WO2009076301A9

WO2009076301A9 - Shaving data device

Info

Publication number: WO2009076301A9
Application number: PCT/US2008/085902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Kohler
Original assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-07
Filing date: 2008-12-08
Publication date: 2009-12-03
Also published as: WO2009076301A2; WO2009076301A3

Abstract

The present invention involves wet shaving systems and methods of their use. The shaving system relates generally to a device and method of acquiring, processing and outputting significant data related to shaving, such that such information may be used by the user of the shaving system. A shaving system comprises a wet-shave razor (4), which includes a handle (16) and at least one razor cartridge (6), a sensor (20), a control mechanism (80) comprising at least a memory storage device (23), an output device (24), and at least one power source (34).

Description

SHAVING DATA DEVICE BACKGROUND Field of the invention

The present invention is- generally directed to shaving implements specifically wet- shave razors , wherein usage of the razor: cartridge is monitored and such information is conveyed to the user,

Background of the Invention

There exist many criteria which define the quality of shaving utensils. Generally, the criteria manufacturers design and test for are based on particular traits consumers'desire in the specific product One such trait is that of a close shave, balanced with rinsability, safety and comfortableness. Shaving comfort is of particular interest. A razor is likely to be preferred for how it "feels" shaving the hirsute surface. Comfort can be attributed by how smoothly it cuts hair, how closely it cuts hair and the manner it in which it is done. Manufacturers have incorporated guard portions to stretch skin prior to entering razor blades, as well as lubricious conditioning elements before and /or after the razor blades in order to heighten shaving comfort. Razors comewith pivotable razor cartridges with flexing blades. Manufacturers ha ve adjusted the blade deck, modifying the number of blades in the cartridge, as well as the blade exposures of each of those blades. In addition, the blade spans (i.e. the distance between the blades) have been widened and narrowed to achieve the desired result. Further yet, vibrating razors have also been produced to accommodate shaving comfort Still. in order to determine how adequate these elements are, comfort must somehow be calculated

Comfort can be a difficult factor to quantify. Onesuch way of doing so is through counting shavingstrokes. In general, the fewer the number of shaving strokes, the less skin will be irritated by the passing of the blade(s). Accordingly, the number of strokes can be correlated, often using additional variables,. to the comfort provided by a particular shaving instrument. Manually counting can be difficult and time consuming Therefore, in the past the process has been automated

To count strokes, a counter needs to be attached to each individual razor assembly being tested,. such that it can measure andaccount for a displacement of the razor assembly during the course of a stroke. This can be¨ costly, especially if multiple tests on multiple shaving systems are required. It can also be bulky, as all the components mounted externally or internally to the handle of the razor can leave an unduly large handle, compromising shaving comfort in order to account for it In addition, any change to the razor handle can affect the shave. Furthermore, it would be useful to have a system that could be utilized with any razor product, as opposed to being specifically integrated into one shaving system. Accordingly, it is advantageous to have a system that is external to the razor itself, such that it can be implemented with other razors of the same or of varying type. Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned insufficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a shaving system comprises a wet-shave razor and a method of interpreting movement of the wet-shave razor. This method requires at least one sensor, a processor, at least one memory storage device, at least one algorithm, an output device and at least one power source. The handle has at least one razor cartridge coupled to it, where the razor cartridge has at least one blade with a sharpened edge for cutting hair. The sensor is external to the wet-shave razor in order to accurately assess movement of the wet- shave razor. The sensor may be mounted directly on the handle of the razor, or on the at least one razor cartridge. The sensor may be detached from or detachable from the wet-shave razor. Where the sensor is detached from the wet-shave razor, it may be mounted to a band that fits around a finger, a hand, a wrist, or the arm. The at least one sensor detects movement of the wet-shave razor and relays this movement to a processor. The at least one sensor detects movement through a variety of means and methods. Various types of sensors employing different means of ascertaining, interpreting and communicating/relaying movement to a processor exist and are capable of accomplishing said objectives. The processor is in communication with the at least one sensor, whether in direct contact in a single unit, or whether the processor is separate from the at least one sensor. The processor utilizes at least one algorithm to interpret the inputted data from the at least one sensor. The processor identifies and selectively filters movement, removing extraneous movement and sorting input data into categories, storing the input data into at least one memory storage device. The processor filters in order to group together useful information gathered from the at least one sensor. It may select and create categories for many different types of inputted data, or may focus on a particular type of data. The at least one memory storage device holds the data until the processor permits the data to be erased. The permission may be granted solely through at least one algorithm, or it may be user-defined, where the user manually resets the memory. Once the input data have been collected, filtered, and sorted, information and/or data collected from these data is relayed to an output device for visual assessment and utilization by the user. The information displayed is related to the data gathered, and may include the number of strokes. The information may be displayed in a variety of means, a few of which include a counter or a computer monitor. At least one power source provides the required power to operate the at least one sensor, processor and at least one memory storage device. The at least one power source may be external or internal. Where the at least one power source is external, it may take its power from an electrical outlet. The at least one power source may be chargeable and thus detachable from the external power source upon use. Where the at least one power source is internal, it may comprise a battery or other type of energy cell. The at least one power source may contain capacitors to store energy and resistors to limit and control current dispersion.

The shaving system may take various forms, where different components are combined in a functional unit, or are separate. Specific embodiments of the present invention will be discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.l is an isometric view of one embodiment of a shaving system where the wet-shave razor, sensor, control mechanism and output device are separate;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a shaving system where the wet-shave razor, sensor and functional unit are separate;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a shaving system where the wet-shave razor and functional unit are separate;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a ring embodiment of a functional unit;

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a ring embodiment of a functional unit; FIG. 5A is a top view of a band embodiment of a functional unit;

FIG. 5B is an isometric view of a band embodiment of a functional unit;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a glove embodiment of a functional unit;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a functional unit, where the functional unit contains a sensor, a control mechanism, and a power source; FIG. 8 is one embodiment of an algorithm;

FIG. 9 is one embodiment of an algorithm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the figures, the present invention involves wet shaving systems and methods of their use. As shown in FIG. 1, a shaving system comprises a wet-shave razor (4), which includes a handle (16) and at least one razor cartridge (6), a sensor (20), a control mechanism (80) (see e.g., FIG. 7) comprising at least a memory storage device (23), a processor (22) and at least one algorithm (see e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9), an output device (24), and at least one power source (34).

The wet-shave razor (4) has at least one razor cartridge (6) coupled to the handle (16). The connection between the razor cartridge (6) and the handle (16) may be pivotable, rotatable, or rigid. The at least one razor cartridge (6) may be detachable and replaceable as found in commercially-available system razors, or it may be one continuous piece, as found in commercially available disposable razors. The at least one razor cartridge (6) contains at least one razor blade (7) with a sharpened blade edge for cutting hair. The at least one razor cartridge (6) may contain a guard portion to stretch and prepare skin entering the at least one razor blade. The guard is commonly a polymeric, rubber, TPE or metallic material, or a combination thereof. The at least one razor cartridge (6) may contain conditioning agents in a variety of forms or substances to prepare the hirsute surface prior to shaving and/or thereafter. Conditioning agents may be a liquid, oil, foam, soap or polymeric material.

The at least one sensor (20) detects movement of the wet-shave razor (4). Alternatively, the at least one sensor (20) may detect forces applied to the wet-shave razor (4) or applied by the wet-shave razor (4) to the hirsute surface. The at least one sensor (20) may detect forces within the wet-shave razor (4). Forces that may be monitored include pressure. The at least one sensor (20) is external to the wet-shave razor (4), such that it can accurately detect movement of the wet-shave razor (4). The at least one sensor (20) may be located directly on the at least one razor cartridge (6), or mounted to the handle (16). Alternatively, the at least one sensor (20) may be affixed to a finger, the hand, the wrist, or the arm. The at least one sensor (20) may be an accelerometer, specifically a single axis, biaxial, or a triaxial accelerometer, or may consist of multiple of each type.

The at least one sensor (20) monitors motion or force along at least one axis. This axis may be the vertical axis. Where a multi-axis accelerometer is being used, an algorithm, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, may be written to only read a specific axis at specific times, for specific purposes, where pertinent information relates only to a specific axis. For example, processor (22) may only record vertical axis data generally, but may be triggered to record data from the other two axes should significant displacement occur in either of those axes. In another embodiment, one might have three single axis accelerometers orientated in three different ways, or one might have several triaxial accelerometers to more accurately account for movement and/or reduce plausible error through redundancy. The at least one sensor (20) may alternatively be a surface acoustic wave sensor, a laser accelerometer, an optical accelerometer, a magnetic accelerometer, a load cell, a strain gauge or a half-effect sensor, or any other sensor (20) known by one skilled in the art that provides a similar ability to detect movement of an object or forces applied to or applied by an object.

The at least one sensor (20) interacts and is in communication with a control mechanism (80). The control mechanism (80) comprises at least the following: a processor (22), at least one memory storage device (23), and at least one algorithm. The control mechanism (80) may contain other components, but must include at least a processor (22), at least one memory storage device (23), and at least one algorithm. Other components that may be included are the at least one sensor (20), and/or an output device (24), and/or at least one power source (34). The at least one sensor (20) communicates with the control mechanism (80) using any of a variety of means. Where the at least one sensor (20) and control mechanism (80) are directly connected, they might communicate electrically via basic wiring and/or through a pc board.

The control mechanism (80) utilizes at least one algorithm to accept incoming data offered by the at least one sensor (20), process it via the processor (22), and store pertinent information in the at least one memory storage device (23). Ultimately, the at least one algorithm outputs specific information to an output device that visually displays information relating to the movement interpreted by the at least one sensor (20). As seen in either embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the at least one algorithm uses at least one loop (90), and sequentially accepts input data (92) from the at least one sensor (20). It is understood by one of skill in the art that any step can be modified to provide the appropriate algorithm to identify and manage the desired input data (92) from the at least one sensor (20).

In some embodiments, the at least one algorithm pauses (91) acceptance of input data (92) in order to provide an appropriate length of time for movement to occur. This length of time varies dependant on what type of movement is specifically sought. Significant movement is force, displacement, or any other sought quantity, which is defined by the algorithm to enable accumulation of valuable data. If the significant movement is defined to low, or the length of time is too long, excessive data may be accumulated, and vice-versa. The at least one algorithm compares the difference (93) of consecutively accepted input data (92) and compares this difference to a threshold value (94). The threshold value (94) is an amplitude that defines a specific movement sought to be measured. If the threshold value (94) is larger than the difference of the consecutive sets of input data (92), then the threshold value (94) has not been met, and the at least one algorithm will continue to find the difference

(93) of consecutive sets of input data (92) until the threshold value (94) is less than or equal to the difference (93) of two consecutive sets of input data (92). When the threshold value

(94) is met, the value of the difference (93) is stored in the at least one memory storage device (23), and the at least one algorithm recycles, iterating the above-described process.

The at least one algorithm may check particular axes in order to account for undesired or extraneous data (96) that may exceed the threshold value (94) and thus be inappropriately counted. Extraneous data (96) may include motion, pressure or force. For example, a user will frequently rinse the razor while shaving to remove any build-up of skin particulate and hair. To rinse, one might oscillate the razor back and forth laterally under a stream of water, or possibly submersed in water. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to require the at least one algorithm to check for rinsing (98). The at least one algorithm may check the lateral direction, potentially along the x-axis (if so defined) for motion that exceeds the threshold value (94), but is nonetheless extraneous motion (96). The at least one algorithm should measure the absolute value of the distance traveled by the at least one sensor (20). The absolute value of the displacement should be considered to remove ambiguity that may result from where the origin of the coordinate system is defined. Accordingly, if rinsing causes displacement in one or more quadrants, the at least one algorithm will consider the entirety of the displacement, and not merely the positive displacement from the origin. If one defines the coordinate system such that displacement will only occur in one quadrant, the absolute value will not need to be considered. This is understood by one of skill in the art to be within the scope of the present invention. Other, similar loops in the algorithm can also be added in addition to, or instead of the "rinse" loop to reduce noise in the system.

The at least one algorithm may ultimately self-terminate, where it has been programmed to run for a certain time, number of movements, specific pressure or force, or any other quality pertinent to razor assessment that can be quantified by a sensor (20). Alternatively, the at least one algorithm may require the user to start and stop the system. In the latter system, a button or switch (72) must be depressed, toggled or pushed in order to signal to the algorithm to begin or end. As the at least one algorithm cycles, it may continuously output information to an output device (24) to display information related to the movement input data (92) it accepts, updating the information as it receives new information. Alternatively, the at least one algorithm might not output information to an output device (24) to display information until all data has been accumulated.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of a control mechanism (80), the control mechanism (80) contains a triaxial accelerometer (20), a processor (22), a memory storage device (23) and a counter (28). The processor (22) is used to sample the input data (92) from the triaxial accelerometer (20). This is accomplished by coupling the three analog outputs from the accelerometer to the three analog-to-digital (A/D) inputs of the processor (22). The processor (22) algorithm sequentially reads the value of each accelerometer axis and compares it to the previously stored value. Stroke detection is based on a change in amplitude of the input data. An increase in acceleration of sufficient amplitude, on any axis, will increment the counter (28). As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 9, wrist movements during rinsing are ignored by checking the absolute value on the lateral (or x- axis as defined in this embodiment). When the wrist is in a downward position, strokes are disregarded. The algorithm continues to accept input data (92), interpret the data, store the data in the memory storage device (23) and increment strokes to the counter (28) until the user depresses the reset button (32).

The output device (24) may visually display through a variety of means, including but not limited to a counter (28) or a computer monitor. Where the control mechanism (80) is a computer, the computer monitor may be used as the output device (24). Where the control mechanism (80) consists of a simpler machine, it may output to a counter (28). The processor (22) and at least one memory storage device (23) may be one device, such as a microchip microcontroller. Alternatively, the processor (22) and at least one memory storage device (23) may be separate components, as is common within a computer. Typically, the processor (22) and at least one memory storage device (23) will be mounted and soldered to a pc board (26) and communicate directly through the pc board (26). Where the output device (24) is part of the control mechanism (80), the output device (80) may also be in electrical communication with the at least one memory storage device (23) and processor (22) through the pc board (26). Where the output device (24) is separate or detachable from the control mechanism (80), it may be in communication through electrical or wireless means. The at least one power source (34) provides power to the sensor (20), functional unit

(68) and output device (24). A functional unit (68) consists of at least the control mechanism (80), at least one sensor (20) and at least one power source (34). Optionally, a functional unit (68) may also contain the wet-shave razor (4) and/or output device (24). One power source (34) may provide power to all three of these components, or individual power sources (34) may source each component individually. Where the functional unit (68) also consists of the at least one sensor (20) and output device (24), one power source (34) may be sufficient, or multiple power sources (34) may be employed for redundancy or to provide a specific orientation, shape or size of the functional unit (68). The power source (34) may be internal or external to the functional unit (68). An internal power source (34) may be a battery, and may be located within the functional unit (34). Specifically, it may be inside the wet-shave razor handle (16), or inside the output device (24), or adjacent to the control mechanism (80). An external power source (34) may continually provide power from an electrical outlet via an electrical cord. Alternatively, an external power source (34) may be rechargeable, such that a plug is used, allowing one to detach the power cord for less restricted range of motion. An external power source (34) may be mounted exterior to the handle, or attached to the exterior of the handle. Regardless of whether the power source (34) is internal or external, the at least one power source (34) may be detachable or removable, and may be rechargeable, or in any other form known to one skilled in the art. The present invention may be contained in a variety of forms. The present invention may consist of the wet-shave razor (4) and a separate unit (100). As shown in one embodiment in FIG. 2, the separate unit (100) may comprise just the output device (24), or potentially also the control mechanism (80) and at least one power source (34). The at least one sensor (20) and at least one power source (34) may be directly mounted to the wet-shave razor (4), while the control mechanism (80), output device (24) and at least one power source (34) may be in a separate unit (100). Alternatively, the at least one sensor (20), control mechanism (80), output device (24) and the at least one power source (34) may be in a separate unit (100) from the wet-shave razor (4).

As shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the present invention may be attached to a ring (50), such that it can be slipped onto a finger on the hand holding the wet- shave razor (4). The ring (50) may have the output device (24) mounted to it, such that it is visible while shaving. The ring (50) may be elastic, or of cloth material, or it may be a polymer, rubber, TPE, wood, or metallic material, some combination thereof, or any other material known to one of skill in the art. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 5 A and 5b, the present invention may be attached to a wrist/hand/arm band (48), worn similarly to a bracelet or watch. The wrist/hand/arm band (48) may have the output device (24), control mechanism (80), and/or at least one sensor (20) mounted to it, or perhaps just any one of the previously described components. The wrist/hand/arm band (48) may be elastic, or may have a clasp, snap or

Velcro connection for adjustment, or some combination thereof.

As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, the present invention may be attached to the hand, utilizing a wrist/hand/arm band (48) or glove (52). The present invention may require a pair of wrist/hand/arm bands (28) or gloves (52), such that at least the at least one sensor (20) is mounted to the hand holding the wet-shave razor (4), while the other wrist/hand/arm band (48) or glove (52) may be worn on the other hand, where the latter wrist/hand/arm band (48) or glove (52) may have the control mechanism (80) and/or the output device (24) mounted to it. The wrist/hand/arm band(s) (48) and/or glove(s) (48) may be elastic, or have a clasp, snap or Velcro connection for adjustment, or some combination thereof. The glove (52) may contain cloth, rubber, polymer, metal, and/or wood materials.

In an embodiment where the at least one sensor (20) is separate from a functional unit (68), consisting of a control mechanism (80), power supply (34) and visual display (30), the at least one sensor (20) and the functional unit (68) may be in communication through RF frequency, laser, or infrared signals. The particular components may be attached to the glove using stitching (74), where the stitching may be cloth, a polymer, or wire, or any other alternative means known to one skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the present invention may have an adhesive backing that allows one to apply the present invention directly to a finger, wrist, hand, or arm. The adhesive backing may be disposable, such that a new backing can be applied for every test. The adhesive backing may also be permanent, in that it is never replaced, but can be reused and maintains its tackiness. U.S. Patent 6,316,073 to Hiscock is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

The present invention may be attached directly to the wet-shave razor (4) itself. The at least one sensor (2) and/or control mechanism (80) may be directly attached to the razor cartridge (6), or to the razor handle (16). The at least one sensor (4) and/or control mechanism (80) are external to the handle (16). The power source (34) and output device

(24) may also be directly attached to the handle (16).

The present invention may be in a variety of embodiments, as noted previously. The various components required to provide the desired function may be in different combinations depending on how each component interacts and what each component specifically is. The following embodiments are examples of such and one skilled in the art would understand that the specified embodiments are in no way representative of all embodiments encompassed by the present invention. One embodiment of the present invention consists of a wet-shave razor (4) with the functional unit (68) external to the handle (16) of the wet-shave razor (4). The sensor (20) is mounted to the razor cartridge (4) and is in electrical communication with the functional unit (68). The functional unit (68) consists of the control mechanism (80), output device (24), and power source (34). The functional unit (68) is in infrared communication with the output device (24). The functional unit (68) is mounted to a wrist/hand/arm band (48). The wrist/hand/arm band (48) is elastic and cloth, with a Velcro adjustment. The processor (22) and memory storage device (23) is a Microchip 12F683 microcontroller. The sensor (20) is an Omega DLClOl-IO dynamic load cell. The output device (24) is a Red Lion Cub 5 digital counter (28). The power source (34) is rechargeable, and has a detachable plug that connects to an electrical power outlet. The handle (16) of the wet-shave razor (4) contains a female member, while the detachable plug has a male member. A basic algorithm is utilized by the functional unit (68) as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 8.

Another embodiment of the present invention consists of a wet-shave razor (4) with a separate functional unit (68). The functional unit (68) consists of a sensor (20), control mechanism (80), power source (34) and output device (20). The control mechanism (80) contains a Freescale MMA 7260 triaxial accelerometer (20), a Microchip 12F683 microcontroller (22, 23), and a Red Lion Cub 5 counter (28). The functional unit (68) is mounted to a wrist/hand/arm band (48). The wrist/hand/arm band (48) is elastic and cloth, with an adjustment clasp. The functional unit (68) is rectangular and has a polypropylene two-piece encasement (31), in which the dorsal piece is fastened to the front piece by 4 screws, one in each corner. The functional unit (68) has a gasket to prevent moisture from entering. The power source (34) is an Energizer battery. The algorithm reads input data (92) from all three axes of the triaxial accelerometer (20), comparing subsequent data sets to determine if a threshold (94) displacement has been reached. The algorithm checks for rinsing (98) along the lateral (or x-axis as defined in this embodiment). If the difference in subsequent data sets is greater than the threshold (94), and survives the check for rinsing (98), it is counted (99) as a stroke.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are various modifications and adaptations of the precise form of the invention here shown which may suit particular requirements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shaving system, comprising: a wet-shave razor; and at least one sensor for detecting movement of said wet-shave razor, wherein said at least one sensor is external to said wet-shave razor; and a control mechanism, wherein said control mechanism is in communication with said at least one sensor, said control mechanism comprising: at least one memory storage device for storing data related to said movement, a processor to collect input data, and relay, filter, and sort said input data to said at least one memory storage device, at least one algorithm to account for said movement and filter extraneous movement; and an output device that visually displays information generated from said input data, providing information regarding the quality of the said wet-shave razor, wherein said output device is in communication with said control mechanism; and at least one power source that provides and/or stores power, wherein said at least one power source provides power for said sensor and said control mechanism.

2. The at least one sensor for detecting movement of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a tri-axial accelerometer.

3. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein said control mechanism comprises a microprocessor and a pc board.

4. The control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the control mechanism is a computer.

5. The at least one algorithm of claim 1, wherein said at least one algorithm comprises at least one loop, wherein said at least one algorithm takes the differences of the second values obtained from the at least one sensor and the initial data obtained, wherein said initial data comprise at least vertical acceleration data obtained by the at least one sensor, wherein a sufficient pause has been incorporated to allow for a difference in movement between sets of said initial data, in order to determine if a threshold value has been met, indicating movement that should be counted and stored, wherein if said threshold value is not obtained, another set of input data from said at least one sensor is compared to the prior set of input data obtained from said at least one sensor, with a sufficient pause in between sets of said input data to permit adequate movement, and subsequent sequential input data sets should be likewise compared until said threshold value is obtained.

6. The at least one algorithm of claim 1, wherein said at least one algorithm provides a means to count shaving strokes.

7. The at least one algorithm of claim 1, wherein said at least one algorithm provides a means to remove extraneous data sets but would be counted, being that the extraneous data sets exceed said threshold value, wherein said means reads the absolute values of data from a single axis to determine whether the motion associated with and producing said extraneous data is occurring, and if said threshold is reached, said extraneous data is removed and is not counted.

8. The at least one algorithm of claim 7, wherein said at least one algorithm has a means for removing said input data when the razor is being rinsed, wherein said means reads the absolute values of said input data from a single axis to determine whether rinsing is occurring, and if said threshold is reached, said input data is removed and is not counted.

9. The output device of claim 1, wherein said output device is a digital counter.

10. The output device of claim 1, wherein said output device comprises a computer monitor.

11. The output device of claim, wherein said output device displays the number of shaving strokes.

12. The shaving system of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor for detecting movement, said control system, said output device, and said at least one power source are a functional unit.

13. The functional unit of claim 12, wherein said functional unit is removable from said wet- shave razor.

14. The functional unit of claim 12, wherein said functional unit is separate from said wet- shave razor.

15. The functional unit of claim 14, wherein said functional unit is attached to a wrist/hand/arm band.

16. The functional unit of claim 14, wherein said functional unit is attached to a ring.

17. The functional unit of claim 14, wherein said functional unit has an adhesive back.

18. The functional unit of claim 17, wherein said adhesive back is removable from said functional unit, such that it can be replaced.

19. The shaving system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one power source is removable.

20. The shaving system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one sensor for detecting movement is removable from said wet-shave razor.

21. The shaving system of claim 1, wherein said control mechanism is removable from said wet-shave razor.

22. The shaving system of claim 1, wherein said control mechanism is in electrical communication with said sensor for detecting movement.

23. A shaving system, comprising: a wet-shave razor: and a control mechanism is in communication with at least one sensor, said control mechanism comprising: said at least one sensor for detecting movement of said wet-shave razor, wherein said at least one sensor is external to said wet-shave razor; and at least one memory storage device for storing data related to said movement, a processor to collect input data, and relay, filter, and sort, said input data to said memory storage device, at least one algorithm to account for said movement and filter extraneous movement, said algorithm to determine when a shaving stroke has been performed; an output device that visually displays readable information pertaining to the number of strokes performed, as determined by said algorithm; and at least one power source that provides and stores power, wherein said at least one power source provides power for said control mechanism.

24. The control mechanism of claim 23, wherein said control mechanism is removable from said wet-shave razor.

25. The control mechanism of claim 23, wherein said control mechanism is separate from said wet-shave razor.

26. The control mechanism of claim 24, wherein said control mechanism is attached to a wrist/hand/arm band.

27. The control mechanism of claim 24, wherein said control mechanism is attached to a ring.

28. The shaving system of claim 23, wherein said at least one sensor for detecting movement is removable from said wet-shave razor.

29. The shaving system of claim 23, wherein said control mechanism is removable from said wet-shave razor.