Portable shaving kit
A compact shaving kit is provided that comprises a slim crush-proof, latched, watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or other lightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retention means for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razor blades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable mechanical retention means for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in an upright, inverted position. The case may also contain a mirror. The case is dimensioned for insertion into a travel bag, toiletry bag or suitcase.
The present invention is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/222,231, filed on Aug. 15, 2002, which claimed the priority benefit of Provisional Patent No. 60/325,438.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to portable shaving kits, and more particularly, to a compact kit which encloses a quantity of shaving cream or soap, a shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and accessories, in a crush-proof, clamshell case.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous attempts have been made to develop shaving kits in the prior art. Most of these appeared to focus on a type of combination shaving foam dispenser and safety razor combination, or disposable or cylindrical design, or a kit so small as to fit into a pocket or extremely small compartment. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; but the following references were considered related.
The following patents disclose the design and function of a shaving or razor kit:
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- U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,928 issued in the name of Orosy, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 issued in the name of Martinez, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,967 issued in the name of Craven, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,796 issued in the name of Dreyfuss;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,206,012 issued in the name of Braginetz;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,141,486 issued in the name of Bosca, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,984,380 issued in the name of Kuhnl, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,329 issued in the name of Almgren;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,948,388 issued in the name of Metzler, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,822,916 issued in the name of Wark, et al.;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,735,542 issued in the name of Schnitzler;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,167,926 issued in the name of Glasker;
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,319 issued in the name of Stanley;
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,932,603 issued in the name of Richardson;
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123 issued in the name of Flintermann;
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,867,347 issued in the name of Blair;
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,552,918 issued in the name of Gaisman;
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,164,979 issued in the name of Benko; and
- U.S. Pat. No. 965,787 issued in the name of Woods.
With reference to the current state of art, particular reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543, issued on May 28, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123, issued on Jun. 15, 1931. U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 claimed that its portable shaving kit provided utility to military and other users by its compactness, disposability, and provision of the ability to shave anywhere or at anytime. This particular shaving kit would be important to particular users who may value those attributes. However, most business and military users would only encounter situations when they would actually need such a kit extremely infrequently. In particular, people who must shave when absent from their home often desire the opposite of what the referenced kit provides—i.e. to use equipment and processes similar to those they use at home, not a radical departure there from. These users do not necessarily care about how small the shaving kit is, as it as long as it fits within a larger toiletry kit. In fact, many prefer equipment of normal dimension and design, instead of radically different, complex or inconvenient equipment.
With respect to U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123, this case had as its object an extremely compact case for traveling, which included a shaving brush, cream, razors and blades. However this kit contained sub-compartments for each item, requiring the user to pivot the sub-containers laterally to access the contents, and using the upper housing of the container to secure the contents in the lower housing from movement, securing accessories in drawers, and with the kit directed to now-obsolete types of safety razors. However, the kit was so compact and compartmentalized that the convenience of using the case was significantly reduced.
The present invention enables a particular group of users—those who prefer to use a common sized and shaped safety razor, natural badger, boar or other type of bristle shaving brush, shaving cream or soap—to safely and hygienically use this equipment, in its standard form and size, safely and hygienically when traveling away from home. When traveling, these shaving items are difficult to store in common shaving kits and toiletry bags. Shaving soap is often maintained in an open cylindrical container or cup, and not sized or shaped for inclusion in a typical toiletry kit. Shaving brushes are often constructed from the hair of a badger, or other natural sources, and needs protection from damage, contamination, or decay. Men who travel frequently, military personnel, businessmen, outdoorsmen, and others who spend time away from home, who shave with a high quality brush and safety razor, must often therefore compromise their normal shaving experience when away from home. Typically they may leave their shaving brush at home, or purchasing disposable razors and cans of shave foam, or an electric razor. Additionally, many items required for shaving are often forgotten, such as extra blades, or other supplies. When packing safety razors in existing toiletry bags, there is risk of cuts due to exposed blades when reaching inside the bags, and risk of damage and contamination to blades and brush during transit from caused by materials inside the toiletry kit. Shaving brushes, when packed, are sometimes wet, typically unwieldy, and susceptible to damage or decay, which makes them difficult pack without an intermediate container. Existing toiletry bags do not allow for protection of safety razors or brushes, and typically not proportioned or equipped to secure larger circumference open canisters of shaving soap. While disposable razors are often sold with a plastic blade protector, they come off during travel, and non-disposable razors usually do not have such blade guards, which would nevertheless be cumbersome to use. Finally, box-kits on the market today are typically constructed from cardboard backing, with plastic, faux leather or leather covering, and tend to degrade over time with exposure to moisture and continued use. The present invention alleviates the aforementioned problems, by providing a sanitary, breathable, protected environment for fixed storage of common-sized modern safety razor, shaving cream, high quality natural brush, and all necessary after-shave articles during travel. The invention increases convenience by enabling a pre-packed shaving kit that reduces the chance of forgotten items by its individualized holders for each necessary item, reduces the chance of injury, contamination or damage with its protective, watertight housing, and also enables the shaving soap and brush user to experience their normal shaving experience, and use commonly sized and shaped equipment while away from home. This shaving kit also increases sanitation as it provides a hermetic sealing and spatial separation of blades, shaving brush and other objects. The shaving kit is constructed from an aluminum exterior, guaranteeing a lifetime of use. This shaving kit has been optimized for space—given the constraints of equipment size and convenience, and can fit in common toiletry bags, therefore avoiding the radical modifications to common shaving gear as found in previous art. This kit therefore enables the traveling users to experience the same high quality and sanitary shaving process found at home, without risk of injury, damage or contamination to shaving brush or safety razors, with a minimum of steps required to remove or replace the contents. Although carrying cases in general are known in the art, the present case is specifically adapted for its particular purpose by a unique size and shape, retention fixtures, compartmentalized storage areas, and shaving brush holder.
Consequently, a need has been felt there exists a need for a means by which a traveler can securely transport shaving items and accessories.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved compact portable shaving kit for the traveler who prefers to use a standard sized and shaped safety razor, high quality badger, boar, or other natural or otherwise easily damaged bristle shaving brush, and non-pressurized shaving cream or soap.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved portable shaving kit that includes a crush-proof (up to 200 pounds), push-button latch, clamshell case, with fixed retention means for safety razors, shaving cream or soap, shaving brush, and accessories.
Another feature of the shaving kit is to provide a means to effectively secure the shaving brush in an inverted position after use, before repacking.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a shaving kit is provided that comprises a crush-proof, latched, watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or other lightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retention means for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razor blades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable, expandable holder for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in an upright, inverted position, and a mirror. The case is dimensioned for insertion into a travel bag, computer bag, or suitcase. To use the invention, the traveler opens the case locking fixture and removes the safety razors, shaving brush and shaving cream or soap from their secured positions, and uses as normal. After shaving, the user may store the shaving brush in an upright, inverted position by inserting the brush into a retractable holder, provided with the case. After use the user simply repackages the contents of the case, securing them in their respective retainers. Finally, the clamshell case is closed, and the pressure clasps engaged, forcing a watertight seal around the contents. The contents are then stored in a compact waterproof, crushproof, damage and contamination free environment for next use.
The use of the present invention allows the convenience of always having a complete shaving kit when traveling.
The use of the present invention allows the convenience of using similarly sized and shaped shaving gear, including high quality shaving brush, during travel as during home use without risk of injury or damage to equipment.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be housed inside of conventionally shaped and sized luggage and toiletry cases.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the shaving brush can be stored in an upright, inverted position after use.
Still another object of the present invention is that case is waterproof, crush-proof, and leak-proof.
Still another object of the present invention is that the shaving gear is secured to prevent movement or damage during travel.
Still another object of the present invention is that the case houses all shaving gear in one easily accessed location during travel.
Still another object of the present invention is that is contains a sealed breather hole that can allow the escape of moisture and hot air, while preventing exit or entrance of liquefied matter.
Still another object of the invention is that the layout of storage locations has been designed to optimize balance, by fixating the heavier container of shaving cream or soap in the center.
Still another object of the invention is that the retention devices for safety razors and shaving brush are expandable, to accommodate a variety of different sized items.
Generally, the present invention protects shaving gear during transport, aids in packing, enabling the user to store shaving gear in one place in individualized retainers, in a protective container specifically adapted for their storage and protection. The use of a curved, rigid case prevents damage to the outer luggage that could result from protruding corners. The relatively flat design also helps the case fit inside soft toiletry bags.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.
1. Detailed Description of the Figures
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The threaded finger 42 is formed by a vertically elongated cylinder depending from the internal surface of the rigid lower case housing 14. The threaded finger 42 includes external threads for securely housing a storage container with a matching internally threaded cavity, such as the container 40 (discussed in detail later in the Description).
Referring now to
The protective case 10 also contains a removable accessories pouch 24, and inclusion of a panel 25a housing a retention pouch 25b for the expandable shaving brush holder 30 and mirror 26. The accessories pouch 24 is customized dimensionally for use with the shaving kit case, as it fits within the internal confines of the rigid upper case housing 12, with a planar surface extending to the limit of the shaving cream container fixed in the rigid lower case housing 14. The accessories pouch 24 is constructed from flexible, thin, waterproof material such as plastic, nylon, leather, or other material. It is envisioned in the preferred embodiment to affix the accessories pouch 24 to the planar inner wall of the rigid upper case housing 12 by use of a hook and loop fastener system or clasp. Although the case is shown zippered, with one zipper, as is presently anticipated as the preferred best mode of the present invention, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims, that the case could contain a clasp, multiple zippers, or other closure means instead. The accessories pouch 24 also houses two intermediate containers for after-shave conditioning cream or balm, and cologne.
The protective case 10 also contains a toothbrush holder 18 and includes a linearly elongated two-piece structure, having a first member 18a threadably coupled to a second member 18b and forming an internal cavity for housing of a toothbrush 18c. The toothbrush holder 18 is attached to the internal wall of the rigid upper case housing 12.
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2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user opens the protective case 10 and removes the shaving brush 22 and mechanical brush holder 30, and sets the brush 22 into the holder 30. The user also removes safety razors 20 and shaving cream 40. The user then proceeds to shave as normal. Afterwards, the brush 22 is rinsed and inserted into mechanical holder 30 to dry. Upon re-packing, the user inserts the safety razors 20 and brush 22 into the harnesses 28, and screws the shaving cream container 40 in place in the center of the kit. The user then replaces the mechanical shaving brush holder 30 into the retention pouch 25b, and places all accessories into the zippered or clasped accessories container. The user closes the shaving cream container 40 until the upper and lower sections lock into place, and packs the kit into a toiletry or luggage case.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. By ways of example, and not as a limitation, one such modification is shown in
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated, some of which are shown and described in
Claims
1. A portable shaving kit with a protective case specifically adapted for use during travel away from home, comprising, in combination:
- a rigid upper housing;
- a rigid lower housing pivotally affixed to said rigid upper housing;
- a linearly elongated toothbrush holder affixed to an inner wall of said rigid upper housing, wherein said holder includes a first member coupled to a second member and forming an internal storage cavity for storing the toothbrush;
- first retaining means for retaining a shaving brush, said first retaining means mounted on an intermediate portion of an inner wall of said rigid lower housing; and
- second retaining means for retaining at least one safety razor, said second retaining means mounted on said intermediate portion of said inner wall of said rigid lower housing, adjacently positioned in relation to said first retaining means.
2. The portable shaving kit combination of claim 1, further comprising:
- a threaded finger located along a center of said inner wall of said rigid lower housing; and
- an integral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case and retains said case in a closed position once said upper and lower housings are engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure once engaged.
3. The shaving kit combination of claim 2, further comprising a receptacle having a 1 cylindrical configuration with a planar top and bottom, a threaded lid and short sidewalls, and a 1 threaded opening on said bottom wall.
4. The shaving kit of claim 3, further comprising a retention pouch for accessories, said retention pouch for accessories comprising a flat zippered or clasped pouch, said retention pouch having an outer slot for storage of a folding shaving brush holder.
5. The shaving kit of claim 4, further comprising a mechanical folding shaving brush holder, to store said shaving brush in an upright and inverted position after use.
6. The shaving kit of claim 1, further comprising a seal around the interfacing edges of said upper housing and said lower housing.
7. The shaving kit case of claim 1, further comprising:
- safety razors customized dimensionally for use with said case and storage into said second retaining means, wherein said razors have replaceable heads; and
- a shaving brush customized dimensionally for use with said case and storage into said first retaining means.
8. The portable shaving kit combination of claim 1, wherein an overall outer dimensions of said rigid upper housing and rigid lower housing are 9 inches across a lateral front width by 5 inches along a lateral side length and thereby providing an interior volume having a rectangular area specifically sized and proportioned to receive one or more safety razors, container of shaving soap, shaving brush, and accessories, with adequate space between articles for ease of access.
9. The shaving kit case of claim 1, wherein said first retaining means and second retaining means include a harness and a storage strip fixedly attached at opposite ends to a harness base, thereby forming an aperture for storing shaving items, and wherein said harness base is fixedly attached to the internal wall of said upper or lower housing.
10. The shaving kit case of claim 1, wherein said first retaining means and said second retaining means are substantially enclosed, linearly elongated tubular container fixedly attached to a container base, thereby forming a tubular aperture for storing shaving items, and wherein said harness base is fixedly attached to an internal wall of said upper or lower housing.
11. The shaving kit case of claim 1, further comprising a pair of grooming scissors customized dimensionally for use with said case, or where using a customized storage space within said case.
12. The shaving kit case of claim 1, further comprising a toiletry bag adapted for use with said shaving kit case, wherein said toiletry bag is an intermediate storage pouch or other retaining device.
13. A portable shaving kit with a protective case specifically adapted for use during travel away from home, comprising, in combination:
- a rigid upper housing;
- a rigid lower housing pivotally affixed to said rigid upper housing by a hinge;
- first retaining means, said first retaining means is a substantially enclosed, linearly elongated tubular container;
- second retaining means, said second retaining means is a substantially enclosed, linearly elongated tubular container;
- a threaded finger located in the center of the inner wall of said lower housing, said threaded finger having a vertically elongated cylinder depending from said rigid lower housing; and
- an integral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case and retains said case in closed position once said upper and lower housings are engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure once engaged.
14. A portable shaving kit with a protective case specifically adapted for use during travel away from home, comprising, in combination:
- a rigid upper housing;
- a rigid lower housing pivotally affixed to said rigid upper housing by a hinge;
- a tray, said tray comprising a plurality of recesses for storage of shaving accessories, said tray further comprising an aperture formed along a bottom surface of said tray;
- a cleat, said cleat formed along an interior surface of said lower housing, said cleat inserts into said aperture to provide an interference fit between said tray and said lower housing; and
- an integral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case and retains said case in closed position once said upper and lower housings are engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure once engaged.
15. The shaving kit of claim 14, wherein said aperture comprises a rounded interior surface formed to accommodate and receive said cleat, said cleat comprising a rounded exterior surface.
16. The shaving kit of claim 14, wherein said aperture comprises a triangulated interior surface formed to accommodate and receive said cleat, said cleat comprising a triangulated exterior surface.
17. The shaving kit of claim 14, wherein said aperture comprises a rectangular interior surface to formed accommodate and receive said cleat, said cleat comprising a rectangular exterior surface.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2005
Inventor: Stephen Curtis (Cleveland Heights, OH)
Application Number: 11/135,938