TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to razor care apparatuses, in particular devices and methods useful for caring for multi-blade razors.
BACKGROUND
Modern shaving razors can have multiple blades, such as three, five, or more blades. Proper care of razors can extend the life of the blades, as well as offer other benefits such as a more comfortable shave, a cleaner razor, water conservation, and minimal damage to razors.
Razors, particularly razors with multi-blade heads, can collect hair particles, shaving cream, debris, follicles, and the like on and between the blades and between the blades and the razor head. Typically a user of such a razor attempts to remove this residue of shaving by placing the blades under running water, knocking on the side of a sink or shower, or using fingers to loosen debris. However, placing the blades under running water is an inefficient, water-wasting, and generally ineffective method of cleaning multi-blade razors. Knocking on the side of a sink can damage blades, and using fingers to clean blades can be unsafe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 6 is perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is an exploded side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 17;
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21 is perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 21; and
FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the razor care apparatus of FIG. 21.
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of an example razor care apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the disclosure will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Certain embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of FIGS. 1-35.
Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, 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 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 “various 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, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the 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 examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific FIG. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.
Solutions to the problems associated with cleaning razors are disclosed herein. While the description herein is primarily in the context of multi-blade razors, the apparatuses and methods described herein should not be so limited, but can be used for any razors.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a razor care apparatus 100 is shown. The razor care apparatus 100 can be a brush unit having extending bristles 112, which in the embodiment shown are upwardly extending, with “up” being considered in the direction from a base 114 toward the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112, as indicated by the arrow U. In an embodiment, the bristles can extend away from the base at different and/or varying angles in relation to the base. The base 114 can be relatively immovably affixed to a surface 124, such as a countertop, such that the blades of a razor can be urged against the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112, such that the bristles can enter the interstices of the blades and remove hair particles, shaving cream, debris, follicles, and the like (hereinafter referred to as “debris”) from between the blades. In an embodiment, the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 define a cleaning plane for side to side motion of a razor that assists in the removal of debris. In an embodiment, the cleaning can be enhanced by added water application, such as placing the razor under water, including running water, before, during, or after cleaning on bristles 112.
The base 114 can be of the suction cup type. That is, the base 114 can be a device or object that uses the negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to surfaces, creating a partial vacuum. The bristles can be joined to the base by an extension portion 118 that extends 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, that is, generally in a direction parallel to the direction indicated by the arrow U.
For all of the embodiments disclosed herein as being affixed to a surface a suction cup is disclosed. However, in general, adherence of bristles to a surface can be achieved in any known manner, including by adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, and the like. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the base 114 can include adhesive material and can be adhesively adhered to a surface.
The bristles 112 for all the example embodiments disclosed herein can be made of any generally stiff material, including natural animal hair, natural vegetable fiber, or synthetic fibers. In an embodiment, the bristles can comprise nylon materials. In an embodiment, the bristles can comprise PEEK, polyester PBT, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and combinations thereof.
The bristle housing 120 for all the embodiments disclosed herein, as well as the bristle cartridge (disclosed below) can be made of a polymer material, including molded polymer, including injection molded polymers, and can be selected for desired finished qualities, such as color, durability, and cleanability.
The base 114 for all the embodiments disclosed herein can comprise generally pliable materials, including silicone, Nitrile, Viton fluorocarbon, vinyl, Neoprene, and urethane, and can be used in conjunction with other components, such as metal backing hubs and valves, such as valve 122, which can aid in removal of the suction cup from the surface 124.
In the illustrated embodiments, bristles 112 can have a uniform length, such that the distal ends 116 thereof lie substantially in a plane. In an embodiment, the bristles 112 can comprise bristles of differing lengths, such that the distal surface thereof exhibits an irregular, undulating, or otherwise non-planar surface (not shown). In an embodiment, the distal ends 116 of the bristles 112 can be considered a cleaning plane. In an embodiment, the cleaning plane is substantially parallel to the surface 24 onto which the razor care apparatus 100 is affixed.
In another example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-9, a razor care apparatus 200 can comprise a removable bristle cartridge 226 that can have the bristles 212 attached thereto, and permits the bristles 212 to be removed, cleaned, replaced, or otherwise manipulated independently of a base 214. As shown in an embodiment, removable bristle cartridge 226 can be affixed to the base 214 by inserting it into a complementary slot 228 arrangement in a slot housing 234 joined to an extension portion 218 that extends from the base 214 to the slot housing 234. In an embodiment, the base 214 and slot housing 234 can be considered the aforementioned and described bristle housing when removable bristle cartridge 226 is inserted into operable position in the slot housing 234. The size and shape of removable bristle cartridge 226 and complementary slot 228 can be any configuration desired, but in an embodiment can be generally a substantially linear configuration with matingly cooperating features, as shown in FIGS. 5-9.
Removable bristle cartridge 226 can have the bristles 212 affixed thereto, and can have a generally linear platform 232 joined to a platform extension 230 to which the bristles can further be joined. Bristles 212 can be joined to a substantially flat member that is itself joined to platform extension 230, such that a linear platform 232, platform extension 230, and bristles 212 comprise a discrete manipulatable component that can be inserted into complementary slot 228 in a direction as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 5 for securement and use. Complementary slot 228 can have a similar, complementary size and shape for accommodating the linear platform 232 and the platform extension 230. For example, complementary slot 228 can have a substantially elongated opening 238, interrupted on an upper portion thereof by a slot indentation 236 that can receive the platform extension 230.
As can be understood from the description herein, a removable bristle cartridge 226 comprising bristles 212 can be interchangeably inserted into a complementary slot 228 arrangement, and releasably secured by any known manner, such as by snap fit, press fit frictional fit, or the like. Once inserted, the removable bristle cartridge 226 attached to the base 214 achieves the same features and benefits as described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-9, however, offers the further benefits of bristle selection, bristle replacement, bristle cleaning, and the like, as a cartridge with a particular type of bristle can be selected, replaced, or cleaned as desired.
As can be understood from the description herein, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted, such as by suction, onto a horizontal surface 224, such as a countertop, such that the imaginary arrow U (as discussed above) generally parallel to the bristle orientation is oriented upwardly. Likewise, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted, such as by suction, on a vertical surface, such as a bathroom mirror, in which the arrow U would be outwardly extending, generally orthogonally from the mirror surface. Further, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted on an overhead surface, such as the top of a shower, in which the arrow U would be oriented downwardly. In general, the razor care apparatus 200 can be mounted on any surface convenient to a user wishing to care for a razor. In an embodiment, the razor care apparatus can include adhesive material and can be adhesively adhered to a horizontal or surface.
Further, as can be understood from the description herein, the linear platform 232 and the bristles 212 can be generally rectangular shaped, and the base 214 can be generally circular shaped. However, in general, the shape of the linear platform and the base can be any operable shape and size. For example, the linear platform can have a curve to it and can be a non-rectangular shape, with the understanding that it matingly secures to the complementary slot 228 arrangement and can be releasably secured thereto. Likewise, the base can be a non-circular shape and can be a non-suction type, such as a base comprising adhesive for adhesive attachment. As discussed above, the illustrated embodiments herein can be used with water to further assist in cleaning the razor. When used to further clean debris from a razor, for example, relatively less water can be used in the process compared to existing cleaning methods, and water conservation can be achieved. It is believed that this feature can eliminate the use of approximately two gallons of water per shave. The apparatus also allows for a razor to be cleaned in a safer way as the orientation allows relatively safe side to side motion for cleaning the razor. The apparatus permits a hands-free application enabling the user to apply a side-side motion of the razor to assist in the removal of debris. The use of the apparatus can help lengthen the life of a razor by cleaning it more efficiently than other existing methods versus the alternative of discarding clogged razors due to debris build up and the blades have reduced cutting efficiency and comfort.
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a removable bristle cartridge 226 and a base 214 arrangement, including the complementary slot 228. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the removable bristle cartridge 226 into the base 214 arrangement by inserting the linear platform 232 into corresponding elongated opening 238, and platform extension 230 into slot indentation 236, as described herein above. The base can be adhered, such as by suction, to a desired surface, such as a countertop, shower wall, sink surface, and the like. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against the distal ends 216 of the bristles 212, and move them in a side to side motion to urge the bristles 212 into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles 212 can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be placed under water to further clean debris, if necessary. Optionally, the razor care apparatus 200 can be cleaned by any means sufficient, such as by placing under running water, into soapy water, or the like.
In an embodiment, a razor care apparatus 300 can comprise a tray, or palette, on which various components can be disposed, with similarly described components as described above. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 10-12, a razor care apparatus 300 can include a bristle cartridge 326, as described above with respect to removable bristle cartridge 226 that, instead of being inserted into the slot of the base 214, can be inserted in a slot 342, of a tray 340. As shown in the cross section of FIG. 12, for example, tray 340 can have in the bottom surface thereof a slot 342 into which bristle cartridge 326 can be inserted in the direction of arrow A2. Then, in an embodiment, bristle cartridge 326 can be further manipulated by being urged in the direction of arrow A3 of FIG. 11 into slot extension 344. Once inserted into the slot(s) as described, bristle cartridge 326 can be securely affixed in tray 340, as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, as can be understood, bristle cartridge 326 can have a configuration as described above with respect to the removable bristle cartridge 226 of FIGS. 5-9. Further, tray 340 can have a tray base 346 in which is a slot 342, which can described as a pocket, and can be a generally elongated slot that engages the bristle cartridge 326 that can have the bristles 312 affixed thereto, and which can have a generally linear platform 332 joined to a platform extension 330 to which the bristles can further be joined. Additionally, as with the cartridge example above, tray 340 can have a slot extension 344 that extends to form a “T” shaped opening, in which a platform extension 330 can be urged, such as by sliding. Once inserted, the bristle cartridge 326 can be secured by any known manner, such as by snap fit, press fit frictional fit, or the like. In an embodiment, tray 340 (and all the tray examples disclosed herein) can itself be affixed to surface, such as a countertop, by suction, adhesive, or the like.
Tray 340 can be a palette, receiver, or otherwise a relatively shallow container for a fluid, such as water. Water 350 in tray 340 can be utilized for additional cleaning tasks, such as rinsing any remaining debris out of the bristle-brushed blades in an optional further cleaning step. Tray 340 can have sidewalls 348. Sidewalls 48 can have a height H that permits a depth of water 350 in tray 340 of a sufficient depth for blade cleaning. Thus, H can be a dimension between about ½ inch to about 3 inches, and can be about 1 inch to 2 inches. In use, water level W in tray 340 can be a depth up to and contacting the bristles 312 when bristle cartridge 326 is installed. Tray 340 (and all the trays disclosed herein) can comprise any suitable material, including polymers, metal, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof. Tray 340 (and all the trays disclosed herein) can be a unitary member, or it can be composed of multiple components combined to form the tray.
Tray 340 can be set on a surface 324, such as a countertop. In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge 326 and a tray 340, including the slot 342 and/or slot extension 344. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the bristle cartridge 326 into the tray 340 by inserting the generally linear platform 332 and/or the platform extension 330 into corresponding slot 342 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 346, and then further inserting the platform extension 330 into slot extension 344 in a direction parallel to the tray base 346, as described herein above. The base can be set, adhered, or otherwise placed onto a desired surface, such as a countertop. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against bristle distal ends 316, and move in a side to side motion to urge the bristles 312 into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be submerged and/or agitated under water 350 to further clean debris, if necessary. This process can be repeated as desired. Water 350 can be exchanged for additional, e.g., clean, water as desired.
In an embodiment a razor care apparatus 400 and method of the present disclosure can comprise a multiple compartment tray 460, as depicted in FIGS. 13-16. Multiple compartment tray 460 can be generally as described above with respect to tray 340, but can differ in that it can have at least two compartments, including a first compartment 462 and a second compartment 464, separated by a dividing baffle 466. First compartment 462 can be essentially as described above with respect to tray 340, including having receiving slot 442 and slot extension 444 for receiving a bristle cartridge 426. Second compartment 464 can comprise a blade conditioning component 470. In an embodiment, blade conditioning component 470 can be a soapstone, such as a generally rectangular block of soapstone. In an embodiment, blade conditioning component 470 can be a blade sharpening material, such as a whetstone. Second compartment 464 can have an indentation 468 on a bottom surface thereof into which blade conditioning component 470 can be placed for relatively secure placement. One or both of the first compartment 462 and second compartment 464 can be partially filled with water 450. Multiple compartment tray 460 can comprise the same materials as discussed above with respect to tray 340.
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge 426, a blade conditioning component 470, and a multiple compartment tray 460, including the receiving slot 442 and/or the slot extension 444. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the bristle cartridge 426 into the first compartment 462 of multiple compartment tray 460 by inserting the bristle cartridge 426 into corresponding receiving slot 442 in a first direction orthogonal to the tray base 446, as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 16, and then further inserting the bristle cartridge 426 into 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 previous embodiments. The user can place the blade conditioning component 470 into the second compartment 464 of multiple compartment tray 460, and can, if provided, place it in indentation 468. The base can be set, adhered, or otherwise placed onto a desired surface, such as a countertop. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against bristle distal ends 416, and move in a side to side motion to urge bristles 412 into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be submerged and/or agitated under water 450 to further clean debris, if necessary. This process can be repeated as desired. At any step of the method the user can utilize the blade conditioning component, such as by sharpening the blades of the razor. Water 450 can be exchanged for additional, e.g., clean, water as desired.
In another embodiment, an apparatus 500 of the present disclosure can comprise all of the features and benefits disclose hereinabove, but can also comprise an additional feature to aid in mounting the apparatus to a generally vertical surface. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 17-24, a tray 540 (FIG. 17) can have a single compartment as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, or it can be a multiple compartment tray 560 (FIG. 21) generally as described above with respect to FIGS. 13-16. In either embodiment, the tray 540 or multiple compartment tray 560 can have as an additional component a wall mounting member 580 that can be an extending member oriented such that in use it is parallel to, and joined to, a generally vertical surface, such as a shower wall. Wall mounting member 580 can be integral with, or a member joined to, tray 540 or multiple compartment tray 560, respectively. Wall mounting member can comprise one or more suction cups 582 affixed thereto, such that apparatus 500 can be mounted to a surface, such as a mirror or shower wall, by pressing and adhering the suction cups against the surface in the desired position. Wall mounting can be by any other means, such as adhesive attachment, mechanical fastening, hooks, and the like.
Thus, as can be understood, apparatus 500 of FIGS. 17-20 can include a bristle cartridge 526 having bristles 512 having distal ends 516, as described above, can be inserted in a slot 542, of a tray 540, and further positioned for a secure, in-use fit, as described above. Likewise, apparatus 500 of FIGS. 21-24 can include the bristle cartridge 526, as described above, and a blade conditioning component 570, as described above.
In an example method, a user can receive, such as in a package, a bristle cartridge, and/or a blade conditioning component, and either a tray or a multiple compartment tray, with the tray or the multiple compartment tray further comprising a wall mounting surface adjoined thereto, the wall mounting surface having mounting means, which can be suction cups. The user can remove the components from the package. The user can insert the cartridge as described herein above. If provided, the user can place the blade conditioning component into the second compartment of tray as described above. The unit can be mounted to a vertical surface, such as a mirror or shower wall. After using a razor, a user can press the razor blades against bristle distal ends, and move in a side to side motion to urge bristles into the interstices of the razor blades. The movement of the blades against the bristles can be relatively gentle, or relatively harsh, depending on the stiffness of the bristles and the desired cleaning of the blades. Optionally, the blades can be submerged and/or agitated under water to further clean debris, if necessary. This process can be repeated as desired. At any step of the method the user can utilize the blade conditioning component, such as by sharpening the blades of the razor. Water 550 can be exchanged for additional fluids, such as cleaning fluids, clean water, and the like, as desired.
In certain of the above-described examples, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by insertion of one component into a complementary slot, for example slot 228, or a pocket-like slot, such as slot 342. However, in general, any member, such as a bristle housing or a bristle cartridge, can be immovably fixed to another member, such as a base or a tray. Thus, by way of example, in the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 10, the bristle cartridge 346 can be attached tray 340, to be effectively a unitary apparatus, in a like manner as described, for example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
In certain of the above-described examples, the apparatus is described in terms of components joined by insertion of one component into a complementary slot, for example slot 228, or a pocket-like slot, such as slot 342. However, in general, the connection of one member, such as a bristle housing or a bristle cartridge, to another member, such as a base or a tray, by any matingly compatible members can be achieved in any known way. In an embodiment, one member, such as a bristle cartridge, can be operationally and removably attached to another member, such as a base or a tray, by any matingly compatible members. By way of example, a bristle cartridge can be matingly compatible with both a base and a tray, such that the bristle cartridge can be removably mated with a base, removed, and removably mated with a tray, and vice versa. In an example, a bristle cartridge can have a portion that matingly snaps, screws, or presses into a complimentary portion of a base or a tray, such that in operation, i.e., use, by a user, the bristle cartridge can remain positioned stationary with respect to the attached base or tray.
In examples disclosed herein, an apparatus can 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 complimentary sizes and shapes relative to each other such that the male connection member can be fastened to the female connection member to securely affix the first component to the second component. In an embodiment, a bristle cartridge can be a first component and a base, as described above, can be a second component. In an embodiment, a bristle cartridge can be a first component and a tray, as described above, can be a second component. Once joined, the first component and second component can be removably fixed, or they can be substantially permanently fixed.
In an example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, an apparatus 600 can include a connection system comprising a “push in” connection system. In a push in connection system a male member can be pushed into an aligned, mating female connection member and fixed in an operable relationship by, for example, a frictional press fit. The push in connection system 600 can include at least one male connection member 660 having a generally circular cylindrical shape having a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 660 can comprise a male protrusion of any cross-sectional shape, but a circular cross section can be effective. The male connection member 660 can comprise a male protrusion having a tapered, circular cross section. The male connection member 660 can comprise one or more pins. The male connection member 660 can be a part of, for example integral with or joined to, a bristle cartridge 626. A female connection member 662 can be a an opening defined by the lower surface of the tray 640 (as shown in FIG. 25) or by a base member 642 (as shown in FIG. 26), and can be, for example, a generally circular opening defining a second diameter dimension, where the second diameter dimension can be less than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member 660 can be pressed into the female connection member 662 in a snug, frictionally engaging fit that resists movement of the bristle cartridge 626 when being used to clean a razor. The female connection member can have any cross-sectional shape, as long as a smallest cross dimension is a dimension sufficient to effect a press fit between the male connection member and the female connection member. A circular cross section can be effective. The second diameter dimension can be sufficiently less than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member can be urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A2, indicated by the dashed line of FIG. 25, so that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the male connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member can be such that the male connection member rests loosely by gravity in the female connection member.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the male connection member 660 can be a split member comprising two opposing legs 664, the legs being joined to the bristle cartridge 626 at their respective proximal ends, and extending outwardly in a cantilevered manner in which they can be urged inwardly into the gap 668 of the split. The male connection member 660 having a generally circular cylindrical shape having a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 660 can comprise a male protrusion of any overall cross-sectional shape, but a circular cross section can be effective. The male connection member 660 can comprise a male protrusion having a tapered, circular cross section. The male connection member 660 can be a part of, for example integral with or joined to, a bristle cartridge 626. In an example, one or both legs 664 of the male connection member 660 can comprise an outwardly extending tab 670 on or near the distal end thereof. Tab 670 can extend to a dimension across the distal end of the male connection member 660 that is greater than a dimension of the female connection member 662 to which it is engaged. Thus, the female connection member 662 can be a an opening defined by the lower surface of the tray 640 (as shown in FIG. 25) or by a base member 642 (as shown in FIG. 26), and can be, for example, a generally circular opening defining a second diameter dimension, where the second diameter dimension can be less than, the same as, or greater than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member 660 can be pressed into the female connection member 662 such that tab(s) 670 can force the legs 664 to be urged toward one another, until the male connection members are inserted fully into the female connection member 662, at which point the tab(s) can enter a corresponding tab receiving opening 672 (as shown in FIG. 26) and the legs 664 can move, such as by cantilevered spring force, back outwardly from the gap 668, thus mechanically engaging the bristle cartridge 626 to the tray or base to be used to clean a razor. The female connection member can have any cross-sectional shape, as long as a smallest cross dimension is a dimension sufficient to effect a mechanical fit between the male connection member tabs and the female connection member. A circular cross section can be effective. The male connection member can be urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A2, indicated by the dashed line of FIGS. 25 and 26, so that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the male connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member can be such that the male connection member rests loosely by gravity in the female connection member.
In general, as shown in the example apparatus 700 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a push in connection system can include at least one male member of any shape or size that can be pushed into an aligned, mating female member and fixed in an operable relationship by, for example, a frictional press fit. As indicated, a push in connection system can include at least one male connection member 760 having convex or non-convex polygonal shape, such as the generally rectangular shape illustrated. The male connection member 760 can be a part of, for example integral with or joined to, a bristle cartridge 726. A female connection member 762 can be a an opening defined by the lower surface of the tray 740 or a base member 742, and can be, for example, a generally polygonal shaped, e.g., rectangular shaped, 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 can be urged, such as by pressing, into the female connection member 762. The female connection member can have any shape, as long as at least one dimension is a dimension sufficient to cause a mating fit between the male connection member and the female connection member. The male connection member can be urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A3, indicated by the dashed line of FIGS. 27 and 28, so that the male connection member enters the female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the male connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above. In an embodiment, the second dimension of the female connection member can be such that the male connection member rests loosely by gravity in the female connection member.
In an example apparatus 800 as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a connection system can be a threaded connection system that includes at least one threaded male member of any shape or size that can be turned, e.g., screwed, into an aligned, mating threaded female member and fixed in an operable relationship by, for example, a threaded fit. As indicated, a threaded connection system can include at least a threaded male connection member 860 that can have a generally cylindrical shape and at least one thread 866. The thread 866 can be an internal thread, or, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, an external thread. The threaded male connection member 860 can be a part of, for example integral with or joined to, a bristle cartridge 826. A threaded female connection member 862 can be a an opening defined by the lower surface of a tray 840 or a base member 842, and can 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 can be threaded onto the thread 864 of the threaded female connection member 862. The threaded female connection member can 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 can be urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A4, indicated by the dashed line of FIGS. 29 and 30, so that the threaded male connection member can be threaded in an axial motion about axis A4 to thread onto the threaded female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the threads of the threaded male connection member and/or the threaded female connection member can permit fixation by a partial turn of, for example, the threaded male connection member. In an embodiment, the threaded connection system can be a “quarter turn” threaded system, in which the threaded male connection member can be threaded in quarter turn axial motion about axis A4 to thread onto the threaded female connection member in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the threaded male connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the threaded female connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above.
In an example, as shown in FIG. 31, an apparatus 900 can include a connection system comprising a “push and turn” connection system. The push and turn connection system can include a male connection member 960 having a generally circular cylindrical shape having a first cylindrical surface defining a first diameter dimension. The male connection member 960 member can have at least one prong extension 966 extending outwardly from an exterior first cylindrical surface of the male connection member 960. The male connection member 960 can be a part of, for example, a bristle cartridge 926. A female connection member 962 can be an opening defined, as shown, in the base of a tray 940 (or base member, not shown), and can have a generally circular cylindrical shape having a second cylindrical surface defining a second diameter dimension, where the second diameter dimension is greater than the first diameter dimension. The female connection member 962 can have at least one curved slot 964 on the second cylindrical surface that is open to an interior surface of the tray 940. The at least one curved slot can have a substantially inverted “L” shape, as shown in FIG. 31. The second diameter dimension can be sufficiently greater than the first diameter dimension such that the male connection member 960 can be urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A5 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 31, so that the at least one prong extension 966 enters the at least one curved slot 964. The male connection member 960 can be rotated about the axis A5 to move the prong 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 from movement relative to the axis A5. Further, the slot can have a shape that includes an offset distal slot end, which facilitates the prong extension to be urged into a locking relationship relative to rotational motion about the axis A5. In an embodiment, the male connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the female connection member can be a component of a base or tray, as described above.
In an example, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, an apparatus 1000 can include a connection system comprising a “snap in” connection system. In a snap in connection system a male member can be pushed into an aligned, mating female member and fixed in an operable relationship by, for example, a snap fit, in a similar manner to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 25 and 26. The snap in connection system can include at least one male connection member 1062, and a mating female connection member 1060. In an embodiment, the male connection member 1062 can be affixed to a tray 1040 (FIG. 32) or a base member 1042 (FIG. 33), and can extend generally orthogonally away from a bottom surface of the tray 1040 or a top surface of a base member. In an embodiment, a male connection member 1062 can comprise at a cantilevered member integral with, or joined to, the tray 1040 (or base member) at a proximal end, and extending in a first direction generally orthogonal to the tray 1040 base surface (or base member top surface) to a tab 1068 at the distal end, which can move in a spring action with the bending of the cantilevered male connection member when urged in a second direction generally orthogonally to the first direction. The female connection member 1060 can have any cross-sectional shape, as long as the male connection member can enter the female connection member. The female connection member can have a channel member, open on a surface, such as the bottom surface of a bristle cartridge 1026, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. At a distal end of the channel of the female connection member can be a tab receiving portion 1070, that can receive the tab 1068 of the male connection member when the male connection member is urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A6, indicated by the dashed line of FIGS. 32 and 33, so that the male connection member enters the female connection member a distance such that tab 1068 can be urged 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 can snap into the tab receiving portion 1070 in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the female connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the male connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above.
In an example, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, an apparatus 1100 can include a connection system comprising a “snap in” connection system that is the inverse of the apparatus described above in reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, but in which the male member extends from the bristle cartridge for mating relationship to a female member in the tray or the base member. Thus, the snap in connection system can include at least one male connection member 1162, and a mating female connection member 1160. In the illustrated embodiment, the male connection member 1162 can be affixed to a bristle cartridge 1126 and can extend generally orthogonally away from a bottom surface thereof. In an embodiment, a male connection member 1162 can comprise at a cantilevered member integral with, or joined to, the bristle cartridge at a proximal end, and extending in a first direction generally orthogonal to the bristle cartridge to an outwardly extending tab 1168 at the distal end, which can move in a spring action with the bending of the cantilevered male connection member when urged in a second direction generally orthogonally to the first direction. The female connection member 1160 can have any cross-sectional shape, as long as the male connection member can enter the female connection member. The female connection member can have a channel member, open on a surface, such as the surface of a tray 1140 (FIG. 34) or a base member 1142 (FIG. 35). At a distal end of the channel of the female connection member can be a tab receiving portion 1170 that can receive the tab 1168 of the male connection member when the male connection member is urged in axial alignment with the female connection member along the axis A7, indicated by the dashed line of FIGS. 34 and 35, so that the male connection member enters the female connection member a distance such that tab 1168 can be urged 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 snap into the tab receiving portion 1170 in a fixedly secure mating relationship. In an embodiment, the female connection member can be a component of a bristle cartridge and the male connection member can be a component of a base or a tray, as described above.
It can be understood that while the tray of the various embodiments described herein is shown as a rectangle, the tray need not be limited to a rectangular shape. In general, the tray of the various embodiments can be any shape desired, including any polygonal shape having 3 or more sides. The tray can be a convex polygonal shape such as a pentagon, or a non-convex polygonal shape, such as a star. The shape of the tray of the various embodiments can be n-gonal, with “n” being any integer between 3 and 100. The shape of the tray of the various embodiments can be smooth sided, including, for example, circular, heart-shaped, animal-shaped, and the like. Likewise, the shape of the bristle housing and/or the bristle cartridge need not be limited to rectangular as illustrated, but can also be any polygonal shape or smooth sided shape desired.
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 is also noted that terms like “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 Disclosure are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the 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 illustrated 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.
Patent Application
20210289932
