GB2474481A

GB2474481A - Razor cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2474481A
Application number: GB0918059A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew David Gray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-15
Filing date: 2009-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Also published as: GB0918059D0

Abstract

clockwork powered razor cleaning device. Preferably the apparatus comprises a housing 24 for supporting the razor, a brush 50 for cleaning the razor and a clockwork mechanism 6 for moving the brush relative to the housing so as to clean the razor. Also described is driven apparatus for cleaning a razor including support means and actuation means preventing operation of the drive means when the razor is removed from the support means. Preferably the brush is driven in a reciprocating or linear movement via a Scotch Yoke or crank and slider mechanism.

Description

CLEANING APPARATUS

Background

This invention relates generally to a razor cleaning device and particularly, but not exclusively, to a novel device for holding and cleaning so-called wet razors, also known as safety razors, including both disposable and cartridge razors. Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, to a device and to a method.

Modern wet razors or safety razors having a plurality of blades are widely used by both men and women for shaving. These safety razors are difficult to clean. Such features as the close proximity of the blade edges and the associated housing cause a build up of debris reducing the effectiveness of the razor and its lifespan.

To clean modern safety razors, a user will typically hold the safety razor under a flow of water in an attempt to dislodge any debris from between any blades and the associated housing. Additionally, leaving a razor unconditioned and wet increases the likelihood of calcification and oxidation on the blades which further degrades the performance of the razor. With a greater number of blades incorporated into the head of the razor, the edges of such multiple blades are staggered and as such, dislodging any debris becomes considerably more difficult. Therefore, a user usually shakes the razor and/or uses more water in an attempt to dislodge the debris. These attempts at cleaning are usually ineffective, waste water and can lead to premature disposal of the razor.

Additionally, razors left exposed present a safety hazard.

Summary of the Invention

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Embodiments of the invention may provide a razor cleaning device which permits a user to clean a wet razor or safety razor quickly, effectively and in an energy-efficient manner. Other aims and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the

following description, claims and drawings.

Aspects of the invention therefore provide an apparatus, a device and a method as claimed in the appended claims.

According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a razor, comprising support means for supporting the razor, a brush for cleaning the razor and drive means for moving the brush relative to the support means so as to clean the razor, wherein the drive means comprises a clockwork mechanism.

In an embodiment, the brush is mounted for sliding or reciprocating movement relative to the support means.

The apparatus may comprise translation means for connecting the brush to a rotational part of the clockwork mechanism.

In an embodiment, the translation means comprises a mechanism for converting rotational movement of the rotational part of the clockwork mechanism into linear or reciprocating movement for driving the brush.

In an embodiment, the translation means comprises a Scotch Yoke device or a crank and slider mechanism.

The apparatus may comprise actuation means for selectively actuating and impeding the movement of the brush.

According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a razor, comprising support means for supporting the razor, a brush for cleaning the razor, drive means for moving the brush relative to the support means so as to clean the razor and actuation means for preventing operation of the drive means when the razor is removed from the support means.

In an embodiment, the actuation means comprises a lever, arm or the like which is moveable relative to the support means between a first position in which the drive means is prevented from rotating and a second position in which the drive means is permitted to rotate, thereby to operate the brush.

In an embodiment, the lever, arm or the like is arranged such that in the first position, a portion thereof contacts or engages with a rotational part of the drive means so as to prevent rotation thereof, and in the second position, the lever, arm or the like is spaced from the rotational part of the drive means so as to permit rotation thereof.

In an embodiment, the actuation means is arranged to move from the first position to the second position on insertion of the razor into the support means.

In an embodiment, the actuation means is arranged such that pressure applied thereto by the razor in the support means causes the actuation means to adopt the second position.

In other words, advantageously, insertion of the razor into the support means automatically triggers actuation of the brush means. This eliminates the need for the user to switch the device on and off manually.

In addition, the actuation means may be biased towards the first position such that removal of the razor from the support means, thereby removing the pressure on the actuation means, causes the actuation means to move from the second position to the first position.

The means for biasing may comprise a resilient member such as a spring. The actuation means may comprise an arm, a plate, a frame or platform, or any suitable component that is movable into contact or engagement with a rotational part of the clockwork mechanism.

In an embodiment, the actuation means is arranged to control the position of the razor such that, in the second position of the actuation means, the razor is positioned substantially optimally relative to the brush means.

The drive means may comprise a clockwork mechanism.

In an embodiment, the support means comprises a sleeve disposed on a base portion, the base portion housing the drive means and supporting the brush means.

In an embodiment, the support means comprises an upper housing member adapted to releasably cooperate with the base portion so as to at least partially enclose the sleeve, the brush means and the drive means.

In an embodiment, the upper housing member comprises an aperture or slot to permit insertion of the razor into the sleeve. In an embodiment, the upper housing member and the base portion together form a generally spherical housing having a flattened base. In an embodiment, the base portion comprises a recess in which is seated a re-charging key for a clockwork mechanism.

The apparatus may comprise means for collecting and draining from the apparatus liquid and/or debris removed from the razor.

According to a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a clockwork-powered razor cleaning device, According to a still further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a method of operating a razor cleaning apparatus or device, such as an apparatus or device as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising moving a brush means relative to the razor when the razor is in contact with the brush means and preventing movement of the brush means when the razor is not in contact with the brush means.

It will be seen that, in an embodiment of the invention, a device is provided which allows a user to insert a safety razor through an aperture which guides the head of the safety razor to an activation platform. An increase in downward pressure applied to the razor by the user activates a reciprocating brush powered by a clockwork mechanism, The activation platform guides the razor head into contact with the brush's bristles effecting cleaning. Release of downward pressure on the razor by the user deactivates the clockwork mechanism. With the razor left in such position, safe storage is effected.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination.

Introduction to the Drawincis

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying one form of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view of a clockwork mechanism for powering the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates a translation mechanism for the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the upper housing member removed; Figure 7 is a perspective view of actuation means for use with the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the upper housing member removed, showing the actuation means in the first, off position; Figure 9 is a side view of part of Figure 6 showing the actuation means in the first, off position; Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing the actuation means in a second, on position; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the upper housing member removed showing the actuation means in the first, off position; Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing the actuation means in the second, on position; and Figure 13 is a cross section through the apparatus of Figure 1 with the upper housing member removed.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Referring firstly to Figure 1, a razor cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in perspective view generally at 100. The apparatus comprises an upper housing member 2 or shell and a base portion 3 which together define a generally spherical housing of the apparatus. The upper housing member 2 includes a generally rectangular aperture 1 for receiving the head, and a portion of the handle, of a razor (not shown).

The base portion has a flattened base surface, as best shown in Figure 2, to ensure stability of the apparatus when placed on a counter, worktop, etc. The base surface has a circular recess in which is seated a winding key 4 for a clockwork mechanism described below. The rim of the circular recess is trimmed with an 0-ring 5 of a suitably soft and/or resilient material such as rubber, which protects the surface on which the apparatus is placed, as well as preventing slippage of the apparatus during use.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the upper housing member 2 removed. Drive means, in the form of a clockwork mechanism, is contained within the base portion 3. The clockwork mechanism, best seen in Figure 4, is conventioná in form comprising a spiral spring 6 (although other forms of spring may be used) and a speed-multiplying gear train comprising a plurality of meshed gears each rotating on a respective shaft upstanding from the base portion. More specifically, an outer ring gear 7, attached to the spiral spring 6 for rotation therewith, is in driving engagement with a main gear 8 via at least one intermediate gear of the gear train.

A wheel 9, forming the rotational part of a Scotch Yoke mechanism, is fixedly mounted to the shaft of the main gear 8 for rotation therewith. It is to be noted that the wheel 9 may be fixed to any of the gears in the clockwork mechanism, depending on the desired torque and/or rotational speed desired. The shaft of the main gear passes through a bracket or platform 15 on which the Scotch Yoke mechanism is supported and which is spaced from the base surface of the base portion 3 by a plurality of column supports 16.

The wheel 9, which is arranged to rotate with the main gear 8, includes an upstanding pin 10 that slidably engages in a slot provided in a yoke part 11 of the Scotch Yoke mechanism.

The yoke part 11 also comprises a bar 12 extending substantially at right angles to the slot and which is seated within a set of guide rails 13 fixed to the platform 15. The Scotch Yoke mechanism is arranged to translate the rotary motion of the wheel 9, driven by the clockwork mechanism, into reciprocating movement of the bar 12 within the rails 13 in a manner which will be entirely familiar to those skilled in the art.

As best shown in Figure 3, the bar 12 carries a pair of upstanding spigots 14, the purpose of which is described below. As also shown in Figure 3, the shaft of one of the gears 17 extends upwardly through an aperture in the platform 15 and carries at its end a stopper 19 which rotates with the gear 17. In the illustrated embodiment the gear 17 is positioned at or close to the end of the gear train and therefore transmits a relatively low amount of torque.

On the other hand, the wheel 9 is connected to the main gear 8 where the level of torque is much greater.

The spiral spring 6 is connected through the base surface of the base portion 3 to the winding key 4.

As shown in Figure 6, the clockwork and Scotch Yoke mechanisms are enclosed within the base portion 3 by means of a partition plate 20 connected to the upper part of the support columns 16. A slot 22 formed in partition plate 20 permits the pair of spigots 14 to extend above the partition plate 20 and to slide relative thereto.

Support means, in the form of an upstanding sleeve 24 having a generally rectangular cross section, is mounted to the upper surface of the partition plate 20 and is adapted to receive the head, and part of the handle, of a wet razor such as a disposable razor or safety razor (not shown). The sleeve 24 is positioned on the partition plate such that the spigots 14 extend into the volume defined by the sleeve A brush 50 (Figure 13) is mounted to the spigots 14 for movement therewith. It will therefore be appreciated that reciprocal movement of the spigots 14 caused by operation of the clockwork mechanism via the Scotch Yoke mechanism causes the brush 50 to move reciprocally across the width of the sleeve 24 in a direction shown by arrow A. Actuation means, in the form of a lever or frame member 30, is provided within the sleeve 24. As best shown in Figure 7, the frame member 30 comprises upper and lower, generally U-shaped frame portions 32, 34, each having a pair of parallel side arms 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b, and a cross member 32c, 34c. The side arms 32a, 32b of the upper frame portion 32 are connected to the side arms 34a, 34b of the lower frame portion 34 via Z-shaped spring portions 36, 38.

The Z-shaped spring portion 36 is connected to the side arm 34a at or adjacent its free end, and to the side arm 32a at a point close to the junction between the side arm 32a and the cross member 32c via an outwardly directed connecting portion 32d. Likewise, The Z-shaped spring portion 38 is connected to the side arm 34b at or adjacent its free end, and to the side arm 32b at a point close to the junction between the side arm 32b and the cross member 32c via an outwardly directed connecting portion 32e.

The length of the lower cross member 34c is greater than that of the upper cross member 32c such that the overall width of thelower frame 34 member is greater than that of the upper frame member 32. Thus, as best shown in Figures 6 and 7, the upper frame member 32 is contained generally within the sleeve 24 and extends around the inside of the side and front walls thereof. On the other hand, the lower frame member 34, being of greater overall width, is located generally outside the sleeve 24 and extends around the outside of the side and front walls thereof. The connecting portions 32d, 32e extend through the side walls of the sleeve 24 via respective slots 40 (Figures 9 and 10).

The "free" ends of the side arms 32a, 32b are hinged to a rear face 25 of the sleeve via live hinges 32e, 32f. On the other hand, the lower frame portion 34 is seated on the partition plate 20. Advantageously, the frame member 30 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 24 and then folded upwardly about the live hinges 32e, 32f until the upper frame portion 32 is nested inside the sleeve, at which position the lower frame portion 34 is located outside the sleeve 24 and the connecting portions extend through the slots 40. The sleeve 24 and frame member 30 in this folded configuration may then be located on, and secured to, the partition plate 20.

Figures 8, 9 and 11 illustrate the frame member 30 in a first, rest position. In this position, the cross member 34c contacts the stopper 19 fixed to the upper end of the shaft on which the gear 17 rotates, preventing rotation of the gear 17 and hence rotation of the clockwork mechanism. This, in turn, prevents the reciprocal movement of the brush 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 19 is generally cuboidal in form in order to increase the surface contact area between the shaft and the cross member 34c. However, because the gear 17 is positioned at or close to the end of the gear train, the torque applied to it is relatively low. Thus, even a relatively light contact between the cross member 34c and the stopper is sufficient to prevent rotation of the clockwork mechanism and stop the movement of the brush 50. Thus, the stopper need not be cuboidal in shape and, indeed, may be eliminated altogether provided that sufficient contact can be achieved with the cross member 34c in order to stop rotation of the shaft.

On insertion of a razor into the sleeve 24, the upper frame portion 32 of the frame member is pressed downwardly by the downward movement of the razor head, rotating about the live hinges 32f, 32g. As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the downward movement of the upper frame portion 32 causes compression and substantially elastic deformation of the Z-shaped spring portions 36, 38 which, in turn, causes the lower frame portion 34 to be drawn rearwardly such that the cross member 34c is moved away from the stopper 19.

In this second, release position, contact between the cross member 34c and the stopper 19 is broken such that the shaft and gear 17 are released, thereby actuating operation of the clockwork mechanism and permitting the brush to reciprocate within the sleeve 24 as described above.

When the razor is withdrawn from the sleeve 24, the downward pressure on the upper frame portion 32 is released and the resilience of the Z-shaped spring portions 36, 38 causes them to return to their original shape such that the frame member 30 returns to the first, rest position. The upper frame portion 32 is thus rotated upwardly about the live hinges 32f, 32g and the lower frame portion 34 is pushed forwardly, into contact with the stopper 19. Contact between the cross member 34c of the lower frame portion 34 and the stopper 19 prevents rotation of the stopper, thereby preventing rotation of the clockwork mechanism and operation of the brush.

Biasing means (not shown) may be provided to bias the frame member 30 towards the first position. In one embodiment, compression springs are fitted between the cross member 34c and the front wall of the sleeve 24 to push the cross member 34c into contact with the stopper 19. In another embodiment, spring steel leaves are provided between the side arms 34a, 34b and the respective diagonals of the Z-shaped spring portions 36, 38 to assist the return of the spring portions 36, 38 to their original shape.

As shown in Figure 13, the bristles of the brush 50 are angled such that when the safety razor is depressed they are aligned with the blade angle and as such can be worked between the blades when a plurality of blades are incorporated into a single razor head. A basin 52 is incorporated within the mounting plate so that any debris can be collected to allow for easy cleaning of the apparatus. Debris collecting in the basin is then removed through waste tubing 54 and out through the base of the apparatus.

The above description is intended to be by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, the actuation means need not take the form described above, and any arrangement in which insertion of the razor into the support means actuates operation of the brush movement and/or withdrawal of the razor from the support means stops operation may be employed. For example, it is envisaged that a flap may be formed in the front wall of the sleeve 24 such that insertion of the razor into the sleeve causes the wall to hinge outwardly into direct or indirect contact with the stopper 19, thereby inhibiting operation of the clockwork mechanism.

Although a clockwork mechanism is described as one advantageous form of drive means for the device, other forms of the invention may utilise any suitable drive mechanism, such as a small electric motor or manually-powered mechanism.

The present invention provides a novel and inventive apparatus or device for cleaning disposable, safety or cartridge razors effectively, safely and in an energy-efficient manner.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for cleaning a razor, comprising: support means for supporting the razor; brush means for cleaning the razor; and drive means for moving the brush means relative to the support means so as to clean the razor; wherein the drive means comprises a clockwork mechanism.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brush means is mounted for sliding or reciprocating movement relative to the support means.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim I or claim 2, comprising connecting means for connecting the brush means to a rotational part of the clockwork mechanism.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting means comprises a mechanism for converting rotational movement of the rotational part of the clockwork mechanism into linear or reciprocating movement for driving the brush means.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the connecting means comprises a Scotch Yoke device or a crank and slider mechanism.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim 3, comprising actuation means for selectively actuating and impeding movement of the brush means.
7. An apparatus for cleaning a razor, comprising: support means for supporting the razor; brush means for cleaning the razor; drive means for moving the brush means relative to the support means so as to clean the razor; and actuation means for preventing operation of the drive means when the razor is removed from the support means.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the actuation means comprises a lever, arm or the like which is moveable relative to the support means between a first position in which the drive means is prevented from rotating and a second position in which the drive means is permitted to rotate, thereby to operate the brush means.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lever, arm or the like is arranged such that in the first position, a portion thereof contacts or engages with a rotational part of the drive means so as to prevent rotation thereof, and in the second position, the lever, arm or the like is spaced from the rotational part of the drive means so as to permit rotation thereof.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, comprising biasing means for biasing the actuation means into the first position.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the biasing means comprises a resilient member such as a spring.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the actuation means is arranged to move from the first position to the second position on insertion of the razor into the support means.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the actuation means is arranged such that pressure applied thereto by the razor in the support means causes the actuation means to adopt the second position.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the actuation means is arranged to control the position of the razor such that, in the second position of the actuation means, the razor is positioned substantially optimally relative to the brush means.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises a sleeve disposed on a base portion, the base portion housing the drive means and supporting the brush means.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the support means comprises an upper housing member adapted to releasably cooperate with the base portion so as to at least partially enclose the sleeve, the brush means and the drive means.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the upper housing member comprises an aperture or slot to permit insertion of the razor into the sleeve.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the upper housing member and the base portion together form a generally spherical housing having a flattened base.
19. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the base portion comprises a recess in which is seated a re-charging key for a clockwork mechanism.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising means for collecting and draining from the apparatus liquid and/or debris removed from the razor.
21. A clockwork-powered razor cleaning device.
22. A method of operating a razor cleaning apparatus or device, such as an apparatus or device as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising: moving a brush means relative to the razor when the razor is in contact with the brush means; and preventing movement of the brush means when the razor is not in contact with the brush means.
23. An apparatus or device constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.