Abstract:
A compact shaving kit is provided that comprises a slim crush-proof, latched, watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or other lightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retention means for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razor blades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable mechanical retention means for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in an upright, inverted position. The case may also contain a mirror. The case is dimensioned for insertion into a travel bag, toiletry bag or suitcase.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present invention is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/222,231, filed on Aug. 15, 2002, which claimed the priority benefit of Provisional Patent No. 60/325,438. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to portable shaving kits, and more particularly, to a compact kit which encloses a quantity of shaving cream or soap, a shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and accessories, in a crush-proof, clamshell case.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Numerous attempts have been made to develop shaving kits in the prior art. Most of these appeared to focus on a type of combination shaving foam dispenser and safety razor combination, or disposable or cylindrical design, or a kit so small as to fit into a pocket or extremely small compartment. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; but the following references were considered related.  
         [0006]     The following patents disclose the design and function of a shaving or razor kit: 
        U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,928 issued in the name of Orosy, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 issued in the name of Martinez, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,967 issued in the name of Craven, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,796 issued in the name of Dreyfuss;     U.S. Pat. No. 3,206,012 issued in the name of Braginetz;     U.S. Pat. No. 3,141,486 issued in the name of Bosca, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,984,380 issued in the name of Kuhnl, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,329 issued in the name of Almgren;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,948,388 issued in the name of Metzler, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,822,916 issued in the name of Wark, et al.;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,735,542 issued in the name of Schnitzler;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,167,926 issued in the name of Glasker;     U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,319 issued in the name of Stanley;     U.S. Pat. No. 1,932,603 issued in the name of Richardson;     U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123 issued in the name of Flintermann;     U.S. Pat. No. 1,867,347 issued in the name of Blair;     U.S. Pat. No. 1,552,918 issued in the name of Gaisman;     U.S. Pat. No. 1,164,979 issued in the name of Benko; and     U.S. Pat. No. 965,787 issued in the name of Woods.        
 
         [0026]     With reference to the current state of art, particular reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543, issued on May 28, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123, issued on Jun. 15, 1931. U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 claimed that its portable shaving kit provided utility to military and other users by its compactness, disposability, and provision of the ability to shave anywhere or at anytime. This particular shaving kit would be important to particular users who may value those attributes. However, most business and military users would only encounter situations when they would actually need such a kit extremely infrequently. In particular, people who must shave when absent from their home often desire the opposite of what the referenced kit provides—i.e. to use equipment and processes similar to those they use at home, not a radical departure there from. These users do not necessarily care about how small the shaving kit is, as it as long as it fits within a larger toiletry kit. In fact, many prefer equipment of normal dimension and design, instead of radically different, complex or inconvenient equipment.  
         [0027]     With respect to U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123, this case had as its object an extremely compact case for traveling, which included a shaving brush, cream, razors and blades. However this kit contained sub-compartments for each item, requiring the user to pivot the sub-containers laterally to access the contents, and using the upper housing of the container to secure the contents in the lower housing from movement, securing accessories in drawers, and with the kit directed to now-obsolete types of safety razors. However, the kit was so compact and compartmentalized that the convenience of using the case was significantly reduced.  
         [0028]     The present invention enables a particular group of users—those who prefer to use a common sized and shaped safety razor, natural badger, boar or other type of bristle shaving brush, shaving cream or soap—to safely and hygienically use this equipment, in its standard form and size, safely and hygienically when traveling away from home. When traveling, these shaving items are difficult to store in common shaving kits and toiletry bags. Shaving soap is often maintained in an open cylindrical container or cup, and not sized or shaped for inclusion in a typical toiletry kit. Shaving brushes are often constructed from the hair of a badger, or other natural sources, and needs protection from damage, contamination, or decay. Men who travel frequently, military personnel, businessmen, outdoorsmen, and others who spend time away from home, who shave with a high quality brush and safety razor, must often therefore compromise their normal shaving experience when away from home. Typically they may leave their shaving brush at home, or purchasing disposable razors and cans of shave foam, or an electric razor. Additionally, many items required for shaving are often forgotten, such as extra blades, or other supplies. When packing safety razors in existing toiletry bags, there is risk of cuts due to exposed blades when reaching inside the bags, and risk of damage and contamination to blades and brush during transit from caused by materials inside the toiletry kit. Shaving brushes, when packed, are sometimes wet, typically unwieldy, and susceptible to damage or decay, which makes them difficult pack without an intermediate container. Existing toiletry bags do not allow for protection of safety razors or brushes, and typically not proportioned or equipped to secure larger circumference open canisters of shaving soap. While disposable razors are often sold with a plastic blade protector, they come off during travel, and non-disposable razors usually do not have such blade guards, which would nevertheless be cumbersome to use. Finally, box-kits on the market today are typically constructed from cardboard backing, with plastic, faux leather or leather covering, and tend to degrade over time with exposure to moisture and continued use. The present invention alleviates the aforementioned problems, by providing a sanitary, breathable, protected environment for fixed storage of common-sized modern safety razor, shaving cream, high quality natural brush, and all necessary after-shave articles during travel. The invention increases convenience by enabling a pre-packed shaving kit that reduces the chance of forgotten items by its individualized holders for each necessary item, reduces the chance of injury, contamination or damage with its protective, watertight housing, and also enables the shaving soap and brush user to experience their normal shaving experience, and use commonly sized and shaped equipment while away from home. This shaving kit also increases sanitation as it provides a hermetic sealing and spatial separation of blades, shaving brush and other objects. The shaving kit is constructed from an aluminum exterior, guaranteeing a lifetime of use. This shaving kit has been optimized for space—given the constraints of equipment size and convenience, and can fit in common toiletry bags, therefore avoiding the radical modifications to common shaving gear as found in previous art. This kit therefore enables the traveling users to experience the same high quality and sanitary shaving process found at home, without risk of injury, damage or contamination to shaving brush or safety razors, with a minimum of steps required to remove or replace the contents. Although carrying cases in general are known in the art, the present case is specifically adapted for its particular purpose by a unique size and shape, retention fixtures, compartmentalized storage areas, and shaving brush holder.  
         [0029]     Consequently, a need has been felt there exists a need for a means by which a traveler can securely transport shaving items and accessories.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved compact portable shaving kit for the traveler who prefers to use a standard sized and shaped safety razor, high quality badger, boar, or other natural or otherwise easily damaged bristle shaving brush, and non-pressurized shaving cream or soap.  
         [0031]     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved portable shaving kit that includes a crush-proof (up to 200 pounds), push-button latch, clamshell case, with fixed retention means for safety razors, shaving cream or soap, shaving brush, and accessories.  
         [0032]     Another feature of the shaving kit is to provide a means to effectively secure the shaving brush in an inverted position after use, before repacking.  
         [0033]     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a shaving kit is provided that comprises a crush-proof, latched, watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or other lightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retention means for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razor blades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable, expandable holder for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in an upright, inverted position, and a mirror. The case is dimensioned for insertion into a travel bag, computer bag, or suitcase. To use the invention, the traveler opens the case locking fixture and removes the safety razors, shaving brush and shaving cream or soap from their secured positions, and uses as normal. After shaving, the user may store the shaving brush in an upright, inverted position by inserting the brush into a retractable holder, provided with the case. After use the user simply repackages the contents of the case, securing them in their respective retainers. Finally, the clamshell case is closed, and the pressure clasps engaged, forcing a watertight seal around the contents. The contents are then stored in a compact waterproof, crushproof, damage and contamination free environment for next use.  
         [0034]     The use of the present invention allows the convenience of always having a complete shaving kit when traveling.  
         [0035]     The use of the present invention allows the convenience of using similarly sized and shaped shaving gear, including high quality shaving brush, during travel as during home use without risk of injury or damage to equipment.  
         [0036]     Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be housed inside of conventionally shaped and sized luggage and toiletry cases.  
         [0037]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the shaving brush can be stored in an upright, inverted position after use.  
         [0038]     Still another object of the present invention is that case is waterproof, crush-proof, and leak-proof.  
         [0039]     Still another object of the present invention is that the shaving gear is secured to prevent movement or damage during travel.  
         [0040]     Still another object of the present invention is that the case houses all shaving gear in one easily accessed location during travel.  
         [0041]     Still another object of the present invention is that is contains a sealed breather hole that can allow the escape of moisture and hot air, while preventing exit or entrance of liquefied matter.  
         [0042]     Still another object of the invention is that the layout of storage locations has been designed to optimize balance, by fixating the heavier container of shaving cream or soap in the center.  
         [0043]     Still another object of the invention is that the retention devices for safety razors and shaving brush are expandable, to accommodate a variety of different sized items.  
         [0044]     Generally, the present invention protects shaving gear during transport, aids in packing, enabling the user to store shaving gear in one place in individualized retainers, in a protective container specifically adapted for their storage and protection. The use of a curved, rigid case prevents damage to the outer luggage that could result from protruding corners. The relatively flat design also helps the case fit inside soft toiletry bags. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0045]     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:  
         [0046]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of shaving kit with protective case according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 1   b  is a top plan view of the lower case bottom of the protective case;  
         [0048]      FIG. 1   c  shows a front elevational view of the closed case, showing a draw-bolt closure means;  
         [0049]      FIG. 1   d  shows a side elevational view thereof shown in an open condition;  
         [0050]      FIG. 1   e  is a side elevational cross sectional view taken along line I-I of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0051]      FIG. 2   a  is a top plan view thereof shown housing a shaving brush, shaving cream, safety razors, expandable brush holder, and accessories pouch;  
         [0052]      FIG. 2   b  is a top plan view thereof shown without the shaving kit contents;  
         [0053]      FIG. 3   a  is a side perspective view of the expandable shaving brush holder;  
         [0054]      FIG. 3   b  is a top plan view of an expanded shaving brush holder;  
         [0055]      FIG. 3   c  is a top plan view of a shaving brush holder collapsed for storage;  
         [0056]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the rigid container for shaving cream;  
         [0057]      FIG. 5   a  is a front elevational view removable aftershave container  50  for use with the present invention;  
         [0058]      FIG. 5   b  is a side elevational view of the aftershave container  50  of  FIG. 5   a;    
         [0059]      FIG. 6   a  is a front elevational veiw of a removable cologne container  60  for use with the present invention;  
         [0060]      FIG. 6   b  is a side elevational view of the cologne container  60  of  FIG. 6   a;    
         [0061]      FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of the lower case bottom of the protective case according to an alternate configuration, replacing that of  FIG. 1   b  above;  
         [0062]      FIG. 7   b  is a side elevational cross sectional view taken along line VII-VII of  FIG. 7   a;    
         [0063]      FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of a toiletry case customized for use with the shaving kit;  
         [0064]      FIG. 8   b  is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0065]      FIG. 9  is a side plan view of another type of toiletry case customized for use with the shaving kit;  
         [0066]      FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a shaving kit configuration incorporating the features of the present disclosure;  
         [0067]      FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view thereof shown in an open configuration;  
         [0068]      FIG. 11   a  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a shaving kit with a removable tray secured by a rounded interference fit, wherein the tray includes a plurality of recesses for holding and storing shaving items;  
         [0069]      FIG. 11   b  is a side view of another alternate embodiment of a shaving kit with a removable tray secured by a triangular interference fit;  
         [0070]      FIG. 11   c  is a side view of another alternate embodiment of a shaving kit with a removable tray secured by a rectangular interference fit; and  
         [0071]      FIG. 11   d  is a perspective view of the removable tray and the plurality of recesses provided for storage of shaving items.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0072]     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.  
         [0000]     1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
         [0073]     Referring now to  FIG. 1   a - 1   e , a protective case  10  is shown as a generally rectangular configuration with rounded corners. The protective case  10  has a rigid upper case housing  12  hingedly affixed only on one side to a rigid lower case housing  14 . The rigid upper case housing  12  is removably secured to the lower case housing  14  by an otherwise conventional push-button latch  16  commonly found in aluminum type cases. Having a streamlined and thin cross section, the protective case  10  is anticipated being designed for easy storage in a slim type toiletry bag.  
         [0074]     Referring now to  FIG. 1   b  and  FIG. 1   e , the protective case  10  is shown from a top ( FIG. 1   b ) and a cross-sectional ( FIG. 1   e ) view to illustrate a first retaining means  27   a  and a second retaining means  27   b , wherein the first and second retaining means include a flexible harness  28 , a harness base  29  and a threaded finger  42  housed within the rigid lower case housing  14 . The flexible harness  28  has a bell-shaped perimeter (best seen in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1   e ) formed by a unitary storage strip  28   a  fixedly attached at opposite ends to a harness base  29 , and with the unattached middle of the storage strip  28   a  and the harness base  29  forming a harness aperture  28   c . The storage strip  28   a  is fortified by a flexible strip  28   c , which provides the harness  28  with the flexibility necessary to expand or retract for securely storing items. The first retaining means  27   a  is illustrated as a single harness  28  adapted for receiving and holding a shaving brush  22 . The second retaining means  27   b  is illustrated as a dual harness  28  adapted for receiving and holding smaller items, such as safety razors  20 . Preferably, the storage strip  28   a  is manufactured from cloth, nylon or other similar material so as to provide durable flexibility. Preferably, the flexible strip  28   b  is manufactured from elastic or other flexible material to provide the added flexibility necessary for storage use. Preferably, the harness base  29  is manufactured from a durably flexible material, such as leather or other similar materials.  
         [0075]     The threaded finger  42  is formed by a vertically elongated cylinder depending from the internal surface of the rigid lower case housing  14 . The threaded finger  42  includes external threads for securely housing a storage container with a matching internally threaded cavity, such as the container  40  (discussed in detail later in the Description).  
         [0076]     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a - 2   b , the protective case  10  is shown is in an open condition, thereby depicting the specifically adapted for use in storing or holding contents required for shaving, including one or more safety razors  20 , a leak-proof receptacle for holding shaving soap or cream  40 , a high quality natural badger, boar, or other bristled brush  22 , shaving brush holder  30 , accessories pouch  24 , a mirror  26  and a toothbrush holder  27 . Having a rigid lower housing  14  pivotally affixed to a rigid upper housing  12 , the overall outer dimensions of 9 inches across the lateral front width by 5 inches along the lateral side length provides an interior volume “V” having a rectangular area specifically sized and proportioned to receive the contents mentioned above. Referring to  FIG. 2   a , it can be seen that by providing a protective case  10  having a rigid outer wall of the specified dimension limits, the present invention incorporates a number of additional features, such as individual harnesses  28  for a pair of safety razors  20  and a shaving brush  22 , constructed from leather straps, mounted inside an elevated leather base  29 , with expandability through hook-loop fastener device, or plastic, vulcanized rubber, or other semi-rigid, non-scratch retention clips. The case also incorporates a threaded finger  42  in the center bottom housing to enable fixed retention of the shaving soap container  40  so as to provide balance and ease of use.  
         [0077]     The protective case  10  also contains a removable accessories pouch  24 , and inclusion of a panel  25   a  housing a retention pouch  25   b  for the expandable shaving brush holder  30  and mirror  26 . The accessories pouch  24  is customized dimensionally for use with the shaving kit case, as it fits within the internal confines of the rigid upper case housing  12 , with a planar surface extending to the limit of the shaving cream container fixed in the rigid lower case housing  14 . The accessories pouch  24  is constructed from flexible, thin, waterproof material such as plastic, nylon, leather, or other material. It is envisioned in the preferred embodiment to affix the accessories pouch  24  to the planar inner wall of the rigid upper case housing  12  by use of a hook and loop fastener system or clasp. Although the case is shown zippered, with one zipper, as is presently anticipated as the preferred best mode of the present invention, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims, that the case could contain a clasp, multiple zippers, or other closure means instead. The accessories pouch  24  also houses two intermediate containers for after-shave conditioning cream or balm, and cologne.  
         [0078]     The protective case  10  also contains a toothbrush holder  18  and includes a linearly elongated two-piece structure, having a first member  18   a  threadably coupled to a second member  18   b  and forming an internal cavity for housing of a toothbrush  18   c . The toothbrush holder  18  is attached to the internal wall of the rigid upper case housing  12 .  
         [0079]     As shown in  FIG. 2   a  the case is shown with contents in secured positions for travel. It can be seen that the case optimizes space and balance by the positioning of the contents, and the customization of intermediate containers and contents to fit within the case. In the preferred embodiment, the safety razors  20  and shaving brush  22  are provided with the case, as they must fit within the case dimensionally. Though safety razors and shaving brushes may be of a myriad designs and shapes, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims, that the present case can easily be modified dimensionally to accept smaller, larger, or dimensionally modified safety razor or brush. It should also be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims that the kit could theoretically be offered without the shaving brush or safety razors, or modified dimensionally to accept separately purchased safety razors and shaving brushes.  
         [0080]     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   c , the expandable brush holder  30  is seen in its preferred embodiment. The shaving brush  22  is secured in an inverted position, enabling the brush to drain excess water and attain full exposure to the air to speed the drying process and remain hygienically safe. The shaving brush holder  30  consists of three rigid portions  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c , connected by, and pivoting around a friction type hinge  34 , which fixates the three sections in their expanded and collapsed state, and restricts movement of panels to their parallel configuration only. The first rigid portion  32   a  is slotted for insertion of the shaving brush  22 . The second rigid portion  32   b  contains an aperture  36  to allow the brush  22  to hang freely when secured in the holder  30 . The third portion  32   c  is solid, to impart weight to the base of the holder  30 . When the shaving brush holder  30  is collapsed for storage, it can be inserted into a slot  25   b  found in the accessories panel  25   b.    
         [0081]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the cylindrical leak-proof container for shaving soap or cream  40  is shown. The container  40  has a threaded lid  46  which results in leak-poof storage of shaving cream. The bottom planar surface has a threaded opening  44 , allowing the container to be affixed to the bottom surface of the case housing via the threaded finger  42  in the center bottom housing. The container, in its preferred embodiment, is constructed from high-strength molded plastic, aluminum, or other light, strong material. Though the threaded finger  42  is the preferred embodiment, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims, that a the present container can easily be modified to use a hook-loop fastener, clip, strap, formed substrate, or other means to secure the container within the case.  
         [0082]     Referring now to  FIG. 5   a  and  FIG. 5   b , an aftershave container  50  is a flexible, transparent plastic tubular device with leak-proof cap  52 , resulting in release of cream from container  50  when squeezed.  FIG. 6   a - 6   b  shows a cologne container  60  constructed from plastic or glass, and is a rigid transparent container with leak-proof, threaded cap  62 .  
         [0083]     Referring now to  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b , an alternative embodiment of a protective case  10  is shown in which the tubular container  70  and container base  72  replace the harness  28  and harness base  29 , respectively, from  FIG. 1   b . The tubular container  70  is a substantially enclosed linearly elongated cylinder depending from a container base  72 , which is affixed to the internal wall of either the rigid upper case lid  12  or the rigid lower case housing  14 . The items to be stored within the tubular container  70  is placed slidably within or, via pressure, is pressed into the tubular container  70 .  
         [0084]     Referring now to  FIG. 8   a  and  FIG. 8   b , a toiletry case  80  customized for use with the protective case  10  is shown. The toiletry case  80  is dome shaped perimeter and includes a central zipper  82  and a plurality of side zippers  84 , which permit a user to access the internal confines of the toiletry case  80 . As best seen in  FIG. 8   b , the toiletry case  80  includes a protective case slot  86  formed by a pair of oppositely aligned side walls  88  and  90 , and another pair of oppositely aligned side walls, so that the four side walls perpendicularly depend from one another to form the storage slot  86 .  
         [0085]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , another alternative embodiment of a toiletry case  90  customized for use with the protective case  10  is shown. The toiletry case  90  includes a storage slot  86 , similar to the storage slot of  FIG. 8   a  and  FIG. 8   b , formed by four side walls perpendicularly depending from one another within the internal confines of the toiletry case  90 .  
         [0086]     Referring now to  FIG. 10   a  and  FIG. 10   b , an alternative embodiment of the protective case  100  is shown. The protective case  100  includes a central storage area  102  formed by the internal wall of the case bottom  104  and the cover  106 . The cover  106 , via a closure means  108  (shown here as a zipper), is secured to the case top  110  to form the storage area  102 . Along the case top  110 , a plurality of closure means  112  are included to provide access to retention pockets  114  positioned along the lateral internal perimeter of the protective case  100 . The cover  106  includes a plurality of closure means  116  to provide access to retention pockets  118 . The cover  106  also includes a looped handle  120  so as to provide a means for transporting or hanging the protective case  100 . The protective case  100  further includes a removable pouch  122  capable of storing accessories or other items.  
         [0087]     Referring now to  FIG. 11   a  through  FIG. 11   d , another alternate embodiment of the protective case  10  is shown. The protective case  10  includes a rigid upper case housing  12  and a lower case housing  14  hingedly affixed to the rigid upper case housing  12 . The protective case  10  further includes a removable tray  152 . The tray  152  is secured to the lower case housing  14  through an interference fit, wherein an aperture  154  is firmly pressed onto an appropriately shaped cleat  156 . The aperture  154  is formed in a bottom surface of the tray  152 . The cleat  156  is formed along the interior surface of the lower case housing  14 . The aperture  154  and the corresponding cleat  156  may assume a variety of shapes or styles, including the ones depicted in  FIG. 11   a  through  FIG. 11   c , such as a rounded cleat  158  ( FIG. 11   a ), a triangular cleat  160  ( FIG. 11   b ) or a rectangular cleat  162  ( FIG. 11   c ). The tray  152  includes a plurality of recesses  164  to receive and securely hold various sized and shaped shaving items, such as but not limited to a recess for a razor, a separate recess for a container of shaving soap or cream, and a recess for a shaving brush. When the shaving items are placed into the respective recesses  164 , the rigid upper case housing  12  is downwardly pivoted onto the lower case housing  14 , wherein the interior portion of the rigid upper case housing  12  presses against the stored items and impinges any internal movement of the items, thereby securely storing the items during transportation.  
         [0000]     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0088]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user opens the protective case  10  and removes the shaving brush  22  and mechanical brush holder  30 , and sets the brush  22  into the holder  30 . The user also removes safety razors  20  and shaving cream  40 . The user then proceeds to shave as normal. Afterwards, the brush  22  is rinsed and inserted into mechanical holder  30  to dry. Upon re-packing, the user inserts the safety razors  20  and brush  22  into the harnesses  28 , and screws the shaving cream container  40  in place in the center of the kit. The user then replaces the mechanical shaving brush holder  30  into the retention pouch  25   b , and places all accessories into the zippered or clasped accessories container. The user closes the shaving cream container  40  until the upper and lower sections lock into place, and packs the kit into a toiletry or luggage case.  
         [0089]     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. By ways of example, and not as a limitation, one such modification is shown in  FIG. 7   a - 7   b , in which a rigid plastic brush retention means  70  are shown for retention of the brush  22 , and rigid plastic razor retention means  72  for retention of the safety razors  20  such as to be an alternative to the individual retention clips  28  for a pair of safety razors  20  and a shaving brush  22 , constructed from leather straps, mounted inside an elevated leather base  29 , with expandability through hook-loop fastener device, or plastic, vulcanized rubber, or other semi-rigid, non-scratch retention clips.  
         [0090]     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated, some of which are shown and described in  FIG. 8   a  through  FIG. 10   b . It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.