BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The invention relates generally to the field of shaving razors. More specifically, the present invention relates to an all-in-one shaving system designed to dispense a specific amount of shaving cream or gel through a brush applicator.

2. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The role of shaving in human history is widely understood. From as early as 3000 BC, humans have been making razors to remove unwanted hair. Shaving is most commonly practiced by men to remove their facial hair. Women also shave to remove their leg and underarm hair.

[0003] Over the centuries, shaving products have evolved. Newer blade technologies have been developed. Newer shaving creams and gels have been created. Newer shaving cream and gel applicator technologies have been developed. To this day, though, these products are generally sold separately and are used on a standalone basis.

[0004] Presently, there exists the need for a shaving razor with a shaving cream or gel dispenser and an applicator brush integrated into a single, easy-to-use unit. Such an all-in-one shaving system would be ideal for both home use as well as travel use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an all-in-one shaving system with a shaving razor with a shaving cream or gel dispenser and an applicator brush integrated into a single, easy-to-use unit. Using such a system, a user can apply shaving cream or gel by activating a dispensing mechanism which dispenses shaving cream into a shaving brush. A user can then use the shaving brush to apply shaving cream or gel onto the skin in order to create a lather, to raise hairs to be shaved and to provide a lubricated medium over which a razor can pass. With an integrated razor, all a user has to do is make use of the razor located on the opposite end of the shaving brush.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide an all-in-one shaving

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) system which a user can easily transport from one location to another. For example, a user can easily pack away the shaving system and take it on vacations, weekend getaways or business trips. Such a shaving system is designed to provide a high-quality shave with components that are easily replaceable and obtainable.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an all-in-one shaving system that provides a high-quality shave which can be performed easily and with affordable components. The all-in-one shaving system includes a brush which is known to produce a better shaving lather which ultimately yields a better shave. Using the all-in-one shaving system, a user can apply custom shaving liquids, gels or foams through an applicator brush and easily use the razor by turning the shaving system around. A user can either use the components of the all-in-one shaving system separately or a user can use the all-in-one shaving system as a single integrated unit.

[0008] At its essence, the invention is directed to a shaving system that includes a hollow handle, a razor assembly attachable to one end of the hollow handle including a neck and movably attachable razor blade pivotally positioned for use in shaving, a shaving brush assembly which is attachable to the opposite end of the hollow handle as the razor assembly having a shaving brush, a disposable shaving liquid reservoir cartridge, a valve housing located on the interior of the shaving brush assembly, and a travel passage through the shaving brush assembly which shaving liquid travels from the valve assembly into the said shaving brush, and a shaving liquid dispensing mechanism.

[0009] The invention can be easily upgraded and customized with interchangeable components such as, but not limited to, the integration of badger hair shaving brushes. Another example is the use of a hollow handle made from custom materials such as wood or other specialty materials. Furthermore, razor blades of different qualities can be incorporated.

Finally, customizations such as a heating element incorporated into the hollow handle for the heating of the shaving liquid. Such an all-in-one shaving system can provide a user with a wide variety of personalization and customization.

[0010] A method of shaving using an all-in-one shaving system involves a user releasing the shaving liquid from the disposable shaving liquid reservoir into the shaving brush by activating a dispensing mechanism. The user then applies the shaving liquid which was released into the shaving brush and applying the shaving liquid to a specific area of the body. The user then uses the razor blade of the all-in-one shaving system to shave the area of the body where the shaving liquid was applied. Such a method can be performed with one hand and with minimal

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front exploded view of an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of an applicator brush and shaving cream and gel reservoir for an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front exploded view of an applicator brush and shaving cream and gel reservoir for an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

[0019] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment although they may. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation of an all-in-one shaving system. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention maybe suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

[0021 ] The exemplary all-in-one shaving system will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of an all-in-one shaving system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The all-in-one shaving system 100 includes a detachable razor 102, a hollow handle 104, an attachment shroud assembly 106, and a detachable applicator brush 108. The detachable razor 102 and the detachable applicator brush are secured to the hollow handle 104 by an attachment shroud assembly 106. In an embodiment of the invention, a neck including an attachment shroud assembly attachable to one end of the said hollow handle has a razor blade assembly 102 movably attachable to the said neck and pivotally positioned for use in shaving. In an embodiment of the invention, a foot including an attachment shroud assembly 106 attachable to the opposite end of the said hollow handle as the neck, the attachment shroud assembly including a shaving brush, a valve housing, and a travel passage through which said shaving liquid travels from the valve assembly of the said disposable shaving liquid reservoir cartridge and into the said shaving applicator brush 108. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the terms “shaving brush,” and “shaving applicator brush” can be used

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) interchangeably in the context of the present invention. In embodiments of the invention, the neck can attach to one end of the hollow handle and the foot can attach to the opposite end of the hollow handle as the neck. Each attachment shroud assembly 106 also serves as a waterproof barrier for the hollow handle 104. Such a waterproof barrier can be created through the use of a plastic which forms a seal with the hollow handle. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that such a seal can be created by numerous means known and appreciated in the art. The attachment shroud assemblies 106 have attachment points for accessories. By way of example, and not limitation, the neck includes an attachment shroud assembly to which a detachable razor can attach, and the foot includes an attachment shroud assembly to which a disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir and shaving brush can attach. Each attachment shroud assembly 106 need not take on the same dimensions as the other. By way of example, and not limitation, one attachment shroud assembly can include an attachment means for detachable razors 102 while another attachment shroud assembly can include a shaving brush with a passage for shaving cream or gel to enter the brush. Each attachment shroud assembly 106 can connect to the hollow handle by numerous means such as, but not limited to, a simple screw mechanism, a bayonet mount, or a spring-loaded latch mechanism. In such a spring-loaded latch mechanism, the detachable razor 102 and the detachable brush 108 can detachfrom the hollowhandle by the press of a button 110. In one embodiment of the invention, each attachment shroud assembly connects to the hollow handle 104 by a screw mechanism wherein the inner diameter of the attachment shroud assembly 106 is a female end and the hollow handle 104 is a male end. In another embodiment of the invention, each attachment shroud assembly 106 has a slot for a tongue fastening mechanism located in the hollow handle 104. In one embodiment of the invention, one end of the hollow handle 104 can simply include an attachment point for detachable razors and not include an attachment shroud. In another embodiment of the invention, one end of the hollow handle 104 can simply include an integrated shaving brush and not include an attachment shroud.

[0023] Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous techniques and materials can be used to create each component of the exemplary all-in-one shaving system. For example, and not by way of limitation, the hollow handle 104 may be made from a number of suitable materials such as, but not limited to, plastics, metals, wood, bamboo and/or bone. The attachment shrouds can be made from materials ranging from, but not limited to, metal and metal alloys to plastics to elastomeric compounds. The hollow handle 104 can include a an elongated gripping portion which includes a greater surface area for a user to grasp.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0024] Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that detachable razors 102 can be manufactured and implemented to the present invention through numerous means known and appreciated in the art. In embodiments of the invention, each shaving razor is configured to include a docking mechanism with a minimal number of components which removably and/or pivotably couple the detachable razors to an attachment shroud assembly or to a handle. By way of example, a male attachment can protrude from one end of an attachment shroud with the razor cartridge having a female attachment extending from the razor cartridge. Alternatively, the an attachment shroud can have a female attachment wherein a male attachment from a razor cartridge extends. In embodiments of the invention, certain attachments can be fitted and/or installed by way of licensing and manufacturing agreements with other companies.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the detachable razor 102 uses a disposable, three blade cartridge razor system with a lubricating strip that, when wet, serves to lubricate the skin for shaving. In another embodiment of the invention, the detachable razor 102 uses a disposable, four blade cartridge razor system. However, other embodiments of the invention can employ cartridge razors with varying numbers of blades. In embodiments of the invention, each detachable razor has a release mechanism which allows for easy removal of the detachable razors 102. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous spring-loaded and other release mechanisms are available for the simple and easy removal of attachable razors. In other embodiments of the invention, the materials can vary. Other embodiments of the invention can accept razor blades made by other manufacturers. Other embodiments can employ a traditional safety razor with single razor blade and a protective device positioned between the edge of the blade and the skin.

[0026] Finally, persons skilled in the art will understand that numerous materials can be used to implement a detachable applicator brush 108. In one embodiment of the invention, the material used is a synthetic material such as, but not limited to, thermoplastic polymers such as, but not limited to, nylons. In other embodiments, the detachable applicator brush can use horsehair bristles, badger hair bristles, or boar hair bristles. The detachable applicator brush 108 can be assembled to have varying brush shapes and sizes depending on user demand.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a front exploded view of the all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the detachable applicator brush 108 and the attachment shroud 106 attach to a disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir 202. For purposes of this application, the term “disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir” can be used interchangeably with the term “disposable shaving liquid reservoir cartridge.” In embodiments of the invention, the detachable razor 102 and the detachable

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) applicator brush are secured to the hollow handle 104 by an attachment shroud 106. Such an attachment shroud may connect to the hollow handle by numerous means such as, but not limited to, a simple screw mechanism, a bayonet mount, or a spring-loaded latch mechanism. Persons having skill in the art will appreciate than numerous means known in the art are available to attach such an attachment shroud 106 to a hollow handle 104. Such an attachment shroud 106 also serves as a waterproof barrier for the hollow handle 104. In one embodiment of the invention, a spring-loaded latch mechanism, the detachable razor 102 and the detachable brush 108 can detach from the hollow handle by the press of a button 110.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir

202 is inserted along a guide rail or groove into the hollow handle 104. Such a guide rail or groove is positioned on the lower surface of the hollow handle 104 and ensures proper positioning of the disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir 202 by restricting the disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir’s 104 resting position and potential movement. Such a guide rail could be a protrusion rising perpendicularly from the inner surface of the hollow handle 104 and made of the same material. In other embodiments, a guide rail could take on other forms, could be made from other materials, or is not present in the embodiment.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, a heating element 204 is located inside the hollow handle. A heating element could assume the form of a basic coil which surroundsthe disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir 202. A heating element 204 is capable of heating the shaving liquid or gel or fluid to a temperature conducive to, and comfortable for, shaving. In such an embodiment, a heating element can consist of a rechargeable battery, a resistive circuit and a switch. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the hollow handle can serve as an insulator to retain heat.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, a custom impact resistant case to contain the said all-in-one shaving system and protect said shaving system from impacts with other objects is included. In such a case, extra razor blades or razor cartridges can be stored. Furthermore, extra disposable shaving cream or reservoirs can be stored. Such a custom impact resistant case can further include a battery charging mechanism for the heating element 204. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous means are available to provide a docking and charging mechanism such as, but not limited to, an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery chargeable by an AC power supply.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of an applicator brush and shaving cream or gel reservoir for an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this view, the detachable applicator brush 108 and the attachment shroud 106 attach to a shaving

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) cream or gel reservoir 202. Persons having skill in the art will understand that numerous means for attachingthe shaving cream or gel reservoir 202 to the attachment shroud 106 are known and appreciated. Such means include, but are not limited to, a plastic protrusion located inside the inner perimeter of the attachment shroud which, when engaged with the shaving cream or gel reservoir 202, holds the shaving cream or gel reservoir in place. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the applicator brush and shaving cream or gel reservoir form and can serve as a separate, single unit which can detach from the razor and hollow body to serve as a single unit capable of applying shaving cream or gel to the face with the user being able to use the brush assembly to create a lather for shaving. In an embodiment of the invention, the neck assembly (or the attachment shroud assembly and the detachable razor) can remain attached to the hollow handle and used separately from the applicator brush and shaving cream or gel reservoir.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front exploded view of an applicator brush and shaving cream and gel reservoir for an all-in-one shaving system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The invention includes a shaving liquid dispensing mechanism, the shaving liquid dispensing mechanism in communication with the disposable shaving liquid reservoir cartridge In an embodiment of the invention, a foot includes the attachment shroud assembly 106 attachable to the opposite end of the said hollow handle as the neck, including a shaving brush or applicator brush 108, a valve housing, and a travel passage through which the shaving liquid travels from the valve assembly of the disposable shaving liquid reservoir cartridge 202 and into the shaving brush 108. In this view, the detachable applicator brush 108 is attached to an attachment shroud 106. A shaving cream or gel reservoir 202 attaches to the attachment shroud and detachable applicator brush through an attachment means. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that numerous attachment means are available from which to implement such an attachment. In an embodiment of the invention, the shaving cream or gel reservoir is cylindrically shaped and made of a metal such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. However, other embodiments can be made from plastics or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the shaving cream and gel reservoir are 21 mm length by 9mm diameter. In such an embodiment, the reservoiris capable of holding roughly 15ml or roughly one-half ounce of shaving liquid or shaving cream or shaving gel. The size of the shaving cream and gel reservoir is designed to hold enough shaving cream or shaving gel for at least three shaves without b ecoming overly cumb ersome or bulky.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaving cream or gel reservoir

202 is of a size conducive to fitting inside the hollow handle of the exemplary all-in-one shaving system. In embodiments of the invention, the shaving cream or gel reservoir 202 includes a

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) conventional valve 402 which will allow for the efficient dispensation of an amount of shaving cream or gel. The valve 402 extends outwardly from the shaving cream or gel reservoir 202 and is adapted to be received by the attachment shroud assembly 106. The valve 402 includes a passageway for shaving cream or gel to travel through the attachment shroud assembly 106 and through the detachable applicator brush 108 and into the bristles of the said brush. It will be readily apparent to persons having skill in the art that numerous conventional valve mechanisms for pressurized shaving cream containers have been available for decades. In one embodiment of the invention, a spring mechanism located inside the attachment shroud assembly allows for the disengagement of the valve 402. Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that such a passageway could consist of a simple opening or a tube or tube-like assembly. Other embodiments of the invention may include different means of dispensing shaving cream or gel into the detachable applicator brush 106. Those means include, but are not limited to, various passageway mechanisms to a syringe mechanism. In embodiments of the invention, shaving creams and gels may be acquired through licensing and manufacturing agreements with other producers.

[0034] Persons having skill in the art will understand that such a shaving cream or gel reservoir having such a compact size will limit the amount of shaving cream or gel to a finite volume of shaving cream or gel. In the preferred embodiment, the shaving cream or gel reservoir will hold enough shaving cream or gel to provide for at least three shaves. In one embodiment of the invention, the shaving cream or gel is mixed with a carrier gas such as, but not limited to, carbon dioxide so as to provide for the easy dispensation of shaving cream or gel. In another embodiment of the invention, the shaving cream or gel is mixed with a carrier liquid such as, but not limited to, propane so as to provide for the easy dispensation of shaving cream or gel. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous carrier liquids or gases can be used to efficiently transfer shaving liquid from a disposable shaving cream or gel reservoir to a shaving brush.

[0035] Use of the exemplary all-in-one shaving system is designed to be as simple as possible. A user can simply dispense shaving cream or gel by either pushing a button, pulling a lever, or pulling the attachment shroud assembly including a shaving brush towards the hollow handle and using a spring-loaded mechanism to release shaving cream or gel which travels through a valve and through the bristles of the detachable applicator brush. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can pull the attachment shroud having the applicator brush with the thumb and forefinger towards the hollow handle. In another embodiment, a user can use a squeezing technique with the thumb and forefinger to release shaving liquid. A user has the

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) option of detaching the detachable applicator brush and shaving cream or gel reservoir or simply leaving it in place. As a method of use, the steps include releasing the said shaving liquid from the said disposable shaving liquid reservoir to the said shaving brush; applying the said shaving liquid released into the said shaving brush to a specific area of the body; and using the razor blade to shave the said specific area of the body.

[0036] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0037] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the exemplary all-in-one shaving system and method, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing the all-in- one shaving system and method according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the all-in-one shaving system may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the an all-in-one shaving system describedin the foregoing was principally directed to men’s grooming products. However, similar techniques may instead be applied to other applications such as women’ s shaving accessories which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements describedin the foregoing specification.

[0038] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art will understand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

[0039] Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the description or claims to be filed.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Persons skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass each and every equivalent.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)