Abstract:
A cleaning system for an electric shaver having a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to retain cleaning fluid within the housing. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing. A displacement apparatus is disposed within the interior space of the housing and is selectively positionable within the housing between a first position in which the cleaning fluid within the housing defines a lower fluid level relative to the shaving head to be cleaned, and a second position in which the cleaning fluid defines a higher fluid level relative to the shaving head such that at the higher fluid level at least a portion of the shaving head of the shaver is submerged in the cleaning fluid within the housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to electric shavers and, more particularly, to a cleaning system for an electric shaver. 
     Electric shavers have been known to exhibit optimum cutting effectiveness when the shaver head components move freely. As such, cleaning the shaver head on a regular basis is often recommended to facilitate smooth operation of the shaver head components. However, routine cleaning can be time-consuming and is often avoided, resulting in a buildup of debris inside the shaver head. Because debris buildup in the shaver head can inhibit movement of the shaver head components, failing to regularly clean the shaver head tends to detract from the cutting effectiveness of the shaver head, which could lead to a less than desirable shaving experience. 
     There is a need, therefore, for an efficient and user-friendly system for cleaning an electric shaver. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a cleaning system for an electric shaver having a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to retain cleaning fluid within the housing. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head of the shaver disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing A displacement apparatus is disposed within the interior space of the housing and is selectively positionable within the housing between a first position in which the cleaning fluid within the housing defines a lower fluid level relative to the shaving head to be cleaned, and a second position in which the cleaning fluid defines a higher fluid level relative to the shaving head such that at the higher fluid level at least a portion of the shaving head of the shaver is submerged in the cleaning fluid within the housing. 
     In another embodiment, a cleaning system for an electric shaver having a body and a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to contain cleaning fluid therein. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head of the shaver disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing. A cleaning tray is disposed within the housing and is configured for retaining cleaning fluid therein, and a lifting apparatus is disposed within the housing and generally includes a lever and a fulcrum assembly on which the lever is pivotable. The tray is operatively connected to the lever for conjoint pivoting with the lever between a lowered position of the tray in which the tray is submerged in cleaning fluid within the housing in spaced relationship with the shaving head, and a raised position in which the tray is raised at least in part above the cleaning fluid in the housing while retaining some cleaning fluid within the tray. In the raised position of the tray, the tray is sufficiently positioned relative to the shaving head such that at least a portion of the shaving head is submerged in cleaning fluid in the tray. 
     In yet another embodiment, a cleaning system for an electric shaver having a body and a shaving head generally includes a housing having an interior space configured to contain cleaning fluid therein. The housing is further configured for supporting the shaver in a generally upright orientation with the shaving head of the shaver disposed at least in part within the interior space of the housing. A plunger is accessible exterior of the housing and extends into the interior space of the housing. The plunger is selectively positionable relative to the housing to manually raise the level of cleaning fluid within the housing for submerging at least a portion of the shaving head in the cleaning fluid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cleaning system for an electric shaver; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a lower housing of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a drive assembly of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a cam of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a follower of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the follower; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a reservoir of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an upper housing of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a cover of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the cover of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a section of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1  with a shaver inserted therein and the reservoir in a lowered position; 
         FIG. 14  is a section of the cleaning system of  FIG. 1  with a shaver inserted therein and the reservoir in a raised position; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the follower of  FIG. 7  nested in the cam of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 15  with the cam rotated relative to the follower of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 16  with the cam further rotated relative to the follower of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation of another embodiment of a cleaning system for an electric shaver; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the cleaning system of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a section of the cleaning system of  FIG. 18  with the cleaning fluid level lowered; 
         FIG. 21  is a section of the cleaning system of  FIG. 18  with the cleaning fluid level raised; 
         FIG. 22  is a section of a third embodiment of a cleaning system for an electric shaver with the cleaning fluid level lowered; and 
         FIG. 23  is a section of the cleaning system of  FIG. 22  with the cleaning fluid level raised. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to  FIG. 1 , a cleaning system for an electric shaver according to one embodiment is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral  100 . The cleaning system  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in a fully assembled configuration (broadly referred to herein as the “assembled cleaning system”) and in  FIG. 2  in an exploded condition for illustrative purposes. The illustrated cleaning system  100  comprises a lower housing  200 , a drive assembly  300 , a cam  400 , a follower  500 , a reservoir  600 , an upper housing  700 , and a cover  800 . One or more components of the cleaning system  100  may be suitably fabricated from a synthetic or semi-synthetic, organic-based material (e.g., a “plastic” material) using a molding process. It is understood, however, that the cleaning system  100  may be fabricated from any suitable material using any suitable manufacturing process without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the lower housing  200  comprises a bottom wall  202  and a peripheral side wall  203  extending up from the bottom wall  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral side wall  203  suitably comprises a front wall  204 , a rear wall  206 , and opposite side walls  208 ,  210 . The front and rear walls  204 ,  206  suitably have substantially arcuate contours, and the side walls  208 ,  210  suitably have substantially planar contours. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the front wall  204 , rear wall  206 , and side walls  208 ,  210  may have any suitable contours. It is also understood that the lower housing  200  may be configured other than as illustrated. The illustrated lower housing  200  also has a notch  212  formed in the front wall  204  and a collar  214  that extends about the lower housing  200  from a first edge  216  of the notch  212  to a second edge  218  of the notch  212 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lower housing  200  also comprises a substantially arcuate sleeve  220  that is spaced inwardly from the front wall  204  and projects up from the bottom wall  202  to facilitate guiding the follower  500  and/or the reservoir  600  upward and downward during a cleaning operation, as described below. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the sleeve  220  may have any suitable contour without departing from the scope of this invention. The illustrated sleeve  220  has guide channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  formed therein that suitably, but not necessarily, each have a U-shaped transverse cross-section. Optionally, a spacing of the first channel  222  from the second channel  224  is substantially equal to a spacing of the second channel  224  from the third channel  226  such that the first channel  222  opposes the third channel  226 . 
     Suitably, the lower housing  200  also comprises housing assembly bosses  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234  and drive assembly bosses  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244  projecting from the bottom wall  202 . In other embodiments, the lower housing  200  may comprise any number of bosses that enables the lower housing  200  to function as described herein. With particular reference to drive assembly boss  244 , the bottom wall  202  defines an annular groove  246  concentrically encircling the boss  244 . Each of the illustrated housing assembly bosses  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234  and drive assembly bosses  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244  has a core  248  that is sized to receive a boss pin. If the boss pin is threaded, it is also contemplated that each core  248  may likewise be threaded to engage the threaded boss pin without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the drive assembly  300  of the system  100  suitably comprises a gear box  302  and suitable drive gears  304 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 . The gear box  302  at least in part houses a motor  314  and a gear reduction assembly operatively connected in driving engagement with the motor  314 . As illustrated partially in  FIG. 4  and fully in  FIG. 5 , the gear box  302  comprises multiple mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320  that extend therefrom to facilitate mounting the gear box  302  on the drive assembly bosses  242 ,  236 ,  238 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320  are formed integrally with the gear box  302 . In other embodiments, however, the mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320  may be formed separate from and connected to the gear box  302  using any suitable fastener. Additionally, each of the illustrated mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320  includes an eyelet  322  sized to receive one the boss pins therethrough to facilitate mounting the gear box  302  within the lower housing  200 . It is contemplated that the eyelets  322  may be threaded and/or sized to receive various other suitable fasteners. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first gear  304  is drivingly connected to the gear reduction assembly housed within the gear box  302  such that actuation of the gear reduction assembly by the motor  314  induces rotation of the first gear  304 . The second gear  306 , which is fixedly connected to or formed with the third gear  308  in coaxial relationship therewith, is drivingly connected to the first gear  304  to operatively connect the second and third gears  306 ,  308  to the motor  314 . The fourth gear  310 , which is fixedly connected to or formed with the cam  400 , is drivingly connected to the third gear  308  such that rotation of the third gear  308  induces rotation of the cam  400  via the fourth gear  310 . 
     Suitably, the second and third gears  306 ,  308  have a central bore  324  therethrough, with the bore  324  being sized to receive the third drive assembly boss  240  of the lower housing  200  to facilitate rotatably mounting the second and third gears  306 ,  308  on the lower housing  200 . Similarly, the fourth gear  310  and the cam  400  have a central bore  326  therethrough, with this bore  326  being sized to receive the fifth drive assembly boss  244  of the lower housing  200  to facilitate rotatably mounting the fourth gear  310  and the cam  400  on the lower housing  200 . In other embodiments, the cam  400  may be operatively connected to the motor  314  via any suitable number of gears having any suitable size. Alternatively, the cam  400  may be directly and operatively connected to the motor  314  for rotation of the cam  400  relative to the lower housing  200 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the cam  400  comprises a base  402  and an annular wall  404  extending up from the base  402 . The upper edge, or rim, of the cam wall  404  defines a cam surface  406  and the inner face  407  of the wall  404  defines a first transverse dimension (e.g., an inner diameter ID 1 ) ( FIG. 5 ) of the cam  400 . Suitably, the cam  400  also comprises a central hub  424  projecting from a recessed portion  426  of the base  402  and defining the second bore  326 . Additionally, the cam surface  406  of the illustrated embodiment defines a height H 1  from the base  402  that varies about the wall  404  circumference to define a cam path having a first peak  408 , a first slope  410 , a first valley  412 , a second slope  414 , a second peak  416 , a third slope  418 , a second valley  420 , and a fourth slope  422 . It is contemplated that the wall  404  may have any number of peaks, valleys, and/or slopes to suit any desirable cleaning cycle of the system  100 , as described below. As used herein, the term “diameter” refers to a distance across any cross-sectional shape (e.g., a rectangle, a triangle, etc.) and is not limited to referring only to a distance across circular or elliptical cross-sectional shapes. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the follower  500  comprises a base  502  and an annular wall  504  extending up from the base  502 . Suitably, the base  502  has a central bore  540  sized to receive the hub  424  ( FIG. 6 ) of the cam  400  to seat the follower  500  on the cam  400  while allowing rotation of the cam  400  relative to the follower  500 . The illustrated base  502  comprises an inner seat  544  that depends from the base  502  concentrically about the bore  540 . The base  502  also comprises an annular seat  542  that depends from the base  502  adjacent the peripheral edge of the follower base  502 . 
     The illustrated follower wall  504  has an inner surface  506  and an outer surface  508 . The inner surface  506  suitably defines a second transverse dimension (e.g., an inner diameter ID 2 ), and the outer surface  508  suitably has a first portion  510  having a third transverse dimension (e.g., a first outer diameter OD 1 ) and a second portion  512  having a fourth transverse dimension (e.g., a second outer diameter OD 2  that is greater than the first outer diameter OD 1 ). The first portion  510  intersects the second portion  512  to define a follower surface  514 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first outer diameter OD 1  is sized to facilitate the follower  500  being inserted into the cam  400  such that the first portion  510  is seated against the inner surface  407  of the annular wall  404  of the cam  400  with the follower surface  514  seated on the cam surface  406 . Without departing from the scope of this invention, it is also contemplated that the first outer diameter OD 1  may be sized such that the first portion  510  is not seated against the wall  404  but, rather, is spaced apart from the wall  404  when the follower  500  is inserted into the cam  400  as long as the follower  400  includes a follower surface  514  in contact with the cam surface  406  of the cam  400 . 
     Suitably, the follower surface  514  has a height H 2  that varies about the circumference of the wall  504  to define a first peak  516 , a first slope (not shown), a first valley  520 , a second slope  522 , a second peak  524 , a third slope  526 , a second valley  528 , and a fourth slope  530 . In the illustrated embodiment, the peaks  516 ,  524  of the follower  500  are sized to correspond with each of the valleys  420 ,  412  of the cam  400 , and the valleys  520 ,  528  of the follower  500  are sized to correspond with each of the peaks  408 ,  416  of the cam  400  such that substantially all of follower surface  514  can be seated against the cam surface  406  when the follower  500  is inserted into the cam  400 . However, it is also contemplated that the wall  504  of the follower  500  may have any suitable configuration that enables the follower  500  to function as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the follower  500  further comprises guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  formed with and extending outwardly from the wall  504  in circumferentially spaced relationship with each other. The guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  of the illustrated follower  500  each have a substantially U-shaped cross-section to facilitate insertion of the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  into the channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  of the sleeve  220 . In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  may have any suitable configuration and arrangement to enable the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  to function with the channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  as described herein. 
     The reservoir  600 , with reference to  FIG. 9 , has a substantially cylindrical contour and comprises a bottom  602  and a sidewall  604 . The illustrated reservoir  600  has a sixth transverse dimension (e.g., an inner diameter ID 3 ) and a seventh transverse dimension (e.g., an outer diameter OD 3 ) that is sized to facilitate inserting the reservoir  600  into the follower  500  with an outer surface  605  of the sidewall  604  in closely spaced or contact relationship with the inner surface  506  of the follower wall  504 , thereby stabilizing the reservoir  600  within the follower  500 . The reservoir  600  may also suitably comprise a pair of handles  606  that extend transversely outward from the sidewall  604  which the user may grasp when removing the reservoir  600  from or inserting the reservoir  600  into the follower  500 . In one embodiment, the reservoir  600  may be integrally formed with the follower  500  (i.e., the follower surface  514  may be formed on the sidewall  604  of the reservoir  600 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the upper housing  700  comprises a cover region  702  and an access region  704 . The access region  704  comprises a rear wall  706  and a rim  708  that defines an inlet  710 , an arcuate lip  712 , and a notch  714 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing  700  also comprises first, second, third, and fourth studs  716 ,  718 ,  720 ,  722  projecting therefrom. Suitably, each of the illustrated studs  716 ,  718 ,  720 ,  722  is hollow and/or threaded to facilitate receiving one of the boss pins therein and to facilitate mounting the upper housing  700  on the lower housing  200 . Without departing from the scope of this invention, it is contemplated that the access region  704  may have any suitable contour that enables the upper housing  700  to function as described herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cover  800  comprises a rear panel  802 , a top panel  804 , and a cradle  806 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear panel  802  comprises a first tab  808  extending outward therefrom to facilitate a user grasping the cover  800 , and the top panel  804  comprises a second tab  810  that extends outwardly therefrom to facilitate connecting the cover  800  to the upper housing  700  as described below. Additionally, the top panel  804  has an annular contour, defines a lip  812  that is sized to be seated on the rim  708  of the upper housing  700 , and defines an arcuate ridge  820  that substantially circumscribes the cradle  806 . 
     The illustrated cradle  806  is sized for disposition at least in part down in the reservoir  600  and comprises an upper edge  814 , a lower edge  816 , and a sidewall  818  extending from the upper edge  814  to the lower edge  816 . The illustrated sidewall  818  is sized to receive the head of a shaver and extends substantially perpendicular to a surface of the top panel  804  to facilitate inhibiting the shaver from tipping over during a cleaning operation. Also, the cradle  806  comprises a shoulder  822  that projects inwardly from the sidewall  818  to the lower edge  816  to define a cleaning fluid port  817  and to facilitate inhibiting the shaver from falling into a cleaning fluid in the reservoir  600  during a cleaning operation. In one embodiment, the cradle  806  (e.g., the shoulder  822 ) is configured to orient the head of the shaver at an angle (e.g., at about 15° or 20°) relative to a fluid level within the reservoir  600  to facilitate draining residual cleaning fluid from within the shaver head after a cleaning operation, as described below. Suitably, the sidewall  818  has a cross-sectional shape that enables a shaver head having either a substantially rectangular cross-section (e.g., a foil shaver) or a substantially triangular cross-section (e.g., a rotary shaver) to be inserted into and supported by the cradle  806 . In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the sidewall  818  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape and/or contour that enables the cradle  806  to function as described herein. Alternatively, the cradle  806  may comprise a closure (e.g., a hinged door, a cap, etc.) for use in covering the port  817  to facilitate preventing the cleaning fluid from evaporating and/or preventing external objects (e.g., a toothbrush), particulates (e.g., dust), and/or fluids (e.g., hairspray) from entering the port  817  when the system  100  is not in use. 
       FIGS. 13-14  illustrate the cleaning system  100  fully assembled and with a shaver  860  held by the system  100  for cleaning. The cleaning system  100  further comprises a control unit  824  mounted at any suitable location on the system housing (e.g., on either the front wall  204  or the rear wall  206  of the lower housing  200 ). The illustrated control unit  824  comprises a controller, a memory, a user interface, and at least one sensor positioned within the cleaning system  100  (e.g., proximate drive assembly  300 , cam  400 , and/or follower  500 ). As used herein, the term “controller” refers to any suitable processor-based or microprocessor-based control system. In other embodiments, the control unit  824  may be any suitable electrical system that controls an operation of the system  100 . In alternative embodiments, the system  100  may be configured for manual operation by a user (e.g., via a manually operated slide or dial that facilitates rotating the cam  400 ). 
     In some embodiments, the user interface comprises a mechanical slide, a push-button  826 , a display screen, and/or any other device that enables a user to interact with the control unit  824 , as described herein. If the user interface includes a display screen, the display screen may utilize various display technologies, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), or analog-type display technologies, for example. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor includes a contact pin  880  and a contact surface  882  (e.g., a limit switch). Suitably, the contact pin  880  may be fixed to the follower  500 , the cam  400 , and/or the drive assembly  300  (e.g., to either the first gear  304 , the second gear  306 , the third gear  308 , and/or the fourth gear  310 ), and the contact surface  882  may be fixed to the lower housing  200  (e.g., the sleeve  220 ) such that the contact pin  880  can engage the contact surface  882  during a rotation of the follower  500 , the cam  400 , and/or the drive assembly  300 . Alternatively, the contact pin  880  may be fixed to the follower  500 , and the contact surface  882  may be fixed to the cam  400 , such that the contact pin  880  engages the contact surface  882  when the follower  500  engages the cam  400  as described below. 
     In another embodiment, the control unit  824  may be operatively connected to a suitable agitator  890  (e.g., an ultrasonic transducer) fixed to either the cradle  806 , the reservoir  600 , and/or any other suitable location within the system  100  to facilitate agitating either the shaver head  862  and/or the cleaning fluid when the shaver head  862  is at least partially submerged within the cleaning fluid, as described below. 
     The illustrated control unit  824  is programmed to receive data relating to a desired cleaning operation from either a user (i.e., via the user interface), from the motor  314 , from the sensor, and/or from the agitator  890 ; to selectively operate the motor  314  and/or the agitator  890  in accordance with a desired cleaning operation; to generate data relating to a status of the desired cleaning operation (e.g., an amount of time remaining in the desired cleaning operation); to display to the user (i.e., via the user interface) information relating to the status of the desired cleaning operation; and/or to store in the memory at least one record relating to data received from either the user, the motor  314 , the sensor, the agitator  890  and/or any other component of the system  100 . 
     The illustrated system  100  (e.g., the control unit  824  and/or the motor  314 ) may be powered using any suitable power source, across any suitable medium, such as battery power or hardwiring, for example. Alternatively, the system  100  may include a power connector (e.g., a power cable extending from the upper housing  700 ) for use in electrically connecting the shaver  860  to the system  100  to facilitate either charging and/or operating the shaver  860  during a cleaning operation and/or to facilitate operating the system  100  via a battery housed within the shaver  860 . 
     In one embodiment of a method of making the cleaning system  100 , the second and third gears  306 ,  308  are mounted in the lower housing  200  such that the third drive assembly boss  240  is inserted into the bore  324 . The fourth gear  310  and the cam  400  are then mounted within the sleeve  220  of the lower housing  200  such that the fifth drive assembly boss  244  is inserted into the bore  326 . The motor  314  is inserted into the pocket of the gear box  302 , and the first gear  304  is connected to the gear reduction assembly housed within the gear box  302 . The motor  314 , the gear box  302 , and the first gear  304  are then mounted within the lower housing  200  such that the first gear  304  is in driving engagement with the second gear  306 . Specifically, the gear box  302  is mounted within the lower housing  200  by seating the mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320  on the respective drive assembly bosses  242 ,  236 ,  238  and by inserting a boss pin through each respective drive assembly boss  242 ,  236 ,  238  and each respective eyelet  322  of the mounting tabs  316 ,  318 ,  320 . 
     After the drive assembly  300  and the cam  400  are mounted within the lower housing  200 , the follower  500  is inserted into the sleeve  220  by sliding the first guide  532  into the first channel  222 , by sliding the second guide  534  into the second channel  224 , and by sliding the third guide  536  into the third channel  226 . When the first, second, and third guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  slide down the first, second, and third channels  222 ,  224 ,  226 , respectively, the follower  500  is received within the cam  400  such that the first and second peaks  408 ,  416  of the cam  400  correspond with the first and second valleys  520 ,  528  of the follower  500 , respectively, to seat the follower surface  514  on the cam surface  406 . When the follower surface  514  is seated on the cam surface  406 , the hub  424  of the cam  400  is received within the third bore  540  of the follower  500 , and the inner and outer seats  544 ,  542  of the follower  500  engage the base  402  of the cam  400  such that the inner seat  544  is positioned within the recessed portion  426  of the cam  400 . 
     With the follower  500  seated in the cam  400 , the reservoir  600  is inserted down into the follower  500  such that the bottom  602  of the reservoir  600  is seated on the base  502  of the follower  500  and such that the sidewall  604  of the reservoir  600  abuts the inner surface  506  of the follower  500 . The upper housing  700  is then mounted on the lower housing  200  by seating the studs  716 ,  718 ,  720 ,  722  of the upper housing  700  on the corresponding housing assembly bosses  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234  of the lower housing  200 , respectively, and by inserting the boss pins through the bottom wall  202  of the lower housing  200 , into the cores  248  of the housing assembly bosses  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 , and into the studs  716 ,  718 ,  720 ,  722  of the upper housing  700 . 
     With the upper housing  700  mounted on the lower housing  200 , the cover  800  is connected to the upper housing  700 . Specifically, the cover  800  is inserted into the inlet  710  such that the second tab  810  is received within the notch  714  of the upper housing  700 , such that the lip  812  of the cover  800  rests on the rim  708  of the upper housing  700 , and such that the rear panel  802  of the cover  800  covers the notch  212  of the lower housing  200 . Suitably, the reservoir  600  is removable (e.g., to replace the cleaning fluid) by lifting the cover  800  away from the upper housing  700  via the first tab  808 , by grasping the reservoir  600  via the handles  606 , and by lifting the reservoir  600  through the inlet  710  of the upper housing  700 . 
     During a non-cleaning mode or cycle of the system  100 , the follower  500  is positioned on the cam  400  ( FIG. 15 ) such that the peaks  524 ,  516  of the follower  500  are seated in the valleys  412 ,  420 , respectively, of the cam  400  and such that the valleys  520 ,  528  of the follower  500  are seated on the peaks  408 ,  416  of the cam  400 , respectively. As such, the shaver head  862  of the shaver  860  is held, via the cradle  806 , above the fluid level F in the reservoir  600 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 13-17 , the assembled cleaning system  100  operates in the following manner according to one embodiment of a method of cleaning an electric shaver. As used herein, the term “cleaning operation” refers to a predetermined number of cleaning cycles that are commensurate with a desired level of cleanliness. As used herein, the term “cleaning cycle” refers to a half rotation of the cam  400 , which yields a soak period and a subsequent dwell period, as described below. 
     To initiate a desired cleaning operation of the system  100 , a user inserts the shaver head  862  of a shaver  860  into the cradle  806 , such that the shaver head  862  rests on the shoulder  822  of the cradle  806  and such that the cradle  806  supports the shaver  860  in an upright position. The user then enters data relating to a desired cleaning operation into the control unit  824  via the user interface (e.g., the user enters a unique actuation code into the control unit  824  via the push-button  826  mounted on the lower housing  200 ). After the user enters data into the control unit  824 , the control unit  824  processes the data and actuates the motor  314  to perform a predetermined number of cleaning cycles to suit the desired cleaning operation. 
     During an exemplary cleaning operation, the system  100  performs two consecutive cleaning cycles in the following manner. The control unit  824  actuates the motor  314  to induce a clockwise rotation R of the cam  400  at a predetermined rate via the gear reduction assembly and the gears  304 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , thereby disengaging the contact pin  880  from the contact surface  882 . The channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  apply a biasing force against the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  such that the follower  500  is prevented from rotating together with the cam  400 , inducing the peaks  524 ,  516  of the follower  500  to slide up the slopes  410 ,  418 , respectively, of the cam  400 . 
     When the peaks  524 ,  516  begin to slide up the slopes  410 ,  418  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 16 ), the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  begin to slide up the respective channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  (i.e., inducing a first upward displacement of the follower  500 ). After the peaks  524 ,  516  have slid a predetermined distance up the slopes  410 ,  418  from the valleys  412 ,  420 , respectively, the system  100  enters the first soak period. During the first soak period, the peaks  524 ,  516  slide completely up the slopes  410 ,  418 , along the peaks  408 ,  416  of the cam  400 , and a predetermined distance down the slopes  422 ,  414  of the cam  400 , respectively, during which at least a portion of the cradle  806  and the shaver head  862  are submerged below the cleaning fluid level F in the reservoir  600  for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about one minute). 
     When the peaks  524 ,  516  begin to slide down the slopes  422 ,  414 , the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  begin to slide down the respective channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  (i.e., inducing a first downward displacement of the follower  500 ). After the peaks  524 ,  516  have slid the predetermined distance down the slopes  422 ,  414  from the peaks  408 ,  416 , respectively, the system  100  enters the first dwell period. During the first dwell period, the peaks  524 ,  516  slide completely down the slopes  422 ,  414 , along the valleys  420 ,  412  of the cam  400 , and a predetermined distance up the slopes  418 ,  410  of the cam  400 , respectively, during which the cradle  806  and the shaver head  862  are elevated above the cleaning fluid level F in the reservoir  600  for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about one minute) such that cleaning fluid flows out of the shaver head  862  and into the reservoir  600  carrying any dislodged buildup (e.g., particulates and/or oils). 
     When the peaks  524 ,  516  begin to slide up the slopes  418 ,  410 , the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  begin to slide up the respective channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  (i.e., inducing a second upward displacement of the follower  500 ). After the peaks  524 ,  516  have slid the predetermined distance up the slopes  418 ,  410  from the valleys  420 ,  412 , respectively, the system  100  enters the second soak period. During the second soak period, the peaks  524 ,  516  slide completely up the slopes  418 ,  410 , along the peaks  416 ,  408  of the cam  400 , and a predetermined distance down the slopes  414 ,  422  of the cam  400 , respectively, during which at least a portion of the cradle  806  and the shaver head  862  are again submerged below the cleaning fluid level F in the reservoir  600  for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about one minute). 
     When the peaks  524 ,  516  begin to slide down the slopes  414 ,  422 , the guides  532 ,  534 ,  536  begin to slide down the respective channels  222 ,  224 ,  226  (i.e., inducing a second downward displacement of the follower  500 ). After the peaks  524 ,  516  have slid the predetermined distance down the slopes  414 ,  422  from the peaks  416 ,  408 , respectively, the system  100  enters the second dwell period. During the second dwell period, the peaks  524 ,  516  slide completely down the slopes  414 ,  422  and mate with the valleys  412 ,  420  of the cam  400 , during which the cradle  806  and the shaver head  862  are again elevated above the cleaning fluid level F in the reservoir  600  such that cleaning fluid flows out of the shaver head  862  and into the reservoir  600 . Once the follower peaks  524 ,  516  mate with the cam valleys  412 ,  420 , the contact pin  880  re-engages the contact surface  882 , and the control unit  824  ceases to actuate the motor  314  (i.e., the cam  400  ceases to rotate and the cleaning operation is complete), such that cleaning fluid once again flows out of the shaver head  862  and into the reservoir  600  carrying more dislodged buildup (e.g., particulates and/or oils). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit  824  may be configured (e.g., programmed) to perform various different cleaning operations, each of which may include any suitable number of cleaning cycles. It is also contemplated that, in other embodiments, the cam  400  and/or the follower  500  may have any suitable number of peaks and/or valleys to suit any suitable number of soak periods and/or dwell periods per cleaning cycle. 
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate a second embodiment of a cleaning system  900  similar to the system  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1-17 ), with similar components identified in  FIGS. 18-21  using the same reference numerals used in  FIGS. 1-17 . The illustrated system  900  comprises a lower housing  902  and an upper housing  904  that are generally annular and are connected together at a joint  906  to define a reservoir  908 . The upper housing  904  comprises a cradle  806  that facilitates supporting a shaver  860 , and the lower housing  902  comprises a spring seat  910  for supporting a biasing member  964 , as described below. Optionally, a tower  912  may project from the upper housing  904 , away from the reservoir  908 , and adjacent to the cradle  806  to facilitate supporting the shaver  860  when the shaver  860  is seated in the cradle  806 . A trough  914  is formed in the upper housing  904  about the periphery of the tower  912  and the cradle  806  to facilitate containment of cleaning fluid to an area proximate the cradle  806 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle  806 , the tower  912 , and the trough  914  are formed integrally together. Alternatively, the cradle  806 , the tower  912 , and/or the trough  914  may be connected together using any suitable fastener. 
     The illustrated tower  912  comprises a base  916 , an apex  918 , and a tapered body  920  extending from the base  916  to the apex  918  such that the base  916  is wider than the apex  918 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  920  has a front face  922 , a rear face  924 , and a pair of peripheral faces  926 . The illustrated front face  922  is substantially coplanar with, or tangent to, the sidewall  818  of the cradle  806  and has a length L 1  that is substantially equal to a length L 2  of the sidewall  818 . Alternatively, the front face  922  may be oriented in any direction relative to the cradle  806 , Suitably, the rear face  924  defines a cylinder  928  that extends from the upper housing  904 , and the cylinder  928  comprises a first open end  930  and a second open end  932  and defines a passageway  934  from the first open end  930  through the second open end  932 . In one embodiment, the body  920  may have any suitable shape. In another embodiment, the body  920  may have a shape that is contoured to substantially match a contour of the shaver  860 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a plunger  936  is inserted into the reservoir  908  through the passageway  934  of the cylinder  928  such that the plunger  936  is slidable within the passageway  934  relative to the cylinder  928  (broadly, relative to the system housing). The illustrated plunger  936  comprises a first end region  938  proximate a first end  940  and a second end region  942  proximate a second end  944 . Suitably, the first end region  938  defines a grip  946  accessible exterior of the system housing to enable a user to grasp the plunger  936 , and the second end region  942  is tapered toward the second end  944  within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip  946  is sized substantially larger than the cylinder  928  such that the grip  946  contacts the cylinder  928  when the plunger  936  is depressed, thereby acting as a limit stop for the depression of the plunger  936 . Suitably, the plunger  936  is lockable into a depressed position relative to the cylinder  928  via any suitable locking mechanism to facilitate maintaining an elevated cleaning fluid level F within the reservoir during a cleaning operation (e.g., the plunger  936  and/or the cylinder  928  may be sized such that an interference fit and/or a friction fit are generated between the plunger  936  and the cylinder  928  when the plunger  936  is slid upwardly and/or downwardly a predetermined distance within the cylinder  928 ). 
     Suitably, a fluid displacement apparatus  948  (e.g., a float in the illustrated embodiment) is operatively connected to the plunger  936  within the reservoir  908 . The illustrated displacement apparatus  948  is hollow and has a generally arcuate contour. It is contemplated, however, that the displacement apparatus  948  may be solid and/or may have any suitable configuration without departing from the scope of this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement apparatus  948  comprises a top surface  950 , a bottom surface  952 , and a generally hourglass shaped bore  954  extending from the top surface  950  to the bottom surface  952 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second end region  942  of the plunger  936  seats in an upper receptacle  956  portion of the bore  954  such that the plunger  936  is operatively connected to the displacement apparatus  948 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a biasing member  964  (e.g., a spring) seats between the displacement apparatus  948  and the spring seat  910  to bias the plunger  936  toward its undepressed position (e.g., in a raised position). 
     In operation, a user places a shaver  860  in the system  900  such that the shaver head  862  of the shaver  860  is seated within the cradle  806  and above a fluid level F in the reservoir  908  and, optionally, such that the shaver  860  rests against the tower  912 . To perform a cleaning operation, the user grasps the grip  946  of the plunger  936  and manually urges the plunger  936  downward within the passageway  934  of the cylinder  928  to compress against the bias of the biasing member  964  such that at least a portion of the displacement apparatus  948  is submerged in the fluid, thereby displacing fluid and raising the fluid level F within the reservoir  908 . When the fluid level F is raised to a predetermined height within the reservoir  908 , at least a portion of the cradle  806  and the shaver head  862  are submerged in the fluid, and the user locks the plunger  936  in its depressed position relative to the cylinder  928 . The user leaves the plunger  936  locked (i.e., leaves the shaver head  862  of the shaver  860  at least partially submerged in fluid) for a desired period of time to suit a given level of cleanliness. After the desired period of time elapses, the user unlocks the plunger  936  from the fixed position and allows the plunger  936  to undepress due to the biasing force of the biasing member  964 , thereby raising the displacement apparatus  948  at least in part from the fluid and lowering the fluid level F within the reservoir  908 . When the shaver head  862  is above the fluid level F, the biasing member  964  maintains the displacement apparatus  948  in the raised position (i.e., maintains the shaver head  862  above the fluid level F) to facilitate drying the shaver head  862 . Alternatively, the user may repeat the cleaning operation to achieve any desired level of cleanliness. 
       FIGS. 22-23  illustrate a third embodiment of a cleaning system in which the system  900  comprises a lifting apparatus  970  for use in conjunction with, or in the illustrated embodiment in lieu of, the displacement apparatus  948 . The lifting apparatus  970  comprises a lever  972 , a fulcrum assembly  974 , and a tray  976 . The lever  972  comprises a first end  978 , a second end  980 , a middle portion  982  extending from the first end  978  to the second end  980 , and a hollow crossbar  984  extending substantially perpendicular to the middle portion  982 . The first end  978  of the lever  972  is connected to the second end  944  of the plunger  936  and/or the first end  966  of the biasing member  964  via a suitable fastener, and the second end  980  of the lever  972  is connected to the tray  976  via a suitable fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion  982  and the crossbar  984  are integrally formed together. Alternatively, the middle portion  982  and the crossbar  984  may be formed separate and fastened together by a suitable fastener. 
     The fulcrum assembly  974  comprises a first support  986  and a second support  988  spaced apart from one another. The first support  986  comprises a first aperture  990 , and the second support  988  comprises a second aperture (not shown). The first aperture  990  and the second aperture are substantially concentrically aligned, and the crossbar  984  is positioned between the first support  986  and the second support  988  such that an eyelet defined through the crossbar is substantially concentrically aligned with the first aperture  990  and the second aperture. Suitably, a pin  996  extends from the first aperture  990 , through the eyelet, and into the second aperture such that the lever  972  is pivotable about the pin  996 . 
     In operation, when the user manually urges the plunger  936  downward within the cylinder  928  (e.g., to a depressed position as described above), the lever  972  pivots about the pin  996  in a first rotational direction R 1  such that the tray  976  raises fluid toward the shaver head  862  to facilitate cleaning the shaver head  862 . Where the user slides the plunger  936  upward within the cylinder  928  (as described above), the lever  972  pivots about the pin  996  in a second rotational direction R 2  that is opposite the first rotational direction R 1  such that the tray  976  lowers to facilitate drying the shaver head  862  (as described above). 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.