Abstract:
In a wet shave razor integrated with a base unit, the razor has a handle, at least one razor cartridge coupled to the handle, a control module and a sensor integrated into the handle, a sensor for detecting movement of the handle, and memory for storing data related to the movement of the handle. The base unit has a display for indicating data pertaining to cartridge use, a controller in communication with the display, and a mechanism for transferring data from the memory to the controller when the razor is received by the base unit. A method of tracking the use of shaving devices includes receiving an input signal indicative of a movement of the shaving device, maintaining a count of a number of the input signals, incrementing the count in response to additional received input signals, and displaying a value in response to the counted number of input signals.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 60/841,692, filed Sep. 1, 2006. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to shaving implements and, more particularly, to a wet shaving system in which usage of a razor cartridge is monitored and information concerning such usage is conveyed to a user.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Modern wet shave razors generally employ a disposable razor cartridge. As the blades housed within the razor cartridges become dull from repeated use, the quality of subsequent shaving experiences deteriorates. Eventually, shave quality deteriorates to a point where the cartridge must be replaced. A difficulty occurs in that users often do not monitor or remember how many times a particular razor cartridge has been used. As such when it is time to change a cartridge the user may not have one on hand, thereby forcing the user to potentially endure an uncomfortable shave until such time as a replacement razor cartridge can be obtained.  
         [0004]     Hair differs with regard to hardness, with harder hair being more difficult to cut. The hardness of hair is determined by the amount of keratin in the hair. Keratin is a natural fibrous protein that is made up of several different amino acids. The proportions of these amino acids that make up the keratin vary between people, thereby resulting in the differences in hair hardness. These differences in hair hardness in turn result in differing wear rates for a wet shave razor cartridge. Accordingly, depending on the characteristics of a users hair, the useful life expectancy of a razor cartridge will vary from user to user. Since razor cartridges also differ (i.e., some are higher quality than others, and some have more blades that others) it is sometimes difficult for a user to determine how many shaves can be comfortably obtained from a particular type of razor cartridge. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that different users shave differently. Some many use more strokes than others, and some may use longer or shorter strokes than others. These factors each affect the useful life of a razor cartridge. Accordingly, there is a current need for a way by which a user can determine and monitor the useful life of a razor cartridge.  
         [0005]     Based on the foregoing, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a shaving device that provides a user with feedback regarding the quality of a razor cartridge over time.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to shaving systems comprising shaving units integrated with base units. In one embodiment, the shaving system is a wet shave razor integrated with a base unit. The wet shave razor has a handle, at least one razor cartridge coupled to the handle, a control module integrated into the handle and including a sensor for detecting movement of the handle, and a memory means for storing data related to the movement of the handle. The base unit, which is adapted to removably and integratably receive at least a portion of the wet shave razor, has a display for indicating data pertaining to razor cartridge use, a controller in communication with the display for sending data to the display, and transfer means for transferring data from the memory means to the controller when at least a portion of the wet shave razor is received by the base unit. The storing, displaying, and transferring of data is effected via at least one software algorithm. Data displayed on the display function may be the number of shaving strokes taken, the number of shaving strokes left until the razor blade(s) should be replaced, the time, or any combination thereof.  
         [0007]     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of tracking the use of shaving devices. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving an input signal indicative of a movement of the shaving device, maintaining a count of a number of the input signals, incrementing the count in response to additional received input signals, and displaying a value in response to the counted number of input signals. One type of signal indicative of the movement of the shaving device may be a signal from a switch that operates in response to a tilting motion of the shaving device.  
         [0008]     One advantage of the present invention is that a user can be put on notice that the razor blades of a shaving implement need to be replaced. The user is periodically reminded of the limited life of the razor blades. Accordingly, the user can change the razor blades before they degrade to the point at which nicks or cuts are inflicted. Thus, the demise of the razor blades can be anticipated, and new razor blades can be purchased in advance of the actual need. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the wet shaving system of the present invention having a shaving unit and an integrated base.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view of a razor head of the shaving unit of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a replaceable cartridge of a razor head.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of the shaving unit of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of an electronic control module in the shaving unit.  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of the base of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of the display unit of the base.  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side cutaway view of the shaving unit inserted in the base. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]     Disclosed herein are wet shaving systems and methods of their use. As used herein, wet shaving systems are those in which a shaving device is used in conjunction with an aqueous composition or in an aqueous environment to facilitate the removal of hair from a hirsute surface. Typically, the shaving devices employed are flexible razor blades having sharpened edges. Other shaving devices, e.g., microprismatic elements that can be used to cut hair, are also within the scope of this disclosure.  
         [0018]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a wet shaving system of the present invention is shown generally at  10  and is hereinafter referred to as “system  10 .” The system  10  is defined by two integrated components, namely a shaving unit  12  (e.g., a wet shave razor) and a base  14 . Between uses, the shaving unit  12  is stored in the base  14  where the shaving unit is charged and recharged in preparation for subsequent uses. Charging and recharging is effected via an inductive coupling link maintained between the shaving unit  12  and the associated base  14 . Data is also transmitted from the shaving unit  12  to the base  14  via the inductive coupling link. One type of data that may be transmitted is a count of the number of shaving strokes.  
         [0019]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the shaving unit  12  comprises a razor head  16  mounted on a handle  20 . The razor head  16  comprises a pivot frame  22  that extends from the handle  20  such that a razor blade cartridge  30  (which may be replaceable) can be mounted on the pivot frame  22 . The blade cartridge  30  can be mounted via the engagement of any suitable structure such as, for example, arcuate surfaces formed on the razor blade cartridge that engage corresponding arcuate surfaces on the pivot frame.  
         [0020]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the razor blade cartridge  30  has any number of razor blades  32  mounted thereon. Preferably, the razor blades  32  are fixedly mounted within a frame  34  or similar structure having a cap  36 , a guard  38 , and end walls  40 . The cap  36  may further have a comfort strip  44  or other device attached thereto to provide cleanly-shaven skin with a medicament or other compound when the shaving unit is used. Spacers  46  are positioned between the razor blades  32  to assist in maintaining the proper spacing between the razor blades and to facilitate the wash-through of shaving debris during use. Arcuate surfaces formed on the underside of the frame  34  may be, for example, rocker bearings or the like to provide for the engagement of the razor blade cartridge  30  with the pivot frame and to facilitate pivotal movement of the razor blade cartridge with respect to the surface being shaved, thereby allowing the associated razor blades to be maneuvered over the surface and around obstacles to provide for optimum shaving results.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the handle  20  of the shaving unit  12  comprises an elongated tubular member that is graspable by the user. The handle  20  may be ergonomically shaped or at least contoured in such a way so as to provide sufficient comfort during a shaving operation. Outer surfaces of the handle  20  may be covered with an elastomeric material configured to define ridges  48  that allow the user to positively grip the shaving unit. In one embodiment, a rearward portion  50  of the handle  20  has one arrangement of elastomeric ridges to be gripped by the user&#39;s third, fourth, and fifth fingers, while an intermediate portion  52  of the handle has another arrangement of elastomeric ridges to be gripped by the user&#39;s thumb and forefinger.  
         [0022]     A release switch assembly  56  is mounted within the handle  20  and provides operable communication between the razor blade cartridge  30  and an electronic control module  60  in the rearward portion  50  of the handle. A forward portion of the release switch assembly  56  is releasably attached to the blade cartridge  30 , and a rearward portion of the release switch assembly is attached to a magnet  62 .  
         [0023]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the electronic control module  60  comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting movement of the handle. The electronic control module  60  includes a microcontroller  64 , a magnetic reed switch  66 , a tilt switch  68 , and a coil assembly  70 . The microcontroller  64  is a printed circuit board (PCB) that is in communication with the magnetic reed switch  66 , the tilt switch  68 , and the coil assembly  70 . Preferably, the microcontroller  64  includes a memory device for storing data related to the movement of the handle as well as a capacitance device that stores and provides power to the components of the PCB. A battery can also be used in lieu of the capacitance device to store and provide power. The entire electronic control module  60  is preferably potted in a waterproof compound and self-contained, thus eliminating the opportunity for liquid water or condensate to collect and adversely affect the circuitry of the microcontroller  64 . Because the shaving unit operates via inductive coupling, there are no wires or other physical links that extend from the electronic control module  60 . The reed switch  66  and the tilt switch  68  operate as sensors that detect movement of the handle.  
         [0024]     The reed switch  66  comprises two reeds, at least one of which is magnetic, that are independently mounted and biased so as to be out of contact with each other when not in the presence of the magnetic field of the magnet of the release switch assembly. The tilt switch  68  is level device and may be a bubble in an encapsulated liquid, a flapper that is pivotably mounted and weighted to rotate so that one portion thereof is always in a particular orientation, or the like. In any embodiment of the tilt switch  68 , a sensor reads the position of the switch and conveys a signal to the microcontroller  64  for processing (e.g., the number of changes from an upward vertical orientation to a level or downward vertical orientation (“tilts”)). The coil assembly  70  is a wrapping of wires that, when the shaving unit is inserted in the base, is in magnetic communication with a power transformer  72  in the base  14  to provide power to the microcontroller  64 .  
         [0025]     Referring now to both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , upon release of the razor blade cartridge  30  from the release switch assembly  56 , the release switch assembly and the magnet  62  slide forward in the handle  20 . Because when the magnet  62  slides forward away from the reed switch  66  the magnetic field is removed therefrom, the reeds are allowed to engage each other. Subsequent separation of the reeds, namely, by the insertion of another razor blade cartridge such that the magnet  62  slides rearward in the handle  20  to impose the magnetic field on the reed switch  66  thereby opening the reeds, registers in the microcontroller  64 . In a preferred embodiment, the registration of a new magnetic field in the microcontroller  64  resets a shaving stroke counter embodied in software programmed into the microcontroller.  
         [0026]     The software programmed into the microcontroller  64  executes an algorithm that receives input signals indicative of the movement of the shaving unit  12  from the switches and qualifies such movements. As used herein, the term “qualifies” means counts the number of strokes and records the count number in the electronic control module  60 . The algorithm is based on the user&#39;s movements during a shaving operation. More specifically, the tilting down movement to rinse accumulated shaving debris from the razor blades and the movement back to the shaving position are recorded. The algorithm then accordingly increments the shave count.  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the base  14  is adapted to removably and integratably receive at least a portion of the shaving unit. The base  14  comprises a housing  74  having a port  76  configured to accommodate the shaving unit. The power transformer  72  is located in the housing  74  to provide an inductive coupling link to the coil assembly in the handle of the shaving unit when the shaving unit is located in the port  76 . An alternating current (AC) line  78  is connected to the power transformer  72 , as is a display unit  80 . A base microcontroller  82  in the form of a PCB is disposed in electronic communication with the power transformer  72  and the display unit  80 . A software algorithm in the PCB provides a means of transferring data from the memory device of the microcontroller of the shaving unit to the base microcontroller  82 . Preferably, the housing  74  is a unit molded from plastic or cast from metal that is capable of withstanding the typical conditions encountered in the wet shaving environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, and the like). Furthermore, the housing  74  is preferably weighted or capable of being fixed to a surface so as to avoid or at least minimize the opportunity for unintentionally upsetting the position of the shaving system.  
         [0028]     When the shaving unit is returned to the port  76  after use, the data qualified by the software algorithm is transferred to the base microcontroller  82 . The data, namely, an indicator of the number of shaving strokes taken or the number of shaving strokes remaining until replacement of the razor blades should be considered, is displayed on the display unit  80  for a period of time when the device is removed from or returned to the port  76 . The indication of the shaving strokes may be displayed in any suitable manner such as digitally, using some type of written notation (e.g., shave/replace), or with gradations of color that indicate to the user the expected life of the razor blades.  
         [0029]     As is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the display unit  80  comprises a readout screen  84  that comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). In the alternative, the screen  84  may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). When the shaving unit is removed from the base  14  for a shaving operation, the indicator of the number of shaving strokes at the culmination of the previous shaving operation is briefly displayed. When the shaving unit is returned to the base  14  after a shaving operation, an indication of the number of shaving strokes is briefly displayed. In either case, after briefly displaying the indicator, the time is displayed. The time may be set or adjusted using a clock set button  86  that is in communication with the base microcontroller  82 .  
         [0030]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , when the shaving unit  12  is inserted into the port  76  of the base  14  and when the AC line  78  is connected to an AC power source, the coil assembly  70  is positioned proximate the power transformer  72  in the base. Magnetic communication between the coil assembly  70  and the power transformer  72  provide for the charging of the capacitance device of the microcontroller of the electronics control module in the shaving unit  12 . Because of the use of inductive coupling, the system  10  is a low current device and can typically provide two shaves over a period of about twenty-six hours without the shaving unit  12  being returned to the base  14 .  
         [0031]     Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.