Abstract:
A gel-dispensing disposable razor comprising a transparent plastic tubular handle with forked supports at one end, and a multi-bladed cartridge pivotally attached to the forked supports of the handle. A packet of shaving gel is resident in a reservoir formed in the handle, and a positive displacement pumping mechanism allows finger-operated extrusion of the gel out of the module, through the handle into a pivoting manifold which spreads the gel outward around the cartridge. The gel is extruded from the handle through the manifold which evenly extrudes the gel into laminar flow paths that emanate outward from around the pivoting cartridge. All of the tubular handle, carriage, manifold and positive displacement pumping mechanism are molded plastic components for cost-effective mass production. Moreover, the transparent handle provides an indication of the amount of gel left therein, and is further equipped with a series of spaced rubberized annular ribs to provide a sure hand-grip. The razor provides an exceptionally smooth shave for approximately 3-5 usages, after which the device can be conveniently disposed of.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/686,429; filed: 2 Jun. 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to disposable razors for shaving and, in more particularly, to a disposable gel-dispensing razor with internal push-piston assembly for extruding shaving gel from an interior module outward around a conventional cartridge incorporating a series of razor blades.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Background  
         [0005]     There are a variety of commercially available disposable razors that generally comprise a razor head with integral blade(s) and a razor handle that is permanently affixed to form a single disposable unit. Disposable razors are commonplace and account for a significant percentage of total razor sales in te United States and worldwide. These razors are designed to remain effective for a certain number of uses (typically 4-5) and, once the blades become dulled, are to be discarded in their entirety. Disposable razors are popular due to their low price and convenience.  
         [0006]     More recently, a number of electric razors have become available that extrude shaving cream during operation, thereby softening the facial hair and improving the shave quality. These have become quite popular because they save time in applying the shave cream. However, the internal mechanisms for extruding the shave cream are comparatively complex electric pumps that are not well-suited for use in any variety of disposable razor.  
         [0007]     Nevertheless, there have been a few attempts at disposable razors that contain a shaving lubricant. Some of these employ a pressurized canister (see Cohen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,478, Dallaine, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,062, and Zeles U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,484, for example). Others employ a manually-operated pusher mechanism (see Perez, U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,765 and Kwak, U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,188, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,500 to da Silva issued Nov. 16, 1999. Still others employ a lubricant contained within the razor head (see Narijan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,512), or flexible reservoirs that pneumatically expel the lubricant (see Schauble, U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,432 and Olson U.S. Pat. No. 2,747,273).  
         [0008]     The various mechanisms disclosed in the above-identified patents have their respective advantages and disadvantages, the main disadvantages being undue bulk (those containing lubricant in the head rather than the handle lack the proper balance of a conventional disposable, safety razor), complexity (and commensurate cost), and a lack of control (without a gradient or indexed manual pumping mechanism the prior art devices tend to eject too much foam).  
         [0009]     Positive displacement pumping mechanisms are well-known in other contexts and hold promise for disposable razors as well. What has not been attempted is a positive displacement pumping mechanism in the context of a disposable razor, in which the razor handle serves as a reservoir for a module of shaving gel, a finger-operated push-piston in the handle allows precise control over extrusion of the gel from the module, through the handle and into a pivoting manifold for extruding the gel around a conventional cartridge incorporating a series of razor blades for even and uniform application to the face. This particular configuration would be amenable to cost-effective mass production entirely from molded plastic components.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a gel-dispensing disposable razor with precision manual extrusion of shaving gel from a module seated in a reservoir in the handle and outward through a pivoting manifold for extrusion around a multi-bladed pivoting cartridge, the cartridge, handle, pumping mechanism and manifold being conveniently incorporated into one integral and disposable unit.  
         [0011]     It is another object to provide a gel-dispensing disposable razor as above that is compact, lightweight and inexpensive, thereby allowing consumers to have ready access to two shaving essentials, razor and shaving gel, in a disposable form that can be easily carried in a coat or pants pocket, a purse, or a back-pack.  
         [0012]     It is another object to provide a gel-dispensing disposable razor as above that can be used with or without water, which dispenses shaving gel, and optionally scented shaving gel for women.  
         [0013]     It is another object to provide a gel-dispensing disposable razor that is easy to use by effortless manual push-positive extrusion via a slider assembly.  
         [0014]     It is still another object to eliminate the need for cumbersome shaving cream canisters that can leak onto belongings.  
         [0015]     These and other objects are accomplished by a gel-dispensing disposable razor comprising a transparent plastic tubular handle with forked supports at one end, and a multi-bladed cartridge pivotally attached to the forked supports of the handle. The cartridge comprises a conventional pivoting cartridge with a plurality of blades seated in the head. A packet or “module” of shaving gel is resident in a reservoir formed in the handle, and a positive displacement pumping mechanism allows finger-operated extrusion of the gel out of the module, through the handle into a pivoting manifold which spreads the gel outward around the cartridge. The pumping mechanism comprises a finger-operated push-piston assembly that is slidably carried in the side-walls of the handle. The push-piston includes opposing finger-tabs accessible exteriorly of the handle for urging the push-piston against the gel module, thereby displacing the gel therefrom. The gel is extruded from the handle, and is split into two main flow paths by the manifold, and is further divided by a multi-channel distribution plenum in the manifold that evenly extrudes the gel into laminar flow paths that emanate outward from around the pivoting cartridge. All of the tubular handle, carriage, manifold and positive displacement pumping mechanism are molded plastic components for cost-effective mass production. Moreover, the transparent handle provides an indication of the amount of gel left therein, and is further equipped with a series of spaced rubberized annular ribs to provide a sure hand-grip.  
         [0016]     The gel-dispensing disposable razor allows precision manual positive-displacement extrusion of shaving gel from the handle reservoir around the multi-bladed cartridge for shaving lubrication over approximately 3-5 usages, after which the device is conveniently disposed of.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the push-piston assembly.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  of  FIGS. 1-2 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the components of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  of  FIG. 1 , inclusive of the internal pumping mechanism and distribution manifold. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     The present invention is a gel-dispensing disposable razor with positive displacement pumping mechanism in which the razor handle serves as a reservoir for shaving gel, and a finger-operated push-piston assembly slidably mounted in the handle to allow precise control over extrusion of the gel from the handle around a pivoting cartridge. The razor is equipped with a pivoting multi-channel distribution manifold for extruding the gel outward around the cartridge in an even and uniform application to the face. The entire gel-dispensing disposable razor is formed with molded plastic components and is well-suited for cost-effective mass production.  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a side view of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1 , and  FIG. 3  is a rear view. With collective reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the disposable razor  1  generally comprises an elongate two-piece tubular molded plastic handle  12  defining an internal reservoir for containing a packet or “module” of shaving gel, and a multi-bladed cartridge  29  mounted atop the handle  12 . The plastic of handle  12  along its mid-section is preferably transparent or translucent to give a clear indication of the amount of gel left in the module (which is also transparent or translucent). The lengthwise extent of handle  12  is defined by a series of annular raised ribs  14  to provide a sure gripping surface. The sure-grip ribs  14  may be formed as molded rubber insets in a two-color two-material double-injection-molding process and, if desired, may be colorized to contrast with the transparent/translucent plastic to provide an aesthetically striking two-color appearance.  
         [0024]     The shaving gel is incorporated in a module formed of cellophane, Mylar(tm) or like flexible material which is seated directly inside the handle  12 , and is extruded therefrom by finger-actuation of an internal push-piston assembly including exterior finger tabs  22  on opposing sides of the handle  12 , the internal push-piston assembly effecting positive displacement pumping of the gel out of its module. The module is frangible at its topmost end to facilitate extrusion (such as by perforations or a weakened seal of the module material). The gel is preferably a conventional glycerin shaving gel which may additionally include lanolin, emollients, emulsifiers, dispersants, plasticizers, and a foam stabilizer. With such gel it is intended that the disposable razor  1  can be used with or without running water. Moreover, the gel may additionally include optional fragrance for women.  
         [0025]     The exterior finger tabs  22  protrude outwardly on opposing sides of the handle  12  and these are integrally formed with an internal push-piston (obscured) that abuts the lower end of the gel module. Finger tabs  22  are integrally formed on constricted necks that pass through elongate slots  19  defined in the sides of the handle  12  and running upwardly there along. Simple pushing of the finger tabs  22  urges the push-piston against the gel module (guided along the slots  19 ), which urges the shaving gel out through the frangible end of the gel module up through a channel inside the handle  12  where it is split by a manifold  23 , first into two primary flow paths directed above and beneath the cartridge  29 , and then into multiple flow paths defined by orifices  24  in the manifold  23  for even application of the gel.  
         [0026]     The handle  12  is formed with two opposed support collars  32 , support collars  32  providing an arcuate mounting for a conventional multi-bladed cartridge  29 . In the preferred embodiment, the multi-bladed cartridge  29  comprises three closely-spaced angled hypo-allergenic blades  42  supported in a plastic open-faced carriage  44 . The carriage  44  includes rearwardly-disposed clips  45  for clipping onto the opposed support collars  32  of the handle  12 , the clips  45  allowing a degree of transverse freedom and the arcuate support collars  32  thereby allowing pivoting of the entire cartridge  29 . Preferably, a conventional aloe strip  46  is adhered directly beneath the blades  42  across the carriage  29  to enhance the lubrication of the gel, thereby ensuring that the triple action hyperallergenic blades  42  deliver a smooth, close shave. The flow of gel outward from manifold  23  in advance the blades  42  is spread along the razor edges of the advancing blades  42 , and the flow of gel outward from manifold  23  behind the blades  42  is deposited on the skin for lubrication during subsequent strokes. The gel foams upon contact, thereby improving lubrication. Preferably, a resilient plastic safety cap (not shown) is provided as with most conventional blade cartridges to protect exposure of the blades  42  when not in use. The entire above-described unit is preferably individually packaged in a cellophane wrapper for sterile use in hospitals and the like.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the components of the gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  of  FIG. 1 , inclusive of the internal push-piston  33 , gel module  40  and distribution manifold  23 . The handle  12  is most conveniently formed as an elongate two-piece snap-fit structure including handle-halves  12 A &amp;  12 B, with friction-fit pins  17  and/or tabs  9  formed on one half for press-fit insertion into mating receptacles  18 . The joined halves of handle  12  define an internal reservoir  13  for containing a packet or “module”  40  of shaving gel, a gel channel  31  leading upward and out through the handle  12  toward the multi-bladed cartridge  29  which is snap-mounted atop the handle  12  as shown. As stated above, the shaving gel is incorporated into an elongate tubular module  40  is formed of cellophane, Mylar(tm) or like flexible material with a pressure-frangible end  41  defined by perforations, a weak heat weld, or the like. The gel module  40  is seated directly inside the reservoir  13  of handle  12  and when full substantially occupies the lengthwise extent of the handle  12 . The razor  1  is initially sold with a fully charged module  40  of shaving gel incorporated within the handle  12 , and the gel can be incrementally extruded therefrom by finger-sliding of the tabs  22 , and thereby the push-piston  33 . The push-piston  33  is a flat panel section conforming to the cross-section of the interior reservoir  13  of handle  12  and slidable there along to extrude the gel. The handle  12  may be formed with a rounded rectangular cross-section, in which case the piston  33  conforms. The push-piston  33  is integrally formed with the opposing finger tabs  22 , which are joined to piston  33  via constricted necks, all of which may be integrally molded. The elongate slots  19  runnig substantially the length of the handle  12  are defined by partial slots in the two handle sections  12 A &amp;  12 B which merge around the constricted necks of the push-piston  33  to slidably capture the push-piston  33  therein, and yet allow free sliding of the push-piston  33  under force of the finger tabs  22 , thereby extruding gel up the handle and out through the distribution manifold  23  around the multi-bladed cartridge  29 .  
         [0028]     The distribution manifold  23  is formed as an outwardly concave member bounded by side-walls leading to distally-opposing plenums each defined by a series of orifices  24  (three each being shown). One half of handle  12  B is formed with a concave abutment surface  27  proximate the gel channel  31 , the abutment surface  27  conforming to the backside of the manifold  23  to serve as a sliding surface. However, the manifold  23  overextends the abutment surface  27  across the gel channel  31  to intercept the flow of gel extruded through the flow channel  31 . Thus, when the cartridge  29  is clipped onto the handle  12  it sandwiches the manifold  23  against the abutment surface  27  to provide a pivoting engagement for the manifold  23 , manifold  23  thereby pivoting along with cartridge  29 . Since the manifold  23  covers the gel channel  31  it intercepts the flow of gel, firstly dividing the flow into upper and lower primary flow paths, and then further directing the gel through the distally-opposing plenums and orifices  24  both above and below the advancing blades  42  of cartridge  29 . Moreover, since manifold  23  pivots along with cartridge  29  the gel is always extruded onto the skin in close proximity (above and below) to the advancing blades  42  of cartridge  29 .  
         [0029]     In general operation, the internal push-piston  33  urges the shaving gel out from the module  40  and up through the gel channel  31  in handle  12  where it is split by manifold  23  into two even flow paths, and is then further distributed by the distally-opposing plenums and orifices  24  both above and below the advancing blades  42  of cartridge  29 . The cartridge  29  clips onto the opposing arcuate supports  32  to form pivoted joints at the underside of cartridge  29 . While the illustrated configuration can be integrally molded, many other pivoted arrangements may be well-suited. The design of cartridge clips  45  are derived from conventional pivoting shaving cartridges which allow pivoting of the entire cartridge within approximately a 30 degree range of pivoting motion. The design of pivoting manifold  23  and the support wall  27  of handle  12  is specifically designed to accommodate this same range of pivoting freedom and yet maintain the fluid coupling of the manifold  23  with the gel channel  31 , as well as the position of the orifices  24  relative to the blades  42  throughout pivoting of the cartridge. Once the gel is urged fully through the manifold  23  it is extruded evenly at each side of the blade set  42 , where it is spread evenly onto the facial skin, the gel being uniformly painted onto the skin by the razor edges of the three blades  42 .  
         [0030]     The above-described disposable gel-dispensing razor  1  is entirely plastic and may be formed with only six primary parts, one of which (the cartridge  29 ) is readily available. The razor is designed to be used with or without water, making it convenient and practical for travel and/or use in the field, such as in military encampments. In such use, the user need only manually slide the push-piston  33  via finger tabs  22  to release gel around the blades  42 , whereupon the user may begin shaving in the usual fashion. The user effectively applies shaving gel for a smoother shave, and shaves away unwanted hair at the same time. The aloe strip  46  works synergistically with the gel to lubricate, and the triple action hyperallergenic blades  42  deliver a smooth, close shave. The disposable razor  1  is designed to give approximately 3-5 shaves depending on usage. Specifically, given dimensions of handle  12  which conform to typical disposable razors, the present gel reservoir  13  and modules  40  each can hold approximately one ounce of gel which is believed sufficient for approximately 3-5 uses. This also coincides with the expected lifetime of the blades  42 , and when the gel is gone and/or the blades  42  are dull the unit  1  is simply discarded.  
         [0031]     It should now be apparent that the above-described gel-dispensing disposable razor  1  allows precision manual positive-displacement extrusion of shaving gel from the handle  14  reservoir through the multi-bladed cartridge  29 , and the cartridge  29 , handle  12 , pumping mechanism and distribution manifold  23  are conveniently incorporated into an integral and disposable unit for convenience of use. The assembly  1  is compact, lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, thereby allowing consumers to have ready access to two shaving essentials, razor and shaving gel, in a 3-5 use disposable form that can be easily carried in a coat or pants pocket, a purse, or a back-pack. This eliminates the need for cumbersome shaving cream canisters that can leak onto belongings.  
         [0032]     Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.