GB2434982A

GB2434982A - Grooming item storage pack operable between a compacted condition and an expanded condition wherein it may be stood upon a flat surface.

Info

Publication number: GB2434982A
Application number: GB0602575A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Richmond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-09
Filing date: 2006-02-09
Publication date: 2007-08-15
Also published as: GB0602575D0

Abstract

A grooming system comprises a storage pack 10 having a first panel portion 100, to which a grooming item may be secured, and a second panel portion 200, the storage pack being operable between a compacted condition and an expanded condition wherein the first and second panels are disposed such that the storage pack may be stood upon a flat surface. The panel portions may be connected by a hinge 50. The grooming item may be a razor 300 or a toothbrush. A mirror 550 may be disposed on at least one of the panel portions. The storage pack may further comprise a storage compartment such as an aerosol can, pump action device, tube or sachet for a supply of preparation.

Description

I

GROOMING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to grooming systems. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to razor blade shaving systems and dental hygiene systems.

It is known to provide a grooming system such as a shaving system comprising a razor handle and a set of disposable razor blades suitable for attachment to the handle. The handle and blades are supplied in a single pack, the items being releasably attached to the pack.

The problem exists that a user of a razor typically uses a number of separate items when shaving. In the case of disposable razor blade systems these items may include a razor handle, a removable blade cartridge, a shaving preparation such as a cream or foam, and a mirror. It is common for a user to find that certain required items are missing when attempting to shave. For example, a may forget to bring their shaving foam or cream with them when they travel.

FR 2591139 (LIPPIS) discloses a razor connected to the body of a blade-holding handle.

The handle is hollow, and able to accommodate a can of shaving cream, US 4753006 . 20 (HOWE) also discloses a disposable razor, the razor including a handle having a * * * compartment for containing a limited amount of shaving cream/gel. These articles have SI..

the disadvantage that the handle is required to be made more bulky than a conventional razor handle. It is also made heavier due to the presence of the cream/gel and its associated container.

Certain razor devices dispense shaving cream from the razor handle through a nozzle : and directly onto the blade of a razor. Some of these devices are difficult to clean due to restricted access to the nozzle. Consequently there is a risk that a user of the razor may develop health problems such as infections.

In addition to shaving systems, it is known to provide a toothbrushing pack containing a toothbrush and a serving of toothpaste, for example a small tube of toothpaste. Such packs are frequently supplied to travellers, for example aboard aircraft, or in hotels.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a grooming system, the grooming system comprising: a storage pack, the storage pack comprising a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the first panel portion comprising securing means for securing at least one grooming item thereto, wherein the system is operable between an expanded condition and a compacted condition, wherein in said expanded condition the first and second panels are mutually disposed such that the storage pack may be stood upright on a flat surface.

Preferably the first and second panels are hingedly connected to each other.

Preferably the pack further comprises at least one integral storage compartment.

Preferably, the at least one integral storage compartment is adapted to store at least one grooming device component.

Alternatively or in addition, the at least one integral storage compartment may be adapted to store a quantity of a preparation.

Preferably the pack comprises first and second integral storage compartments.

: *** 20 Preferably the first storage compartment is adapted to store a quantity of a preparation. *.S. *S..

By preparation is meant a shaving cream, shaving gel, shaving lotion, perfume, an *.: astringent, toothpaste, mouthwash or any other suitable preparation.

This feature has the advantage that preparations stored in the storage compartment may be conveniently kept together with the grooming device. Thus the risk of losing or forgetting to pack such preparations is substantially reduced.

Preferably the system further comprises means for dispensing said preparation.

This feature has the advantage that a user may conveniently dispense said preparation from said compartment.

Preferably the second storage compartment is adapted to store at least one grooming device component.

This feature has the advantage that replacement razor blades may be conveniently kept together with the razor. Thus the risk of losing or forgetting to pack replacement razor blades is substantially reduced.

The first storage compartment may be comprised in the first panel. Alternatively, the first storage compartment may be comprised in the second panel.

The second storage compartment may be comprised in the first panel. Alternatively the second storage compartment may be comprised in the second panel.

Any suitable combination of possible locations of the first and second storage compartments may be used.

Preferably the system is further provided with at least one integral mirror. This has the advantage that a user does not need to carry a separate mirror for shaving purposes.

Thus the risk of losing or forgetting to pack a mirror is substantially reduced. This feature is particularly useful in circumstances where a mirror may not be readily available, for example when camping.

: * 20 The mirror may be a flat mirror. Alternatively the mirror may be one selected from *S..

amongst a concave mirror and a convex mirror.

Convex and concave mirrors have the advantage that a mirror of relatively large surface area may be formed in a given area of a panel compared with a planar mirror.

L:. The mirror may be provided in a number of convenient locations. Preferably, with the system in an expanded condition, the at least one integral mirror is Comprised in an outer face of said first panel.

Alternatively or in addition, with the system in an expanded condition said at least one mirror may be Comprised in an outer face of said second panel.

The mirror may be formed in a portion of a panel.

Alternatively the mirror may be formed over a whole face of a panel.

Preferably, in the compacted condition, the second compartment is in a substantially closed condition.

This feature has the advantage that the risk that residue present in the second compartment leaks from the second compartment is reduced. Soiling of articles in proximity to the grooming system may be caused if leakage occurs. Residue may be present following dispensing of a serving of preparation, for example.

Preferably, in the compacted condition, the first compartment is in a substantially closed condition.

This feature has the advantage that the risk that residue present in the first compartment leaks from the second compartment is reduced. Soiling of articles in proximity to the shaving system may be caused if leakage occurs.

The dispensing means may comprise a can such as an aerosol can or a pump action can. The can may be reusable. Alternatively or in addition the dispensing means may comprise a replaceable tube, sachets, or any other suitable dispensing means.

: ** 20 It should be noted that the present shaving system may be easily adapted to alternative *** * *** applications such as a dental hygiene system. For example, a toothbrush could be substituted for the razor, and dental preparations such as toothpaste provided in one or more storage compartments. Such a system has the advantage that a toothbrush and toothpaste may be kept together thereby avoiding inadvertent separation of the articles.

Similarly a mirror may be provided, to enhance a user's toothbrushing experience and L: * the efficacy of the brushing process.

S * S

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference shall now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of the invention with the shaving system in an expanded configuration; FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of a second panel according to the first embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of a second panel according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 is a schematic illustration of a second panel according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5 is a schematic illustration of a shaving system according to the third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 6 is a side elevation of a shaving system according to the first embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 7 is a side elevation of a shaving system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a shaving system 10 comprises first and second panels 100, 200 hingedly connected by a hinge 50. The first and second panels 100, may be folded with respect to each other about hinge 50 between a compacted : ** 20 condition and an expanded condition (Figure 1, Figure 6). In the compacted condition, fl*.

panels 100, 200 lie substantially parallel to and in juxtaposition with one another, with ends 105, 205 of the panels 100, 200 in close proximity. In the expanded condition, ends 105, 205 are rotationally displaced with respect to each other about hinge 50. In this expanded condition the shaving system may be conveniently positioned in an upright condition on a surface, the system standing upon ends 105, 205. * S * S * I.. *

A razor 300 is provided, the razor 300 comprising a razor handle 310 and a razor blade head 320. In the first embodiment of the invention the blade head 320 is removably attachable to the handle 310. In alternative embodiments the blade head 320 may be permanently fixed to or be integral with the razor handle 310. The razor 300 is releasably connectable to the first panel 100 by means of a snap-fit connector 110. The razor 300 may therefore be conveniently stored when not in use. In alternative embodiments of the invention any suitable releasable connection may be used in place of or in addition to snap-fit connector 110.

The second panel 200 comprises two storage compartments 220, 240 (Figure 2). A first storage compartment 220 comprises two subcompartments 225 arranged laterally across the panel 200, each sub-compartment 225 being adapted to removably receive a single blade cartridge. Thus, spare blade cartridges may be stored in the first storage compartment 220. In alternative embodiments of the invention any suitable number of sub-compartments 225 may be provided.

The second storage compartment 240 comprises two sub-compartments 245 arranged longitudinally along the panel 200, the sub-compartments 245 being adapted to store a quantity of a preparation such as a shaving foam, a shaving cream, a perfume, an astringent or any other suitable preparation. In the first embodiment of the invention the preparation is provided in the form of a sachet that fits within a sub-compartment 245.

Nozzles 250 are provided in a base portion 205 of the second panel 200. An end of a nozzle 250 on an inner side of a compartment 245 is adapted for connection to a sachet or other container, such that a preparation may be dispensed from a sachet or other container through a nozzle 250, eg by squeezing a sachet.

A removable cover plate 241 is provided to prevent accidental dispensing of a preparation, and to allow replacement of the preparations. In alternative embodiments * 20 of the invention the preparation is sealed within the compartment 240 by the cover plate I... . . . . 241. In still further embodiments of the invention no cover plate 241 is provided, so as to * facilitate ready access to the preparation. S. S * S S

* Access to compartment 240 may be provided from an inner side 242 of the second panel 200. Thus, in embodiments where a cover plate 241 is not provided, when the *: * shaving system is in the compacted condition the contents of the second compartment 240 may not be disturbed from an outer side of the shaving system. Residue left over from the dispensing of preparation may thereby be prevented from contaminating articles with which the shaving system may be stored, for example in a suitcase of a person travelling. In embodiments where a cover plate 241 is provided, this arrangement reduces the risk of inadvertent detachment of the cover plate when the shaving system is in the compacted condition.

A mirror 550 is provided on a front face 102 of first panel 100. Whilst the mirror 550 according to the first embodiment is rectangular in shape, in alternative embodiments any suitably shaped mirror may be provided.

The second panel 200 attaches to the first panel 100 by a snap-fit hinge connection 55.

Since the second panel is detachable, a variety of different first and second panels 100, may be interconnected.

In a second embodiment of the invention, nozzles 250 (Figure 3) are not provided since sub-compartments 245 are adapted to store quantities of preparation in self-contained units, such as aerosol cans 260, each unit having its own dispensing means. In figure 3, sub-compartments 245 are shown containing aerosol cans 260 suitable for dispensing shaving foam.

In a third embodiment of the invention, sub-compartments 445 of second compartment 440 are provided (Figure 4). The sub-compartments are disposed to lie along the full length of the second panel 400. According to this embodiment, a first compartment 420 is comprised in a first panel 500 (Figure 5).

A mirror 550 is also provided on a front face 510 of first panel 500.

A fourth embodiment of the invention (Figure 7) is similar to the third embodiment in the * *. 20 arrangement of the first and second integral compartments 220, 240. In a compacted condition the second panel 700 overlies a front face 605 of first panel 600. The second panel 700 is foldable to form an A' frame such that the structure may stand in a self-supported manner on a surface.

Some embodiments of the invention comprise a toothbrush instead of a razor; some embodiments further comprise one or more compartments storing replaceable * toothbrush heads instead of a razor blade. Further embodiments comprise a system having both a toothbrush and a razor.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. * * * I I * * -I

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Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A grooming system, the grooming system comprising: a storage

pack, the storage pack comprising a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the first panel portion comprising securing means for securing at least one grooming item thereto, wherein the system is operable between an expanded condition and a compacted condition, wherein in said expanded condition the first and second panels are mutually disposed such that the storage pack may be stood upright on a flat surface.

2. The system of claim I wherein the first and second panels are hingedly connected to each other.

3. The shaving system of claim I or claim 2 wherein the pack further comprises at least one integral storage compartment.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the at least one integral storage compartment is adapted to store at least one grooming device component.

* , 20 5. The system of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the at least one integral storage compartment is adapted to store a quantity of a preparation. *1*

6. The shaving system of claim 3 wherein the pack comprises first and second storage S e* compartments.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the first storage compartment is adapted to store a quantity of a preparation.

8. The system of claim 5 or claim 7 wherein the system further comprises means for dispensing said preparation.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the dispensing means is at least one selected from amongst an aerosol can, a pump action device, a tube, a sachet, or any other suitable means.

10. The system of any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the second storage compartment is adapted to store at least one grooming device component.

11. The system of any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the first storage compartment is comprised in the first panel.

12. The system of any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the first storage compartment is comprised in the second panel.

13. The system of any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the second storage compartment is comprised in the first panel.

14. The system of any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the second storage compartment is comprised in the second panel.

15. The system of any one of claims I to 14 wherein the system is further provided with at least one integral mirror.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein with the system in an expanded condition said at least one integral mirror is comprised in an outer face of said first panel.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein with the system in an expanded condition said at least one mirror is comprised in an outer face of said second panel. * ** * .

ISIS

18. The system of claim 15 wherein said first and second panels are provided with an *SSS integral mirror. ** * * Is * SI

19. The system of any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the at least one mirror is formed : substantially over a whole face of a panel.

*.. 30 20. The system of any one of claims Ito 19 wherein in said compacted condition, the second compartment is in a substantially closed condition.

21. The system of any one of claims I to 20 wherein in said compacted condition, the first compartment is in a substantially closed condition.

22. The system of any one of claims I to 21 wherein the grooming device is a razor.

23. The system of claim 22 depending on claim 4 or claim 10 wherein the grooming device component is a razor blade.

24. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the grooming device is a toothbrush.

25. The system of claim 24 depending on claim 4 wherein the grooming device component is a disposable brush head for the toothbrush.

26. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * ** * S * *5** **5* * S 1*55 S. S * S * S. * S .. S

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