Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of Use 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an electric rotary razor, anatomically configured to shave hair while positioned in the gluteal cleft. The present disclosure relates to features that are particular to shaving this region of the body. 
         [0003]    Many people desire to shave hair from the inner buttock region of one&#39;s anatomy. However, because of the narrow space in which such hair is located, and the curvature and contours associated with such regions, it is difficult to shave this unwanted hair with existing razor technology. The problem associated with shaving narrow and curved body regions and recesses is that it is difficult to achieve adequate and safe contact between a cutting surface and the body surface to be shaved. For example, with a manual razor, the linear cutting edge of the razor blade cannot be effective unless brought into contact with the relevant body surface, which is difficult to achieve when shaving narrow, curved body regions. There is also an elevated risk of nicking or cutting these sensitive body regions when a manual razor is used, as small and inadvertent tilts and movements of the handle can produce serious skin nicks and cuts. Similarly, for electric razors, the size, shape and position of the cutting head makes it difficult to shave this region. For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide an electric razor that can easily, safely, and effectively remove hair from this region of a person&#39;s anatomy without the risk of cutting the skin. 
         [0004]    The present invention is directed to an electric rotary razor adapted and configured to shave a narrow region of the body, such as the gluteal cleft. The invention is preferably directed to a battery-operated electric rotary razor that may be re-charged and reused as needed. Further, the electric rotary razor may utilize interchangeable necks, with different cutter head configurations having a different number of rotary cutting systems, to accommodate different people and body sizes. 
         [0005]    The present invention is also directed to an electric rotary razor that enables a professional user, such as a physician or a hygienist, to remove unwanted hair from narrow, concave regions of the body in connection with medical procedures, for prevention of infection, or for cosmetic purposes. The invention is further directed to an electric rotary razor that utilizes interchangeable and disposable components, such that the device could be safely and hygienically be used in a commercial setting on different clients or patients. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure relates to features that are particular to shaving of the gluteal cleft, though not in a limiting manner. As understood by one skilled in the art, the principles of an electric rotary razor are not restricted to the shaving of a specific part of the body, and may apply to any skin surface. The motor, power supply and other related components are not, per se, part of the present inventive concept, and are individually common and well-known in the art. 
         [0007]    2. The Related Prior Art 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,982 relates to a razor device for shaving concave areas including a standard flat edge razor blade. This patent describes a blade bent into an arc where the blade sharpened edge is mounted on a cylindrical or conical surface in a convex shape. In one embodiment, the lead-in surface is a spherical segment with grooves to guide hairs, and the blade edge is mounted projecting slightly over a slot located at the intersection between the cylindrical and the spherical surfaces. Such curved blade systems have, however, given rise to difficulties with engineering, production, cost, and complexity in use. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,151 discloses another straight edge razor blade shaving device. This patent discloses a shaving article for sensitive surfaces and curved body areas which includes an elongate handle having one free end, and an opposite end from which a shank or neck portion defining an aggregate effective lever arm. The article includes a shaving head assembly transversely dependent from the neck portion, the assembly having a blade housing, including means for holding and positioning the blade. 
         [0010]    The size and shape of the cutting element on the foregoing prior art references, and on existing commercial shavers, is too big and ill-configured for the desired application. Further, the dimensions of known shavers are unsuitable to reach and shave these body regions in a safe and efficient way. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a shaving system that addresses the disadvantages of current electric and manual razors. The present invention fulfills this need, by providing an electric rotary razor that is easy to control and is configured to fit within and effectively shave sensitive areas of the body, while minimizing the risk of injury to those areas. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present invention provides an electric rotary razor configured to shave a difficult to reach, narrow region of the body, such as the gluteal cleft. The present invention is configured as an electric rotary razor having a handle and a neck containing a cutter head with one or more cutting systems, each including a series of cutting elements (blades) which may be rotated to cut hair. The cutting systems are positioned adjacent to each other so that, when the neck is attached to the handle, the cutting systems are aligned along an axis that runs generally parallel to the length of the device. The handle contains a motor to drive the cutting elements in the rotary cutting system(s). 
         [0012]    The electric rotary razor of the present invention has a handle, an elongate slim neck, and a cutter head positioned towards one end of the neck. The portion of the neck between the cutter head and the handle is narrower in cross section than the cutter head and the handle. The handle contains the electrical and drive components, such as batteries and a motor. The slim design of the neck, the alignment of the cutter head, and arrangement of the cutting system and elements, makes it easy to position the rotary cutting system into, through and around the narrow regions of the body to be shaved, and enables shaving despite the curves and contours associated with this region. The present invention provides a razor device that provides a close shave, with less skin irritation and little risk of nicks and cuts to this region, compared to existing manual and electric razors. Thus, the user can comfortably reach and safely shave this region. Further, the present invention is can be used for either wet or dry use when shaving. 
         [0013]    The razor of the present invention further includes a neck that is either permanent or detachable from the handle, and includes a permanent cutter head formed therein. The permanent cutter head contains the disposable cutting system, including the cutting elements. This configuration enables a user to replace the cutting system, and permit selection of a neck and cutter head of a particular cutting system configuration suitable for a particular user&#39;s body. 
         [0014]    The present invention may include a disposable neck, having a permanent cutter head including one or more disposable cutting systems. This can be designed for re-use by a single person, or as a disposable, single use device. As such, the invention may be used by physicians and other medical personnel for hair removal in connection with laser hair removal procedures, or for other medical or cosmetic procedures. The cutter head may provide for different configurations, such as a cutter head with one cutting system or a cutter head with two or more cutting systems. Thus, a medical facility having a single handle could safely reuse the handle with multiple patients, and can select and interchange the appropriate disposable neck for each given patient. In other words, a physician could select a disposable neck with a cutter head with a particular number of cutting systems, suitable for a particular region to be shaved, suitable for the characteristics of the patient&#39;s skin, hair type and region size. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts an assembled embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts an alternative assembled embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C depict components of an embodiment of the present invention including a handle ( FIG. 3A ), a detachable neck with a permanent cutter head and a single disposable rotary cutting system ( FIG. 3B ), and a detachable neck with a permanent cutter head and two disposable rotary cutting systems ( FIG. 3C ); 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the cutter head and neck of one embodiment of the invention, including select internal components; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the cutter head and neck of another embodiment of the invention, including select internal components. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the handle according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the device having two rotary cutting systems and a narrow elongated neck and handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    One mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under the scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only certain particular configurations are shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. The definitions provided herein provide descriptive guidance to one of ordinary skill, but do not place limitations upon the reasonable scope of the meaning of claim terms. 
         [0026]    Headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a fully assembled electric rotary razor  5  with a handle  6  and a neck  7 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  includes two disposable rotary cutting systems  4 . The disposable rotary cutting systems  4  are positioned in a cutter head  8 . The two disposable rotary cutting systems are positioned side-by-side and form an axis that runs generally parallel to the length of the device. The two disposable rotary cutting systems each include a series of cutting elements or blades that are rotated to cut hair, as is known in the art. The cutting blades are positioned so that they rotate about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the length of the device. 
         [0028]    The neck  7 , with disposable rotary cutting systems  4 , may be permanent or removable from the handle  6 , so that the user can replace the neck with a different neck having a different cutter head configuration. Further, cutter head  8  is permanent, but includes a cutting system that can be removed for cleaning or replacement. The diameter of the neck  7  is designed to be less than that of the diameter of the handle  6 , and less than the diameter of the cutter head  8 , to further aid in device manipulation and use. 
         [0029]    The razor has a power switch  10 , such as an on/off switch, and a battery indicator  11 . Non-limiting illustrative examples of drive mechanisms for transferring rotational force from the motor to the rotary cutting devices can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,721,986 and 7,266,855 which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0030]    As shown in the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the fully assembled electric rotary razor  50  may be configured with the handle  60  having mounted on one end thereof a permanent or detachable neck  70  including a permanent cutter head  80  and a single disposable rotary cutting system  40 . The permanent cutter head and disposable cutting system in this configuration are also positioned so that the cutting surface is generally orthogonal to the length of the device. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  also includes power switch  55  and a battery indicator  51 . 
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment, the permanent cutter head and disposable rotary cutting system are positioned by one end of the neck, along the length of the device, and not on the top end of the neck. This is in contrast to the arrangement of conventional devices in which the cutting assembly is positioned on the top end of the device, with the plane of the cutting surface perpendicular to the length of the device. By positioning the cutting system so that it forms a plane generally parallel to the length of the device, the configuration of the present invention enables the cutting region to have a low profile, meaning that the cutting region can be readily positioned and moved within a narrow space or channel, such as the gluteal cleft. 
         [0032]    The neck and the handle of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are configured to be permanent or detachably connected together with each other. If detachably connected, the neck may be added and removed through mechanical fastening means. For example, the neck may be attached to the handle via a clip-on latch mechanism, a screw mechanism, or a bayonet mechanism. 
         [0033]    The neck and handle may be attached to form a vertical device having a straight axis. In the alternative, the neck and handle could be attached to one another at an angle of up to  30  degrees from vertical (180°) alignment, as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Most preferably, the handle and neck form an angle of no more than 15 degrees from vertical (180°) alignment. This angle may enable the user to apply additional pressure to the cutting surface during use, further ensuring proper cutting of hair. The neck could also be curved, allowing greater user flexibility in matching the natural curves of the body as the device is used. 
         [0034]    The electric rotary razor  5  is preferably battery operated. It can also include a battery indicator  11  as shown in the figures. It may also include an on/off switch  10 , such as a sliding switch. The motor and the batteries are preferably located in the handle  6  of the electric rotary razor  5 . The power source may also be configured as non-rechargeable batteries secured in a battery compartment accessible from outside the device. The battery compartment could be adapted to allow batteries to be replaced, such as a lid covering the battery compartment, secured by screws. The batteries could also be positioned in a replaceable compartment which forms part of the handle, but is detachable therefrom. The device may also be adapted to be connected to an AC power source. The present invention can further include a compact rechargeable stand for recharging the battery in the handle. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3A-C  show replaceable, interchangeable necks  7 ,  70  of the invention along with handle  6 . The replaceable neck aspect of the invention makes possible the use of the same handle  6  with different necks  7 ,  70 . The interchangeable necks can be provided of different angles of attachment. For use in commercial settings or at medical facilities, staff can be trained to select a neck and cutter head appropriate for a given person or procedure. The neck can also be designed as a disposable, single use component, such that a sterile neck can be used with each patient, while the handle may be re-used with multiple patients. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3B  shows a detached neck  70 , and a permanent cutter head  80  with one disposable rotary cutting system  40 .  FIG. 3C  shows a detached neck  7 , and a permanent cutter head  8  with two disposable rotary cutting systems  4 . The disposable rotary cutting systems  4  are removable for replacement, as described below. 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiment, the handle is about 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) long and about 2.5-3.8 cm (1-1.5 inches) in diameter. The handle may be studded or curved or otherwise fashioned to form a better surface for the user to grip. The handle may also be customized with a stylized grip, made of, for example, rubber or a thermoplastic resin. 
         [0038]    The rotary cutting system preferably includes a plurality of cutting surfaces, made of stainless steel or a ceramic material, or any other suitable materials commonly used in the art to cut hair smoothly. The dimensions of the cutter head may be varied. In one embodiment, a cutter head with two rotary cutting systems is about 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) in length, and about 1.2 inches (3.0 cm) in width. The neck where the cutter head is located has a depth of less than about 1 inch (2.5 cm). An embodiment wherein the cutter head includes a single rotary cutting device may be about 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) in length, about 1.2 inches (3.0 cm) wide, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in depth. The portion of the neck between the cutter head and the handle should have a cross section thinner than the cutter head and the handle, as shown in the figures. It is understood that while the present invention is not limited to the above identified dimensions, the cutter head can and should be configured to have a thinner width and depth than that of the handle. 
         [0039]    The razor itself may be made from materials such as plastic, stainless steel or a ceramic material. The neck can be manufactured with different colors for personalization, or to identify neck and cutter heads of a particular configuration. 
         [0040]    The cutting system positioned within the permanent cutter head is disposable, for replacement after multiple uses. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3C , instead of one disposable rotary cutting system, there are two disposable rotary cutting systems  4  mounted in the permanent cutter head  8 . These cutting systems are positioned next to each other, such that a line through the center of the cutting systems would run generally parallel to the axis or length of the handle and neck. This configuration provides a larger shaving area in a narrower footprint than traditional razors with cutting surfaces perpendicular to the length of the device. The permanent cutter head  8  may comprise disposable rotary cutting systems that are mounted so as to permit some flexibility or movement to better enable them to follow the curve of the body and move independently for a closer, more comfortable shave. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the neck and cutter head according to an embodiment that includes two disposable rotary cutting systems, while  FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the neck and cutter head according to an embodiment that includes a single disposable rotary cutting system. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the neck is made of two components,  7   a  and  7   b,  which are releasably attached to the handle at end  26 . In the alternative, the neck may be permanently attached to the handle. The back of the neck  7   b  shows that the neck has a smaller cross-section at the end that attaches to the handle  26   a  than the portion of the neck where the cutter head is located. When assembled, the front of the neck  7   a  is attached to the back of the neck  7   b.  The cutter head is permanently formed as part of the face of the upper portion of the front of the neck  7   a.  The cutter head shown in this embodiment includes two disposable rotary cutting systems  22 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the handle  61  contains a motor  62 , a battery  66 , a circuit board  63 , a motor  62 , an on/off power switch  64 , and a battery indicator  65 . The battery may be charged via ac charging plug  67  located, for example, in the base of the handle. The connection between motor and the rotary cutting system(s) is achieved by mechanical components that drive the cutting elements in the rotary cutting systems within the cutter head. For example, an AC power source or batteries drive a motor in the handle, which in turn drives a shaft that runs through the neck to the cutter head via a motor to neck drive shaft connector  68 . The gears in the cutter head transfer the rotary force from the shaft to the cutting elements in the rotary cutting system(s). 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , when assembled the lower end of the neck  7   d  houses the drive shaft  13 , a drive shaft connector  13   a  which meshes with the motor to shaft drive connector  68 , and pinion drive gear  13   b,  while the upper end of the neck  7   c  forms the cutter head and houses gears  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  25 . Pinion gear holder  14  ensures that the pinion gear is held in the correct position. Gears  15  and  17  are held in place with support ring  16 . Cutting system holder  21  secures the rotating cutting systems  22  and rotary cutting elements (not shown) to cutter head gear supports  19  where the rotating cutting elements can be driven by gears  15 ,  17 ,  18 , and  25 . Cutter head  8  also comprises cutting system holder release buttons  20  which permit the cutting system holder  21  and rotary cutting systems  22  to be released from the cutter head. Similarly, in the single cutting system embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the neck is formed from front and back components  32   a  and  32   b.  When assembled, the lower end of the neck  32   d  houses drive shaft  31 , drive shaft connector  31  a which meshes with the motor to shaft drive connector  68 , and a pinion drive gear  31   b,  while the upper end of neck  32   c  forms the cutter head and houses gears  32 ,  33 . Pinion gear holder  36  ensures that the pinion gear is held in the correct position. Gears  32  and  33  are held in place with support ring  35 . Cutting system holder  37  secures the rotary cutting system  39  and rotary cutting elements to head gear support  38 , where the cutting elements can be driven by gears  32 ,  33 . Cutter head  34  also comprises cutting system holder release button  39   a  which permit the cutting system holder  37  and rotary cutting system  39  to be released from the cutter head. As will be appreciated, the configurations shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  include a cutter head containing cuttings systems with cutting elements that can be replaced. 
         [0044]    The embodiment of  FIG. 7  includes two disposable rotary cutting systems  71 , in permanent cutter head  72  on neck  736 , which is attached to handle at an angle. The razor shown in this figure also includes an on/off switch  75  and a battery indicator  76 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the razor. This embodiment includes handle bottom cover  101  and a handle top cover  102 , which may be snapped or sealed together by any conventional means so as to enclose the interior components of the handle. The interior components comprise charging port  103 , circuit board  104 , on/off button cover  105 , electronics waterproof cover  106 , and motor  107 . The circuit board  104  comprises low battery indicator LED  108 , charge status indicator LED  109 , and on-off indicator LED  110 . The handle also includes two rechargeable batteries  111 . The motor has a rubber, waterproof seal  113  and a handle to neck shaft connector  114 . In this embodiment, the handle is connected by conventional means to the neck. The neck has an outer neck bottom cover  115 , and neck bottom cover  116 , which are snapped and/or sealed together by conventional means. The interior of the tip of the neck houses cutting elements  117 , cover  118 , cover release buttons  119 , gear frame  120  and neck drive shaft  121 . The neck drive shaft has a neck to handle shaft connector  122  which interfaces with handle to neck shaft connector  114 . The neck drive shaft also has a pinion gear shaft bearing  123  and a shaft drive pinion gear  124 . The shaft drive pinion gear interfaces with the main razor pinion gear  125 , which in turn interfaces with the other gears  127  and  128  to drive the rotary cutting elements via shafts  130 ,  135 . An assembled single rotary cutting system neck  126  is also shown. One of ordinary skill will understand that when the motor in the handle is switched on it causes the neck drive shaft to rotate; this rotates the shaft drive pinion gear, which in turn causes the main razor gear to rotate; this rotates the smaller gear  128  and larger gear  127 , causing rotation of the rotary cutting elements  117 . This configuration is also waterproof. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the razor device with two disposable rotary cutting systems  204  mounted on the permanent cutter head. This embodiment includes handle  206  having a thinner neck  207 . The neck is detachable from the handle at  210 . 
         [0047]    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 and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: 4