SHAVING RAZOR CARE APPARATUS
A razor care apparatus. The razor care apparatus can include a brush unit that has a bristle housing and a plurality of bristles affixed in the bristle housing. A base can be connected to the bristle housing, the base including a suction cup.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,311, filed on Sep. 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,358, filed on Sep. 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,359, filed on Sep. 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/700,359, filed on Jul. 19, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/700,368, filed on Jul. 19, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/700,372, filed on Jul. 19, 2018, the disclosure of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates to razor care apparatuses, in particular devices and methods useful for caring for multi-blade razors.
BACKGROUNDModern shaving razors can have multiple blades, such as three, five, or more blades. Proper care of razors can extend the life of the blades, as well as offer other benefits such as a more comfortable shave, a cleaner razor, water conservation, and minimal damage to razors.
Razors, particularly razors with multi-blade heads, can collect hair particles, shaving cream, debris, follicles, and the like on and between the blades and between the blades and the razor head. Typically a user of such a razor attempts to remove this residue of shaving by placing the blades under running water, knocking on the side of a sink or shower, or using fingers to loosen debris. However, placing the blades under running water is an inefficient, water-wasting, and generally ineffective method of cleaning multi-blade razors. Knocking on the side of a sink can damage blades, and using fingers to clean blades can be unsafe.
The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith:
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the disclosure will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONCertain embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of
Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific FIG. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.
Solutions to the problems associated with cleaning razors are disclosed herein. While the description herein is primarily in the context of multi-blade razors, the apparatuses and methods described herein should not be so limited, but can be used for any razors.
Referring now to
The base 114 can be of the suction cup type. That is, the base 114 can be a device or object that uses the negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to surfaces, creating a partial vacuum. The bristles can be joined to the base by an extension portion 118 that extends from the base 114 to a bristle housing 120. The bristle housing 120 ensures that the bristles 112 remain closely spaced and oriented generally vertically, that is, generally in a direction parallel to the direction indicated by the arrow U.
For all of the embodiments disclosed herein as being affixed to a surface a suction cup is disclosed. However, in general, adherence of bristles to a surface can be achieved in any known manner, including by adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, and the like. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
The bristles 112 for all the example embodiments disclosed herein can be made of any generally stiff material, including natural animal hair, natural vegetable fiber, or synthetic fibers. In an embodiment, the bristles can comprise nylon materials. In an embodiment, the bristles can comprise PEEK, polyester PBT, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and combinations thereof.
The bristle housing 120 for all the embodiments disclosed herein, as well as the bristle cartridge (disclosed below) can be made of a polymer material, including molded polymer, including injection molded polymers, and can be selected for desired finished qualities, such as color, durability, and cleanability.
The base 114 for all the embodiments disclosed herein can comprise generally pliable materials, including silicone, Nitrile, Viton fluorocarbon, vinyl, Neoprene, and urethane, and can be used in conjunction with other components, such as metal backing hubs and valves, such as valve 122, which can aid in removal of the suction cup from the surface 124.
In the illustrated embodiments, bristles 112 can have a uniform length, such that the distal ends 116 thereof lie substantially in a plane. In an embodiment, the bristles 112 can comprise bristles of differing lengths, such that the distal surface thereof exhibits an irregular, undulating, or otherwise non-planar surface (not shown). In an embodiment, the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 can be considered a cleaning plane. In an embodiment, the cleaning plane is substantially parallel to the surface 24 onto which the razor care apparatus 100 is affixed.
In another example embodiment, as shown in
Removable bristle cartridge 226 can have the bristles 212 affixed thereto, and can have a generally linear platform 232 joined to a platform extension 230 to which the bristles can further be joined. Bristles 212 can be joined to a substantially flat member that is itself joined to platform extension 230, such that a linear platform 232, platform extension 230, and bristles 212 comprise a discrete manipulatable component that can be inserted into complementary slot 228 in a direction as indicated by arrow A1 in
As can be understood from the description herein, a removable bristle cartridge 226 comprising bristles 212 can be interchangeably inserted into a complementary slot 228 arrangement, and releasably secured by any known manner, such as by snap fit, press fit frictional fit, or the like. Once inserted, the removable bristle cartridge 226 attached to the base 214 achieves the same features and benefits as described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in
As can be understood from the description herein, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted, such as by suction, onto a horizontal surface 224, such as a countertop, such that the imaginary arrow U (as discussed above) generally parallel to the bristle orientation is oriented upwardly. Likewise, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted, such as by suction, on a vertical surface, such as a bathroom mirror, in which the arrow U would be outwardly extending, generally orthogonally from the mirror surface. Further, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted on an overhead surface, such as the top of a shower, in which the arrow U would be oriented downwardly. In general, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted on any surface convenient to a user wishing to care for a razor. In an embodiment, the razor care apparatus can include adhesive material and can be adhesively adhered to a horizontal or surface.
Further, as can be understood from the description herein, the linear platform 232 and the bristles 212 can be generally rectangular shaped, and the base 214 can be generally circular shaped. However, in general, the shape of the linear platform and the base can be any operable shape and size. For example, the linear platform can have a curve to it and can be a non-rectangular shape, with the understanding that it matingly secures to the complementary slot 228 arrangement and can be releasably secured thereto. Likewise, the base can be a non-circular shape and can be a non-suction type, such as a base comprising adhesive for adhesive attachment. As discussed above, the illustrated embodiments herein can be used with water to further assist in cleaning the razor. When used to further clean debris from a razor, for example, relatively less water can be used in the process compared to existing cleaning methods, and water conservation can be achieved. It is believed that this feature can eliminate the use of approximately two gallons of water per shave. The apparatus also allows for a razor to be cleaned in a safer way as the orientation allows relatively safe side to side motion for cleaning the razor. The apparatus permits a hands-free application enabling the user to apply a side-side motion of the razor to assist in the removal of debris. The use of the apparatus can help lengthen the life of a razor by cleaning it more efficiently than other existing methods versus the alternative of discarding clogged razors due to debris build up and the blades have reduced cutting efficiency and comfort.
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a removable bristle cartridge 226 and a base 214 arrangement, including the complementary slot 228. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the removable bristle cartridge 226 into the base 214 arrangement by inserting the linear platform 232 into corresponding elongated opening 238, and platform extension 230 into slot indentation 236, as described herein above. The base can be adhered, such as by suction, to a desired surface, such as a countertop, shower wall, sink surface, and the like. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against the distal ends 216 of the bristles 212, and move them in a side to side motion to urge the bristles 212 into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles 212 can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be placed under water to further clean debris, if necessary. Optionally, the razor care apparatus 200 can be cleaned by any means sufficient, such as by placing under running water, into soapy water, or the like.
In an embodiment, a razor care apparatus 300 can comprise a tray, or palette, on which various components can be disposed, with similarly described components as described above. For example, as depicted in
Tray 340 can be a palette, receiver, or otherwise a relatively shallow container for a fluid, such as water. Water 350 in tray 340 can be utilized for additional cleaning tasks, such as rinsing any remaining debris out of the bristle-brushed blades in an optional further cleaning step. Tray 340 can have sidewalls 348. Sidewalls 48 can have a height H that permits a depth of water 350 in tray 340 of a sufficient depth for blade cleaning. Thus, H can be a dimension between about ½ inch to about 3 inches, and can be about 1 inch to 2 inches. In use, water level W in tray 340 can be a depth up to and contacting the bristles 312 when bristle cartridge 326 is installed. Tray 340 (and all the trays disclosed herein) can comprise any suitable material, including polymers, metal, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof. Tray 340 (and all the trays disclosed herein) can be a unitary member, or it can be composed of multiple components combined to form the tray.
Tray 340 can be set on a surface 324, such as a countertop. In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge 326 and a tray 340, including the slot 342 and/or slot extension 344. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the bristle cartridge 326 into the tray 340 by inserting the generally linear platform 332 and/or the platform extension 330 into corresponding slot 342 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 346, and then further inserting the platform extension 330 into slot extension 344 in a direction parallel to the tray base 346, as described herein above. The base can be set, adhered, or otherwise placed onto a desired surface, such as a countertop. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against bristle distal ends 316, and move in a side to side motion to urge the bristles 312 into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be submerged and/or agitated under water 350 to further clean debris, if necessary. This process can be repeated as desired. Water 350 can be exchanged for additional, e.g., clean, water as desired.
In an embodiment a razor care apparatus 400 and method of the present disclosure can comprise a multiple compartment tray 460, as depicted in
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge 426, a blade conditioning component 470, and a multiple compartment tray 460, including the receiving slot 442 and/or the slot extension 444. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the bristle cartridge 426 into the first compartment 462 of multiple compartment tray 460 by inserting the bristle cartridge 426 into corresponding receiving slot 442 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 446, as shown by arrow A2 in
In another embodiment, an apparatus 500 of the present disclosure can comprise all of the features and benefits disclose hereinabove, but can also comprise an additional feature to aid in mounting the apparatus to a generally vertical surface. For example, as depicted in
Thus, as can be understood, apparatus 500 of
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge, and/or a blade conditioning component, and either a tray or a multiple compartment tray, with the tray or the multiple compartment tray further comprising a wall mounting surface adjoined thereto, the wall mounting surface having mounting means, which can be suction cups. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the cartridge as described herein above. If provided, the user can place the blade conditioning component into the second compartment of tray as described above. The unit can be mounted to a vertical surface, such as a mirror or shower wall. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against bristle distal ends, and move in a side to side motion to urge bristles into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be submerged and/or agitated under water to further clean debris, if necessary. This process can be repeated as desired. At any step of the method the user can utilize the blade conditioning component, such as by sharpening the blades of the razor. Water 550 can be exchanged for additional fluids, such as cleaning fluids, clean water, and the like, as desired.
In certain of the above-described examples, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by insertion of one component into a complementary slot, for example slot 228, or a pocket-like slot, such as slot 342. However, in general, any member, such as a bristle housing or a bristle cartridge, can be immovably fixed to another member, such as a base or a tray. Thus, by way of example, in the embodiment described with respect to
In certain of the above-described examples, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by insertion of one component into a complementary slot, for example slot 228, or a pocket-like slot, such as slot 342. However, in general, the connection of one member, such as a bristle housing or a bristle cartridge, to another member, such as a base or a tray, by any matingly compatible members can be achieved in any known way. In an embodiment, one member, such as a bristle cartridge, can be operationally and removably attached to another member, such as a base or a tray, by any matingly compatible members. By way of example, a bristle cartridge can be matingly compatible with both a base and a tray, such that the bristle cartridge can be removably mated with a base, removed, and removably mated with a tray, and vice versa. In an example, a bristle cartridge can have a portion that matingly snaps, screws, or presses into a complimentary portion of a base or a tray, such that in operation, i.e., use, by a user, the bristle cartridge can remain positioned stationary with respect to the attached base or tray.
In examples disclosed herein, an apparatus can be described as having a first component having a male connection member and a second component having a female connection member, the male and female connection members being complimentary sizes and shapes relative to each other such that the male connection member can be fastened to the female connection member to securely affix the first component to the second component. In an embodiment, a bristle cartridge can be a first component and a base, as described above, can be a second component. In an embodiment, a bristle cartridge can be a first component and a tray, as described above, can be a second component. Once joined, the first component and second component can be removably fixed, or they can be substantially permanently fixed.
In an example, as shown in
In an embodiment, as shown in
In general, as shown in the example apparatus 700 shown in
In an example apparatus 800 as shown in
In an example, as shown in
In an example, as shown in
In an example, as shown in
It can be understood that while the tray of the various embodiments described herein is shown as a rectangle, the tray need not be limited to a rectangular shape. In general, the tray of the various embodiments can be any shape desired, including any polygonal shape having 3 or more sides. The tray can be a convex polygonal shape such as a pentagon, or a non-convex polygonal shape, such as a star. The shape of the tray of the various embodiments can be n-gonal, with “n” being any integer between 3 and 100. The shape of the tray of the various embodiments can be smooth sided, including, for example, circular, heart-shaped, animal-shaped, and the like. Likewise, the shape of the bristle housing and/or the bristle cartridge need not be limited to rectangular as illustrated, but can also be any polygonal shape or smooth sided shape desired.
It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed disclosure. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.
Having described the disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the disclosure.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Disclosure are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A razor care apparatus, comprising:
- a. a brush unit comprising a bristle housing and bristles affixed in the bristle housing; and
- b. a base connected to the bristle housing, the base comprising a suction cup.
2. The razor care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is connected to the bristle housing by an extension portion.
3. The razor care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bristle housing is substantially rectangularly shaped.
4. The razor care apparatus of claim 1, wherein distal ends of the bristles define substantially a plane.
5. A razor care apparatus, comprising:
- a. a bristle cartridge comprising a bristle housing and a plurality of bristles affixed in the bristle housing, the bristle cartridge further comprising a substantially linear platform joined to a platform extension; and
- b. a slot housing, the slot housing comprising a substantially elongated opening interrupted on a portion thereof by a slot indentation, the substantially elongated opening being complementary to receive the substantially linear platform, and the slot indentation being complementary to receive the platform extension; and
- c. a base connected to the bristle cartridge, the base comprising a suction cup.
6. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base is connected to the bristle cartridge by an extension portion.
7. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bristle cartridge is substantially rectangular shaped.
8. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the substantially elongated opening and the slot indentation define a substantially T-shaped opening.
9. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bristle cartridge is received in the slot housing and releasably secured by a frictional fit.
10. A razor care apparatus, comprising:
- a. a bristle cartridge comprising a bristle housing and a plurality of bristles affixed in the bristle housing, the bristle cartridge further comprising a substantially linear platform joined to a platform extension; and
- b. a tray, the tray comprising a base and sidewalls, the base further comprising a slot, the slot comprising a substantially elongated opening interrupted on a portion thereof by a slot indentation, the substantially elongated opening being complementary to receive the substantially linear platform, and the slot indentation being complementary to receive the platform extension.
11. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bristle cartridge is substantially rectangular shaped.
12. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, wherein the substantially elongated opening and the slot indentation define a substantially T-shaped opening.
13. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bristle cartridge is received in the slot and releasably secured by a frictional fit.
14. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a wall mounting member, the wall mounting member being integral with the tray and substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base.
15. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a dividing baffle defining a first compartment and a second compartment.
16. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a dividing baffle defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment includes the slot, and the second compartment includes a blade conditioning component.
17. The razor care apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a dividing baffle defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment includes the slot in which is received the bristle cartridge, and the second compartment includes an indentation in which is disposed a blade conditioning component.
18. The razor care apparatus of claim 17, wherein the blade conditioning component is selected from the group consisting of soapstone and blade sharpening material.
19. The razor care apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a wall mounting member, the wall mounting member being substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base.
20. The razor care apparatus of claim 19, wherein the wall mounting member comprises a suction cup affixed thereto.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 18, 2019
Publication Date: Sep 23, 2021
Inventors: Jean-Louis GRAHAM (Bentonville, AR), Yanique GRAHAM (Bentonville, AR)
Application Number: 17/261,069