Patent Description:
In particular, the invention is related to shaving cartridges and shaving razors having a shaving aid directly attached on the shaving cartridge.

Such razors avoid the use of shaving preparation like shaving foam, gel or cream to be put on the skin before shaving. Besides, such shaving aid provided directly on the shaving cartridge allows shaving within a wet shaving environment, for instance, within a shower where a shaving preparation will be immediately removed by the water before the surface can be shaved.

Therefore, shaving cartridges have been provided with additional shaving aids attached on the shaving cartridge in order to improve the shaving.

However, the shaving cartridges provided with additional shaving aids are connected permanently to the shaving aids. As a result, when the shaving aid is outworn while the shaving blades are not dulled the entire shaving cartridge (with the additional shaving aid) needs to be thrown unless the shaving is to be achieved degraded.

Therefore, the known shaving cartridges do not allow shaving in good conditions as soon as the shaving aid is outworn unless changing the entire shaving cartridge. In addition, the user is given the option to remove one or more of the shaving aids, for instance when precision is needed or for hygiene reasons.

<CIT> shows a shaving cartridge adaptor comprising a frame, the adaptor being provided with at least one shaving aid, the adaptor being removably mountable to the shaving cartridge.

To this aim, it is provided an adaptor for a shaving cartridge, wherein the adaptor comprises a frame, and wherein the adaptor is provided with at least one shaving aid and the shaving aid is motionless with regard to the frame, and wherein the adaptor is reversible on a shaving cartridge perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis.

The reversibility of the adaptor of the invention can be with regard to a plane, (the shaving aid is reversed by rotation about an axis perpendicular to that plane), whereas it can also mean with regard to an axis contained in that plane (the shaving aid is reversed by rotation about an axis contained in that plane).

When the reversibility is made in a plane (for instance, the plane containing the cutting edges), the at least one shaving aid location will change with regard to the position of the cutting edge. More precisely, when the shaving aid is located forwardly in front of the cutting edges, after being reversed it will be located rearwardly the cutting edges. This means that the same surface of the shaving aid is used for shaving; it is just its location with regard to the blades that changes.

When the reversibility is made perpendicular to a plane (for instance, the plane containing the cutting edges), the at least one shaving aid location will not change with regard to the position of the cutting edge. More precisely, when the shaving aid is located forwardly in front of the cutting edges, after being reversed it will still be located forwardly the cutting edges. This means that an opposite surface of the shaving aid is used for shaving; the shaving aid has in that case preferably a first face and an opposed second face.

The adaptor of the present invention thus allows a further use of a shaving cartridge when the shaving aid is outworn.

In various embodiments of the invention, one and/or the other of the following features may be incorporated in this adaptor alone or in mutual combination:.

The invention also concerns a shaving assembly comprising a shaving cartridge having one or more shaving blades, each of shaving blades being provided with a cutting edge and an adaptor, wherein the adaptor is mountable on the shaving cartridge and wherein the at least one shaving aid extends outwardly with regard to the shaving cartridge when the adaptor is mounted on the shaving cartridge.

The invention also concerns a razor comprising a razor handle and such a shaving assembly, wherein the shaving assembly is provided with connecting means for connecting the shaving assembly to the razor handle.

The invention also concerns a method of shaving with such a razor according, wherein the shaving aid is changed and/or is reversed on the shaving cartridge when outworn while the razor handle and the shaving head are kept.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will readily appear from the following description of one embodiment, provided as non-limitative examples, in reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the different Figures, the same reference signs designate identical or similar elements.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a wet razor <NUM> according to the invention, comprising a razor handle <NUM>, a shaving cartridge <NUM> and an adaptor <NUM> which can be connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> as illustrated on the Figures such to form a shaving assembly <NUM>.

More precisely, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an adaptor connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> by snap-fit on one shaving cartridge <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an adaptor slidably mounted on one shaving cartridge <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates an adaptor mounted by encasing on one shaving cartridge <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates an adaptor having shaving aids reversibly mounted on the frame the adaptor.

The adaptors disclosed in the Figures can either be reversible or not as further disclosed hereafter.

As depicted in the Figures, the shaving cartridge <NUM> has one or more shaving blades <NUM>, each of the shaving blades <NUM> being provided with a cutting edge <NUM>. More precisely, the shaving cartridge <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> which has a front edge 24A and a rear edge 24B, an upper face 24C and an opposed lower face 24D and into which the one or more shaving blades <NUM> are located (between the front edge and the rear edge). The shaving blades <NUM> might be movably mounted on elastic fingers provided on the housing or might be fixed. The number of shaving blades <NUM> might be comprised between one and five for instance, and is preferably of three or four.

The housing <NUM> is preferably elongated, extending along a longitudinal axis X-X. A guard bar <NUM> and respectively a lubra <NUM> might be also provided on the upper face 24C of the housing <NUM>, respectively in front the shaving blades <NUM> and aft them.

The cutting edge <NUM> of each shaving blades <NUM> extends preferably longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X-X.

The shaving assembly is provided with connecting means for connecting the shaving assembly <NUM> to the razor handle <NUM>. More precisely, either the shaving cartridge <NUM> or the adaptor <NUM> can be provided with connecting means for connecting the shaving assembly <NUM> to the razor handle <NUM>. According to the connecting means, the connection between the razor handle <NUM> and the shaving assembly <NUM> is fixed or pivotable.

In the examples depicted on the figures, the connecting means <NUM> (as best seen on <FIG>, <FIG>) allow a pivot of the shaving assembly <NUM> with regard to the razor handle <NUM> (around the elongated axis X-X), but the invention is not limited to a pivotable shaving assembly. As illustrated, the connecting means <NUM> are preferably provided on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (on the lower face 24D of the housing <NUM>), especially when the adaptor <NUM> is reversible as described in details below.

The connecting means <NUM> can comprise shell bearings, especially when the shaving assembly <NUM> is pivotable with regard to the razor handle <NUM>, but the invention is not limited to this kind of connecting means. Besides, the handle <NUM> can be detachable from the shaving cartridge <NUM> or non-detachable according to the razor; more precisely, the handle <NUM> is detachable when the razor is a system (meaning the shaving cartridge <NUM> is changed by a new one when the blades are dulled, while the handle is kept), whereas the handle is non-detachable when the razor is a disposable one (meaning both the shaving cartridge <NUM> and the handle are changed by new ones when the blades are dulled).

The adaptor <NUM> of the invention is provided with at least one shaving aid and is preferably provided with two shaving aids or four shaving aids (not illustrated). In the examples depicted on the figures, the adaptor <NUM> is provided with one or two shaving aids <NUM> (one of them being located in front of the forward-most blade and the other one being located aft of the aft-most blade, when the adaptor <NUM> is mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>). The shaving aids <NUM> extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X-X. Besides, at least one or two other shaving aid(s) can further be provided on the adaptor (not depicted), more precisely on its lateral faces, obliquely with regards to the cutting edges.

As best seen on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the adaptor <NUM> comprises preferably a frame <NUM> having a first wall <NUM> (upper surface), a second wall <NUM> (lower surface) opposed to said first wall <NUM>, a side wall <NUM> extending from said first wall <NUM> to said second wall <NUM>, a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposed to the first end <NUM>.

The first wall <NUM> has a first opening 36A and the second wall <NUM> of the frame has a second opening 38A as best visible on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. In reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> when the frame <NUM> is mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the cutting edge <NUM> of the shaving blades <NUM> is at least partly, preferably totally (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), uncovered by the adaptor and is accessible through the first opening 36A in order to allow the shaving, whereas the second opening 38A allows the connecting means <NUM> to be accessible and to be connected to a razor handle.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, to <FIG>, <FIG> and to <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is reversibly mountable on the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the frame <NUM> might be reversely mountable on the shaving cartridge <NUM>; in that last case, the cutting edge <NUM> of the shaving blades <NUM> is at least partly, preferably totally, uncovered by the adaptor <NUM> and is accessible through the second opening 38A in order to allow the shaving, whereas the first opening 36A allows the connecting means <NUM> to be accessible and to be connected to a razor handle. Thus, in that case, the frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> can be mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM> such that the cutting edges <NUM> are accessible through either the first opening 36A or the second opening 38A. For the embodiments depicted on <FIG> and <FIG> and on <FIG> (snap-fitting), according to the shape and dimension of the first opening 36A and of the second opening 38A, the connection to the shaving cartridge <NUM> might be obtained from the first opening 36A and/or from the second opening 38A (<FIG> and <FIG>).

The adaptor <NUM> can further comprise at least one shaving aid holder configured to hold the at least one shaving aid. More precisely, as best seen on <FIG>, which illustrates only the adaptor (without the shaving cartridge and the handle), the adaptor <NUM> comprises two shaving aid holders <NUM>, each provided with one shaving aid <NUM>.

When the adaptor has only one shaving aid <NUM> and it is attached to a shaving cartridge (see <FIG>), only one shaving aid holder <NUM> is provided and it extends outwardly with regard to the shaving cartridge <NUM> when the adaptor <NUM> is mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>. The shaving aid holders <NUM> can be located in front of the forward-most blade (and in front of the guard bar <NUM> when it exists) or as depicted on <FIG> it can be located aft of the aft-most blade (and aft of the lubra <NUM> when it exists).

When attached to one shaving cartridge (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), one of the shaving aid holders <NUM> extends outwardly with regard to the shaving cartridge <NUM> when the adaptor <NUM> is mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>, and is located in front of the forward-most blade (and in front of the guard bar <NUM> when it exists) and the other one is located aft of the aft-most blade (and aft of the lubra <NUM> when it exists).

Each of the shaving aids <NUM> has a shaving aid body <NUM> which is preferably solid and which can comprise a lubricant, a moisturizer, a conditioner and/or an exfoliant.

The shaving aids <NUM> can be designed such that they are provided with two opposed faces. More precisely, each shaving aid <NUM> has a first face 32A and an opposed second face 32B. The shape of the shaving aids can be of several kinds; for instance, the shapes of the first and second faces 32A, 32B might be a square surface, a rectangular surface, or an oval surface, etc., as long as they provide one face 32A or 32B which enters in contact with the skin during shaving. The thickness T32 of each shaving aid <NUM> is adapted to the height of the adaptor and to the height of the shaving cartridge <NUM> such that when the adaptor is mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the corresponding face 32A (or 32B) enters in contact with the skin of the user during shaving (and at least one of the cutting edges is also in contact with the skin of the user during shaving).

The shaving aid holder is configured to hold the shaving aids <NUM> such that during shaving only one of the faces 32A, 32B is used for each shaving aid <NUM>. This means, that as depicted on <FIG>, when the first face 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> is able to be used during shaving, the opposed faces 32B is not accessible to be used for shaving. This means, that as depicted on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when the adaptor is provided with two shaving aids the two first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are able to be used during shaving, whereas the two opposed faces 32B are not accessible to be used for shaving.

As already mentioned, the adaptor of the invention can be mounted on the shaving cartridge, slidably, by snap-fit and/or by encasing. Besides, the adaptor of the invention can be reversible or not. To be changed (either by reversing or by a new adaptor), the adaptor is preferably detachable from the shaving cartridge. Besides, the adaptor of the invention can be reversible transversally to the longitudinal axis X-X.

The adaptor <NUM> receives preferably frictionally the shaving cartridge <NUM> such that it can be mounted and naturally maintained on the shaving cartridge <NUM>; this means that the frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> is designed to cooperate with friction with the housing <NUM> of the shaving cartridge <NUM>.

The adaptor can also be elastically mountable on the shaving cartridge; more precisely, the frame <NUM> of the adaptor might deform elastically during its connection to the shaving cartridge <NUM>. This means that the elasticity of the frame <NUM> is higher than that of the shaving housing <NUM>.

According to the friction forces and to the elasticity of the adaptor, after mounting, the adaptor <NUM> can be definitely connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> or preferably releasably (i.e. detachably) connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM>. When the adaptor <NUM> is releasably connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the friction between the adaptor <NUM> and the shaving cartridge <NUM> might be such that the adaptor <NUM> is maintained on the shaving cartridge <NUM> such that it allows the shaving without any risk of detachment. Besides, the voluntary release/detachment of the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> can be realized without using of a significant force (a child may obtain the separation of the adaptor from the shaving cartridge) and without help of any tool.

When the adaptor <NUM> is releasably connected (detachable) to the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the user can shave with or without the adaptor. Besides, when the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user can change the adaptor by a new one, while keeping the same shaving cartridge <NUM> and the same razor handle <NUM>.

In summary, in relation with the different kinds of connections between the adaptor and the cartridge as described just above (snap-fitting, sliding, encasing), the adaptor <NUM> of the invention can be reversibly mounted on the shaving cartridge <NUM>.

The reversibility of the adaptor <NUM> can be obtained either with a reversible frame <NUM> as described above (in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, to <FIG>, <FIG> and to <FIG>) and/or with reversible shaving aids <NUM> as described hereafter and in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. When the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user can thus either reverse the frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> or reverse the shaving aid on the shaving cartridge, more precisely on the frame onto which they are reversibly attached. Besides, the shaving aid can be releasable with regard to the frame such that it can be changed by another one when outworn or kept in being reversed on the frame to allow its second face to be used.

When the shaving aids <NUM> are unreleasably (inseparably or non-detachable) maintained on the shaving aid holders <NUM>, they are preferably molded on the last. As best seen on <FIG>, the shaving aid holders <NUM> are in that case preferably provided with holes <NUM> through which the shaving aids <NUM> can spread through during manufacturing. After manufacturing, the shaving aids <NUM> are non detachable from the shaving aid holders <NUM>, like anchored on the shaving aid holders <NUM>.

The shaving aid holders <NUM> can be unitary with the frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> and extend from the side wall <NUM> such that the shaving aid holders <NUM> are unreleasably (inseparably) connected on the frame <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>.

When the shaving aid <NUM> is outworn, the user needs to change the whole adaptor <NUM> by a new one unless it is reversible.

With reference to <FIG>, the shaving aids <NUM> are attached to the shaving aid holders <NUM>, preferably unreleasably, whereas each of the shaving aid holders <NUM> is reversibly mounted on the frame <NUM>, for instance in being rotatably mounted on the frame <NUM>. As depicted on the <FIG>, the shaving aid holders <NUM> are able to be twisted on the frame <NUM> such that when outworn the first face 32A can be replaced by the opposed second face 32B for further shaving without detaching the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM>. More precisely, <FIG> illustrates the adaptor with both first faces 32A to be used during shaving, <FIG> illustrates the way of reversing the face (from first to second) for instance by twisting it and <FIG> illustrated the adaptor with one second face 32B to be used during shaving (the other shaving aid <NUM> one be still used with its first face 32A). The adaptor <NUM> can thus be used during shaving either with both first faces 32A, with both second faces 32B or with a mix of a first face 32A and a second face 32B. The shaving aid holders <NUM> might besides also are a little bit slidably mounted on the frame <NUM> to avoid any friction of the shaving aids <NUM> when reversed on the frame <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the shaving aids <NUM> are attached to the shaving aid holders <NUM>, whereas each of the shaving aid holders <NUM> is releasably mounted on the frame <NUM>. The shaving aid holders <NUM> are able to be attached on and detached from the frame <NUM> such that when outworn the first face 32A can be replaced by the opposed second face 32B for further shaving without detaching the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may allow an attachment to the shaving cartridge by sliding, snap-fitting (as illustrated on <FIG>) or by encasing.

We will now describe the method of using an adaptor attached on the shaving cartridge by snap-fitting (see <FIG>). <FIG> depict an adaptor which can be both reversible and not. <FIG> and <FIG> depict a replacement of the adaptor by a new one. <FIG> and <FIG> depict an adaptor reversed at least perpendicularly to the axis X-X, <FIG> and <FIG> depict an adaptor reversed at least about the axis X-X which is not in accordance with the present invention, and <FIG> depicts an adaptor reversed both perpendicularly and about the axis X-X.

As best seen on <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more bulges <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> to allow the attachment and firmly maintain the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> after said snap-fitting occurred. Actually, the adaptor can be reversible for instance according to its geometry (first opening 36A, second opening 36B, bulge <NUM>, etc.) and to the geometry of the shaving cartridge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible, only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids are used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. As best depicted on <FIG>, the user detaches the adaptor <NUM>, more precisely the frame <NUM>, from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in unsnapping it from the last, for instance in direction D <NUM>. When the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>, the user can attach a new adaptor <NUM> by snap-fitting as depicted on <FIG> , for instance in direction D2 (opposed to direction D1) and shave with a razor as depicted on <FIG> (provided with a new adaptor). The shaving aid <NUM> was located for instance forward the cutting edges as depicted on <FIG> and after change of the adaptor, the shaving aid <NUM> can again be located forward the cutting edges as depicted on <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG> and further to <FIG> orto <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is reversible perpendicularly to the axis X-X, the user can reverse the frame <NUM> such that the user changes the location of the shaving aid <NUM> with regard to the cutting edges <NUM>. Actually, the user detaches the frame <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in unsnapping it from the last (see <FIG>), for instance in direction D1. When the adaptor <NUM> is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), the user can rotate it in order to change its location on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>) and snap-fit it in order to connect it the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). As depicted on <FIG> before detachment, the adaptor <NUM> had its first end <NUM> provided on the left of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is located on the right, whereas after the adaptor <NUM> is reversed perpendicularly to the axis X-X, its first end <NUM> provided on the right of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is located on the left. Besides, since the reversibility disclosed here concerns the one occurring perpendicularly to the axis X-X, before detachment, the first wall <NUM> (upper surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is located on the upper face 24C of the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> (lower surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is located on the lower face 24D of the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), and after the adaptor <NUM> is reversed perpendicularly to the axis X-X the first wall <NUM> (upper surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is still located on the upper face 24C of the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> (lower surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is still located on the lower face 24D of the shaving cartridge <NUM> (See <FIG>). The razor is again ready for shaving.

With reference to <FIG> and further to <FIG> or to <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is reversible about the axis X-X, the user can reverse the frame <NUM> for instance when the first face 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> is outworn, such that the second face 32B of the shaving aid <NUM> can be used during shaving. Actually, the user detaches the frame <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in unsnapping it from the last (see <FIG>), for instance in direction D1. When the adaptor <NUM> is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), the user can either change it by a new one (as disclosed above and in reference to <FIG>) or the user can reverse it and attach it onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> for instance as disclosed below.

The first opening 36A of the frame which was covering the cutting edges <NUM> as depicted on <FIG> is after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> covering the lower face 24D of the housing <NUM> (not depicted), whereas the second opening 38A which covered the lower face 24D of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), covers now the shaving blades <NUM> after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG> or <FIG>). The first opening 36A of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the upper face 24C is after reversing connected to the lower face 24D of the housing, whereas the second opening 36B of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the lower face 24D is after reversing about the axis X-X connected to the upper face 24C of the housing. Then, the user can bring the adaptor <NUM> close to the shaving cartridge <NUM>, for instance from the lower side of the housing 24D (see <FIG>). The user can then snap-fit the adaptor <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>) until complete attachment (see <FIG>). After that, the razor is ready again to be used with the shaving aids <NUM> for further shaving. More precisely, the shaving aid <NUM> of the razor which is now used for shaving on its second face 32B. The location of the shaving aid <NUM> with regard to the cutting edges <NUM> is also changed. The shaving aid <NUM> which was for instance located rearward the cutting edges <NUM> (see <FIG>) is now located in front of the blade edges <NUM> (see <FIG>). In other words, before detachment, the adaptor <NUM> had its first end <NUM> provided on the left of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is located on the right, and after the adapter is reversed about the axis X-X, its first end <NUM> provided is still the left of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is still located on the right. Besides, since the reversibility disclosed here concerns the one occurring about the axis X-X, before detachment, the first wall <NUM> (upper surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is located on the upper face 24C of the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> (lower surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is located on the lower face 24D of the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), and after the adaptor <NUM> is reversed perpendicularly to the axis X-X the first wall <NUM> (upper surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is now located on the lower face 24D of the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> (lower surface of the adaptor <NUM>) is now located on the upper face 24C of the shaving cartridge <NUM> (See <FIG> or <FIG>). The razor is again ready for shaving.

When the user wants also to change the location of the shaving aid (with regard to the cutting edges <NUM>), the user has just to further reverse the adaptor perpendicular to the axis X-X. In that case, the adaptor had its first end <NUM> provided on the left of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is located on the right, whereas after the adaptor <NUM> is reversed both perpendicularly to and about the axis X-X, its first end <NUM> provided on the right of the shaving cartridge <NUM> when seen from a top view (or from a top perspective view like <FIG>) and its second end <NUM> is located on the left. The razor is again ready for shaving.

Apart from this embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the embodiments depicted in the other Figures are provided with two shaving aids <NUM>, but they could be provided with a sole one as above disclosed. Besides, the reversibility disclosed hereafter is the one which is made about the axis X-X (this embodiment is not in accordance with the present invention). This reversibility might occur in replacement and/or combination of a reversibility occurring perpendicularly to the axis X-X as disclosed above.

We will now describe the method of using an adaptor of the embodiment depicted in <FIG> and which is also attached on the shaving cartridge by snap-fitting.

Like the adaptor disclosed on <FIG>, the adaptor disclosed on <FIG> can be both reversible and not, whereas <FIG> depict only a reversible adaptor. As best seen on <FIG>, one or more bulges <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> to allow the attachment and firmly maintain the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> after said snap-fitting occurred. Actually, the adaptor can be reversible for instance according to its geometry (first opening 36A, second opening 36B, bulge <NUM>, etc.) and to the geometry of the shaving cartridge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible, only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids are used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. As best depicted on <FIG>, the user detaches the adaptor <NUM>, more precisely the frame <NUM>, from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in unsnapping it from the last, for instance in direction D <NUM>. When the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>, the user can attach a new adaptor <NUM> by snap-fitting as depicted on <FIG>, for instance in direction D2 (opposed to direction D <NUM>) and shave with a razor as depicted on <FIG> (provided with a new adaptor).

With reference to <FIG> and further to <FIG>, when the adaptor <NUM> is reversible, the user can reverse the frame <NUM> when the first faces 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> are outworn, such that the second faces 32B of the shaving aids <NUM> can be used during shaving. Actually, the user detaches the frame <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in unsnapping it from the last (see <FIG>), for instance in direction D1. When the adaptor <NUM> is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), the user can either change it by a new one (as disclosed above and in reference to <FIG>) or the user can reverse it and attach it onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> for instance as disclosed below.

The first opening 36A of the frame which was covering the cutting edges <NUM> as depicted on <FIG> is after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> covering the lower face 24D of the housing <NUM> (not depicted), whereas the second opening 38A which covered the lower face 24D of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), covers now the shaving blades <NUM> after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first opening 36A of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the upper face 24C is after reversing connected to the lower face 24D of the housing, whereas the second opening 36B of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the lower face 24D is after reversing connected to the upper face 24C of the housing. Then, the user can bring the adaptor <NUM> close to the shaving cartridge <NUM>, for instance from the upper side of the housing 24D (see <FIG>). The user can then snap-fit the adaptor <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> until complete attachment (see <FIG>). After that, the razor is ready again to be used with the shaving aids <NUM> for further shaving. More precisely, the shaving aids <NUM> of the razor which are now used for shaving on their second faces 32B.

We will now describe the method of using an adaptor attached on the shaving cartridge by sliding in reference to <FIG>. The adaptor of this embodiment is not reversible.

When the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible, only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids are used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. As best depicted on <FIG>, the user detaches the adaptor <NUM>, more precisely the frame <NUM>, from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding it from the last especially along arrow F1 and passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through a first end opening 42A provided on the first end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>; more precisely in sliding it along axis X-X. Of course, one user can also separate the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding the last with regard to the adaptor <NUM> along arrow F2 (opposed to arrow F <NUM>); the user can also combine both movements (sliding the adaptor along F1 and sliding the shaving cartridge along F2). The first end opening 42A may be designed as depicted on the drawings to allow the sliding of the adaptor <NUM> with regard to the shaving cartridge <NUM> even when the last is connected to the handle body <NUM>; this means that there is no need to detach the shaving cartridge <NUM> from the handle body <NUM> when sliding the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM>. The adaptor <NUM> is preferably provided with a second end hole 44A on its second end <NUM> such that the sliding of the adaptor on the shaving cartridge <NUM> can be done easily without creating a vacuum effect.

When the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>, the user can attach a new adaptor <NUM> for instance by sliding it along arrow F2 (opposed to arrow F <NUM>) in passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through the first end opening 42A of the frame <NUM> (not illustrated); after that the user can shave with a razor as depicted on <FIG>. Of course, here again as for the separation of the adaptor from the shaving cartridge, one user can also attach the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding the last with regard to the adaptor <NUM> along arrow F1 in passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through the first end opening 42A of the frame <NUM>; the user can also combine both movements (sliding the adaptor along F2 and sliding the shaving cartridge along F <NUM>). As best seen on <FIG>, one or more bulges <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> to allow the attachment and firmly maintain of the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> after said sliding occurred in order to be ready for shaving securely.

We will now describe the method of using another embodiment of an adaptor attached on the shaving cartridge by sliding in reference to <FIG>.

In this embodiment of this sliding adaptor, the adaptor <NUM> can be provided with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposed to the first end <NUM> which have a U-shape as depicted on <FIG>. In that case, there is no need of a second end hole as previously mentioned to avoid a vacuum effect since due to their shape in U the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are provided with openings 42A and 44A allowing the passage of the shaving cartridge (by sliding). To attach the adaptor <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM>, the adaptor <NUM> is slid onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> either by its second end <NUM> (not illustrated) when using the first faces 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> (<FIG>) or by its first end <NUM> as depicted on <FIG> for instance, when using the second faces 32B of the shaving aid <NUM>.

When the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible, only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids are used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. As best depicted on <FIG>, the user detaches the adaptor <NUM>, more precisely the frame <NUM>, from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding it from the last especially along arrow F1 and passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through a first end opening 42A provided on the first end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>; more precisely in sliding it along axis X-X. Of course, one user can also separate the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding the last with regard to the adaptor <NUM> along arrow F2 (opposed to arrow F <NUM>); the user can also combine both movements (sliding the adaptor along F1 and sliding the shaving cartridge along F2). The first end opening 42A may be designed as depicted on the drawings to allow the sliding of the adaptor <NUM> with regard to the shaving cartridge <NUM> even when the last is connected to the handle body <NUM>; this means that there is no need to detach the shaving cartridge <NUM> from the handle body <NUM> when sliding the adaptor <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM>. When the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>, the user can attach a new adaptor <NUM> for instance by sliding along arrow F2 (opposed to arrow F <NUM>) in passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through the first end opening 42A of the frame <NUM>; after that the user can shave with a razor as depicted on <FIG>. Of course, here again as for the separation of the adaptor from the shaving cartridge, one user can also attach the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding the last with regard to the adaptor <NUM> along arrow F <NUM> in passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through the first end opening 42A of the frame <NUM>; the user can also combine both movements (sliding the adaptor along F2 and sliding the shaving cartridge along F1).

As best seen on <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more bulges <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> to allow the attachment and firmly maintain of the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> after said sliding occurred in order to shave.

When such an adaptor is reversible, the user can reverse the frame <NUM> when the first faces 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> are outworn, such that the second faces 32B of the shaving aids <NUM> can be used during shaving actually, the user detaches the frame <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in sliding it from the last (see <FIG>) along arrow F1 in passing the shaving cartridge <NUM> through the first end opening 42A of the frame <NUM>; more precisely in sliding the frame <NUM> along axis X-X. When the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), the user can reverse it in rotating/twisting it around axis X-X for instance (see <FIG>). The first opening 36A of the frame which was covering the cutting edges <NUM> as depicted on <FIG> is after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> covering the lower part of the housing 24D (see <FIG>), whereas the second opening 38A which covered the upper face of the housing 24C (see <FIG>), covers the shaving blades <NUM> after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first opening 36A of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the upper face 24C is after reversing connected to the lower face 24D of the housing, whereas the second opening 36B of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the lower face 24D is after reversing connected to the upper face 24C of the housing. The user can then slide the adaptor <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>) until complete attachment (see <FIG>). After that, the razor is ready again to be used with the shaving aids <NUM> for further shaving.

We will now describe the method of using an adaptor attached on the shaving cartridge by encasing (see <FIG>).

When the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible this means that only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids can be used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. The adaptor is reversible, as depicted on <FIG>, when each of the shaving aids <NUM> is provided with a first face 32A and a second face 32B, each of them being able to contact the skin during shaving. The frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> comprises for instance two parts 34A and 34B linked pivotally together by a hinge <NUM>. Opposed to that hinge <NUM>, several tabs <NUM> can be provided on the frame <NUM> to secure the closure of the adaptor <NUM> as illustrated on <FIG>.

When the adaptor <NUM> is not reversible, only the first faces 32A of the shaving aids are used during shaving. Thus, when the first faces 32A of the shaving aids <NUM> are outworn, the user changes the adaptor <NUM> by a new one. As best depicted on <FIG>, the user opens the adaptor <NUM> in pivoting one part of the frame with regard to the other one about the hinge <NUM>. The user can then attach a new adaptor <NUM> by encasing the shaving cartridge in it and shave with a razor <NUM> as depicted on <FIG>.

When such an adaptor is reversible, the user can reverse the frame <NUM> when the first faces 32A of the shaving aid <NUM> are outworn, such that the second faces 32B of the shaving aids <NUM> can be used during shaving. Actually, the user detaches the frame <NUM> from the shaving cartridge <NUM> in opening the hinge <NUM> (see <FIG>) and when the adaptor is completely separated from the shaving cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>), the user can reverse it in twisting it around axis X-X for instance. The first opening 36A of the frame which was covering the cutting edges <NUM> as depicted on <FIG> is after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> covering the lower part of the housing 24D (not illustrated), whereas the second opening 38A which covered the lower face of the housing, covers the shaving blades <NUM> after having reversed the frame <NUM> on the shaving cartridge <NUM> (s not illustrated). The first opening 36A of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the upper face 24C is after reversing connected to the lower face 24D of the housing, whereas the second opening 36B of the adaptor <NUM> which was connected to the shaving cartridge <NUM> on the lower face 24D is after reversing connected to the upper face 24C of the housing. After that, the razor is ready again to be used with the shaving aids <NUM> for further shaving.

Each of the above disclosed adaptors can be provided with shaving aid holders <NUM> which are unitary with the frame <NUM> or which are removably attached to the frame such disconnected from the frame <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> as depicted for instance on <FIG>. In this case, when the shaving aid <NUM> is outworn, the frame <NUM> can be maintained on the shaving cartridge <NUM> and the user can either remove the shaving aid holders <NUM> in order to change it by a new one or the user can reverse the shaving aid holders <NUM>.

When discussing about reversibility, one should understand that it means that at least one of the shaving aid provided on the frame has two opposed faces each of which can successively be used during shaving in reversing the faces. This reverse of the two opposed faces 32A and 32B of one shaving aid <NUM> may be obtained in reversing the complete adaptor <NUM> (more precisely the frame <NUM>) with regard to the shaving cartridge <NUM> and/or in reversing the holder <NUM> of the shaving aid <NUM> with regard to the frame <NUM>. The reversibility of the adaptor (the frame and/or each shaving aid) is obtained especially by twisting or reversal.

The shaving aid <NUM> is preferably motionless with regard to the frame <NUM>; this means that the holder <NUM> of the shaving aid <NUM> cannot move with regard to the frame <NUM> especially during shaving.

The adaptor comprises preferably a material chosen among the plastic, like for instance thermoplastic like PP, PS and/or ABS.

The adaptor of the invention can be provided with one or more bulges <NUM> on the frame <NUM> to allow the attachment and firmly maintain of the adaptor <NUM> onto the shaving cartridge <NUM> after said sliding occurred in order to shave securely (avoiding any risk of untimely detachment of the adaptor). Any other means can be provided to retain securely the adaptor on the shaving cartridge in order to avoid any risk of untimely detachment of the adaptor when shaving.

Claim 1:
An adaptor for a shaving cartridge (<NUM>), wherein the adaptor (<NUM>) comprises a frame (<NUM>), and wherein the adaptor (<NUM>) is provided with at least one shaving aid (<NUM>) and the shaving aid (<NUM>) is motionless with regard to the frame (<NUM>), and wherein the adaptor (<NUM>) is reversible on a shaving cartridge (<NUM>) perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (X-X).