Magnetic personal care guide and system

Abstract

A magnetic personal guide for guiding a user during a personal care routine, the magnetic personal guide being adapted to releasably hold a personal care implement. The personal care implement includes a section at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic personal care guide comprises: a guide means activated by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic personal care guide; and an electrochromic display that provides a signal to direct the user during the personal care routine when the guiding appliance is activated. A personal care guidance system for guiding a user during a personal care routine includes such a magnetic personal care guide and a personal care implement including a section made at least partially of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a magnetic personal care guide for guiding a user during a personal care routine. The present disclosure also relates to a personal care guide system including such a magnetic personal guide. Background Art

[0002] Systems for guiding users during personal care routines (such as brushing teeth or shaving) are well known in the art. Typically, guidance is provided by written user instructions, videos or animations. For example, user instructions typically indicate when a user should replace a device or tool for performing a personal care routine. However, it has been found in the past that users often forget to replace devices / tools, or even do not track usage time at all. This situation is particularly applicable to toothbrushes / toothbrush heads for brushing teeth and razors / razor blade holders for removing hair. After a specific period of use, personal care tools are typically worn. Toothbrush bristles can open, reducing brushing efficiency, and razor blades can become blunt, reducing shaving comfort. If such worn devices / personal care tools are not replaced with new devices / personal care tools, the user experience during the personal care routine will be affected. In some cases, the health of the user may be negatively affected. For example, blunt blades may cause damage during shaving, and worn toothbrushes / bristles may result in insufficient removal of dental plaque during brushing, which may cause gingivitis in some cases.

[0003] For oral care routines such as brushing teeth, manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes (e.g., battery-powered toothbrushes) are commonly used and are well known in the art. Generally, a tuft of bristles used to clean teeth is attached to a bristle carrier or mounting surface of a brush head intended for insertion into a user's oral cavity. A handle is typically attached to a head that is held by the user during brushing. The head is either permanently connected to the handle or can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle.

[0004] In order to clean the teeth effectively, proper brushing technique must be applied, including brushing long enough and polishing all teeth in the mouth. If the teeth are not brushed long enough, this can lead to less efficient plaque removal on the tooth surfaces. However, in order to achieve and maintain good oral health, and to prevent gingivitis, it is important to clean the teeth and gums thoroughly, especially in hard-to-reach areas (e.g., in the area of ​​the back molars).

[0005] Dentists generally recommend brushing teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. However, it has been found in the past that users typically brush their teeth in a much shorter period of time, especially when using a manual toothbrush. Moreover, dentists generally recommend replacing toothbrushes after three months of use.

[0006] Methods for tracking a user's dental care activities are known, such methods typically include receiving a video image of the user's face during the brushing session, which is therefore relatively complex and not applicable when using a manual toothbrush. Moreover, external timers that track a user's brushing time are known, however, such timers typically require a microcontroller that includes a wireless module that provides a connection between the toothbrush and the timer. Furthermore, such timers are relatively complex and not applicable for use in conjunction with a manual toothbrush. Generally speaking, toothbrush guidance devices or devices that guide the user during a personal care routine do not provide feedback to the user, or do not require incorporation of a smartphone application or other complex technology that renders the guidance device complex and expensive.

[0007] In addition, after using the oral care tool / after brushing teeth, the user usually stores the wet tool / toothbrush in a toothbrush cup for drying. However, in a typical toothbrush cup, the discharged fluid is collected and accumulated at the bottom of the cup, and the fluid remains in contact with the toothbrush for a long period of time. Since the cup is open only on one side, the toothbrush dries relatively slowly. Bacteria living under humid conditions / in a humid environment can grow rapidly, contaminate the toothbrush and eventually make the brush unhygienic. Therefore, a solution is needed to not only guide the user during the oral / personal care routine, but also to hygienically store and dry the toothbrush / personal care tool so that the remaining water, toothpaste slurry and saliva can be discharged from the tool. The tool should dry quickly to inhibit bacterial growth.

[0008] The same is true for wet shaving devices (also called safety razors / shavers). Such razors (including the razor handle) may be disposable or, alternatively, the razor may be in the form of a so-called system comprising a reusable handle and a removable and disposable cartridge that is discarded after use and can be replaced with a new cartridge. Such a cartridge typically comprises a housing with at least one razor blade that may be arranged between a shield in front of the blade and a cover behind the blade (in the direction of movement of the cartridge).

[0009] A cartridge for a wet shaving razor typically includes a shaving aid body that may include a shaving aid material that provides lubrication during shaving under wet conditions. After shaving, the user typically places the razor on a bathroom surface under wet conditions. As such, fluid may drain or water may accumulate between the shaving aid body and the bathroom surface. Due to prolonged exposure to water, the shaving aid material may soften and thus reduce the wear rate. Furthermore, the shaving aid material may leave residue on the bathroom surface at the area in contact with the bathroom surface and may undesirably adhere the razor to the horizontal surface.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a personal care guide that overcomes at least one of the above disadvantages, in particular providing simple guidance and monitoring while enabling hygienic storage of personal care tools. In addition, the appliance should be suitable for use in combination with ordinary manual personal care tools that do not include electronic components. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to one aspect, a magnetic personal care guide for guiding a user during a personal care routine is provided. The guide is adapted to releasably hold a personal care tool comprising a section at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, the magnetic personal guide comprising:

[0012] (i) a guide implement that is activated by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic personal care guide; and

[0013] A low power display, preferably an electro-chrome display or an electronic ink display that provides a signal to guide the user during the personal care routine when the guidance appliance is activated.

[0014] According to one aspect, a personal care guidance system for guiding a user during a personal care routine is provided. The system comprises a magnetic personal guide according to the present disclosure and a personal care tool comprising a section at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to various embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a personal care guide system is shown, the personal care guide system comprising a personal care implement and a magnetic personal care guide according to the present disclosure, the personal care implement being magnetically attached to the magnetic personal care guide;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a magnetic personal care guide according to the present disclosure,

[0018] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Exploded view of the magnetic personal care guide,

[0019] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A magnetic personal care guide that provides a first type of signal,

[0020] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2a magnetic personal care guide that provides a second type of signal,

[0021] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A magnetic personal care guide that provides a third type of signal,

[0022] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 A magnetic personal care guide that provides a fourth type of signal,

[0023] Figure 8 Shows Figure 2 A magnetic personal care guide that provides a fifth type of signal, and

[0024] Fig. 9 Another example embodiment of a personal care guide system is shown, the personal care guide system comprising a personal care implement and a magnetic personal care guide according to the present disclosure, the personal care implement being magnetically attached to the magnetic personal care guide; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A personal care guidance system for guiding a user during a personal care routine includes a personal care tool and a magnetic personal care guide. The personal care tool can be repeatedly and magnetically attached to and detached from the magnetic personal care guide by a section at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic personal care guide includes a guidance tool that is activated by detaching the personal care tool from the magnetic personal care guide.

[0026] The personal care implement according to the present disclosure may be any type of personal care implement, for example, a wet shaving razor, a trimmer, a beauty device, a skin treatment device, or a manually or electrically operated oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. The personal care implement may include a head and a handle, the head being permanently attached to the handle, or being repeatedly attachable to and detachable from the handle.

[0027] The section of the personal care implement at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material can be the handle or part of the handle. If the handle is at least partially made of such magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, such a handle will be able to be magnetically attached to the magnetic personal care guide, allowing hygienic storage of the implement.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, a magnetic personal care guide includes a guide utensil that is activated by removing a personal care tool from the magnetic personal care guide. To this end, the magnetic personal care guide may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCB-A), preferably a battery-driven printed circuit board assembly (PCB-A), which includes a microcontroller. The magnetic personal care guide may also include a member for detecting the presence of the personal care tool. The member for detecting the presence of the personal care tool may be a Hall sensor, a reed contact sensor, a switch, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a stress-strain gauge, a RFID tag, a micro switch and / or a movable magnet that presents a signal that can be detected by the microcontroller. Such a member for detecting the presence of the personal care tool enables the guide utensil of the magnetic personal care guide to be seamlessly, noiselessly and effortlessly activated and deactivated by only removing / detaching the personal care tool from the magnetic personal care guide and returning / attaching the personal care tool to the magnetic personal care guide.

[0029] The magnetic personal care guide includes a low power display, such as at least one electrochromic display, which is based on an organic electrochromic polymer that builds a reflective display technology. Such electrochromic displays reflect ambient light instead of a backlight. Therefore, compared to LC displays that work based on a backlight, electrochromic displays require less energy to switch their segments. Therefore, such electrochromic displays achieve a sustainable long battery life (per cm 2 Segment area 0.28μW). Even without voltage supply, a group of segments can be illuminated and can appear for several minutes (unless "erased" with a negative voltage). The behavior of the electrochromic display is like a capacitor, which gradually disappears over time. It only needs a refresh pulse every few minutes. In addition, the electrochromic display can be designed to have relatively thin dimensions, such as a thickness of about 0.3mm, and a flexible form factor for uneven surfaces (for example, with a bending diameter of about 10mm). The cover of at least one electrochromic display can be made of food-compatible PET polymer. The electrochromic display can be manufactured by sheet printing, which provides relatively high flexibility. Since sheet printing is relatively expensive, the electrochromic display can also be produced by roller printing as a low-cost manufacturing alternative. Alternatively, an electronic ink display can be used.

[0030] The magnetic personal care guide may include a housing, such as a waterproof housing, having a small form factor, such as made of a hard plastic material, in which a magnet may be embedded. For example, the magnet may be a neodymium (NdFeB) magnet. The housing may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane covering an inner frame.

[0031] The removal and reattachment of the personal care implement may be identified by an energy saving sensor (eg, a reed contact sensor that opens and closes an electrical circuit by applying an electromagnetic field).

[0032] A reed contact sensor represents an electrical switch that is operated by an applied magnetic field. A reed contact sensor comprises a pair of ferromagnetic flexible metal contacts located in a hermetically sealed glass housing. The contacts are normally open and close when a magnetic field is present.

[0033] The use of a reed contact sensor allows the magnetic personal care guide to identify differences in the magnetic field by removing and reattaching a section of the personal care implement at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. Attaching the personal care implement to the magnetic personal care guide results in a closed loop of magnetic field lines, thereby adjusting the reed contact to its open position; no electrical contact is provided.

[0034] If the personal care implement is removed from the magnetic personal care guide, the magnetic field is "disturbed" by the absence of the magnetic body and the reed contact changes its state from open to closed. This signal can be detected by the microcontroller and the guide implement is activated.

[0035] Alternatively, detachment and reattachment of the personal-care implement may be detected by a movable NdFeB magnet whose primary function is to attract the personal-care implement and whose secondary function is to connect the electrical contacts.

[0036] The magnets may be assembled into a flexible spring configuration, allowing small movements toward the personal care implement when close to the surface of the personal care implement, while breaking electrical contacts or releasing a micro switch that may be used as a trigger signal to enable or disable a software function.

[0037] The magnets (e.g., NdFeB magnets) of the magnetic personal care guide for holding / fixing / attaching personal care tools to its surface and the printed circuit board assembly can be placed in a waterproof housing with a small and compact form factor. The housing can be placed on, for example, a bathroom mirror, bathroom tile or other wall element with a double-sided adhesive.

[0038] The magnetic personal care guide may be equipped with at least one or more batteries, such as 2x AAA batteries. These batteries may be primary or secondary battery cells, such as those charged in an external charger or charged inside the device. For example, the battery may be charged in the magnetic personal care guide, such as by connecting the guide to an external power source via a cable (e.g., USB), or by induction / wireless charging, such as Qi being an open standard for wireless power transmission. If a bayonet lock is provided in the housing of the magnetic personal care guide, i.e., by twisting the housing in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the battery may be easily replaced. Alternatively, in order to easily open the housing of the magnetic personal care guide and in order to provide simple access to the battery, a thread, a dovetail guide or a clamp may be provided.

[0039] The magnets of the magnetic personal care guide may be adapted such that the pull-off force of the personal care implement perpendicular to the magnetic personal care guide is higher or about 3N, for example.

[0040] The magnetic personal care guide may include at least one or more light sources, at least two light sources, six light sources, or twelve light sources. The light sources may activate at least one or more light indicating segments. The at least one light source may be a light emitting diode (LED). The light indicating segments may be used to guide the user during a personal care routine.

[0041] This introduction process may begin with removing the personal care implement from the magnetic personal care introducer. The initial introduction phase may allow the user to prepare for use of the personal care implement, such as placing toothpaste on the brush head, wetting the brush head with water, before the timer starts.

[0042] The magnetic guide may include a plurality of light indicating segments. These light indicating segments may be activated one after another, each light indicating segment being activated after a predefined period of time, to provide a visual signal to the user. Different light indicating elements may be illuminated with different colors, for example by six RGB-LEDs (red, green, blue LEDs) optionally combined with additional white LEDs. In addition, different segments may pulse to provide specific information / instructions / guidance to the user.

[0043] The segments can be designed in various ways (e.g., 7 segments, icons, bars, text, etc.). The segments can be provided in a way that they comply with certain design rules. For example, the minimum distance between the segments can be designed to be about 1.5 mm.

[0044] The magnetic personal care guide can have the form of a magnetic wall holder that can be attached to a wall. This wall holder is suitable for / suitable for holding and storing personal care tools in a hygienic manner. The magnetic wall holder can have the form of a flat disc that can be attached to a wall for storing personal care tools safely and hygienically, for example, by a double-sided adhesive tape. This flat disc can represent an easy-to-clean surface. The flat disc can at least partially include a TPE layer to enhance the friction between the personal care tool and the magnetic guide. The disc can have a circular shape with a diameter of about 30mm to about 70mm, or about 40mm to about 60mm, or about 50mm to about 55mm, or about 52mm. Such size provides a convenient attachment feature (i.e., large enough to be easy to attach) for the disc, while also being small enough not to take up too much space.

[0045] Alternatively, the magnetic personal care guide may be in the form of, for example, a magnetic holder to which the magnetic section of the personal care tool can be repeatedly magnetically attached and detached. The magnetic holder may be suitable for placement on a surface, such as a bathroom surface.

[0046] After using a personal care tool, for example, under wet conditions and / or in a humid environment, the user often places or stores the wet personal care tool on a horizontal surface, such as a bathroom vanity, the edge of a bathtub, or a shelf in a cabinet. When placed in this way, the head of the personal care tool is usually in contact with the resting surface, which may cause problems. For example, if a wet shaver is placed on a resting surface under wet conditions, water may drain out, and a portion of the water may remain between the head / blade holder and the horizontal surface. Shaving blade holders usually contain shaving aids / lubricating strips. Long-term exposure to water can soften the shaving aid material, and therefore the shaving aid material can be quickly worn. Therefore, the life of the entire blade holder may be shortened. Moreover, the shaving aid material remaining in the area in contact with the resting surface can stain the resting / bathroom surface.

[0047] Likewise, if the head of an oral care implement is placed on a bathroom surface under humid conditions, bacterial growth is promoted, and therefore, the oral care implement may become unhygienic relatively quickly (i.e., after a relatively short period of use). However, if the personal care implement according to the present disclosure is magnetically attached to a magnetic wall holder or bracket, such negative effects can be avoided. If the oral care implement is magnetically attached to a magnetic guide, remaining water, toothpaste slurry, and saliva can be discharged from the oral care implement. The oral care implement can be dried relatively quickly. Therefore, bacterial growth can be significantly reduced, making the oral care implement more hygienic. Moreover, compared to an ordinary toothbrush stored in a toothbrush cup (where the discharged fluid is collected and accumulated at the bottom of the cup), the personal care implement according to the present disclosure can be exposed to humid conditions for a significantly shorter period of time.

[0048] However, according to the present disclosure, the head of the personal care tool is not limited to a razor blade cartridge or a toothbrush head, but can be any type of head, such as a beauty appliance (e.g., a massage brush or a nail polisher), a skin treatment device, or another oral care head, including but not limited to an interdental appliance or toothpick, a tongue / tissue cleaner, and a chemical applicator. The brush head may include at least one tooth cleaning element, such as a bristle tuft and / or an elastomeric element, fixed to a mounting surface of the head.

[0049] The personal care tool may be an oral care tool comprising a handle and a head to which at least one tooth cleaning element (e.g., a bristle tuft) and / or an elastomeric element may be fixed. The head may be capable of being repeatedly attached to the handle and repeatedly detached from the handle. Although the head may be made of non-magnetic or non-ferromagnetic material, the handle may be made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. For example, the head may be injection molded from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The oral care tool may be a manual toothbrush. The oral care tool may also be a proximal pick, a plaque scraper, or a tissue / tongue cleaner.

[0050] The head of the personal care tool may be capable of being attached to the handle via a snap-fit ​​locking mechanism. For example, the handle may include a connector that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the head, or the head may include a connector that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the handle. Alternatively, a connector may be provided as an additional (i.e., separate) component of the personal care tool. For example, such a connector may be capable of being inserted into the hollow portion of the handle and the hollow portion of the head, respectively, thereby providing a sufficiently strong connection and stability between the head and the handle to enable a user to perform a brushing action.

[0051] Since the magnetic / ferromagnetic section is provided in the personal care implement, the user only needs to bring the personal care implement into close proximity with the magnetic personal care guide and the personal care implement will automatically attach. No precise positioning or threaded connection is required like, for example, a normal toothbrush holder.

[0052] For example, if magnetic properties are provided only in the handle of the personal care implement and not in the head, the head portion cannot be accidentally attached to the magnetic personal care introducer, thereby reducing the risk of the personal care introducer becoming soiled, potentially reducing its functionality.

[0053] If a personal care tool includes a head that can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle, a high-quality and relatively expensive handle of the personal care tool can be provided for use over a longer period of time compared to a disposable personal care tool (e.g., a manual toothbrush that is discarded after about three months of use). At the same time, a relatively cheap brush replacement can be replaced regularly (e.g., after about three months of use). This can provide a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable personal care tool, thereby also providing a high-quality handle with improved gripping properties, and a solution for only purchasing new head replacements but not requiring the purchase of corresponding handles. However, it has been found in the past that users often forget to replace tools / heads / replacements after the recommended use time, which may result in poor quality perception when using or applying worn / dull personal care tools. In order to overcome this shortcoming, the personal care guidance system may include a guidance tool / functionality that reminds the user to replace the tool / head after a predefined time period.

[0054] For example, when it comes to oral care tools, dentists usually recommend that toothbrushes / heads be frequently replaced, usually after about three months of routine use. After about three months of use, toothbrushes will usually be worn out, and therefore need to be replaced with new toothbrushes to ensure that good oral health can be maintained. If a toothbrush is worn out, the bristle tufts will open and the bending stiffness of the bristles will decrease. Such worn tufts can no longer thoroughly clean teeth, and the efficiency of plaque removal will decrease. Bacteria may grow faster, which may lead to gingivitis. Moreover, worn bristles can no longer properly reach interdental spaces and difficult-to-reach areas, which may lead to the accumulation of debris, plaque and / or plaque in these areas. However, if oral care tools / heads are frequently / replaced at the right time, this negative oral health impact can be prevented.

[0055] The guide appliance may also include a timer that can be activated by simply removing the personal care tool from the magnetic personal care guide. Such a timer may also be preconfigured so that it is activated after a predefined time period after the personal care tool is removed from the magnetic personal care guide. Hereinafter, such a predefined time period will be referred to as an "initial introduction phase". For example, in other words, the timer is started after a defined waiting period, allowing the user, for example, to wet the toothbrush, add toothpaste and prepare themselves before starting the cleaning process.

[0056] Such a predefined time period may be from about 2 seconds to about 20 seconds, or from about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds, or from about 8 seconds to about 12 seconds, or about 10 seconds.

[0057] The guidance tool may include a head replacement reminder functionality that reminds the user to replace the head of the personal care tool or the entire personal care tool after a predefined time period. The guidance tool may also include a reminder functionality that reminds the user to perform an action (e.g., flossing, rinsing, or replacing a razor cartridge).

[0058] The guidance appliance may also include a reward system that provides feedback and / or guidance to the user after a predefined time period. Such a reward system may ensure and encourage the user to use / apply the personal care tool in an expected manner, such as within a predefined time period. For example, if an oral care tool is involved, such a guidance appliance may provide positive feedback, such as via indication of certain emojis, after the user reaches, for example, two minutes of brushing time.

[0059] The magnetic personal care introducer may include a clock for providing the time to the user even when the personal care implement is not detached from the introducer.

[0060] The guidance appliance may provide visual, auditory, and / or tactile signals to the user as feedback and / or guidance, thereby guiding the user during the personal care routine. For users with certain disabilities, functionality that allows the user to select the most appropriate type of signal may be beneficial. For example, if the user is blind or visually impaired, such a user may select auditory and / or tactile signals rather than visual signals to receive feedback and / or guidance from the guidance appliance.

[0061] In addition, for example, when the predefined time period expires, the magnetic personal care guide may give a first signal without reattaching the personal care tool to the magnetic personal care guide. If the personal care tool is attached to the magnetic guide before the predefined time period expires, the magnetic personal care guide may give another, for example, second visual, auditory and / or tactile signal that is preferably different from the first signal, thereby indicating that the personal care routine has not been fully completed.

[0062] In other words, if the user stops using the personal care tool (e.g., stops brushing before the end of a predefined total time frame of, e.g., 2 minutes) and reattaches the personal care tool to the magnetic personal care guide, a signal may be initiated. If the user puts the tool / brush back after a predefined time frame of, e.g., 2 minutes of brushing time, another, e.g., different, signal may be initiated to provide the user with a reward for consistent oral care hygiene.

[0063] With this magnetic personal care guide, a guidance system is provided that enables an effortless personal care routine / teeth brushing guidance system. Feedback, guidance, warnings and rewards can be given to the user even for manual devices / tools without electronic components. At the same time, the personal care guidance system allows for convenient and hygienic storage. The use of tools, such as tooth brushing, can be easily monitored to achieve transparent oral health control.

[0064] For example, the magnetic personal care guide may be provided with a plurality of light indication segments, wherein these light indication segments are arranged in a manner that produces a specific pattern. For example, as long as the user reaches the recommended / optimal 2-minute personal care routine time / brushing time, the user may be informed by a visual signal or "visual reward" (e.g., by the pleasant flashing of the indication segment, by a multi-colored rotating clock effect, etc.). In addition or alternatively, auditory or tactile feedback and / or guidance may be given, for example, by a piezoelectric buzzer, a speaker, a motor resonance beep, and / or a motor beep. Tactile feedback and / or guidance may be given, for example, by motor vibration or electromagnetic vibration. The magnetic personal care guide may be customized so that the user can select the type of feedback and / or guidance by preselecting the following functionality: visual, auditory and / or tactile feedback / guidance. For example, the user may only select "visual feedback / guidance" and disable "auditory" and / or "tactile" feedback and / or guidance. Moreover, the user may select that only the clock is activated. This may be beneficial for advanced / experienced users who typically follow a specific personal care routine and require only minimal guidance.The time provided by the clock may be indicated on the display.

[0065] The functionality of allowing selection of a particular type of signal is particularly useful for users with certain disabilities, because the user can select the most appropriate type of signal. For example, if the user is blind or visually impaired, such a user can select auditory and / or tactile signals rather than visual signals to receive feedback and / or guidance from the guidance appliance.

[0066] Furthermore, user feedback / guidance may be provided by a display showing guidance elements such as an abstract representation of the brushing zone, dentition (still or animated) or comic elements, for example for children's training.

[0067] The personal care guide system may also be adapted to count the number of uses / times that the personal care tool is removed and reattached to the magnetic personal guide. For example, if a wet shaver is involved, the number of shaving events may be tracked and indicated on the display. The number of shaving events may be indicated on the display by a digital indication. Additionally, if a preset number of shaving events has been reached, the magnetic personal care guide may provide a signal to the user that the blade of the shaver has become dull and the shaver cartridge or the entire shaver should be replaced with a new device to achieve a continued positive shaving experience.

[0068] If oral care tools are involved, the personal care guidance system may be adapted to track not only the overall life of the oral care tools, but also the number of uses / cycles / number of times the oral care tools are removed and reattached to the magnetic personal care guide. Certain preconditions may be set by the user. For example, the user may preset / customize the magnetic personal care guide in a manner that will give a reminder after a total life of three months of the brush. A three-month lifespan may be selected because the brush may be considered unhygienic due to bacterial growth. Similarly, the user may preset / customize the magnetic personal care guide in a manner that will give a reminder after, for example, 180 cycles of use (because the brush may then be considered worn out) (dentists typically recommend brushing twice a day and only using the toothbrush for about three months due to cluster wear and bacterial growth). Depending on which precondition is reached first, the guidance appliance may provide the user with feedback / guidance to replace their tool or head with a new tool or head.

[0069] In addition to the daily personal care routine / brushing routine, the personal care guide may also be adapted to remind the user of additional tasks, which usually follow a longer sequence and may therefore be easily forgotten. For example, the personal care guide may be adapted to remind the user to regularly floss the interdental area every day / every other day or to replace the brush head every three months. The time point of the reminder may be determined based on the number of times the brush is used, for example, by assuming that the brush is used twice a day. Alternatively, the electronics in the magnetic personal care guide may include a real-time clock that triggers a signal based on the number of days that have passed. Various visual or audible signals may be used to remind the user. For example, additional symbols may light up, or different symbols may appear on the integrated display at a given point in time. Using additional input elements, such as a touch switch, the user may confirm that he / she has followed the reminder and performed the task accordingly. After confirmation, the reminder time may be reset and the counting may be started again.

[0070] Among other things, to improve and encourage responsible behavior with regard to sustainability, the magnetic personal care guide can provide sustainability-related reminders via visible or audible signals (e.g., via an attached (LED) illuminated symbol), such as a reminder to turn off a running faucet when performing a personal care routine (e.g., during brushing or wet shaving).

[0071] In other words, the magnetic personal guide may be adapted to provide another type of signal associated with another type of personal care routine. For example, the personal care guide may guide the user during a brushing routine by providing a first type of signal after a preset time period has been reached (e.g., after two minutes), and a second type of signal may be given after a preselected time period has been reached, for example to remind the user to floss their teeth (e.g., after brushing has been completed). For example, the first type of signal may be a visual signal, and the second type of signal may be an auditory signal. However, according to the present invention, any combination of signals may be selected. For example, the first type of signal may be a visual signal showing a "brush" icon indicating that the brushing cycle has been completed, and the second type of signal may be a visual signal showing a "floss" icon reminding the user to floss their teeth.

[0072] This combination of features can be achieved by an additional (touch) switch. Moreover, by means of this (touch) switch, the user can select from various pre-selected modes, such as brushing for 2 minutes for the "daily cleaning" mode, or brushing for 3 minutes for the "deep cleaning" mode. By means of another / additional (touch) switch, the consumer can turn on / off additional audible feedback. If the magnetic personal guide includes an interface for wireless data exchange, the interaction of the consumer / user with the device can be customized in more detail via a separate device (e.g., a smartphone with an application).

[0073] In order to further improve the quality of guidance, the magnetic personal care guide may be adapted to enable tracking and storage of data from actual personal care routines (e.g., brushing or shaving routines / behaviors). Based on the collected data, personalized recommendations can be provided that can help users / consumers improve their (daily) personal care routines, such as brushing or shaving routines. Thus, general guidance can be transformed into individual guidance. In addition, the magnetic personal care guide may be adapted to collect data and analyze the data in a manner that allows, for example, a dentist to understand the user's individual brushing behavior, thereby enabling professional recommendations to improve the user's overall oral health hygiene. Similarly, for example, by collecting and tracking water consumption data, the magnetic personal care guide may be adapted to encourage positive sustainable behavior. Moreover, the magnetic personal care guide may be adapted to calculate carbon emissions and / or carbon savings for a specific personal care routine.

[0074] The magnetic personal care guide may be adapted to provide a reward system / provide rewards to the user. For example, such a reward system may enable points to be collected based on the quality of execution of a particular personal care routine (e.g., based on consistent brushing time and / or positive habits / behaviors in terms of sustainability). These points may be redeemable for rewards, such as vouchers, discounts, and / or virtual prizes.

[0075] Additionally, wireless connectivity for data transfer and personalization purposes may be provided within the magnetic personal care guide. For example, the magnetic personal care guide may include Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity and / or other mesh network protocols, such as Thread. The magnetic guide / timer may be customized, for example, based on the total required brushing time, the initial introduction phase, the colors displayed, and the predefined time periods of the segments. To this end, the magnetic personal care guide may include at least one button / switch for setting the customization feature.

[0076] In addition, the magnetic personal care guide may include a night light function and a proximity sensor and / or a watch function, for example, through a low power segment (such as an electrochromic display, an e-ink display, or a low energy LED).

[0077] Typically, especially in the field of personal care, users are accustomed to products having a certain weight to ensure that the product is of high quality and to provide a comfortable feeling during use of the product. The magnetic / ferromagnetic material of the handle of the personal care tool may have a relatively high density and therefore a relatively heavy weight, which provides such benefits to the personal care tool. In addition, the magnetic / ferromagnetic material of the handle may have a higher density than the non-magnetic / ferromagnetic material of the head. Therefore, the center of mass may be located within the handle, which enables the user to perform a well-coordinated use / brushing / shaving technique that improves the sensory feeling during use / brushing / shaving.

[0078] The magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material forming at least a portion of the handle may comprise an amorphous thermoplastic resin. The magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may comprise iron oxide. In addition, the magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may comprise aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate. The magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may also comprise glass fibers that may be premixed with at least a portion of the amorphous thermoplastic resin.

[0079] The amount of iron oxide used in the magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material can be up to about 70% by weight, or up to about 67% by weight. Using iron oxide, this material composition provides improved magnetic properties, thereby providing a higher magnetic attraction force between the personal care tool and the magnetic guide compared to, for example, aluminum oxide. In addition, due to the use of iron oxide (rather than aluminum oxide), the negative abrasive effects that often occur in the mold during the molding step due to the abrasive properties of aluminum oxide can be significantly reduced.

[0080] This magnetic / ferromagnetic material can allow the weight of the handle in any position to be controlled, for example, by filler variation. Due to the relatively high weight of the handle, it may be necessary to control the entire personal care tool. It is now possible to use the mass / weight distribution of the material to adjust the moment of inertia of the finished tool.

[0081] The magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may include about 13 wt % to about 30 wt % amorphous thermoplastic resin; about 3 wt % to about 25 wt % aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate; and about 45 wt % to about 67 wt % iron oxide.

[0082] Alternatively, the magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may comprise from about 13% to about 30% by weight of an amorphous thermoplastic resin; and up to about 70% by weight of iron oxide.

[0083] Such compositions provide a material density that is about three times the density of standard plastic materials (e.g., polypropylene) used for toothbrushes. With higher weight and higher thermal conductivity, the material can drive value perception, especially when combined with a plated coating. Such a coating can be made of real metal. The plated coating can be applied in a selective plating process. During this coating process for multi-component plastic parts, the metal layer is deposited only on the hard material, while the otherwise overmolded soft component can remain unaffected.

[0084] The amorphous thermoplastic resin may comprise a styrene resin, such as styrene acrylonitrile "SAN". The amorphous thermoplastic resin may be selected from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene and styrene acrylonitrile.

[0085] The amorphous thermoplastic resin may include about 17 weight percent styrene acrylonitrile and 10.5 weight percent of a mixture including polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0086] It has been found that this composition provides a high specific gravity molding material suitable for injection molding or extrusion molding. It can provide a high specific gravity molding material with high surface hardness, excellent coating characteristics and excellent thermal conductivity.

[0087] The use of molding materials with a relatively high specific gravity is known. Such molding materials usually contain a polymer resin and a high-density filler such as iron oxide. However, in such molding materials, the amount of iron oxide that can be included is limited due to the relatively poor thermal conductivity characteristics of the molding material. Therefore, on the one hand, the lower thermal conductivity leads to relatively long cycle times during manufacturing to allow the molding material to cool after molding. On the other hand, if the heavy polymeric material is filled with high thermal conductivity additives, such as metal powders or fibers, the addition of these materials leads to a tight process window in molding because the molten material solidifies immediately when it contacts the cold wall of the tool. This rapid solidification leads to high injection speeds and a low ratio of flow length to wall thickness at the production part.

[0088] It has been found that the molding material as described above has a high specific gravity and optimally controlled thermal conductivity to reduce or extend the time required for the molding material to cool during or after injection molding. In addition, it has been found that a relatively high percentage of iron oxide can be maintained in the molding material while improving the thermal conductivity of the molding material.

[0089] The addition of aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate can provide improved thermal conductivity to the molding material compared to a material containing only styrene resin and iron oxide. This improved thermal conductivity can lead to shorter cycle times because the molding material may require less time to cool after molding.

[0090] Another benefit of adding aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate to the material is that the total amount of iron oxide in the molding material can be increased compared to iron oxide and resin in the past. The improvement in the properties of the molding material comes from the addition of relatively small amounts of aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate. The material composition containing a relatively high percentage (i.e., about 45% to about 67% by weight, preferably about 51% by weight) of iron oxide (magnetite) provides good magnetic properties and a relatively heavy weight of the overall material.

[0091] Styrene acrylonitrile "SAN" provides high heat resistance properties. The acrylonitrile units in the chain give SAN a glass transition temperature greater than 100°C. The properties of SAN can allow for reduced cycle times due to relatively early and faster transition temperatures. Amorphous polymers are suitable for the heavy resin composites of the present disclosure due to the glass transition temperature Tg at which amorphous polymers transition from a viscous or rubbery state to a hard state in a reversible manner. With injection molding of the heavy resin material of the present disclosure, the temperature of the material melt is above the Tg region (viscous state or rubbery state). During cooling, the composite reaches a high Tg temperature early and reaches dimensional stability (glassy state). Due to the high Tg of the material, the material remains dimensionally stable, so overmolding of the heavy resin material is possible.

[0092] Polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate provide high-quality surface properties for the handle, including improved optical properties and high impact strength. Once heated, polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate represent high-temperature resistant melts with low viscosity and high melt flow index (MFI). As a result, the processability of magnetic / ferromagnetic materials during molding is improved.

[0093] The material composition can be prepared by blending an amorphous thermoplastic resin with aluminum oxide powder, boron nitride powder or aluminum silicate powder with iron oxide powder. Increasing the amount of iron oxide in the material composition also has the advantage of providing a lower cost molding material because iron oxide powder is cheaper than other fillers. Amorphous thermoplastic resin, glass fiber, aluminum oxide, boron nitride or aluminum silicate powder and iron oxide powder can be blended by using a single-shaft extruder, a double-shaft extruder, a kneader, a Banbury mixer, a roller extruder or other such extruders. After blending, the material is heated to become flowable. The flowable material can then be molded into a handle or a part of the handle by injection molding or extrusion molding.

[0094] In an additional step, the handle or a portion of the handle may be plated to add an improved appearance and pleasing feel.Thermoplastic elastomers are well suited for electroplating because they allow both hard and soft composite components to be formed in one operation to be selectively plated.

[0095] For example, the handle may include a thumb rest made of a thermoplastic elastomer material and / or a polypropylene material. These materials can be easily injection molded on a heavy resin material as discussed above. Such thumb rests can provide improved gripping properties, such as anti-slip properties, for the handle to improve the manipulability of the oral care tool under wet conditions (e.g., when the user is brushing or performing a shaving action). The thumb rest may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 30 to about 60, or about 40, so as to prevent the oral care tool from being too slippery when used under wet conditions. At least a portion of the thumb rest may have a concave shape having an angle α of about 20° to about 25° or about 24° relative to the area of ​​the rest of the thumb rest. The thumb rest or gripping area may be attached to the front surface of the handle in an area near the proximal end (i.e., closest to the head). The thumb rest may include a plurality of ribs extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral care tool. Such ribs can allow the user / consumer to use the oral care implement with even more control. The user / consumer can better grip and manipulate the handle of the oral care implement during brushing. Such a handle can provide further improved control and greater comfort during brushing, especially in wet conditions.

[0096] In addition, the handle can be made of at least two or at least three different materials, each material forming a different part of the handle. For example, a first material according to the present disclosure, i.e., a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, can be injection molded into a first component of the handle, thereby forming the underlying infrastructure of the oral care tool. For example, a second component of a polypropylene material can be injection molded above the first component, and / or a third component, such as a thermoplastic elastomer material, can be at least partially injection molded above the first component and / or the second component.

[0097] The third component of thermoplastic elastomer material can form a thumb rest on the front surface of the oral care implement and / or a palm grip on the rear surface opposite the front surface for the user / consumer's fingers and thumb to grasp. This handle configuration can even further resist slipping during use. The thermoplastic elastomer material can extend through a hole provided in the underlying base structure and / or the second component of the handle.

[0098] Alternatively, the section of the personal care tool that is at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material can be a magnetic ring, magnetic sheet, or magnetic clamp attached to the personal care tool; a metal ring, metal sheet, or metal clamp attached to the personal care tool; and / or a movable magnet attached to the personal care tool. As another alternative, the personal care tool can include a housing, such as a handle housing made of magnetic metal.

[0099] The tooth cleaning element of oral care tool, for example, the filament bundle forming one or more clusters, can be attached to the head by hot tufting process.A method for manufacturing a head with filament clusters embedded in the head may include the following steps: in the first step, a cluster is formed by providing a desired amount of filaments. In the second step, the cluster is placed in a mold cavity so that the end of the filament that should be attached to the head extends into the cavity. The opposite end of the filament that does not extend into the cavity can be end rounding or non-end rounding. For example, in the case where the filament is a tapered filament with a sharp top, the filament can be non-end rounding. In the third step, a head is formed around the end of the filament extending into the mold cavity by an injection molding process, so that the cluster is anchored in the head. Alternatively, the cluster can be anchored by forming the first part of the head (so-called "sealing plate") around the end of the filament extending into the mold cavity by an injection molding process before the rest of the oral care tool is formed. Before starting the injection molding process, the ends of the tufts extending into the mold cavity may be optionally melted or fusion bonded to join the filaments together in a fusion or molten ball so that the fusion or molten ball is located in the cavity. The tufts can be held in the mold cavity by a molding rod with a blind hole corresponding to the desired position of the tufts on the finished head of the oral care tool. In other words, the tufts attached to the head by the hot tufting process are not superimposed on the middle portion along their length and are not installed in the head using anchors / pins. Tufting processes without anchors can be used to install the tufts on the head.

[0100] Alternatively, the head of the oral care tool may be provided with a bristle carrier having at least one tuft hole (e.g., a blind hole). A tuft comprising a plurality of filaments may be fixed / anchored in the tuft hole by a binding process / anchoring tufting method. This means that the filaments of the tuft are bent / folded in a substantially U-shaped manner around an anchor, such as one made of metal, such as an anchor cable or an anchor plate. The filaments are pushed into the tuft hole together with the anchor so that the anchor penetrates into the opposite side walls of the tuft hole, thereby anchoring / fixing / fastening the filaments to the bristle carrier. The anchor may be fixed in the opposite side walls by positive friction engagement. In the case where the tuft hole is a blind hole, the anchor holds the filament against the bottom of the hole. In other words, the anchor may be located above the U-shaped bend in a substantially vertical manner. Since the filaments of the tuft are bent around the anchor in a substantially U-shaped configuration, the first branch and the second branch of each filament extend from the bristle carrier in the direction of the filament. The type of filaments that can be used / suitable for use in a binding process is also referred to as “double-sided filaments.” Heads for oral care implements manufactured by a binding process can be provided in a relatively low cost and time-efficient manner.

[0101] The following is a non-limiting discussion of example embodiments of a personal care introduction system including a personal care implement and a magnetic personal care introduction device according to the present disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] Figure 1 A personal care guidance system 1 for guiding a user during a personal care routine is shown. The personal care guidance system 1 comprises a personal care tool 10 and a magnetic personal care guide 100, to which the personal care tool 10 can be magnetically attached and magnetically detached. The personal care tool comprises at least one section at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material 13. The magnetic personal care guide 100 comprises a guidance utensil 110, which can be activated by detaching the personal care tool 10 from the magnetic personal care guide 100.

[0103] In the present case, the personal care tool 10 is a manual oral care tool 10 / toothbrush 10. However, the personal care tool 10 can be any type of tool that can perform a personal care routine or can support the execution of a personal care routine. For example, the personal care tool 10 can be a wet shaving razor, a trimmer, a beauty device (e.g., a massage brush or a nail polisher), a skin treatment device, or a manually or electrically operated oral care tool, such as a toothbrush, a tongue scraper, a chemical applicator, or a toothpick. The personal care tool 10 may include a head 14 (a toothbrush head 14 in the present case) and a handle 12. The head 14 may be permanently attached to the handle 14, or may be repeatedly attached to the handle 14 and repeatedly detachable from the handle. In this example, the head 14 may be repeatedly attached to the handle 12 and repeatedly detachable from the handle.

[0104] The handle 12 may be molded from a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material and represents a section at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. In addition to this, the handle 12 may also have undergone electroplating with any additional material, such as a polyethylene material or a thermoplastic elastomer, to create a soft zone, such as a thumb rest 16. The soft zone / thumb rest 16 may improve the comfort and feel of the handle 12. Alternatively or in addition, the handle 12 may have a metal layer 18 directly on the magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material to further improve the appearance of the handle 12 by another electroplating step. For example, the metal layer 18 may have the form of a ring around the outer circumference of the handle 12.

[0105] Alternatively, the section of the personal-care tool 10 that is at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may be a magnetic ring, magnetic sheet, or magnetic clamp attached to the personal-care tool 10; a metal ring, metal sheet, or metal clamp attached to the personal-care tool 10; and / or a movable magnet attached to the personal-care tool 10.

[0106] Magnetic personal care guide 100 Figure 2The magnetic personal care guide 100 may have the form of a flat disc that can be attached to a wall, for example, by double-sided adhesive tape 195, for safe and hygienic storage of the personal care tool 10. The flat disc may at least partially include a TPE layer to enhance the friction between the personal care tool 10 and the magnetic guide 100.

[0107] Figure 3 An exploded view of the magnetic personal care guide 100 is shown. Figure 3 Derived, the magnetic personal care guide 100 includes a magnet 170, a housing cover 105 covering an internal frame 106, and a housing bottom 190 that can be attached to the housing cover 105, for example, by a bayonet lock, a screw or a snap function, thereby providing a housing cavity. A seal 191 can be provided between the housing cover 105 and the housing bottom 180, and on the back of the housing bottom 190. A battery-driven printed circuit board assembly (PCB-A) 111 including a microcontroller 120 is provided in the housing cavity. At least one battery 180 (e.g., a primary battery or a secondary battery) or a solar cell that powers the PCB-A 111 is located in the battery compartment 181. In the present case, the battery is a primary battery cell, but it can also be a secondary battery that is charged in an external charger or inside the guide 100. The magnetic personal care guide 100 also includes a member 130 for detecting the presence of the personal care tool 10. The member 130 for detecting the presence of the personal-care implement 10 can be a Hall sensor, a reed contact sensor, a switch, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a stress-strain gauge, an RFID tag, a micro switch and / or a movable magnet that presents a signal detectable by the microcontroller 120 .

[0108] In this embodiment, the magnetic personal care guide 100 includes a low-power display, such as an electrochromic display 140 that reflects ambient light. The electrochromic display 140 can be attached to the PCB-A via an adhesive 141. Instead of including the electrochromic display 140, the magnetic personal care guide can include at least one light source, such as at least one LED that illuminates at least one or more light indicating elements. Optionally, a real-time module (not shown) can also be provided in the housing cavity to enable control and monitoring of the elapsed time in the event that the battery 180 that powers the PCB-A is exhausted during the personal care routine. If a new battery is inserted, the previously recorded time will immediately be available for redisplay.

[0109] A button / switch 142 may be provided to customize the functionality of the guiding appliance 110 / magnetic personal care guide 100. For example, via the button / switch 142, the type of feedback and / or guidance provided by the magnetic personal care guide 100 may be selected. For example, the following functionality may be pre-selected: visual, auditory, and / or tactile feedback / guidance. For example, a user may select only "visual feedback / guidance" and disable "auditory" and / or "tactile" feedback / guidance. Moreover, via the switch 142, a user may select from a variety of pre-selected modes, such as brushing for 2 minutes for a "daily cleaning" mode, or brushing for 3 minutes for a "deep cleaning" mode.

[0110] Figures 4 to 8 A display 140 of the magnetic personal care guide 100 is shown, which displays various types of visual signals. Figure 4 The time is illustrated (8:31 in the present case). Figure 5 A "manual brush" icon is illustrated that provides a signal to the user to brush teeth with a manual brush / continue brushing teeth with a manual brush. Figure 6 An "electric brush" icon is illustrated, which provides a signal to the user to brush teeth with an electric brush / continue brushing teeth with an electric brush. Figure 7 A "wet shaver" icon is illustrated which provides a shave / continue shaving signal to the user. Figure 8 A "bar" is illustrated that fills in from the bottom, indicating time due during a personal care routine.

[0111] like Figure 8 As illustrated, when the personal care tool 10 is removed from the magnetic personal care guide 100, the bars or bar segments are activated one by one, and each bar or bar segment is activated after a predefined time period. For example, the predefined time period may be about 20 seconds. For example, if the display includes six bars / bar segments, and the predefined time period for lighting of each bar is set to 20 seconds, the guidance process may be suitable for the recommended 2-minute brushing time.

[0112] Such a timer can be preconfigured so that it is activated after a predefined period of time after the personal care implement 10 is removed from the magnetic personal care guide 100, allowing the user to, for example, wet the toothbrush, add toothpaste, and prepare themselves before starting the cleaning process. The predefined period of time can be from about 2 seconds to about 20 seconds, from about 5 seconds to about 15 seconds, or from about 8 seconds to about 12 seconds, or about 10 seconds.

[0113] When all of the bar segments have been activated / illuminated and the predefined time period has expired for all of the bar segments, the magnetic personal care guide 100 may give a first visual, audible, and / or tactile signal to the user.

[0114] Similarly, if the personal care implement 10 is reattached to the magnetic personal care guide 100 before all bar segments have been activated / illuminated or before a predefined time period has expired for all bar segments, the magnetic personal care guide 100 may provide a second visual, audible and / or tactile signal to the user.

[0115] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a personal care guidance system 200 for guiding a user during a personal care routine is illustrated. The personal care guidance system 200 may have the same features as the previously described personal care guidance system 1 ( Figure 1 ) The system 200 may include a shaving razor 210 and a magnetic personal care guide 300 according to the present disclosure to which the shaving razor 210 is magnetically attached. The system 200 is suitable for guiding a user during a personal care routine, as previously described with respect to Figure 1 The personal care guide system 200 may include a shaving razor 210 and a magnetic personal care guide 300, to which the shaving razor 210 can be magnetically attached and detached. The magnetic personal care guide 300 may be used together with the previously described magnetic personal care guide 100 ( Figure 1 ) is the same. The shaving razor 210 may include at least one section made at least in part of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material 213. For example, the shaving razor 210 may include a handle 212 made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, or include a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material inserted into the handle 212. The magnetic guide 300 may include a guide tool 310 that can be activated by removing the shaving razor 210 from the magnetic personal care guide 300.

[0116] The shaving razor 210 may include a head, such as a shaving razor cartridge 214. In certain embodiments, the shaving razor cartridge 214 may be permanently attached to the handle 212, or may be removable from the handle 212, thereby allowing replacement with a new shaving razor cartridge 214. In this example, the shaving razor cartridge 214 may be repeatedly attached to the handle 212 and repeatedly removable from the handle. The handle 212 may be molded from a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, and represents a section that is at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. In addition to this, the handle 212 may also have been plated with any additional material, such as a polyethylene material or a thermoplastic elastomer, to produce a soft zone, such as a thumb rest 216. The soft zone / thumb rest 216 may improve the comfort and feel of the handle 212. Alternatively or in addition, the handle 212 may have a metal layer 218 directly on the magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material through another electroplating step to further improve the appearance of the handle 212. For example, the metal layer 218 may have a ring form around the outer circumference of the handle 212.

[0117] Alternatively, the section of the shaving razor 210 that is at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material may be: a magnetic ring, a magnetic sheet, or a magnetic clamp attached to the shaving razor 210; a metal ring, a metal sheet, or a metal clamp attached to the shaving razor 210; and / or a movable magnet attached to the shaving razor 210.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the handle 214 (comprising Figure 1 The handle 14 shown may include one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes) 215 to communicate the shaving razor 210 and / or magnetic guide 300 (or Figure 1 Personal care tools 10 and Figure 2 For example, the LED 215 can communicate the power level of the shaving razor 210 and / or the magnetic guide 300. The LED 215 can communicate information about the physical connection between the shaving razor 210 and / or the magnetic personal care guide 300. The magnetic personal care guide 300 can also have one or more LEDs 315 to convey information to the user.

[0119] In this embodiment, the magnetic personal care guide 300 includes a low-power display, such as an electrochromic display 340 that reflects ambient light. The electrochromic display 340 can be the same as the electrochromic display 140 previously described. Instead of including the electrochromic display 140, the magnetic guide 300 can include at least one light source, such as at least one LED that illuminates at least one or more light indicating elements. Optionally, a real-time module (not shown) can also be provided in the housing cavity to enable control and monitoring of the time to expire in the event that the battery powering PCB-A runs out of power during the personal care routine. If a new battery is inserted, the previously recorded time will immediately be available for redisplay.

[0120] The shaving razor 210 may include a power source (not shown), such as one or more batteries positioned within the handle 212. The batteries may be rechargeable batteries or replaceable alkaline batteries. The batteries may be recharged via an electrical cable (not shown) inserted into the handle 212 and an external power source (e.g., a wall socket or an external battery pack).

[0121] In the context of this disclosure, the term "substantially" refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while theoretically expected to exhibit exact uniformity or behavior, may in practice render something somewhat less precise. Likewise, the term represents the degree to which a quantitative value, measurement, or other related representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0122] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A magnetic personal care guide (100) for guiding a user through a personal care routine and adapted to releasably hold a personal care implement (10), the personal care implement (10) comprising a section at least partially made of a magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material (13), the magnetic personal guide (100) comprising: (ii) a guide tool (110) activated by detaching the personal care tool (10) from the magnetic personal care guide (100); as well as (iii) a low power display (140), preferably an electrochromic display or an electronic ink display that provides signals to guide the user through the personal care routine when the guidance appliance (110) is activated.

2. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to claim 1, wherein the guide (100) further comprises an energy source for powering the guide (110), preferably a primary battery or a secondary battery and / or a solar cell.

3. The magnetic personal care introducer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the introducer (100) has the form of a flat disc, preferably attachable to a wall or a bracket.

4. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (100) has a surface at least partially covered with a TPE layer to enhance the friction between the personal care tool (10) and the guide (100).

5. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (100) comprises a printed circuit board assembly (PCB-A) (111) comprising a microcontroller (120).

6. The magnetic personal care introducer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the introducer comprises means (130) for detecting the presence of the personal care implement (10).

7. The magnetic personal care guide (100) of claim 6, wherein the member (130) is selected from the group consisting of a Hall sensor, a reed contact sensor, a switch, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a stress-strain gauge, an RFID tag, a micro switch and / or a movable magnet that presents a signal detectable by a microcontroller (120).

8. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (100) further comprises a real-time module for controlling and monitoring time.

9. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (100) comprises means for providing an audible and / or tactile signal.

10. The magnetic personal care introducer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the introducer (100) further comprises at least one switch (142) for customizing the signal provided by the introducer (100).

11. The magnetic personal care inductor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inductor (100) further comprises a timer, the timer being started by activating the inducting implement (110).

12. The magnetic personal care inductor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inductor (100) provides a signal to the user after a predefined period of time after activation of the inductor implement (110).

13. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (110) includes a replacement reminder member that reminds a user to replace at least a portion of the personal care tool (10) after a predefined period of time.

14. The magnetic personal care guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (100) comprises a reward system that provides feedback to the user after a predefined period of time.

15. A personal care guidance system (1) for guiding a user through a personal care routine, the system (1) comprising a personal care tool (10) and a magnetic personal guide (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the personal care tool (10) comprising a section at least partially made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material (13).

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