GB2576698A

GB2576698A - A shaving applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2576698A
Application number: GB1812801.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gwilt Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-04
Filing date: 2018-08-04
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-04
Also published as: GB2576698B; GB201812801D0

Abstract

A shaving device 99 which comprises a reservoir 12 or fluid container in the handle 2, 4 of the shaver 99 or razor, in which a control mechanism such as a push button actuator 7 or mechanism pressurises fluid within the reservoir 12 so that it passes along a fluidic pathway 3 in the handle 2 to proximate the blade 16 of the displaceable cartridge 11 to enable shaving aid such as gel, foam or fluid to coat the shaving blades at the head of the shaver thus enabling the user to shave with a fluid on the blades without needing to apply fluid in a separate process. The container may comprise housing 27 with a slot 28 for activation of a squeeze mechanism driven by the lower handle 22, wherein a cam 29 pushes a container 30 against the shaver’s head 1 via a valve 20.

Description

A DEVICE FOR SHAVING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for shaving, in particular a device for wet shaving; more particularly but not exclusively a device for moisturising bristles and skin and cutting bristles, contemporaneously.

Background

Increasing sophistication in many fields of modern life is a given.

However shaving hair on the face or elsewhere has been largely the same for millennia, as shaving fluid has been identified from the pre-Christian era.

The use of fluid helps blades travel smoother across skin as well as softening hairs. However use of fluid leads to a larger quantity of necessary apparatus when shaving, and can be undesirable for some users.

Prior Art

WO 201 566 390 (BRIDGES et al) discloses a razor for dispensing a fluid during shaving. The razor includes a handle, a razor cartridge, and a fluid dispensing member joined to the cartridge. The handle includes a cavity for housing a fluid and a manually-actuated pump to displace the fluid from the cavity through a connector port flowpath to an opening at the proximal end of the handle. The razor cartridge includes a cartridge connecting structure attached to the housing and an aperture that extends from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing. The fluid dispensing member is disposed in the cartridge connecting structure and includes a converging flowpath that is in fluid communication with the connector port flowpath and the aperture in the housing. (From US9216514 B2)

EP 2 277 672 (BRESSLER et al) discloses a shaving apparatus including: - a reservoir for storing a shaving aid material, - a razor cartridge having at least one razor blade, and - a valve) selectively actuable by movement of the razor cartridge between a first position and a second position, characterized in that - in the first position the valve permits passage of shaving aid material from the reservoir, and in the second position the valve substantially prevents passage of shaving aid material from the reservoir, and - wherein the valve including a resiliently collapsible conduit and a gate, wherein the gate is normally biased against the conduit in a first position to prevent the flow of the shaving aid material from the reservoir, and is selectively movable to a second position wherein the flow of shaving aid material from the reservoir through the conduit is permitted.

EP 505 630 (DRAHUS) discloses a disposable safety razor system having a shaving head, a control head assembly and a pressurized foam canister, the foam canister having an elongated shape with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the canister having a tapered neck and a shoulder for mounting the control head assembly in operative position about the neck and shoulder, the proximal end of the canister further having a dispensing nozzle for reciprocation into the canister at predetermined times to dispense the contents of the canister; the control head assembly comprising a tubular outer sleeve having a lower end mounted upon the head and shoulder of the proximal end of the canister, and further having an upper end mounting the shaving head, the control head assembly further having a first aperture at the proximal end and a second aperture located in the sidewall of said assembly, activating means reciprocately positioned within the control head assembly, a portion of said activating means projecting through the aperture in the proximal end of the control head assembly, the activating means having one end of a dispensing tube mounted in juxtaposition with the dispensing nozzle of the canister, the other end of the tube terminating adjacent the control head assembly sidewall aperture whereby when the activating means is moved against the dispensing nozzle an amount of foam is dispensed through the tube and out of the control head assembly sidewall aperture, locking means positioned in the control head assembly sidewall aperture to selectively prevent movement of said activating means.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for shaving, comprising: a blade head with one or more blades; a handle comprising a reservoir for shaving fluid; a fluidic pathway from the reservoir to proximate the blade head; and a control mechanism for expelling fluid from the reservoir through the fluidic pathway.

In some embodiments the blade head comprises a separate, discrete part. The part may be displaceable and/or may comprise a known razor blade head, compatible with other manufacturers. For example the blade head may comprise an attachment means to the handle, which attachment means may comprise a standard or known attachment means allowing replacement of heads.

Some embodiments may be disposable or single-use.

The device may have a pivot or articulated attachment means between the handle and blade head such that the blade head is enabled to articulate on or around an axis defined through the handle.

Other embodiments may comprise replaceable or refillable reservoirs, such that a user is enabled to add fluid to the reservoir or repurchase new reservoirs which may comprise displaceable parts or containers, in this way the user may be enabled to purchase a new container as and when required to continue using the device for a greater length of time.

In some embodiments the reservoir or container is pressurised. In this way the fluid may advantageously be enabled to exit the reservoir through a simple release means. For example the mechanism for release of the fluid may comprise a button or other mechanism to break a seal, and/or displace the container or a valve so as to allow exit of fluid under pressure through an opening.

For example in some embodiments the pressure of the blades against the skin may cause the container to displace and the container to release through the fluidic pathway.

In other embodiments the reservoir may comprise a pumping mechanism, such that the user may pump before or during use of the reservoir to release a quantity of fluid as required. The pumping mechanism may be a simple slider arranged to push the fluid along the reservoir under urging. The pumping mechanism may be facilitated by a bipartite or multipartite handle, wherein the handle may be squeezed to cause release from the reservoir.

The opening may be located below the razor head, such that the fluidic pathway exits or the reservoir releases below the razors in use, so that advantageously the fluid is placed in use below blades such that bristles are pre-moistened when shaving downwards. Other embodiments may have the opening into the blade head such that blades are pre-moistened when shaving. Other embodiments may have the opening located at the handle’s end, for example such that during movement of the blade head fluid is released to different positions or areas of the blades.

The fluidic pathway may be comprised by the exit from the container, wherein the handle is arranged to hold the container in a fixed position such that there is no separate opening or discrete pathway, and less chance of clogging.

The fluidic pathway may be internal the attachment mechanism or handle, and may in some embodiments be displaceable or detachable to allow cleaning. The fluidic pathway may comprise a flexible tube or similar capable of deformation to aid in cleaning.

The container may in use comprise a part of the handle, for example wherein the handle comprises a dock for the container adjacent the blade head, and the container is substantially or wholly rigid.

The container may be held in place using a tolerance, interference or friction fit, or a spring or clip means, allowing easy reversal for removal.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

All figures shown show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the underside of the embodiment shown in

Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the underside of the embodiment shown in

Figure 4, with a part of the handle removed;

Figures 8 show sectional views of the embodiment shown in Figure 4;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9;

and

Figure 11 shows a third isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference generally to the figures there are shown embodiments of the device comprising a device for shaving, comprising: a blade head 1 with multiple blades; a handle 2 comprising a reservoir for shaving fluid in a displaceable container

The container is a displaceable, replaceable substantially rigid cartridge of pressurised fluid.

The embodiment thereby comprises a shave foam or cream cartridge container inserted into the handle, that is button-activated by the user to dispense foam at the bottom of the razor; and features the following parts:

Catch mechanism

Shave cream cartridge

Injection moulded handle casing

Shaving cream pathway

Shaving cream output opening

Replaceable razor head

Razor plastic cover

Runner slot for catch mechanism

Plastic operational button with textured grip

The embodiment is 135mm in length and comprises a handle with a non-deformable covering of low cost ribbing in a manufacture mould to provide a comfortable grip.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the embodiment comprises a bipartite handle 21,22 and an articulated attachment means 23 between the head 1 and handle 2.

The lower part 22 of the handle is arranged to displace on a pivot proximate the head 1, whereby the user pulls the distal end of a lower handle part upwards towards the handle upper part so as to displace the internal cartridge container 30 of fluid.

In this way when the user is shaving, they simply squeeze the handle parts together to dispense the shaving cream to the razor head.

The embodiment features a shave foam or cream cartridge container 30 inside the handle which bump fits in place with a bung 26. The lower handle part pivots open to allow removal of the container.

12,30,36; a fluidic pathway 3,25,3 from the reservoir to proximate the blade head; and a control mechanism for expelling fluid from the reservoir through the fluidic pathway.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 there is provided an embodiment of the device comprising an elongated open tray handle 4 formed in a single thermoplastics mould.

The open face of the handle is the underside in use, shown in Figure 2, and is where the container 12 is fitted into the handle 4.

The head 1 comprises a razor blade cartridge 11 with plural blades 16 and a displaceable lid 10, wherein the cartridge 11 is displaceable and replaceable using a simple resiliently deformable plastic clip and rail means 9. The cartridge is attached to the handle at an fixed attachment means 8 made of a sufficiently flexible weight of plastic to allow flexure between the handle and head give a comfortable shave.

This allows a cost-effective option, injection-moulded and priced similar to disposable razors and super store own-brand products.

A slider catch 15 held in place by a spring 14 is included at the distal end of the open face of the handle from the head, wherein the container is pushed up against the fluidic pathway 3 by the catch 15, which pathway is a fixed passage through the proximal end of the handle to horizontally spaced openings 13 located in use along the bottom edge of the razor head, below the cartridge 11.

A slot 5 in the side of the handle allows a user access to a tab 6 to slide the slider and release the container when used.

An actuation button 7 on the handle top is arranged to slide axially along the handle and push the fluidic pathway down onto a valve on the container, so as to release the fluid from the container 12 along the fluidic pathway 3.

The fluidic pathway comprises flexible tubing 3 which is separate from the rigid neck 8 comprising the attachment means between the head and handle, so as to allow for cleaning of the tubing pathway.

The container is held with a housing 27. The housing has a slot 28 for activation of squeeze mechanism driven by the lower handle 22, wherein as shown in Figures 8 a cam 29 pushes through the slot 28 as the handles are pulled together and pushes the container 30 towards the head 1 so as to push the pathway 25 against the container’s valve 20 and release fluid from the container, as shown in Figure 8b.

The embodiment further comprises the following:

Replaceable razor

Flexible neck for a more comfortable shave

Overmoulded rubber activation lower handle part

Anodized aluminium outer casing to the handle

Overmoulded rubber grip pads

The embodiment has a length of 150mm.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 9 the embodiment comprises a short shoulder handle 37 with an axial endmost socket arranged for receipt of a container (not shown) of fluid.

The handle and head are attached together by a displacing neck attachment means 33,35, wherein the head 1 comprises a collar 33 that displaces axially along the fluidic pathway 35 towards the container to displace fluid through a parallel line of openings 31 along the bottom edge of the head, below the razors 32.

A rigid shaving gel cartridge in some embodiments fits into a shoulder of the shaving head to substantially act as the handle to save manufacturing costs and packaging space. In the pictured embodiments a rigid cylindrical cover 36 contains the container, and provides part of the handle with the shoulder 37.

The shaving gel dispenses as the razor head comes under light pressure, dispensing a small dose of gel.

As the head receives pressure, it pushes down on a nozzle to produce a small flow of shaving gel to the dispensing openings 31.

The embodiment further comprises the following:

Replaceable razor

Cooling gel strips

A line of gel dispensing openings

Overmoulded rubber handle grip over an injection moulded handle casing

Cartridge container unit cover which screws into the handle shoulder to form the handle and prevent the container displacing in use.

The container is easily replaceable with either a bump fitting or a screw thread fitting. In some embodiments the container is not covered.

The injection moulded handle casing has longitudinal grooves for improving handling and grip.

Multiple layers or cooling gel have been added to the replaceable razor head to help mix the gel before getting to the razor blades.

The embodiment’s length is 120mm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device (99) for shaving, comprising: a blade head (1) with one or more blades (16; 24); a handle (2) comprising a reservoir for shaving fluid (12; 30; 36); a fluidic pathway (3; 25; 35) from the reservoir to proximate the blade head; and a control mechanism for expelling fluid from the reservoir through the fluidic pathway.

2. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 1, in which the blade head (1) comprises a separate, discrete part.

3. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 2, in which the discrete part is displaceable and/or comprises a known razor blade head, compatible with other manufacturers.

4. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 3, in which the blade head (1) comprises an attachment means (8; 23; 33 and 35) to the handle (2), which attachment means comprises a standard or known attachment means allowing replacement of heads.

5. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 4, in which the device (99) has a pivot or articulated attachment means (23) between the handle (2) and blade head (1) such that the blade head (1) is enabled to articulate on or around an axis defined through the handle (2).

6. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 5, in which the device (99) comprises a replaceable or refillable reservoir (12), such that a user is enabled to add fluid to the reservoir or repurchase a new reservoir which comprise displaceable part or container.

7. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 6, in which the reservoir or container (12; 36) is pressurised.

8. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 7, in which a fluid is enabled to exit the reservoir (12) through a simple release means (7; 21 and 22;).

9. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 8, in which the mechanism for release of the fluid comprises a button (7) or other mechanism to break a seal, and/or displace the container or a valve so as to allow exit of fluid under pressure through an opening.

10. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 9, in which the pressure of the blades against the skin causes the container (36) to displace and the container to release through the fluidic pathway (3; 25; 35).

11. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 10, in which the reservoir comprises a pumping mechanism, such that the user may pump before or during use of the reservoir to release a quantity of fluid as required.

12. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 10, in which the pumping mechanism may be a simple slider (7) arranged to push the fluid along the reservoir under urging.

13. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in Claim 10, in which the pumping mechanism may be facilitated by a bipartite or multipartite handle (21,22), wherein the handle may be squeezed to cause release from the reservoir.

14. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 13, in which opening (13; 31) are located below the razor head, such that the fluidic pathway exits or the reservoir releases below the razors in use, so that advantageously the fluid is placed in use below blades such that bristles are pre-moistened when shaving downwards.

15. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 14, in which opening open into the blade head such that blades are pre-moistened when shaving.

16. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 15, in which opening open located at the handle’s end, for example such that during movement of the blade head fluid is released to different positions or areas of the blades.

17. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 16, in which the fluidic pathway may be comprised by the exit from the container, wherein the handle is arranged to hold the container in a fixed position such that there is no separate opening or discrete pathway, and less chance of clogging.

18. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 17, in which the fluidic pathway is internal the attachment mechanism or handle.

19. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 17, in which the fluidic pathway is displaceable or detachable to allow cleaning.

20. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 17, in which the fluidic pathway comprises a flexible tube or similar capable of deformation to aid in cleaning.

21. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 20, in which the container in use comprises a part of the handle, for example wherein the handle comprises a dock for the container adjacent the blade head, and the container is substantially or wholly rigid.

22. A device (99) for shaving as claimed in any one or more of Claims 1 to 21, in which the container can be held in place using a tolerance, interference or friction fit, or a spring or clip means, allowing easy reversal for removal.