Patent Description:
The present description relates to shaving blade assemblies, and more specifically, to shaving blade assemblies comprising a rotatable shaving aid support that may have a lubricating element thereon.

Shaving blade assemblies that provide shaving aid via rotating/spinning mechanisms are known in the art. For example, <CIT> concerns a razor with a cartridge that includes a roller having a lubricating material.

Similarly, <CIT> concerns a razor with a cartridge including a guard/dispenser roller with cylindrical roller surface acting both as a guard for the leading blade and as a means for transferring shaving aid material.

<CIT> concerns a razor that a lubricant is poured into the handle. The lubricant is applied to the user's skin through a roller applicator in the head of the shaver.

<CIT> discloses the concept of a shaving aid that can be slidably or reversibly mounted on a frame of an adaptor.

In another example, <CIT> discloses the concept of a separable lubrication, which can be pivoted rearward relative to the frame.

<CIT> discloses the concept of a shaving aid member that reciprocates between initial and end positions. <CIT> discloses shaving systems and <CIT> discloses an adaptor for a shaving cartridge.

During repeated shaving operations, the shaving aid disposed on a shaving aid support may be consumed and typically before the razor blades are dulled Thus, the skin may not be properly lubricated for the useful life of the razor blades. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved rotatable shaving aid support on the razor head for shaving durability enhancement.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a shaving blade assembly as defined in claim <NUM> is provided.

With the provision of a shaving aid support with lubricating elements being rotatably attached to the housing, the user can rotate the shaving aid support such that additional lubricating material can be used and the lubricating capacity of the shaving blade assembly is extended rendering it useful for longer. Moreover, the fact that the shaving aid support is rotatably mounted about the center axis of the housing provides for a symmetric alignment of the housing with the body portion of the shaving aid support. This means that the skin surface that comes in contact with the cutting edges of the blades during shaving is lubricated sufficiently via the symmetrically-arranged lubricating elements of the body of the shaving aid that follow the footprint of the blades in the skin. This provides enhanced lubrication during shaving as well as additional shaver durability. Further, this configuration allows for a customizable shaving blade assembly that can address different needs of the user, for example, the user can select among different lubricating formulas that contribute several skin benefits. Also, the volume or exposure of the lubricating element on the shaving aid support can be customized, according to the user's preferences.

Providing multiple lubricating elements increases the useful life of the shaving blade assembly as well as allowing different types of lubricating elements being used on a single shaving blade assembly.

According to some embodiments, the sides may have a substantially flat outer surface.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may have two or more lubricating elements thereon.

In the shaving blade assembly as defined in claim <NUM>, the housing further includes at least one recess and the shaving aid support includes at least one pin. The recess and pin are configured to removeably lock together.

The pin and recess prevent unwanted movement of the shaving aid support during a shaving operation.

According to some embodiments, the shaving blade assembly is as defined in claim <NUM>.

In some examples, the at least one recess may be provided in the top and back portions of the housing allows for the shaving aid support to be manipulated via the back of the housing and not the front of the housing where the blades may be located. This reduces the risk of a user injuring themselves while manipulating the shaving aid support.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may be in contact with a top portion of the housing when in a first position and may be in contact with a bottom portion of the housing when in a second position. With this configuration, a user can choose between a sensitive or more aggressive shave. In particular, when the shaving aid support is in the first configuration, the lubricating element is trailing the blades in a shaving operation, thus allowing for a more aggressive shave when compared to when the shaving aid support is in the second position and is leading the blades, thus allowing for a more sensitive shave.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may include at least one shaft portion, wherein the at least one cavity of the housing may be configured to be rotatably attached to the at least one shaft portion and prevent translation of the shaving aid support. With this configuration, the connection of the shaft portion and the at least one recess can prevent unwanted movement of the shaving aid support during a shaving operation.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may be configured to rotate about a center axis that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing. With this configuration, the shaving aid support may have a compact design that can allow for easy storage.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may be configured to rotate about a center axis that is a longitudinal axis of the housing. With this configuration, a user can choose between a sensitive or more aggressive shave by selecting whether the lubricating element is either leading or trailing the blades.

According to some embodiments, the shaving aid support may comprise a body portion and a shaft portion extending from the body portion.

According to some embodiments, the body portion may comprise a prism shaped section.

According to some embodiments, the body portion may be U-shaped.

According to some embodiments, the shaving blade assembly may further comprise one or more blades arranged within the housing.

In some aspects, a razor may be provided; the razor may comprise a shaving blade assembly as disclosed herein and a handle.

In these aspects, the shaving blade assembly may be used with a handle to aid a user during the shaving process.

In examples, the handle may be releasably connected to the shaving blade assembly. In this configuration, a user may keep the handle of the razor and the shaving blade assembly may be interchangeable which reduces cost to the user.

The above summary is not intended to describe each and every implementation of the concept. In particular, selected features of any illustrative embodiment within this disclosure may be incorporated into additional embodiments unless clearly stated to the contrary or otherwise incompatible.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of non-limiting aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG>-3C depict a shaving blade assembly <NUM> that may include a housing <NUM> and a rotatable shaving aid support <NUM> that may be rotatably attached to the housing <NUM>. The shaving blade assembly <NUM> may be specifically adapted for shaving facial, head, and/or body hair.

The lubricating elements 50a, 50b that is disposed on the shaving aid support <NUM> may comprise a two-layered structure, where the bottom layer, which is attached to the shaving aid support <NUM>, contains a lubricious composition and the top, outermost, layer contains a thin, hydrophobic film so as to keep the lubricating surfaces protected. This film can protect the first used lubricating element 50a on the first face 41a, 341a of the shaving aid support <NUM> until the film wears off due to abrasion. Additionally, this film protects the lubricating element 50b on the second face 41b, 341b from being depleted before being used.

The hydrophobic film works by creating a micro- or nano-sized structure on a surface providing water-repellent properties. Indicative examples of hydrophobic coatings may be manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nano-composite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO/PS) nano-composite, fluorinated silanes and fluoropolymer coatings and silica-based coatings, which are gel-based and can be easily applied either by dipping the object into the gel or via aerosol spray. These hydrophobic structures are thin and very delicate, and thus can be easily damaged by wear due to abrasion/friction. Therefore, after the first few times a razor is used, the hydrophobic layer of the first used lubricating element 50a wears off, revealing the layer with the lubricious composition, while the second face 41b, 341b remain protected during shaving.

The lubricious composition of the bottom layer of each face 41a, 41b, 341a, 341b can fundamentally comprise a water-soluble component (e.g., polyethylene oxide generally known as POLYOX or ALKOX) and a water-insoluble component (e.g. high impact polystyrene). Examples of rigid water-insoluble components are polystyrene, styrene co-polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetal copolymer, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, maleic anhydride ethylene co-polymer blends, polyether-containing block copolymers (e.g. with polyamide), blends and copolymers of the above with or without other additives. Examples of elastic water-insoluble components are thermoplastic elastomer compounds (TPEs), more specifically thermoplastic poly-urethanes, and/or silicone polymers. Typical examples of water-soluble components are polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyhydroxymethacrylate, polyvinyl imidazoline, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydromethymethacrylate, silicone polymers, blends and copolymers of the above. The lubricious composition may additional contain other ingredients selected in the group of plasticizers, such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, water-swellable release enhancing agents, such as cross-linked polyacrylics and/or maleic anhydride compounds, additional lubricants, compatibilizers, and/or skin care agents selected in the group consisting of vitamins, botanical extracts, salts, humectants, silicon oils, organic oils, waxes, antioxidants, exfoliants, anti-bacterial agents, anti-microbial, antiseptics, biocides, preservatives, skin soothing agents, hydrating agents, skin protectants, colorants, film formers, processing thickening agents from the list of silica, fume silica, TiO<NUM> particles, and combinations thereof. The lubricious composition of each face 41a, 41b, 341a, 341b may be different including several cosmetic ingredients that achieve multiple skin benefits. Alternative lubricious compositions are known and disclosed in patent applications, such as in <CIT>- where as additional ingredients may be included emulsifiers, surfactants, skin conditioners, fragrances, depilatory agents, cleaning agents, medicinal agents; <CIT>-where as additional ingredient may be included mineral oil; <CIT>, <CIT> -where as additional ingredients may be included cooling agents; <CIT>-where as additional ingredients may be included anti-irritation agents such as a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of pyrithione; <CIT>-where as additional ingredient may be included moisturizing agent selected from olive oil, jojoba oil and glycerin; <CIT>-where as additional ingredients may be included essential oil materials such as menthol, eugenol, eucalyptol, saffrol or methyl salicylate. One of skill will understand that the lubricating elements as disclosed herein may be available in different compositions, and that any such lubricating elements may be suitable for use with embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> show a shaving blade assembly <NUM>, which is not part of the claimed invention, having a housing <NUM> that may be formed in a prism shape having e.g. a rectangular base. In alternatives, the housing may have any other prism shape, for example an oval shape. The housing may comprise a top portion 20a, bottom portion 20b, side end portions 20c, 20d, back portion <NUM>, and front portion <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may also include a guard bar and a pair of retainers adapted to retain the position of at least one blade <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, for example, the retainers may be substantially c-shaped.

In this embodiment, a plurality of blades <NUM> are shown, however, it is contemplated that the shaving blade assembly <NUM> may have any number of blades <NUM> arranged within the housing <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> blade, <NUM> blades, <NUM> blades, <NUM> blades, etc.). Additionally, the blades <NUM> that are shown are elongate in shape. It is further contemplated that the blades <NUM> may be formed as any other suitable shape for cutting hair.

The blades <NUM> may traverse the housing <NUM> between the side end portions 20c, 20d. The blades <NUM> may be partially exposed through an opening in the housing <NUM>. Each blade <NUM> may have two ends that correspond with the side end portions 20c, 20d of the housing <NUM>. Each of the blades <NUM> may have a blade edge <NUM> that is configured to contact the surface of a user's skin during a shaving operation.

The blade assembly <NUM> may further include a shaving aid support <NUM> having a body portion <NUM> and a shaft portion <NUM> extending therefrom. The body portion <NUM> may be elongated in shape and e.g. shaped substantially as a rectangular prism having a first face 41a and a second face 41b that is opposite from the first face 41a. It is envisioned that the shaving aid support <NUM> may be formed as any other suitable shape, for example, a semicylinder.

In examples, the shaft portion <NUM> may be formed substantially cylindrical and may extend from the center of the body portion <NUM>.

In examples, the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may have dimensions according to the following example: a length of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; and a height of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>. In some examples, the shaving aid support <NUM> may be composed of a polymer (e.g., an injection molded thermoplastic) or any other rigid material, for example, a metal.

In some examples, the housing <NUM> may have a cavity <NUM> that is configured to correspond with the shaft portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>. Further in these examples, the cavity <NUM> may be positioned such that it is centered on a vertical central axis A-A, i.e. an axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The shaft portion <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the housing <NUM> via the cavity <NUM>. This may be achieved, for example, by a snap fit connection. For example, a protrusion 42a may be formed on the shaft portion <NUM> which corresponds with a recess 22a formed on the surface of the housing <NUM> inside of the cavity <NUM>. It is envisioned that any other mechanical or magnetic connection means may be used.

In some examples, the shaving aid support <NUM> may further comprise at least one lubricating element 50a disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the body portion <NUM>. In some of these examples, the lubricating element 50a may be disposed on the first face 41a of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>. In some examples, an additional lubricating element 50b may be disposed on the second face 41b of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>.

The shaving aid support <NUM> may be oriented in a first position such that the lubricating element 50a on the first face 41a trails the blade edges <NUM>. In this configuration, the lubricating element 50a is configured to contact the surface of a user's skin during a shaving operation.

In examples, in order to secure the shaving aid support <NUM> in the first position, the shaving aid support <NUM> may have at least two protuberances <NUM> extending from the bottom of the body portion <NUM>. The protuberances <NUM> may be opposed to each other about the shaft portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>. The protuberances <NUM> may be adapted to be removeably lodged into the corresponding recesses <NUM> formed in the top portion 20a of the housing <NUM>.

In operation, when a user desires to change from the lubricating element 50a disposed on the first face 40a to the lubricating element 50b disposed on the second face 40b, the user may apply a rotational force to the shaving aid support <NUM>. This rotational force dislodges the protuberances <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> from the recesses <NUM> formed on the top portion 20a of the housing <NUM>. This permits the shaving aid support <NUM> to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> about its shaft portion <NUM> until the protuberances <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> are relodged into the recesses <NUM> formed on the top portion 20a of the housing <NUM>, thereby positioning the second face 41b of the shaving aid support <NUM> to trail the blade edges <NUM>. With this configuration, the user can rotate the shaving aid support <NUM> such that the lubricating element 50b on the second face 41b can be used and the useful life of the shaving assembly <NUM> is extended.

<FIG> show a shaving blade assembly <NUM>, which is not part of the claimed invention, that is the same as the shaving blade assembly <NUM>, except that the shaving aid support <NUM> may be housed in a recess of the housing <NUM>. Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference signs will be used.

In blade assembly <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be fork shaped having a first prong 20e and a second prong 20f extending vertically from the top portion 20a of the housing <NUM> thereby defining the recess on which the shaving aid support <NUM> may be housed. The shaving aid support <NUM> may thus be dimensioned such that it can be disposed between the prongs 20e, 20f of the housing <NUM>. For example, the shaving aid support <NUM> may have the dimensions according to the following: a length of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the body portion <NUM> may be <NUM>; a height of the body portion <NUM> may be <NUM>; a length of each of the first and second prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a height of the prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a length of the top portion 20a (excluding the length of the prongs 20e, 20f) may be <NUM>-<NUM>.

Furthermore, in order to secure the shaving aid support <NUM> in the first position, the shaving aid support <NUM> may have at least two protuberances <NUM> that are opposed to each other. Each of the protuberances <NUM> may extend from respective side end portions 20c, 20d of the body portion <NUM>. The protuberances <NUM> may be adapted to be removeably lodged into corresponding recesses <NUM> formed in the first and second prongs 20e, 20f of the housing <NUM>.

In operation, when a user desires to change from the lubricating element 50a disposed on the first face 40a to the lubricating element 50b disposed on the second face 40b, the user may apply a rotational force to the shaving aid support <NUM>. This rotational force dislodges the protuberances <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> from the recesses <NUM> formed on the a first and second prongs 20e, 20f of the housing <NUM>. This permits the shaving aid support <NUM> to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> about its shaft portion <NUM> until the protuberances <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> are relodged into the recesses <NUM> formed on the first and second prongs 20e, 20f of the housing <NUM>, thereby positioning the second face 41b of the shaving aid support <NUM> to trail the blade edges <NUM>.

Similar to the blade assembly <NUM>, the configuration of blade assembly <NUM> allows the use life of the shaving assembly to be extended. This way a shaving aid that may be on one of the lubricating elements 50a, 50b may be used till the blades <NUM> become dull. Therefore, the user can rotate the shaving aid support <NUM> such that the lubricating element 50b on the second face 41b can be used and the use life of the lubricating element 50a, 50b and blades <NUM> can be aligned. Additionally, the prongs 20e, 20f can help protect the shaving aid support <NUM> from unwanted movement during a shaving operation.

<FIG> show a shaving blade assembly <NUM> that is the same as shaving blade assembly <NUM>, except that the means for securing the shaving aid support <NUM> in the first and second positions may be a pin <NUM>. Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference signs will be used.

In blade assembly <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include at least two recesses <NUM> that are formed in the top portion 20a and a back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Each recess <NUM> has the same radial distance from the center axis A-A. The center axis A-A may be orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing <NUM> thereby being considered a vertical center axis with respect to the housing <NUM>.

The shaving aid support <NUM> may have a pin <NUM> that extends vertically from the bottom surface of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be formed to be substantially T-shaped. In more examples, it is envisioned that the pin <NUM> may be formed in any suitable shape, for example a cylinder having a portion with larger diameter than the remaining cylinder portion, this being configured to snap fit and rotate about the housing <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be positioned offset from the vertical center axis A-A such that it corresponds with each of the recesses <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be adapted to be removeably lodged in each of recesses <NUM>. For example, the pins <NUM> may be secured to the housing <NUM> through elastic deformation of the support-housing structure.

In operation, when a user desires to change from the lubricating element 50a disposed on the first face 40a to the lubricating element 50b disposed on the second face 40b, the user may apply a rotational force the shaving aid support <NUM>. This rotational force dislodges the pin <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> from a recess <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. This permits the shaving aid support <NUM> to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> about its shaft portion <NUM> until the pin <NUM> is lodged in the other recess <NUM>, thereby positioning the second face 41b of the shaving aid support <NUM> to trail the blade edges <NUM> secured in the housing <NUM>.

Similar to the blade assembly <NUM>, the configuration of blade assembly <NUM> allows the use life of the shaving assembly to be extended. This way a shaving aid that may be on one of the lubricating elements 50a, 50b may be used till the blades <NUM> become dull. Therefore, the user can rotate the shaving aid support <NUM> such that the lubricating element 50b on the second face 41b can be used and the use life of the lubricating element 50a, 50b and blades <NUM> can be aligned.

<FIG> shows a shaving blade assembly <NUM> that is the same as shaving blade assembly <NUM>, except that the housing <NUM> may have prongs 20e, 20f and the means for securing the shaving aid support <NUM> in the first and second positions may be a pair of pins <NUM>. Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference signs will be used.

In blade assembly <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be fork shaped having a first prong 20e and a second prong 20f extending vertically from the top portion 20a of the housing <NUM>. The shaving aid support <NUM> may be dimensioned such that it can be disposed between the prongs 20e, 20f of the housing <NUM>. For example, the shaving aid support <NUM> may have the dimensions, according to the following example: a length of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the body portion <NUM> may be <NUM>; a height of the body portion <NUM> may be <NUM>; a length of each of the first and second prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a height of the prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the prongs 20e, 20f may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a length of the top portion 20a (excluding the length of the prongs 20e, 20f) may be <NUM>-<NUM>.

Each prong 20e, 20f may include a recess <NUM>, for example, a C-shaped recess. The recesses <NUM> may be formed to face each other, e.g., mirrored about a vertical plane that lies on the vertical center axis A-A and parallel to the side end portions 20c, 20d of the housing <NUM>.

The shaving aid support <NUM> may have at least two pins <NUM> that are formed substantially, for example, as T-shaped. Each of the pins <NUM> may extend horizontally from a respective side ends 41c, 41d of the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>. Although a T-shaped member is mentioned, it is envisioned that the pins <NUM> may be formed in any suitable shape for example, a cylinder. A portion of such a cylindrical pin <NUM> may have a larger diameter than the remaining cylinder portion to remain assembled e.g., via snap-fit.

Each of the pins <NUM> may be positioned and configured to be removeably lodged in each of recesses <NUM>.

In operation, when a user desires to change from the lubricating element 50a disposed on the first face 40a to the lubricating element 50b disposed on the second face 40b, the user may apply a rotational force to the shaving aid support <NUM>. This rotational force dislodges the pins <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> from the respective recesses <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. This permits the shaving aid support <NUM> to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> about its shaft portion <NUM> until the pins <NUM> are relodged in the respective recesses <NUM>, thereby positioning the second face 41b of the shaving aid support <NUM> to trail the blade edges <NUM>.

Furthermore, the shaving aid support <NUM> may further include a flange <NUM> which may be used to aid a user with rotating the shaving aid support <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may be positioned in any appropriate place on the shaving aid support <NUM>.

Similar to the blade assembly <NUM>, the configuration of blade assembly <NUM> allows the use life of the shaving assembly to be extended.

<FIG> show a shaving blade assembly <NUM>, which is not part of the claimed invention, that has similar features as the shaving blade assembly <NUM>. Therefore, the detailed description of similar features will be omitted and like reference signs will be used.

The housing <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG> may include a pair of cavities <NUM>, <NUM> that may be formed in a respective side ends 320c, 320d of the housing <NUM>. Each of the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> may extend partially in the housing <NUM> or entirely through the housing <NUM>.

The blade assembly <NUM> may further include a shaving aid support <NUM> having a body portion <NUM> and a pair of shaft portions <NUM> extending therefrom.

The body portion <NUM> may be a U-shaped prism and may be configured to surround at least a portion of the exterior surface of the housing <NUM>. However, it is envisioned that the shaving aid support <NUM> may be formed as any other suitable shape. The body portion <NUM> further has a first face 341a and a second face 341b that is opposite from the first face 341a. Each of the first and second faces 341a, 341b may have a lubricating element 50a, 50b disposed thereon. The body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> may have dimensions according to the following: a length of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a width of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>; a height of the shaving aid support <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>. The shaving aid support <NUM> may be composed of a polymer or any other suitable material, for example a metal.

Each of the shaft portions <NUM> may be formed, for example, substantially T-shaped. The shaft portions <NUM> may be disposed on a respective interior side surface 340c, 340d of the shaving aid support <NUM>. The shaft portions <NUM> may be disposed on the body portion <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> such that each of the shaft portions <NUM> corresponds with a respective cavity <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The shaving aid support <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be rotatably attached to each other via the respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM> and shaft portions <NUM>. The shaving aid support <NUM> may be rotatable about a center horizontal axis B-B of the housing <NUM>. The center axis B-B may be a longitudinal axis of the housing <NUM>. The respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to prevent translation of the shaving aid support <NUM> while permitting rotation of the shaving aid support <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

Although a pair of cavities <NUM>, <NUM> and a pair of shaft portions <NUM> are shown and will be discussed in relation to this embodiment, this embodiment is merely exemplary and any number of cavities <NUM>, <NUM> and shaft portions <NUM> may be used.

In order to secure the shaving aid support <NUM> in the first and second positions, the shaving aid support <NUM> may have at least one protuberance <NUM> extending from the interior surface 340a of the body portion <NUM>. This protuberance <NUM> may be adapted to be removeably lodged into corresponding recesses <NUM> formed on respective top and bottom portions 320a, 320b of the housing <NUM>.

In operation, when a user desires to move the shaving aid support <NUM> from a first position to a second position to switch between the lubricating element 50a disposed on the first face 340a to the lubricating element 50b disposed on the second face 340b, the user may apply a rotational force to the shaving aid support <NUM>. This rotational force dislodges the protuberance <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM>, for example, within a recess <NUM> formed on the top portion 320a of the housing <NUM>. This permits the shaving aid support <NUM> to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> about its shaft portions <NUM> until the protuberance <NUM> of the shaving aid support <NUM> is lodged into the recess <NUM> formed on the bottom portion 320b of the housing <NUM>, thereby positioning the second face 341b of the shaving aid support <NUM> to lead the blade edges <NUM> during a shaving operation.

With this configuration, a user can rotate the shaving aid support <NUM> such that the lubricating element 50b on the second face 341b can be used and the useful life of the shaving assembly is extended. Further, having the ability to place the lubricating element 50b in a position that leads the blades <NUM> can provide a user with a more sensitive shave which can reduce skin irritation.

It is envisioned that the features of the above-mentioned embodiments are combinable when not conflicting. For example, the flange <NUM> as a gripping feature may be incorporated into any of the embodiments. Additionally, the lubricating elements 50a, 50b may have the same shaving aid thereon or they may have different types of shaving aids.

In some aspects of the disclosure,it includes a razor (not shown) having a shaving blade assembly substantially as herein disclosed and a handle (not shown). The handle may extend along the vertical central axis A-A. The handle may have a top portion and a bottom portion. The handle may be shaped to better adapt to the natural contours of a hand. The top portion of the handle may have a connecting member that may be adapted to connect to the housing of the shaving blade assembly. Alternatively, the shaving blade assembly may be monolithically formed with the handle, it may be fixed to the handle, or it may be releasably connected with the handle and thus it may further be interchangeable with the handle.

Claim 1:
A shaving blade assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having at least one cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a shaving aid support (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is rotatably attached to the housing (<NUM>) about a center axis (A-A, B-B), wherein at least a shaft portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shaving aid support (<NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed in the at least one cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), wherein the shaving aid support (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a first side (41a, 341a) and a second side (41b, 341b), characterised in that
the first side (41a, 341a) has a first lubricating element (50a) thereon and the second side has a second lubricating element thereon (50b), wherein the housing (<NUM>) further includes at least one recess (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the shaving aid support (<NUM>) includes at least one pin (<NUM>; <NUM>), the recess (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the pin (<NUM>; <NUM>) being configured to removably lock together.