My invention relates to a safety razor.

In the past, a large number of safety razors of different types have been provided. One of the great disadvantages of prior art safety razors, resides in the fact, that the handle is usually so arranged that it is awkward to hold and use the razor, The handle is usually so disposed that it is necessary to grip it at a point remote from the point where the razor engages the face. Consequently, it is impossible to apply pressure effectively to the razor directly above the point where it contacts the face. These prior art safety razors are also usually composed of a large number of parts and, consequently, are difficult to disassemble and clean and to reassemble.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a safety razor having a handle so arranged that it may be gripped with either hand and pressure may be applied directly to the razor over the area where it contacts with the face.

Another object of my invention is to provide a safety razor of the type indicated which has all of its parts, with the exception of the blade, connected together to form a single unit, the parts being so arranged that they need not be disconnected for removal of the blade.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a razor made according to my invention and showing the parts in such positions as to permit removal of the blade.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the razor shown in Figure 1 illustrating the parts in position to clamp the blade.

Figure 3 is an end view of the structure shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing how the razor may be used,

With reference to the drawing, I have illustrated my invention as comprising a plate member 1 and a guard member 2 which are hinged together at one end, as indicated at 3. The plate member 1 and the guard member 2 are channel-shaped in cross-section, as indicated in Figure 3, and the member 2 is adapted to interfit with the member 1 and clamp a double edged blade 4 therebetween. The guard 2 is made with the usual teeth or comb structure 5 on each edge thereof. The member 1 has upstanding projections 6 formed thereon which are adapted to extend through openings in the blade 4 to properly position it on the member 1. For maintaining the member 2 and the member 1 in clamping relationship a spring latch 7 is provided on the end of the member 1, opposite the end where the hinge is provided, and will engage the end of the member 2 when it is swung down into operative position. The member 2 is also provided with holes 8 which receive the projections 6.

It will be apparent that with this arrangement all of the parts of my razor are connected together to form a single unit. To remove the blade it is merely necessary to spread the members 1 and 2. It is not necessary to disconnect any parts, and consequently, removal and replacement of the blade is facilitated and there is no danger of the parts being misplaced.

I provide a handle member 9 on the outer surface of the guard member 2. The arrangement of this handle member is an important feature of my invention. It is substantially loop-shaped and may be formed integral with the member 2. It is connected to member 2 adjacent the hinged end thereof and extends longitudinally in spaced relationship to the member 2. The handle 9 is of sufficient length to permit the insertion of one or more fingers therebeneath but does not extend the full length of member 2 so that the thumb can be engaged with member 2 adjacent the end of the thumb.

The handle may be used in the manner illustrated in Figure 4. One or two of the fingers are passed beneath the loop-shaped handle while the thumb is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the member 2. The razor will be held mainly by means of the fingers engaged beneath the handle 9 but the thumb may be used for regulating the amount of pressure of the razor against the face, it being understood that the pressure may be effectively regulated because the thumb will be directly over the spot where the razor is in contact with the face. The handle is so arranged that the razor may be used with either hand.

It will be apparent from the above description that my razor has a number of advantages. The handle is so arranged that pressure may be applied directly to the razor by means of the thumb directly over the area of the face being shaved thereby facilitating shaving and insuring a close shave. The razor is of such a nature that it may be readily opened for removal of the blade or for cleaning without danger of misplacing any of the parts.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

A safety razor comprising a blade holding portion and a handle on the back of said blade holding portion which extends substantially parallel and longitudinally of the said blade holding portion in substantial alignment with the center line thereof and in spaced relation thereto so as to provide a hook-shaped handle for the reception of at least one finger of the hand, said hook-shaped handle being attached to the blade holding portion at one end and being free at its opposite end, so that the thumb of the hand may be applied to the blade holding portion and pressure may be exerted thereon adjacent said free end of the handle, as desired, during the shaving operation.

Albert D. Krigbaum.