Patent Description:
There are numerous grooming devices used by consumers every day. Proper usage techniques of such grooming devices facilitate the overall efficacy of the product providing the user with a more positive experience than he or she would have otherwise experienced. Such positive usage experiences will likely lead to continued product usage. Providing the user with information about proper usage techniques for using grooming devices appliance has been limited.

An example of prior art is given by the patent documentation <CIT>.

Razors with sensors have been used to provide information to the user. Razors with proximity sensors or cameras have been used to provide information on blade attrition. Razors with force sensors have been used to provide the user with information on the amount of force being applied to the skin. By tracking the force being applied during the shave provides a metric to gauge blade dulling and predict blade attrition. Razors having sensors to count shaving strokes have been used to again assist with blade attrition. Cameras have been used to provide users with boundary indicators such as distinguishing between areas of long hair such as side burns adjacent to areas of shorter hair length.

To date the devices providing force and blade life tracking have been limited in their commercial viability given the complicated and expensive designs. There is a desire to provide a grooming device with force indication and blade life tracking in a simple and cost-effective design. Such a design has yet to be provided.

The present invention relates to a grooming device. The grooming device comprises a handle. The handle comprises a first portion comprising a housing, a proximal end and a distal end. A displacement sensor is positioned within the housing. A power source is positioned within the housing. The power source provides power to the displacement sensor. The handle comprises a neck portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a location element. The proximal end of the neck portion comprises an implement connecting structure. The distal end of the neck portion is pivotably connected to the proximal end of the first portion about a handle pivot axis. As the neck portion pivots about the handle pivot axis relative to the first portion the displacement sensor detects displacement of the location element. A grooming implement is connected to the implement connecting structure.

The grooming device comprises an eject button to eject the grooming implement from the handle, the location element being negatively displaced upon depression of the eject button.

The location element is positioned adjacent the distal end of the neck portion.

The displacement sensor is positioned adjacent the proximal end of the first portion.

A spring may be positioned between the distal end of the neck portion and the proximal end of the first portion.

The grooming device may comprise an electric shaver, a shaving razor and/or an epilator.

An algorithm is used to calculate a load being placed on the grooming implement based on displacement of the location element.

The grooming device may comprise a feedback mechanism positioned in the first portion. The feedback mechanism may comprise a visual indicator, an LED, a vibration mechanism, and/or an audio mechanism. The feedback mechanism may indicate a pressure, or a load state being placed on the handle.

The displacement sensor may comprise a magnetometer, an electric field sensor or a light sensor. The magnetometer may comprise a Hall Effect sensor.

The location element may comprise a magnet, a visual marker or an electrically conductive material.

The grooming device may comprise a second magnetometer positioned within the housing.

The distal end of the neck portion is pivotably connected to the proximal end of the first portion by a hinge. The hinge may comprise an elastomer, a plastic material, a pin or a metal.

The grooming device may comprise a memory storage device positioned within the housing. The grooming device may comprise a communication device positioned within the housing. The communication device may communicate with a second device.

The housing may be watertight to protect the sensors, devices and power source positioned with the housing.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:.

Referring now to <FIG> there is shown a grooming device <NUM>. The grooming device <NUM> shown is a shaving razor <NUM>. The shaving razor <NUM> is just one example of a grooming device of the present invention. Examples of other grooming devices of the present invention include an electric shaver, and an epilator.

The grooming device <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> comprising a housing <NUM>, a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. A displacement sensor <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. A power source <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. The power source <NUM> provides power to the displacement sensor <NUM>. The power source also provides power to other sensors and devices needing power. The power source <NUM> may comprise a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery or a corded electrical connection. The first portion <NUM> forms the grip portion <NUM> for the handle <NUM> where the user will grasp the handle <NUM> during use.

The handle <NUM> comprises a neck portion <NUM> comprising a proximal end <NUM>, a distal end <NUM> and a location element <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> comprising an implement connecting structure <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> is pivotably connected to the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> about a handle pivot axis <NUM>. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about the handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM> the displacement sensor <NUM> detects displacement of the location element <NUM>.

The distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> is pivotably connected to the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> allows the neck portion <NUM> to pivot about handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, the hinge shown is a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be constructed of numerous materials having the requisite strength properties with metal being the preferred material. Referring now to <FIG>, another type of a hinge <NUM> is shown. Hinge <NUM> may be an elastomer <NUM> that allows the neck portion <NUM> to pivot about handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, another type of a hinge <NUM> is shown. Hinge <NUM> may be a plastic material <NUM> that allows the neck portion <NUM> to pivot about handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, a grooming implement <NUM> is connected to the implement connecting structure <NUM>. The grooming implement <NUM> shown is a razor cartridge <NUM>. The razor cartridge <NUM> includes at least one blade for cutting hair. The razor cartridge <NUM> may include any number of blades for cutting hair.

The location element <NUM> is positioned adjacent the distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM>. Other locations within the neck portion may be selected with adjacent the distal end being the preferred location for the location element <NUM>. The displacement sensor <NUM> is positioned within the first portion <NUM> adjacent the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Other locations within the first portion may be selected with adjacent the proximal end being the preferred location for the displacement sensor <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may comprise a magnet <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may also comprise a visual marker or an electrically conductive material.

The displacement sensor <NUM> may comprise a magnetometer, an electric field sensor or a light sensor. The magnetometer may comprise a Hall Effect sensor. The location element may comprise a magnet, a visual marker or an electrically conductive material. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about handle pivot axis <NUM> location element <NUM> moves relative to displacement sensor <NUM>. In the case of a magnet and a hall effect sensor, as neck portion <NUM> pivots magnet <NUM> moves. The Hall Effect sensor <NUM> detects the change in magnetic field due to the movement of magnet <NUM>.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a second displacement sensor such as a magnetometer <NUM> positioned within the housing <NUM>. The second magnetometer <NUM> can be used to cancel out any movements detected by the first displacement sensor or magnetometer not directly associated with the magnet <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the displacement sensor <NUM> may comprise a light sensor <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may comprise a light source or visual marker <NUM>. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about handle pivot axis <NUM>, light source or visual marker <NUM> moves and the movement of light source or visual marker <NUM> is detected by the light sensor <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the displacement sensor <NUM> may comprise an electric field sensor <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may comprise an electrically conductive material <NUM>. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about handle pivot axis <NUM>, electrically conductive material <NUM> moves and disturbs the electric field generated by electric field sensor <NUM> and is detected by the electric field sensor <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the grooming device <NUM> may comprise a spring <NUM> positioned between the distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be a compression spring, a coil spring, a constant rate spring or a variable rate spring.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a feedback mechanism <NUM>. Preferably the feedback mechanism is positioned in the first portion <NUM>. The feedback mechanism <NUM> provides the user with information about the grooming experience. The feedback mechanism <NUM> may be a visual indicator such as an LED or LCD display. The feedback mechanism <NUM> may be a vibration mechanism and/or an audio mechanism.

A single or multiple feedback mechanisms <NUM> may be used depending on the desired communication with the user. The feedback mechanism may indicate a pressure or a load state. For example, the feedback mechanism may be an LED which shows a green color for grooming within a proper pressure or load and a red color for grooming above a proper pressure or load state.

Preferably the housing <NUM> is watertight thus allowing the device to be used in wet conditions while maintaining the functioning of the displacement sensor <NUM> and power source <NUM> within the housing. The neck portion <NUM> does not need be watertight as it does not house any devices or elements that would impact their functioning if exposed to water.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a memory storage device <NUM> positioned within the housing <NUM>. The memory storage device <NUM> may comprise a non-volatile flash memory, a non-volatile flash memory card, a hard disk and/or a volatile DRAM.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a communication device <NUM> positioned within the housing. The communication device <NUM> may comprise a wireless connection, a wired connection, a removable memory card, a vibration device, microphone, an audio device and/or a visual indicator such as an LED or LCD display. The communication device <NUM> allows the grooming device <NUM> to communicate with a user and/or a second device <NUM>. The second device <NUM> comprises a second communication device <NUM> that can communicate with communication device <NUM>. The communication with a second device <NUM> may be wirelessly through a cloud architecture and wirelessly to the second device. The wireless communication may be made via a Wi-Fi connection, a SIM card with GSM connection, a Bluetooth transmitter, a Li-Fi connection, and an infra-red transmitter. The communication may be directly to the second device. The second device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, a computer application, a computer, an electronic device or a base for holding the razor.

In use, the user will grasp the grip portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. The power source <NUM> will power up and power the sensors needing power. The power source <NUM> may power up automatically upon contact with or movement by the user. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may power up via an on/off switch. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may be constantly on and preferably in a power save mode while not in use and then in full power mode when in use. The user will then groom.

As the user grooms, data is collected from the displacement sensor <NUM>. The data collected can be used to calculate the pressure and or load on the handle <NUM> as well as contact data. The data collected may also be used to calculate the number and length of each grooming stroke experienced and the total distance or mileage the grooming implement has experienced at any given point in time. When the user is finished grooming, the grooming device <NUM> is put down and data collection stops. The collected data may be transmitted instantaneously as the data is collected via the communication device <NUM>. Alternatively, the collected data is transmitted after the data from a single grooming event or multiple grooming events has been collected via the communication device <NUM>. The data whether transmitted instantaneously or after a period of time can be transmitted through the feedback mechanism <NUM>. The feedback mechanism <NUM> may be in the form of a color coming from an LED, such as yellow indicating that the pressure being exerted on the grooming implement is getting near a maximum pressure that is to be exerted and red indicating that the pressure being exerted is exceeding the maximum pressure that is to be exerted on grooming implement.

The grooming device comprises an eject button <NUM>. AS a user depresses eject button <NUM> the grooming implement is ejected from the handle.

Referring now to <FIG> there is shown a plan diagram <NUM> of the collected data and algorithms used with grooming device <NUM>. With the power source <NUM> on raw data is collected <NUM> during the grooming event from displacement sensor <NUM>. The raw data is then converted into measurements at <NUM>. The measurements may be made by a logic device such as microprocessor. The microprocessor <NUM> may be located within the housing <NUM> of handle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Alternatively, the raw data can be sent from communication device <NUM> to an external second device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) such as a mobile phone, a computer application, a computer or electronic device where measurements may be made by a logistic device such as a microprocessor. At <NUM> the grooming event is detected from the raw data of the displacement sensor <NUM> using an algorithm. The algorithm may comprise of monitoring the displacement detected by displacement sensor <NUM> while the grooming device is in a static condition to detect the presence of grooming implement <NUM>. The algorithm may comprise of monitoring the activity strength as recorded by displacement sensor <NUM>. For example, if a user starts shaving there would be activation of the displacement sensor <NUM> when grooming implement <NUM> touches the skin on the user's face causing the neck portion to pivot. The same logic can be used to determine if razor cartridge <NUM> has been ejected by looking for a signal of negative displacement on displacement sensor <NUM>. When eject button <NUM> is depressed the grooming implement in this embodiment razor cartridge <NUM> is ejected from the handle. As the user depresses eject button <NUM> the location element <NUM> is displaced in a negation direction away from the displacement sensor. The negative movement is an indication that the grooming implement has been ejected from the handle. Also, it can be understood that time between signals and events can be used to determine actions like re-application of shave cream.

At <NUM> a shave stroke can be detected from the raw data of the displacement sensor <NUM>. An algorithm looking at activation of implement displacement sensor <NUM> can be used to indicate expected motion that represents a shave stroke.

At <NUM> a summary of the shave can be generated from a combination of <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. <NUM> can also be fused with other information directly from the consumer to add an extra level of context such as the number of strokes that were made or the pressure of such strokes. The device may have additional motion sensors to detect additional device movements. Information from either <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> and the user input providing information on what direction is their hair growing on a location of their face.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown another grooming device <NUM>. The grooming device <NUM> shown is an electric shaver or an epilator <NUM>. The electric shaver or epilator <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> comprising a housing <NUM>, a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. A displacement sensor <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. A power source <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. The power source <NUM> provides power to the displacement sensor <NUM>. The power source also provides power to other sensors and devices needing power. The power source <NUM> may comprise a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery or a corded electrical connection. The first portion <NUM> forms the grip portion <NUM> for the handle <NUM> where the user will grasp the handle <NUM> during use.

The distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> is pivotably connected to the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> allows the neck portion <NUM> to pivot about handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM>. The hinge shown is a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be constructed of numerous materials having the requisite strength properties with metal being the preferred material. Other types of hinges such as those shown in <FIG> may be used.

A grooming implement <NUM> is connected to the implement connecting structure <NUM>. The grooming implement <NUM> shown is an electric shaver head <NUM> or an epilator head <NUM>. The electric shaver head <NUM> includes at least one moveable blade for cutting hair. The electric shaver head <NUM> may include any number of moveable blades for cutting hair. The epilator head <NUM> may include any number of grips for gripping and removing hair.

The location element <NUM> is positioned adjacent the distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM>. Other locations within the neck portion may be selected with adjacent the distal end being the preferred location for the location element <NUM>. The displacement sensor <NUM> is positioned within the first portion <NUM> adjacent the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Other locations within the first portion may be selected with adjacent the proximal end being the preferred location for the displacement sensor <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may comprise a magnet <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may also comprise a visual marker or electrically conductive material.

The displacement sensor <NUM> may comprise a magnetometer, an electric field sensor or a light sensor. The magnetometer may comprise a Hall Effect sensor. The location element may comprise a magnet. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about handle pivot axis <NUM> location element moves relative to displacement sensor <NUM>. In the case of a magnet and a Hall Effect sensor, as neck portion <NUM> pivots magnet <NUM> moves. The Hall Effect sensor <NUM> detects the change in magnetic field due to the movement of magnet <NUM>.

The electric shaver <NUM> may comprise a second magnetometer <NUM> positioned within the housing <NUM>. The second magnetometer <NUM> can be used to cancel out any movements not directly associated with the magnet <NUM>.

In use, the user will grasp grip portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. The power source <NUM> will power up and power the sensors needing power. The power source <NUM> may power up automatically upon contact with or movement by user. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may power up via an on/off switch. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may be constantly on and preferably in a power save mode while not in use and then in full power mode when in use. The user will then shave with electric shaver <NUM>. As the user shaves, data is collected from the displacement sensor <NUM>. When the user is finished shaving, the electric shaver <NUM> is put down and data collection stops. The collected data may be transmitted instantaneously as the data is collected via the communication device <NUM> positioned within housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the collected data is transmitted after the data from a single shaving event or multiple shaving events has been collected via the communication device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG> there is shown a grooming device <NUM>. The grooming device <NUM> shown is a shaving razor <NUM>. The shaving razor <NUM> is just one example of a grooming device of the present invention. Examples of other grooming devices of the present invention include an electric shaver, and an epilator.

The distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> is pivotably connected to the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> allows the neck portion <NUM> to pivot about handle pivot axis <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM>. The hinge shown is a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be constructed of numerous materials having the requisite strength properties with metal being the preferred material. Other types of acceptable hinges are shown in <FIG>.

A grooming implement <NUM> is connected to the implement connecting structure <NUM>. The grooming implement <NUM> shown is a razor cartridge <NUM>. The razor cartridge <NUM> includes at least one blade for cutting hair. The razor cartridge <NUM> may include any number of blades for cutting hair. Other grooming implements such as a dry shaving head or an epilator head may be connected to the implement connecting structure.

The location element <NUM> is positioned adjacent the distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM>. Other locations within the neck portion may be selected with adjacent the distal end being the preferred location for the location element <NUM>. The displacement sensor <NUM> is positioned within the first portion <NUM> adjacent the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Other locations within the first portion may be selected with adjacent the proximal end being the preferred location for the displacement sensor <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may comprise a magnet <NUM>. The location element <NUM> may also comprise a light source or an electric field source.

The displacement sensor <NUM> may comprise a magnetometer, an electric field sensor or a light sensor. The magnetometer may comprise a Hall Effect sensor. The location element may comprise a magnet, a visual marker or an electrically conductive material. As the neck portion <NUM> pivots about handle pivot axis <NUM> location element <NUM> moves relative to displacement sensor <NUM>. In the case of a magnet and a Hall Effect sensor, as neck portion <NUM> pivots magnet <NUM> moves. The Hall Effect sensor <NUM> detects the change in magnetic field due to the movement of magnet <NUM>.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a second displacement sensor such as a magnetometer as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second displacement sensor may be used to cancel out movement detected by the first displacement sensor not associated with the location element.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a spring <NUM> positioned between the distal end <NUM> of the neck portion <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be a compression spring, a coil spring, a constant rate spring or a variable rate spring.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a feedback mechanism as discussed earlier. Preferably the housing is watertight thus allowing the device to be used in wet conditions while maintaining the functioning of the displacement sensor and power source within the housing. The neck portion does not need be watertight as it does not house any devices or elements that would impact their functioning if exposed to water.

The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a memory storage device as discussed earlier. The grooming device <NUM> may comprise a communication device as discussed earlier.

In use, the user will grasp the grip portion <NUM> of handle <NUM>. The power source <NUM> will power up and power the sensors needing power. The power source <NUM> may power up automatically upon contact with or movement by user. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may power up via an on/off switch. Alternatively, the power source <NUM> may be constantly on and preferably in a power save mode while not in use and then in full power mode when in use. The user will then groom.

As the user grooms, data is collected from the displacement sensor <NUM>. The data collected can be used to calculate the pressure and or load on the handle <NUM> as well as contact data. The data collected may also be used to calculate the number and length of each grooming stroke experienced and the total distance or mileage the grooming implement has experienced at any given point in time. When the user is finished grooming the grooming device <NUM> is put down and data collection stops. The collected data may be transmitted instantaneously as the data is collected via a communication device. Alternatively, the collected data is transmitted after the data from a single grooming event or multiple grooming events has been collected via a communication device. The data whether transmitted instantaneously or after a period of time can be transmitted through the feedback mechanism.

Claim 1:
A grooming device (<NUM>) comprising:
a. a handle (<NUM>) comprising;
i. a first portion (<NUM>) comprising a housing (<NUM>), a proximal end (<NUM>) and a distal end (<NUM>)
ii. a displacement sensor (<NUM>) positioned within the housing;
iii. a power source (<NUM>) positioned within the housing, the power source providing power to the displacement sensor;
iv. a neck portion (<NUM>) comprising a proximal end (<NUM>), a distal end (<NUM>) and a location element (<NUM>), the proximal end of the neck portion comprising an implement connecting structure (<NUM>), the distal end of the neck portion being pivotably connected to the proximal end of the first portion about a handle pivot axis, as the neck portion pivots about the handle pivot axis (<NUM>) relative to the first portion the displacement sensor detects displacement of the location element; and
b. a grooming implement (<NUM>) connected to the implement connecting structure, characterized in that the grooming device further comprises an eject button (<NUM>) to eject the grooming implement from the handle, the location element being negatively displaced upon depression of the eject button providing an indication that the grooming implement has been ejected.