Patent Publication Number: US-2015059197-A1

Title: Razor Drying Container

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to razor supports, and further to dry storage containers that maintain a low level of humidity inside the container for storage of moisture-sensitive articles. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel razor storage container that is useful for maintaining a razor within an otherwise humid environment without exposing the razor blade to excessive moisture and resulting corrosion. The container includes a formed desiccant pouch, a razor support insert, a watertight container construction, and an internal moisture indicator. 
     Razors are useful appliances for personal grooming. Traditional (non-electric) razors generally include a handled region and a razor blade head that includes at least one razor blade for removing hair close to the user&#39;s skin while shaving. This appliance is commonly maintained within a bathroom environment and used during or after a shower. Some individuals store the razor in the shower itself or on a vanity countertop between uses. While offering quick access to the razor, both of these locations expose the razor blade to considerable moisture. If the razor blade is not dried or removed from this environment after use, the razor blade (or blades) can quickly become corroded and dull, requiring frequent changing of the blade to prevent nicks and cuts while shaving. 
     The humid environment of the bathroom exposes razor blades to moisture for prolonged periods, which can quickly cause oxidation of the blade. Oxidation results in pitting, dulling, and minute chipping of the razor blade material, which creates an irregular and dull cutting edge, and thus a reduced capacity to cut through hair while shaving. The dull and irregular blade also exposes the shaving user to skin cuts and skin irritation during the shaving process. Normally, the razor is placed into a suitable holder or razor support, which attempts to drain the fluid from the razor blades and maintain the blades above free standing water. However, even if the user places the razor in this type of support and dries the razor blades with a towel after each use, the moist environment of the shower or bathroom quickly causes an oxidation and rusting of the blades, reducing their useful life and requiring the user to change out the blades at a high frequency. 
     Replacement of razor blades can be an expensive proposition, particularly with premium razors that have several blades and a specifically designed replacement head. These blades can cost several dollars per replacement and require replacement only after a few uses. Taking into account the frequency of replacement over an entire year, this can become quite an expense, and one that is otherwise unnecessary if the razor blade is maintained in a properly clean, dry environment between uses. 
     The present invention provides a new razor container that maintains the razor and razor blade in a clean, dry environment between uses. The container comprises a securable, water tight lid, a razor shelf insert for supporting the razor, an underside desiccant pouch that draws moisture from the container interior and thereinto, and finally a moisture indicator within the container for monitoring the effectiveness of the pouch over time. The razor shelf insert supports the razor and allows moisture to flow from one side of the container to the underside of the insert and into the desiccant pouch, effectively removing moisture from the razor side of the container. The device is disclosed for reducing oxidation of razor blades and reducing bacteria development thereon when stored in showers and bathrooms, thereby extending the life of the blades, allowing for smoother shaves over a longer period, and further for reducing waste and unnecessary expense related to blade replacement. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to containers that are adapted to remove moisture from an article supported therein. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
     Devices in the prior art relate to article supports and containers that utilize a hygroscopic material or desiccant pack therewithin to draw moisture from the article. These devices, while providing a means of drying a tool, razor, or other article, fail to disclose the novel construction and moisture-separating features of the present invention. Namely, the present invention discloses a container having an internal razor support insert that separates a container into an upper and lower chamber, wherein the lower chamber includes a desiccant gel pack that draws moisture from the upper chamber through apertures in the insert. The gel pack is monitored using a moisture indicator, which alerts the user when to replace the gel pack over a period of use. 
     One such device in the prior art is U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0308098 to De&#39;Rennaux, which discloses a razor case that is adapted to remove moisture from the razor by using a small desiccant gel pack and an absorbent layer within the case. The case comprises a hinged top lid, an absorbent liner disposed along the bottom of the case for supporting the razor, and at least one absorbent desiccant gel pack within the case. Further disclosed is a spacer element disposed within the case for supporting the razor therein. While disclosing a case having a similar purpose to the present invention, the De&#39;Rennaux device utilizes an absorbent layer under the razor, where the present invention contemplates an insert that is adapted to support the razor above a desiccant gel pack and facilitate moisture trapping along the gel pack side of the insert. The present invention includes an insert having a plurality of apertures and a design that is adapted to separate the container into an upper and lower chamber, wherein moisture is drawn through the apertures and into the gel pack along the lower chamber, away from the razor. Further provided is a means of monitoring the freshness of the gel pack over time, which allows the user to change out gel packs as necessary from the container. 
     Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 1,835,408 to Kurtz, Jr., which discloses a case for razor blades and for drying the same after each use. The case includes hingedly attached frames and an internal blotting paper for drying the razor blade after each use. The blotting paper contacts an exposed razor blade that is freed from its razor holder, wherein closing the case causes the blotting paper to remove moisture therefrom. While providing a means of removing moisture from an exposed and freely position razor blade within a case, the Kurtz, Jr. device fails to provide a sufficient solution for modern razor blades that cannot be removed from their attachment head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,726 to Holzwarth is a device that discloses a sealed sterile package that utilizes a formed plastic layer having a recess for supporting a surgical instrument, a permeable layer secured to the plastic layer about the recess, a desiccant pack below the permeable layer and adjacent to the instrument for drawing moisture therefrom, and finally a moisture impervious layer encasing the desiccant pack. The package secures a surgical instrument having a moisture sensitive object subject to hydrolytic degradation and prevents the same from occurring before use, wherein a sterilizing gas is used to clean the instrument before packaging and sealing the instrument prior to being used in a procedure. The Holzwarth device is directed to protecting a sterilized medical instrument and preventing moisture damage to sensitive components thereon when sealed. No motivation exists to utilize the same construction for the protection of razor blades, and further the structure of Holzwarth is such that its everyday use as a razor support is not practical. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 1,277,824 to Baker discloses a holder for a safety razor that includes an absorbent agent-containing cartridge of hygroscopic material, wherein the material draws moisture from the safety blade to preserve its condition for periods of time. The container is air tight, while the cartridge is preferably comprised of a calcium chloride or sulfuric acid, which absorbs moisture. The Baker device, similar to the aforementioned devices, provides a means to dry a razor blade but fails to disclose the novel aspects of the present invention. The present invention further does not contemplate a hygroscopic material defined by Baker, but rather a replaceable desiccant gel pack to remove moisture. 
     The present invention discloses a new and novel razor container that protects the razor from the humid environment of the shower, while drawing moisture from the blade of the razor and from the container interior while therein to prevent rapid oxidation of the blade and thus improve the useful life thereof. The container includes an insert that separates the interior volume into two chambers, facilitating moisture removal and a dry storage location for the razor between uses. The pouch is readily monitored and replaced as necessary to maintain the dry interior environment of the container, even when placed directly in the shower. 
     It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing dry razor storage containers. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of razor containers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new container that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing a razor in a dry environment between uses, without requiring the user to first dry the razor blade or store the container in a specific location. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved razor drying container that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a razor drying container that includes a first and second half hingedly attached to one another, wherein the halves secure closed to form an air tight, enclosed interior volume for supporting a razor therein while in the shower or general bathroom environment. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that actively removes moisture from within the container interior, drying the razor blade and preventing free-standing water from causing oxidation and rusting of the razor blades between uses. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that employs a specifically designed razor support insert, whereby the razor blades are supported above a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures allow moisture to be drawn from the blades and into a desiccant pouch stowed beneath the insert. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that utilizes an interior insert to separate the container interior into an upper chamber and lower chamber, wherein moisture is drawn from the upper chamber and into the lower chamber that houses a desiccant pouch for trapping moisture therein. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that employs a moisture indicator within the interior of the container, whereby the indicator alerts the user that the desiccant pouch is no longer functioning as intended and is in need of replacement. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that reduces the frequency with which a razor blade must be replaced on a razor because of dulling and pitting caused by oxidation, thereby reducing expenses for the user, reducing waste, and extending the useful life of a razor blade 
     A final object of the present invention is to provide a razor drying container that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective exploded view of the present invention and all of its elements, along with a razor of typical design that is well adapted for storage within the present container. 
         FIG. 2  shows an underside exploded view of the present invention and all of its elements. 
         FIG. 3  shows an overhead view of the insert of the present container. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross section side view of the present invention, wherein the separation of the container interior volume by the insert is visualized. 
         FIG. 5  shows an overhead view of the present invention in a closed state. 
         FIG. 6  shows an underside view of the present invention, wherein the moisture indicator is visualized through the transparent container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the dry razor container. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting a razor within a clean, dry container, whereby moisture is removed from the blades of the razor for extended use thereof. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown exploded perspective views of the dry razor container of the present invention. The device comprises a transparent container  11  having an upper  14  and lower  13  portion hingedly connected  17  along an aligned edge therebetween. The lower portion  13  comprises upstanding sidewalls  86 , a base surface  12  and an upper edge that combine to define a container interior volume. The upper and lower portions of the container hinge about one edge and secure together along an opposite edge, wherein a latch  15  is disposed along the upper portion  14  for securing the same to the lower portion  13 . Along one of the sidewalls  86  is a lip  18  that is adapted to catch a hinged latch  16  attached to the upper portion  14  of the container, thereby securing the upper and lower portions together when enclosing a razor  100  therein. 
     Along the interface between the upper and lower container portions and disposed along the upper edge of the lower portion  13  is a gasket element  88 . The gasket  88  affects a secure fitment between the two portions of the container and prevents moisture and air from freely crossing the interface when closed. The gasket  88  is preferably secured within a lip about the upper edge of the lower portion  13 . When securing the upper portion  14  to the lower portion  13 , a plurality of gaskets  85  are disposed along the edge of the upper portion  14  for retaining the gasket  88  is position and for improving overall fitment of the two portions together in a moisture-tight fashion. 
     Within the container  11  is an insert element  31  that is adapted to support a razor  100  in a stable position while separating the interior volume of the container  11  into an upper and lower chamber. The insert  31  comprises a thin-walled structure having upstanding walls  33  that parallel the sidewalls  86  of the container  11 , wherein the walls  33  support an upper surface  35 . Within the upper surface  35  is a longitudinal channel  34  that is adapted to support the handle  102  of a razor therein. 
     The function of the insert  31  is two-fold: to support a razor  100  between uses and to create a separation between the razor  100  and a desiccant gel pouch  21  disposed within the container  11 . The channel  34  of the insert comprises a first  32  and second  39  end, the second end  39  being a widened area to support the head  101  of the razor and accompanying razor blades. The channel second end  39  comprises a lowermost surface  36  that supports the blades  101  directly, an elevated surface  37  just inward from the lowermost surface  39 , and a plurality of apertures  38  disposed along the elevated surface  37 . The apertures  38  allow moisture and air to flow from the upper chamber and through the insert  31  to the lower chamber and then into the desiccant gel pouch  21  disposed therein. 
     The elevated surface  37  creates an offset between the lower surface  12  of the container  11  and allows air to communicate across the apertures and into the desiccant gel pouch, which actively draws in moisture to dry the razor blade  101  and prevent active oxidation thereof. The underside of the insert  31  is an open area to accommodate the bulk of the desiccant gel pouch  21 , which is formed to fit largely along the sides of the razor channel  34  and the razor handle grip depression  30  along the channel length. 
     The desiccant pouch  21  is a large, sealed pack of desiccant material, wherein desiccant material is one selected from the group of silica gel, molecular sieves, activated alumina, porous silica glass, or any other commonly deployed desiccant material utilized in maintaining dry environments within packages and containers. The pouch  21  of the present invention comprises a first and second enclosed material pouch portion  22  that are connected by a material bridge  24  at one end and separated from one another along a second end  25 . The second end of the pouch forms extensions  26  of the enclosed material portions  22  that are adapted to be placed along opposing sides of the insert channel second end  39  (razor blade end), while the connected portions of the pouch are adapted to be placed along opposing sides of the channel  34  along its length. The overall pouch is designed to secure within the open underside of the insert  31 , allowing the insert  31  lower edge to be supported by the container lowermost surface  12 . Furthermore, the pouch material is adapted to be porous to allow for air and moisture to permeate the pouch and become absorbed by the hygroscopic, desiccant material therein. 
     The desiccant pouch  21  is a removable structure that is adapted to be periodically replaced as the material therein loses its ability to absorb moisture. Its overall size and design make it ideally suited for use below the insert  31  and for use in highly moist environments, such as bathrooms and showers. The two pouch portions  22  enclose a large quantity of the desiccant material and separate two large quantities thereof by design, placing the pouch portions along opposing sides of the insert channel. The size and shape of the pouch  21  consumes the open volume below the insert  31  within the container, whereby the desiccant pouch  21  is specific to the present assembly and more effective than standard, clothier desiccant pouches having smaller, rectangular pouch structures. The surface area provided by the pouch portions  22  and the quantity of material therein greatly improves the ability of the present assembly to absorb and contain moisture over existing desiccant pouch alternatives. 
     To monitor the freshness (and thus effectiveness) of the pouch  21 , a moisture indicator  41  is disposed along the base surface  12  of the container, whereby the user can monitor the moisture content of the container interior. Under normal conditions, the moisture within the container is rapidly absorbed by the desiccant pouch  21 . As the pouch loses its ability to absorb moisture, the moisture content rises within the container and thus the moisture indicator begins to register high moisture content therein. When the indicator is registering a high level of moisture therein, the user is alerted to replace the desiccant pouch  21  and replace the moisture indicator  41  with fresh replacements. The moisture indicator  41  is preferably a type of humidity indicator card having a moisture-sensitive material thereon that reacts and changes color with higher levels of humidity. 
     A plurality of hook and loop attachment means  40  are disposed along the underside of the insert  31  and along the upper surface of the pouch  23 , whereby the pouch  21  can be secured thereto. Once secured, the pouch  21  and insert  31  are secured together as one and the user can place the insert  31  into the container  13  without the pouch  21  moving or separating therefrom. When replacing the desiccant pouch  21 , the user removes the insert and pouch, disconnects the pouch  21  from the insert  31  and replaces the pouch  21  with a fresh replacement. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are shown two views of the insert  31  of the present invention, independent from the container. As previously described, the insert  31  functions as a razor support article positioned within the container and a means to separate the container into and upper and lower chamber. The razor blades of the razor are positioned adjacent to the apertures  38  along the insert second end  39 , while the upper surface  35 , longitudinal channel  34 , and lowermost surface  36  separate the razor from direct contact with the underlying desiccant pouch. By separating the container into an upper and lower chamber, the moisture is drawn towards the desiccant pouch and away from the razor itself. By positioning the razor blades adjacent to the apertures  38  in the insert  31 , the moisture thereon has a most direct access to the pouch drying means to provide more rapid drying thereof. The sidewalls  33  of the insert  31  elevate the upper surface  35  and channel  34  such that the razor is positioned above the desiccant pouch with enough clearance for both articles. When retrieving the razor, a pair of handle grip depressions  30  allows the user&#39;s fingers to access and remove the razor by its handle. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross section side view of the assembly in a working state, whereby the positioning of the desiccant pouch  21  in relation to the insert  31  is shown within the container interior. The insert  31  is a formed sheet of material having upstanding sidewalls  33  and a channel  34  to support the razor in a stable condition. However, the foremost concern of the insert  31  is to position the razor blades in proximity to the apertures  38  in the insert such that moisture is drawn therefrom and into the lower chamber created by the insert  31  below the channel  34 . The desiccant pouch  21  absorbs the water from the blades and draws the moisturized air through the apertures and into its pouch interior. 
     Moisture is prevented from entering into the container interior from the outside environment by way of the gasket  88  between the container portions ( 13 , 14 ), creating a sealed compartment for storage of the razor. Moisture is drawn from the razor only, and not from the outside environment. This preserves the longevity of the desiccant pouch  21  and maintains the razor in a dry environment to prevent oxidation and dulling of the razor blades between uses. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown an overhead view of the container  31  and insert  31  assembly of the present invention and an underside view thereof, respectively. When assembled, the insert  31  securely separates the container as previously described, wherein an upper chamber is provided to support the user&#39;s razor and a lower chamber is provided to store a desiccant pouch adapted for moisture absorption. When in a closed position, the interior environment of the container is very dry and adapted to prevent moisture encroachments thereinto. 
     The desiccant pouch draws in moisture, and after a period of time must be replaced in favor of a fresh replacement. To monitor the freshness (and thus the effectiveness) of the desiccant pouch, a moisture indicator  41  is provided along the base surface  12  of the container. The moisture indicator  41  is mounted within the container interior and reacts to a humid environment. If a humid environment persists within the container interior, the pouch is not actively removing the moisture or is not doing so with adequate effectiveness. This will result in the indicator center  42  changing colors, wherein the indicator colors are marked by concentric rings  43  around the center  42 . Once this occurs, the user knows to change the pouch and replace it with a fresh article, wherein moisture can then be quickly removed from the container interior once again. The indicator  41  can also be replaced once this transition occurs, if the chemical process of the indicator  41  does not have reversibility after changing colors. 
     During deployment, the insert  31  supports a user&#39;s razor within its channel  34  interior and with the razor blades adjacent to apertures  38  therealong. The upper portion of the container is hingedly attached  19  to the lower portion, whereby the two portions connect using a hinged latch  18  mechanism to secure the edges of the portions together along a side opposite of the hinge  19 . When the user has finished using the razor, he or she can clean the razor with water and place it into the insert channel  34  and thereafter close the container shut. The container can be kept within the shower interior or within the bathroom, and the residual moisture on the razor and the razor blades will be rapidly dried as moisture is drawn to the desiccant pouch. 
     Overall, the device serves a means to preserve the longevity of razor blades, either directly within a shower or on a bathroom counter area. Moisture is quickly drawn from the blades in a drying process, wherein oxidation of the blades is slowed or even stopped between uses. This extends the useful life of razor blades and reduces the frequency with which the blades need replacement. The desiccant pouch is removable and replaceable as it loses its drying abilities and the interior pouch material is chemically altered over time. The pouch generally lasts for long periods of time, as compared to the frequency of razor blade replacement if the razor is left exposed in the bathroom. Therefore, the device saves the user money in replacement costs and prevents the user from using a dulled or oxidized razorblade. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.