Cross References to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of UK application no. GB2100109.4, filed 5 January 2021.

Field of Invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of shaving accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shaving apparatus designed to facilitate the removal of back hair by a user, a specially adapted cartridge for use with the shaving apparatus, and a kit.

Background

Male grooming has become increasingly important in the modern era, with body hair on men considered undesirable by many, especially back hair. This causes issues for many men, as it is difficult for an individual to groom his own back with standard shaving accessories. Thus, until recently, it was often necessary to involve a second person for back hair removal, either paying someone for their services or asking a friend, relative or partner. These experiences can be embarrassing, and professional services are expensive to maintain regularly.

In recent years, some shaving devices have been introduced which allow an individual to shave their own back. While they are an improvement, these devices are not without their own issues.

For example, most of these devices are designed as razors attached to long rigid handles to provide the reach needed, however using such designs is uncomfortable, inefficient, and can put strain on a user's shoulders.

It is within this context that the present invention is provided.

Summary

The present disclosure provides a shaving apparatus that facilitates comfortable, efficient, and safe removal of back hair. The disclosed apparatus is designed as a chain of linked housings having flexible handles attached to either end of the chain. The design enables a user to apply the shaver to areas of the back by gripping the opposing handles in front of them as opposed to reaching behind, as well as facilitating the positioning of housed razor blades at an optimum angle for achieving a close shave since the housings are able to move relative to one another and thus are able to adapt to the contours of a user's back. The housings are able to accommodate both double sided razor blades as well as a type of specially adapted double sided razor blade cartridge having toothed edges, the construction of which is also provided herein.

Thus, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a shaving apparatus, the shaving apparatus comprising two or more housings linked together to form a chain of housings, each housing comprising an inner surface configured to receive a razor blade or a cartridge containing a razor blade; wherein the housings at opposing ends of the chain of housings each have affixed thereto a flexible handle.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of each housing comprises at least one planar portion having an opening configured to receive a fixing element such that a fixing element may be threaded through the opening to affix a razor blade against the planar portion.

Each housing may further comprise a detachable inner piece having at least one corresponding opening for receiving a fixing element and which is thus configured to sandwich and secure a razor blade against the inner surface of the housing as well as preventing the razor blade from protruding from its housing and damaging the skin of a user.

Further, each inner piece may comprise toothed edges configured such that when installed on a housing, one or more sets of toothed edges of the inner piece from an alternating pattern with one or more sets of toothed edges of the housings.

In such embodiments, the two housings at the opposing ends of the chain of housings and the corresponding inner pieces for those housings may each have a toothed edge with smaller gaps between each tooth than the other sets of toothed edges, and which align with each other rather than alternate when assembled, in order to more effectively pick up the hair on a user's back without exposing any affixed razor blades.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of each housing is provided with one or more protrusions or indents for interlocking with an inner piece or cartridge. One or more specially adapted cartridges may also be provided with the shaving apparatus, each cartridge comprising a double-edged razor sandwiched between an outer toothed element and an inner toothed element such that portions of both blades are exposed between the teeth of the inner and outer elements facing in opposing directions, the outer element of each cartridge being provided with corresponding protrusions or indents for interlocking with the inner surface of the housings.

In one embodiment, each housing is affixed to at least one adjacent housing by a hinged joint. Each hinged joint may comprise interlocking toothed portions of the connected housings.

In some embodiments, each hinged joint is configured to provide a buffer space between toothed portions of each housing to prevent razor blades of adjacent housings from damaging one another.

In another embodiment, each housing is at least partially flexible, and is attached to at least one adjacent housing by having a planar portion overlapping a planar portion of the adjacent housing such that a fixing element threaded through the opening rigidly connected the two planar portions together, simultaneously affixing a razor blade therebetween.

In some embodiments, each housing is double-sided, being configured to expose a both blades of a double-sided razor blade affixed thereto.

In further embodiments, the flexible handle attached to each end of the chain of housings is a steel ball chain or string.

In some embodiments, the flexible handle is attached to a central portion of the housings on opposing ends of the chain of housings.

In other embodiments, the flexible handle is attached to an edge portion of the housings on opposing ends of the chain of housings.

In yet further embodiments, in a fully extended position the chain of housings has each planar portion oriented at an angle ranging 15 to 45 degrees to an axis running parallel to the length of the chain. In some embodiments, each housing comprises two planar portions configured to have razor blades affixed thereto, each planar portion of each housing being angled to have the exposed blades of razors affixed thereto pointed in opposing directions.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a specially adapted cartridge for a back shaving apparatus, the cartridge comprising a double edged razor sandwiched between an outer toothed element and an inner toothed element such that portions of both blades of the razor are exposed between the teeth of the inner and outer toothed elements, facing in opposing directions; the outer toothed element of the cartridge being provided with one or more protrusions or indents for interlocking with the inner surface of a housing of a shaving apparatus.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising a shaving apparatus according to any one of the above described embodiments and one or more specially adapted cartridges.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

FIG.l illustrates a perspective view from above of an example configuration of a first embodiment of a shaving apparatus according to the present disclosure in an extended position.

FIG.2 illustrates a second perspective view from below of the example configuration of the first embodiment of the shaving apparatus according to the present disclosure in an extended position.

FIG.3 illustrates a close-up view of the interlocking toothed hinges connecting the chain of housings in the first embodiment of the shaving apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG.4 illustrates a perspective view of the example configuration of the first embodiment in a partially folded position.

FIG.5 illustrates a perspective view of the example configuration of the first embodiment in a fully folded position. FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of an example configuration of a second embodiment of a shaver apparatus according to the present disclosure, wherein each housing is double-sided to facilitate the protrusion of both blades of a razor affixed thereto.

FIG.7 illustrates a perspective view of an example configuration of a third embodiment of the shaver apparatus according to the present disclosure, wherein each housing is formed of a thinner, flexible material to facilitate deformation of the chain, as opposed to linking the housings by hinged joints.

FIG.8 illustrates a perspective view of a single housing for use in the third embodiment of FIG.7.

FIG.9 illustrates a first perspective view of an example configuration of a fourth embodiment of a shaver apparatus according to the present disclosure, wherein each housing is separated from other housings by a gap such that the teeth of the housings do not interlock.

FIG.10 illustrates an exploded components view of an example configuration of the fourth embodiment in which double sided razor blades are affixed to each housing.

FIG.11 illustrates a perspective view of an example configuration of the fourth embodiment in an assembled state with specially adapted blade cartridges are installed in each housing.

FIG.12 illustrates a first perspective view of example configuration of the fourth embodiment in a disassembled state with the specially adapted blade cartridges are removed.

FIG.13 illustrates a second perspective view of the example configuration of the fourth embodiment in a disassembled state with the specially adapted blade cartridges are removed. Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiment

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.

Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Referring to FIG.l, a perspective view from above is shown of an example configuration of a first embodiment of a shaving apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure in an extended position.

The shaving apparatus 100 of the present example comprises four housings 102 linked together in a chain, with flexible handles 104 in the form of steel ball chains attached to the opposing ends of the chain to allow a user to hold the apparatus.

It should be noted that other types of flexible handles can be used in place of steel ball chains, however this is a preferred embodiment as it allows the handles to slide back and forth across a user's skin with minimal friction.

The design of the shaving apparatus 100 facilitates the removal of back hair by a user, letting them hold the opposing handles 104 in front of them in either hand with the chain of housings looped over them and pressed against the skin of their back and the protruding portions of the razors held in each cartridge also held against the skin. The user can then slide the shaving apparatus 100 back and forth across the area of their back by alternately pulling the opposing handles to remove unwanted hair, similar to the motion one might use to dry one's back with a towel. The chain of housings of the present example are each formed of rigid material such as a hard plastic, but are connected together by hinge joints 106 having interlocking toothed sections 108, this advantageously allows the chain to adapt to the contours and curves of a user's back to achieve a close shave, since the housings can shift angle relative to one another when the surface of the skin curves.

The illustrated design holds two razor blades or a single double-sided razor blade in each housing, the razor blades of each housing pointing in opposing directions at approximately 45 degree angles to the surface on which the chain is resting (i.e. the skin). The angle of the blades can range between 15 - 45 degrees in various embodiments.

Affixing the blades safely in the housings so that only portions of the blade protrude between the toothed edges is achieved by having an inner piece 110 and an outer piece 112 for each housing which are formed into V-shapes.

Each outer piece has an inner V-shaped surface with two flat portions forming the walls of the V and an opening in the centre of each flat portion through which a fixing element such as a threaded screw can pass. The same is true for the outer surfaces of the inner pieces 110 which have corresponding openings for receiving a fixing element, thus allowing the inner piece 110 to be secured to the outer piece 112, sandwiching a razor blade such as a safety razor therebetween. This bi-directional design has the advantage that sliding the chain in either direction along a surface will remove hair, increasing the efficiency of motion in terms of shaving.

Furthermore, since there are multiple housings and thus multiple razors sliding over each portion of skin, hairs that might be missed by a razor blade held in the first housing can be picked up by the second, third, or fourth blade facing in that direction due to the housings 102 in the chain being arranged in a parallel linear fashion, reducing the number of times a user must move their arms back and forth to ensure all the hair is shaved.

This efficiency of shaving is further added to by the toothed sections 108 that rest in front of the blade edge of each razor, which act to lift hairs away from the skin such that the blade of the razor can cut them. Furthermore, the teeth prevent the blade from cutting deeply, as the teeth extend either slightly beyond the edge of the blade or ever so slightly behind the blade, preventing or substantially limiting the chance of the person cutting themselves.

In the present example the inner pieces 110 also have toothed edges, and the toothed edges of the inner pieces 110 may be intentionally arranged to from an alternating pattern with the toothed sections 108 of the outer pieces. This arrangement further limits the risk of an exposed blade cutting too deeply into the skin, since the skin is less likely to deform and protrude into the gaps between the teeth than it would be for toothed sections that were aligned with one another.

While four housings 102 are used in the present example, it will be recognised that more or fewer housings could be used in the chain. Furthermore, while a steel ball chain such as that in the illustrated example is beneficial in terms of hygiene and friction, it will be recognised that other materials and designs could be used for the handle.

Referring to FIG.2, a second perspective view is shown from below of the example configuration of the first embodiment of the shaving apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure.

As can be seen, the bottom side of the illustrated configuration is a series of interlocking toothed sections 108. The blades of razors held between the inner pieces 110 and outer pieces 112 will extend from between these toothed sections. As mentioned above, single razors may be installed on either wall of each V-shaped housing, or a single double-sided razor may be folded into the V (similarly to the configuration shown in FIG.10).

Referring to FIG.3, a close-up view shows the interlocking toothed sections 108 and hinges 106 connecting the chain of housings in more detail.

The planar/flat portions 302 of both the inner pieces 110 and outer pieces 112 of the housings 102 are also more clearly visible, with threaded openings 304 shown for receiving fixing elements such as screws.

In this example, the toothed edges 108 of the inner pieces 110 do not form an alternating pattern with the toothed edges of the outer pieces 112, but instead form an alternating pattern with the interlocking teeth of the hinged connections 106 between housings, which has a similar effect. The highlighted gaps 306 are where the razor blades will be affixed, with their blades extending partially but not fully through the toothed sections 108 to allow for a close shave without compromising the safety of the device.

Referring to FIGs.4 and 5, it can be seen that the V-shaped design of the housings 102 of the first embodiment in combination with the hinged connections 106 between the housings allow the chain of housings to be conveniently folded into a compact shape when exactly four V-shaped housings are used in the chain. Such embodiments of the shaving apparatus 100 may also be provided with locking mechanisms such as the illustrated indents 402 and protrusions 404 at the ends of the chain for maintaining the folded shape when desired.

FIGs. 1-5 thus all relate to a first embodiment of the shaving apparatus of the present disclosure, however the skilled person will understand that the first embodiment is merely an illustrative example, and that alternative implementations are possible.

Referring to FIG.6, a perspective view of an example configuration of a second embodiment of a shaver apparatus 600 according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein each housing 602 is double-sided to facilitate the protrusion of both blades of a razor affixed thereto.

In the example of FIG.6, the housings 602 are similar in design to those of the first embodiment in that the housings are connected by hinged joints 606 and have interlocking toothed sections 608 from which the blades of the shaver protrude.

However, the design differs in that the point of the "V" shape form the first embodiment is replaced with second sets of interlocking toothed sections 614 so that a double-edged razor sandwiched between the flat portions of the housing elements have both blade edges exposed, allowing the chain of housings 602 to flipped over and provide hair removal via either side of the chain. This reduces the frequency with which razors need to be adjusted as there are two sets of blade edges exposed.

Referring to FIG.7, a perspective view of an example configuration of a third embodiment of the shaver apparatus 700 is shown, wherein each housing is affixed to adjacent housings by a screw attachment, and wherein the chain of housings deforms to the contours of the user's body by having each housing being formed of a thinner, flexible material, as opposed to linking the housings by hinged joints. The design still comprises toothed sections through which razor blades extend and flat portions 716 with openings 718 for sandwiching the razor blades between.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the third embodiment lends itself to having both sides for a double sided razor blade such as a safety razor exposed, and for the chain to be flipped around and remove hair using both sides.

Referring to FIG.8, an example design of a housing 702 suitable for use with the third embodiment is shown in isolation.

FIGs 9-13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the shaver apparatus of the present disclosure which is designed to accommodate both double-edged razors by affixing them between the housings and the inner pieces, as in the first embodiment, but is also capable of receiving a specially adapted cartridge having razors already installed therein.

This configuration is greatly beneficial in that it provides the option to either take advantage of the flexibility and advantages of using various different types of razor blades or to instead choose the convenience of a pre-built cartridge that can simply be slotted into the housings, requiring no installation.

Referring to FIG.9 and FIG.10, a first perspective view and an exploded components view are shown of an example configuration of the fourth embodiment of the shaver apparatus 800, with double-sided razor blades affixed between outer pieces 812 and inner pieces 810 of the housings, in much the same style as the first embodiment.

In this example and the following examples, a chain of only two housings is used for convenience and clarity, but it should be understood that in line with the above embodiments any number of housings can be incorporated into the chain.

As can be seen from the figures, the structure of the fourth embodiment is similar in many ways to that of the first embodiment when utilising inner pieces 810 to secure razor blades to the housings. As with the first embodiment, the shaver apparatus comprises a chain of housings 802 formed of inner pieces 810 and outer pieces 812, flexible handles 804 in the form of steel ball chains affixed to either end of the chain of housings by loops 816, and a hinged connection 806 between each housing. It should be noted that while the loops 816 are illustrated as being positioned on the opposing ends of the outer pieces 812 of the housings, they can also be placed in the central V-shaped gap of the inner pieces 810.

Both the inner pieces 810 and outer pieces 812 of the housings have corresponding openings 814 which allow screws 826 and nuts 824 to secure the two together, sandwiching double sided razor blades 818 in the V-shaped gap formed therebetween. Both the inner pieces 810 and outer pieces 812 have toothed edges 808 on either side which act to lift hair up off of a user's skin for better shaving whilst also preventing the blades from nicking the skin.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in two major ways. Firstly, the hinged joint 806 does not comprise sets of interlocking teeth, but instead is connected only at ether end, with a small gap formed between the linked housings. This both facilitates easier manufacture of the shaver and provides a buffer distance between the protruding razor blade portions of each housing in the chain, ensuring that the blades do not damage each other when the housings move.

Secondly, both the inner pieces 810 and outer pieces 812 are provided with corresponding protrusions and indents that interlock and allow them to click into place. This is convenient for keeping the pieces still with respect to one another while the screws are put in place to properly secure them, and also allows for an alternative configuration of the shaver apparatus 800, as is shown in FIGs 11-13.

Referring to FIGs 11-13, assembled and disassembled views are shown of the fourth embodiment of the shaver apparatus 800 utilising specially adapted cartridges 828 in place of the inner pieces and razor blades.

The cartridges 828 are similar in structure to the housings 802 themselves, having double-sided razor blades sandwiched between outer elements 830 and inner elements 832, both the outer elements 830 and inner elements 832 having opposing toothed edges through which portions of the sandwiched razors will protrude. The outer surfaces of the V-shaped outer elements 830 are provided with protrusions that interlock with the indents 822 of the housings 802.

In this configuration, there is no need for a user to affix the cartridges 828 to the outer pieces 812 of the housings 802 using screws or other highly secure means because there is no risk of a user injuring themselves if the cartridges 828 fall out during use. The razor blades are firmly secured between elements of the cartridges themselves, and will thus not cut a user if this happens. This greatly speeds up the installation of new blades in the shaver apparatus, allowing old cartridges to be popped out by hand and new cartridges to be popped in in a similar manner.

Both configurations of the fourth embodiment have their merit.

Razor blades come in various. While the installation of razor blades may take more time, they are cheap to replace and come in a variety of different forms. Some are designed specifically for sharpness to give the closest shave, some are designed for durability to last as long as possible, some are designed for comfort to prevent shaving rash by for example coating the blades in ceramic, and some are designed to be cost effective. Having this option gives the user a wide variety of choice and versatility for shaving their back.

On the other hand, many users prefer the convenience of pre-made cartridges that are easy and safe to replace, and this has proven to be an incredibly successful commercial formula .

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the shaver apparatus have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.