Patent Publication Number: US-2009223056-A1

Title: Dynamo-powered shaver

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates broadly to power shavers. Specifically, the present invention relates to shavers powered from multiple power sources. More specifically, the present invention relates to shavers powered by a hand-cranked dynamo. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable power shavers have been widely used for decades. Typically, a shaver is powered by an electrical source, either a connection to alternating current or through the use of battery. Battery-powered shavers typically use a charger that connects to the source of alternating current to keep the battery charged and the shaver operable. However, such shavers have relatively limited portability, as a conventional source of electricity is required for existing shavers, and a battery can only maintain a charge for a limited amount of time. For people who camp, travel, enjoy outdoor recreation and sporting events or have adjusted their lifestyles to live separate from public electrical utilities, a power shaver presents a challenge that currently has not been met. Thus, there is a heartfelt need for a power shaver that can maintain a charge apart from a conventional source of electricity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a portable power shaver. The shaver includes a body, an internal rechargeable battery, an electrical circuit, a shaver head having at least one cutting head, and a dynamo having a handle. The dynamo is configured to charge the battery when the handle is cranked in a circular motion. In an embodiment, the body is contoured to receive the handle, and the handle folds against the body when not in use. In an embodiment, the handle includes a gripping knob by which a user cranks the handle and operates the dynamo to charge the battery. In an embodiment, the shaver includes a charge port that delivers to the battery a charge received from a vehicle power socket through the use of an adapter to deliver charge from a remote battery. In an embodiment, the charge port delivers to the battery a charge received from a conventional source of alternating current through the use of an adapter. 
     In an embodiment, the shaver includes at least one indication light, the indication light providing information to a user. The information may comprise an indication that the battery is currently being charged, or an indication that the battery needs to be charged. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one indication light includes a light emitting diode. In an embodiment, the indication light changes color or blinks to indicate a change in status. 
     In an embodiment, the shaver includes a plurality of gripping surfaces located on opposing sides of the shaver body. 
     In an embodiment, the shaver head comprises a foil head covering at least one cutting head. The foil head may include multiple surfaces separated by a depression. In another embodiment, the shaver head includes one or more rotating cutting heads arranged in a substantially triangular or side by side pattern on a common surface of the shaver head. 
     In an embodiment, the shaver includes a trimmer. The trimmer can be located proximate to the cutting head, or, in another embodiment, be a retractable trimmer located on the shaver body. 
     Many other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate the body of a shaver in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate a preferred embodiment of the head of the shaver in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the shaver in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the head of the shaver in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a vehicle adapter that can be used with the shaver of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an AC charging unit that can be used with the shaver of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates in schematic form circuitry that controls the shaver of the present invention during operation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 1A-1C , shaver  100  includes in an embodiment trimmer  102 . Trimmer  102  can be arranged in a retractable configuration and utilize the same power source that powers shaver head  200  ( FIGS. 2A-2B ). Shaver  100  employs a hand-cranked dynamo to provide a charging mechanism for an onboard battery that powers shaver  100 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 3 , shaver  100  includes folding handle  302  that remains close to the body of shaver  100  during operation, but can be rotated on a hinged connection to receiver  304  to expose finger grip  306 , which can be grasped by the user to rotate folding handle  302  in a circular motion. When rotated, receiver  304  and adaptor  308 , which are placed inside top body plate  310 , engage dynamo  318 . The principle of operation of a dynamo is well-known to those skilled in the art, and is not explained here as not to obfuscate the present invention. The gear wheels shown on dynamo  318  are spaced apart for clarity; it is to be understood that the gear wheels are all in contact with at least one other gear wheel to facilitate operation of dynamo  318 . Shaver head  312 , in an embodiment, utilizes a plurality of cutters or heads  314 , which, when shaver  100  is operated, cut in a circular motion. 
     Dynamo  318  fastens to mounting plate  320 , which secures dynamo  318  between top body plate  310  and bottom body plate  334 . In an embodiment, light emitting diodes (LEDs)  322  and  324  provide information to a user such as an indication that shaver  100  is currently powered on, connected to a charger, is fully charged or needs to be charged. LEDs  322  and  324  can utilize different colors, such as red, green blue, white, or other desired colors, and, in an embodiment, different colors can be used by the same LED to indicate change in charge status, or other information. In an embodiment, LEDs  322  and  324  can flash or blink to impart information to a user. Charging port  326  provides connection between battery  328 , either through vehicle adapter  500  ( FIG. 5 ), or charging unit  600  ( FIG. 6 ). Charging port  326  is typically mounted on the side of either top body plate  310  or bottom body plate  334  to provide connection to an external power source. 
     Mounting plate  320  includes a printed circuit board on its bottom side that controls operation of shaver  100 , and coordinates charging operations to battery  328 . The circuitry of mounting plate  320 &#39;s printed circuit board is illustrated in detail in  FIG. 7 . When battery  328  is charged by cranking dynamo  318 , the user is able to operate shaver  100  for approximately two minutes. 
     Side grips  330  and  332  are provided on opposite sides of shaver  100  to provide a comfortable gripping surface by which the user holds shaver  100 . Affixed to bottom body plate  334  is front plate  336 , which utilizes receiver ring  338 , power switch  340 , and switchplate  342 . The user depresses power switch  340  to power on shaver  100  as well as power off shaver  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative shaver head  400  that can be substituted for the shaver head shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Shaver head  400  has a foil head configuration, with trimming teeth located on multiple areas of shaver head  400 . Shaver head may also utilize a dual surface configuration for the foil head, where two foil surfaces are separated by a slight valley. The inventors have discovered this configuration works well shaving sensitive areas on the human body, and is preferred by many users. Beneath the foil surfaces are rotary blades that are arranged on spinning cylinders (not shown) located beneath the foil surfaces. In an embodiment, a user may remove shaver head  200  and replace it with shaver head  400 . This allows a user to shave different areas of the body more comfortably, and also allows two users having different shaving preferences to share shaver  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates vehicle adaptor  500 , which allows battery  328  to be charged via charge port  326  from a direct current source, such as an automobile&#39;s cigarette lighter receptacle.  FIG. 6  illustrates a convention charging unit that connects to a source of alternating current and charges batter  328  via charge port  326 .  FIG. 7  illustrates in schematic form circuitry  700  that operates shaver  100  and controls LEDs  322  and  324 , as well as charge delivered to battery  328 . 
     While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that many modifications can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention, such as adding or removing rotary or foil cutting heads and trimmer assemblies on the shaver, without departing from the spirit thereof.