High frequency wet/dry shaving system

Abstract: A shaving system which comprises a razor, a razor head and a mechanism for vibrating one or more skin-engaging elements at a frequency ranging from about 15,000 hertz to about 2,000,000 hertz.

Description: The present invention relates to shaving systems, and, more particularly, to shaving systems which comprise a razor, a razor head and a vibrating mechanism which vibrates the razor head at a supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequency. Background Several prior art devices have in the past employed shaving systems which vibrate at low frequencies typically within the range of 2,000 to 10,000 hertz. So far as is known, supersonic and/or ultrasonic vibration technology (vibration frequencies greater than 15,000 hertz) has yet to be applied to the razor industry. US patent No. 3,509,626, upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses an electromechanical razor in which transducer means operable at an ultrasonic frequency, is mechanically coupled to one end of a razor or like blade held in razor head means, and wherein the vibrational energy of the transducer causes ultrasonic vibrations in the cutting blade. In a preferred embodiment, the output of an electronic inverter is fed to a piezoelectric crystal held against a back edge of the blade, and vibrational energy from the crystal is fed to the blade, preferably in resonance with a natural or imposed frequency thereof, causing the blade, or portions thereof, to vibrate at a frequency of at least about 100,000 cycles per second. The power supply, such as the inverter, or an oscillator and amplifier may be contained in, or partially or completely remote from, the blade support means. Piezoelectric as well as magnetostrictive transducers are described. According to the invention there is provided a shaving system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 9. It is an advantage of the invention to provide a shaving system which incorporates supersonic and/or ultrasonic technology and provides for a system which vibrates one or more of the shaving elements at a supersonic or ultrasonic frequency thereby increasing both the shaving comfort and the shaving efficiency of a typical shaving stroke. Various embodiments of the present invention provide shaving systems which can be used for both reusable and disposable razors and comprise a razor, a razor head, and a vibrating mechanism which vibrates the razor head at frequencies in the supersonic to ultrasonic range, e.g. about 15,000 hertz to 2,000,000 hertz. In the invention, the vibrating mechanism vibrates the blades in a direction which is substantially parallel to the shaving stroke which is believed to enhance cutting efficiency. In another embodiment, the vibrating mechanism vibrates one or more skin-engaging elements, e.g., the razor blades, at supersonic or ultrasonic frequencies independently of the razor head. The present invention comprises a transducer horn which converts the electrical energy emitted from a power source to mechanical vibrations at supersonic or ultrasonic frequencies. Some embodiments comprise a mechanism for adjusting the frequency of vibration. Still other preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a power supply which is selectively engageable with a shaving system and/or a power supply which is rechargeable. Other embodiments include an indicator for determining the amount of charge remaining in the power supply. In accordance with the present invention, a shaving system comprises a razor, a razor head, and a mechanism which vibrates the razor head at a supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequency. The vibrating mechanism vibrates at least one skin-engaging element at supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies independently of the razor and the razor head. The frequencies utilized herein are preferably about or above 15,000 hertz. The vibrating mechanism vibrates the razor head and/or the skin-engaging element in a direction which is substantially parallel to the shaving stroke. Advantageously, the amplitude of vibration of the razor head and/or the skin-engaging element(s) is about 10 microns to about 100 microns. In one particular embodiment, the shaving system is used in combination with a portable or rechargeable power supply which is selectively engageable with the shaving system. Preferably, the power supply includes an indicator for determining the amount of charge remaining in the power supply and/or an indicator which indicates when the power supply needs to be recharged and/or replaced. The shaving system of the present invention comprises a supersonic transducer horn which converts alternating-current energy in the supersonic and/or ultrasonic range into mechanical vibration of the same frequency. Preferably, the source of energy encompasses a magnetostriction and/or an electrostriction device which converts alternating current into mechanical vibration via utilizing the unique field effect (strain) that magnetic or electrical forces have on certain types of material, e.g., ferromagnetic materials. There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a front-perspective view of a known shaving system; FIG. 2 is a side, cross sectional view of the shaving system, shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shaving system of FIG. 1 with a phantom line representation of the internal power supply, vibrating mechanism and vibrating horn; FIG. 4 is a front view of another known shaving system wherein the blades vibrate independently of the razor head at a supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequency; FIG. 5 is a side, cross sectional view of the shaving system, shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the shaving system of FIG. 4 showing a phantom line representation of the internal power supply, vibrating mechanism and vibrating horn; FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the blades seated within a support member which is engageable with the transducer horn; and FIG. 8 is an exploded side, cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7. In the drawings similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views. A known shaving system is illustrated in FIG. 1 and comprises a shaving system 10, preferably made from a hard plastic or some other semi-resilient material, a razor 12 and razor head 14. Razor head 14 comprises at least one blade. Preferably, razor head 14 comprises at least two blades, e.g., leading blade 23a and top blade 23b, a cap 20 and a guard element 22. Razor 12 comprises a razor handle 28 having an attachment end 29 for integrally or selectively attaching razor head 14. Preferably, razor handle 28 comprises opposing side walls 17 and 19, front wall 36 and back wall 37, the inner surfaces of which together define a cavity 40 for housing at least a power supply 26. Advantageously, cavity 40 is dimensioned to also house a transducer horn 16 and a vibrating mechanism 18. In one particular embodiment, razor handle 28 also comprises an end cap 50 which is threadably or otherwise engageable with handle 28 and acts to protect cavity 40 and the internal components contained therein from outside elements. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 cavity 40 generally extends the length of razor handle 28 and is dimensioned to permit horn 16 to vibrate freely within cavity 40. Preferably, horn 16 comprises a top end 44 and a bottom end 42. Advantageously, top end 44 is selectively engageable with razor head 14, but in some cases it may be preferable to integrate horn 16 with razor head 14, e.g., when shaving system 10 is a disposable razor. Most desirably, bottom end 42 is integral with vibrating mechanism 18, but in some cases, it may be desirable to selectively engage the two components 42 and 18 for manufacturing or other purposes. Cavity 40 also preferably houses a power supply 26 and a vibrating mechanism 18. Advantageously, power supply 26 is selectively engageable with shaving system 10 and is rechargeable; however, in some cases it may be desirable to provide an outside power supply 26 in order to reduce the overall weight of the shaving system 10 and/or to satisfy consumer preference. Preferably, shaving system 10 also comprises a power meter or indicator 52 which indicates the amount of charge remaining in the power supply 26 and/or indicates when a new power supply, e.g., a new battery, is needed. Preferably, vibrating mechanism 18 is also housed in cavity 40 and is coupled to power supply 26 via terminals 30 and 31. For the purposes herein, vibrating mechanism 18 generally comprises a device in which ultrasonic or supersonic vibrations are generated by the compression and extension of a core of electrostrictive or magnetostrictive material in a rapidly alternating electric or magnetic field. For the purposes herein, magnetostriction is defined as "the dependence of the state of strain (dimensions) of a ferromagnetic sample on the direction and extent of its magnetization". Electrostriction is defined as "a form of elastic deformation of a dielectric induced by an electric field, associated with those components of strain which are independent of reversal of field direction, in contrast to the piezoelectric effect". In some cases, however, it may be desirable to use alternative methods of inducing vibration at supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies. As will be appreciated from the present description, vibrating mechanism 18 can convert a supersonic and/or ultrasonic alternating-current emanating from power supply 26 into mechanical energy by causing horn 16 to vibrate at a supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequency. The horn frequency may be substantially equivalent to the a.c. frequency. Horn 16, in turn, causes razor head 14, blades 23a and 23b (See FIGS. 4-8), or one or more other skin engaging elements to vibrate at about or above 15,000 hertz. It is believed that vibrating the shaving elements at a certain supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequency having a predetermined amplitude will provide a dynamic cutting action which is superior to that of a normal shaving stroke, i.e., the supersonic and/or ultrasonic vibration is provided to enhance the cutting action through the hair and reduce the "pull" normally associated with the shaving stroke. It is further believed that at supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies, vibration heat will be generated which will tend to soften the facial hair thereby reducing the force required to cut the hair. These features will tend to reduce the discomfort normally associated with shaving and may also allow "dry shaving" which would save the consumer considerable cost since soaps and gels will not be required. In the system shown in FIG. 2, shaving system 10 also comprises a dial 34 which allows a consumer to selectively adjust the vibrating mechanism 18 (i.e., adjust the vibrating frequency of the razor head 14 or blades 23a, 23b) and/or the amplitude of the vibration according to his or her particular preference and/or particular shaving needs. Preferably, the range of amplitude vibration is about 10 to about 100 microns. FIGS. 4-6 show another shaving system wherein the vibrating horn 116 vibrates the blades 123a, 123b independently of the razor head 114. As can be appreciated from the present disclosure, shaving system 110 can be designed so that any skin-engaging element or other portion of the razor head 114, e.g., guard member 122 or cap 120, can be made to vibrate independently of razor head 114 or other skin-engaging elements. FIG. 5 shows a side, cross section of shaving system 110 which comprises a vibrating horn 116 internally housed within the upper end of cavity 140 and integrally attached to vibrating mechanism 118 at bottom end 142. Blades 123a and 123b are integrally attached to horn 116 near top end 144. As can be appreciated, when horn 116 is caused to vibrate at supersonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies, blades 123a and 123b will also vibrate at or near the same frequency. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the present invention wherein shaving system 210 comprises razor head 214 which is selectively engageable with razor 212 by way of an engagement mechanism (not shown). In this particular embodiment, blades 223a and 223b are seated upon a support member 260 which is disposed within razor head 214. Support member 260 comprises a depending portion 262 having a detent 264 which, preferably, protrudes downwardly therefrom. Detent 264 is dimensioned and aligned so as to selectively engage the uppermost end 266 of horn 216 when razor head 214 is attached to razor 212. As can be appreciated from the present disclosure, when razor head 214 is configured for use and vibrating mechanism 218 is activated, horn 216 will cause detent 264 and depending portion 262 to vibrate which, in turn, will vibrate blades 223a and 223b. Preferably, blades 223a and 223b are caused to vibrate at the same frequency, but in some cases it may be desirable to damp the vibration of a particular blade, e.g., 223b, or, in other cases, it may be desirable to only vibrate one blade independently of the other blade(s). Still in other cases it may be desirable to dimension horn 216 so as to engage and vibrate another skin-engaging element such as cap 220 and/or guard member 222. Such variants are within the scope of the invention. From the present description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while preferably the shaving system 10 is made from resilient plastic, it may be desirable to make the shaving system 10, or a portion thereof, from another material, such as aluminum or some other semi-flexible material. Advantageously, horn 16 is internally disposed within cavity 40; however, in some cases it may be desirable to have the entire upper portion of the handle act as the vibrating horn. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, horn 216 engages portion 262 which depends from support 260; however, in some cases it may be desirable to have horn 216 directly engage and vibrate blades 223a and 223b independently of support member 260, e.g., by providing recesses within support member 260 through which portion 262 extends to engage horn 216. It is believed that one of the major benefits associated with the present invention is that frequencies in the above noted range can provide a safer, cleaner, less expensive and more efficient way of cutting unwanted body hair. In addition, it is believed that the present invention will encourage "dry shaving" which will both reduce the overall cost of the shaving process and may particularly help those consumers who are allergic to shaving soaps and gels.

Claims: A shaving system (210) comprising: a razor head (214) with an interior cavity, and having a guard member (222), the guard member (222) having a generally flat portion to accommodate a skin surface to be shaved; at least one elongated generally flat blade element (223a; 223b) the guard member and one of the at least one blade elements defining an elongated opening, the at least one blade element having an elongated edge oriented in the elongated opening; a hand held hollow housing (18) secured to said shaver head, and defining an elongated passageway communicating with said interior cavity of said shaver head; and means for vibrating said at least one blade of supersonic frequencies, said means comprising a transducer means (216) characterised in that the transducer means comprises a supersonic transducer horn, which horn is positioned in said elongated passageway, said supersonic transducer horn having a free end portion (266) extending into the hollow interior of said cavity in said shaving head and vibrationally coupled to said at least one blade for vibratory motion relative to said guard member said vibratory motion moving the elongated blade substantially parallel in relation to a shaving stroke. The shaving system (210) of Claim 1 wherein said supersonic transducer horn (216) includes an elongated stem portion (216) provided in said passageway, said ultrasonic transducer horn free end portion being secured to said stem portion, and said shaving head being secured to said hollow housing. The shaving system (210) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a second elongated generally flat blade element (223a; 223b) is provided in said head so that its elongated edge is also provided in said elongated opening. The shaving system (210) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means in said hollow housing for vibrating said supersonic horn and its free end portion. The shaving system (210) of Claim 4 wherein said vibratory motion has an amplitude between 10 to 100 microns. The shaving system (210) of Claim 4 wherein said vibratory motion has a frequency between 15,000 to 2,000,000 hertz. The shaving system (210) of Claim 4 wherein said vibrating means (18) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of magnetostrictive and electrostrictive transducer materials. The shaving system (210) of Claim 7 wherein said vibratory means is selected from magnetoresrictive and electrorestrictive devices which convert electrical AC energy to mechanical vibratory motion of said ultrasonic transducer horn. The shaving system (210) of Claim 8 further including a source of electrical AC energy in said hollow housing. The shaving system (210) of Claim 9 wherein said source of electrical AC energy includes a rechargeable electrical energy source (26). The shaving system (210) of Claim 10 wherein said rechargeable energy source (26) is removable for replacement. The shaving system (210) of Claim 11 further including means (52) for indicating the state of said rechargeable source. The shaving system (210) of Claim 10 further including means (34) for adjusting the frequency of said vibratory motion.

Inventors: DATO ANTHONY I, LOZEAU ROBERT VICTOR, NANCHY STEPHEN JOHN III, DATO, ANTHONY I., LOZEAU, ROBERT VICTOR, NANCHY, STEPHEN JOHN, III
Applicants: WARNER LAMBERT CO, WARNER-LAMBERT COMPANY
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B26B21
IPC codes: B26B19, B26B21