CN112911968A

CN112911968A - Shaver maintenance device

Info

Publication number: CN112911968A
Application number: CN201980061378.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 让·路易·格雷厄姆; 亚尼克·格雷厄姆
Original assignee: Melaki Partners Ltd
Current assignee: Melaki Partners Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-19
Filing date: 2019-07-18
Publication date: 2021-06-04
Also published as: CA3106879A1; US20210289932A1; AU2019307923A1; MX2021000720A; EP3823494A4; IL280250A; BR112021000847A2; JP2021531936A; EP3823494A2; WO2020018817A2; WO2020018817A3; KR20210061333A

Abstract

A razor servicing apparatus is disclosed. The razor care apparatus may include a brush unit having a bristle housing and a plurality of bristles attached in the bristle housing. A base may be connected to the bristle housing, the base including a suction cup.

Description

Shaver maintenance device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/726,311 filed on 3.9.2018, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/726,358 filed on 3.9.2018, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/726,359 filed on 3.9.2018, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/700,359 filed on 19.7.2018, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/700,368 filed on 19.7.2018, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/700,372 filed on 19.7.2018, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to razor servicing equipment, and more particularly to devices and methods for servicing multi-bladed razors.

Background

Modern shavers may have a plurality of blades, such as three, five or more blades. Proper maintenance of the razor can extend the life of the blades and can also provide other benefits such as more comfortable shaving, cleaner razor, water savings, and minimal damage to the razor.

Razors, particularly razors having multi-blade heads, may collect hair particles, shaving cream, debris, hair follicles, and the like on the blades, between the blades, and between the blades and the razor head. Typically, users of such razors attempt to remove such shaving residue by placing the blades in a stream of water, knocking against the side of the sink or showerhead, or loosening the debris with the fingers. However, placing the blades in running water is an inefficient, water-consuming, and generally ineffective method of cleaning a multi-bladed razor. Knocking against the sides of the sink can damage the blades, and it can be unsafe to clean the blades with fingers.

Drawings

The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to one embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the razor treating device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an exploded side view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a rear view of the razor servicing apparatus of FIG. 21; and

fig. 24 is a side view of the razor servicing apparatus of fig. 21.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor servicing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting. Moreover, the drawings and various features of the disclosure will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

Detailed Description

Certain embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the figures and examples of figures 1-35.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the devices, 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 the 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 "a number of different 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, the appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "one example embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this 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 merely examples and are provided to help explain the devices, apparatus, systems, and methods described herein. Unless specifically designated as mandatory, none of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be considered mandatory for any particular implementation of any of these apparatuses, devices, systems or methods. For ease of reading and clarity, only certain components, modules or methods may be described in connection with the detailed description. Failure to specifically describe combinations or sub-combinations of components should not be understood to indicate that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any method described, whether or not the method is described in connection with a flowchart, it should be understood that any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the performance of the method does not imply that the steps must be performed in the order presented, but may be performed in a different order or in parallel, unless otherwise stated or required by context.

Disclosed herein are solutions to problems associated with cleaning razors. Although the description herein is primarily in the context of a multi-blade razor, the apparatus and methods described herein should not be so limited, but may be used with any razor.

Referring now to fig. 1-4, one embodiment of a razor servicing apparatus 100 is shown. The razor care apparatus 100 may be a brush unit having extending bristles 112 which, in the embodiment shown, extend upwardly, considered "upwardly" in a direction from the base 114 toward the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112, as indicated by arrow U. In embodiments, the bristles may extend away from the base at different angles and/or varying angles relative to the base. The base 114 may be relatively immovably attached to a surface 124, such as a table top, so that the blades of the razor may be urged against the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 so that the bristles may enter the interstices of the blades and remove hair particles, shaving cream, debris, hair follicles, etc. (hereinafter "debris") from between the blades. In an embodiment, the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 define a cleaning plane for moving the razor from side to side, which aids in the removal of debris. In embodiments, before, during, or after cleaning of the bristles 112, the cleaning may be enhanced by the addition of water, such as by placing the razor under water (including running water).

The base 114 may be of the suction cup type. That is, the pedestal 114 may be a device or object that uses the negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to a surface to form a partial vacuum. The bristles may be coupled to the base by extensions 118 that extend 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 (i.e., generally in a direction parallel to the direction indicated by arrow U).

For all embodiments disclosed herein attached to a surface, a suction cup is disclosed. In general, however, attachment of the bristles to the surface may be accomplished by any known means, including by adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, and the like. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1-4, the base 114 may comprise an adhesive material and may be adhesively affixed to a surface.

The bristles 112 of all of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be made of any generally rigid material, including natural animal hair, natural plant fibers, or synthetic fibers. In an embodiment, the bristles may comprise a nylon material. In embodiments, the bristles may comprise PEEK, polyester PBT, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and combinations thereof.

The bristle housing 120 and bristle cartridges (disclosed below) of all of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made from polymeric materials, including molded polymers, including injection molded polymers, and can be selected according to desired end product qualities such as color, durability, and cleanability.

The base 114 of all embodiments disclosed herein may comprise a generally flexible material (including silicone, nitrile, Viton fluorocarbon, vinyl, neoprene, and polyurethane) and may be used in conjunction with other components such as a metal backing seat and a valve (such as valve 122) that may assist in removing the suction cup from the surface 124.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles 112 may have a uniform length such that their distal ends 116 are substantially in one plane. In an embodiment, the bristles 112 may comprise bristles of varying lengths such that the distal surfaces thereof exhibit an irregular, wavy, or other non-planar surface (not shown). In an embodiment, the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 may be considered a cleaning plane. In an embodiment, the cleaning plane is substantially parallel to the surface 24 on which the razor servicing apparatus 100 is attached.

In another example embodiment, as shown in fig. 5-9, razor servicing apparatus 200 may include a removable bristle cartridge 226 that may have bristles 212 attached thereto and allow bristles 212 to be removed, cleaned, replaced, or otherwise manipulated independently of base 214. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the removable bristle cartridge 226 may be attached to the base 214 by inserting it into a complementary slot 228 arrangement in a slot housing 234 that is coupled to the extension portion 218 extending from the base 214 to the slot housing 234. In an embodiment, the base 214 and the socket housing 234 may be considered to be the bristle housings mentioned and described above when the removable bristle cartridge 226 is inserted into an operable position in the socket housing 234. The size and shape of the removable bristle cartridge 226 and the complementary socket 228 can be any desired configuration, but in embodiments can be generally linear configurations with mating cooperating features, as shown in fig. 5-9.

The removable bristle cartridge 226 may have bristles 212 attached thereto, and may have a generally linear platform 232 coupled to a platform extension 230 to which the bristles may be further coupled. The bristles 212 may be coupled to a substantially flat member that is itself coupled to the platform extension 230 such that the linear platform 232, the platform extension 230 and the bristles 212 constitute a separate manipulable part that may be inserted into a complementary slot 228 in the direction as indicated by arrow a1 in fig. 5 for attachment and use. The complementary slots 228 may be of similar, complementary size and shape for receiving the linear platform 232 and platform extension 230. For example, the complementary socket 228 may have a substantially elongated opening 238, an upper portion of which is interrupted by a socket recess 236 that may receive the platform extension 230.

As will be appreciated from the description herein, the removable bristle cartridge 226 including the bristles 212 may be interchangeably inserted into a complementary slot 228 arrangement and releasably secured by any known means, such as by a snap fit, press fit, friction fit, or the like. Once inserted, the removable bristle cartridge 226 attached to the base 214 achieves the same features and advantages as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, the embodiments shown in fig. 5-9 provide other benefits of bristle selection, bristle replacement, bristle cleaning, etc., since cartridges with particular bristle types can be selected, replaced, or cleaned as desired.

As can be appreciated from the description herein, razor servicing apparatus 200 may be mounted, such as by suction, to a horizontal surface 224, such as a countertop, such that imaginary arrow U (as discussed above) generally parallel to the orientation of the bristles is oriented upwardly. Likewise, razor servicing apparatus 200 may be mounted, such as by suction, on a vertical surface, such as a bathroom mirror, where arrow U would extend outwardly generally normal to the mirror surface. Further, razor servicing apparatus 200 may be mounted on an elevated surface such as the top of a shower, where arrow U would be oriented downward. In general, razor servicing apparatus 200 may be mounted on any surface that is convenient to a user who desires to service the razor. In embodiments, the razor care device may comprise an adhesive material and may be adhesively affixed to a horizontal surface or surface.

Further, as can be appreciated from the description herein, the linear platform 232 and bristles 212 can be generally rectangular, and the base 214 can be generally circular. In general, however, the linear platform and base may be any operable shape and size. For example, the linear platform may have a curved shape and may be non-rectangular in shape, it being understood that the linear platform is matingly secured to the complementary slot 228 arrangement and may be releasably secured thereto. Also, the base may be non-circular in shape and may be of a non-suction type, e.g., a base comprising an adhesive for adhesive attachment. As discussed above, the embodiments illustrated herein may be used with water to further assist in cleaning the razor. For example, when used to further clean debris from a razor, relatively less water may be used in the process than in prior cleaning methods, and water savings may be realized. It is believed that this feature may reduce the use of about two gallons of water per shave. The apparatus also allows the razor to be cleaned in a safer manner because this orientation allows relatively safe side-to-side movement for cleaning the razor. The device permits hands-free application such that the user can employ side-to-side movement of the razor to aid in the removal of debris. Use of the apparatus can help extend the life of the razor by cleaning the razor more effectively than other prior methods, rather than discarding razors that become clogged due to debris accumulation and have reduced cutting efficiency and comfort of the blades.

In an example method, a user may receive the removable bristle cartridge 226 and the base 214 arrangement including the complementary socket 228, such as in a package. The user may remove the component from the package. As described herein above, a user may insert the removable bristle cartridge 226 into the base 214 arrangement by: the linear platform 232 is inserted into the corresponding elongated opening 238 and the platform extension 230 is inserted into the slot recess 236. The base can be affixed, such as by suction, to a desired surface, such as a countertop, bathroom wall, sink surface, or the like. After use of the razor, the user may press the razor blade against the distal ends 216 of the bristles 212 and move it in a side-to-side motion to push the bristles 212 into the interstices of the razor blade. The movement of the blades against the bristles 212 may be relatively gentle or relatively aggressive, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the blade cleaning required. Optionally, if desired, the blades may be placed in water to further clean the debris. Alternatively, razor servicing apparatus 200 may be cleaned in any sufficient manner, such as by being placed in running water, soapy water, etc.

In an embodiment, razor servicing apparatus 300 may include a tray or tray on which a number of different components may be disposed, with similarly described components as described above. For example, as depicted in fig. 10-12, razor servicing apparatus 300 may include a bristle cartridge 326, which may be inserted into slot 342 of tray 340, rather than into a slot of base 214, as described above with respect to removable bristle cartridge 226. For example, as shown in the cross-section of fig. 12, the tray 340 may have a slot 342 in its bottom surface into which the bristle cartridge 326 may be inserted in the direction of arrow a 2. Then, in an embodiment, the bristle cartridge 326 may be further manipulated by being pushed into the socket extension 344 in the direction of arrow a3 of fig. 11. As shown in fig. 10, the bristle cartridge 326 may be securely attached in the tray 340 once inserted into the slot(s) as described above. Thus, as can be appreciated, the bristle box 326 can have a configuration as described above with respect to the removable bristle box 226 of fig. 5-9. Further, the tray 340 may have a tray base 346 with a slot 342 therein, which may be described as a pocket, and may be a generally elongated slot that engages with a bristle cartridge 326, which may have bristles 312 attached thereto, and may have a generally linear platform 332 coupled with the platform extension 330, to which the bristles may be further coupled. Additionally, as with the example of the cartridge above, the tray 340 may have a slot extension 344 that extends to form a "T" shaped opening in which the platform extension 330 may be pushed, such as by sliding. Once inserted, the bristle cartridge 326 may be secured by any known means, such as by a snap fit, press fit, friction fit, or the like. In embodiments, the tray 340 (and all examples of trays disclosed herein) may itself be attached to a surface, such as a countertop, by suction, adhesive, or the like.

The tray 340 may be a pallet, receptacle, or other relatively shallow container for a fluid such as water. The water 350 in the tray 340 may be used for additional cleaning tasks such as washing any remaining debris from the bristle brushed blades in an optional further cleaning step. The tray 340 may have a sidewall 348. The side wall 48 may have a height H that allows the depth of the water 350 in the tray 340 to be sufficient for blade cleaning. Thus, H may be between about 1/2 inches and about 3 inches in size, and may be about 1 inch to 2 inches. In use, when the bristle cartridge 326 is installed, the water level W in the tray 340 can be up to and in contact with the bristles 312. The tray 340 (and all trays disclosed herein) can comprise any suitable material, including polymers, metals, ceramics, glass, and combinations thereof. The tray 340 (and all trays disclosed herein) may be a unitary member, or it may be made up of multiple components that are combined to form the tray.

The tray 340 may be provided on a surface 324, such as a countertop. In an example method, a user may receive the bristle cartridge 326 and the tray 340 including the socket 342 and/or the socket extension 344, such as in a package. The user may remove the component from the package. As described herein above, the user may insert the bristle cartridge 326 into the tray 340 by: the generally rectilinear platform 332 and/or platform extension 330 is inserted into the corresponding slot 342 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 346, and then the platform extension 330 is further inserted into the slot extension 344 in a direction parallel to the tray base 346. The base may be disposed, affixed, or otherwise placed on a desired surface, such as a table top. After use of the razor, the user may press the razor blade against the bristle distal ends 316 and move it in a side-to-side motion to push the bristles 312 into the interstices of the razor blade. The movement of the blades against the bristles may be relatively gentle or relatively aggressive, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the blade cleaning required. Optionally, if desired, the blades may be submerged in water 350 and/or agitated to further clean the debris. This process can be repeated as desired. The water 350 can be replaced with additional, e.g., clean, water as desired.

In embodiments, the razor servicing apparatus 400 and methods of the present disclosure may include a multi-compartment tray 460, as depicted in fig. 13-16. The multi-compartment tray 460 may be generally as described above with respect to the tray 340, but may differ in that it may have at least two compartments, including a first compartment 462 and a second compartment 464 separated by a dividing baffle 466. The first compartment 462 can be essentially as described above with respect to the tray 340, including having a receiving slot 442 and a slot extension 444 for receiving the bristle cartridge 426. The second compartment 464 may include a blade adjustment member 470. In an embodiment, the blade adjustment member 470 may be a soapstone, such as a generally rectangular soapstone block. In an embodiment, the blade adjustment member 470 may be a blade sharpening material such as a sharpening stone. The second compartment 464 may have a notch 468 on its bottom surface into which the blade adjustment member 470 may be placed for relatively secure placement. One or both of first compartment 462 and second compartment 464 may be partially filled with water 450. The multi-compartment tray 460 may comprise the same materials as discussed above with respect to tray 340.

In an example method, a user may receive the bristle cartridge 426, the blade adjustment member 470, and the multi-compartment tray 460 including the receiving slot 442 and/or the slot extension 444, such as in a package. The user may remove the component from the package. The user may insert the bristle cartridge 426 into the first compartment 462 of the multi-compartment tray 460 by: the bristle cartridge 426 is inserted into the corresponding receiving slot 442 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 446, as shown by arrow a2 in fig. 16, and then the bristle cartridge 426 is further inserted into the slot extension 444 in a direction parallel to the tray base 346, as shown by arrow A3 in fig. 16, and as described herein above in the previous embodiments. The user may place the blade adjustment member 470 into the second compartment 464 of the multi-compartment tray 460 and may place it in the notch 468, if any. The base may be disposed, affixed, or otherwise placed on a desired surface, such as a table top. After using the razor, the user may press the razor blade against the bristle tips 416 and move it in a side-to-side motion to push the bristles 412 into the interstices of the razor blade. The movement of the blades against the bristles may be relatively gentle or relatively aggressive, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the blade cleaning required. Optionally, if desired, the blades may be submerged in the water 450 and/or agitated to further clean the debris. This process can be repeated as desired. At any step in the method, the user may use the blade adjustment feature, such as by sharpening the blades of the razor. The water 450 may be replaced with additional, e.g., clean, water as desired.

In another embodiment, the device 500 of the present disclosure may include all of the features and benefits disclosed above, but may also include additional features to assist in mounting the device to a generally vertical surface. For example, as depicted in fig. 17-24, the tray 540 (fig. 17) may have a single compartment as described above with respect to the embodiment of fig. 10-12, or it may be a multi-compartment tray 560 (fig. 21) generally as described above with respect to fig. 13-16. In either embodiment, the tray 540 or the multi-compartment tray 560 may have as an additional component a wall-mounted mounting member 580, which may be an extension member oriented such that it is parallel to and coupled to a generally vertical surface such as a bathroom wall in use. The wall mount member 580 may be integral with or coupled to the tray 540 or the multi-compartment tray 560, respectively. The wall-mounted mounting member may include one or more suction cups 582 attached thereto such that the device 500 may be mounted to a surface, such as a mirror or a bathroom wall, by pressing and affixing the suction cups against the surface in a desired position. The wall-mounted mounting may be by any other means such as adhesive attachment, mechanical fastening, hooks, etc.

Thus, as can be appreciated, the device 500 of fig. 17-20 can include a bristle cartridge 526 having bristles 512 with distal ends 516 that can be inserted into slots 542 of the tray 540, as described above, and further positioned for secure, in-use engagement, as described above. Likewise, the device 500 of fig. 21-24 can contain a bristle cartridge 526 as described above and a blade adjustment member 570 as described above.

In an example method, a user may receive a bristle cartridge and/or blade adjustment member and a tray or multi-compartment tray, for example, in a package, wherein the tray or multi-compartment tray further includes a wall-mounted mounting surface adjacent thereto, the wall-mounted mounting surface having a mounting device, which may be a suction cup. The user may remove the component from the package. The user may insert the cartridge as described herein above. The user may place the blade adjustment member, if any, into the second compartment of the tray, as described above. The unit may be mounted to a vertical surface such as a mirror or bathroom wall. After use of the razor, the user may press the razor blade against the bristle tips and move it in a side-to-side motion to push the bristles into the interstices of the razor blade. The movement of the blades against the bristles may be relatively gentle or relatively aggressive, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the blade cleaning required. Optionally, if desired, the blades may be submerged in water and/or agitated to further clean the debris. This process can be repeated as desired. At any step in the method, the user may use the blade adjustment feature, such as by sharpening the blades of the razor. The water 550 may be replaced with additional fluids such as cleaning fluid, clean water, etc., as desired.

In some of the examples described above, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by inserting one component into a complementary slot (e.g., slot 228) or a nest slot (e.g., slot 342). In general, however, any member (such as a bristle housing or a bristle box) can be immovably fixed to another member (such as a base or tray). Thus, by way of example, in the embodiment described with respect to fig. 10, the bristle cartridge 346 may be attached to the tray 340 in a manner similar to that described in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, for example, effectively being a unitary device.

In some of the examples described above, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by inserting one component into a complementary slot (e.g., slot 228) or a nest slot (e.g., slot 342). In general, however, connecting one member (such as a bristle housing or a bristle box) to another member (such as a base or tray) by any suitable compatible member may be accomplished in any known manner. In embodiments, one member (such as a bristle cartridge) may be operatively and removably attached to another member (such as a base or tray) by any suitable compatible member. By way of example, the bristle cartridge may be compatible with both the base and the tray, such that the bristle cartridge may be removably mated with the base, removed, and removably mated with the tray, or vice versa. In an example, a portion of the bristle cartridge can be matingly snapped, screwed, or pressed into a complementary portion of the base or tray so that the bristle cartridge can remain statically positioned relative to the attached base or tray when manipulated by a user (i.e., when in use).

In examples disclosed herein, an apparatus may 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 complementary in size and shape with respect to one another such that the male connection member may be secured to the female connection member to securely attach the first component to the second component. In an embodiment, the bristle cartridge may be the first component and, as described above, the base may be the second component. In an embodiment, the bristle cartridge may be the first component and, as described above, the tray may be the second component. Once coupled, the first and second components may be removably secured, or they may be substantially permanently secured.

In an example, as shown in fig. 25 and 26, device 600 may incorporate a connection system that includes a "push-in" connection system. In a push-in connection system, a male member may be pushed into an aligned mating female connection member and secured in operable relation by, for example, a friction press-fit. The push-in connection system 600 may include at least one male connection member 660 having a generally cylindrical shape with a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 660 may comprise a male protrusion of any cross-sectional shape, but a circular cross-section may be effective. The male connection member 660 may include a male protrusion having a tapered circular cross-section. The male coupling member 660 may include one or more pins. The male connecting member 660 may be part of the bristle case 626, e.g., integral with or coupled to the bristle case. The female connection member 662 may be an opening defined by the lower surface of the tray 640 (as shown in fig. 25) or by the base member 642 (as shown in fig. 26), and may, for example, be a generally circular opening defining a second diameter dimension, wherein the second diameter dimension may be smaller than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member 660 may be pressed into the female connection member 662 in a tight, frictional engagement that prevents the bristle cartridge 626 from moving when used in the cleaning razor. The female connection member may have any cross-sectional shape as long as the minimum cross-sectional dimension is a dimension sufficient to achieve a press-fit between the male connection member and the female connection member. A circular cross-section may be effective. The second diametrical dimension may be sufficiently smaller than the first diametrical dimension such that the male connection member may be urged axially into alignment with the female connection member along axis a2 indicated by the dashed line in fig. 25 such that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the male connecting member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connecting member may be a component of a base or tray. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member may be such that the male connection member rests loosely in the female connection member by gravity.

In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 25 and 26, the male connecting member 660 may be a split member including two opposing legs 664 attached at their respective proximal ends to the bristle box 626 and extending outwardly in a cantilevered fashion pushing them inwardly into the gap 668 of the split member. The male coupling member 660 has a generally cylindrical shape with a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 660 may comprise a male protrusion having any overall cross-sectional shape, but a circular cross-section may be effective. The male connection member 660 may include a male protrusion having a tapered circular cross-section. The male connecting member 660 may be part of the bristle case 626, e.g., integral with or coupled to the bristle case. In an example, one or both legs 664 of the male connecting member 660 can include an outwardly extending tab 670 on or near a distal end thereof. The tab 670 may extend to a dimension across the distal end of the male connecting member 660 that is greater than the dimension of the female connecting member 662 with which it is engaged. Thus, the female connecting member 662 may be an opening defined by the lower surface of the tray 640 (as shown in fig. 25) or by the base member 642 (as shown in fig. 26), and may, for example, be a generally circular opening defining a second diametrical dimension, wherein the second diametrical dimension may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first diametrical dimension, such that the male connecting member 660 may be pressed into the female connecting member 662 and such that the tabs 670 may force the legs 664 toward each other until the male connecting member is fully inserted into the female connecting member 662, at which time the tab(s) may enter the corresponding tab receiving opening 672 (as shown in fig. 26), and the legs 664 may move back outwardly from the gaps 668, such as by a cantilever spring force, thus mechanically engaging the bristle cartridge 626 to the tray or base for cleaning the razor. The female coupling member may have any cross-sectional shape as long as the minimum cross-sectional dimension is a dimension sufficient to achieve a mechanical fit between the male coupling member stud and the female coupling member. A circular cross-section may be effective. The male connection member may be urged along an axis a2 indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 25 and 26 into axial alignment with the female connection member such that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixed, securely mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the male connecting member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connecting member may be a component of a base or tray. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member may be such that the male connection member rests loosely in the female connection member by gravity.

In general, as shown in the example apparatus 700 shown in fig. 27 and 28, a push-in connection system may include at least one male member of any shape or size that may be pushed into an aligned mating female member and secured in operable relation by, for example, a friction press-fit. As indicated, the push-in connection system may include at least one male connection member 760 having a convex polygonal or non-convex polygonal shape, such as the illustrated generally rectangular shape. The male connecting member 760 may be part of the bristle cartridge 726, e.g., integral with or coupled to the bristle cartridge. The female connection member 762 may be an opening defined by a lower surface of the tray 740 or base member 742, and may be, for example, a generally polygonal (e.g., rectangular) opening having at least one dimension that is less than a corresponding maximum dimension of the male connection member 760, such that the male connection member 760 may be pushed into the female connection member 762, for example, by pressing. The female coupling member may have any shape as long as at least one dimension is a dimension sufficient to cause a mating fit between the male coupling member and the female coupling member. The male connection member may be urged along an axis a3 indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 27 and 28 into axial alignment with the female connection member such that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixed, securely mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the male connecting member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connecting member may be a component of a base or tray. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member may be such that the male connection member rests loosely in the female connection member by gravity.

In the example apparatus 800 as shown in fig. 29 and 30, the connection system may be a threaded connection system that includes at least one threaded male member of any shape or size that can be rotated (e.g., screwed) into an aligned, mating threaded female member and secured in operable relation by, for example, a threaded fit. As indicated, the threaded connection system may include at least a threaded male connection member 860 having a generally cylindrical shape and at least one thread 866. Threads 866 may be internal threads or, as shown in fig. 29 and 30, external threads. The threaded male connection member 860 may be part of the bristle box 826, for example, integral therewith or coupled thereto. The threaded female connection member 862 may be an opening defined by a lower surface of the tray 840 or base member 842, and may be, for example, a generally cylindrical opening having at least one thread 864 corresponding to the thread 866 of the threaded male connection member 860, such that the thread 866 of the threaded male connection member 860 may be threaded onto the thread 864 of the threaded female connection member 862. The threaded female connection member may have any shape as long as at least one dimension is a dimension sufficient to facilitate a threaded fit between the male connection member and the female connection member. The threaded male connection member may be urged into axial alignment with the female connection member along axis a4 indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 29 and 30 such that the threaded male connection member may be screwed onto the threaded female connection member in a fixed, securely mating relationship in an axial motion about axis a 4. In an embodiment, the threads of the threaded male connection member and/or the threaded female connection member may allow for fixation by, for example, a partial turn of the threaded male connection member. In an embodiment, the threaded connection system may be a "quarter turn" threaded system in which a threaded male connection member may be threaded in a quarter turn axial movement about axis a4 to be threaded onto a threaded female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the threaded male connection member may be a component of a bristle box and the threaded female connection member may be a component of a base or tray.

In an example, as shown in fig. 31, device 900 may contain a connection system that includes a "push-and-turn" connection system. The push-turn connection system may include a male connection member 960 having a generally cylindrical shape with a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 960 member may have at least one prong extension 966 extending outwardly from an outer first cylindrical surface of the male connection member 960. The male connecting member 960 may be, for example, part of the bristle cartridge 926. The female connection member 962 may be an opening defined in the base (or base member, not shown) of the tray 940 as shown, and may have a generally cylindrical shape with a second cylindrical surface defining a second diametrical dimension, wherein the second diametrical dimension is greater than the first diametrical dimension. The female connection member 962 may have at least one curved slot 964 on the second cylindrical surface that opens to the interior surface of the tray 940. As shown in fig. 31, the at least one curved slot may have a substantially inverted "L" shape. The second diameter dimension may be sufficiently larger than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member 960 may be pushed along axis a5 indicated by the dashed line in fig. 31 into axial alignment with the female connection member such that the at least one forked extension 966 enters the at least one curved slot 964. The male connection member 960 may be rotated about axis a5 to move the forked extension 966 into the curved portion of the at least one curved slot 964, thereby securing the male connection member to the female connection member against movement relative to axis a 5. Further, the shape of the socket may include an offset socket distal end, which facilitates urging the forked extension into a locking relationship with respect to rotational movement about axis a 5. In embodiments, as described above, the male connecting member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connecting member may be a component of a base or tray.

In an example, as shown in fig. 32 and 33, device 1000 may contain a connection system that includes a "snap-in" connection system. In a snap-in connection system, in a manner similar to the embodiment described above with respect to fig. 25 and 26, the male member may be pushed into the aligned mating female member and secured in operable relation by, for example, a snap fit. The snap-in connection system may comprise at least one male connection member 1062 and a mating female connection member 1060. In an embodiment, the male connection member 1062 may be attached to the tray 1040 (fig. 32) or the base member 1042 (fig. 33) and may extend generally orthogonally away from a bottom surface of the tray 1040 or a top surface of the base member. In an embodiment, the male connection member 1062 may comprise a cantilevered member integral with or coupled to the tray 1040 (or base member) at a proximal end and extending distally in a first direction generally orthogonal to the base surface of the tray 1040 (or base member top surface) to a tab 1068 that may move under spring action as the cantilevered male connection member flexes when pushed in a second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction. The female connection member 1060 may have any sectional shape as long as the male connection member can enter the female connection member. As shown in fig. 32 and 33, the female connecting member may have a channel member that opens on a surface such as the bottom surface of the bristle box 1026. Located at the distal end of the channel of the female connecting member may be a tab receiving portion 1070 that may receive a tab 1068 of the male connecting member when the male connecting member is pushed along an axis a6 indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 32 and 33 into axial alignment with the female connecting member such that the male connecting member enters the female connecting member a distance such that the tab 1068 may be pushed in a direction corresponding to the second direction discussed above (e.g., generally parallel to the bottom surface of the tray 1040) until it reaches the tab receiving portion 1070, where it may be snapped into the tab receiving portion 1070 in a fixed, securely mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the female connection member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the male connection member may be a component of a base or tray.

In an example, as shown in fig. 34 and 35, the device 1100 may incorporate a connection system that includes a "snap-in" connection system, as opposed to the device described above with reference to fig. 32 and 33, but wherein the male members extend from the bristle box for mating relationship with the female members in the tray or base member. Thus, a snap-in connection system may comprise at least one male connection member 1162 and a mating female connection member 1160. In the illustrated embodiment, the male connecting member 1162 may be attached to the bristle cartridge 1126 and may extend generally orthogonally away from a bottom surface thereof. In an embodiment, the male connection member 1162 may comprise a cantilevered member integral with or coupled to the bristle cartridge at a proximal end and extending distally in a first direction generally orthogonal to the bristle cartridge to an outwardly extending tab 1168 that may move under spring action as the cantilevered male connection member flexes when pushed in a second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction. The female connection member 1160 may have any sectional shape as long as the male connection member can enter the female connection member. The female connection member may have a channel member that opens on a surface such as a surface of the tray 1140 (fig. 34) or the base member 1142 (fig. 35). Located at the distal end of the channel of the female connecting member may be a tab receiving portion 1170 that, when the male connecting member is pushed along axis a7 indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 34 and 35 into axial alignment with the female connecting member, can receive the tab 1168 of the male connecting member such that the male connecting member enters the female connecting member a distance such that the tab 1168 can be pushed in a direction corresponding to the second direction discussed above (e.g., generally parallel to the bottom surface of the tray 1140) until it reaches the tab receiving portion 1170, where it can be snapped into the tab receiving portion 1170 in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In embodiments, as described above, the female connection member may be a component of a bristle cartridge and the male connection member may be a component of a base or tray.

It will be appreciated that although the trays of the various embodiments described herein are shown as rectangular, the trays are not necessarily limited to rectangular shapes. In general, the trays of the various embodiments can be any shape desired, including any polygonal shape having three or more sides. The tray may be in the shape of a convex polygon, such as a pentagon, or a non-convex polygon, such as a star. The shape of the trays of the various embodiments may be n-sided, where "n" is any integer between 3 and 100. The shape of the tray of the various embodiments may be smooth, including, for example, circular, heart-shaped, animal-shaped, and the like. Likewise, the shape of the bristle housing and/or bristle box need not be limited to the illustrated rectangular shape, but can be any polygonal shape or desired smooth-sided shape.

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 should also be noted that the terms "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 present disclosure are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; 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 shown 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 servicing apparatus comprising:

a. a brush unit including a bristle housing and bristles attached in the bristle housing; and

b. a base connected to the bristle housing, the base including a suction cup.

2. The razor care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base is connected to the bristle housing by an extension.

3. The razor care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bristle housing is substantially rectangular.

4. The razor care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the distal ends of the bristles substantially define a plane.

5. A razor servicing apparatus comprising:

a. a bristle cartridge comprising a bristle housing and a plurality of bristles attached therein, the bristle cartridge further comprising a substantially linear platform coupled to the platform extension; and

b. a socket housing comprising a substantially elongated opening, a portion of the opening interrupted by a socket recess, the substantially elongated opening complementary to receive the substantially linear platform and the socket recess complementary to receive the platform extension; and

c. a base connected to the bristle cartridge, the base including a suction cup.

6. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base is connected to the bristle cartridge by an extension.

7. The razor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bristle cartridge is substantially rectangular.

8. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the substantially elongated opening and the socket recess define a substantially T-shaped opening.

9. The razor care apparatus of claim 5 wherein the bristle cartridge is received in the socket housing and releasably secured by a friction fit.

10. A razor servicing apparatus comprising:

b. a tray comprising a base and a sidewall, the base further comprising a slot, the slot comprising a substantially elongated opening, a portion of the opening interrupted by a slot recess, the substantially elongated opening complementary to receive the substantially linear platform, and the slot recess complementary to receive the platform extension.

11. The razor care apparatus of claim 10 wherein the bristle cartridge is substantially rectangular.

12. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the substantially elongated opening and the socket recess define a substantially T-shaped opening.

13. The razor care apparatus of claim 10 wherein the bristle cartridge is received in the socket and releasably secured by a friction fit.

14. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a wall mount member integral with the tray and substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base.

15. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a dividing baffle defining a first compartment and a second compartment.

16. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a divider defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment comprises the slot and the second compartment comprises the blade adjustment member.

17. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a divider defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment comprises the slot in which the bristle cartridge is received and the second compartment comprises a recess in which the blade adjustment member is disposed.

18. The razor care apparatus of claim 17 wherein the blade conditioning member is selected from the group consisting of soapstone and blade sharpening materials.

19. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a wall-mounted mounting member substantially orthogonal to a surface of the base.

20. The razor servicing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the wall mounted mounting member comprises a suction cup attached to the wall mounted mounting member.