Abstract:
A device for storing shaving razor blades in a manner which prolongs usability includes containment for storing cleaned razor blades and for storing a razor handle. The interior of the housing compartment comprises a reservoir configured for retaining a volume of a cleaning and preserving solution. After shaving, a user detaches the razor blade from the handle and places it within a blade cleaning assembly which provides a means to submerge the blade into the solution. The razor blade is then retrieved for subsequent shaving. The device also provides a removable blade cartridge being especially useful for storing clean blades while traveling.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/578,406 filed on Dec. 21, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a storage unit for a razor blade and, more particularly, to a storage and sterilization system for a razor blade handle and a plurality of disposable razor blades. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many different methods of shaving available to the consumer today. Various electrical shavers, depilatory creams and lotions, wax treatments, and the like are available for both men and women. But perhaps the most common method of shaving used is still the razor blade. Most shavers today use a common shaving handle which accepts disposable blade mechanisms. After the blades become dull, the user simply replaces them in order to obtain a close shave. However, such replacement blades are very expensive and are likely to be only slightly cheaper than a new razor blade and handle system. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which razor blades as used as part of a shaving system can be provided with increased usable life in order to reduce periodic replacement costs. 
     One (1) of the primary downsides of this method is that such replacement blades are very expensive and are likely to be only slightly cheaper than a new razor blade and handle system. As such, the vast percentage of money spent on these razors is due to the razors. However, the razor blades are difficult to maintain due to the fact that they are in contact with various chemicals and with the user&#39;s face and are often stored while wet, factors contributing to degradation, rusting, dulling, and dirtying of the blades. As a result, razors are discarded more frequently than they would be if not exposed to the factors described above. 
     Having recognized the abovementioned problems, the inventor observed there remains a need for a means by which razor blades as used as part of a shaving system can be provided with increased usable life in order to reduce periodic replacement costs. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide such an hygienic storage system for razors. U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,594, in the name of Cobb, discloses a container that receives and supports a razor so the cutting implement is in close proximity to a corrosion inhibitor, essentially a wicking material impregnated with an agent. Unfortunately, the Cobb invention is not under the overall scope of the present invention in that it does not provide a storage means for individual blades that can be removed for transport. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,533, issued in the name of Purohit, describes a wet blade storage apparatus comprising a razor holder supporting a razor and blade within a vessel of mineral oil. The present invention also comprises a removable container for the razors and blades and a portable carrying case for individual blades. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,657, issued in the name of Cox, discloses a housing attachable to a blade portion of a razor filled with a mineral oil and biocide solution. Unfortunately, the Cox device only attaches to n individual razor and does not provide a means to store and clean multiple razors and their blades as well as it does not provide a portable carrying case for individual blades. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,492, issued in the name of Cox, discloses a housing filled with a mineral oil and biocide solution and a stand to enable the upright position of a razor so that its blade is submerged in the solution. Unfortunately, the Cox device only attaches to n individual razor and does not provide a means to store and clean multiple razors and their blades as well as it does not provide a portable carrying case for individual blades. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a storage system for cleaning and transporting razor blades and razors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need of a means provide a system to enable cleaning and storage of razor blades. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a container comprising an upper panel, a lower panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A reservoir is inserted into the container through the upper panel and nests within a reservoir recess in the bottom panel. A blade storage means is inserted into a blade storage recess located on the first side panel. A blade cleaning assembly is hingedly attached to the front panel for inserting blades into the reservoir within the container. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of foot portions located on bottom ends of the corner portions of the container. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid to removably cover the reservoir aperture. The lid further has a gripping recess to aid in removal. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a container a lid removably attached to a top of said container to removably cover said reservoir aperture; 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a razor storage compartment located on the second side panel, further having an upper semi-circular compartment opening. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a blade cleaning assembly further comprises having a door hingedly attached to the front panel, a latch, and an arcuate appendage extending inward from an inner side of said door and having a plurality of removably attached blade compartments. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a reservoir having an open-top cylindrical vessel with a reservoir floor, an integral reservoir handle located along an upper rear surface of a first side. In another embodiment, the reservoir further has s a key feature disposed therewithin to correspondingly mate with a receiver of said reservoir recess in order to position said second side of said reservoir towards said front panel. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the blade storage means is a blade rack, comprising a five-sided rectangular enclosure and having a pair of integral clip portions located along opposing outer surfaces thereof to correspondingly mate with locking features adjacent to the blade storage recess. The blade rack further has at least one (1) lateral divider within said enclosure to define adjacent blade storage compartments, each further having a drain feature. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the blade storage means is a travel cartridge comprising a lower enclosure half having a proximal side and on opposing outer sidewalls thereof, an upper enclosure half having a proximal side, a rectangular gasket disposed between the proximal sides of enclosure halves. A pair of fasteners each removably attaches the enclosure halves together through aligned first aperture feature and second aperture feature pairs. A non-porous pad is adhesively affixed to an inner surface of said upper enclosure half. At least one (1) lateral divider is located within the lower enclosure half to define adjacent blade storage compartments, each further having a drain feature. a pair of integral clip portions located along opposing outer sidewalls of said lower enclosure half to correspondingly mate with locking features adjacent to the blade storage recess. Each blade storage compartment is configured to receive and retain a razor blade and the travel cartridge is adapted to receive a cleaning solution. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a top perspective view of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a top perspective view of a reservoir portion  38  of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view of a door assembly portion  50  of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of a travel cartridge portion  80  of the razor blade storage and sterilization device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6   b  is an exploded view of the travel cartridge  80 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 razor blade storage and sterilization device 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 corner feature 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 container 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 front panel 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 first side panel 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 rear panel 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 second side panel 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 foot 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 front opening 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 blade storage recess 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 upper panel 
               
               
                   
                 35a 
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                 35b 
                 key feature 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 reservoir aperture 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 reservoir recess 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 reservoir 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 reservoir handle 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 lid 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 reservoir floor 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 cylinder 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 key recess 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 male thread 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 gripping recess 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 female thread 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 blade cleaning assembly 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 door 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 hinge 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 appendage 
               
               
                   
                 57a 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 57b 
                 tab 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 blade compartment 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 magnet 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 latch handle 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 latch 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 divider 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 drain feature 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 travel cartridge 
               
               
                   
                 81a 
                 first clip 
               
               
                   
                 81b 
                 second clip 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 lower enclosure half 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 upper enclosure half 
               
               
                   
                 85a 
                 male locking feature 
               
               
                   
                 85b 
                 female locking feature 
               
               
                   
                 86 
                 knob fastener 
               
               
                   
                 88a 
                 upper fastener aperture 
               
               
                   
                 88b 
                 lower fastener aperture 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 gasket 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 rubber pad 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 razor storage compartment 
               
               
                   
                 97 
                 compartment opening 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 solution 
               
               
                   
                 105 
                 razor handle 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 blade 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 blade rack 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a razor blade storage and sterilization device (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for cleaning, disinfecting, and increasing the longevity of disposable razor blades  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , front and rear perspective views of the device  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention are disclosed. The device  10  provides storage and disinfecting of disposable razor blades  110  within a container portion  20  which comprises a hollow unitary rectangular structure having six (6) sides including a front panel  22 , a first side panel  24 , a rear panel  26 , a second side panel  28 , an upper panel  34 , and a bottom panel  35   a . The panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  34 ,  35   a  are joined at vertical corner portions by decorative and rounded integral corner features  15 . 
     The device  10  also comprises a half-cylinder-shaped razor storage compartment  96  being integrally-molded upon the second side panel  28 , and having an upper semi-circular compartment opening  97  which allows a user to insert a razor handle  105  in a “ready” position, until needed for use. 
     The front panel portion  22  of the container  20  comprises a pivoting blade cleaning assembly  50  which provides a means to position and submerse a plurality of blades  110  into cleaning solution  100  being contained within a reservoir  38  located within the container  20 , thereby removing dirt, hair, bacteria, and other contaminants (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The first side panel  24  further comprises a means to removable attach a travel cartridge  80  or a blade rack  150  via insertion into a molded-in blade storage recess  32 . The blade storage recess  32  comprises a rectangular recess having a pair of square female locking features  85   b  being sized and positioned so as to engage corresponding male locking features  85   a  of the travel cartridge  80  and blade rack  150  portions. The travel cartridge  80  and blade rack  150  portions provide a means to store and/or transport a plurality of blades  110  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  6   a , and  6   b ). 
     The device  10  is preferably fabricated using durable plastic materials molded in various decorative colors; however, other equivalent materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The container  20  comprises four (4) foot portions  29  being integrated into a bottom portion of each corner feature  15 , located at each corner of the container  20 . The feet  29  are preferably made of an anti-skid material such as rubber, thereby allowing the device  10  to be placed in a stable manner upon a flat level surface. 
     The upper panel portion  34  of the container  20  provides threaded attachment of a lid  40  via a circular reservoir aperture  36 . The lid  40  further comprises an integral cylinder portion  42  which protrudes downwardly and engages the reservoir aperture  36 . Said cylinder  42  and reservoir aperture  36  portions comprise respective male thread  44  and female thread  46  portions allowing the lid  40  to be threadingly retained and sealed upon the container  20 , thereby minimizing evaporation of the contained solution  100  as well as shielding an internal portion of the container  20  from contaminates. The lid  40  preferably comprises an arcuate upper profile or other decorative grippable recess  45  on opposing sides to facilitate the gripping and removal of the lid  40 . 
     The front panel  22  of the container  20  comprises a rectangular front opening  30  having a pair of hinges  54  along a bottom edge which provide pivoting attachment of a door portion  52  of the aforementioned blade cleaning assembly  50 . The blade cleaning assembly  50  further comprises an appendage  56  having a plurality of removably attached blade compartments  58 . The front opening  30  is particularly positioned so as to direct the arcuate appendage  56  containing from one (1) to three (3) blades  110  into a reservoir  38  within the container  20  as the door  52  pivots toward and covers the front opening  30 . The blade compartments  58  are envisioned to be arranged in a parallel pattern forming a vertical column (also see  FIG. 5 ). The door portion  52  of the blade cleaning assembly  50  comprises a rotary latch handle  60  and a corresponding internal latch portion  62  along a top edge which provides a quarter-turn mechanism to secure the blade cleaning assembly  50  in a closed state against the container  20 . 
     The first side panel  24  of the container  20  includes the aforementioned blade storage recess  32  being recessed within said first side panel  24  and having female locking features  85   b  located along opposing vertical surfaces. Said blade storage recess  32  is sized to accept and affix the travel cartridge  80  or the blade rack  150  within. The travel cartridge  80  provides a sealed enclosure to store and sterilize a plurality of blades  110  in a portable manner. The travel cartridge  80  is to be secured within the blade storage recess portion  32  via a pair of integral second clips  81   b  (see  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b ). 
     The blade rack  150  comprises a five-sided rectangular enclosure having integral first clip portions  81   a  located along opposing outer vertical surfaces. Each first clip  81   a  further comprises a male locking features  85   a . Said first clips  81   a  comprise outwardly extending flexible appendages which allow a user to squeeze the first clips  81   a  together to enable the male locking features  85   a  to engage the corresponding female locking features  85   b  within the blade storage recess  32 , thereby retaining the blade rack  150  within the blade storage recess  32 . The blade rack  150  further comprises two (2) equally-spaced lateral dividers  64  being molded-in features which allow insertion and retention of three (3) blades  110 . The dividers  64  further comprise integral semi-circular drain features  66  to allow removal of residual solution  100 . 
     As illustrated here, the components of the device  10  are designed for disassembly and cleaning when soiled. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , perspective views of the container  20  and reservoir  38  portions of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  is shown here with lid  40  and blade cleaning assembly  50  portions removed for illustration sake. The device  10  includes a removable reservoir  38  which retains a volume of cleaning solution  100  envisioned to comprise a commercially-available cleaning and disinfecting product being capable of removing dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from the submerged razor blades  110 . The solution  100  is also envisioned to prevent rust and other forms of corrosion from forming on metal surfaces of the blades  110 . The reservoir  38  comprises an open-top cylindrical vessel having a reservoir floor  41  and an integrally-molded ovular reservoir handle  39  which forms a grasping opening located along an upper rear surface allowing a user to grasp and lift the reservoir  38  out of the container  20 . The container  20  provides a means to position and orient the reservoir  38  via a reservoir recess  37  and a key feature  35   b  formed into the bottom panel portion  35   a . The reservoir recess  37  is correspondingly sized so as to slidingly receive a reservoir floor portion  41  of the reservoir  38  therein. The reservoir recess  37  further comprises a protruding semi-circular-shaped key feature  35   b  being positioned along a rear perimeter edge of said reservoir recess  37 . During insertion and positioning of the reservoir  38 , the key feature  35   b  interlocks with a mating key recess portion  43  molded into a bottom surface of the reservoir floor  41 . The reservoir recess  37  and key feature  35   b  enable the reservoir  38  to engage the reservoir recess  37  in an orientated manner to assure proper alignment between the blade cleaning assembly  50  and the reservoir  38 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  is a close-up view of the blade cleaning assembly portion  50  of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The blade cleaning assembly  50  is pivotingly attached to the front panel  22  via a pair of hinges  54  (see  FIG. 3 ). The blade cleaning assembly  50  further comprises an assembly of portions including a flat rectangular door  52  and an arcuate appendage  56 . The arcuate appendage  56  has a proximal end that extends perpendicularly from a rear surface of the door  52 . The appendage  56  further comprises a plurality of blade compartments  58  being positioned in an equally-spaced manner along a top surface adjacent to a distal end thereof. The appendage  56  provides removable attachment of the blade compartments  58  via molded-in rectangular slot portions  57   a  being sized and positioned to provide a friction fit to corresponding integral tab portions  57   b  molded into a bottom surface of each blade compartment  58 . Each blade compartment  58  further comprises a cylindrical magnet  59  being adhesively or otherwise mounted within the tab portion  57   b  which acts to attract the metallic portion of the blade  110 , thereby positioning and securing the blade  110  during cleaning. 
     As the door  52  is closed against the front panel  22 , the appendage  56  and loaded blades  110  enter the reservoir  38  through the top opening, are submerged into the solution  100 , and subsequently acted upon by the solution  100  for a period of time until cleaned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , perspective and exploded views of a travel cartridge portion  80  of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The travel cartridge  80  provides a sealed enclosure to store and sterilize a plurality of blades  110  in a portable manner. The travel cartridge  80  my be positioned within the blade storage recess portion  32  in a similar manner as the blade rack  150 , or removed for remote use such as while traveling (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The travel cartridge  80  allows insertion of up to three (3) blades  110  in a similar manner as the previously described blade rack  150 . 
     The travel cartridge  80  allows a user to transport a plurality of cleaned and disinfected blades  110  while separated from the container  20 . The travel cartridge  80  provides a protective and sealed rectangular enclosure further comprising lower enclosure half  82  and an upper enclosure half  84 , being sealed together along a joining equator area via a rectangular gasket  90 . The enclosure halves  82 ,  84  are secured to each other via installation of threaded knob fasteners  86  into integrally-molded fastener aperture portions  88   a ,  88   b  located along opposing outer surfaces of each enclosure half  82 ,  84 . The knob fasteners  86  are envisioned to comprise threaded shafts with cylindrical knurled head portions, allowing finger-tightening by a user. The lower enclosure half  82  comprises two (2) equally-spaced lateral dividers  64  allowing insertion of up to three (3) blades  110  in a similar manner as the previously described blade rack  150 . The dividers  64  further comprise integral semi-circular drain features  66  to allow removal of residual solution  100 . In use, one (1) to three (3) blades  110  are inserted between the divider portions  64  and a volume of solvent  100  is poured into the lower enclosure half  82 . The upper half  84  is then affixed by threadingly engaging the fasteners  86  into the fastener apertures  88   a ,  88   b . The upper enclosure half  84  comprises a rectangular non-porous rubber pad portion  92  being adhesively affixed to an inner surface which acts to hold the included blades  110  in position. The travel cartridge  80  allows a user to maintain a quantity of blades  110  in a disinfected state over an extended period of time. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of preparing the device  10  to clean blades  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; positioning the device  10  for use by resting the feet  29  upon a level surface; unscrewing the lid  40  from the reservoir aperture portion  36  of the container  20 ; grasping the reservoir handle  39 ; lifting and removing the reservoir  38  upwardly through the reservoir aperture portion  36 ; filling the reservoir  38  with solution  100  up to a desired level; replacing the reservoir  38  by nesting a reservoir floor portion  41  of the reservoir  38  into the reservoir recess portion  37  of the bottom panel portion  35   a  of the container  20 ; and, replacing the lid  40  onto the container  20 . The device  10  is now ready for use. 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  for cleaning blades  110  may be achieved by performing the following steps: releasing the door  52  by rotating the latch handle  60 ; pivoting the door  52  outwardly to an open state to gain access to the appendage portion  56  of the blade cleaning assembly  50 ; installing at least one (1) blade compartment  58  onto the appendage  56  by inserting the tab portion  57   b  of the blade compartment  58  into the slot portion  57   a  of the appendage  56 , if not previously installed; placing at least one (1) blade  110  into a respective blade compartment  58 ; closing the door  52  to submerge the blade compartments  58  and included blades  110  into the solution  100 ; securing the door  52  in a closed state by rotating the latch handle  60 ; and, allowing the blades  110  to soak in the solution  100  for a period of time. 
     The method of retrieving and utilizing the blades  110  for shaving may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving at least one (1) blade  110  by rotating the latch handle  60 ; pivoting the door  52  outwardly to lift the blades  110  out of the solution  100  and gain access to the clean blades  110 ; removing a blade  110  from a blade compartment  58 ; installing the clean and disinfected blade  110  onto a razor handle  105  in a conventional manner; utilizing the clean blade  110  in conjunction with a razor handle  105  to perform shaving in a normal manner; placing the assembled razor handle  105  and blade  110  into the razor storage compartment  96  until needed again; repeating the blade cleaning and disinfecting process as described above, to restore the blade  110  as needed; and, benefiting from a compact and effective means to clean and disinfect razor blades  110 , thereby increasing a usable razor blade life afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The method of maintaining the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: replacing waste solvent  100  periodically by removing the lid  40 ; removing the reservoir  38 ; dumping the soiled solution  100 ; adding a quantity of new solution  100 ; and, replacing the reservoir  38  and lid  40 . Cleaning the device  10  periodically as needed by disassembling and individually washing the portions of the device  10 . 
     The travel cartridge  80  may be utilized to transport or store blades  110  by performing the following steps: removing the travel cartridge  80  from the blade storage recess  32  by pinching the second clips  81   b  together and pulling the travel cartridge  80  from the container  20 ; placing the lower enclosure half portion  82  of the travel cartridge  80  upon a level surface; removing the fasteners  86  from the fastener apertures  88   a ,  88   b ; removing the upper enclosure half  84 ; placing at least one (1) blade  110  within the lower enclosure half  82 ; adding a volume of solvent  100  into the lower enclosure half  82  sufficient to cover the blades  110 ; replacing the upper enclosure half  84 ; securing the enclosure halves  82 ,  84  together by replacing the fasteners  86 ; inserting and retaining the travel cartridge  80  into the blade storage recess  32  using the second clips  81   b  for future use; or, retaining and transporting the travel cartridge  80  in a detached manner during such activities as traveling, camping, or the like; and, benefiting from the portability of cleaned and disinfected blades  110  while utilizing the travel cartridge  80 . 
     The travel cartridge  80  and blade rack  150  allow a user to maximize a number of available clean and disinfected blades  110  by utilizing the blade cleaning assembly  50  to clean and disinfect a plurality of blades  110  as previously described. The cleaned and disinfected blades  110  may be moved from the blade cleaning assembly  50  into the travel cartridge  80  and/or the blade rack  150  while an additional quantity of blades  110  may be cleaned and disinfected using the blade cleaning assembly  50 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.