MULTI-PURPOSE NESTING WET SHAVING BOWL

Abstract

An apparatus for shaving and a kit for shaving. The shaving apparatus comprises an upper bowl and a lower bowl. The upper bowl includes a protruding lip around an upper opening and a flat ledge around a middle circumference. The lower bowl includes a lip around a lower opening. The flat ledge of the middle circumference of the upper bowl rests on the lip of the lower opening of the lower bowl. The protruding lip around the upper opening of the upper bowl includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture receives a brush and the second aperture receives a razor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shaving and grooming accessories, and more particularly to the field of shaving mugs, soap containers, and razor/brush stands.

BACKGROUND

Wet shaving is described as using a brush, soap, water, and a razor. Multiple vessels are used in the process to hold water and soap. Typically, a brush is soaked in water prior to lathering up the soap. To build a lather, a wet brush is worked, or swirled over a shaving soap. Continuous brushing strokes over the soap will create a lather which is used for shaving. Different types of shaving accessories exist, such as soap containers, shaving mugs, brush stands, and razor stands. These types of accessories are usually sold as individual, standalone products.

There exists a need to combine all accessories into a single product or offering, which also streamlines the shaving process. Previous shaving apparatuses do not employ a curved, nesting form with integral lip and cutouts that provides the opportunity to integrate all shaving accessories and functions into a single product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to an apparatus for shaving. The shaving apparatus comprises an upper bowl and a lower bowl. The upper bowl includes a protruding lip around an upper opening and a flat ledge around a middle circumference. The lower bowl includes a lip around a lower opening. The flat ledge of the middle circumference of the upper bowl rests on the lip of the lower opening of the lower bowl. The protruding lip around the upper opening of the upper bowl includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is configured to receive a brush and the second aperture is configured to receive a razor.

The invention is further related to a kit for shaving. The shaving kit comprises an upper bowl, a lower bowl, and at least one lid. The upper bowl includes a protruding lip around an upper opening and a flat ledge around a middle circumference. The lower bowl includes a lip around a lower opening. In an assembled state, the flat ledge of the middle circumference of the upper bowl rests on the lip of the lower opening of the lower bowl and forms a sealed fit. The at least one lid is provided and configured to be removably affixed to either to the upper or lower bowl. In an embodiment, the kit can include a brush, in another embodiment the kit can include a razor, and in a third embodiment, the kit can include both a brush and a razor. The brush can be received by a first aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl. The razor can be received by a second aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl.

Additionally, the apparatus or kit for shaving may further include a soap or solution stored in the upper or lower opening of the bowl, a rough surface texture for the upper bowl and the lower bowl to provide friction for gripping, a sloped edge on the first aperture or the second aperture, an insert to be placed inside the first or the second aperture, a foil seal on the lower bowl, and a matching groove and protrusion or a pair of attracting magnets for the sealed fit between the upper bowl and the lower bowl.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for shaving in an assembled state in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly view of a first embodiment of a kit for shaving in a separated position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly view of a second embodiment of the kit for shaving in a separated position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly view of a third embodiment of the kit for shaving in a separated position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly view of a fourth embodiment of the kit for shaving in a separated position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section view of the apparatus for shaving in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate a detailed view of various embodiments of a sealed fit of the apparatus for shaving;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top planar view of an upper bowl of the apparatus for shaving in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an insert for an aperture of the apparatus for shaving in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section view of a lower bowl stored in the upper bowl of the apparatus for shaving in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate a cross section view of various usage configurations of the kit for shaving.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the present invention for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use of the present invention.

Accordingly, the detailed discussion herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the metes and bounds of the patent protection afforded the present invention, in which the scope of patent protection is intended to be defined by the claims and equivalents thereof. Therefore, embodiments not specifically addressed herein, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative embodiments and claims described herein and therefore fall within the scope of the present invention.

Further, it should be understood that, although steps of various claimed methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such method are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. That is, the claimed method steps are considered capable of being carried out in any sequential combination or permutation order while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which a person skilled in the relevant art would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein, as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art should prevail.

Furthermore, a person skilled in the art of reading claimed inventions should understand that “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. And that the term “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for shaving 10 in an assembled state, which may also be known as, for example, but not limited to, the nested position. The apparatus is composed of an upper bowl 100 and a lower bowl 200. In the assembled state, the upper bowl 100 sits atop the lower bowl 200. Specifically, the upper bowl 100 has a flat edge 132 around a middle circumference 130. The flat edge 132 rests on a lip 220 of a lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200, thus forming a sealed fit 250 (described in detail with respect to FIGS. 7A-C). In some embodiments, the sealed fit 250 enables the nested bowls 10 to be removably affixed. When removably affixed, the nested bowls 10 may not separate when knocked over by a user. The upper bowl 100 includes a protruding lip 120 around an upper opening 110. The protruding lip 120 includes a first aperture 124 and a second aperture 126 which may receive shaving accessories such as, but not limited to, a brush and a razor.

The upper bowl 100 and the lower bowl 200 are collectively referred to as either the apparatus for shaving 10, the shaving apparatus 10, or the nested bowls 10 throughout this disclosure. The circular shape of the nested bowls 10 when together provides a balanced design to prevent tipping during shaving or storage. In other embodiments, a non-circular shape may be used such as, but not limited to, a triangle, a rectangle, and an ellipsis. The size is preferably such that the nested bowls 10 easily fit and grip inside a user's hand or palm.

In some embodiments, the nested bowls 10 are composed of a plastic (also known in the art a thermoplastic, a synthetic polymer, and a resin) and may be formed by injection molding, three-dimensional printing, or any other methods of extruding plastic into a molded form known in the art. The plastic preferably has a specific density greater than or equal to 1.40 g/cm³ so the nested bowls 10 have enough weight to not easily tip over during shaving usage. A type of plastic that has a specific density greater than or equal to 1.40 g/cm³ is polyoxymethylene (“POM”), also known in the art as acetal, polyacetal, or polyformaldehyde. POM can be injection molded with precision, has a high stiffness, a low friction, and good dimensional stability. Various chemical companies produce POM with some formula variation and sell POM under names such as, but not limited to, Acetal, Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital and Hostaform.

In other embodiments, the nested bowls 10 are composed of, for example, but not limited to, porcelain or ceramics (formed using slip casting or turning), wood (formed using carving or pressing), glass (formed using blowing), metal (formed using injection molding or pressing), or a combination of these materials. Various finishes and colors are possible to be added to the nested bowls depending on the material and are known to people having ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the apparatus for shaving 10 has a rough surface texture to improve creation of a lathering mixture (more details with respect to FIGS. 8A-B), and for handling, manipulating and gripping the apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a kit for shaving 1 which includes the apparatus for shaving 10 (the nested bowls shown in a separated position or as an exploded view), and a plurality of lids 800. A lid 800 is configured to be removably affixed to one of the nested bowls 10.

As in FIG. 1, the upper bowl 100 includes the protruding lip 120 around the upper opening 110 and the first aperture 124 and the second aperture 126 in the protruding lip 120. The flat edge 132 is around the middle circumference 130 of the upper bowl 100. The lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200 is visible and accessible when the bowls 100, 200 are not in a nesting configuration. The lip 220 around the lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200 is not in contact with the flat edge 132 of the middle circumference of the upper bowl 100 in the separated position.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the kit for shaving 1 may also include a brush 400, in yet another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the kit for shaving 1 may also include a razor 600, and in yet a further embodiment, the kit for shaving 1 may include both a brush 400 and a razor 600. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 the brush 400 is shown and can be a shaving brush known in the art. In the embodiments in FIGS. 3 and 4 the razor 600 is shown and can be, for example, but not limited to, a safety razor, a disposable razor, or a single blade razor. FIG. 5 clearly illustrates the embodiment of the kit 1 having an upper 100 and lower 200 bowl along with both a brush 400 and a razor 600 and at least one lid 800. A first lid 800 is configured to be removably affixed to the upper bowl 100 and a second lid 800 is configured to be removably affixed to the lower bowl 200.

The lid 800 may be applied to the lower bowl 200 or the upper bowl 100. The lid can be reusable, disposable, and interchangeable with different bowls 100, 200 having a complementary bowl diameter 180, 280. The lid 800 is useful to retain and protect shaving accessories in a bowl such as, but not limited to, the brush 400 and the razor 600 when the kit for shaving 1 is not in use. The lid 800 may also be used to cover, keep clean, and protect the soap or solution 700 in the upper or lower bowl. The lid 800 has a diameter slightly wider than the respective bowl diameter 180, 280 whereby the lid 800 can be fitted over and accommodate the openings 110, 210. The lid 800 is composed of, for example, but not limited to, a soft plastic, and a hard plastic, glass. Other materials for the lid 800 are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the lid 800 is configured to be removably affixed to one of the upper bowl 100 and the lower bowl 200 by a process such as, but not limited to, a matching groove and lip or protrusion, a pair of attractive magnets, two Velcro strips, and a threaded portion. A matching groove and protrusion is described for the sealed fit 250 (some similarity to the secure appending of the lid 800) with respect to FIG. 4B. A pair of attractive magnets is described for the sealed 250 (some similarity to the secure appending of the lid 800) with respect to FIG. 4C. Two inter-lockable hook and loop strips and a threaded portion (also known as a twisting cap) are known in the art.

In other embodiments, the apparatus for shaving 10 and a lower bowl 200 of the kit 1 includes a foil seal 850. The foil seal 850 can be applied by a manufacturer of the nested bowls 10 and may only have the seal broken and be removed once by the user. The foil seal 850 may be applied to the lower bowl 200 (shown in FIG. 7) or the upper bowl 100. On the upper bowl 100, the foil seal 850 covers and protects shaving accessories such as, but not limited to, the brush 400 and the razor 600, when the kit for shaving 1 is not in use. On the lower bowl 200, the lid 800 covers and protects the soap or solution 700.

The foil seal 850 may be fitted to the lower bowl 200 by electromagnetically sealing the foil 850 to the lip 220, thus covering and hermetically sealing the lower opening 210. Methods of applying the foil seal 250 are well known in the art, for example induction sealing. Induction sealing is a non-contact heating process that hermetically welds a foil laminate (called an inner-seal) to the lip 220. The sealing process takes place after inserting the soap 700 into the lower opening 210. In other embodiments, the foil seal 850 is a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers including, but not limited to, a foil laminate, a medical grade plastic, an aluminum foil, and a polymer-based foil. This closed system design allows for a tamper proof component structure.

Once the seal 850 is broken, the plurality of lids 800 can be used to store and keep clean and fresh the bowls 100, 200 and their contents, potentially including accessories. It is contemplated that the bowls 100, 200 can be reusable. It is also contemplated that bowls 100, 200 each containing different soap 700 can be used interchangeably depending on the desire of the user for a particular soap 700. Moreover, in one embodiment a soap containing bowl 100, 200, when the soap 700 is depleted, can be disposed of and a new bowl 100, 200 containing soap 700 used. In another embodiment, the bowl 100, 200 itself can be reused and a replacement soap 700 inserted into the bowl 100, 200, thus reusing the bowl 100, 200 with a different soap.

During storage, the kit for shaving 1 is also able to append and store the brush 400 and the razor 600. The first aperture 124 of the protruding lip 120 receives the brush 400, preferably in a position such that a bristled portion of the brush 400 is facing downward (referred to as the downward position). The second aperture 126 of the protruding lip 120 receives the razor 600, in one embodiment in a position such that the blade portion of the razor 600 is facing upwards (referred to as the upward position), and in another embodiment with the razor 600 in a position such that the blade portion is facing downward.

Other shaving accessories such as, but not limited to, combs or after shave, may be stored inside the upper opening 110 of the upper bowl 100. Conveniently, in the embodiment of the kit 1, an affixed lid 800 may retain the same preventing spillage due to jarring or tipping of the bowl 100. For transportation, the brush 400 and the razor 600 may also be stored in the upper opening 110. The lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200 has a horizontal marker 270 on an inner surface 240. The horizontal marker 270 (more detail with respect to FIG. 3). indicates a position of a base of the upper bowl 100 when the nested bowls 10 are in the assembled state, which may also be known as, for example, but not limited to, the nested configuration Accessories may also be stored in the lower bowl 200, and the lower bowl 200 may also be affixed with a lid 800 preventing loss or spillage.

In some embodiments, the first aperture 124 has a sloped edge 125 that complements a contour 405 of the brush 400, and the second aperture 126 has a sloped edge 127 that complements a contour 607 of the razor. The sloped edges 125, 127 help secure the brush 400 and the razor 600, respectively. In other embodiments, one or both of the apertures 124, 126 has exposed a material to help in gripping the brush 400 or the razor 600 such as a rubber or other materials known in the art to provide grip and friction. In some embodiments, the present invention is sold as the nested bowls 10. In other embodiments, the present invention is sold as the shaving kit 1 including the nesting bowls 1, and a lid. In further embodiments of the kit 1 include the brush 400, or the razor 600, or the brush 400 and the razor 600. In yet other embodiments, the shaving kit 1 includes a soap or solution, and in other embodiments shaving accessories. Another embodiment of the kit 1 includes a replacement soap 700 for the reusable bowl 100, 200.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section view of the apparatus for shaving 10. The nested bowls 10—the upper bowl 100 and the lower bowl 200—are in the assembled state, which may also be known as, for example, but not limited to, the nested configuration. As discussed with respect to FIG. 1, the upper bowl 100 has a flat edge 132 around a middle circumference 130. The flat edge 132 rests on a lip 220 of a lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200, thus forming a sealed fit 250 (described in detail with respect to FIGS. 7A-C).

The protruding lip 120 is seen extending from the upper opening 110. In some embodiments, the protruding lip 120 extends around a portion of the upper opening with a variable length. The length is such that the first aperture 124 is large enough to support the brush 400—for example, but not limited to, approximately two inches.

The upper bowl 100 has a upper base 175 and the lower bowl has a lower base 275. When in the assembled state, the upper base 175 is above the horizontal marker 270 of the lower bowl 200. The flat edge 132 of the middle circumference 130 of the upper bowl 100 ensure the bowls 100, 200 do not completely nest. By not completely nesting, the lower opening 210 can be used for storing items. In some embodiments, a soap or solution 700 is stored in the lower opening 210 (described with respect to FIG. 10).

A depth of the upper bowl 100 is defined as the distance height between the protruding lip 120 and the upper base 175. A depth of the lower bowl 200 is defined as the distance height between the lip 220 and the lower base 275. In some embodiments, the depth of the upper bowl is less than or equal to 2 inches, and the depth of the lower bowl 100 is greater than 2 inches. The upper base 175 extends less than 50% into the depth of the lower bowl 200. Preferably, the upper base 175 extends less than 33% into the depth of the lower bowl 200, and the depth of the lower bowl is approximately 2 inches (for example, but not limited to, 1- 13/16 inches).

The limited or clearance fit (less than 50%, preferably less than 33%) enables storage within the lower opening 210 when the apparatus for shaving 10 is in the assembled state, which may also be known as, for example, but not limited to, the nested configuration. The storage space is marked by the horizontal marker 270. In some embodiments, approximately 4 oz. of soap or solution may be stored in the lower opening 210 under the upper base 175 (placement during nesting configuration indicated by the horizontal marker 270) of the upper bowl 100.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate various embodiments of a sealed fit 250 of the apparatus for shaving 10 and the kit for shaving 1. The sealed fit 250 allows storage and handling of a soap or solution in the lower bowl 200, and reduces exposure of the soap to environmental factors. In the assembled state, the upper bowl 100 sits atop the lower bowl 200. Specifically, the upper bowl 100 has the flat edge 132 around the middle circumference 130. The flat edge 132 rests on a lip 220 of a lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200, thus forming the sealed fit 250 of FIG. 7A.

In some embodiments, the sealed fit 250 includes additional elements to provide a more secure fit. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the sealed fit 250 enables the nested bowls 10 to be removably affixed. When removably affixed, the nested bowls 10 may not separate when knocked over by a user. In FIG. 7B, the sealed fit 250′ includes at least one groove 253 and matching at least one protrusion 254. The at least one groove 253 may be on the flat edge 152 of the upper bowl and the at least one protrusion 243 on the lip 220 of the lower bowl 200 (as shown in FIG. 7B) or vice versa. The upper bowl 100 and the lower bowl 200 are removably affixed by the sealed fit 250′ of the at least one groove 253 matching the at least one protrusion 243. When removably affixed, the nested bowls 10 may not separate when knocked over by a user. In FIG. 7C, the sealed fit 250″ includes a first magnet 256 and a second magnet 257. The first magnet 256 is mounted in the middle circumference 130 near the flat edge 132 of the upper bowl and the second magnet 257 is mounted in the lower bowl 200 near the lip 220 of the lower bowl 210. The magnets 256, 257 have opposite polarities and thus are attracted to each other. The upper bowl 100 and the lower bowl 200 are removably affixed by the sealed fit 250″ of the attraction between the magnets 256, 257. When removably affixed, the nested bowls 10 may not separate when knocked over by a user. In other embodiments, the sealed fit 250 is formed by, for example, but not limited to, two Velcro strips and a threaded portion. Two inter-lockable hook and loop strips and a threaded portion (also known as a twisting cap) are known in the art.

FIG. 8 illustrates the upper bowl 100 of the apparatus for shaving 10 and the kit for shaving 1. The upper bowl 100 includes the protruding lip 120 around the upper opening 110 and the first aperture 124 and the second aperture 126 in the protruding lip 120. In some embodiments, the first aperture 124 has a sloped edge 125 that complements a contour 405 of the brush 400, and the second aperture 126 has a sloped edge 127 that complements a contour 607 of the razor. The sloped edges 125, 127 help secure the brush 400 and the razor 600, respectively.

The inner surface 140 of the upper opening 110 of the upper bowl 100 is preferably rough surface texture to improve creation of a lathering mixture. To create a lathering mixture, a soap or solution 700 is manipulated inside the upper opening 110 by the brush 400. The rough surface texture causes friction and aeration between the soap and the inner surface 140 thus improving the creation of the lathering mixture for use during shaving. The lathering mixture (not shown) is applied to a user's face by the brush 400 and taken off by the razor 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an insert 450 for an aperture of the apparatus for shaving 10 and the kit for shaving 1. The insert 450 shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the first aperture 124 that receives the brush 400. Alternatively, an insert can be applied to the second aperture 125 that receives the razor 600. Similar to the apertures 124, 126, the insert 450 has a sloped edge that receives contours of the brush 400.

The insert 450 is used to decrease the size of the aperture 124. Thus, a smaller brush 600 can be received by the aperture 124 and can also in an embodiment be part of the kit for shaving 1. In addition to decreasing the size of the aperture 124, the insert 450 may change the shape or slope to match a different contour, and can also be of a different material to provide a surface the provides better grip for the razor. Razor manufacturers use a variety of contours on razors 600. An insert can be sold with the kit for shaving 1 to adapt to a number of razors 600, or with the razor 600 to ensure compatibility with the kit for shaving 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the lower bowl 200 stored in the upper bowl 100 of the apparatus for shaving 10. A diameter of the lower opening 280 is less than a diameter of the upper opening 180. Additionally, both bowls 100, 200 have decreasing diameters from the openings 110, 210 to the bases 175, 275. In some embodiments, the upper opening diameter 180 is greater than or equal to 4 inches. When the upper opening diameter 180 is approximately 4 inches (such as, but not limited to, 4- 3/16 inches), a user of the kit 1 has optimal room to use the brush 400 on a soap 700 to create a lathering mixture (described in detail with respect to FIGS. 11A-B).

In this embodiment, the soap or solution 700 is stored in the lower opening 210 of the lower bowl 200. The soap 700 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, preferably fitting below the horizontal marker 270 and not interfering when the upper bowl 100 is nested atop the lower bowl 200. The soap 700 may be sold with the apparatus for shaving 10. In some embodiments, the lower bowl 200 is disposable. In other embodiments, the lower bowl 200 is reusable and the user purchases additional soap 700.

While the soap 700 of FIGS. 10 and 11A-B is illustrated as a bar of soap, other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the soap or solution 700 is a liquid. In other embodiments, the soap or solution 700 is a solid, and the soap or solution 700 is shaped to complement at least one of an inner surface 240 of the lower bowl 200 and an inner surface 140 of the upper bowl 100. The complementing shape allows a maximum amount of the soap or solution 700 to fill the lower opening 210 between the horizontal marker 270 and the base 275 of the lower bowl 200. In some embodiments, approximately 4 oz. of the soap or solution 700 may be stored between the horizontal marker 270 and the base 275 of the lower bowl 200.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate a cross section view of two usage configurations of the kit for shaving 1 and the apparatus for shaving 10; other configurations are possible. In FIG. 11A, the lower bowl 200 holds a volume of water 900, while the upper bowl 100 holds the soap bar 700. The brush 400 is first soaked in the volume of water 900 and then used on the soap bar 700. The brush 400 manipulates the soap to create a lathering mixture. In some embodiments, the inner surface 140 of the upper bowl 100 has a rough surface texture to increase friction and aeration during the creation of the lathering mixture. Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the upper bowl 100 has a rough surface texture to improve a user's grip of the upper bowl 100. The user applies the lather created by the brush 400 and soap 700 to a portion of the user's body to be shaved. The razor 600 is used to remove hair and the lather from the portion of the user's body. Between strokes on the portion of the user's body, the razor 600 is cleaned from hair and lather in the water 900 held in the lower bowl 100.

Upon completion of a shave, the user cleans the kit for shaving 1 (the bowls 100, 200, the brush 400, and the razor 600). Remaining soap 700 is stored in this embodiment, in the lower bowl 200, the brush 400 is stored (in a downward position) in the first aperture 124, and the razor is stored (in an upward position) in the second aperture 126 of the protruding lip 120. Alternatively, the brush 400 and the razor 600 can be stored inside the upper opening 110 of the upper bowl 100, and a lid 800 affixed thereto. In some embodiments, the lid 800 is applied to at least one of the bowls 100, 200.

In FIG. 11B, the lower bowl 200 holds the soap 700 while the upper bowl 100 holds the volume of water 900. This configuration is referred to as a scuttle. The water 900 is preferably warm/hot, and placing the lower bowl 200 inside the upper bowl 100 enables the volume of water 900 to warm-up the lathering mixture created by the brush 400 and the soap 700. In some embodiments, the inner surface 140 of the upper bowl 200 has a rough surface texture to increase friction and aeration during the creation of the lathering mixture. Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the lower bowl 200 has a rough surface texture to improve a user's grip of the lower bowl 200. As in the configuration of FIG. 11A, the brush 400 applies the lathering mixture to the portion of the user's body and the razor 800 removes hair and the lather.

The user cleans the kit for shaving 1 (the apparatus for shaving 10, the brush 400, and the razor 600). Remaining soap 700 is stored in the lower bowl 200, the brush 400 is stored in the first aperture 124, and the razor 600 is stored in the second aperture 126 of the protruding lip 120. The lid 800 of the kit 1, or a lid 800 which can be sold separately and reused, is applied to at least one of the bowls 100, 200.

While a preferred embodiment of the shaving apparatus and the shaving kit has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for shaving, the apparatus comprising:

an upper bowl with a protruding lip around an upper opening and a flat ledge around a middle circumference;

a lower bowl with a lip around a lower opening, wherein the flat ledge of the middle circumference of the upper bowl is configured to rest on the lip of the lower opening of the lower bowl;

a first aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl, the first aperture configured to receive a brush; and

a second aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl, the second aperture configured to receive a razor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in an assembled state the flat ledge around the middle circumference of the upper bowl rests on the lip around the lower opening of the lower bowl and forms a sealed fit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sealed fit between the flat ledge of the upper bowl and the lip of the lower bowl is formed by at least one selected from the group of a matching groove and protrusion, a pair of attractive magnets, two Velcro strips, and a threaded portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the assembled state a base of the upper bowl extends less than 50% into a depth of the lower bowl.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a soap or solution configured to be stored in at least one of the lower bowl and the upper bowl.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a sloped edge configured to complement contours of a brush.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insert, wherein at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture is configured to receive the insert.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the lower opening is less than a diameter of the upper opening.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper bowl and the lower bowl are composed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramic, porcelain, metal, plastic, wood, and a combination of materials.

10. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plastic is polyoxymethylene or another plastic with a specific density greater than or equal to 1.40 g/cm3.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of an upper lid for the upper bowl and a lower lid for the lower bowl.

12. A kit for shaving, the kit comprising:

an upper bowl with a protruding lip around an upper opening and a flat ledge around a middle circumference and at least one aperture in the protruding lip;

(ii) a lower bowl with a lip around a lower opening, wherein in an assembled state the flat ledge of the middle circumference of the upper bowl rests on the lip of the lower opening of the lower bowl and forms a sealed fit; and

(iii) at least one lid configured to be removably affixed to one of the upper bowl and the lower bowl.

13. The kit of claim 13, comprising at least two lids, wherein a first lid is configured to be removably affixed to the upper bowl and a second lid is configured to be removably affixed to the lower bowl.

14. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a soap or solution configured to be stored in at least one of the lower bowl and the upper bowl.

15. The kit of claim 13, wherein in the assembled state a base of the upper bowl extends less than 50% into a depth of the lower bowl.

16. The kit of claim 13, wherein a diameter of the lower opening is less than a diameter of the upper opening, and wherein the lower bowl is configured to be stored inside the upper opening of the upper bowl.

17. The kit of claim 13, further comprising at least one of a brush configured to be received by a first aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl and a razor configured to be received by a second aperture in the protruding lip of the upper bowl.

18. The kit of claim 20, wherein at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a sloped edge, and wherein the sloped edge is configured to complement contours of at least one of the brush and the razor.

19. The kit of claim 20, further comprising an insert, wherein at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture is configured to receive the insert.

20. The kit of claim 13, wherein the sealed fit between the flat ledge of the upper bowl and the lip of the lower bowl is formed by at least one selected from the group of a matching groove and protrusion, a pair of attractive magnets, two Velcro strips, and a threaded portion.