AU2004240927B2 - Composition for shaving aid material and shaving aid cartridge for shaving aid material - Google Patents

Description

00 SHAVING AID CARTRIDGE FOR SHAVING AID MATERIAL SField of the Present Invention [01] The present invention relates to shaving aid cartridges.

Background of the Present Invention NI [02] A safety razor typically includes a disposable razor cartridge mounted in a Sreusable handle, or a handle and a cartridge combined into a unitary disposable unit.

i Most razor cartridges include a frame, at least one razor blade, and a strip of shaving Said material attached to the frame to enhance the shaving process. The shaving aid Ci material facilitates the movement of the razor blade over the skin and/or aids in the removal of hair from the skin. Shaving aid materials include, but are not limited to, lubricating agents, drag-reducing agents, depilatory agents, cleaning agents, medicinal agents, and the like.

[03] US6298558 (Tseng) discloses a core of controlled-release shaving preparation encased in a porous or perforated sheath. The core is of shaving preparation partially encapsulated and has a contact surface which is mainly water insoluble and provided with perforations through which dissolved shaving preparation can escape.

[04] US5369885 (Ferraro) discloses a thin layer or strip of shaving aid applied to a support bar, as distinct from a body of shaving aid material. The height is quite small in comparison with the support area. There is no disclosure of the ability of the shaving aid of Ferraro to provide a self-supporting body of shaving aid material.

Ferraro makes no disclosure as to the mechanical properties of the shaving preparation.

Most safety razors are designed for use with a shaving preparation. The shaving preparation shaving cream, gel, or the like) is applied to the skin to condition and soften the skin and further assists in the softening of the hair to be shaved. Generally, the preparation remains on the skin until it is removed during the shaving process or in the rinsing of the skin upon completion of the shaving process.

[06] While conventionally packaged shaving preparations are advantageous in preparing a hirsute surface for a shaving operation, there are drawbacks to their use.

For example, when one shaves in the shower, it is difficult to employ a conventional 00 0 shaving preparation because the preparation tends to wash off the surface. Moreover, where large areas such as a person's legs are to be shaved, significant amounts of shaving aid preparation may be needed to adequately coat the areas. Application of the shaving aid preparation takes time and is potentially a two-handed process.

[07] Another problem sometimes encountered is that the shaving aid preparation is typically packaged separate from a razor. Accordingly, one must remember to bring C' the shaving aid preparation into the shower with them. Furthermore, when one is Stravelling, the shaving aid preparation must be packed, thereby taking up space and adding weight to one's luggage.

[08] Based on the foregoing, it is the general object of the present invention to N'q provide a shaving aid cartridge that overcomes or improves upon the prior art.

Summary of the Present Invention [09] The present invention provides a shaving aid cartridge, including: a base adapted to be coupled to a razor assembly; and a body coupled to the base, the body being formed at least in part from a shaving aid preparation; and wherein the body is self-supporting.

[010] The body can define a wear rate of about 0.002 to about 0'040 mm/cycle.

[01 1] The body can define a wear rate of about 0.004 to about 0.030 mm/cycle.

[012] The body can define a wear rate of about 0.008 to about 0.016 mm/cycle.

[013] The shaving aid cartridge can define a separation force at an interface between the body and the base of about 35N to about 133N (about 8 to about 30 lbs).

[014] The shaving aid cartridge can define a separation force at an interface between the body and the base of about 35N to about 1 15N (about 8 to about 26 lbs).

[015] The shaving aid cartridge can define a separation force at .an interface between the body and the base of about 45N to about 98N (about 10 to about 22 lbs).

[016] The shaving aid cartridge can define an energy to break of about 0.3 Nm to about 2.7 Nm (about 0.2 to about 2.0 ft. Ibs).

[017] The shaving aid cartridge can define an energy to break of about 0.4 Nm to about 1.3 Nm (about 0.3 to about 1.0 ft. Ibs).

[018] The shaving aid cartridge can define an energy to break of about 0.5 Nm to about 0.71 Nm (about 0.4 to about 0.53 ft. lbs).

00 [019] At 0.71 Nm (0.53 ft. lbs) the body can define an impact resistance of about 0.13 mm to about 10 mm (about 0.05 to 0.4 in).

S[020] At 0.71 Nm (0.53 ft. Ibs) the body can define an impact resistance of about 2 mm to about 7.6 mm (about 0.08 to 0.3 in).

S[021] At 0.71 Nm (0.53 ft. Ibs) the body can define an impact resistance of about mm to about 5 mm (about 0.10 to 0.20 in).

C [022] The body can define a hardness of about 0.2 N to about 44.5 N.

S[023] The body can define a hardness of about 0.5 N to about 22.5 N.

C [024] The body can define a hardness of about 4.0 N to about 10.0 N.

S[025] The mechanical properties described in the above paragraphs are measured in C- accordance with the test procedure disclosed in the specification below.

[026] The present invention also resides in a shaving aid preparation that exhibits a wear rate of about 0.002 to about 0.040 millimeters per cycle. The wear rate is defined by the resistance of the shaving aid to an erosive condition. The manner in which this is measured and what is meant by the term "cycle" is also described below in the section labeled "Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments." [027] Preferably, the body is formed at least in part from a shaving aid preparation that comprises a surface eroding polymer, a synthetic detergent, a' super-fatted material, glycerin, a composition saponified or neutralized from a vegetable oil or a tallow, or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials.

[028] One advantage of the present invention is that the shaving aid preparation is applied as needed as a shaving operation progresses. By applying the shaving aid preparation during the shaving process in a shower), the potential for it being prematurely washed away is minimized. Because the shaving aid-preparation is applied in the very least just prior to the blades, maximum lubricity and thereby shaving comfort is achieved.

[029] Another advantage of the present invention is that the shaving aid preparation is compatible with use in the shower. In particular, the shaving aid preparation is configured to withstand conditions of the shower without being washed away.

[030] Still another advantage of the shaving aid preparation employed in the present invention is that it exhibits mechanical characteristics that allow the shaving aid 00 0 preparation to maintain its structural integrity over prolonged periods of time and in a sometimes severe environment.

o\ Brief Description Of The Drawings [031] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a razor assembly including a shaving aid cartridge in accordance with the present invention.

C [032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shaving aid cartridge in which the shaving Said defines an aperture into which a razor cartridge is positioned.

[033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shaving aid cartridge in which shaving aid Spreparation in the form of discrete elements is positioned adjacent to, but spaced away N, from, the leading and trailing surfaces of a razor cartridge.

[034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base shown in FIG. 2.

[035] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are perspective views of bases for shaving aid cartridges.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Present Invention [036] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a shaving aid cartridge 10 for use with a razor assembly generally designated by the reference numeral 11 includes a shaving aid body 12 attached to a base 14. The shaving aid body 12 includes an aperture 16 into which a razor cartridge 18, wholly separate from the shaving aid body, is positioned.

The shaving aid body 12 includes a contact surface 20 that, during a shaving operation, engages a hirsute surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaving aid body 12 surrounds and is spaced away from the razor cartridge 18 and is substantially oval-shaped. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other shapes such as, for example, circular shapes, rectangular shapes, or virtually any other geometric configuration can be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaving aid body 12 comprises a forward portion 21 spaced away from but positioned relative to a leading edge of the razor cartridge 18 and an aft portion 23 spaced away from but positioned relative to a trailing edge of the razor cartridge. The forward portion 21 and the aft portion 21 may be rounded or otherwise configured.

00 0[037] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the base 14 includes a rigid structure having features 22 that facilitate the attachment of the shaving aid cartridge 10 to the razor assembly S11 (FIG. The features 22 include tabs, flanges, or the like that enable the shaving aid cartridge to be mechanically attached to the razor assembly. In particular, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the base 14 as having a plurality of tabs 24. Figure 6 shows the base 14 having a plurality of flanges 26 having apertures 27. Figure 7 shows the base 14 IC having a plurality of grooved flanges 28. The type and configuration of the features S22 operable to attach the shaving aid cartridge 10 to the razor assembly can be varied IC to adapt to the application at hand.

S[038] Still referring to FIGS 4-7, the base 14 further includes features 30 operable to C, aid in attaching the shaving aid body 12 to the base 14. The features 30 for attaching the shaving aid body 12 to the base 14 may include, for example, one or more apertures 32, protrusions 33, and/or voids 35 that the shaving aid material flows within and around during a forming operation. The apertures 32, protrusions 33 and/or voids 35 are preferably configured and positioned such that during formation of the shaving aid cartridge 10, the shaving aid body 12 and the base 14 are fixed both mechanically and adhesively to each other by solidified shaving aid material disposed within and around the apertures 32, protrusions 33, and/or voids 35 within the base 14. The base 14 preferably is formed from a thermoplastic material by a method such as injection molding. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other materials such as, but not limited to, metals, thermosetting materials, or composite materials can also be employed.

[039] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the preferred embodiment of the shaving aid body 12 comprises an erodable shaving aid preparation which is lubricious and can have some skin cleansing and/or conditioning properties. The basic structure of the shaving aid body 12 may be that of a vegetable oil or tallow, saponified or neutralized to form the base, a combination of base and synthetic surfactants, non- soap based synthetic detergents, combinations of the foregoing compositions, or the like. Superfatted materials containing percentages greater than about 25 weight percent) of coconut acid or other fatty acids may also be used. The term "erodable" is hereinafter intended to refer to the ability of the shaving aid material to be worn away by the flow of water or as the result of abrasion.

00 [040] In one embodiment of the shaving aid body 12, the shaving aid preparation is a composition having a base comprising a vegetable oil or a tallow or the like, or a combination of the foregoing materials, which is saponified or neutralized. The saponification or neutralization of the vegetable oil or tallow results in the production of glycerol and salts of fatty acids to form the base. The composition preferably comprises about 75 weight percent (wt. to about 100 wt. saponified or C neutralized base, which may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Exemplary salts Sof fatty acids that may be produced include sodium carboxylate salts having up to N, about 22 carbon atoms.

[041] In another embodiment of the shaving body 12, the shaving aid preparation is a composition having a base comprising a synthetic detergent, glycerin, a surfaceeroding polymer, or a combination comprising at least two of the foregoing materials.

The composition preferably comprises about 75 to about 100 wt. base, which may be opaque, translucent, or transparent.

[042] In still another embodiment of the shaving body 12, the shaving aid preparation is a composition having a base comprising a synthetic detergent, glycerin, a surface-eroding polymer, or a combination of at least two of the foregoing and a vegetable and/or tallow product resulting from saponification-or neutralization. The composition preferably comprises about 75 to about 100 wt. base, which may be opaque, translucent, or transparent.

[043] In any embodiment, the balance of the composition may include various skin care ingredients, binding agents, absorbents, and other additives. The skin care ingredients that may be added to the base to enhance the composition include, but are not limited to, surfactants, skin benefiting agents emollients, lubricants, humectants, moisturizing agents, conditioners, and the like), foaming agents, hair growth inhibitors, botanical extracts, antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti- inflammatory agents, astringents, anti-irritants, depilatory agents, medicinal agents, and exfoliating agents loofa, seaweed, oatmeal, pumice, apricot seed, and the like). Exemplary embodiments of skin care ingredients include, but are not limited to, sodium or potassium salts lactylates, chlorides, sulfonates, and the like), vitamins and vitamin complexes, cocoates, metal oxides, oils cocoa butter), and aloe barbadensis. The absorbents are preferably clays or clay-based compositions, chalks, 00

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Stalcs, silicas, or the like. Clays that may be added include bentonite, kaolin, combinations of the foregoing clays, and the like.

[044] In one embodiment of a composition, a vegetable oil is saponified to produce a base. The composition may further comprise at least one other surfactant such as, for N example, sodium isostearoyl lactylate, ammonium isostearate, DEA-myristate, alkyl glyceryl sulfonate, laureth-16 combinations of at least two of the foregoing materials, CN or the like, in an amount up to about 9 wt. preferably up to 7.5 wt. and more 0 preferably up to about 6 wt. at least one skin-conditioning agent such as, for N example, aloe barbadensis, dimethicone, allantoin, sucrose cocoate, oleyl lanolate, Sthiourea, cocoa butter, tocopheryl acetate, PPG-33, undeceth-3, honey, algae,

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combinations of at least two of the foregoing materials, or the like, in an amount up to about 14 wt. preferably up to 8 wt. and more preferably up to about 2 wt. at least one absorbent such as, for example, kaolin, chalk, talc, hydrated silica, wood powder, sodium chloride, cyclodextrin, combinations of at least two of the foregoing materials, or the like, in an amount up to about 9 wt. preferably up to 5 wt. and more preferably up to about 3 wt. While various surfactants, skin conditioning agents, absorbents, coloring agents, and fragrances have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other materials known to those skilled in the pertinent art to which the present invention pertains may be substituted and/or replaced.

[045] One embodiment of the above-described composition may be suited for users having skin that is not sensitive to the dyes or pigments used as coloring agents. Thus, the composition may further comprise at least one coloring agent such as, for example, titanium dioxide, manganese violet, zinc oxide, an Ultramarine Ultramarine Blue Orange 4, Green 3, combinations of at least two of the foregoing materials, or the like, in an amount up to about 6 wt. preferably up to 4 wt. and more preferably up to about 1 wt. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as coloring agents other than those listed previously may be substituted without departing form the broader aspects of the present invention.

[046] Additionally, fragrances may be added to the composition. Fragrances are odorants used to impart desirable smells to the composition and may further mask the less desirable odors of other components of the composition. In an embodiment that 00 may be suited for users having skin that is not sensitive to the fragrances, the composition may further comprise at least one fragrance ingredient in the amount up to about 2 wt. preferably up to 1.5 wt. and more preferably up to about 1 wt. [047] In any embodiment of the composition, the mechanical properties thereof enable the shaving aid body to withstand normal use while experiencing a corresponding degree of wear and strength. The mechanical properties of the ,I composition also preferably allow the shaving aid body 12 to be able to withstand Ssome degree of abuse without experiencing significant damage to the shaving aid CI body. Thus, the mechanical properties of the composition may be defined at least in 0 part by the hardness of the composition, the tensile strength required for the separation of the shaving aid body 12 from the base 14, the ability of the composition to resist impact, and the ability of the composition to resist wear.

[048] The hardness of the composition (the resistance of the composition to deform) may be determined by a Durometer hardness test method ASTM D 2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness). In one exemplary test method, a sample of the composition is mounted or placed on a suitable testing apparatus in which a test head engages a surface of the composition sample. A hardness value is obtained based on a calculation derived from various parameters, pressure exerted by or on the test head, movement of the test head, etc. A suitable testing apparatus is the Shore Instruments Automatic Operating Stand Model 902. The composition from which the shaving aid body 12 is fabricated has a hardness of about 0.2 to about 44.5 Newtons preferably about 0.5 to about 22.5 N, and more preferably about 4.0 to about 10.0 N.

[049] The tensile strength required for the separation of the shaving aid body 12 from the base 14 may be determined by a tensile force separation test. In such a test, the shaving aid cartridge 10 is mounted on a suitable apparatus in which the base 14 is securely retained. At least one knife attached to a carrier is inserted into the shaving aid body 12. The carrier is movable relative to the fixed position ofthe base 14.

Preferably, the carrier is translatable in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by an interface of the shaving aid body 12 and the base 14. Upon movement of the carrier, the force required for the separation of the shaving aid body 12 from the base 14 is measured. A suitable tensile strength testing apparatus is the 00 0Chatillon TCM 201 Tensile Test Machine fitted with the Chatillon DFM 100 CE Force Gauge and modified to have custom holding fixtures.

S[050] The force gauge measures the amount of force required to separate the shaving aid body 12 from the base 14. The force required for the separation of the shaving aid Sbody 12 from the base 14 is about 35N to 133N (about 8 to about 30 pounds preferably about 35N to about 115N (about 8 to about 26 lbs.), and more preferably C about 45N to about 98N (about 10 to about 22 Ibs).

S[051 The ability of the shaving aid body 12 to retain its structural integrity when C dropped is determined by measuring the energy required to break the composition, Sreferred to by those of skill in the pertinent art to which the invention pertains as S"energy-to-break." An embodiment of an apparatus utilized to determine the energy to break the composition is a swing arm testing device. A swing arm testing device employs a pendulum having a hammer disposed at a non-fulcrum end of the pendulum. Because the mass of the hammer and the pendulum are known, and because the height from which the hammer is swung is measured, the force exerted by the hammer at a preselected impact point at which the shaving aid body 12 is fixedly mounted can be calculated. The impact point is taken to be the point determined to be most vulnerable to damage, the portions of the shaving aid body that connects the front portion to the aft portion. The thickness of the wall of the shaving aid body 12 in the direction of the impact force is about 5 mm 0.2 inches Thus, the energy required to break the shaving aid body 12 into at least two portions is about 0.3 Nm to about 2.7 Nm (about 0.2 to about 2.0 foot pounds (ft. preferably about 0.4 Nm to about 1.3 Nm (about 0.3 to about 1.0 ft. lbs.), and more preferably about 0.5 Nm to about 0.71 Nm (about 0.4 to about 0.53 ft. lbs). A suitable swing arm testing device useful in performing the above-desired test is a Satec Systems, Inc. BLI Impact Tester.

[052] Also determinable from the swing arm testing device is the impact resistance of the composition. In tests in which the composition does not break, an analysis of a resulting deformation caused by the impact of the hammer can be made. The resultant value the distance that the surface of the composition is indented) is measured in linear units. The impact resistance at 0.71 Nm (at 0.53 ft. lbs.) of the composition is about 0.13 nun to about 10 mm (about 0.05 to about 0.40 preferably about 2 mm 00 to about 7.6 mm (about 0.08 to about 0.30 in.) and more preferably about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm (about 0.10 to about 0.20 in.).

[053] The ability of the composition to resist wear is an indication of the usable life of the shaving aid cartridge 10. Wear resistance is measured by maintaining a flow of water over a textured surface and between this textured surface and the shaving aid body 12 in a water bath at a pre-selected temperature and abrading the shaving aid CI body 12 to simulate a shaving process. The flow of water through the water bath is Sabout 0.3 litres (about 0.08 gallons) per minute and the temperature of the water is CI about 38 degrees C to about 42 degrees C. Abrading the shaving aid body 12 is Seffected by an apparatus that provides for the engagement of the shaving aid body 12 N by a textured surface and movement of the shaving aid body 12 across the textured surface in an oscillating motion. The textured surface is preferably a stainless steel pad having a surface finish number of 812.8 x10- 6 mm (32 microinches (about 150 grit). Each continuous movement (forward and back) of the shaving aid body 12 over the textured surface is a cycle. One complete cycle is a movement of about cm (about six inches) in each direction (forward and back). A load of 300 grams is maintained on the shaving aid body 12 using weights. The wear rate of the shaving aid body 12 is about 0.002 to about 0.040 millimeters per cycle (mrm/cycle), preferably about 0.004 to about 0.030 mm/cycle, and more preferably about 0.008 to about 0.016 mm/cycle.

[054] One exemplary method of manufacturing the shaving aid preparation comprises synthesis by saponification or neutralization. In this exemplary method, a crutching process is utilized to blend various ingredients as a secondary phase for addition to the saponification or neutralization product. Subsequent to the crutching process, a drying process is employed to remove water. The resulting dried material is then pelletized and subjected to an amalgamating process. In the amalgamating process, additional ingredients may be added to produce a final pelletized composition.

Example [055] A shaving aid preparation for a shaving aid cartridge was prepared with a base saponified from vegetable oil. The base was blended with surfactants, skin 00

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conditioning agents, absorbents, colorants, and fragrances. The composition of the resulting shaving aid preparation is shown below: Component Wt.% Base 82.5 Surfactants Skin conditioning agents Absorbents Colorants Fragrances [056] Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although the above description is directed to a shaving aid cartridge, it should be understood by those of skill in the art that aspects of the above-described apparatus may be applicable to articles other than shaving aid cartridges.

Claims (7)

1. A shaving aid cartridge, including: Cl a base adapted to be coupled to a razor assembly; and a body coupled to said base, said body being formed at least in part from a shaving aid C preparation; and wherein o said body is adapted to maintain structural integrity with normal wear in use.

2. A shaving aid cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body defines a wear o rate of about 0.002 to about 0.040 nun/cycle.

3. The shaving aid cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body defines a wear rate of about 0.004 to about 0.030 mm/cycle.

4. A shaving aid cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaving aid preparation includes at least one of a surfactant, a skin care ingredient, an absorbent, a binding agent, an exfoliating agent, an antimicrobial agent, an emollient, a humeetant, a moisturizing agent, a skin conditioning agent, a hair growth inhibitor, an essential oil, a botanical extract, an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory agent, an astringent, ananti-irritant, a vitamin, a depilatory agent, or a medicinal agent.

A shaving aid cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one of said synthetic detergent and said composition saponified or neutralized from vegetable or tallow, is present in an amount of about 75 weight to about 100 weight

6. A shaving aid assembly including a first body comprising a self-supporting, shaving preparation attached to a second body, the second body being adapted for connection to a shaving implement, wherein the first body has a contact surface adapted to contact a hirsute surface during shaving, the contact surface being substantially exposed. COMS ID No: ARCS-196209 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:40 Date 2008-06-27 27/06/2000 13:43 HALFORD CO 4 62837999 N0.356 P004 00 o 0 C04240 0 CM 13

7. A shaving aid assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the exterior surface of the l first body is substantially exposed. ci S8. A shaving aid assembly as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first body is ci attached to the second body by physical interlocking. 0 C, 9. A shaving aid assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first o body is attached to the base by adhesion of the first body to the second body. 0 A shaving aid assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. COMS ID No: ARCS-196209 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:40 Date 2008-06-27