JP5844478B2 - Fluid dispensing shaving razor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to personal care devices, and more particularly to a fluid dispensing shaving razor having a replaceable fluid dispensing cartridge for shaving and dispensing fluid to the surface of the skin and / or hair.

  Skin care can be particularly important in improving or enhancing the appearance of men and women. A variety of products and methods can be used to care for the skin. For example, exfoliant scrubs, cleansers, and lotions may be used to maintain healthy skin. Exfoliating scrubs can be used to remove exfoliation from the surface of the skin, which can trim the skin color. Soap and other cleaning agents can be used to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin, which can help prevent pore clogging. As a result, acne and other types of skin defects can be prevented in some cases. Lotions and various other topical ointments can also be used to provide nutrients and / or moisturizing ingredients to the skin to improve the skin's appearance and / or health. Other types of cosmetics (eg creams and lotions) or drug actives may be used to eliminate wrinkles and other signs of aging.

  The shaving process typically includes different steps of applying a shaving aid (eg, shaving cream) to the surface and shaving the hair using a razor assembly. Shaving aids often include at least one suitable agent that enhances the shaving process (eg, lubricants, drag reduction agents, hair removal agents, etc.). Most consumers need this type of preparation for multiple shaving products, such as wet shaving razors and skin preparation products, plus, in addition, multiple application steps that are undesirable during the wet shaving process. I feel rather inconvenient. Furthermore, this process can be cumbersome and the consumer needs to rinse their hands after applying the shaving gel. This multi-step process adds to the overall length of shaving experience performed as a typical morning hygiene routine, and most consumers do not like it. However, it may be desirable to apply other types of liquid to the skin before, during, or after shaving. Especially for men who shave their face beard, it is important to supply some shaving preparation to properly moisten the hard face beard and make it easier and more precise to shave. I know. The literature suggests providing a shaving razor with a built-in dispensing device that discharges fluid (eg, shaving aid) from a fluid container. However, these razors are not compatible with simple and intuitive replacement and / or mounting of fluid dispensing cartridges.

  In one aspect, the invention generally features a fluid dispensing shaving razor having a fluid interconnect member having a fluid port extending from a base member at a first end. A cartridge housing is attached to the fluid interconnect member. A fluid applicator is attached to the second end of the fluid interconnect member. The handle has a first end having an elastic member defining an opening. The fluid port is removably engaged within the opening of the elastic member.

  The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. It is understood that certain embodiments of the invention may be combined with elements or components of the invention that are generally disclosed but not explicitly illustrated and claimed in combination, unless otherwise specified herein. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

1 is a front view of one possible embodiment of a personal care device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a possible embodiment of a fluid dispensing cartridge that can be incorporated into the personal care device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front assembly view of the personal care device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the personal care device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the personal care device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an assembly diagram of the fluid dispensing cartridge of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the personal care device taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing cartridge taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG.

  The present disclosure is not limited to wet shaving razors, or even general razors. Particular aspects of the present disclosure include dry electric shaving razors having one or more rotating or reciprocating blades, or other personal care devices (eg, toothbrushes, epilator applicators, epilators or other cosmetic applications). It is understood that it can also be used for Further, it is understood that certain aspects of the present disclosure can be used independently for fluid application.

  Referring to FIG. 1, one possible embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with a front view of a personal care device 10. For example, the personal care device can be a fluid dispensing razor (as shown), a toothbrush, a mascara brush, or any other personal care device that dispenses fluid. As described in further detail below, the personal care device 10 can include a pump assembly (not shown) and a handle 20 configured to receive a fluid reservoir (not shown). The 20 can have a cover 22 that protects and / or hides the pump and / or fluid reservoir in the handle 20. The cover 22 is attached to the handle 20 and can be removably fixed at a predetermined position (for example, snap-fit to the handle 20).

  The fluid dispensing cartridge 50 can be removably attached to the handle 20 (ie, replaceable). The fluid dispensing cartridge 50 can include a fluid interconnect member 52 having a cartridge housing 54 pivotally attached to one end of the fluid interconnect member 52. The opposite end of the fluid interconnect member 52 can be removably attached to one end of the handle 20. The cartridge housing 54 can have a cap 56, a guard 58 in front of the cap 56, and one or more blades 60 between the cap 56 and the guard 58. The fluid dispensing cartridge 50 can include a fluid applicator 62 that delivers one or more fluids to a surface to be treated (eg, shaved). One end of the fluid applicator 62 can be attached to the cartridge housing 54. For example, the fluid applicator 62 may be a guard 64 attached to the cartridge housing 54 for applying and spreading fluid to a surface (eg, skin or hair) to be treated during the stroke of the personal care device 10 against the skin. (E.g., guard 58). The opposite end of the fluid applicator 62 can be attached to the fluid interconnect member 52.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a rear view of the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 is shown. The fluid interconnect member 52 may have a base member 100 having a wall 102 that defines a cavity 104. The cavity 104 can be sized to receive a portion of the handle 20 (not shown). In certain embodiments, the cavity 104 can be asymmetric to facilitate unidirectional attachment of the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 to the handle 20 (not shown). For example, the cavity 104 may be generally “D” shaped. The wall 102 can define one or more engagement surfaces 106 and 108 (eg, recesses or protrusions). The engagement surfaces 106 and 108 can be spaced from a fluid port 110 extending from the base member 100. The fluid port 110 can define an opening 112 that extends through the fluid interconnect member 52. In certain embodiments, the fluid port 110 may be a stem that tapers inwardly away from the base member 100. The fluid interconnect member 52 can have one or more pivotable support members 120 and 122. In certain embodiments, the pivotable support members 120 and 122 may be a pair of spaced arms that engage the cartridge housing 54.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an assembled view of the personal care device 10 is shown with the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 separated from the handle 20. The consumer can separate the fluid interconnect member 52 (and thus the fluid dispensing cartridge 50) from the handle 20 by simply pulling the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 away from the handle. One or more sides 114 and 116 of the base member 100 may include gripping members (eg, one or more ribs 118) to facilitate removal of the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 from the handle 20. it can. The handle 20 can have a mechanical locking mechanism 200 spaced from the fluid docking member 250. Separation of the mechanical locking mechanism 200 and the fluid docking member 250 can provide a secure mechanical connection between the fluid interconnect member 52 and the handle 20 that is independent of the fluid connection. For example, relying solely on fluid port 110 to establish a mechanical connection may not be optimal. Mechanical forces applied to the fluid port 110 may adversely affect the fluid port 110 that maintains a secure fluid connection. The fluid docking member 250 is a resilient member 252 (eg, a sleeve or ring) that defines an opening 254 extending therethrough that receives a fluid port that provides fluid communication between the handle 20 and the fluid dispensing cartridge 50. Can be included. The opening 254 can extend through the flange 256 at one end of the elastic member 252. The flange 256 may be at the lowest position in the cavity 104 to contact the base member 100. In certain embodiments, the fluid port 110 can include a generally rigid polymer material and the fluid docking member 250 can include a resilient elastomeric material (eg, silicone). The stiffer material of the fluid port 110 can provide consistent and reliable engagement with the less rigid elastomeric material of the fluid docking member 250. Further, the elastomeric material of the fluid docking member 250 can provide an improved fluid seal against the stiffer material of the fluid port 110 to prevent fluid leakage to the handle 20.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a partial front view of personal care device 10 is shown, with a portion of handle 20 showing fluid docking member 250 and pump assembly 270. The handle 20 can define a hollow space 225 that includes a fluid docking member 250, a pump assembly 270, and a mechanical locking mechanism 200. The flange 256 can be reliably positioned in the recess 260 of the handle 20. The opening 254 of the elastic member 252 can be in fluid communication with the pump assembly 270. The pump assembly 270 can include an elongated elastic tube 272 (eg, a pump) having a pair of inner flow valves (not shown). The elongated elastic tube 272 can be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir 280 located within the handle 20. A fluid (eg, lotion or gel) can be retained in the fluid reservoir 280.

  The mechanical locking mechanism 200 can include one or more engagement members 202 and 204 that form the outer surface of the handle 20. The engagement members 202 and 204 can move between a neutral position and a mounting position. For example, the corresponding biasing members 206 and 208 can maintain the engagement members 202 and 204 in a neutral position (ie, the engagement members 202 and 204 are outward from the corresponding recesses 210 and 212 of the handle 20). Extend to). Engagement members 202 and 204 can slide within corresponding recesses 210 and 212 of handle 20 to engage and disengage fluid interconnect member 52. The handle 20 can include a pair of outwardly extending arms 220 and 222 positioned within the hollow space 225. Arms 220 and 222 that restrict the movement of the engagement members 202 and 204 can be attached to the engagement members 202 and 204. For example, the arms 220 and 222 can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the arms 220 and 222 can contact the first stop surfaces 224 and 226 (eg, the protrusion of the handle 20). In the first position, the engagement members 202 and 204 can be recessed (ie, in the mounted position). In the second position, the arms 220 and 222 can contact corresponding second stop surfaces 228 and 230 (eg, a protrusion of the handle 20). In the second position, the engagement members 202 and 204 can extend or protrude the handle 20 from the corresponding recesses 210 and 212 (ie, in a neutral position).

  The mechanical locking mechanism 200 (eg, engagement members 202 and 204) may be used when the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 is securely attached to the handle 20 and / or the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 is removed from the handle 20. Sometimes it can be in a neutral position. Referring to FIG. 5, a front partial view of the personal care device 10 is illustrated showing that the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 is securely attached to the handle 20. One end (eg, a portion) of the handle 20 can be positioned within the cavity 104 of the base member 100. The base member 100 (for example, the wall portion 102) can push the engaging members 202 and 204 inwardly from the neutral position to the mounting position. Engagement members 202 and 204 are coupled with corresponding engagement surfaces 106 and 108 (eg, corresponding engagement members 202 and 204) to secure fluid interconnection member 52 to handle 20. Can be retracted outwardly to a neutral position. The consumer can separate the fluid interconnect member 52 (and thus the fluid dispensing cartridge 50) from the handle 20 by simply pulling the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 away from the handle. Base member 100 (eg, wall 102) can push engagement members 202 and 204 from a neutral position to a mounted position when handle 20 is removed from cavity 104 of base member 100. Engaging members 202 and 204 can be retracted to a neutral position when engaging members 202 and 204 are no longer in contact with base member 100 of fluid interconnect member 52.

  Referring to FIG. 6, an assembly drawing of the fluid dispensing cartridge 50 is shown. In certain embodiments, the fluid applicator 62 can be joined to the base member 100 of a fluid interconnect member (eg, injection molding, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, press fit, and / or snap fit). . The base member 100 of the fluid interconnect member 52 may be engaged with one or more corresponding alignment members 134 and 136 (eg, one or more recesses and / or protrusions) of the fluid applicator 62. There may be a plurality of alignment members 130 and 132 (eg, one or more recesses and / or protrusions). The fluid applicator 62 can define an opening 140 positioned between the alignment members 134 and 136. The opening 140 can extend through the fluid applicator 62. Alignment members 130, 132, 134, and 136 can facilitate proper positioning (ie, alignment) of opening 140 of fluid applicator 140 with opening 112 of fluid interconnect member 52. If the openings 140 and 112 are not properly oriented, fluid leakage can occur.

  Each of the pivotable support members 120 and 122 can have engagement regions 150 and 152 (eg, arms) that couple with corresponding engagement regions 154 and 156 (eg, recesses) in the cartridge housing 54. In certain embodiments, the engagement regions 150 and 152 can be held in the corresponding engagement regions 154 and 156 by a snap-fit mechanism or other mechanical locking mechanism. A fluid applicator 62 can be attached to the cartridge housing 54 to facilitate pivoting of the cartridge housing 54 relative to the fluid interconnect member 52. The fluid applicator 62 can be attached to the cartridge housing 54 after the fluid applicator 62 is secured to the fluid interconnect member 52. For example, the fluid applicator 62 can form a unitary component that is injection molded into the fluid interconnect member 52. The cartridge housing 54 can then be attached to the fluid interconnect member 52 as part of another manufacturing process.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of personal care device 10 taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 is shown. The personal care device 10 of FIG. 7 shows the fluid reservoir 280 in a position after being worn. The fluid reservoir 280 can be positioned within the cavity 24 of the handle 20. Cover 22 may conceal and / or protect fluid reservoir 280 with handle 20. The pump assembly 270 can include a fluid connector 300 that engages the fluid reservoir 280 to establish a fluid connection (eg, the fluid connector 300 may tear the fragile seal 302 of the fluid reservoir 280). . The outer wall 314 of the fluid connector 300 can abut and seal against the inner wall 316 of the fluid reservoir 280 to prevent fluid from leaking into the handle 20. Actuator 12 (eg, a button) can facilitate the pumping of fluid from fluid reservoir 280 to fluid applicator 62. For example, when the actuator 12 compresses the elastomeric elastomer tube 272, the actuator 12 can open the first valve 310 and release a predetermined dose of fluid to the fluid applicator 62. The actuator 12 can be released to return the elastic elastomer tube 272 to its pre-compression state. The first valve 310 can be closed to prevent fouling and the second valve 312 can be opened to fill the elastomeric elastomer tube 72 with fluid for subsequent release by the actuator 12. Accordingly, fluid may be directed within the opening 304 defined by the fluid connector 300 that is in fluid communication with the pump assembly 270 (eg, elongate elastic tube 272) and ultimately the fluid applicator 62. The pump assembly 270 can include an elongated resilient tube 272 that pumps fluid from the fluid reservoir 280 and through a pair of valves 310 and 312. The fluid reservoir 280 can be permanently retained in the handle 20. Thus, after the fluid in the fluid reservoir 280 is exhausted, the consumer can dispose of the personal care device 10. Alternatively, the fluid reservoir 280 can be removed and replaced with a new fluid reservoir 280 after the fluid is exhausted.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of fluid dispensing cartridge 50 taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 6 is shown. Fluid can be forced from the elongated resilient tube 272 through the first valve 319 to the opening 112 of the fluid port 110. The fluid port opening 112 can typically be aligned (eg, overlap) with the opening of the fluid applicator 62 to facilitate fluid flow into the elongated recess 320. The elongated recess 320 can be defined by a front flap 322 and a rear wall 324 of the fluid applicator 62. The front flap 322 and / or the rear wall 324 can guide fluid toward the guard 64 of the fluid applicator 62. During the shaving stroke, the guard 64 can dispense fluid onto the surface being treated (eg, the area of skin being shaved). The guard 64 can also direct fluid toward the guard 58 and / or the blade 60 of the cartridge housing 54 to improve sliding of the cartridge housing 54 across the skin during the shaving stroke.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. Furthermore, the dimensions should not stick to an impossiblely high metaphysical discrimination criterion that does not allow for discrepancies due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Accordingly, the term “about” should be construed to be within typical manufacturing tolerances.

  All references cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or related applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Citation of any document is not an admission that such document is prior art to all inventions disclosed or claimed in this application, and such document alone or in all other references. And no reference to, teaching, suggestion or disclosure of any such invention in any combination thereof. Further, in this document, the meaning assigned to a term in this document if the scope of any meaning or definition of the term contradicts any meaning or definition of a similar term in a document incorporated by reference. Or it shall conform to the definition.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention 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 invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (15)

A fluid interconnect member (52) having a fluid port (110) extending from the base member (100) at a first end;
A cartridge housing (54) attached to the fluid interconnect member;
A fluid applicator (62) attached to the second end of the fluid interconnect member;
A handle (20) having a first end having a resilient member (252) defining an opening (254);
With
A fluid dispensing shaving razor (10), wherein the fluid port is removably engaged within the opening of the elastic member. The fluid dispensing shaving razor of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir positioned within the handle. Further comprising a pair of engaging members on said handle that is spaced from said resilient member, said pair of engagement members is coupled with a corresponding engagement surface on said interconnection member in the neutral position, according to claim 1 or 2. Fluid dispensing shaving razor according to 2. Said pair of engaging members on said handle has a mounting position, said pair of engaging members on said handle is spaced from the corresponding engagement surfaces of the interconnecting member at the mounting position The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 3.   The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elastic member is a tube.   The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 1, wherein the fluid port includes a tapered stem. The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic member has a flange defining the opening, and the base member is seated in contact with the flange.   The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge housing includes a guard, a cap, and at least one blade between the guard and the cap.   9. A fluid dispensing shaving razor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base member defines a cavity and at least a portion of the handle is disposed within the cavity.   10. A fluid dispensing shaving razor according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid reservoir positioned within the handle cavity, wherein the fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the fluid applicator. .   The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is positioned between a pair of engaging members.   The fluid dispensing shaving razor of claim 11, wherein each engagement member includes a biasing member. The fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 12, wherein each engagement member is attached to an arm positioned within the handle. 14. A fluid dispensing shaving razor according to claim 13 , wherein each arm moves between a first stop surface and a second stop surface located within the handle.   15. A fluid dispensing shaving razor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid applicator is attached to the cartridge housing.

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