Special receptacle or package – For a tool – Razor blade
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-28
2001-09-11
Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For a tool
Razor blade
C206S354000, C206S459500, C220S475000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286675
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to a blade disposal apparatus and, more specifically, to a disposable blade receptacle and a holder unit configured to hold the blade receptacle and dispense new razor blades.
2. Description of the Related Art
Used razor blades are typically dulled to the point where they are no longer useful as work tools. However, they are still sharp enough to be dangerous and therefore must be disposed of with greater care than ordinary refuse.
Although a variety of receptacles for used razor blades are know to exist, many of them are not particularly well suited for preventing children and pets, as well as adults, from coming into contact with the disposed razor blades. For example, many prior receptacles for used razor blades are containers with lids which can be opened by a curious child or pet. Furthermore, receptacles with lids are potentially dangerous to persons who transport such receptacles because the lid could open allowing the used blades to spill.
Many conventional receptacles for used razor blades are not particularly well suited for being secured to a supporting object in or near the work area. This is problematic because a receptacle for used blades should be stationary, particularly when a worker is attempting to insert a used blade into the receptacle. Furthermore, if the receptacle is not properly secured, it could fall on or slide into a person. Injury is particularly likely if the receptacle has sharp edges or corners and/or the receptacle is heavy because it is holding a large number of discarded razor blades. Thus, a need exists for a blade storage apparatus which is free of sharp edges or corners (which have a significant potential for causing injuries) as well as configured for attachment to a variety of different objects, e.g., a flat surface or a pole.
Another problem with prior receptacles for used razor blades is that they are often not easily identified as such. In other words, prior receptacles often appear to be nothing more than an innocuous container, rather the a container full of dangerous used razor blades. Thus, a need exists for a used blade receptacle which is marked with visible indicia identifying the receptacle for what it is. Furthermore, there is a need for a blade storage apparatus which includes instructions for using the apparatus and/or safety information which cannot readily be removed, obliterated or tampered with.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, a blade disposal apparatus includes a blade disposal unit (or housing) which is formed with a slot sized to receive a razor blade and with a vertical channel and horizontal grooves which allow the blade disposal unit to be readily secured to a variety of different objects using ties. The blade disposal unit is also formed with curved corner portions which make it safer. Additionally, the ergonomic shape of the blade disposal unit makes it easier to grip the blade disposal unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the blade disposal unit is formed with visible indicia, such as instructions for using the apparatus and/or safety information, which cannot readily be removed, obliterated or tampered with. For example, the visible indicia are formed from raised and/or sunken portions of the blade disposal unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the blade disposal apparatus also includes a holder unit with a main compartment sized to receive the blade disposal unit. The holder unit is formed such that the visible indicia are exposed (i.e., visible) when the blade disposal unit is inserted into the holder unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the holder unit also includes a blade compartment sized to receive a box a razor blades. The holder unit includes a bottom surface which is tilted in a manner designed to lessen the chance that the box of razor blades will fall out of the blade compartment when the holder unit is in an upright position.
In another exemplary preferred embodiment, a blade disposal apparatus includes a housing formed with a vertical channel along a back side of the housing and at least one groove across the housing. The housing includes a slot sized to receive a razor blade.
In another exemplary preferred embodiment, a blade disposal apparatus includes a housing with a slot sized to receive a razor blade and at least one external surface formed with visible indicia.
In another exemplary preferred embodiment, a blade disposal apparatus includes a housing with a front side and a back side, the housing being formed with a channel along the back side and at least one groove across the front side. The housing includes a slot sized to receive a razor blade and at least one external surface shaped into visible indicia.
The above described and many other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Cut Saver Razor Blade Disposal Unit brochure (photocopy of brochure).
Cut Saver, Cut Saver Razor Blade Disposal Unit brochure, published in 1999.
Foster Jim
Henricks Slavin & Holmes LLP
Pacific Handy Cutter Inc.
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