Hair removal system

Abstract

A shaving assembly having a housing. A plurality of cutting arrays are mounted to the housing. Each of the cutting arrays has a plurality of non-linear cutting edges defining a shaving plane. A plurality of protrusions extend from the housing. The plurality of protrusions are positioned along a perimeter of the housing. The plurality of protrusions are positioned on a plane above the shaving plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to devices for hair removal, and more specifically to devices for removing hair from the body and back. Background Technology

[0002] The discussion of the shortcomings and needs that existed in the art prior to this disclosure is by no means an admission that those skilled in the art were aware of such shortcomings and needs prior to this disclosure.

[0003] Body hair grows in many directions, often adjacent to or close together, and typically in very different directions. Modern wet razors require the blade to approach the hair in a specific direction to ensure it is effectively cut. Hair cut by the blade traveling in the opposite direction of growth (often referred to as the upstroke) is cut more closely and consistently than hair cut by the blade traveling perpendicular to the hair's growth direction. To compensate for this, users need to make numerous strokes in multiple directions to ensure all hair is effectively removed. Another drawback of modern wet razors is that they must only be used to perform strokes perpendicular to the blade direction to ensure there is no slicing motion of the blade relative to the skin, which can lead to cuts and nicks. This can be particularly difficult to ensure there is no lateral movement of the blade relative to the skin when shaving hard-to-reach areas of the body, such as the back. This forces users to expend significant energy trying to maintain a linear stroke, or to ask a third party to help remove the hair, or to compromise on the safety of their shave.

[0004] Many consumers find it desirable to shave in wet shaving environments, such as in a bathtub or shower. Unfortunately, water in wet shaving environments typically removes shaving gel or other pre-shaving moisturizers or lubricants before the surface can be shaved. Therefore, the beneficial effects of shaving gel or other pre-shaving moisturizers or lubricants are minimized, resulting in a less comfortable and more irritating shaving experience. Furthermore, areas of the body that are difficult to reach with a shaving device are also difficult to reach for applying shaving gel or other pre-shaving moisturizers or lubricants.

[0005] Current shaving devices for hard-to-reach areas of the body are also difficult for users to see. Therefore, users may not be sure they have shaved all the necessary areas where they want to remove hair. Various advancements in razor technology may exacerbate this problem, virtually eliminating any tactile sensation from the user during shaving. Consequently, users may not only be unable to see where they are shaving, but may also be unable to feel where they may have shaved.

[0006] Therefore, it has been determined that there is a need for a hair removal device to improve one or more of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The various examples disclosed herein address the aforementioned problems by providing devices capable of multi-directional hair removal, particularly when shaving back or body hair.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention is generally characterized by a shaving assembly having a housing. A plurality of cutting arrays are mounted to the housing. Each of these cutting arrays has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades. A plurality of protrusions extend from the housing. The plurality of protrusions are positioned between adjacent cutting arrays. In another aspect, the invention is generally characterized by a shaving assembly having a housing. A plurality of cutting arrays are mounted to the housing. Each of these cutting arrays has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades defining a shaving plane. A plurality of protrusions extend from the housing. The plurality of protrusions are positioned along the periphery of the housing. The plurality of protrusions are positioned on a plane above the shaving plane.

[0009] On the other hand, the invention is generally characterized by a shaving assembly having a housing defining a periphery. A plurality of cutting arrays are positioned within the periphery of the housing. Each of these cutting arrays has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades. A lubricating member is positioned along the periphery.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention is generally characterized by a shaving assembly having a housing defining a periphery. A plurality of cutting arrays are positioned within the periphery of the housing. Each of these cutting arrays has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades positioned on a shaving plane. A lubricating member is positioned between a first pair of adjacent cutting arrays.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention is generally characterized by a shaving assembly having a housing. A first cutting array is mounted to the housing. The first cutting array has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades. A second cutting array is mounted to the housing. The second cutting array has a plurality of non-linear cutting blades. A first lubricating member is positioned around the first cutting array. A second lubricating member is positioned around the second cutting array.

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings, and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the hair removal system.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the cutting array of the hair removal system.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the multiple protrusions of the hair removal system.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the multiple protrusions of the hair removal system.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the lubrication components of the hair removal system.

[0019] Figure 6 It is roughly along Figure 1 Enlarged sectional view of the shaving assembly taken from line 6-6.

[0020] Figure 7 It is roughly along Figure 1 Enlarged sectional view of the shaving assembly taken from line 6-6.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a top view of another example of an implementation of the shaving component.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a top view of another example of an implementation of the shaving component.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a top view of another example of an implementation of the shaving component.

[0024] It should be understood that the various implementation schemes are not limited to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a front perspective view of a hair removal system 10. The hair removal system 10 may include a shaving assembly 12 mounted to a handle 14. The shaving assembly 12 may include a plurality of cutting arrays 16 (e.g., 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e) mounted to a housing 18. The plurality of cutting arrays 16 (e.g., 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e) may be positioned within a peripheral “P” of the housing 18. Although five cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e are illustrated, it should be understood that more or fewer cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e may be mounted to the housing 18 depending on the desired size of the shaving assembly 12 and the relative size of the area to be shaving. For example, the shaving assembly 12 may have approximately 3,000 mm. 2 Approximately 6,000 mm 2The skin contact surface area is considered. A smaller surface area may be preferred for smaller body areas (such as the chest and shoulders), and a larger surface area may be preferred for the back. The shell 18 may have a rigid, planar top surface 20 (i.e., it does not flex or twist under normal shaving conditions). The shell 18 may be of a generally circular shape. In some embodiments, the shell 18 may comprise a material having a Shore D hardness of about 20 to about 120. A rigid shell 18 may provide more effective hair cutting on larger skin surface areas (such as the back) with smaller contours. Figure 1 As shown, the multiple cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e may have a generally circular shape, but other shapes are also possible, such as triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, semicircles, and combinations thereof. The multiple cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e may be arranged in a generally circular pattern along the top surface 20 of the base 18. However, it should be understood that the cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e can be arranged in many other types of patterns.

[0026] Multiple protrusions 22 may extend upward from the housing 18. The multiple protrusions 22 may be positioned between adjacent cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e. As will be explained in more detail below, the protrusions 22 may be spaced apart from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The protrusions 22 may have a height from about 0.25 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The protrusions 22 may have an aspect ratio in the range of 1:20 to 20:1. In some embodiments, the multiple protrusions may be positioned along the outer periphery 24 of the top surface 20 of the housing 18. In some embodiments, the protrusions 22 may comprise a material having a Shore D hardness of about 20 to about 120, which can provide improved tactile feedback when a consumer is using the shaving assembly on their back. Tactile feedback is important for shaving the back because the user typically cannot see their back while shaving. Therefore, the user must rely on tactile feedback from the protrusion 22. Although blades such as the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e can provide tactile feedback, blade technology has been developed to reduce stimulation and blade sensation, thereby minimizing any tactile feedback that may be provided. However, it should be understood that softer materials (e.g., Shore A 20 to 60) may be more suitable for shaving other areas of the body.

[0027] In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions 22 may be arranged on one or more skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e. In some embodiments, skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e may comprise the same material as housing 18. Skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e may be positioned between two or more adjacent cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e. For example, skin pad 26a may be positioned between cut array 16a and cut array 16b; skin pad 26b may be positioned between cut array 16b and cut array 16c; skin pad 26c may be positioned between cut array 16c and cut array 16d; and skin pad 26d may be positioned between cut array 16d and cut array 16e. It should be understood that portions of skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, and 26f may be positioned between adjacent cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e. In some embodiments, skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d may be positioned along the outer periphery 24 of the top surface 20 of the housing 18. Skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e may have a triangular shape to better fit between adjacent cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e. For example, the narrow ends of skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e may be positioned between adjacent cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, and the wider ends of the triangles may be positioned along the outer periphery 24 of the top surface 20 of the housing 18. In some embodiments, one or more skin pads in skin pad 26f may be positioned at the center of housing 18, for example, between all the cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e.

[0028] One or more lubricating members 28 may be mounted to the housing 18 along the outer periphery 24 of the top surface 20. In some embodiments, the lubricating member 28 may form at least a partial ring. The ring may be formed by the lubricating member 28, but two or more shaving aids may contact or even overlap at or around their ends to form such a ring. The skin lubricating member 28 of the present invention generally enables the loading of various lubricating materials onto a hair removal device for delivery during the hair removal process. Details of the skin lubricating member 28 and its location will be disclosed herein by way of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments that may include various elements of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various combinations of the elements described in the specification and disclosed in the drawings may be used according to the present invention. The lubricating member 28 is intended to be suitable for use during hair removal processes such as shaving, and therefore the lubricating material may include various known compounds commonly used for topical application in personal care.

[0029] The lubricating component 28 may include a lubricant or a lubricating material. The lubricating material may be in various forms and mixtures / combinations thereof, as will be described below. The lubricating material may include a copolymer of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO) to improve the lubrication properties of the lubricating component 28. The PEO / PPO copolymer may have any average molecular weight. Preferably, the PEO / PPO copolymer has an average molecular weight in the range of at least 5,000, preferably between 10,000 and 20,000, more preferably between 11,000 and 15,000, even more preferably between 12,000 and 13,000, and even more preferably between 12,250 and 12,750. Without being bound by theory, it is considered that a sufficient molecular weight of the PEO / PPO copolymer is included to further improve the lubrication properties of the lubricating component 28 under aqueous conditions, especially when combined with other water-soluble polymers (especially polyethylene oxide), and thus prevent undesirable sensations during use.

[0030] PEO / PPO copolymers can have any arrangement, but are advantageously block copolymers, such as diblock, triblock, multiblock, radial block, or random block copolymers. Preferably, the PEO / PPO copolymer is a triblock copolymer, more preferably a triblock copolymer having the following order: PEO-PPO-PEO. Such triblock copolymers of PEO and PPO are available under trade names such as Pluracare from BASF and Pluronic from Sigma-Aldrich.

[0031] The PEO / PPO copolymer can have any weight ratio of PEO to PPO (i.e., ethylene oxide repeating units to propylene oxide repeating units), for example, any weight ratio of 1000:1 to 1:1000, or 100:1 to 1:100. Advantageously, the weight ratio is selected to improve the solubility properties of the PEO / PPO copolymer in systems containing water-soluble polymers (especially polyethylene oxide) and water, and can therefore be 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 1:1 to 1:7 (or any ratio in which the weight of PPO is greater than or equal to the weight of PEO), more preferably 1:2 to 1:5, even more preferably 1:2.5 to 1:4, and even more preferably 1:2.5 to 1:3.

[0032] An alternative way to describe the solubility characteristics of PEO / PPO copolymers is through the well-known hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). PEO / PPO copolymers may have an HLB of 0 to 50, but advantageously will have an HLB in the range of 1 to 30, preferably 5 to 25, more preferably 10 to 25, even more preferably 17 to 24, and even more preferably 18 to 23.

[0033] The PEO / PPO copolymer is typically present in an amount of 0.01% to 50% by weight of the lubricating material or the lubricating component 28. Preferably, the PEO / PPO copolymer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 50% by weight of the lubricating material or the lubricating component 28, preferably 2% to 40%, more preferably 3% to 25%, even more preferably 4% to 20%, and even more preferably 5% to 10%, to provide an improved balance between any additional water-soluble polymers providing lubrication and the PEO / PPO copolymer, thereby addressing the problems associated with water-soluble polymers. The remainder of the lubricating material may be entirely other water-soluble polymers (e.g., partially or entirely polyethylene oxide), or a mixture of other components.

[0034] The lubricating material may also contain additional water-soluble polymers, which are typically intended to provide lubrication during use. Examples of water-soluble polymers include polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyhydroxymethyl methacrylate, polyvinylimidazoline, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, silicone polymers, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is selected from polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0035] The water-soluble polymer, by weight of the lubricating component 28, will preferably constitute at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 60%, and at most about 99% (or at most about 90%) of the lubricating material. For example, the water-soluble polymer may be present in an amount of at least about 50%, preferably about 50% to about 99.9%, more preferably about 60% to about 95% (e.g., about 90% to about 95%), and even more preferably about 70% to about 90% by weight of the lubricating material. Not all of the water-soluble polymer needs to meet the average molecular weight requirement; for example, a blend of two or more grades of polyethylene oxide may be used, wherein at least one but fewer grades meet the average molecular weight property, but the total amount of polyethylene oxide is within one of the above ranges. Alternatively, the average molecular weight of the entire water-soluble polymer (especially polyethylene oxide) may fall within a desired average molecular weight range, and the total amount of the water-soluble polymer (especially polyethylene oxide) is within one or more of the above ranges.

[0036] More preferably, the water-soluble polymer is a polyethylene oxide commonly known as POLYOX (purchased from Union Carbide Corporation) or ALKOX (purchased from Meisei Chemical Works, Kyoto, Japan). The water-soluble polymer (especially these polyethylene oxides) will preferably have an average molecular weight of at least about 5,000, at least about 20,000, at least about 50,000, at least about 100,000, or about 100,000 to 6 million, preferably about 300,000 to 5 million. Particularly preferred polyethylene oxides comprise blends of about 40% to 80% of polyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of about 5 million (e.g., POLYOX COAGULANT) and about 60% to 20% of polyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of about 300,000 (e.g., POLYOX WSR-N-750). Polyethylene oxide blends may also advantageously contain up to about 10% (e.g. about 5%) by weight of low molecular weight (i.e., MW < 10,000) polyethylene glycol such as PEG-100.

[0037] The lubricating material may also contain a water-insoluble polymer, such as other components of the lubricating material dispersed therein. This water-insoluble polymer may be referred to as a water-insoluble matrix and can help improve the flow of the lubricating material when melted, for example, if the lubricating material is molded into a carrier. Advantageously, the water-insoluble polymer may be present in a content of about 0.01% to about 50% by weight of the lubricating material, preferably about 0.1% to about 30%, more preferably about 0.5% to about 20%, and even more preferably about 1% to about 10%.

[0038] Suitable water-insoluble polymers that can be used include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polystyrene (PS), butadiene-styrene copolymers (e.g., medium-impact and high-impact polystyrene), polyacetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethanes, and blends thereof such as polypropylene / polystyrene blends or polystyrene / impact polystyrene blends.

[0039] A preferred water-insoluble polymer is polystyrene, preferably general-purpose polystyrene such as NOVA C2345A, or high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) (i.e., polystyrene-butadiene) such as BASF 495F KG21. The lubricating material, or any part thereof, may contain sufficient amounts of the water-insoluble polymer to provide additional mechanical strength during both production and use.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lubricating material comprises any other components commonly found in commercially available shaving aid components or lubricating components 28 (such as those used in razor blade holders with Gillette, Schick, or BIC). Non-limiting examples of such lubricating components 28 include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,301,785, 6,442,839, 6,298,558, 6,302,785, and U.S. Patent Publications 2008 / 060201 and 2009 / 0223057.

[0041] Therefore, the lubricating component 28 r or lubricating material may contain other conventional shaving aid ingredients, such as low molecular weight water-soluble release enhancers such as polyethylene glycol (MW < 10,000, e.g., 1% to 10% by weight of PEG-100), water-swellable release enhancers such as cross-linked polyacrylic acid (e.g., 2% to 7% by weight), colorants, skin care active substances, surfactants, soaps including discontinuous soaps, antioxidants, preservatives, emollients, lipids, oils, waxes, fats, cooling agents (especially non-volatile cooling agents), essential oils, beard softeners, astringents, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, additional lubricants, depilatory / keratin-removing materials, thickeners, skin soothing agents, fragrances, compatibilizers, anti-inflammatory agents, antipruritic / anti-irritant materials, etc.

[0042] The portion containing the colorant may be designed to release the colorant (e.g., by leaching or abrasion), thereby causing the lubricating member 28 (or a portion thereof) to change color during shaving, preferably in response to the wear of the colored portion, in order to provide the user with an indication that the lubricating member 28 and / or the hair removal blade holder (e.g., the razor blade holder) has reached the end of its effective life or its optimal performance endpoint. A portion may contain, for example, between about 0.1% and about 5.0% (preferably between about 0.5% and 3%) of colorant by weight.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lubricant further comprises about 0.5% to about 50%, preferably about 1% to about 20% of polycaprolactone (preferably with a molecular weight of 30,000 to 60,000). See U.S. Patent No. 6,302,785.

[0044] In some embodiments, the lubricating component 28 further comprises another shaving aid ingredient, such as selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl imidazoline, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, siloxane copolymers, sucrose stearate, vitamin E, panthenol, aloe vera, polyethylene glycol, silicone oil, and Teflon. ®Polytetrafluoroethylene powder (manufactured by DuPont), menthol, camphor, eugenol, eucalyptol, safrole, and methyl salicylate; thickeners, such as Hercules Regalrez 1094 and 1126; cyclodextrins, skin soothing agents, and inclusion complexes of cyclodextrins; antimicrobial / keratolytic materials, such as resorcinol; anti-inflammatory agents, such as candelilla wax and glycyrrhetinic acid; astringents, such as zinc sulfate; surfactants, such as iconol materials; compatibilizers, such as styrene-b-EO copolymers; mineral oils, polycaprolactone (PCL), and combinations thereof.

[0045] Cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e may each include multiple corresponding nonlinear (e.g., circular) cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e. The nonlinear cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e can provide multidirectional cutting of hair. Adjacent nonlinear cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e within one of the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e are spaced closer together than nonlinear cutting blades from different cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e to provide clusters or groups (i.e., no other skin contact elements within the array besides the corresponding cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e). For example, cutting array 16a ( Figure 2 A pair of adjacent nonlinear cutting edges 30a and 30a' within a cutting array 16a can be compared together with the cutting edge 30b closest to the cutting edge 30b in the cutting edge 30a of the cutting array 16a. Figure 1 The cutting edges of the cutting array are spaced closer together. In some embodiments, all the cutting edges 30a within a cutting array of a corresponding cutting array 16a may be spaced closer to each other than any cutting edge 30a from that cutting array 16a is spaced closer to the nearest cutting edge 30b of the nearest adjacent cutting array 16b.

[0046] refer to Figure 2An enlarged view of one of the cutting arrays 16a is shown, serving as a representative example of cutting arrays 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e. Cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e are defined by a set of closely spaced nonlinear cutting blades 30. In some embodiments, the nonlinear cutting blades may be closed such that the nonlinear cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e face inwards and define an opening 32 for hair to enter and be cut (e.g., cutting blades facing inwards). Cutting array 16a is defined as a set of multiple cutting blades 30a within a periphery 34, such that no other skin contact element is positioned within the periphery 34 (e.g., between adjacent cutting blades 30a). In some embodiments, the periphery 34 may have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagon, but other shapes are also possible, such as circles, semicircles, and combinations thereof. Figure 2 Nineteen cutting blades 30a are illustrated, but it should be understood that more or fewer cutting blades may be provided. For example, the cutting array 16a may include 2 to 10 cutting blades 30, 20 to 50 cutting blades, or even 75 to 200 cutting blades 30 arranged within the perimeter 34.

[0047] In some embodiments, a clamp 36 having edge 38 can be positioned around the cutting edge 30a of the cutting array 16a. The clamp 36 facilitates securing the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e to the housing 18. Figure 1 However, it should be understood that other manufacturing methods may also be used, such as riveting, ultrasonic welding, insert injection molding, cold forming, press fitting, snap-fit ​​fitting, adhesives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, edge 38 may have a polygonal shape, such as a parallelogram, hexagon, pentagon, or octagon, but other shapes are also possible, such as circles, semicircles, and combinations thereof. Perimeter 34 may be defined as approximately 7 mm. 2 Approximately 800mm 2 Preferably about 50mm 2 Approximately 500mm 2 And more preferably about 75mm 2 Approximately 200mm 2 The area. The total surface area available for shaving can be determined by the area of ​​the outer casing 18 ( Figure 1 The area of ​​each of the individually cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e on the surface (as defined by perimeter 34) is added together to calculate the area. For example, Figure 1 The shaving component 12 may have approximately 35mm 2 Approximately 4000mm 2 Preferably about 250mm 2 Approximately 2500mm 2 And more preferably about 375mm2 Approximately 1000mm 2 The total area. It should be understood that the total area can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the area to be shaved. The neck and shoulders benefit from a smaller total area compared to the total area used for shaving the back. The total area can be increased or decreased by changing the total number of cutting arrays provided or by changing the area defined by the individual periphery 34 of each of the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e on the housing 18. Figure 1 For example, the total area can be reduced by providing only two of the five cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, resulting in approximately 14 mm². 2 Approximately 1600mm 2 The total area is preferably about 100 mm. 2 Approximately 1000mm 2 The total area is more preferably about 150 mm. 2 Approximately 400mm 2 The total area. Similarly, the total area can be reduced by providing ten of the cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, resulting in a 70mm² area. 2 Approximately 8000mm 2 The total area is preferably about 500 mm². 2 Approximately 5000mm 2 The total area is more preferably about 750 mm. 2 Approximately 2000mm 2 The total area.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 An enlarged view of several protrusions 22 is shown. Similar to... Figure 2 The cutting array 16a, with multiple protrusions 22 arranged within the periphery 40, for example, in one or more skin pads (e.g., Figure 3 On the skin pad 26a shown. Figure 4 Another example is illustrated by a plurality of protrusions 22 arranged within the perimeter 42 (e.g., on the skin pad 26f). Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 22 may be combined together on a plurality of spaced-apart skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e. It should be understood that skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e are optional, and the protrusions 22 may extend directly from the housing 18 (e.g., top surface 20). Compared to the housing 18, skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e facilitate the use of different materials for the protrusions 22. Figure 3 and Figure 4Examples show that perimeters 40 and 42 can have different shapes. Although triangles and hexagons are shown, according to shell 18 ( Figure 1 The dimensions, positions, and arrangements of the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e on the housing 18 are open, and many other shapes are also possible. The protrusions 22 may be spaced apart between the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e and / or along the outer periphery 24 of the housing 18. Figure 1 ).

[0049] Multiple (e.g., two or more) protrusions 22 may be positioned within peripheries 40 and 42 such that no other skin contact elements are positioned within peripheries 40 and 42. For example, no cutting element may be positioned between adjacent protrusions 22 within peripheries 40 and 42. In some embodiments, periphery 40 may have a triangular shape. The triangular shape facilitates the positioning of more protrusions between the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, particularly if the housing 18 is a generally circular shape, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Although in Figure 3 Ten protrusions 22 are illustrated within the perimeter 40, but it should be understood that more or fewer protrusions 22 may be provided. For example, there may be 3 to 10 protrusions 22, 10 to 20 protrusions 22, or even 20 to 50 protrusions 22 within the perimeter 40 (e.g., on the skin pad 26a).

[0050] In some embodiments, the periphery 42 may have a hexagonal or generally circular shape. A hexagonal or circular shape facilitates the positioning of more protrusions 22 in the middle of the plurality of cut arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, particularly if the housing 18 is generally circular, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Although in Figure 3 Nineteen protrusions 22 are illustrated within the periphery 42, but it should be understood that more or fewer protrusions 22 may be provided. For example, within the periphery 42 (e.g., on the skin pad 26f), there may be 3 to 10 protrusions 22; 10 to 20 protrusions 22; or even 20 to 50 protrusions 22. Figure 1 As shown, multiple protrusions 22 can be combined together on multiple spaced-apart skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d and 26e.

[0051] In some implementations, the perimeter 40 may be defined as approximately 60mm. 2 Approximately 150mm 2 And more preferably about 75mm 2 Approximately 100mm 2 The area. In some implementations, the perimeter 42 may be defined as approximately 100 mm.2 Approximately 350mm 2 And more preferably about 200mm 2 Approximately 250mm 2 The total surface area can be calculated by adding the areas of each of the perimeters defined by the plurality of protrusions 22 on the shell (e.g., five triangular perimeters 40 and one hexagonal perimeter 42). For example, Figure 1 The shaving assembly 12 can have approximately 800mm 2 Approximately 6000mm 2 The total area. It should be understood that the total area can increase or decrease depending on the size of the area to be shaved. For example, shaving the shoulders can benefit from a smaller total area than shaving the back.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 , showed Figure 1 A top view of the lubrication member 28. In some embodiments, the lubrication member 28 may be a fully enclosed ring to provide lubrication in all directions. The lubrication member 28 may have a thickness “t1” of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably about 2 mm to about 5 mm. The surface area of ​​the lubrication member 28 may be about 100 mm². 2 Approximately 1000mm 2 The lubrication member 28 provides sufficient lubrication for all the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e positioned within the lubrication member 28 during shaving. Figure 1 As will be described in more detail below, the dimensions and shape of the lubrication member 28 can be modified to fit the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e ( Figure 1 Each of the protrusions 22 and the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e provides additional lubrication. The arrangement described above includes the protrusions 22 and the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e within the lubrication member 28, allowing for more consistent skin management. Furthermore, additional skin contact points can be provided by the individual cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, each with a corresponding clamp 36 with an edge 38, thus providing more consistent skin contact and lubrication delivery.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 This shows the approximate edge of the shaving assembly 12. Figure 1A magnified cross-sectional view taken by line 6-6, focusing on one of the cutting array 16b and the skin pad 26f. However, it should be understood that the other cutting arrays 16a, 16c, 16d, and 16e, and the other skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e, can be substantially similar. In some embodiments, a plurality of nonlinear cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e within one or more of the cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e may define a shaving plane P1. Therefore, Figure 1 The multiple cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e shown (and the corresponding cutting blades 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e) can be coplanar (as an example, cutting array 16b and nonlinear cutting blade 30b are in...). Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram). The hair can extend through the opening 32 and be cut by non-linear cutting blades 30a, 30c, 30d, and 30e. Although Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a cutting array 16b, but it should be understood that other cutting arrays 16a, 16c, 16d, and 16e, along with corresponding multiple nonlinear cutting blades 30a, 30c, 30d, and 30e, may also be positioned on the same shaving plane P1. Multiple protrusions 22 (i.e., the top surface 44 of the protrusions 22) may extend from the housing 18 to a plane P2 positioned at a distance d1 above the shaving plane P1. In some embodiments, the distance d1 may be approximately -3 mm to approximately 3 mm (a negative value of distance d1 would result in the protrusions 22 being below the plane P2). Figure 6 As shown, the top surface 44 of the protrusion 22 may be tangent to the plane P2. It should be understood that the dimensions of each protrusion 22 may vary. The top surface 20 of the housing 18 may extend along the plane P3. Thus, the plane P3 may be positioned less than 0 mm to about 10 mm below the shaving plane P1. The protrusion 22 may have a height h1 of about 0.25 mm to about 10 mm from the plane P3 to the plane P2 (e.g., to the top surface 44 of the protrusion 22), and more preferably about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The clamp 36 may have a top surface 48 positioned above the shaving plane P1 and below the shaving plane P2. The top surface 48 may be positioned below the plane P3. The position of the top surface 48 can help manage and move the skin on the shaving arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e.

[0054] The protrusion 22 may extend from the skin pad, such as skin pad 26f (or Figure 1(Any of skin pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e). For example, skin pad 26f may have a lower surface 50 positioned on the same plane P3 as the top surface 20 of housing 18. Protrusions may extend sufficiently above the shaving plane P1 to provide adequate feedback to the user without negatively impacting shaving efficiency. In some embodiments, the nonlinear cutting blade 30 may be spaced from the nearest protrusion 22 by a distance d2 (measured from the top surface 44 of protrusion 22) of approximately 2 mm to approximately 20 mm, and more preferably approximately 4 mm to approximately 8 mm. Distance d2 allows skin (and hair) to flow over and fully contact the nonlinear cutting blades 30 of the cutting array 16b to effectively cut hair.

[0055] refer to Figure 7 This shows the approximate edge of the shaving assembly 12. Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view taken by line 6-6 focuses on either the cutting array 16b or the lubricating member 28. The lubricating member 28 may have a top surface 56 positioned on a plane P4 between plane P2 and the shaving plane P1. The top surface 56 of the lubricating member 28 may be positioned below the top surface 44 of the protrusion 22 (e.g., plane P2), so that the lubricating member 28 does not mask the tactile feedback provided by the protrusion. In some embodiments, the housing 18 may define one or more recesses 52 sized to receive the lubricating member 28. The top surface 56 of the lubricating member 28 may be positioned below the edge 38 of the clamp 36. It should be understood that the lubricating member 28 may wear during shaving, and the above arrangement is a pre-shaving condition.

[0056] refer to Figure 8 The image shows a top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the shaving system 100. The shaving system 100 may be substantially the same as the previously described shaving system 12. Although not shown, it should be understood that the shaving system 100 may include a plurality of protrusions 22 positioned between a plurality of cutting arrays 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e. The plurality of cutting arrays 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e may be connected to... Figure 1The multiple cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e described herein are identical. Lubrication members 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e may be positioned between adjacent cutting arrays 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e. For example, one of the lubrication members 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e may surround the corresponding cutting array 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e. Therefore, lubrication can be delivered to each of the individual cutting arrays 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e. More lubrication can benefit shaving hard-to-reach areas (such as the back) because the user may have difficulty applying pre-shaving lotion. Consequently, the user may forgo using pre-shaving lotion, which could adversely affect the shaving experience. In some embodiments, an external lubrication component 128f may be mounted to the housing 108 of the shaving system 100. Lubrication components 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e may be mounted to the housing 108 or the cutting arrays 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e.

[0057] refer to Figure 9 A top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the shaving system 200 is shown. The shaving system 200 may be substantially the same as the previously described shaving system 12. Although not shown, it should be understood that the shaving system 200 may include a plurality of protrusions 22 (not shown) positioned between a plurality of cutting arrays 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216e, as previously discussed. The plurality of cutting arrays 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216e may be connected with… Figure 1 The multiple cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e described herein are identical. Lubrication components 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d, and 228e can be positioned between adjacent cutting arrays 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216e. Similar to... Figure 8The shaving system 100 can deliver lubricant to each of the individual cutting arrays 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216e. In some embodiments, an external lubrication member 228f may be mounted to the housing 208 of the shaving system 200. The lubrication members 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d, and 228e may be in the form of extruded strips that snap-fit ​​or press-fit into the housing 208. Therefore, the shaving system 200 simplifies the execution of providing lubrication to each of the cutting arrays 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216e by mounting relatively straight lubrication strips to the housing 208, which is easier to manufacture and assemble compared to circular shapes. In some embodiments, adjacent lubrication members 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d, and 228e may intersect at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees. The lubrication components 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d and 228e do not need to contact each other, but extend only along a line that intersects the line extending from another of the lubrication components 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d and 228e.

[0058] refer to Figure 10 A top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the shaving system 300 is shown. The shaving system 300 may be substantially the same as the previously described shaving system 12. Although not shown, it should be understood that the shaving system 300 may include a plurality of protrusions 22 positioned between a plurality of cutting arrays 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d, and 316e. The plurality of cutting arrays 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d, and 316e may be connected to… Figure 1 The multiple cutting arrays 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e described herein are identical. A lubrication member 328a may be positioned on the housing 318 between the multiple cutting arrays 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d, and 316e. Therefore, as the shaving system 300 moves back and forth across the user's body, the lubrication member 328a may be able to deliver lubrication to each of the cutting arrays 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d, and 316e. In some embodiments, one or more lubrication members 328b, 328c, and 328d may be positioned around the periphery of the multiple cutting arrays 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d, and 316e, for example, along the periphery 324 of the housing 318. The lubrication members 328b, 328c, and 328d may be similar to... Figure 1 The lubrication components 28 provide similar beneficial effects. However, the lubrication components 328b, 328c and 328d may be spaced apart from each other, thus providing discontinuous rings, which makes it easier to manufacture and assemble the lubrication components 328b, 328c and 328d.

[0059] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Furthermore, dimensions should not be maintained at an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that does not allow for variations due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term "approximately" should be understood as being within the range of typical manufacturing and measurement tolerances.

[0060] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0061] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shaving assembly (12), the shaving assembly comprising: Outer shell (18); Multiple cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) are mounted to the housing, each of the cutting arrays having multiple nonlinear cutting blades (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e). Multiple protrusions (22) extending from the outer shell, wherein the multiple protrusions are positioned between adjacent cut arrays.

2. The shaving assembly (12) according to claim 1, wherein the nonlinear blades (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) face inward.

3. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of protrusions (22) are positioned on one or more skin pads (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f).

4. The shaving assembly (12) according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) are arranged in a circular pattern, and the skin pad (26f) is positioned at the center of the circular pattern.

5. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, the shaving assembly further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart skin pads (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f), and the plurality of protrusions (22) being positioned on the spaced-apart skin pads.

6. The shaving assembly (12) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the spaced-apart skin pads (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f) is positioned between two adjacent cutting arrays in the cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e).

7. The shaving assembly (12) according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart skin pads (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e) are positioned along the periphery of the housing (18).

8. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of protrusions (22) are positioned at approximately 60 mm 2 Approximately 350mm 2 Within one or more perimeters (40) of the area.

9. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) is positioned at approximately 7mm. 2 Approximately 800mm 2 Within the perimeter (34) of the area.

10. The shaving assembly (12) according to claim 8, wherein the periphery (34) is triangular.

11. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) is coplanar.

12. The shaving assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (18) is rigid under normal shaving conditions.

13. The shaving assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cutting arrays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) includes an edge (38) extending around a corresponding plurality of circular cutting blades (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e).

14. The shaving assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nonlinear cutting blades (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) are spaced from the nearest protrusion (22) by a distance of about 2 mm to about 20 mm.

15. The shaving assembly (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (22) extends from the housing (18) to a plane (P2) positioned above a shaving plane (P1) defined by the nonlinear cutting blades (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e).

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