishes to replace a cartridge 12 after it ha3 been used for shaving, the cartridge can be returned to diapenser 10 by insertion along connection axis 72 and ejection of the cartridge using button 68. Prior to
ejection, latch 2:2 rides on platform 74. If the handle ie tilted upward (e.g., as shown in Fig. 14) prior to ejection, latch 22 will move into recessed region 73. The cartridge will automatically be engaged by latch 22, as the handle 63 is retracted, and latch 22 will ride down platform 74 and cam surface 70 during retraction. X*iguid on a used'blade unit 14 stored in dispenser 10 can drain through drainage holes. 53 (Pig. 5) .
Other embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a handle having a housing structure defining a cartridge receiving section for receiving a respective cartridge retained in said section in a predetermined position permitting connection of said respective cartridge (12) to a handle connecting structure (64) on said handle (63), characterized in that said handle connection structure (64) connects with said cartridge (12) as said handle (63) is moved towards said cartridge (12), and in that a latch (22) is carried by the housing structure and has a latch camming structure (54) and a cartridge portion extending with said cartridge receiving section of the housing, said latch camming structure (54) being shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle structure to cause said latch (22) to be deflected to an unlatched position in which said cartridge retaining portion releases said cartridge (12) as said handle (63) is moved toward and connected to a cartridge connecting structure of said cartridge (12).
2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch (22)
retains said respective cartridge (12) in said section.
3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are multiple
said sections and respective latches for multiple cartridges.
4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein respective said
section retains a respective razor blade cartridge therein.
5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch camming
structure has a cam follower, and said corresponding handle
structure has a cam surface.
6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch camming
structure has a latch cam surface.
7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said housing
structure has a base and a plurality of cartridge dividers
extending upward from said base and defining said sections,
and said latches extend from said cartridge dividers.
8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches are
located at midportions of said dividers.
9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have
resilient cantilevered arms that extend from said cartridge
dividers and have ends with said latch camming structure
extending from one side of said latches.
10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have
resilient cantilevered arms that extend from said cartridge
dividers and have ends with said latch camming structure
extending from one side of said latches and blocking surfaces
that are substantially perpendicular to said arms for blocking
removal of said cartridges,
11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein razor blade
cartridges are retained in respective said sections, said
cartridge connecting structure connects to said handle by
movement of said handle along a connection axis towards said
cartridge connecting structure, and said cartridge connecting
structure has a recessed portion for receiving said cam surface
on said handle as said handle is moved along said connection
axis.
12. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein blade cartridges are
retained in respective said sections, said cartridge connecting
structure has inwardly directed surfaces for mating with
outwardly directed surfaces of said handle connecting
structure, said cartridge connecting structure connects to said
handle by movement of said handle along a connection axis
towards said cartridge connecting structure, and said cartridge
connecting structure has a latching portion that is engaged by
said latch and a recessed portion adjacent said latching portion
for receiving said cam surface on said handle as said handle is moved along said connection axis.
13. A dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein said recessed
portion has an inwardly directed angled surface.
14. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing
structure is made of a bottom part and a top part that are
connected together.
15. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bottom part
and said top part are made of molded plastic.
16. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bottom part
and said top part are made of molded plastic, and said bottom
part and top part are connected to each other by ultrasonic
welding.
17. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said
housing structure has drainage holes associated with
respective section or sections.
18. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said latches have
resilient cantilevered arms extending from said cartridge
dividers and ends that each have said latch camming structure
extending from one side of said latches, and said cartridge dividers have spaces nearby said ends of said cantilevered arms to receive said handle connecting structure.
19. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cartridges have
blades and cartridge and structure outside of and above said
blades, and said housing structure has raised numbers on
which said cartridge end structures are supported so as to
avoid contact of said blades with said housing structure.
20. A handle for connecting to a replaceable razor cartridge by
latch held in a dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim,
said handle (63) characterized by a hand engageable portion
having an upper end, and a handle connecting structure at
said upper end that makes connection with said cartridge by
movement along a connection axis towards said cartridge in
said dispenser (10), said handle connecting structure having a
handle camming structure that is shaped and positioned to
interact with a corresponding latch camming structure on said
latch on said dispenser so as to cause said latch to be deflected
and to release said cartridge as said handle (63) is moved along
said connection axis toward and is connected to said cartridge
(12).
21. A handle as claimed m claim 20, wherein said handle
connecting structure is asymmetrical in a section taken
through a plane that is transverse to said connection axis to
enhance proper alignment of said cam surface with said cam
follower as said handle connecting structure is moved along
said connection axis towards and connected to said cartridge.
22. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said handle
connecting structure has outwardly directed surfaces for
mating with inwardly directed surfaces of said cartridge
connecting structure, said outwardly directed surfaces having
said cam surface, said handle connecting structure provided
with a platform adjacent said cam surface and a button on said
platform used to eject said cartridge.
23. A handle as claimed in claim 22, wherein said button has a
recessed region in line with said cam surface to provide a
region that can receive said latch during or after connection of
said handle connecting structure to said cartridge connecting
structure.
24. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said latch camming
structure has a cam follower, and said handle camming
structure has a cam surface.
25. A handle as claimed in claim 24, wherein said cam surface is at
an acute angle with said connection axis.
26. A handle as claimed in claim 25, wherein said handle
connecting structure fits within cartridge connecting structure
of said cartridge.
27. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said handle
connecting structure carries a button used to eject said
cartridge connecting structure.
28. A handle as claimed in claim 24 wherein said handle
connecting structure carries a button used to eject said
cartridge connecting structure, and wherein said button is
carried adjacent said earn surface.
29. A handle as claimed in claim 27, wherein said button has a
recessed region in line with said cam surface to provide a space
that can receive said latch during or after connection of said
handle connecting structure to said cartridge connecting
structure.
30. A handle as claimed in claim 22, wherein said platform is
generally semicircular, and said cam surface is located adjacent
to a midsection of said platform.
31. A cartridge dispenser for a razor blade cartridge used with a
handle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
32. A handle for connecting to a replacable razor cartridge
substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

547-del-1997-abstract.pdf

547-del-1997-claims.pdf

547-del-1997-complete specification (granted).pdf

547-DEL-1997-Correspodence Others-(29-06-2011).pdf

547-del-1997-correspondence-others.pdf

547-del-1997-correspondence-po.pdf

547-del-1997-description (complete).pdf

547-del-1997-drawings.pdf

547-del-1997-form-1.pdf

547-del-1997-form-13.pdf

547-del-1997-form-19.pdf

547-del-1997-form-2.pdf

547-DEL-1997-Form-27-(29-06-2011).pdf

547-del-1997-form-3.pdf

547-del-1997-form-6.pdf

547-del-1997-gpa.pdf

547-DEL-1997-Petition-137-(29-06-2011).pdf

547-del-1997-petiution-137.pdf

547-del-1997-petiution-138.pdf

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

197406

Indian Patent Application Number

547/DEL/1997

PG Journal Number

N/A

Publication Date

07-Jul-2006

Grant Date

23-Jun-2006

Date of Filing

03-Mar-1997

Name of Patentee

THE GILLETTE COMPANY

Applicant Address

PRUDENTIAL TOWER BUILDING, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02199, USA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	JOHN D. PETRICCA	312 WEST ELM STREET, PEMBROKE, STATE OF MASSACUSETTS, USA
2	STEPHAN C. METCALF	16 ADELLA AVENUE, WEST NEWTON, 128 COLBURN STREET, #2 , LEOMINISTER

PCT International Classification Number

B65D 83/10

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	08/802,382	1997-02-19	U.S.A.