Wet shaving assembly

A shaving assembly operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments is provided that includes a razor assembly and a shaving preparation cake. The razor assembly, which includes a razor cartridge attached to a handle, is operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments. The shaving preparation cake includes an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The shaving preparation cake is operable in a wet shaving environment, and is selectively attachable to the razor assembly for wet shaving environment applications. When the shaving preparation cake is attached to the razor assembly, the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake. The shaving preparation cake is selectively detachable from the razor assembly to facilitate use of the razor assembly in dry shaving environment applications.

 

What is claimed is:

1. A shaving preparation cake for use with a razor assembly, which razor assembly has a razor cartridge attached to a handle, the cake comprising:

an upper surface;

a lower surface;

one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface; and

an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the axial bore defining a perimeter of the shaving preparation cake;

wherein the shaving preparation cake is selectively attachable to the razor assembly, and when attached to the razor assembly the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake such that the shaving preparation cake substantially surrounds a perimeter of the razor cartridge; and wherein one or both of the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly are selectively positionable relative to the other.

2. The shaving preparation cake of claim 1, further comprising a support element attached to the lower surface.

3. A shaving assembly operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments, comprising:

a razor assembly, having a razor cartridge attached to a handle, said razor assembly operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments; and

a shaving preparation cake having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface;

wherein the shaving preparation cake is operable in a wet shaving environment, and is selectively attachable to the razor assembly for wet shaving environment applications, and when attached to the razor assembly the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake;

wherein the shaving preparation cake is selectively detachable from the razor assembly to facilitate use of the razor assembly in dry shaving environment applications;

wherein one or both of the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly are selectively positionable relative to the other.

4. The shaving assembly of claim 3, wherein the shaving preparation cake further comprises a support element attached to the lower surface.

5. The shaving assembly of claim 4, wherein the support element is attached to the razor assembly.

6. A shaving preparation dispenser attachment for use with a razor assembly having a razor cartridge, comprising:

a shaving preparation cake having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the axial bore defining a perimeter of the shaving preparation cake;

wherein the shaving preparation cake is selectively attachable to the razor assembly, and when attached to the razor assembly the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake such that the shaving preparation cake substantially surrounds a perimeter of the razor cartridge

wherein the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly are positionally adjustable relative to one another.

7. The shaving preparation dispenser attachment of claim 6, further comprising a support element attached to the lower surface of the shaving preparation cake.

8. The shaving preparation cake of claim 1, further comprising one or more slits in the one or more side walls, the one or more slits extending from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

9. The shaving assembly of claim 4, further comprising a mechanism for selectively positioning one or both of the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly.

10. The shaving assembly of claim 9, wherein the mechanism for selective positioning is comprised of:

a shaft having an upper end, a lower end and external threads extending between the upper end and the lower end; and

a knob fixedly coupled to the lower end of the shaft;

wherein the support element includes a bore having internal threads for engaging the external threads of the shaft, and wherein when the knob is rotated in a first direction the support element and the shaving preparation cake move toward the razor assembly.

11. The shaving assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a base having a hollow space for receiving the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly, the base including a bore having internal threads; and

wherein the mechanism for selective positioning is comprised of:

a shaft having an upper end, a lower end and external threads extending between the upper end and the lower end, the external threads for engaging the internal threads of the base; and

a knob fixedly coupled to the lower end of the shaft;

wherein the razor assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper end of the shaft, and wherein when the knob is rotated in a first direction the razor assembly moves toward the shaving preparation cake.

12. The shaving assembly of claim 9, wherein the mechanism for selective positioning is comprised of:

a shaft having an upper end, a lower end and external threads extending between the upper end and the lower end; and

a ratcheting mechanism coupled to the lower end of the shaft;

wherein the support element includes a bore having internal threads for engaging the external threads of the shaft, and wherein when the ratcheting mechanism is engaged the support element and the shaving preparation cake move toward the razor assembly.

13. The shaving assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a base having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow space therebetween for receiving the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly, the razor assembly being connected to the lower end of the base;

wherein the mechanism for selective positioning is comprised of:

a resilient element disposed between a bottom surface of the support element and the lower end of the base, the resilient element urging the support element and the shaving preparation cake toward the upper end of the base;

wherein during a shaving operation a shaving surface contacts the upper surface of the shaving preparation cake such that the resilient element compresses and the top surface of the shaving preparation and cutting blades of the razor assembly are disposed in substantially a same plane.

14. The shaving assembly of claim 13, wherein the resilient element is comprised of one or more springs.

15. The shaving assembly of claim 13, wherein the resilient element is comprised of spring leaves that are integrally molded with the base.

16. The shaving assembly of claim 13, wherein the resilient element is comprised of compressible foam.

17. The shaving assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a base having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow space therebetween for receiving the shaving preparation cake and the razor assembly;

wherein the handle of the razor assembly is comprised of a receiver for receiving the razor cartridge, the cartridge receiver having at least one leg, the at least one leg having an element protruding outwardly therefrom;

wherein the mechanism for selective positioning is comprised of:

at least one support fixedly coupled to the lower end of the base, the at least one support having a central opening including teeth, the central opening receiving the at least one leg of the cartridge receiver and the teeth engaging the protruding element for selectively ratcheting the cartridge receiver toward the lower end of the base;

wherein during a shaving operation a shaving surface contacts the razor assembly and the cartridge receiver ratchets toward the lower end of the base such that cutting blades of the razor assembly and the top surface of the shaving preparation are disposed in substantially a same plane.

18. The shaving assembly of claim 17, further comprising:

a resilient element disposed within the central opening of the at least one support, the resilient element urging the cartridge receiver toward the upper end of the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to shaving and is particularly directed to a shaving assembly capable of lubricating and shaving a surface in a single stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shaving body hair in a "dry shaving environment" typically requires the following five steps: (1) wetting a skin surface, (2) preparing and/or dispensing a shaving preparation (e.g., shaving cream), (3) applying the shaving preparation to the skin surface, (4) shaving the skin surface with a blade, and (5) washing away excess shaving preparation remaining on the skin. In order to save time and simplify the shaving process, there have been many efforts directed to combining two or more of the above steps. None have been completely successful.

Using a prior art shaving system in a wet shaving environment (e.g., within a shower, or bath) can be a tedious process. The user must typically place the razor in a stable location within the shower, apply a shaving preparation to the surface to be shaving, and subsequently re-grasp the razor prior to beginning the shave. The chance that a user will drop the razor during this complex process is significant. In addition, shaving preparation applied to the surface to be shaved is often washed off before the surface can be shaved. Consequently, the lubrication provided by the shaving preparation is lost prior to the shave.

Thus, there is a need for a shaving assembly that allows for efficient and safe shaving in a wet environment.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a shaving assembly including a base having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow space therebetween. The base has an opening at the upper end and the hollow space is in communication with the opening. The hollow space is adapted for securing and/or holding a lubricating shaving preparation therein, such as a soap cake, liquid soap, body wash, shaving cream or shaving gel. The base may be made of a broad range of materials such as polymers and metals, and may be either flexible or rigid. In certain embodiments, the base comprises an upper member that includes the hollow space and a lower member capping and/or closing off the bottom portion of the hollow space.

The shaving assembly also preferably includes a cartridge receiver having a perimeter. The cartridge receiver is preferably designed for selectively securing one or more razor blades or razor blade cartridges therein, whereby each razor blade or razor blade cartridge preferably has one or more elongated blades having cutting edges. The cartridge receiver is preferably designed whereby the secured one or more razor blades or razor cartridges therein may or may not be moveable by pivoting, rocking, or combinations thereof. The cartridge receiver is desirably disposed adjacent to or at the opening at the upper end of the base so that the opening completely surrounds the perimeter of the cartridge receiver. The cartridge receiver may also project above the upper end of the base so that the cutting edges of a razor secured in the receiver lie above the upper end of the base.

In certain embodiments, the position of the cartridge receiver may be adjusted using an adjusting element in contact with the base. The cartridge receiver may also be movable by providing a resilient element in contact with the receiver. The resilient element preferably biases the cartridge receiver toward the upper end of the base. In further embodiments, the cartridge receiver may be ratchet mounted to the base. In these particular embodiments, the base includes at least one cartridge receiver leg support having a central opening including teeth and the cartridge receiver includes at least one leg secured in the central opening of the cartridge receiver leg support. The at least one leg of the cartridge receiver engages the teeth of the central opening for selectively ratcheting the cartridge receiver toward the lower end of the base.

In certain preferred embodiments, the shaving assembly includes a resilient element between the base and the shaving preparation for urging the shaving preparation toward the upper end of the base. In other preferred embodiments, the shaving assembly may include an adjusting element in contact with the base and in communication with the shaving preparation for incrementally forcing and/or urging the shaving preparation toward the upper end of the base. The adjusting element may be any device for moving an object through space such as a ratcheting mechanism, a rotatable knob connected to a threaded shaft, a lever, a spring or a rigid shaft.

In operation, the shaving assembly of the present invention supplies a shaving preparation around the perimeter of a razor blade. As a result, a shaving preparation may be applied to a user's skin immediately in advance of the cutting edge of a razor. Thus, a shaving surface may be lubricated and shaven in a single motion. In addition, because the shaving preparation is applied around the perimeter of the cartridge receiver, the shaving assembly may be moved in any direction over the shaving surface. This ability to move the razor in multiple directions is particularly appropriate for today's new safety blades that may be safely moved in any direction over a user's skin surface. Moreover, the shaving preparation and the cutting edges of the blades will preferably lie in a common plane because the height of either the shaving preparation or the blades may be adjusted using an adjusting element or automatically adjusted using a resilient element.

In certain preferred embodiments, the shaving preparation is disposed within the hollow space of the base and may be extended to and/or forced to the opening at the upper end of the base so as to completely surround the perimeter of the cartridge receiver. The shaving preparation may be in the form of a cake, such as a solid cake of soap, having a top surface, a bottom surface and side walls extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the shaving preparation cake has an axial bore extending between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The axial bore preferably defines a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of the cartridge receiver so that the cartridge receiver is capable of passing through the axial bore of the cake. The shaving preparation cake may have any shape necessary for fitting securely and/or efficiently into the opening of the base.

The shaving assembly may also have a support element disposed within the hollow space of the base and in contact with the shaving preparation. The support element generally supports and/or urges the shaving preparation toward the opening at the upper end of the base. In one embodiment the support element includes a support ring having a central opening in substantial alignment with an axial bore extending through a cake of the shaving preparation. The central opening and the axial bore of the cake are in substantial alignment so that the support ring and the shaving preparation cake may pass around the perimeter of the cartridge receiver. In other embodiments, the shaving preparation is provided in a fluid form and the support element may include a tight seal between the perimeter of the support element and the interior side walls of the base for preventing the shaving preparation from leaking around the support element as the support element moves toward the upper end of the base.

The shaving assembly may include a resilient element between the base and the support ring for biasing or urging the shaving preparation toward the opening at the upper end of the base. The resilient element may include one or more springs having first ends attached to the base and second ends attached to the support ring. The resilient element may also be a compressible foam or sponge-like element. In other embodiments, the shaving assembly may include a resilient element between the base and the cartridge receiver for urging the cartridge receiver toward the upper end of the base.

The shaving assembly preferably includes an adjusting element in contact with the base so that a user may selectively adjust the position of either the support element and/or the cartridge receiver relative to the upper end of the base. In one embodiment, the adjusting element includes a threaded shaft having a first end connected with the support element and a second end connected with a rotatable knob. The rotatable knob is preferably positioned at the lower end of the base. The knob may be rotated for adjusting the position of the support element within the hollow space of the base so as to adjust the position of the shaving preparation relative to the upper end of the base. In another preferred embodiment, the support element preferably includes a ratcheting mechanism and/or a rack and pinion arrangement in contact with the support element for incrementally adjusting the position of the support element within the hollow space of the base. In this particular embodiment, one of the side walls of the base may have an opening therein for positioning a portion of the adjusting element, such as a button accessible at a side wall of the base. The button may be depressed/engaged for activating the adjusting element so as to change the position of the support element or the cartridge receiver relative to the upper end of the base.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide a shaving assembly including a shaving preparation cake having a first surface with a razor blade and/or razor blade cartridge embedded in the cake. The first surface of the shaving preparation completely surrounds the blades embedded in the cake and at least one of the cutting edges of the razor blades/razor blade cartridge lie in the same plane as the first surface of the cake. The shaving preparation cake preferably has a longitudinal axis and at least one razor blade extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cake.

The shaving assembly may also include a gripping element in contact with one or more surfaces of the shaving preparation cake so that the shaving assembly may be securely and comfortably grasped by a user during a shaving operation. The gripping element is attached to the shaving preparation cake. The gripping element may include a non-soluble material such as rubber or foam and may include a textured surface for enhancing the gripability of the element. In certain embodiments, the gripping element is remote from the razor blade/razor blade cartridge. In other embodiments, the gripping element may be deposited over one or more surfaces of the shaving preparation, such as by depositing the gripping element material atop the surfaces of the shaving preparation in a liquid form and then curing the gripping material. The shaving cake may have a substantially oval shape or any other shape desirable for conforming to the various contours of a user's body and providing a comfortable grip. The shaving preparation cake may also include a lubricant and skin beneficial ingredients and/or scents.

In further embodiments, the shaving assembly includes at least one razor blade having a longitudinal axis with one or more wires, molded elements, or die cut elements extending in directions substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The wires, molded elements, or die cut elements extending in a substantially transverse direction relative to the blades allows the blades to be passed over a shaving surface in any direction without cutting or nicking the skin. The transverse wires, molded elements, or die cut elements may overlie the cutting edges. The shaving assembly may also include a mesh overlying the cutting edges of the blades. The mesh allows the blades to pass over the shaving surface in any direction without nicking or cutting the skin.

In further embodiments, the razor blades may be in the form of a metal foil having a number of holes whose periphery are sharpened into one or more cutting edges. The sharpened edges within each hole enables the shaving assembly to not only be moved in multiple directions but also cut hair in multiple directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a shaving assembly in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of the shaving assembly of FIG. 1 after assembly.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly taken along lines IIB—IIB of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C shows a side view of the shaving assembly taken along lines IIC—IIC of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a support element for a shaving preparation, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of the support shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a shaving preparation for use with the shaving assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of the shaving preparation of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a top view of the shaving preparation shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a shaving assembly including a shaving preparation, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 5A after modifying the position of the shaving preparation.

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a shaving assembly, including a razor blade cartridge receiver, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 6A after the position of the razor blade cartridge receiver has been adjusted.

FIG. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows an exploded view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with yet further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly of FIG. 8 before commencement of a shaving operation.

FIG. 9B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 9A during a shaving operation.

FIG. 9C shows a cross-sectional view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 10A before commencement of a shaving operation.

FIG. 10C shows the shaving assembly of FIGS. 10A and 10B during a shaving operation.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded fragmentary side view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11I taken along lines XII—XII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly of FIG. 11 before commencement of a shaving operation.

FIG. 13B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 13A during a shaving operation.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a front view of the shaving assembly shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows an end view of the shaving assembly shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 shows an end view of the shaving assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows an exploded fragmentary side view of a shaving assembly, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the assembly of FIG. 20 taken along lines XXI—XXI of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of the shaving assembly of FIG. 20 before commencement of a shaving operation.

FIG. 22B shows the shaving assembly of FIG. 20 during a shaving operation.

FIG. 23 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the shaving assembly includes a shaving preparation cake and a razor assembly.

FIG. 24 shows a diagrammatic sectioned side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the shaving assembly includes a shaving preparation cake and a razor assembly.

FIG. 25 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the shaving assembly includes a shaving preparation cake, a razor assembly, and a handle having a cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a shaving assembly 20 in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The shaving assembly 20 includes a base having an upper member 22 and a lower member 24. The upper member 22 of the base has an upper end 26 and a lower end 28 and side walls 30 extending therebetween. The lower member 24 of the base includes a substantially flat surface 32 surrounded by side walls 34 projecting upwardly from the substantially fiat surface 32. The upper member 22 includes an area 36 at the lower end thereof having a reduced perimeter. The reduced perimeter area 36 is sized for engaging side walls 34 of lower member 24 so that the upper member 22 and the lower member 24 may be secured together. The shaving assembly 20 also preferably includes a cap 44 secured to the upper end 26 of the upper member 22.

The upper member 22 of the base preferably has a cartridge receiver 38 connected thereto. The cartridge receiver 38 is designed for selectively securing a razor blade cartridge 40 therein. The cartridge receiver 38 may be connected to opposing side walls 30A and 30B of the base via a support 42 attached to the side walls 30A and 30B. The side walls 30 of the upper member define a hollow space 46 extending between the upper end 26 and the lower end 28 of the upper member 22. The hollow space 46 extends to an opening at the upper end 26 of the base and completely surrounds the perimeter of the cartridge receiver 38.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a cartridge receiver 38 adapted for receiving a razor blade cartridge 40. The razor blade cartridge 40 may have one or more elongated blades 41 having longitudinal axes and having cutting edges that extend in directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the one or more blades 41. In other preferred embodiments, the razor blade cartridge 40 may also include safety blades having wires, molded or die cut safety elements, or mesh that extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the blades. As a result, the razor with safety blades may move safely in any direction relative to a shaving surface and is not limited to movement in one axial direction in order to avoid nicking or cutting a user. In still other embodiments, the razor blade cartridge 40 includes razor blades in the form of metal foil having a number of holes therein, whereby the periphery of each hole constitutes a cutting edge, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,068, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In certain embodiments, the shaving assembly includes a shaving preparation 48 disposed within the hollow space 46 of the base 22. The shaving preparation may include a cake, a liquid, a cream or a gel. The shaving preparation shown in FIG. 1 is a shaving preparation cake 48 having an upper surface 50, a lower surface 52 and an axial bore 54 extending from the upper surface 50 toward the lower surface 52. The axial bore may extend partway or completely to the bottom surface of the cake. The shaving preparation cake includes a front wall 56, a rear wall 58 and opposed side walls 60 and 62. The side walls 60 and 62 include respective slits 64 and 66 extending from the top surface 50 toward the bottom surface 52. The bottom surface 52 of the shaving preparation cake 48 is molded, casted, or press-fit into the support element 68. The support element 68 has an outer perimeter sized to fit within the hollow space 46 of the base so that the support element may move between the upper end 26 and the lower end 28 of the base. The support element preferably contains tabs or grips to retain the shaving preparation cake.

The shaving assembly 20 also includes an adjusting element 70 for adjusting the position of the shaving preparation cake 48 relative to the cartridge receiver 38 and/or the upper end 26 of the base. The adjusting element 70 is preferably activated so that the top surface 50 of the shaving preparation cake 48 lies in a substantially common plane as the blades 41 of the razor blade cartridge 40 secured in the cartridge receiver 38.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of the shaving assembly 20. The upper member 22 includes opposing side walls 30 defining a hollow space 46 therebetween, the hollow space extending from the upper end to the lower end of the base upper member 22. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cartridge receiver 38 is connected with side walls 30A and 30B via support 42 so that the cartridge receiver is disposed at the opening at the upper end of the base. The cartridge receiver 38 has a perimeter 72, whereby the opening at the upper end of the base completely surrounds the perimeter 72. Referring to FIG. 2C, the cartridge receiver 38 projects above the upper end 26 of the base.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the supporting element 68 adapted for receiving the shaving preparation cake 48 (FIG. 1). The support element 68 includes a substantially flat surface 74 for supporting the bottom surface of the shaving preparation cake and side walls 75 projecting upwardly from the substantially flat surface 74 for laterally securing the shaving preparation. The shaving preparation cake may also be secured to the support element 68 by projecting elements or tab 77 that lock the shaving preparation cake into the tray. The support element 68 includes a bore 76 extending from the substantially flat surface 74 toward the bottom of the support 68. Referring to FIG. 3B, the bore is preferably located in the center of the substantially flat surface 74 and is provided with internal threads 78.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the shaving preparation cake 48 has a top surface 50 and a bottom surface 52 and side walls 60 and 62. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the shaving preparation cake 48 includes slits 64, 66 formed in respective side walls 60 and 62. The slits extend from the top surface 50 toward the bottom surface 52 of the cake. The slits 64, 66 enable the shaving preparation cake 48 to pass by the lateral support 42 for the cartridge receiver 38 (FIG. 1) as the shaving preparation cake moves toward the upper end of the base. FIG. 4B shows the lateral support 42 in a first position 42A and a second position 42B relative to slot 66 as the shaving preparation cake 48 moves relative to the cartridge receiver.

Referring to FIG. 1, the adjusting element 70 includes a shaft 80 having a lower end 82 connected to a knob 84 and an upper end 86 remote therefrom. The shaft 80 includes external threads 88 extending between the lower end 82 and the upper end 86 thereof. The shaft also includes