U.S. patent number 3,895,437 [Application Number 05/498,455] was granted by the patent office on 1975-07-22 for shaving moisturizer.
Invention is credited to Frank M. DiBuono.
United States Patent |
3,895,437 |
DiBuono |
July 22, 1975 |
Shaving moisturizer
Abstract
A shaving moisturizer device which comprises an applicator
detachably connected to a razor or the like for applying moisture
and heat to the lather in a shaving operation so as to soften and
set up the beard prior to the actual shaving.
Inventors: |
DiBuono; Frank M. (Port
Chester, NY) |
Family
ID: |
23981161 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/498,455 |
Filed: |
August 19, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
30/537; D28/44;
D28/47; 15/244.2; 15/246; 30/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26B
21/44 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B26B
21/00 (20060101); B26B 21/44 (20060101); B26b
021/44 () |
Field of
Search: |
;30/34.2,41,90
;15/244A,246,250.03,250.04 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Kelly; Donald G.
Assistant Examiner: Smith; Gary L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ohlandt; John F.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A moisturizing device adapted to be detachably connected to a
razor or the like, comprising:
1. an extended base member of substantial thickness having a clamp
formed therein at one side, said clamp having an edge opening and
an interior surface of irregular configuration so as to be
adaptable for clamping onto a variety of razor devices;
2. an applicator pivotally connected to said base member, said
applicator including
a. a first axle and a first pair of arms extending from opposite
ends of said axle and pivotally connected to said base member,
b. a second axle and a second pair of arms extending from said
first axle and connectable with said second axle, and
c. an applicator sponge mounted on said second axle.
2. A shaving moisturizer device adapted to be detachably connected
to a razor or the like, comprising:
a base member adapted to be clamped to a variety of razor stems of
variable thickness and shape;
an applicator pivotally connected to said base member, said means
for pivotally connecting comprising a first pair of arms mounted
for pivotal movement about a pair of pivot pins embedded at
opposite ends of said base member;
an axle to which opposite ends of said first pair of arms are
pivotally connected;
another pair of arms in tight-fitting relationship with a further
pair of pins disposed at the ends of said axle member;
another axle held within openings at the opposite ends of said
second respective pair of arms;
an applicator sponge mounted on said further axle, said applicator
sponge having an axial-extending opening therefor.
3. A shaving moisturizer device defined in claim 2, in which said
sponge applicator has a triangular cross-section thereby providing
three applicator surfaces.
4. A device as defined in claim 3, further including corresponding
triangular openings in said ends of said second pair of arms for
receiving said applicator axle.
5. A device as defined in claim 4, in which said applicator axle
includes individual indented reservoirs in each of said applicator
surfaces.
6. A device as defined in claim 1, in which said base member is
constituted of a stiff but very pliable plastic material so that
said clamp may be opened to allow for gripping a variety of razor
stems, said clamp being provided with an irregularly shaped surface
terminating in an edge opening.
7. A device as defined in claim 6, in which said base member is
constituted of polyethylene.
8. A device as defined in claim 1, in which said second pair of
pivot pins disposed at the ends of said axle member includes
flanges at either end of said pins so that a tight-fitting
relationship is established between said second pair of arms and
said axle member and also with said first pair of arms.
Description
BACKGROUND, OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to shaving apparatus and more
particularly to a moisturizer device that can be readily attached
to a variety of razors to effectively apply moisture and heat to
the shaver's face and thereby to increase the efficiency of a
shaving operation.
In order to provide some background for the present invention,
reference may be made to certain prior art patents, such as, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 2,677,883 to Schallgruber and 2,861,338 to Boland. Both
of the aforesaid patents disclose structures in which resilient
rollers are attached by frames to a razor so as to assist in a
shaving operation. However, the present invention is directed to a
number of objects not considered or fulfilled by the prior art.
In particular, it is a primary object of the present invention to
enable ready attachability of a moisturizing device to any one of a
large variety of commercial razors now on the market.
A further object of the invention is to permit a wide range of
adjustability in the positioning of the moisturizing device with
respect to the cutting edge of the razor implement. Thus, a wide
degree of freedom, while preserving stability, is permitted in
locating the moisturizing device relative to the cutting edge as
desired by the user. Moreover, the device can be attached and
positioned so as to be used either on the blade side of the razor
for applying moisture immediately in advance of cutting the
whiskers, or the moisturizing device can be used on the opposite
side, away from the blade of the razor, so as to allow for first
applying the required moisture and for subsequently turning the
razor to perform the shaving operation.
The aforesaid object of providing ready attachability is
implemented by means of a primary feature of the present invention
which comprises a clamp formed in a resilient base member, such
clamp being so formed that it can accommodate razor stems of
circular or rectangular cross-sections or even irregularly
contoured stems.
Another major or primary feature, which likewise makes possible the
use of the moisturizing device with a variety of razors, is an
arrangement which includes multiple sets of arms and a middle axle,
thereby achieving any degree of adjustment called for.
Yet another feature of the present invention resides in the
particular configuration of the sponge applicator for the
moisturizing device. This application has a triangular
cross-section, thereby providing three applicator surfaces, each of
which can be used by rotating a new and clean surface into position
when the surface already used has become clogged with shaving cream
and whiskers. The applicator is retained against rotational
movement once it has been placed in a particular position. Being
thus stationary in use, it does not hinder the introduction of hot
water to the beard. Moreover, unlike a roller, this particular
applicator has a sliding effect rather than a matting or
patting-down effect on the whiskers.
The axle or holder for the sponge applicator is likewise of
triangular cross-section, including the ends thereof, so that the
desired stationary result is achieved for the applicator. A further
feature lies in the ready detachability of the sponge applicator
from the axle which holds it. Yet another feature resides in the
fact that the axle has a number of indented reservoirs for holding
moisture on each of its three sides.
Other and further objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will be understood by reference to the following
specification in conjunction with the annexed drawings, wherein
like parts have been given like numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the moisturizing device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown
attached to a typical razor.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the moisturizing device taken on the
line 2--2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the moisturizing device shown in
position for applying moisture to the user's face when used with a
typical razor.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is another elevational view, similar to FIG. 3, but showing
the moisturizing device adjacent the blade side of another typical
razor.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6--6 in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the moisturizing device shown clamped
to a razor having yet another cross-section.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the figures and particularly for the moment to
FIG. 1, there will be seen a preferred form of a moisturizing
device 10 adapted to be used with a variety of conventional razor
instruments. The device 10 includes a base member 12 which is
formed so as to be of appropriate thickness, of the order of
one-half inch, thereby to provide for firm attachment of the device
10 to a razor stem 13. This base member 12 is made of a stiff but
very pliable plastic material, preferably being constituted of
polyethylene.
A clamp 14 for attachment purposes is formed at one side of the
base member 12 through the entire thickness thereof, that is,
through the thickness at that side of the member. The clamp 14 is
provided with an irregularly shaped surface 16 terminating in an
edge opening 17, so as to accommodate and to clamp on to a variety
of stem configurations. Thus, one size of clamp will fit the
various sizes and shapes of razor stems, such as from 1/4 inch to
1/2 inch and either circular or rectangular in cross-section.
The base member is fastened or attached to the stem by squeezing
the base member 12 so as to create a sufficient opening, due to the
bowing or curving thereof, so that the razor stem can be set into
the clamp. Once pressure has been released, the clamp 14 is allowed
to close and grip the stem 13. It will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that a variety of different plastic materials may be
employed to form the base member depending on the gripping power
desired. It will also be clear that the base member can be adjusted
relative to the height of the stem 13 so that virtually any
positioning desired for the device 10 can be achieved. Thus, even
in those rare cases where the stem has only a very slight thickness
adjacent the blade, the moisturizing device 10 can still have the
base member gripping the stem, at a lower portion thereof, and the
appropriate positioning of the arms to be described will permit the
applicator to be in the correct position relative to the cutting
edge. This can be achieved while ensuring stability for the
moisturing device since, as will be appreciated by reference to
FIGS. 3 and 5, the device 10 can be braced against the razor stem
in seeking the proper adjustment for the arms.
The moisturizing device 10 is arranged such that an applicator 18
is pivotally connected to the base member 12. This is accomplished
in the preferred embodiment as seen by a feature involving maximum
freedom of movement so as to permit a wide range of adjustability
in the position of the applicator 18 relative to the cutting blade
of the razor. To this end, a pair of pivot pins 20 are imbedded
within the base member 12 at opposite ends thereof. Mounted for
pivotal movement about these pins and in tight fitting relationship
therewith are a pair of arms 22, connected respectively at opposite
ends of what may be conveniently referred to as a middle axle 24.
Another pair of pins 25 are disposed respectively at opposite ends
of axle 24. The pins 20 have a roughened exterior surface 21 on the
portion which enters the base member 12 so as to prevent the pins
from turning in the base member and from working themselves out,
the remaining portion which engages the arm 22 being smooth.
It will be apparent that the entire mechanism can be pivoted about
the pins 20 or, alternately, the applicator 18 can be suitably
rotated or pivoted about the middle axle 24. Mounted for pivotal
movement about this middle axle are pairs of bifurcated arms 26 at
either end of the axle 24 in tight fitting relationship with the
respective pins 25. Alternately, of course, rather than a
bifurcated arm at either end, pairs of parallel arms can be
utilized.
In order to accommodate the applicator 18 and to maintain the
applicator stationary when in use, that is, when used in the
shaving operation for the purpose of moisturizing the beard, the
applicator axle 30 is shaped or configured so as to have a
triangular cross-section, as will be especially appreciated by
reference to FIG. 2. Also, it will be noted in this figure that the
ends 31 of the applicator axle 30 have reduced dimensions but
retain the triangular cross-section such that they fit
appropriately into the triangular openings 32 in the ends of the
arms 26. Because of this relationship between the openings 32 and
the ends 31, stepwise adjustment in the presentation of a
particular side of the applicator can be achieved. It should be
noted that for the purpose of the aforenoted adjustment of the
applicator, the arms 26 are sufficiently pliable to allow for
release of axle 30 so that it may be turned.
It will be seen in FIG. 2 that the applicator, per se, which is
preferably composed of sponge rubber or the like, is configured to
be carried by the axle 30, being provided with a suitable axially
extended opening 34 such that it can be readily fitted over such
axle. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that ready detachability
of the sponge applicator is enabled so that cleaning or replacement
of the applicator can be effectuated.
It will be understood that the moisturizing device of the present
invention achieves the functions of heating, moisturizing and
lubricating the face and beard through the application of hot water
on the face and beard just prior to removing the whiskers, thereby
to effectuate a less irritable shave. By reason of the decrease in
resistance because of the moisturizing, heating and lubricating
effects a longer life will be provided for the blade or blades and
also fewer nicks and cuts on the shaver's face.
The above effects are normally accomplished immediately in advance
of the cutting of the beard. That is to say, after application of a
cream lather or the like, hot water is continuously being
replenished every time the razor is rinsed of whiskers and shaving
cream. Hence, moisture is being applied by the moisturizing device
immediately in advance of the action of the blade or blades in
shaving a particular area. Effectively then, the shaving operation,
including the moisturizing provided by the present device, is all
produced in virtually one stroke. When it is necessary to change
blades on the razor the device can be easily swung out of the way
and then can be easily readjusted back into position.
While there has been shown described what is considered at present
to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that modification of such
embodiment may be made. It is therefore desired that the invention
not be limited to this embodiment, and it is intended to cover in
the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
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