Abstract:
A self-contained shaving system provides a handle having a razor and an internal reservoir containing a shaving fluid, such as shaving cream, and dispenses shaving fluid without the need for internal pressurization of the reservoir.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention pertains to disposable razors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Disposable razors have been widely used as a matter of convenience and sanitation. Due to such concerns, electric razors are impractical. Thus, the practical choice in such environments is a bladed razor. 
         [0003]    Use of such razors requires the use of a lubricating agent, such as shaving cream. However, this requirement imposes an additional logistical requirement, providing a container of shaving cream or other lubricating agent to the user along with the razor. 
         [0004]    Several attempts have been made to integrate a container of lubricating agent into a razor, thus eliminating the need to provide a separate container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,192 to Keene (“the &#39;192 patent) discloses a safety razor with a reservoir for shaving soap in the handle. The &#39;192 patent contemplates that the user would use a pump integrated to the handle to force air pressure around the collapsible shaving soap reservoir, then use a valve to release shaving soap through a tube to the head of the razor. The described device requires multiple moving parts and valves to function, making it expensive to manufacture and subject to damage if dropped. Further, the mechanism offers multiple failure points, such as valve seals that are subject to wear. 
         [0005]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,611 to Derin, et al. (“the &#39;611 patent”) discloses a razor with an aerosol reservoir of shaving cream in the handle. Although aerosol dispensers are well known, the device of the &#39;611 patent requires a mechanism that must be set to prevent accidental triggering of the aerosol container, and which could be accidentally moved to the “active” position while the razor was being used to shave. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,754 to Bressler, et al. (“the &#39;754 patent”) discloses a device in which movement of the razor cartridge itself actuates a valve to dispense shaving cream or another shaving material. This device dispenses shaving material through the face of the razor, and has the disadvantage that the surface being shaved (such as one&#39;s face) would be in contact with the razor blade before the shaving material is dispensed. 
         [0007]    United States Published Patent Application No. 2010/0095529 discloses a razor containing a collapsible reservoir in the handle, and utilizes a suction device to pull shaving material from the reservoir. As with the &#39;754 patent, this device dispenses shaving material at the razor end of the device, creating, if not a danger to the user, the likely result of discomfort during use. 
         [0008]    The number of attempts to create a razor/shaving material combination reflect a long-felt need for a successful version of such a device. However, due to complexity and hazards in their use, none of these devices has been commercially successful. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a combination razor and shaving material dispenser that is economical, safe, and easy to use. 
         [0009]    It is further desirable to provide such a combination that is disposable, rather than refillable, to reduce the number of parts and increase the ease of assembly, thus reducing the cost of the device. 
         [0010]    Because this device will be preferentially disposable, it may be additionally desirable to construct it from bio-degradable materials, such as, for example, polypropylene, so that, once used, it will not pose a burden on the environment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The invention is a razor that has within its handle a reservoir containing shaving cream or another suitable shaving lubricant. Because the razor of the present invention is intended to be disposable, the reservoir in the preferred embodiment is not refillable. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that a means for refilling the reservoir, such as an injection port, could be provided without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such a means is not desirable because it would add complexity and expense to the device. 
         [0012]    The invention further comprises a pump that operates without the need for the shaving lubricant reservoir to be pressurized. When the pump is actuated, shaving cream is withdrawn from the pump. When the pump is released, a following piston at the opposite end of the reservoir is forced inward by outside air pressure. As a result, the pump provides an efficient delivery system for the shaving lubricant without the need for aerosols or other pressurization of the reservoir. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, shaving lubricant is dispensed from the pump at the end of the handle opposite the razor blade or blades, thus insuring that the user&#39;s hands are not subject to being cut accidentally while dispensing the shaving lubricant. A removable cap is provided to fit over the base of the handle and protect the pump from being accidentally actuated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the razor of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the razor. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a pump suitable for use with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a sectional view of the pump of  FIG. 3A  along line A-A′. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of a razor of the present invention is shown. The razor comprises an at least partially hollow body  10 , one or more razor blades  12 , and a blade holder  14 . Piston  16  is insertable into the hollow portion of the handle, and seals one end of the shaving lubricant reservoir. Bottle end cap  18  comprises a threaded connector  20 , onto which pump  22  is threadably attachable. Removable protective cap  24  covers pump  22  when pump  22  is not in use, preventing accidental actuation of pump  22 . 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the assemble razor is shown in cross section. Shaving fluid reservoir  26 , which is preferably cylindrical, is sealed at one end by piston  16 , and at the other by the combination of bottle end cap  18  and pump  22 . (Those of skill in the art will recognize that the internal form of shaving fluid reservoir  26  may be any form, such as triangular, pentagonal, etc., so long as a matching piston can be provided that provides a sealing relationship with the inside walls of the reservoir. Further, the outside shape of the body  10  is solely a matter of preference and what is comfortable for the user.) Removable protective cap  24  is in place, preventing accidental actuation of pump  22 . Port  28  allows outside air into body  10 . Thus, when pump  22  is actuated and shaving fluid is withdrawn from shaving fluid reservoir  26 , the pressure of outside air entering through port  28  forces piston  16  to move toward bottle end cap  18 , reducing the net remaining effective volume of shaving fluid reservoir  26  to that of the remaining shaving fluid. In other words, movement of the piston substantially reduces the effective volume of the reservoir by the volume of the amount of fluid pumped out. This process continues until the supply of shaving fluid is effectively exhausted. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a pump  22  suitable for use with the present invention is seen in both side and sectional views. Pump  22  is actuated by pressing on pump stem  30 , compressing return spring  32 . When the pressure on pump stem  30  is relaxed, return spring  32  expands, withdrawing fluid from the shaving fluid reservoir  26  ( FIG. 2 ) by drawing or pushing it into pump chamber  34  via pump inlet  36 . Repeated pressing of pump stem  30  will continue to draw more shaving fluid from shaving fluid reservoir  26 , forcing fluid through pump stem  30  to pump outlet  38 . When a sufficient amount of fluid has been dispensed, the user may then return removable protective cap  24  ( FIG. 2 ) to position to prevent accidental activation of pump  22 . 
         [0021]    Those of skill in the art will recognize that variations on the above description can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the above description is made generally and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.