SHAVING CARTRIDGE DISPENSER

Abstract

A shaving cartridge dispenser with a base, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall. The side walls extend upwards from the base. The front and the rear walls extend upward from the base, between the side walls. A first divider between the front wall and the rear wall extends at least part way between the two side walls. The first divider and the rear wall at least partially define a first chamber sized and shaped to receive a first shaving cartridge. The first divider defines a first open slot. A second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall and extends at least part way between the two side walls. The second divider and the first divider at least partially define a second chamber sized and shaped to receive a second shaving cartridge. The first chamber is in communication with the first open slot.

Claims

1. A shaving cartridge dispenser, comprising: a base having a length and a width, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall, the two side walls running generally lengthwise along and extending upwards from the base, and the front and the rear walls each running generally widthwise along and extending upward from the base and between the two side walls; a first divider located between the front wall and the rear wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the first divider and the rear wall at least partially define a first chamber sized and shaped to receive a first shaving cartridge, the first divider defining a first open slot; and a second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the second divider and the first divider at least partially define a second chamber sized and shaped to receive a second shaving cartridge, wherein the first chamber is in communication with the first open slot.

2. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 1 wherein the base defines a first drainage opening in communication with the first chamber.

3. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 2 wherein the base defines a second drainage opening in communication with the second chamber.

4. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 3 wherein the second drainage opening is in communication with the first chamber.

5. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 2 wherein the first drainage opening has an area of 240 mm.sup.2 to 480.sup.2 mm.

6. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 3 wherein the second drainage opening has an area of 240 mm.sup.2 to 480.sup.2 mm.

7. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 2 wherein the first drainage opening has an area of 300 mm.sup.2 to 400 mm.sup.2.

8. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 3 wherein the base comprises a window positioned between the first drainage opening and the second drainage opening.

9. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 1 wherein the second divider defines a second open slot.

10. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 1 wherein the second chamber is in communication with second open slot of the second divider.

11. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 1 wherein the first open slot has a width of 20 mm to 40 mm.

12. A shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a third divider located between the second divider and the front wall, the third divider extends at least part way between the two side walls defining a third chamber between the second divider and the third divider, the third chamber being sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a third shaving cartridge, wherein the third chamber is in communication with the second open slot.

13. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 12 wherein the base defines a third drainage opening in communication with the third chamber.

14. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 13 wherein the third drainage opening is in communication with the second chamber.

15. A shaving cartridge dispenser, comprising: a base having a length and a width, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall, the two side walls running generally lengthwise along and extending upwards from the base, and the front and the rear walls each running generally widthwise along and extending upward from the base and between the two side walls; a first divider located between the front wall and the rear wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the first divider and the rear wall at least partially define a first chamber sized and shaped to receive a first shaving cartridge; a second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the second divider and the first divider at least partially define a second chamber sized and shaped to receive a second shaving cartridge, wherein the base defines a first pair of inspection openings positioned within the first chamber and the base defines a second pair of inspection openings positioned within the second chamber.

16. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 15 wherein the first pair of inspection openings and the second pair if inspection openings are fully enclosed and extend completely though the base.

17. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 15 wherein in one of the inspection openings of the first pair of inspection openings is positioned adjacent to the first side wall and one of the inspection openings of the first pair of inspection openings is positioned adjacent to the second side wall.

18. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 17 wherein in one of the inspection openings of the second pair of inspection openings is positioned adjacent to the first side wall and one of the inspection openings of the second pair of inspection openings is positioned adjacent to the second side wall.

19. The shaving cartridge dispenser of claim 15 further comprising a third divider located between the second divider and the front wall, the third divider extends at least part way between the two side walls defining a third chamber between the second divider and the third divider, the third chamber being sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a third shaving cartridge, wherein the base defines a third pair of inspection openings positioned within the third chamber.

20. A shaving cartridge dispenser, comprising: a base having a length and a width, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall, the two side walls running generally lengthwise along and extending upwards from the base, and the front and the rear walls each running generally widthwise along and extending upward from the base and between the two side walls; a first divider located between the front wall and the rear wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the first divider and the rear wall at least partially define a first chamber sized and shaped to receive a first shaving cartridge; a second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall and extending at least part way between the two side walls, the second divider and the first divider at least partially define a second chamber sized and shaped to receive a second shaving cartridge, wherein the base defines a first drainage opening in communication with the first chamber and a second drainage opening in communication with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a shaving cartridge.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of a plurality of shaving cartridges held within one possible embodiment of a shaving cartridge dispenser.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the shaving cartridge dispenser of FIG. 1 with the shaving cartridges removed for clarity.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the plurality of shaving cartridges held within the shaving cartridge dispenser, taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shaving cartridge dispenser of FIG. 1 with the shaving cartridges removed for clarity.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the shaving cartridge dispenser of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shaving cartridge dispenser attached to a shaving accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, is a perspective view of a shaving cartridge 10 is illustrated. The shaving cartridge 10 may be fixedly or pivotably mounted to a handle (not shown) depending on the overall desired cost and performance. The shaving cartridge 10 may be removably mounted to the handle (not shown), thus allowing the shaving cartridge 10 to be replaced. The shaving cartridge 10 may have a housing 12 with a guard 14, a cap 16 and one or more blades 18 mounted to the housing 18 between the cap 16 and the guard 14. The guard 14 may be toward a front portion 20 of the housing 12 and the cap 16 may be toward a rear portion 22 of the housing 12 (i.e., the guard 14 is located in front of the blades 18 and the cap 16 is located behind the blades 18). The guard 14 and the cap 16 may define a shaving surface that is tangent to the guard 14 and the cap 16. The guard 14 may be a solid or segmented bar that extends generally parallel to the blades 18.

[0018] In certain embodiments, a skin-engaging member 24 (e.g., a plurality of fins) may be mounted to the housing 12 in front of the blades 18 for stretching the skin during a shaving stroke. In certain embodiments, the skin-engaging member 24 may be insert injection molded or co-injection molded to the housing 12. However, other known assembly methods may also be used such as adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or mechanical fasteners. The skin engaging member 24 may be molded from a softer material (i.e., lower durometer hardness) than the housing 12. For example, the skin engaging member 24 may have a Shore A hardness of about 20, 30, or 40 to about 50, 60, or 70. The skin engaging member 24 may be made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) or rubbers; examples may include, but are not limited to silicones, natural rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) TPEs, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) TPEs (e.g., Kraton), polyester TPEs (e.g., Hytrel), polyamide TPEs (Pebax), polyurethane TPEs, polyolefin based TPEs, and blends of any of these TPEs (e.g., polyester/SEBS blend). In certain embodiments, skin engaging member 24 may comprise Kraiburg HTC 1028/96, HTC 8802/37, HTC 8802/34, or HTC 8802/11 (KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG of Waldkraiburg, Germany). A softer material may enhance skin stretching, as well as provide a more pleasant tactile feel against the skin of the user during shaving. A softer material may also aid in masking the less pleasant feel of the harder material of the housing 18 and/or the fins against the skin of the user during shaving.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a lubrication member 26 may be mounted to the front portion 20 of the housing 12 to provide lubrication in front of the blades 18. The cap 16 may provide lubrication behind the blades to lubricate the skin during re-strokes (e.g., shaving the same area after shaving lotion is removed with a first shaving stroke). The cap 16 and the lubrication member 26 may be molded or extruded from a lubricious shaving aid composite that has one or more water-leachable shaving aid materials to provide increased comfort during shaving. The shaving aid composite may comprise a water-insoluble polymer and a skin-lubricating water-soluble polymer. It is understood that the cap 16 may also be molded or extruded from a lubricious shaving aid composite that has one or more water-leachable shaving aid materials to provide increased comfort during shaving. The shaving aid composite may be the same or different for the cap 16 and the lubrication member 26. The cap 16 may be a separate molded (e.g., a shaving aid filled reservoir) or extruded component (e.g., an extruded lubrication strip) that is mounted to the housing 12. In certain embodiments, the cap 16 may be a plastic or metal bar to support the skin and define the shaving plane. The cap 16 may be molded or extruded from the same material as the housing 12 or may be molded or extruded from a more lubricious shaving aid composite that has one or more water-leachable shaving aid materials to provide increased comfort during shaving.

[0020] Shaving aid composites may comprise a water-insoluble polymer and a skin-lubricating water-soluble polymer. Suitable water-insoluble polymers which may be used include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, butadiene-styrene copolymer (e.g., medium and high impact polystyrene), polyacetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and blends such as polypropylene/polystyrene blend, may have a high impact polystyrene (i.e., Polystyrene-butadiene), such as Mobil 4324 (Mobil Corporation). Suitable skin lubricating water-soluble polymers may include polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl imidazoline, and polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate. Other water-soluble polymers may include the polyethylene oxides generally known as POLYOX (available from Union Carbide Corporation) or ALKOX (available from Meisei Chemical Works, Kyota, Japan). These polyethylene oxides may have molecular weights of about 100,000 to 6 million, for example, about 300,000 to 5 million. The polyethylene oxide may comprise a blend 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 300000 (e.g., POLYOX WSR-N-750). The polyethylene oxide blend may also contain up to about 10% by weight of a low molecular weight (i.e., MW<10,000) polyethylene glycol such as PEG-100.

[0021] The shaving aid composite may also optionally include an inclusion complex of a skin-soothing agent with a cylcodextrin, low molecular weight water-soluble release enhancing agents such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., 1-10% by weight), water-swellable release enhancing agents such as cross-linked polyacrylics (e.g., 2-7% by weight), colorants, antioxidants, preservatives, microbicidal agents, beard softeners, astringents, depilatories, medicinal agents, conditioning agents, moisturizers, cooling agents, etc.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the blades 18 may be mounted to the housing 12 and secured by one or more clips 28a and 28b. Other assembly methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used to secure and/or mount the blades 18 to the housing 12 including, but not limited to, wire wrapping, cold forming, hot staking, insert molding, ultrasonic welding, and adhesives. The clips 28a and 28b may comprise a metal, such as aluminum for conducting heat and acting as a sacrificial anode to help prevent corrosion of the blades 18. Although five blades 18 are shown, the housing 12 may have more or fewer blades depending on the desired performance and cost of the shaving cartridge 10.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, one possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown illustrating a shaving system 30. The shaving system 30 may include a plurality of the cartridges (e.g., a first shaving cartridge 10a, a second shaving cartridge 10b, a third shaving cartridge 10c and a fourth shaving cartridge 10d) contained within a shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The shaving cartridge dispenser 32 may be molded from a generally rigid virgin or recycled polymeric materials, for example, high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate and combinations thereof may be used. In certain embodiments, polypropylene may be used having 50% to 30% virgin polypropylene and the remainder recycled polypropylene. Alternatively, the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 may be manufactured from more sustainable materials. For example, the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 may comprise one or more cellulose-based products such as cardboard, paperboard, paper sheet, bamboo and other sustainable, compostable, biodegradable, or recycled/recyclable materials. The shaving cartridge dispenser 32 may also be made from a slurry of water and pulp from fibrous materials, such as virgin pulp or recycled paper products, or other natural fibers (e.g., sugarcane, bamboo, wheat straw). The raw materials may help determine the color, surface texture and strength of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The pulp may be formed into a shape by custom designed molds. The molds are lowered into a pulp mixture and water is pulled through a mesh of the mold with a vacuum. An upper part of the mold may press into the lower part of the mold to arrive at the final shape. The shaving cartridge dispenser may be formed with numerous other processes, such as drawing, folding, stamping, molding, thermoforming, 3D printing, dry forming and wet forming.

[0024] The shaving cartridge dispenser 32 may include a base 34 having a generally rectangular shape with a length L1 and a width W1. The length L1 may be about 70 mm to about 120 mm and the width W1 may be about 30 mm to 60 mm. The base 34 may have two side walls 36 and 38 (e.g., first side wall 36 and second side wall 38). The two side walls 36 and 38 may run generally lengthwise along and extending upwards from the base 34. In certain embodiments, the two side walls 36 and 38 may extend generally parallel to each other along the length L1. The two side walls 36 and 38 may be connected by a front wall 40 and a rear wall 42. The rear 42 wall may be generally straight and the front wall 40 may be curved. The front wall 40 and the rear wall may extend generally parallel to each other along the width W1. The front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 may each run generally widthwise along and extend upward from the base 34 and between (e.g., connecting) the two side walls 36 and 38.

[0025] A first divider 44 may located between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42. The first divider 44 may not be parallel to the front wall 40 and/or the rear wall 42, but slope at an angle down toward the base 34. The first divider 44 may extend at least part way between the two side walls 36 and 38. A second divider 46 may be located between the first divider 44 and the front wall 40 and extend at least part way between the two side walls 36 and 38. A first chamber 48 may be at least partially defined by the first divider 44 and the rear wall 42 to hold the first shaving cartridge 10a. A second chamber 50 may be at least partially defined by the second divider 46 and the first divider 44 to hold the second shaving cartridge 10b. Additional dividers may be provided depending on the number of the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d to be stored within the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. For example, a third divider 52 may be located between the second divider 46 and the front wall 40 and extend at least part way between the two side walls 36 and 38. Similarly, a fourth divider 54 may be located between the third divider 52 and the front wall 40 and extend at least part way between the two side walls 36 and 38. A third chamber 56 may be at least partially defined by the second divider 46 and the third divider 52 to hold the third shaving cartridge 10c. A fourth chamber 58 may be at least partially defined by the third divider 52 and the fourth divider 54 to hold the fourth shaving cartridge 10d. Each of the chambers 48, 50, 56 and 58 may be sized and shaped to receive and retain at least a portion of one of the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 of FIG. 2 is shown with the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d removed for clarity. The base 34 may have an inner surface 35 that faces the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 2). Accordingly, the inner surface 35 may support the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 2) may be spaced apart from the inner surface 35. The rear wall 42 may define one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64 in communication with the first chamber 48. The one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64 may provide for air to circulate within the first chamber 48 to facilitate the drying of the first shaving cartridge 10a (FIG. 2) positioned within the first chamber 48 (FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, the first open slot may also be in communication with the one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64. As will be described in greater detail below, the one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64 may increase the flexibility of the rear wall 42. Accordingly, the rear wall 42 may flex to facilitate attachment and removal to other shaving accessories, such as a shaving razor stand or organizer (not shown). The one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64 may encompass 85% to 99% and more preferably about 90% to 98% of a surface area of the rear wall 42.

[0027] The base 34 may define a first drainage opening 66 in communication with the first chamber 48. The base 34 may define a plurality of additional drainage openings 68, 70, 72 and 74. In certain embodiments, one or more of the drainage openings 68, 70, 72 may be sufficiently large to overlap multiple chambers 50, 56 and 58. For example, the second drainage opening 68 may be in communication with the first chamber 48 and the second chamber 50. The third drainage opening 70 may be in communication with the second chamber 50 and the third chamber 56. The fourth drainage opening 72 may be in communication with the third chamber 56 and the fourth chamber 58. The overlapping of the drainage opening 68, 70 and 72 with the multiple chambers 50, 56 and 58 may provide for more efficient drying of the shaving cartridges 10 (FIG. 1), as the shaving cartridges 10 are often stored within the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 after use. In certain embodiments, the drainage opening 66, 68, 70, and 72 may have a generally oval shape, such as a racetrack (e.g., rectangle with rounded edges). However, other geometries are also possible.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the rear wall 42 may define a first open slot 80. The rear wall 42 may include a pair of lateral walls 76 and 78 that extend in a downward angle to the base 34. The pair of lateral walls 76 and 78 may support the first shaving cartridge 10a (FIG. 2). The first open slot 80 may be in communication with the first chamber 48, which may provide for improved drainage of water and air flow for drying of the first shaving cartridge 10a (FIG. 1) positioned within the first chamber 48. In certain embodiments, the first open slot 80 may also be in communication with the one or more enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64.

[0029] The first divider 44 may define a second open slot 88. For example, the first divider 44 may include a pair of lateral walls 82 and 84 and an upper cross member 86 that define the second open slot 88. The second open slot 88 may extend to the base 34 and may be in communication with the drainage opening 68. The pair of lateral walls 82 and 84 may extend upward from the base 34. The upper cross member 86 may connect the pair of lateral walls 82 and 84. The second open slot 88 may extend to the base 34 and may be in communication with drainage opening 68. The second open slot 88 may also extend between the second chamber 50 and the first chamber 48 (i.e., in communication with the second chamber 50 and the first chamber 48. The second open slot 88 being in communication with the drainage opening 68, the second chamber 50 and the first chamber 48 may facilitate improved drainage and drying of the shaving cartridges 10a and 10b positioned in the respective chambers 48 and 50. It is understood that a user may decide to throw away and not return a used cartridge back into the dispenser 32. Accordingly, the second open slot 88 may allow for even more improved air flow if one or more of the chambers 48, 50, 56 and 58 do not contain a respective shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. It is understood that the first divider 44 may not include the upper cross member 86. The upper cross member 86 may be optionally added to improve rigidity of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The pair of lateral walls 82 and 84 may support the second shaving cartridge 10b (FIG. 2).

[0030] The second divider 46 may include a pair of lateral walls 90 and 92 and an upper cross member 94. The pair of lateral walls 90 and 92 may extend upward from the base 34. The upper cross member 94 may connect the pair of lateral walls 90 and 92. Accordingly, the base 34, the pair of lateral walls 90 and 92 and the upper cross member 94 may define a third open slot 96. The third open slot 96 may be in communication with the third chamber 56 and the second chamber 50. It is understood that the second divider 46 may not include the upper cross member 94. The upper cross member 94 may be optionally added to improve rigidity of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The pair of lateral walls 90 and 92 may support the third shaving cartridge 10c (FIG. 2).

[0031] The third divider 52 may include a pair of lateral walls 98 and 100 and a cross member 102. The pair of lateral walls 98 and 100 may extend upward from the base 34. The upper cross member 102 may connect the pair of lateral walls 98 and 100. Accordingly, the base 34, the pair of lateral walls 98 and 100 and the upper cross member 102 may define a fourth open slot 104. The fourth open slot 104 may be in communication with the fourth chamber 58 and the third chamber 56. It is understood that the third divider 52 may not include the upper cross member 102. The upper cross member 102 may be optionally added to improve rigidity of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The pair of lateral walls 98 and 100 may support the fourth shaving cartridge 10d (FIG. 2). The open slots 80, 88, 96 and 104 may have a width of 20 mm to 40 mm and more preferably about 25 mm to 35 mm to allow for improved air flow to dry out the shaving cartridges 10.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross section view is shown of the plurality of the shaving razor system 30 with the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10 and 10d held within the shaving cartridge dispenser 32, taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2. For example, the first shaving cartridge 10a may be positioned within the first chamber 48, the second shaving cartridge 10b may be positioned within the second chamber 50, the third shaving cartridge 10c may be positioned within the third chamber 56 and the fourth shaving cartridge 10d may be positioned within the fourth chamber 58. The draining openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may be positioned within the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 such that both the rear portion 22 (FIG. 1) and the front portion 20 (FIG. 1) of the shaving cartridge 10 are exposed. For example, a rear portion 22a of the first shaving cartridge 10a may be aligned with the second drainage opening 68 and a front portion 20a of the first shaving cartridge 10a may be aligned with the first drainage opening 66. A rear portion 22b of the second shaving cartridge 10b may be aligned with the third drainage opening 70 and a front portion 20b of the second shaving cartridge 10b may be aligned with the second drainage opening 68. A rear portion 22c of the third shaving cartridge 10c may be aligned with the fourth drainage opening 72 and a front portion 20c of the third shaving cartridge 10c may be aligned with the third drainage opening 70. A rear portion 22d of the fourth shaving cartridge 10d may be aligned with the fifth drainage opening 74 and a front portion 20a of the fourth shaving cartridge 10d may be aligned with the fourth drainage opening 72. Accordingly, one or more of the drainage openings (e.g., the second drainage opening 68, the third drainage opening 70 and the fourth drainage opening 72) may be aligned (e.g., overlap) with two of the shaving cartridges 10. For example, the second drainage opening 68, may facilitate drainage and drying of both the first shaving cartridge 10a and the second cartridge 10b. Similarly, the third drainage opening 70 may facilitate drainage and drying of both the second shaving cartridge 10b and the third shaving cartridge 10c. The fourth drainage opening 72 may facilitate drainage and drying of both the third shaving cartridge 10c and the fourth shaving cartridge 10d. As previously mentioned, the lubrication member 26 may be provided at the front 20 of the shaving cartridge 10 and the cap 16 at the rear 22 of the shaving cartridge 10 may comprise a lubricious shaving aid composite. The lubrication member 26 and the cap 16 may leach in the presence of moisture, resulting in them sticking to surfaces. The drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 minimize leaching and sticking by improving drainage and minimizing the surface area for the lubrication member 26 and the cap 16 to stick to.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, a bottom view of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is illustrated. Each of the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may have a length L2 of about 30 mm to about 40 mm. Each of the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may have a respective width W2, W3, W4, W5 and W6. In certain embodiments, the width W2, W3, W4 and W5 may each be about 8 mm to about 12 mm. The width W6 of the drainage opening 74 may be smaller, for example, about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In certain embodiments, an area defined by a sum of the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may be about 30% to about 50% of a total surface area of the base 34 (i.e., footprint of the base 34). For example, a total surface area of the base 34 may be about 3100 mm.sup.2 to about 4200 mm.sup.2 and the area defined by the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may be about 1300 mm.sup.2to about 1900 mm.sup.2. It is believed, without being held to theory that the area defined by the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may improve drying of the shaving cartridge(s) 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 4). The larger area of the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may also improve the visibility of the shaving cartridges cartridge(s) 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, one or more of the drainage openings 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 may have an area of about 240 mm.sup.2 to about 480 mm.sup.2, and more preferably about 300 mm.sup.2 to about 400 mm.sup.2. Typical shaving cartridge dispensers are molded from transparent plastics, such as polycarbonate. Accordingly, a consumer can see the shaving cartridges through the shaving cartridge dispenser. More specifically, the consumer may be able to see the cap 16 and the lubrication member 26 (FIG. 1). The viewing area for the shaving cartridges cartridge(s) 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d is important for consumers, especially when the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is composed of a sustainable material, which are typically not transparent.

[0034] The base 34 may define a plurality of inspection openings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120. The inspection openings 106, 110, 114 and 118 may be positioned adjacent to the first side wall 36 and the inspection openings 108, 112, 116 and 120 may be positioned adjacent to the second side wall 38. The plurality of inspection openings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may be arranged in pairs. For example, the inspection openings 106, 108 may be positioned within the first chamber 48, the inspection openings 110 and 112 may be positioned within the second chamber 50, the inspection openings 114 and 116 may be positioned in the third chamber 56 and the inspection openings 118 and 120 may be positioned within the fourth chamber 58. The plurality of inspection openings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may be fully enclosed and extend completely though the base 34. In certain embodiments, one or more of the inspection openings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may have an area of 4 mm.sup.2 to 6 mm.sup.2 and preferably 4.5 mm.sup.2 to 5.5 mm.sup.2 to allow for proper inspection (e.g., confirmation the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are properly seated within the respective chambers 48, 50, 56 and 58.

[0035] Referring back to FIG. 3, a plurality of guide members 124a, 124b, 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 130a and 130b may extend from the inner surface 35 of the base 34. The guide members 124a, 124b, 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 130a and 130b may be arranged in pairs. For example, the guide members 124a and 124b may be positioned within the first chamber 48. The guide member 124a may be positioned adjacent an inner surface 122 of the first side wall 36 and the guide member 124b may be positioned adjacent an inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38. The guide members 124a and 124b may facilitate spacing the first shaving cartridge 10a apart from the inner surface 35 of the base 34.

[0036] The guide members 126a and 126b may be positioned within the second chamber 50. The guide member 126a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 of the first side wall 36 and the guide member 126b may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38. The guide members 126a and 126b may facilitate spacing the second shaving cartridge 10b apart from the inner surface 35 of the base 34.

[0037] The guide members 128a and 128b may be positioned within the third chamber 56. The guide member 128a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 of the first side wall 36 and the guide member 128b may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38. The guide members 128a and 128b may facilitate spacing the third shaving cartridge 10c apart from the inner surface 35 of the base 34.

[0038] The guide members 130a and 130b may be positioned within the fourth chamber 58. The guide member 130a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 of the first side wall 36 and the guide member 130b may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38. The guide members 130a and 130b may facilitate spacing the fourth shaving cartridge 10d apart from the inner surface 35 of the base 34.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the plurality of retention bumps 134a, 134b136a, 136b, 138a, 138b, 140a and 140b may extend from the inner surface 35 of the base 34. The retention bumps 134a, 134b136a, 136b, 138a, 138b, 140a and 140b may be arranged in pairs. For example, the retention bumps 134a, 134b may be positioned within the first chamber 48. The retention bump 134a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 (e.g., between the inner surface 122 and the guide member 124a) of the first side wall 36 and the retention bump 134b may be positioned adjacent an inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38 (e.g., between the inner surface 132 and the guide member 124b). The first shaving cartridge 10a may be secured within the first chamber 48 between the retention bumps 134a and 134b.

[0040] The retention bumps 136a, 136b may be positioned within the second chamber 50. The retention bump 136a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 (e.g., between the inner surface 122 and the guide member 126a) of the first side wall 36 and the retention bump 136b may be positioned adjacent an inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38 (e.g., between the inner surface 132 and the guide member 136b). The second shaving cartridge 10b may be secured within the second chamber 50 between the retention bumps 136a and 136b.

[0041] The retention bumps 138a, 138b may be positioned within the third chamber 56. The retention bump 138a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 (e.g., between the inner surface 122 and the guide member 128a) of the first side wall 36 and the retention bump 138b may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38 (e.g., between the inner surface 132 and the guide member 128b). The third shaving cartridge 10c may be secured within the third chamber 56 between the retention bumps 138a and 138b.

[0042] The retention bumps 140a and 140b may be positioned within the fourth chamber 58. The retention bump 140a may be positioned adjacent the inner surface 122 (e.g., between the inner surface 122 and the guide member 130a) of the first side wall 36 and the retention bump 140b may be positioned adjacent an inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38 (e.g., between the inner surface 132 and the guide member 130b). The fourth shaving cartridge 10d may be secured within the fourth chamber 58 between the retention bumps 140a and 140b.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the inspection openings 106, 110, 114 and 118 positioned adjacent to the first side wall 36 may be generally aligned with one of the respective retention bumps 124, 126, 128 and 130 on the inner surface 122 of the first side wall 36. Similarly, each of the inspection openings 108, 112, 116 and 120 may be generally aligned with one of the retention bumps 134, 136, 138 and 140 on the inner surface 132 of the second side wall 38. The inspection openings 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may be sized and shaped to facilitate visual confirmation that the shaving cartridges 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d (FIG. 4) are properly seated and secured in place, which may be difficult if the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is not transparent. Even if the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is transparent, visual inspection my be difficult because of the various walls and features of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 that may reflect or distort light during inspection.

[0044] The retention bumps 124 and 134 may be positioned within the first chamber 48 (FIG. 3) to hold the first shaving cartridge 10a in place. Accordingly, the inspection openings 106 and 108 may be used to verify the proper position of the first shaving cartridge 10a against the retention bumps 124 and 134. The retention bumps 126 and 136 may be positioned within the second chamber 50 (FIG. 3) to hold the second shaving cartridge 10b in place. Accordingly, the inspection openings 110 and 112 may be used to verify the proper position of the second shaving cartridge 10b against the retention bumps 126 and 136. The retention bumps 128 and 138 may be positioned within the third chamber 56 (FIG. 3) to hold the third shaving cartridge 10c in place. Accordingly, the inspection openings 114 and 116 may be used to verify the proper position of the third shaving cartridge 10c against the retention bumps 128 and 138. The retention bumps 130 and 140 may be positioned within the fourth chamber 58 (FIG. 3) to hold the fourth shaving cartridge 10d in place. Accordingly, the inspection openings 118 and 120 may be used to verify the proper position of the fourth shaving cartridge 10d against the retention bumps 130 and 140.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 (e.g., on the base 34) may have one or more windows 160, 162, 164 and 166 to enable a consumer to view the blades 18 of the shaving cartridges 10 positioned with the respective chambers 48, 50, 56 and 58 of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. For example, the window 160 may be aligned with the chamber 58, the window 162 may be aligned with the chamber 56, the window 164 may be aligned with the chamber 50 and the window 166 may be aligned with the chamber 48. The window 160 may be positioned between the drainage openings 72 and 74, the window 162 may be positioned between the drainage openings 70 and 72, the window 164 may be positioned between the drainage openings 68 and 70, the window 166 may be positioned between the drainage openings 68 and 66. The windows 160, 162, 164 and 166 may be areas of the base 34 that have a greater transparency than other areas of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. Accordingly, the windows 160, 162, 164 and 166 may have a smoother finish than other areas of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 (e.g., areas around the windows 160, 162, 164 and 166) to highlight the blades 18 of the shaving cartridges 10 positioned with the respective chambers 48, 50, 56 and 58 of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. Some consumers may store used shaving cartridges 10 within the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. The windows 160, 162, 164 and 166 may allow consumers to visually inspect the blades 18 to determine which of the shaving cartridges 32 are used and which are new without removing the shaving cartridges 32 from the shaving cartridge dispenser 32.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, a rear view of the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is shown. The rear wall 42 may include a pair of ribs 142 and 144 that define one or more of the enclosed openings 60, 62 and 64. The ribs 142 and 144 may be offset from a centerline CL of the rear wall 42. Accordingly, a flexible upper portion 146 of the rear wall 42 located between the ribs 142 and 144 may be unsupported to provide for improved flexibility the rear wall 42. In certain embodiments, the ribs 142 and 144 may be offset from the centerline CL by a respective distance d1 and d2 of about 6 mm to about 8 mm. As will be described in greater detail below, the distance between the ribs 142 and 144 (i.e., the sum of d1 and d2), may also provide sufficient area for a user to push down on the flexible upper portion 146 of the rear wall 42. The ribs may have a cross sectional area of about 15 mm.sup.2 to about 21 mm.sup.2 to provide the proper balance of strength and flexibility.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a shaving accessory 148 secured to the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 is shown. In certain embodiments, the shaving accessory 148 may be a shaving organizer that attaches to the shaving cartridge dispenser 32 and also holds a shaving razor (not shown). The shaving accessory 148 may have one or more latches 150, 152 and 154 that engage the rear wall 42. The added flexibility provided by the rear wall 42 may allow for a more secure connection between the one or more latches 150, 152 and 154 and the rear wall 42 without also increasing the force necessary to separate the shaving accessory 148 from the shaving cartridge dispenser 32. For example, a user may simply press on the upper portion 146 to flex the rear wall 42 and release the latches 150, 152 and 154 from the rear wall 42. However, if the ribs 142 and 144 were located along the center line CL of FIG. 6, then the rear wall 42 would not be as flexible and would be difficult to release from the latches 148, 152 and 154.

[0048] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Furthermore, dimensions should not be held to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that does not allow for discrepancies due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term about should be interpreted as being within typical manufacturing and measuring tolerances.

[0049] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0050] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious 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. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.