Magnetic Storage for Reuse Device

Description

This application is filed within one year of, and claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/634,385, filed Apr. 15, 2024.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to tools and, more specifically, to a magnetic blade storage for reuse device.

2. Description of Related Art

Disposable razor blades are a convenient and are commonly used for many purposes within a multitude of fields. However, storing used razor blades for re-use at a later time is difficult and can be dangerous. Once removed from blade's original safety packaging, typically a cardboard sleeve, it very difficult to reinstall the blade into that same packaging. It then becomes a challenge to protect the sharp edge of the blade while it is stored, waiting to be used again. Additionally, the relatively flat shape of the blades makes it difficult and dangerous to pick up from a flat surface. As a result, used razor blades are often discarded after only a single use.

One prior device seeks to solve a similar set of problems, but by a very different structure and function. The Lauri “Single edge razor blade holder” of U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,903 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Lauri describes two general embodiments-both of these embodiments employ a “housing 16” that is formed with a generally rectangular “front side 30” in spaced relation to a “front side 30.” One or more magnets are housed within a recess formed in the “back side 32,” such that they are close enough in proximity to the “front side 30” so that a single-edge razor blade will be magnetically retained against the rectangular “back side 32.”

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the Lauri device applies the magnetic force (via placement of the magnets) such that the flat side of the razor blade is magnetically affixed to the flat, rectangular “back side 32.” While the Lauri device should serve to hold onto the razor blade very securely, it also makes it a two-handed operation to remove the razor blade from the “housing 16,” because of the extensive surface area of the razor blade (from the side). This makes it difficult (and potentially unsafe) to remove the razor blade from the “housing 16.” While this may be desirable for the Lauri clothing-attached dispenser, it is not suitable for a standalone holder/dispenser.

There is a need for a device that can safely store used razor blades in a standing orientation for use at a later time. This device should be a convenient way to organize the blades and prevent accidental injuries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a magnetic blade storage for reuse device (or device for magnetically storing blades for their safe reuse).

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem by providing a magnetic blade storage for reuse device comprised of a recessed feature and a magnet positioned within the recessed feature into which the sharp edge of the blade can be inserted. The magnet assembly is designed to retain the razor blades in place, protecting the sharp edge and ensuring the blades do not fall out accidentally. In specific embodiments, the magnet of this assembly can be positioned in a way to allow secure attachment of the entire storage device to a ferrous object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the prior art Lauri device;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4 with a razor blade inserted therein;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the device of FIG. 7; and

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are cutaway side views of three additional embodiments of cavity designs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a Magnetic Blade Storage for Reuse Device.

The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of FIG. 4.1 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic blade storage for reuse device 100A is a convenient solution designed to securely store and retain a razor blade 10 (or even a plurality of razor blades) within a cavity or recessed feature 1A formed through the top face of housing 3A. A magnet (or magnets) 11 is/are located in close proximity to the bottom of cavity 1A and will act to attract and hold the razor blade 10 within the cavity 1A via magnetic force. As used throughout this disclosure, element numbers enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicates that the referenced element is not shown in the instant drawing figure, but rather is displayed elsewhere in another drawing figure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device 100A of FIG. 4 with a razor blade 10 inserted therein. As assembled in FIG. 5, The sharp edge of the razor blade 10 is contained within the cavity 1A formed in the housing 3A. The razor blade 10 is held conveniently upright for safe and easy access at a later time. It should be noticed that the top of the razor blade 10 protrudes significantly above the top face of the housing 3A, such that it can be easily grasped and removed from the housing 3A (unlike the Lauri device).

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of the device of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an example where the magnet (or magnets) 11 is/are held in place within a magnet bore 2 formed in the housing 3A adjacent to the bottom of the cavity 1A, and, in some cases, the magnet 11 can be positioned in a way that will allow the blade storage for reuse device 100A to be magnetically attached to a ferrous object.

Also shown here is the relationship between the cavity height H(H) and the razor blade height H(R). It is clear that H(R) is substantially greater than H(H). As such, the top (non-bladed) edge of the razor blade 10 protrudes substantially above the housing 3.

FIG. 7 is an example of another embodiment of the razor blade storage device 100B, in which the device can be designed and mounted as a panel mount assembly. This can allow for it to be incorporated into other storage systems. As depicted, here, the housing 3B has a plurality of holes formed in its top face to accommodate screws and the like to pass therethrough to attach the housing 100B to and external structure (such as a panel). As with the prior-described embodiment [100A], there is a magnet bore 2 formed in the housing 3B to accommodate one or more magnets.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the device of FIG. 7. As shown here, the cavity 1A is defined by first planar wall 6 and second planar wall 8, which intersect at bottom 12A to form a generally triangular shape. The magnet 11 is in spaced relation to the bottom 12A, but is close enough (depending on the magnetic strength of the magnet), such that sufficient magnetic force is applied to the razor blade to securely retain the blade within the cavity 1A. The cavity 1A of the first embodiment [100A] is generally the same as is depicted here.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are cutaway side views of three additional embodiments of cavity designs. All of these cavity designs are appropriate for incorporation in all housing designs described herein above. The cavity 1B of FIG. 9A shows first planar wall 6 and second planar wall 8 spaced apart from one another, and further at an angle Ø to each other. This angle allows razor blades inserted into the cavity to lay against either side wall 6, 8, in order to facilitate the ease of their removal. Here, the cavity has a bottom 12B comprising a generally flat surface (versus a thin edge as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8).

FIG. 9B depicts a second alternate cavity 1C, wherein the bottom surface 12C is curved. FIG. 9C depicts a third alternate cavity 1D, wherein the angle Ø is 0 (zero) degrees, making the opposing walls 6, 8 parallel to one another (in relative spaced relation). There is also a curved bottom 12C.

Purpose and Advantages:

The Razor Blade Holder Device offers several advantages over conventional razor storage solutions:

Secure Retention: The magnet assembly provides a strong and reliable means of retaining razor blades within the holder. Users can be confident that their razor blades will remain securely in place, even when subject to slight jostling or movement.

Accident Prevention: By eliminating the risk of razor blades accidentally falling out, the razor blade storage device enhances safety during storage, transport, and handling of razor blades. The device further guards the sharp side of the blade from cutting the user.

Ferrous Material Attachment: The positioning of the magnet assembly can allow for convenient attachment of the razor blade storage device to ferrous surfaces, such as metal cabinets, toolboxes, or bathroom fixtures. This feature promotes easy accessibility and storage options.

To utilize the Razor Blade Holder Device, users simply insert one or more razor blades, sharp side first, into the recessed feature (cavity). The magnetic force of the magnet attracts and holds the blades securely in place. The blades are stored in an upright orientation, with the sharp edge secured within the recessed feature, ensuring a safe and easily accessible storage solution for razor blades. In specific embodiments of the razor blade holder, the magnet is placed in a way that it can allow for the holder to be magnetically mounted to another ferrous object.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.