Warming lubrication strips or lubricating material on razor blade cartridge

Abstract

A razor having a handle and blade cartridge containing one or more blades includes a battery power source and a heating system powered by the battery source for heating the one or more blades and/or a heating element on the blade cartridge. The blade cartridge further includes a strip of lubricating material thereon that is heated by the heating system when the blades and/or heating element warm up. As the strip of lubricating material is warmed up, it provides a release of extra lubricating chemicals, including fats or other lubricating agents. This helps to provide a more comfortable shave while also protecting the user's skin both during shaving and after shaving.

Claims

1. A method of applying lubrication to the skin while shaving, the method comprising the steps of: providing a razor having a handle and a blade cartridge containing at least one blade, and the razor further including a battery power source and a heating system powered by the battery source for directing electric current flow through the at least one blade, and the razor further including a strip of solid lubricating material on the exterior of the blade cartridge for direct engagement with a user's skin when shaving with the razor; heating the at least one blade as a result of the electric current flowing through the at least one blade; warming the strip of solid lubricating material and causing the strip of solid lubricating material to soften to promote release of lubricating agents in the strip of solid lubricating material onto the user's skin; moving the blade cartridge along the user's skin so that the warmed strip of solid lubricating material is in contact with the user's skin; and causing the lubricating agents in the warmed and softened strip of solid lubricating material to be released onto the user's skin as the blade cartridge is moved along the user's skin.

2. A method of applying lubrication to the skin while shaving, the method comprising the steps of: providing a razor having a handle and a blade cartridge containing at least one blade and at least one heating element, and the razor further including a battery power source and a heating system powered by the battery source for directing electric current flow to the at least one heating element, and the razor further including a strip of lubricating material on the exterior of the blade cartridge for direct engagement with a user's skin when shaving with the razor; heating the at least one heating element by the electric current flow; warming the strip of lubricating material; moving the blade cartridge along the user's skin so that the warmed strip of lubricating material is in contact with the user's skin; and causing the warmed lubricating material to be released onto the user's skin as the blade cartridge is moved along the user's skin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the razor of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, showing the handle with a battery power source therein, a heating system for heating the blades and/or a heating element on the blade cartridge and a strip of lubricating material on the blade cartridge which is warmed as a result of the blades or heating element being heated.

(3) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(4) Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the razor of the present invention is shown and is generally indicated as 10. The razor 10 includes a handle 12 and a blade cartridge 20 that is pivotally attached to the handle 12. The blade cartridge 20 includes at least one, and preferably three or more blades 22. The handle 12 includes a battery power source 14, which may be a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery. The battery power source 14 delivers electric current through conductors 16 to the blade cartridge 20 in order to direct electric current flow through the blades 22 and/or one or several heating elements 24 on the blade cartridge 20 by operation of a switch 18. The blade cartridge 20 further includes a lubricating material 26 thereon which is preferably along the top portion of the blade cartridge 20, that engages the user's skin during the shaving process. The lubricating material 26 may be in the form of a lubricating strip. When the one or more blades 22 and/or heating elements 24 on the blade cartridge 20 are heated, the lubricating material 26 on the blade cartridge is warmed. This is a result of the heat from the blades 22 and/or heating elements 24.

(5) A benefit of heating the blades 22 and/or the heating element(s) 24 on or near the blade cartridge of a wet shave razor is the warming of the lubricating material 26 on the cartridge. One reason the lubricating material 26 warms up is because it acts as a water net. That is, the lubricating material 26 has moisture which conducts electricity. In response, the lubricating material warms, thus providing release of extra lubricating chemicals or other agents in the lubricating material onto the user's skin. In one embodiment, the strip of lubricating material 26 is made of a material that is entirely solid, but when it is warmed up, it releases the lubrication agents. This is similar to a bar of soap. In particular, as it is warmed up, the lubricating material 26 becomes softer and more pliable, and at the same time releases more fats or other lubricating agents. Warming the lubricating material 26 on the blade cartridge 20 not only provides for a more comfortable shave, it helps to treat and protect the user's skin both during shaving and after shaving.

(6) While the present invention has been shown in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is not to be limited except as defined in the following claims as interpreted under the Doctrine of Equivalents.