Magnetic Storage for Reuse Device

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

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

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. Lauri describes two general embodiments-both of these embodiments employ a “housing” that is formed with a generally rectangular “front side” in spaced relation to a “front side.” One or more magnets are housed within a recess formed in the “back side,” such that they are close enough in proximity to the “front side” so that a single-edge razor blade will be magnetically retained against the rectangular “back side.”

As can be seen in, 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.” 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,” 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.” 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.

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.

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 ofis an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic blade storage for reuse deviceA is a convenient solution designed to securely store and retain a razor blade(or even a plurality of razor blades) within a cavity or recessed featureA formed through the top face of housingA. A magnet (or magnets)is/are located in close proximity to the bottom of cavityA and will act to attract and hold the razor bladewithin the cavityA 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.

is a perspective view of the deviceA ofwith a razor bladeinserted therein. As assembled in, The sharp edge of the razor bladeis contained within the cavityA formed in the housingA. The razor bladeis held conveniently upright for safe and easy access at a later time. It should be noticed that the top of the razor bladeprotrudes significantly above the top face of the housingA, such that it can be easily grasped and removed from the housingA (unlike the Lauri device).

is a cutaway perspective view of the device of.is an example where the magnet (or magnets)is/are held in place within a magnet boreformed in the housingA adjacent to the bottom of the cavityA, and, in some cases, the magnetcan be positioned in a way that will allow the blade storage for reuse deviceA 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 bladeprotrudes substantially above the housing.

is an example of another embodiment of the razor blade storage deviceB, 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 housingB has a plurality of holes formed in its top face to accommodate screws and the like to pass therethrough to attach the housingB to and external structure (such as a panel). As with the prior-described embodiment [A], there is a magnet boreformed in the housingB to accommodate one or more magnets.

is a cutaway side view of the device of. As shown here, the cavityA is defined by first planar walland second planar wall, which intersect at bottomA to form a generally triangular shape. The magnetis in spaced relation to the bottomA, 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 cavityA. The cavityA of the first embodiment [A] is generally the same as is depicted here.

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 cavityB ofshows first planar walland second planar wallspaced 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,, in order to facilitate the ease of their removal. Here, the cavity has a bottomB comprising a generally flat surface (versus a thin edge as shown in the embodiment of).

depicts a second alternate cavityC, wherein the bottom surfaceC is curved.depicts a third alternate cavityD, wherein the angle Ø is 0 (zero) degrees, making the opposing walls,parallel to one another (in relative spaced relation). There is also a curved bottomC.

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.