WET SHAVING APPARATUS RINSING DEVICE

Abstract

A device includes a structural housing that defines a rising chamber configured to receive a portion of a wet shaving apparatus. The structural housing is configured to house a filter, a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a set spray head. The pump defines at least a portion of a first fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir and the spray head and is configured to be activated such that a volume of fluid flows within the first fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir to the spray heads to be expelled into the rinsing chamber. The filter defines at least a portion of a second fluid flow path between the rinsing chamber and the fluid reservoir. The filter is configured to filter the volume of fluid as the volume of fluid flows within the second fluid flow path from the rinsing chamber to the fluid reservoir.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/706,181 entitled, “Wet Shaving Apparatus Rinsing Device,” filed Sep. 27, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/436,987 entitled, “Wet Shaving Apparatus Rinsing Device,” filed Nov. 12, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate to methods and devices for cleaning a wet shaving apparatus. More particularly, the embodiments described herein relate to a device and method for rinsing and lubricating wet shaving apparatuses, which optionally replaces the conventional methods for rinsing a wet shaving apparatus, such as, for example, under an ordinary sink faucet, showerhead, bath tub faucet, or in a sink or wash basin filled with liquid, or any container (such as a cup or bowl) suitable for housing a liquid.

The need to clean and free a shaving apparatus of debris periodically during and upon completion of the act of shaving is well known. The field of razor cleaning, however, is mostly defined by devices for removing debris from dry shaving devices. In some instances, it is also desirable to keep the blade(s) of a wet shaving apparatus free of debris to prolong the useful life of the wet shaving apparatus blade(s), as the ordinary buildup of debris reduces the sharpness, and by extension, effectiveness, of the blade(s). Some known systems and methods for cleaning a wet shaving apparatus do not accommodate a stand-alone approach to razor cleaning, requiring access to running water. For example, some known methods for rinsing wet shaving apparatuses include, for example, running the wet shaving apparatus under a stream of water, tapping the apparatus on the side of a sink, bath tub or shower, or dipping the apparatus in a sink or wash basin filled with water. Moreover, some known systems that contain a method for using a fluid reservoir do not effectively remove certain kinds of debris (e.g., skin, hair, etc.) from the cleaning fluid, thus circulating the debris over the razor. In some known systems, for example those used to clean safety razors, the method of freeing debris from the razor is not sufficiently efficacious.

In such instances, the known methods are limited in their effectiveness in removing debris from the wet shaving apparatus and often the process of cleaning debris from a wet shaving apparatus generates unnecessary waste in the form of excess water used, and discards unwanted visible debris on bathroom surfaces such as the sink, bath tub or shower.

Thus, a need exists for improved apparatus and methods for cleaning a wet shaving apparatus.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods described herein relate to devices for cleaning a wet shaving apparatus. In some embodiments, a device includes a structural housing that defines a rising chamber configured to receive a portion of a wet shaving apparatus. The structural housing is configured to house a filter, a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a set spray head. The pump defines at least a portion of a first fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir and the spray head and is configured to be activated such that a volume of fluid flows within the first fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir to the spray heads to be expelled into the rinsing chamber. The filter defines at least a portion of a second fluid flow path between the rinsing chamber and the fluid reservoir. The filter is configured to filter the volume of fluid as the volume of fluid flows within the second fluid flow path from the rinsing chamber to the fluid reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cleaning device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, shown without a cover.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, shown without the cover.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of various components contained within the cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the cleaning device of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of FIG. 8, taken along the line X₁-X₁.

FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a method of monitoring and altering the function of a system for cleaning a shaving apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the wet shaving apparatus and a wet shaving apparatus rinsing device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a left side view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the wet shaving apparatus rinsing device taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a device includes a structural housing that defines a rising chamber configured to receive a portion of a wet shaving apparatus. The structural housing is configured to house a filter, a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a set spray head. The pump defines at least a portion of a first fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir and the spray head, and is configured to be activated such that a volume of fluid flows within the first fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir to the spray head to be expelled into the rinsing chamber. The filter defines at least a portion of a second fluid flow path between the rinsing chamber and the fluid reservoir. The filter is configured to filter the volume of fluid as the volume of fluid flows within the second fluid flow path from the rinsing chamber to the fluid reservoir.

In some embodiments, the device is a closed-loop system designed for regular use during the process of wet shaving to use a finite amount of fluid to rinse wet shaving apparatuses of debris by means of a high-powered stream or pattern of fluid, capture debris rinsed from the wet shaving apparatus with a filter, and return the fluid to a reservoir where it can be drawn by a pump for re-use.

As used in this specification, the term “rinsing fluid” or “fluid” refers to any suitable fluid, such as, for example, water, alcohol, oil, or any fluid that can act as a surfactant, soap, lubricious solvent, disinfectant, scent carrier, or any combination of fluids

As used herein, the term “supplemental fluid” refers to any fluid that can act as a surfactant, soap, lubricious solvent, disinfectant, scent carrier, or any combination of fluids that can be mixed with or added to the rinsing fluid

As used herein, the term “debris” refers to any of hair, hair follicles, dirt shaving cream/gel/lotion, etc., soap, oil, other surfactants, or skin cells, or any combination of the above, that become lodged between, on and around the head of a wet shaving apparatus as a result of ordinary use during the shaving process

As used herein, the term “wet shaving apparatus” refers to any device which contains one or more razor blades and is used for the removal of hair from the face, head, or any other area of the body which may contain hair, such as the underarms, arms, chest, back, legs, or groin.

As used herein, the term “closed-loop system” refers to any system of parts in which an element is circulated and re-circulated by the system indefinitely.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a component” is intended to mean a single component or a combination of components.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a wet shaving apparatus rinsing device 100, according to an embodiment. The rinsing device 100 (also referred to herein as “device”) includes various components of a structural housing 102 that can define or include a port 104 through which to insert a wet shaving apparatus 170 into a rinse chamber 112 (defined within the housing 102), a universal serial bus (USB) port 106 through which the rinsing device 100 can be electrically connected to a USB cable, an electrical port 122 through which an electrical power cable 124 can extend to connect the rinsing device 100 to a power source (e.g., an alternating current (AC) wall outlet) or charging system to power the device 100, and a switch port 126 that houses a power switch 120 configured to power the device 100 on or off. The device 100 defines an opening 108 in a bottom surface (not shown) of the structural housing 102 in which to insert at least a portion of a fluid reservoir 130 and at least a portion of a supplemental fluid reservoir 132. The device 100 also defines an opening 110 configured to receive a filter 146. The structural housing 102 is configured to house or substantially enclose a spray head 142 which propels fluid from the fluid reservoir 130 and/or the supplemental fluid reservoir 132 into a rinse chamber 112. A splash guard 114 is configured to minimize the amount of a fluid that can escape the rinse chamber 112 when the fluid (e.g., the fluid propelled by the spray head 142) makes contact with a wet shaving apparatus 170 disposed therein.

FIGS. 1-7 also show elements of the rinse chamber 112 such as a receiver tray 116 which, when a downward pressure is applied (e.g., by the wet shaving apparatus), can activate a motor 140, a servo motor 118, and an oscillating arm 144 (driven by the servo motor 118). The oscillating arm 144 is configured to alternate the position of the spray head 142 and, therefore, the angle from which the fluid is sprayed into the rinse chamber 112. FIGS. 1-7 also show a contact heating device 150 configured to heat the fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 130 and/or the fluid contained within the supplemental fluid reservoir 132.

The device 100 is configured to define a substantially closed-loop circuit in which the fluid(s) can flow. For example, the device 100 includes a port 134 which forms a substantially fluid tight seal with the fluid reservoir 130 and places the fluid reservoir 130 in fluid communication with a first tube 136 (e.g., a first end of the first tube 136 is coupled to the port 134). A second end of the first tube 136 is coupled (e.g., physically and fluidically) to a pump 138, powered by the motor 140, which draws a fluid from the fluid reservoir 130. Furthermore, the pump 138 is physically and fluidically coupled to a second tube 136 configured to place the pump in fluid communication with the spray head 142 (e.g., an end of the second tube 136 is physically and fluidically coupled to the spray head 142). Thus, the pump 138 propels the fluid through the first tube 136 and the second tube 136 to the spray head 142 and into the rinse chamber 112. The motor 140 is activated and controlled by an electronic controller 148 that includes at least a data processor, a memory, and transmission chip (not shown). Once the fluid flows through the rinse chamber 112, makes contact with the wet shaving apparatus 170, and rinses the wet shaving apparatus 170 of debris, the fluid can flow through the filter 146 and return to the fluid reservoir 130 for recirculation through the closed-loop circuit (i.e., the fluid reservoir 130, the port 134, the first tube 136, the pump 138, the second tube 136, the spray head 142, and the rinse chamber 112).

The pump 138 described above can be any suitable pump. For example, in some embodiments, the pump 138 can be an impulse pump, such as, for example, a spring-loaded syringe, a positive displacement pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump, piston pump, screw pump, a gear pump, etc.), or any other suitable pump. The pump 138 can be powered by manual motion (e.g., human intervention) or mechanical motion (e.g., the motor 140). In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a secondary pump such as any of those described above configured to draw a fluid into, for example, the tubes 136 and/or to increase the pressure within the tubes 136, for example, at the spray head 142.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a wet shaving apparatus rinsing device 200 (also referred to herein as “rinsing device” or simply “device”), according to an embodiment. The rinsing device 200 includes a structural housing 202, defining a rinsing chamber 212, a port 204 (configured to receive a shaving apparatus (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), a filter opening 210 (configured to receive a filter 246), a reservoir opening 208 (configured to receive a fluid reservoir 230), and an electrical port 206 (configured to be placed in electrical communication with a cable such as, a power cable, a USB cable, or the like). The structural housing 202 is configured to house or substantially enclose the fluid reservoir 230, a reservoir port 234, the filter 246, a first tube 236, a second tube 236, an electronic controller 248, a motor 240, a pump 238, an oscillating arm 244, and a spray head 242.

The rinsing device 200 is similar in function to the rinsing device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7, thus, similar features or functions are not described in detail herein. The rinsing device 200 differs from the rinsing device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-7 in that the rinsing device 200 includes a single electrical port (e.g., the electrical port 206) through which the device may be connected to by a power source, charging system, or USB cable. Moreover, the rinsing device 200 defines the openings 208 and 210 in the front of the device 200 configured to receive the fluid reservoir 230 and the filter, respectively.

The rinsing device 200 is configured such that the motor 240 (or servo motor similar to the servo motor 118 shown in FIGS. 1-7) is configured to operate when the device 100 is in “on” mode. Expanding further, the rinsing device 200 does not include a receiver tray (e.g., similar to the receiver tray 116 shown in FIGS. 1-7) that activates the motor 240. The rinsing device 200 is configured to include a single fluid reservoir 230. In this manner, any supplemental fluids (defined above) can be substantially mixed with the fluid contained within the fluid reservoir. While the rinsing device 200 does not show a contact heater (e.g., such as the contact heater 150 shown in FIGS. 1-7), in other embodiments, the rinsing device 200 can include a contact heater.

In some embodiments, a rinsing device can be in two-way communication with a database, a server, or other electronic device(s). In such embodiments, the rinsing device (e.g., the electronic controller 146 or 246 described herein) can include one or more switches or sensors, a data processor, a memory, and a transmission chip. The switches or sensors are adapted to both responsively generate monitoring information on the associated input, such as, for example, active or inactive, duration of use, location, time, frequency, device performance or malfunction alerts, and responsively receive input or command information, such as, for example, device activation or inactivation, or changes in programmed mode(s), from a data processor. The data processor is adapted for receiving the monitoring information from the sensor(s) and to send a signal associated with the information to the transmission chip. The data processor is also adapted to receive command information from the transmission chip and send a signal associated with the information to one or more switches or sensors. In some embodiments, a transmission chip can be adapted to receive monitoring information, packetize the monitoring information, transmit the information to a remote location such as a database, server, or other electronic device, and to receive inputs or commands from one or more remote locations and transmit the inputs or commands to the data processor.

Referring now to FIG. 10 a method of monitoring the status of a rinsing device is illustrated. For example, the method can include placing an electronic device such as a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet or other mobile device, or the like in electrical communication with the rinsing device (e.g., in electrical communication with an electronic controller (the electronic controller 148 or 248 described above) via a USB cable). In this manner, the electronic controller can send a signal associated with the status of the rinsing device to the electronic device such that a display of the electronic device displays the status of the rinsing device (e.g., via a software application or a web browser). For example, in some embodiments, the status of the rinsing device can be represented by the screenshot 380. As shown in FIG. 10, the display of the electronic device can display a set of digital values 382 representing the status of the rinsing device and/or a wet shaving apparatus. Furthermore, a set of user inputs 384 can be displayed that enable a user to enter a user profile, to change or modify the functioning of the rinsing device (e.g., the electronic device sends a signal to the electronic controller such that the electronic controller changes one or more parameters of the rinsing device), or the like. In some embodiments, the electronic device can be configured to display a list of products associated with the user profile that a user can purchase (e.g., by clicking a hyperlink or image).

In some embodiments, an apparatus, comprised of a structural housing to support elements of the system; one or several openings or ports in the housing in which to insert a wet shaving device, fill the device with fluid(s), and eject or release the fluid(s); one or more ports through which the device may be connected to by a power source, charging system or USB cable, and consisting of the following components which form a closed loop circuit of fluid(s) to rinse a wet shaving device better than a sink faucet, showerhead, or other dispenser of water or other rinsing fluid.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods and/or schematics described above indicate certain events and/or flow patterns occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/or flow patterns may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

For example, while the rinsing device 100 is described above as including a power cable 124 configured to electrically couple the rinsing device 100 to a wall outlet to receive AC electrical power, in other embodiments, components of the rinsing device 100 can receive power in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, components of a rinsing device can be powered by a manual pressure applied to an arm or button, a direct current DC power supply or adapter, a universal serial bus (USB) cable connected to, for example, a personal computer, or a disposable or rechargeable battery or batteries (e.g., an alkaline battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like). In embodiments, wherein the battery or batteries are rechargeable, any suitable recharging system can be used such as, for example, a simple charger, a timer-based charger, an intelligent charger, a fast or pulse charger, an inductive or contact charger, a USB-based charger, a solar charger, a motion-powered charger, or the like.

While the rinsing devices 100 and 200 described a spray head 142 and 242, respectively, in other embodiments, a rinsing device can include any number of spray heads. In such embodiments, the spray heads can be any combination of similar spray heads or dissimilar spray heads. For example, in some embodiments, a spray head can define a single hole which creates a pattern of fluid droplets when fluid is propelled through the hole. In other embodiments, a spray head can define more than one hole which creates patterns of fluid droplets when fluid is propelled through the holes, such that the pattern or patterns may be shaped as an acute stream, cluster or series of acute or broad streams, or acute or broad fan-like pattern or patterns. In this manner, the spray head can propel a fluid into the rinse chamber from one or more points and at one, more than one, or alternating angles within the rinse chamber.

In some embodiments, the methods or means by which the spray function and other device functions, such as an oscillating arm or secondary pump, are activated or deactivated can include, for example, applying manual pressure to a button or pump arm, manual pressure to one or more buttons or switches in contact with the electronic controller, a motion sensor or sensors that detects the presence of an object near or within the rinse chamber, a switch or lever, connected to a sensor, that is activated upon contact with a foreign object near or within the rinse chamber. The spray function and other device functions may be activated or deactivated by any of the above means such that the function or functions may be static, periodic, or continuous for a predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, one or more filters (e.g., the filter 146), can be either permanently or temporarily fixed to, or independent of and removable from, elements of a device or structural housing. The filters described herein can be components through which a rinsing fluid passes after having been passed across, through or along a wet shaving apparatus by a spray head(s), and are optimized to the rate of flow of the rinsing fluid. The filters can be composed of structural elements such as, for example, plastic, wood, foam or metal, that contain or house filtration materials or a combination of filtration material(s), such as, for example, open-cell foam, non-woven material, paper or wire mesh/screen, micro-cell ceramics, activated carbon, charcoal, or any number of porous and adsorptive materials. In this manner, the filter(s) can capture or minimize debris contents within the rinsing fluid while allowing the rinsing fluid to pass through the material(s) at a reasonable flow rate. In some embodiments, the filters described herein can be washable, rinse-able, and/or disposable.

The wet shaving apparatus rinsing devices described herein can be any suitable shape and can have any suitable geometric features. For example, in some embodiments, the rinsing devices described herein can be one or any combination of a square, rectangle, sphere, cylinder, or other three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the port through which a wet shaving apparatus is inserted into a rinse chamber can be at any suitable location, angle, or orientation, relative to a device housing, such as, for example, on a top surface of the device, on any of the sides of the device, or on the base of the device.

For example, FIGS. 11-19 illustrate a wet shaving apparatus rinsing device 300 (also referred to herein as “rinsing device” or simply “device”), according to another embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 11-17, the rinsing device 300 includes a structural housing 302, defining a rinsing chamber 312. The structural housing 302 is configured to house or substantially enclose a fluid reservoir 330, a filter 346, a pump 338, a set of spray heads 342 (see e.g., FIGS. 17-19), and a power supply 360 (see e.g., FIGS. 18 and 19). As shown in FIGS. 11-16, the structural housing 302 can be substantially cylindrical and can be arranged such that a top portion of the structural housing 302 defines a port 304 configured to receive a shaving apparatus (not shown in FIGS. 11-19). In other words, the top portion of the structural housing 302 can be substantially open to allow a shaving apparatus to be disposed in the rinse chamber 312. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 17-19, the rinsing device 300 includes a set of spray heads 342. The spray heads 342 can be arranged in any suitable orientation relative to the structural housing 302 and/or relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the spray heads 342 can be oriented relative to one another such that a stream of fluid expelled through the spray heads 342 substantially converge. Though the rinsing device 300 is arranged in a particular orientation, the rinsing device 300 can be configured to function in a similar manner as the rinsing device 100 and/or the rinsing device 200 described above. Thus, specific aspects of the rinsing device 300 are not described in further detail herein.

In some instances, the rising device 300 can be placed in an “on” configuration by engaging, for example, a switch, push button, slider, toggle, and/or the like such that the power supply 360 provides electrical current to the rinsing device 300. In some embodiments, the rising device 300 can be, for example, in a minimal power state (e.g., the power supply 360 can provide a minimal level of electrical current to at least a portion of the rinsing device 300) and can be configured to automatically transition to an “on” or fully powered state when a shaving apparatus is positioned within the rinse chamber 312. For example, the rinsing device 300 can include a sensor such as, for example, a light sensor, optical sensor, position sensor, contact sensor, etc. (not shown in FIGS. 11-19), that can sense the presence of the shaving apparatus in the rinsing chamber 312. In some embodiments, the power supply 360 can be, for example, a battery pack, a converter, an inverter, and/or any other electronic device configured to provide a flow of electrical current to the rinsing device 300. Although not shown in FIGS. 11-19, the power supply 360 can be electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., an AC power outlet) via a power cable, USB cable, and/or the like.

When a shaving apparatus is positioned within the rinse chamber 312, a stream of fluid expelled from each spray head 342 can contact and clean the shaving apparatus. More specifically, the pump 338 can draw a fluid from the fluid reservoir 330 and deliver a flow of fluid to the spray heads 342. Once expelled from the spray heads 342, the fluid can rinse and/or cleanse the shaving apparatus and can flow through the filter 346 and into the fluid reservoir 338. Thus, the rinsing device 300 can be a substantially closed loop system.

Although not shown in FIGS. 11-19, the rinsing device 300 can be configured to include any of the components included the rinsing device 100 and/or the rinsing device 200. For example, in some embodiments, the rinsing device 300 can include an electrical port, a contact heater, a set of tubing, etc. In some embodiments, the rinsing device 300 can include a processing device and/or the like that can be in communication with a database, a server, and/or any other electronic device, as described above.

FIGS. 20-24 illustrate a wet shaving apparatus rinsing device 400 (also referred to herein as “rinsing device” or simply “device”), according to another embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 20-24, the rinsing device 400 includes a structural housing 402, defining a rinsing chamber 412. The structural housing 402 is configured to house or substantially enclose a fluid reservoir 430, a filter 446, a pump 438, a set of spray heads 442 (see e.g., FIGS. 23 and 24), and a power supply 460 (see e.g., FIG. 24). As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the structural housing 402 can be substantially cylindrical and can be arranged such that a top portion of the structural housing 402 defines a port 404 configured to receive a shaving apparatus S. In other words, the top portion of the structural housing 402 can be substantially open to allow at least a portion of the shaving apparatus S to be disposed in the rinse chamber 412. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 23 and 24, the rinsing device 400 includes a set of spray heads 442. The spray heads 442 can be arranged in any suitable orientation relative to the structural housing 402 and/or relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the spray heads 442 can be oriented relative to one another such that a stream of fluid expelled through the spray heads 442 substantially converge. Though the rinsing device 400 is arranged in a particular orientation, the rinsing device 400 can be configured to function in a similar manner as the rinsing device 100, the rinsing device 200, and/or the rinsing device 300 described above. Thus, specific aspects of the rinsing device 400 are not described in further detail herein.

In some instances, the rising device 400 can be placed in an “on” configuration by engaging, for example, a push button 461 such that the power supply 460 provides electrical current to the rinsing device 400. In other embodiments, the rinsing device 400 can include, for example, a switch, slider, toggle, a touch screen interface, and/or the like that can be engaged to place the rinsing device 400 in the “on” configuration. In still other embodiments, the rising device 400 can be, for example, in a minimal power state (e.g., the power supply 460 can provide a minimal level of electrical current to at least a portion of the rinsing device 400) and can be configured to automatically transition to an “on” or fully powered state when a shaving apparatus is positioned within the rinse chamber 412. For example, the rinsing device 400 can include a sensor such as, for example, a light sensor, optical sensor, position sensor, contact sensor, etc. (not shown in FIGS. 20-24), that can sense the presence of the shaving apparatus in the rinsing chamber 412. In some embodiments, the power supply 460 can be, for example, a battery pack, a converter, an inverter, and/or any other electronic device configured to provide a flow of electrical current to the rinsing device 400. Although not shown in FIGS. 20-24, the power supply 460 can be electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., an AC power outlet) via a power cable, USB cable, and/or the like.

When a portion of the shaving apparatus S is positioned within the rinse chamber 412, a stream of fluid expelled from each spray head 442 can contact and clean the shaving apparatus. More specifically, the pump 438 can draw a fluid from the fluid reservoir 430 and deliver a flow of fluid to the spray heads 442. Once expelled from the spray heads 442, the fluid can rinse and/or cleanse the shaving apparatus and can flow through the filter 446 and into the fluid reservoir 438. Thus, the rinsing device 400 can be a substantially closed loop system.

Although not shown in FIGS. 20-24, the rinsing device 400 can be configured to include any of the components included the rinsing device 100, the rinsing device 200, and/or the rinsing device 300. For example, in some embodiments, the rinsing device 400 can include an electrical port, a contact heater, a set of tubing, etc. In some embodiments, the rinsing device 400 can include a processing device and/or the like that can be in communication with a database, a server, and/or any other electronic device, as described above.

The structure and features of a rinse chamber (e.g., the rinse chamber 112), which may contain, for example, one or more openings through which one or more spray heads may propel a pattern of fluid droplets through the rinse chamber in one or more directions can be any suitable arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, an opening through which a wet shaving apparatus may be inserted into the rinse chamber does not include a structure or structures which retain or fix the wet shaving apparatus within the rinse chamber. In other embodiments, the rinse chamber can include a structure or structures configured to at least temporarily retain the wet shaving apparatus. In some embodiments, the rinse chamber can include an articulated door or doors which allow for free and easy insertion of safety razor into, out of, and/or within the rinse chamber while minimizing adverse fluid spray from rinse chamber. In some embodiments, the articulated door or doors do not/does not retain or fix the safety razor within the rinse chamber. In other embodiments, the articulated door or doors can at least temporarily retain the safety razor within the rinse chamber. In some embodiments, a rinse chamber can include one or more openings in which an activation switch or switches can be embedded or attached. In other embodiments, the rinse chamber structure and/or structures can support one or more activation switches. In some embodiments, the rinse chamber can define an opening through which a filter is connected, disposed, and/or otherwise coupled to the rinse chamber. In this manner, the filter can have direct or indirect exposure to cleaning fluid that has been passed across, through or along the safety razor. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid which has been passed over the wet shaving device can be collected in or by, for example, a separate reservoir or absorptive filter or surface.

In some embodiments, a fluid or fluids may be inserted into, or removed from, the device or device reservoir(s), such as, for example, a port or ports located on the top, side or sides, or bottom of the device. In such embodiments, the port or ports can provide direct or indirect access to a reservoir or reservoirs, or may serve to form a substantially fluid tight seal with a reservoir or reservoirs. In some embodiments, a fluid or fluids can be added to the device through a port or ports located on the top, side or sides, or bottom of the device which provide direct or indirect access to the rinse chamber.

In some embodiments, the temperature of a fluid or fluids in one or more fluid reservoirs within the device can be altered or maintained, such as, for example, by contact heater, solar heating surfaces, or insulated surfaces, materials, paints or other coatings.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of embodiments as discussed above.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which can include, for example, the instructions and/or computer code discussed herein.

Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using Java, C++, or other programming languages (e.g., object-oriented programming languages) and development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a structural housing, the structural housing defining a rising chamber configured to receive a portion of a wet shaving apparatus;

a spray head disposed within the structural housing such that the spray head is in fluid communication with the rinsing chamber;

a fluid reservoir disposed within the structural housing configured to contain a fluid;

a pump disposed within the structural housing, the pump configured to define at least a portion of a first fluid flow path defined between the fluid reservoir and the spray head, the pump configured such that, when activated, a volume of fluid flows within the first fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir to the spray head to be expelled into the rinsing chamber; and

a filter disposed within the structural housing, the filter configured to define at least a portion of a second fluid flow path defined between the rinsing chamber and the fluid reservoir, the filter configured to filter the volume of fluid as the volume of fluid flows within the second fluid flow path from the rinsing chamber to the fluid reservoir.