US3172416A

US3172416A - Cleaning device for electric razors

Info

Publication number: US3172416A
Application number: US288131A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert H Simmons
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-06-28
Filing date: 1963-06-28
Publication date: 1965-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 1982-03-09

Description

March 9, 1965 H. H. slMMoNS 3,172,416

* CLEANING DEVICE FCR ELECTRIC RAzoRs \\\\rlllllll/w. v

INVENTOR. f HERefRr/fS/MMa/vs Mardi 9 1965 H. H. slMMoNs CLEANING DEVICE ECR ELECTRIC RAzoRs 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 28, 1963 lllllllllllllll.IllllllllllllllllllllIll Y 7//27 /lf/ \l VIZ INVENTOR. HERBER 7' H. S/MMONS AT TOR/VEY United States Patent 3,172,416 CLEANING DEVICE FSR ELECTRIC RAZRS Herbert H. Simmons, 377 Church St., San Francisco, Calif. Filed .lune 28, 1963, Ser. No. 288,131 12 Claims. (Cl. 134 111} This invention relates to improvements in electric razor cleaners and is particularly directed to a compact, selfcontained cleaning device for electric razors.

The present application is a continuation in part of my co-pending application Serial No. 117,993, filed lune 19, 1961 and allowed May 14, 1963, now forfeited, for a Pneumatic Electric Razor Cleaner, such application having been filed under my former name, Herbert Simonsohn.

While it is well known that various types of cleaning devices utilizing a suitable cleaning medium have been used for many purposes, there still remains a need for a simple, compact cleaner which will effectively and speedily dislodge and remove hair and other particles.

from the cutters and adjacent parts of an electric razor.

The present invention has for its primary object the provision of a single, compact and e'icient cleaning device which is capable of fulfilling the aforementioned needs and which rnay also serve as a razor stand. Simplicity of manufacture and ease in assembly are not'eworthy characteristics of the present invention.

To accomplish this object, the inventive improvement resides in the provision of a self-contained means for directing currents of a suitable cleaning medium such as liquid or air against the cutters and the adjacent parts of an electric razor so as to dislodge hair and other particles and convey the same to a particle collecting or retaining means such as a sediment trap, perforate filter or the like.

More specifically, the invention contemplates the provision of a casing formed with an opening adapted to receive the cutter portion of an electric razor, suitable channel or chamber means within which circulating currents of a suitable cleaning lluid are directed, preferably at high velocity, into contacting relationship with the cutters and adjacent supporting portion or housing of the razor, one or more fluid impelling members for propelling the uid through the chambers, and hair and other particle collecting means attached to the chamber or channel means to collect and retain hair and other particles dislodged and carried from the cutters.

Another object of my invention is to provide for the disinfection and the lubrication of such an electric razor by the addition of a suitable lubricating, wetting or other agents to a suitable cleaning medium.

Other and further objects of my invention will be pointed out hereinafter or will be indicated in the appended claims or will be obvious to one skilled in the art upon an understanding of the present disclosure.

For the purpose of this application, I have elected to show herein certain details of two (2) species of a cleaning device for electric razors which are representative of my invention; it is to be understood, however, that the embodiment of my invention herein shown and described is for purposes of illustration only, and that therefore it is not to be regarded as exhaustive of the variations of the invention in the art.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional View taken longitudinally and substantially centrally through a cleaning device for electric razors utilizing a cleaning liquid as a cleaning medium;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2 2 of FIG. l;

"ice

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken -on the line 3 3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the electric switch and wiring connections;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6 6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional View taken longitudinally and centrally through a cleaning device for an electric razor utilizing an air stream as a cleaning medium.

A broad visualization of such electric razor cleaning device reveals that it comprises:

A structure definable as a cleaning chamber capable of retaining a suitable cleaning medium which may be agitated or circulated continuously while the device is in operation, and one (1) or more, but not necessarily restricted to, such elements as:

Particle collecting or accumulating means such as sediment traps, perforate lilters, magnetic or gummed surface collectors or the like, capable of collecting or retaining hair and other particles; fluid impelling means capable of propelling or agitating a suitable cleaning medium within the internal chamber or chambers of the device; a structure in the cleaning device having an opening adapted to admit and preferably hold an electric razor of predetermined size and shape in a position with the cutters and/or the cutter supporting portions of such a razor disposed inside the cleaning device in a cleaning zone, the opening of such structure being preferably adapted in shape and dimension to provide a substantial seal between such structure and such razor portions, such opening being preferably located in a removable and exchangeable portion of the cleaning device to adapt the device to accommodate dilerent razor models and types; a channel structure defining a continuous or closed circuit uid conveying channel system, the term closed being interpreted as operatively closed when a razor is positioned therein; any structural element constituting or connecting, wholly or in part, the internal elements of such a razor cleaning device is to be understood as coming within the scope of the term casing as used herein; sealing means, preferably movably suspended, for the particle collecting means as described, and to be of a shape and dimension necessary to seal such particle collecting means eifectively, and preferably temporarily, from the iluid circulating chambers or channels; a preferably resilient gasket or lining member, portions or al1 of such member conforming generally in shape and size to portions of two (2) or more cooperating elements, such as the sides of an opening in the cleaning device and a peripheral portion of an electric razor of predetermined size and shape. The extent of such adaptation is understood t'o be of shape, proportion or location necessary in order to secure a substantial seal between such elements; a replaceable section in the cleaning device containing a razor receiving opening, such replaceable section possibly, but not necessarily, also comprising all or part of a passageway delinable as a cleaning chamber and/or all or part of a passageway containing separating partitions, vanes or the like, definable as a self-contained nozzle section; closure means, preferably, but not necessarily, rotatably suspended, for the razor receiving opening in the cleaning device, such closure means conforming wholly or in part to portions of the cleaning device to an extent necessary to provide a substantially tight seal for the razor receiving opening, with the possible exception of small perforations desirable for pressure relief; a structure on or about the cleaning device containing means conforming dimensionally to an external portion of such an electrical razor to an extent necessary to provide a seat, holding means or depository for such razor; a structure on or rabout. the cleaning device containing a recess of proportions and shape adapted to receive moisture absorbent and/or padded material, such structure preferably having air circulating passageways `next to such moisture absorbent material for ventilation ysecured one to the other as by

screws

2, 2 or by an adhesive (not shown). A resilient padding 3 may be secured as by an adhesive to the bottom of the casing, or to its rear side (not shown), depending on the intended method of supporting the cleaning device. The top side of the casing is provided with an opening 4 of suitable size and shape to admit portions of an electric razor into the casing, the sides of said opening being adapted to engage in very close relationship with portions of such an electric razor. An annular resilient gasket or lining member 5, part of it conforming in shape to a peripheral portion of the razor with which it is intended to engage, is secured to the sides of the opening 4 to provide a rm and vibration-absorbent seat for the razor and to prevent iiuid from entering or escaping fromthe interior, of the casing.

The upper section of the casing having a razor-receiving opening 4 is preferably removably attached to the casing as by tongue and groove means 6, 6 or other eifective arrangement, held in place by a spring or springs 7, with preferably resilient members 3, S providing a fluid seal. The upper section of the casing is further provided with

longitudinal walls

9, 9 extending substantially parallel vto the opening 4 and into the casing, such walls having `their interior sides suitably shaped to provide narrow passageways extending alongside the cutters and possibly adjacent portions of the predetermined razor model to be inserted through the said opening and positionedbetween such walls. The upper section of the casing having the razor-receiving opening may further be provided with a movable lid or cover 1t), preferably attached tothe casing for swinging movement, as by a pivot pin 11. A portion 12 of such lid is suitably shaped to arrest the lids opening movement when it assumes an inverted and substantially horizontal position, the said lid then providing a temporary depository platform for a razors cutter guard. Central portions of the lid preferably extend well into the opening and in close relationship with the surface level of the cleaning liquid normally contained in the cleaning device, to inhibit the evaporation of such liquid. The lid may also be provided with one or more recesses including a recess 13, adapted to provide a seat and stand for a completely assembled predetermined electric razor model, a recess 14 suitably shaped to permit the insertion of the bared cutter portion of such a razor, a recess 15 preferably provided with a soft and/or moisture-absorbent material 16, such as a blotter sheet, and one (l) or more grooves or passageways 17 extending next to and possibly beyond such moisture-absorbent material for purposes of proper ventilation.

The casing encloses a liquid circulating or agitating chamber or chambers consisting preferably of a series of continuous passageways, channels, or

duct sections

18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, forming a closed circuit channel system when an electric razor has been inserted into the casings opening 4, for the continuous circulation of a suitable cleaning medium. All wall portions of such liquid circulating chambers which actually support the weight of the cleaning liquid preferably slope downwardly toward a particle collecting means 44 in the lower portion of the casing, at a sufficient angle to prevent accumulation of sediment and to facilitate the passage of sediment toward such particle collecting means 44.

A cavity in the casing provides enclosure and support means for the liquid impelling assembly comprising such 4 elements as a motor 24, a drive rshaft 25 rotatably supported in a bearing sleeve 26, a grease-holdingrecess 27, and draining passages 28.

Passageways

29 and 30, operi preferably at the rear of the casing, provide adequate ventilation for the motor 24, which is normally activated for very short periods at infrequent intervals. Drive shaft 25,' having im'pellcr blade or blades 31 secured thereto, extends into channel section 18. With the rotation of drive shaft 2S and impeller Vblades. 31, liquid is drawn from channel section 23 into channel section 18 and eX- pelled at high velocity into the contiguous channel section V19, passing therethrough and entering the generally

parallel channel sections

20, 21, 22, to be discharged Vfrom these into channel section 23, and from there to be recirculated.

The connecting passageway between

channel sections

19 and 23, to be designated an internal self-contained nozzle section, may be divided into two (2) or more generally parallel, tubular sub-channels as at 20, 21, 22, by preferably razor edged and

thin partitions

32, 33 or the like., The

outlet ports

34, 35, 36 of

sub-channels

20, 21 and 22 connecting kwith channel section 23 may conform in cross-sectional shape and size to the respective portions of a predetermined razor model intended to be brought into substantial alignment with these outlet ports. One (l) or more of the tubularsub-

channels

20, 21 and 2 of such internal nozzle section may have either a gradually increasing or a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area, or a constant cross-,sectional area in the direc'- tion of fluid flow, whereby the velocity of the fluid streams passing therethrough may be increased, vdecreased or held constant, respectively. A nozzle section having a p1"e determined combination of such sub-channels will thus be able to convert a uniform velocity main current enteringfrom the channel section 19 into several sub-currents of differing velocities, diifering Volumes and differing shapes and directions discharging into channel section 23,

according to predetermined requirements.

Channel section 23, designated herein as a cleaning chamber, is formed by

side Walls

9, 9, a top portion havingthe razor-receiving opening 4 therein, and a bottom portion. To obtain a suflicient slope of the latter while at the same time maintaining a longitudinally and laterally narrowly spaced relationship between the bottom portion and the electric razor inserted into the cleaning chamber, the bottom portion is formed with one 1) or more longitudinal and elongated troughs 37, 38, 39, having

grooves

40, 41, 42, each having a slanting bottom 43 as its base, all having a suicient slope toward the particle collector 44 to facilitate the passage of sediment.

An internal chamber 44 in the casing herein, designated a particle collector or accumulator, is provided with a connecting passageway or opening 45 leading to the fluid circulating chambers, such passageway being temporarily closed, preferably during circulation of the cleaning: medium in the circulating chamber or chambers, by a; suitably shaped and adjustable sealing member such asy a bar 46, having

lateral protrusions

47, 47, which are arranged in suitable grooves 4S, 48 to restrict its movement into and out of a sealing position. The top portion of the sealing member 46 likewise .is slanted suiiiciently to prevent accumulation of sediment thereon. Suitably shaped

Vperforations

49, 49 in a portion of the sealing member permit the engagement with eccentric protrusions Si), Si) keyed to a rotatable shaft 51, so that, dependent on the direction of rotation of this shaft, the sealing member 46 may be moved to close or open the connecting passageway 45.V One end of shaft 51 is journaled in a suitable depression 52 in a wall of the particle collector.v The other end portion of the shaft 51, preferably having a smaller diameter, extends through a stationary sleeve. 53 which is secured firmly to a side wall of the particle collector. A short length of preferably tightly fitting resilient tubing 54, extends partly over theA stationary sleeve 53 and also partly over a portion of theV rotatable shaft 51, to provide a liquid seal. An extension of shaft l, extending through the Walls of the lparticle collector and the casing, terminates in and is fastened to, an electric switch knob 55 as by a set screw 56. A ball 57, held under pressure by a spring 5S, is contained in a suitable recess in the switch knob S5, and such ball is adapted to engage alternately, and under pressure, in any one of preferably three v(3) suitable indentations 59, in the casing Wall in a customary click stop, knob retaining arrangement.

Recesses dt) and 61 vin one side of the casing provide an electric socket which is 4adapted to receive the prongs of a standard electric plug A, attached to the electric cord of an electric razor.

Suitably shaped cavities in the casing provide enclosure and support means for the electric wiring and switching assembly which may be arranged in the following manner: Gne (l) terminal of an electric current supply cord 62, entering the casing at B, is rmly attached to a Stationary plate 63, having current conducting properties. The second terminal of the electric current supply cord 62, entering the casing at B, is rmly attached to a current conducting strip or wire 64, having preferably two (2) upward extensions, one (l) .of which, 64a, extends upwardly and into the recess 60, to supply current to one (l) terminal of the electric socket, the other upward extension 64b, connecting with one (l) terminal of the motor 24. Another current conducting stripor wire 55 extends from the second terminal of the motor 24 downwardly into the proximity of but not touching the plate 63. Yet another current conducting strip or wire 66 extends from the recess of socket terminal 61, downwardly into the proximity of but not touching the plate 6.3.

Angular protrusions

67 and 68 carried on the current conducting strips 64b and 65 prevent their lateral movement.

A current conducting rotatable plate or disk 69, in contact with the plate d3, is preferably provided with suitably shaped

protrusions

70, 71 and 72, preferabiy having springlike .characteristics which, upon rotation of disc dit, may engage with or disengage from the current conducting extensions of either one (l) motor terminal, or one (l) socket terminal, orboth. The rotatable disk 69 preferably has a square-shaped central perforation 73, snugly receiving a square-shaped portion of the rotatable shaft 51, so that upon rotation of such shaft by means of the knob 55, a circuit opening and closing means is provided which is synchronized with the movements of the sealing member 46, when opening or closing the particle collector 44.

To permit the cleaning device to be mounted on a Wall, the casing is provided with one (l) or more cavities 74 communicating with large openings '75 adapted to receive the head of a .screw or screws '76, the said large opening or openings connecting with narrow slot-like openings '77, the said screws usually being secured to and extending from a bathroom or other wall.

The central hollow chamber 78 of the cleaning device may "have Va front opening (not shown.) of suitable size and shape, which may be used as a temporary depository areafor an electric razors cutter guard.

It should be noted that all or portions of the cleaning device may be made of transparent material so that the cleaning operation may be observed, particularly, however, in order to determine when the particle collecting cans has been lled to capacity. Illuminating means (not shown) may also be incorporated into the device.

With the suction force of the impellers being equal to their propelling force in this closed circuit channel system, a penetration of the cleaning liquid into the higher portions of the electric razor is impossible. If so desired, however, the removable porous surface sponge cushion which all electric razors of the type mentioned have be tween the cutters and their supporting structure, may be replaced by an identical cushion having, however, a sealed surface, or a wholly or partially elastic thin membrane may be supplied, such membrane being somewhat larger than the opening in the motor housing of the razor and preferably having centrally located elastic sleeves tting tightly around the oscillating prongs which agitate the razor cutters, with the membrane portion covering said opening and surrounding said sleeves, having sufficient bulges or foids to permit unhampered oscillation of the prongs. It should be noted, however, that such provisions are unnecessary under normal conditions.

To prepare the cleaning device for repeated cleaning operations, a suitable cleaning liquid such as isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol, seventy to ninety-one percent (7C-91% to which a small amount of additives such as a wetting agent and a razor lubricant may or may not be added, is poured into the opening 4, after opening of the lid 10, until the liquid level reaches the indicating mark full on the side of the cleaning chamber wall 9. The device is then ready for operation after connecting it to an electric power outlet. Normally, an electric razor, whose cord has been plugged into the outlet socket 60, di is cradled in an inverted position in the recess or seat 13 in the lid lil at the top of the cleaning device.

To commence operation, the electric razor is lifted from its cradle, and the switch knob 55 is rotated from its oli position to an intermediate position. This action will lift the sealing member 46 and seal the closed circuit channels from the particle collector 44, and at the same time an electrical current is allowed to iiow to outlet di and thus to the razor to activate its cutters. The razor may then be used for shaving in the usual manner. After completion of the shaving operation, the lid l@ is opened, the cutter guard, if any, is removed from the razor and deposited on the inverted open lid 19, which is now supported in a horizontal position. The razors cutters, pointing downwardly and still activated, are then inserted through the opening d, into the cleaning. chamber 23, until they are firmly seated on and held by the resilient sealing member 5. The switch knob 55, is then rotated further to the third `and on position which, while keeping the cutters still activated, also activates the impeller blades 3l; in the closed circuit channels, thus circulating the cleaning liquid continuously within the said channels at high velocity. The `hair particles adhering to the cutters and adjacent parts of the razor are flushed from these parts by the fast moving liquid stream, aided by the cutters own oscillating action. When the cutters have been cleaned, usually after about vtwenty (20) to thirty (30) seconds, the switch knob 55 is then returned to the intermediate position, which will de-energize the impellers 3l and discontinue the forced circulation of the cleaning liquid. After a few seconds, the now cleaned, disinfected and lubricated razor is lifted out of the cleaning chamber and with the cutters still reciprocating, is drained for a few seconds over the opening d. The opening is then closed by the lid lil, and the razor, still inverted, is inserted within the recess 14, at the top of the lid 1G. The absorbent material ld at the bottom of the recess l5 will furthe-r absorb possible drainage of the few remaining droplets, if any, of the normally volatile cleaning liquid. The switch knob S5 is then returned to the o position, thereupon disconnecting the electrical power supply to the razor and at the same time opening the passageway d5 from the particle collector t4 to the closed circuit channel system. All liquid supporting portions of the channels being inclined toward the particle collector at suitable angles, the now sterilized hair particles, having a higher specific gravity Lthan the above named or other suitable cleaning liquid, will precipitate into said particle collector during the interval between normally spaced cleaning operations, thus leaving the liquid in the closed circuit channels clear and clean for the next cleaning operation.

These cleaning operations may be repeated again and again over a period of time until the particle collector has been lled to capacity. The transparent walls or the particle collector (or of the entire device) will aid in determining when the full point has been reached. At such time, the cleaning device (wall model) is lifted slightly to permit the holding screws '77 to slide from ,their retaining slo-ts 76. Thedevice is then removed from the supporting wall after disconnecting the power supply; the lid 10 is opened and the cleaning liquid drained from the device through the opening 4. Repeated filling with and draining of water will aid in the removal of all foreign matter. After final draining, the device will be refilled with proper cleaning liquid for further service as previously described.

It should be noted that the basic principles involved in the present invention are similar regardless of whether liquid or air is used as a cleaning medium. However, while the device heretofore described is particularly adapted to utilize a cleaning liquid, adaptation of some of the features to the use of air'as a cleaning medium will presently be described. In the embodiment of my invention shown in FIGURE 7, the numeral 101 designates a structurally rigid base having a resilient pad 10151 secured as by an adhesive to its lower side. Secured as by screws to the base 101 is a suitably shaped casing 102, which preferably comprises a lower section 102a and an upper exchangeable section 102b, which are secured one to the other by screws or a suitable locking device (not shown). The top side of the casing section 102bis provided with an opening 103 of suitable size and shape to receive that portion of an electric razor housing R which carries one (l) -or more sets of cutters C, such razor housing having a peripheral shoulder S, which firmly seats upon a resilient ring-shaped gasket or member 104 secured to the edges of the opening normally to prevent air from entering or escaping from the interior of the casing.

Supported centrally in the casing 102 and firmly secured to the base 101 is a supporting structure 105 which is formed with a horizontally disposed channel 106 extending therethrough. The supporting structure comprises opposed

upright members

107, 107 which support suitable bearings within which the ends of a rotatable drive shaft 108 are journaled. The shaft 108 is connected to and rotated by one or more electric motors 109 which are secured to and supported on the supporting structure 105. The motors 109 are electrically connected in the ,usual manner to an electric connector plug 110, and a switch (not shown) connected in the circuit provides convenient means on the casing for controlling the operation of the motors. Small holes are preferably provided in the lower section 102a of the casing, preferably at opposite sides of the motors 109, to permit the discharge of air which is heated by the operation of the motors. Extending longitudinally through the channel 106 is a driven shaft 111 which has a plurality of fan or impeller blades 112 secured thereto. The driven shaft is rotatably supported at its ends within suitable bearings carried by depending members 105:1, 105a forming parts of the supporting structure 105. Keyed to the shafts 108 and 111, respectively, are pulleys 113 and 114 which are operatively connected by an endless belt 115. With the rotation of the fan blades 112 by the electric motors 109, air is drawn into the channel 106 through the inlet opening 106a and expelled through the outlet opening 106b.

The interior of the casing 102 is provided with suitably shaped partitions which together with the casing define a series xof channels for the circulation and recirculation of a high velocity current of air for purposes of dislodging and removing hair and dust particles adhering to the cutters and the adjacent sides of the razor housing. Connected to the outlet opening 10617 of the channel 106 is a duct 116 leading upwardly and divided into a plurality of channels as at 117, 110 and 119, which are formed within the upper section 102b of the casing by means of curved partitions 120 and 121.. The

channels

117, 118 and 119 have different sizes and shapes, and each communicates with a zoneor area 122 which is partially en.- closed by a wall structure 123 which is suitably contoured in accordance with the general shape of the cutters C` and the adjoining portions of the razorhousing R. The air .8. discharging from zone 122 enters an air .duct 124 which connects with the inlet openingv 106a of the channel 106.

Mtounted in a suitable opening provided in an end of the casing 102 is an airV filter supporting drawer 125 which has a vertical channel 126. through which air proceeding through the duct 124 is adapted to flow. i The filter supporting drawer -125 is adapted to fit into a suitably shaped structure 127 in the casing, and fingerV grooves 128 in the sides of 125 provide means for withdrawing the drawer when the filters are to be cleaned,

Supported by the filter supporting'drawer 125'in positions extending across its channel 126 are vertically spaced perforate air filters 129 and 130. The air duct 124 gradually assumes narrow proportions as it extends from the zone 122 toward its lower extremity, and as a consequence the upper lter 129 is larger lin area than the lower filter 130.

It is to be noted that the casing is provided with an air duct section having a self-contained air nozzle so constructed as to embody internally arranged asymmetric air stream subdividing partitions, having longitudinally and laterally progressively changing structural patterns varying one from another as to cross-sectional size, shape and contour. It is also to be noted that a closed circuit is provided in the casing for the continuous circulation of air as will be presently described.

To commence the cleaning operation, the electric razor is positioned in the opening 103 of the casing 102 with its cutters reciprocating in the usual manner. When the electrical circuit is closed'and the electric motors 109 are energized, the fan blades 112 discharge air into the air duct-116 with considerable velocity and at the same time draw air'from the duct 124 into the channel 106. The moving air from the duct 116 is divided into a plurality of air streams by the partitions and 121,.and such air streams are conveyed through the

channels

117, 11S and 119 into and through the zone122. The .hair and dust particles adhering to the cutters and the adjacent sides of the razor housing R are dislodged by the fast moving air stream and carried thereby into the duct 124. The hair and dust particles are intercepted and retained by the air filters 129 and 130 as the air stream flows down-1 wardly through the duct 124, and the channel 126 in the drawer 125, to the inlet 106:1 of channel 106.

When the cleaning operation has been completed, the electrical circuit is broken by opening the electrical switch. The drawer may be withdrawn from the casing when the filters 129 and 130 require cleaning.

It is to be noted that in the examples shown, the cleaning devices are adapted for useiin cleaning a certain type or make of electric razor. By utilizing the principles of the present invention, suitable modifications may be made in the construction of the partitions and in the shape of the casing and its razor seat to accommodate other types and makes of electric razors.

The term hold used herein with respect to the opening in the casing which is adapted to receive portions of an electric razor means that the sides of such opening restrict, at least partially, the movement ofthe razor portions'brought into juxtaposition with the sides of the opening.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by Way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What I claim is:

l. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, a casing having a replaceable section, the casing enclosing a closed circuit fluid conveying duct adapted to have a uid streamcirculated therein, fluid propelling means in the casing for directing a fluid stream through the duct, the replaceable section of the casing having an opening dimensionally adapted to receive and hold such an electric razor in a position with its cutters located in the duct, and particle collecting means in the casing connected to the fluid conveying duct and adapted to accumulate hair particles carried by such fluid stream from such razor.

2. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, a casing enclosing a closed circuit fluid conveying duct wherein a fluid stream is adapted to be circulated, an opening -in the duct adapted dimensionally to receive and hold portions of such an electric razor with its cutters positioned in the duct, the opening having a resilient member disposed between the sides of the opening and such razor, portions of such resilient member being adapted dimensionally to conform to a peripheral portion of such a razor to form a substantially close fitting seat therefor, iiuid impellingmeans arranged in the duct for propelling a fluid stream through the duct, and particle collecting means connected to the duct and adapted to accumulate particles carried by such fluid stream from the cutters of such razor.

3. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape of thetype having at least one set of aligned cutters, a casing having an opening adapted dimensionally to hold snugly such a razor in a position with its cutters disposed inside the casing, the opening being adapted to be substantially closed by such razor positioned therein, a structure positioned within the casing defining in combination with such casing a closed circuit fluid circulating passageway having a plurality of channel sections arranged to direct streams of fluid longitudinally through and alongside such cutters, particle collecting means in the casing connected to the passageway and arranged to collect particles carried by the fluid stream from such cutters, fluid impelling means mounted in the casing and arranged to circulate iluid through the passageway and the channels, at least one electric motor in the casing connected to an electric supply circuit, and means operatively connecting the motor and the iluid impelling means.

4. In a cleaning device for electric razors having a predetermined size and shape, a continuous fluid channel structure adapted to circulate a cleaning fluid continuously sectionally divided into a rst channel section having an opening adapted to receive portions of such an electric razor adapted to be inserted through the opening into the said first channel section, the walls of the said rst channel section forming enclosure means extending longitudinally alongside and in spaced relation to portions of such razor adapted to be inserted through said opening, a second channel section having particle collecting means connected thereto, the said particle collecting means being arranged to collect hair particles carried by such iiuid stream in the continuous fluid channel structure, and a third channel section adjoining and interposed between the first channel section and the second channel section having at least one impeller blade therein for propelling a fluid stream through the continuous uid channel structure.

5. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, the cleaning device, utilizing a cleaning fluid, a casing comprising at least one chamber wherein such cleaning uid is adapted to be circulated, fluid impelling means supported in the casing and arranged to circulate such uid .in said chamber, an opening in said chamber adapted to receive and hold portions of such razor in a position with its cutters disposed inside said chamber, said opening being formed with an annular member, portions of said member closely conforming in size and shape to an external peripheral portion on such razor, whereby such circulating cleaning iiuid is substantially prevented from escaping from said chamber.

6. In a cleaning device for electric razors, the cleaning device being of the type adapted to utilize a cleaning liquid, a casing comprising a cleaning chamber adapted to retain and hold such cleaning liquid and wherein such liquid is adapted to be agitated, an opening in said cleaning chamber dimensionally adapted to admit the cutter portion .of such an electric razor into the said chamber, particle collecting means internally connected to said chamber and adapted to accumulate hair particles carried by such liquid in said cleaning chamber, a passageway connecting said particle collecting means and said cleaning chamber, and movable means supported in the casing for opening andclosing the saidpassageway.

7. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, the cleaning devicebeing of the type adaptedto utilize moisture-absorbent material and a cleaning tiuid, a continuous circuit uid conveying channel wherein a fluid is adapted to be circulated, a (side) opening in said channel adapted to receive portions of such razor with its cutters disposed inside said channel, the said openingbeing adapted dimensionally to engage snugly with a peripheral portion of such razor, movable closure means adapted to tit against the sides of said opening and adapted to form a substantial seal for said opening, the said closure means having a recess adapted to receive and hold such moisture-absorbent material in a position engageable by said portions of the razor, huid impelling means arranged in the channel for circulating a uid through the said channel, and particle collecting means connected to the channel and arranged to accumulate hair particles carried by the uid from such razor.

8. In a cleaning device for electr-ic razors of predetermined size and shape, a continuous circuit fluid conveying channel wherein a uid is adapted to be circulated, an opening in the channel adapted to receive portions of such razor with its cutters disposed inside the channel, movable closure means adapted to fit against the sides of said opening and arranged to form a substantial seal for said opening, the said closure means having a recess adapted in shape and size to form a cradle for portions of such an electric razor, particle collecting means connected to the channel yand arranged to accumulate particles carried by such fluid from such razor, a passageway connecting said particle collecting means and said channel, and closure means movably suspended to provide a sealing means for said passageway.

9. In a cleaning device for electric razors, the cleaning device being of the type adapted to utilize a cleaning liquid, a closed circuit liquid conveying channel system having walls adapted to retain such cleaning liquid, one section of the channel walls having an opening adapted to receive such an electric razor with its cutters disposed inside the channel system, a substantial portion of the channel walls supporting such cleaning liquid arranged to have an inclination (away) from the horizontal in excess of twenty-nine degrees (29) whereby sediment is prevented from accumulating on such wall sections, and particle collecting means connected to the channel system and arranged to accumulate particles carried by such cleaning liquid from such an electric razor.

l0. In a cleaning device for electric razors the cleaning device being of the type adapted to utilize a cleaning iiuid, a casing enclosing an internal fluid circulating passageway adapted to have such cleaning fluid circulated therein, fluid propelling means mounted in the casing and arranged to circulate such cleaning uid through the uid circulating passageway, an opening in the casing adapted to admit port-ions of such razor into the casing and into the iiuid conveying passageway, the sides of the opening having a peripheral shoulder adapted dimensionally to engage snugly with a peripheral portion of such razor to prevent uid from escaping from the passageway, a self-contained nozzle section in the casing forming a portion of such passageway and comprising a fluid conveying channel divided by at least one partition into generally parallel, elongated, tubular channels for directing fluid streams in said -fluid conveying passageway, and particle collecting means supported in the casing and adapted to accumulate particles carried by such cleaning iluid from such razor.

1l. In a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, the cleaning device being of the type adapted to utilize a cleaning liquid, a casing having a chamber wherein such liquid is adapted to circulate, an opening in the casing adapted to admit portions of such a razor intoV the chamber, movable closure means adapted to close the said opening and providing a substantially liquid-proof seal for the said opening, a seat for portions of such razor adapted structurally to provide holding means for such a razor, the said seat being positioned adjacent therclosure means, impeller means supported inthe casing and arranged to direct a liquid stream against the cutters of such razor, and particle collecting means in the casing internally connected to the cleaning chamber for accumulating hair particles carried by such liquid stream from the cutters.

12. ln a cleaning device for electric razors of predetermined size and shape, the cleaning device being of the type adapted to utilize a cleaning Huid, a casing having a cleaning chamber adapted to retain and hold such cleaning uid and wherein said fluid is adapted to be agitated,

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 982,578 Dilg Jan. 24, 1911 1,285,560 Chase Nov. 19, 1918 2,293,201 Gaebel Aug. 18, 1942 2,638,909 Hiatt May 19, 1953 2,860,646 Zucker Nov. 18, 1958 2,860,785 Gardener Nov. 18, 1958 2,918,925 Dopler Dec. 29, 1959 2,960,991 Bland Nov. 22, 1960 3,033,710 Hightower May 8, 1962

Claims

1. IN A CLEANING DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC RAZORS OF PREDETERMINED SIZE AND SHAPE, A CASING HAVING A REPLACEABLE SECTION, THE CASING ENCLOSING A CLOSED CIRCUIT FLUID CONVEYING DUCT ADAPTED TO HAVE FLUID STREAM CIRCULATED THEREIN, FLUID PROPELLING MEANS IN THE CASING FOR DIRECTING A FLUID STREAM THROUGH THE DUCT, THE REPLACEABLE SECTION OF THE CASING HAVING AN OPENING DIMENSIONALLY ADAPTED TO RECEIVE AND HOLD SUCH AN ELECTRIC RAZOR IN A POSITION WITH ITS CUTTERS LOCATED IN THE DUCT, AND PARTICLE COLLECTING MEANS IN THE CASING CONNECTED TO THE FLUID CONVEYING DUCT AND ADAPTED TO ACCUMULATE HAIR PARTICLES CARRIED BY SUCH FLUID STREAM FROM SUCH RAZOR.