This invention relates to safety razors and particularly to a safety razor utilizing the same mechanical principle and having the same general construction as that set forth in my prior application bearing Serial No. 422,798.

The objects of the invention are to provide improved means for holding the device in the hand, which means will tend automatically to direct its shaving action most effectively, and to provide for simple and quick assembly and permanent connection of related parts.

In achieving these objects, in place of the usual handle with a straight axis, I employ a handle of rectangular section whose front and rear faces present compound curves, whereby important practical advantages are gained in use of the device, and I so form related portions of the blade receiving head and of the handle as to obviate the use of screw threaded or riveted connection such as has heretofore been expedient.

The specific nature of my improvements and the practical advantages resulting therefrom will be made evident by reference to the accompanying drawing and the following description and claims.

In this drawing:

Fig. 1 is a rear view of the device with the end of the handle broken off,

Fig. 2 is a front view of the complete device,

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3—3 of Fig. 1, and

Figs. 4 and 5 are side views with diagrammatic indications of the mechanical effect produced by the construction of the handle during shaving use of the device—the positions automatically assumed by the fingers being indicated in dotted lines.

The blade 11 and the blade receiving head including the top wall 15, the side walls 17—17 and the front wall 18 constituting a comb guard are embodied in my prior invention set forth in the application referred to above as bearing Serial No.422,798. The new developments which are the subject of this application include the handle 12 and the portions 13, 14 and 18 of the head.

The portion 13 is a continuation of the front wall 18 of the head and has the flanges 14—14 and 16—16 which fit into the respective recesses of the handle as shown in the several views with the end of the handle abutting the inner face of the portion 13. The inner edges of the flange 16—16 are respectively formed with sharp points or teeth as shown in Fig. 3. Before connection of the handle and head the flanges 14—14 are spaced apart to allow the teeth of the flanges 16—16 to pass freely into the respectively recesses in the handle. With the parts aligned, the flanges 14—14 are forced together until the inner faces of the flanges abut the adjacent surfaces of the handle. This action causes the teeth of the flanges 16—16 to bite into the material composing the handle and thus permanently secure the parts in assembled relation.

The handle 12 is formed preferably of molded material such as bakelite, with the contours shown in the several views. The compound curvature of the front and rear faces provides what is substantially a pistol grip. The peculiar effect of this pistol grip in the act of shaving is more pronounced than might be expected before an actual experience in using the device. It is particularly important that this peculiar effect is not dependent upon any unusual skill or studied manner of holding the device but results automatically from the position which the fingers naturally assume by reason of the contours and proportions of the handle and their relation to the position of the blade and its shaving edge.

Fig. 4 indicates the position, in relation to the handle, naturally assumed by the fingers in making a downward stroke of the shaving edge of the device. In this position the thumb and forefinger grasp the sides of the handle about one-third of its length down from the head and the end of the middle finger hooks into the curve of the front face of the butt end of the handle. The natural tendency is to pull against the butt end with the middle finger which produces a rotational effect about the pivot established between the thumb and forefinger. The resulting lines of force are indicated by the arrows. The total effect in the downward shaving stroke is to concentrate the pressure precisely at the shaving edge with a resulting steadiness of stroke and ease of shaving control which is uniquely characteristic of the device.

In making an upward stroke in shaving beneath the chin or upon the neck, the fingers naturally assume a position substantially similar to that indicated in Fig.5. In this action the thumb and forefinger grasp the sides of the handle near its butt end and either the middle or third finger supports the handle within the curve of its rear face near the head. The resulting lines of force, as indicated by the arrows, are similar and thus the effect in the shaving action is the same as that produced in a downward stroke.

It is to be noted that various relative proportions of the handle and modifications of its curvature have been tested in shaving use and that the relative proportions of the handle in relation to the average size male hand as indicated in Figs. 4 and 5 and the precise curvature there shown have been found most effective in producing the desired results.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A safety razor including a blade receiving head and a handle, said head having a channel portion with the outer edges of its side walls flanged inwardly, said handle having an end portion with a T section adapted for sliding engagement within said channel portion preliminary to clamping fixation of the engaged parts, said inwardly flanged edges being provided with teeth for biting into the material composing said handle.

2. A safety razor including a blade receiving head and a handle, said handle having a flat end wall and opposed grooves adjacent thereto, said head having a projection with a flat wall for engagement with said end of the handle, side walls for engagement with portions of the side walls of said handle and flanges penetrating said grooves in the side walls of the handle, said flanges having teeth for biting into the material composing said handle whereby the engaged parts are retained in fixed relation.

3. A safety razor including a blade receiving head and a handle with one end connected to said head and a butt end opposite said head end, said handle having flat side faces of sufficient width to form a broad bearing surface for the fingers to prevent twisting in use, a curved front face and a curved rear face, said front face being concave adjacent said butt end and convex adjacent said head end and said rear face being convex adjacent said butt end and concave adjacent said head end.

4. A safety razor blade holder comprising a blade-holding head having a guard, and a handle which adjacent its head is at the rear bowed toward the guard, and adjacent the butt bowed in the opposite direction, with a forwardly-extending heel, and having lateral faces of sufficient width to form a broad bearing surface for the fingers to prevent twisting in use.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York this 30th day of January, A. D. 1930.

Thomas W. Bigoney.