Consumer Products – Uwe Jungnickel, Niclas Altmann, Braun GmbH, Gillette Co LLC
Abstract for “Oral care instrument”
“This document describes an oral hygiene device. The oral hygiene instrument has a handle, a head and a neck between the handle and its head. There are a variety of contact elements on the head. The indication element is located between the neck of the oral hygiene device and the handle. Between the indicator element and the light emitting source, a transmission element is placed. The transmission element is powered by electromagnetic energy from the light emitting source.
Background for “Oral care instrument”
The use of toothbrushes for cleaning teeth is well-known. There are two types of toothbrushes that can be used: power and manual. The majority of cleaning action for manual toothbrushes is performed by the user. The toothbrush provides the majority of the cleaning motion for power toothbrushes. A drive mechanism is usually included in a power toothbrush to allow for the driving of a brush head. Power toothbrushes can be more expensive to make than manual ones because they include a drive mechanism. Some power toothbrushes can offer additional features. Some power toothbrushes can monitor the time a brush heads is used and show the user when the brush head needs to be replaced. Another example is that some power toothbrushes provide information to the user about how long it takes to brush a certain amount of hair.
These indications have been traditionally placed on the toothbrush’s front, in the area with the bristles. A toothbrush can be moved in multiple directions so that the indication means placed on one side of the toothbrush might not always be obvious to the user. A personal hygiene tool that can indicate the user’s position during use is needed.
An oral hygiene instrument is provided which comprises a handle with a circumference and a head. The neck contains a plurality contact elements. The oral hygiene implement further includes an indication element. This element has an outer lateral surface, an electromagnetic energy output source, a transmission device in electromagnetic energy communication; a transmission ring with a bottom edge in electromagnetic energie communication with the transmission element; as well as a reflective core within the transmission element. In this case, the reflective core redirects electromagnetic radiation from the output element to the indicator element
“An oral hygiene instrument is provided which comprises a handle, head and neck, with a plurality contact elements. The oral hygiene implement further contains an indication element. This element has an outer lateral surface; an electronic energy output source; an transmission element in electromagnetic power communication with that output source; and a transmission ring with an outer periphery in electromagnetic energie communication with that transmission element. In this case, the transmission element rings redirects electromagnetic energy from an output source to the indicator element.
“An indicator mechanism is provided which comprises an indication element, an electromagnetic energy outputsource; a transmission elements in electromagnetic energy communications with the output source; and a transmission ring consisting of one or more surface contours in electromagnetic energie communication with transmission element. The transmission element rings redirects electromagnetic energy from output source to the indication.
The following description provides a broad overview of many different embodiments of this invention. This description should be considered exemplary and not exhaustive. It is impossible to describe all possible embodiments. However, it is possible to delete, combine with, or substitute for any other feature, characteristic or component, composition or ingredient, product or step, or methodology, described herein. Many other embodiments are possible using current technology, or technology developed after this patent was filed. These alternative embodiments would still be within the scope of the claims.
“As used herein ?personal hygiene implement? Any implement that can be used for personal hygiene. You can use them for personal hygiene, like toothbrushes that are manual or powered, razors that are manual or power, trimmers, and shavers.
“Oral hygiene implement” is defined herein. Any device that can be used for oral hygiene purposes. Examples of such devices are toothbrushes (both power and manual), flossers (both power and manual), water picks and the like.
“For simplicity of explanation, the oral hygiene instrument described hereafter shall consist of a powered toothbrush. However, an oral hygiene tool constructed in accordance to the present invention does not have to be limited only to a powered toothbrush. The embodiments described below are also applicable to blades and razors as well as other personal hygiene tools.
“As shown at FIG. 1. A toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12, a 14-inch head, and a 16-inch neck extending between the handle 12 & the head 14. From a first surface of the head 14A, a contact element field 20 containing one or more contact elements is found. On a second 14B surface of the head, a soft tissue cleanser, a massaging element, and the like may be placed. We will discuss the use of tongue cleaners, soft tissues cleansers, and massaging elements in this section.
An indication element 30 can be placed between the handle 12 & the neck 16 at the proximal 90. An indication element 30 can provide a visual signal to the user for a variety of conditions. The visible signal could be used to notify the user when they have brushed for a sufficient amount of time (for example, two minutes), when their toothbrush is empty, or when they brush too hard, as excessive pressure can cause gum damage.
The indication element 30 can be placed in any location on the toothbrush 10. In some embodiments, the indicator element 30 can be placed in any location on the toothbrush 10. Another example is that the indication element 30 could surround the neck 16 or the handle 12. Another example is that the indication element 30 can be placed on the back-facing surface 40B, neck 16 or both. Another example is that the indication element 30 can be placed on the front-facing surface of the handle 12, neck 16 or both.
“Referring FIGS. 1. and 2. The contact field element 20 can be mounted on the head 14, so that it can rotate around an axis 31. The axis 31 may be perpendicular or parallel to the neck’s longitudinal axis 21. You can also angle the axis 31 relative to the neck’s longitudinal axis 21. The handle 12 consists of an outer shell 212 that forms an interior section with a chassis 35. Attached to the chassis 35 is a drive motor 36, an electric power source (such as a battery 37), and other electronic components such as a charging coil 38. A rocker 39 can be mounted on the chassis 35 so that it can pivot about a rockeraxis 40. The rocker axis forty extends transversely from the handle 12 longitudinal axis 55. The rocker 39 extends out from handle 12. The neck 16 can be easily attached to rocker 39’s projecting end. The neck 16 may be rocked along with rocker39 around rocker axis forty.
“A sealing element 270 should seal the annular space between rocker 39 of the handle and outer shell 212 of the handle to reduce the risk of leakage into the outer shell 220. Any suitable sealing feature may be included in the sealing element 270. Deformable materials that can be compressed and then recovered within the cavity of outer shell 212 are some examples of sealing elements. A soft material can be molded onto the chassis 35. The soft material may then be inserted into the outer shell 220 to seal the assembly. Another embodiment may include a soft material being overmolded onto the outer shell212. Then the chassis 35 can be inserted into this outer shell212 to engage the soft material. In other embodiments, a discrete element may be placed on the chassis before attaching the chassis 35 the outershell 212. In some embodiments, the indication element 30 may seal the annular space between rocker 39 (or the outer shell 212) in certain cases.
“Additionally in some embodiments, electromagnetic energy such as light that is provided to the indicator element 30 may also be supplied to the sealing element 272. If the sealing elements 270 and 270 are transparent, the user may receive light via the indicator element 30 or the sealing element 272. The light provided by the indicator element 30 and the sealing element 277 may be intensified or contrasted with the indicated element 30. The light that is provided to the indicator element 30 can blend with the pigment color of sealing element 277 to create a unique visual effect. The light may be a first-color, while the pigmented sealing elements 270 could contain a second.
The interior of the rocker 39 contains a first drive shaft 42. For embodiments with a neck 16 and a head 14, the first drive shaft 42 is attached to the handle 12. The neck 16 is connected to the handle 12 so that the shaft 42 rotates with the second drive shaft 43. Through a bevel-gear 44, the second drive shaft 43 drives contact field element 20 around the axis rotation 31. Through a gear mechanism 45, the motor end of the first drive shaft 42 connects to drive motor 36. A motor shaft 46 extends from the drive motor 36 and is included in the powered toothbrush 10. Gear mechanism 45 converts the continuous rotary motion of motor shaft 46 into an oscillating, rotary movement for first drive shaft 42. Contact field element 20 is now driven in rotation in a reciprocating fashion.
The pivotable arrangement of rocker 39 may produce a translation stroke or picking movement of contact fields element 20 along axis 31, in certain embodiments. Rocker 39 is mounted on a cyclically-movable drive part 47 (here a cam), which is an eccentric and itself is seated on the shaft 46. A follower part 48 is formed by the end of rocker 39, which is angled away from contact field element 20, The follower 48 follows the curved surface of the cam 47 or the cyclic movement. Rocker 39 then executes a reciprocating movement. A prestressing device 49 (e.g. a spring) biases the follower 48 against the cam 47. The rocker 39 biases the contact field elements 20 in the direction it is operating in, while the cam47, through its corresponding curved surface forces them in the opposite direction.
The outer shell 212 may contain a variety of electronic components. The outer shell 212 may contain, for example, a timing circuit (240), a processor (240), or electromagnetic output sources (245), such as audible, light, and LED sources or combinations thereof. An array of power sources may be housed in the outer shell 212, such as to supply the threshold voltage for an LED.
The chassis 35 can support the processor 240 or the output source 245. The power source 37 can electrically connect with the processor, 240, or both. Additionally, the output source 245, which can include the processor 240 and PCB 242, can be electrically connected to the processor 240. As illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2. 3A The output source 245, such as an LED, can be in electromagnetic communication to a transmission element 33. Transmission element 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light from an output source 245, to a transmission element rings 65, and the indication element 30, respectively.
Referring to FIG. “Referring to FIG. The transmission element 33 transmits electromagnetic energy such as light from the output source 245 to an indication element 30. If the output source 245 includes an LED, then the transmission element 33 could be a light pipe or light guide, or a fiber optic. Transmission element 33 could also include a transmission element 65. The transmission element 65 extends laterally from the transmission element 33 so that it traverses the toothbrush handle’s circumference. This allows light to be distributed throughout the indicator element 30. Material for transmission element 33 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or a combination thereof. It transmits light from the LED through transmission element 33 to indication element 30. Some examples of suitable materials for the transmission element 33 include glass, polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, polyethyleneteraphthalate, silicone, combinations thereof, for example polyester and polycarbonate, or the like,”
“In some cases, the indication element 30 may be combined with the transmission element 33. The transmission element 33 and 30 could be constructed from the same material as the indication element 30, for example. Transmission element 33 can be an individual part of the indication element 30 in some embodiments. If the transmission elements 33 and 30 are separate parts, the elements 30, 33 can be placed relative to one another in a way that permits transmission of electromagnetic energy from an output source 245, through the transmission component 33 to the indication part 30. FIG. 3B shows an example of this. As shown in FIG. 3C The transmission element 33 can be partially nestled within the indication element 30, Referring to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the indicator element 30, transmission element 33 and chassis 35 can be integrated. In some cases, the transmission element 33 and the indicator element 30 may be integrated and attached to the chassis 35. In some cases, the outer shell 212, transmission element 33 and indication element 30 may all be integrally formed. In some embodiments the indication element 30 and outer shell 221 may be integrally formed. The transmission element 33 will then be attached to outer shell 222. These embodiments have the advantage of requiring fewer components for brush assembly, which can lower the cost and/or time.
The transmission element 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light to the indicator element 30 through internal reflection or external reflection. External reflections occur when light is reflected off of a material having a higher refractive Index (e.g. aluminum or silver) from a material that has a low refractive. Common household mirrors work on external reflection.
Internal reflections refer to reflections in which light is reflected off of a material having a lower refractive indice (such as polycarbonate). Fiber optic technology works on the principle that internal reflections. The refractive index, an optic attribute that measures the ability of light to bend or refract through a material, is an optic attribute. Even materials that conduct light well (such as aluminum), have indices for refraction.
External reflections are best when the angle at which the light hits the surface is close to normal. They decrease as the angle of incidence increases and approaches the surface at an angle steeper. Internal reflections, on the other hand, are more efficient at higher angles of incidence. They do not reflect at shallow angles (e.g. normal to the surface). Internal reflection is possible only if the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. The critical angle is that point below which light cannot reflect between two materials.
Referring to FIG. 2. For embodiments of this invention that use external reflection, a foil, or other highly reflective material, can be used within the outer shell, chassis 35, and/or both. You can place the highly reflective material such as foil on the interior surface 35 of the chassis 35 or the exterior surface 375 of outer shell 212. The transmission element 33 can also be covered with highly reflective material such as foil.
For embodiments that use internal reflection, it is possible to select a material with a high refractive index (e.g., above 1.0). The material chosen for transmission element 33 could have a refractive indice greater than 1.4, greater about 1.5, greater about 1.6 or less about 1.7, less about 1.6 or 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5 or 1.5 or any other number between the provided values or within the ranges of the provided values. The material chosen for transmission element 33 may have a refractive indice of about 1.4 to about 1.66 in some instances.
“Referring FIGS. “Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In such embodiments, an external surface 429, 1429 of the transmission element 33.233 can be polished. The transmission element 33-233 can be polished to reduce light leakage.
“Some embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 4A, the transmission elements 33 and 33 may include a receptacle 453, which can receive the output source 245, such an LED. The transmission element 33 may have a receptacle 453, which can be placed at the end 455 of the transmission. A receptacle 453, located at the end of the transmission elements 33, can be used to allow the output source 245, such an LED, to be inserted into the receptacle 433. This will reduce the likelihood of misalignment between the output source 245 and the transmission element 33. This will help to reduce light leakage between the transmission element 33 and the output source 245 by reducing the risk of misalignment.
“In order to achieve internal reflection, impinging sunlight may exceed the critical angle, as stated earlier. The distribution angle of the output source 245 and 1450 can impact the angle at which light impacts the transmission element 33. (See FIG. 4B). The design of the receptacle 453, such as having sides 453A, 453B parallel to face 453C may be enough to capture most of the light emitted by the output source 245 to allow for internal reflection. Internal reflection is generally not possible for light that is less than the critical angle. The sides 453A, 453B, and/or face 453C can be adjusted to increase light that is beyond the critical angle. The sides 453A and 453B can be tapered towards or away from 453C. The face 453C can also have multiple angles, multiple surfaces or curved surfaces. This is to increase the amount light emitted above the critical angle.
“Referring FIG. “Referring to FIG. 4B. 4B. To reduce light leakage from the output source 1450, the distance B (1460), should be kept within the guidelines.
“B ? A tan ? ( ? )”
“Where ? What is the half angle? Available from manufacturer’s specifications. A (1457) refers to a leg projection on the transmission elements 233. The leg of projection 1457 refers to the straight line distance between the midpoint of an output source 1450 and the transmission element 233.
For embodiments that use internal reflection, it is important to consider the distribution angle of output source 245, 1450 (such as an LED) A wide distribution angle can cause a portion of light supplied to the transmission elements 33, 33, 233 to not be internal reflected. Instead, it will leak out of the transmission elements 33, 233. Any suitable distribution angle may be utilized. You can use any angle that is suitable for your distribution, including angles greater or equal to about 0 degrees.
“Referring FIG. “Referring to FIG. 3A, a transmission device 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light from an outgoing source 245 to an indication element 30. A reflective core 461 may be used in transmission element 33 to reduce energy leakage. Reflective core 461 reduces light loss through transmission elements 33 and 65, which can be incorporated into the neck or handle of the brush. The reflective core 461 also helps to distribute light from the indicator element 30 to the outer surfaces 87 of this element 30.
“As shown at FIG. 5 may contain one or more reflective cores 461 that may include one or more faces 467. These may be polished and incorporated within the transmission element 33. You can configure the faces 467 to redirect light 71 from the transmission element to indicate element 30.
The faces 467 of the reflective center 461 can be configured in a square shape or a cone to facilitate dispersion electromagnetic energy (such as light) towards the indicator element 30. For example, FIGS. 467 shows that the faces 467 of reflective core 461 can be any shape to aid in dispersion electromagnetic energy towards the indicator element 30. 6A, 6B and 6C may have a portion or all of their lengths. One or more faces 467 can be curved, straightened, notched, U-shaped, or any combination thereof. The reflective core can have as many faces as you like, and it may also help in the dispersion electromagnetic energy to the indicator element. FIGS. 6D and 6E. FIG. 6E The reflective core 461 is made up of seven faces: 467B, 467C and 467D. FIG. FIG. 6F shows that a transmission element 33 may have a frontside 134 and backside 135 respectively. The shape of the reflective center 461 on the transmission element 33’s frontside 134 can be different from the reflective core 461 located on the transmission element 33’s backside 135 in FIG. The reflective core 461 can penetrate the transmission elements 33 completely to create a passageway between the front side 134 and the back side 135 of transmission element 33. Other embodiments of the reflective core 461 do not penetrate the transmission element 33 completely. Other embodiments of the reflective core 461, however, do not penetrate the transmission 33 at all but are integral to the transmission 33. For example, the reflective core 461 could contain reflective surfaces embedded within 33. Cross-sectionally, the reflective core’s faces can be bent, curled, or otherwise shaped in order to increase light reflection towards the indicator element. FIGS. 7A and 7A show the faces 467 of a reflective core 461 that may be curved in cross section, while FIGS. 8 and 8A show that the faces 467 are angled away towards the front side 134, transmission element 33, and the backside 135 (transmission element 33).
“Referring to FIG. “Referring back to FIG. The reflective core 461 can be partially filled with material in certain embodiments. An air gap may be created between the filling material 461 and the faces 467 if the reflective core 461 has been partially filled. This air gap is necessary to ensure internal reflection within the indication element 30. The reflective core 461 can be filled with material that has a lower refractive value than the reflective core material.
The indication element 30 would emit less than 10 percent of the light emitted by the output source if the reflective core 461 was not present. The indication element 30 would emit 90 percent to 100 percent of the light from the output source 245. The light emitted from the indicator element 30 in certain embodiments is greater that about 10% of the output source’s light. It can also be greater or less than 10 percent. Here is a discussion of a test method to measure light emission efficiency.
“FIG. 9. shows electromagnetic energy, such light 71, as it travels along transmission element 33 towards indication element 30. In some embodiments, at least part of the light traveling towards the indicator element 30 along transmission element 33 is reflected off the faces 467 and 461 back to the transmission element33. This light is directed towards the transmission element 65’s bottom edge 67. Certain embodiments produce constant light distribution around the circumference. The reflective core 461 redirects light beams from the output source 245 through transmission element 33 in such a way that constant density light beams of 71 is achieved at the bottom edge 65 of the transmission elements ring 65. The reflective core can be bent to expand the light. This is done by producing a constant light density at the bottom edge 67. For illustration purposes FIG. FIG. 9A is an illustration of FIG. 9 showing FIG. 9A, which is a depiction of FIG.
“The transmission element ring 65’s bottom edge 67 has a reflective surface that redirects light to the indication element 30. You can coat the reflective surface of the transmission ring with reflective material, or as shown in FIG. You can use both reflective coatings or surface contours to make 9 reflect the light toward the indicator element 30.
“The height of a surface contour could be H?3mm in some embodiments, or H?0.5mm?H?1mm in others. The H, W, and D may be affected by the position of the surface contour on a transmission element ring.
“In certain embodiments (as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, transmission element 33 could be non-linear along it’s length. This means that transmission element 33 might have one or more angles or, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E may have one or more curves. This orientation of the transmission elements 33 can be beneficial in certain embodiments. For example, in a powered toothbrush, there might be motors or batteries between the output source (or the indicator element) and the transmission element. The non-linear orientation 33 of the transmission element allows light to be transferred from the output source 245 to the transmission element rings 65 and 30. Any point on the transmission ring where light can be transmitted from the transmission elements ring, the transmission component may connect to it. The surface contours can also be present on any surface of the transmission element rings. FIG. 9E shows an example. 9E The surface contours 83 are placed on the inner surface transmission element rings 65 so that light is reflected towards the indication element 30. In this embodiment, the indicator element 30 is located at least partially along the outer perimeter 66 of transmission element rings 65. FIGS. FIGS. 9D and 9E show that a reflective core does not exist in certain embodiments. The transmission elements 33 and ring 65 can distribute light to the indicator element.
“With reference to FIG. 9 The redirected light coming from the bottom edge 65 of the transmission element rings 65 enters the indicator element 30 and is directed towards the outer surface 87 or, in some embodiments, reflected off the surface of the indicated element 30, such as the top surface or inner surface. As shown in FIG. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. The surfaces can be angled.
“Additionally embodiments that include multiple output sources are possible. A receptacle could be designed so that two LEDs can be placed within it. A first LED might provide a signal, such as brushing time. In other embodiments, a second LED could provide a second signal for a second condition. For example, time for brush replacement. In embodiments that do not contain a receptacle for transmission, multiple output sources (e.g LEDs) may be used.
“In addition to this, certain embodiments of the invention are contemplated in which the output source comprises an LED with multiple dices as described by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0053896A1. FIG. FIG. 11A shows that an LED 815 can include a lens 830 and one positive and one negative leads 821 and 809. The LED 815 can contain more than one light emitter or more than one semiconductor substrate. It may also have more than two leads. Embodiments can be made if the LED has two dices. Embodiments can also be considered if the LED contains more than two dices.
The LED 815 could include multiple light emitting dices 805 or 817, and a wire bonding 807 and 818. The wire bonding 818 could be used as the connection between dice 805 and 817. This connection can either be a parallel or serial connection.
“As shown at FIG. 11B, the LED 815B (two-wire LED) can have multiple dices 805 or 817 connected in series. One positive lead 809 or one negative lead 827 may be included in the LED 815B. Each dice 805 and 817 can have a pedestal 837 or 839, as shown. There is a serial connection between the top and bottom of the dices 805 and 817. Wire bonding 813 links the top of the dices 817 to negative lead 827. The light output from all light emitting sources can be combined to create a single light output at LED 830B.
“As shown at FIG. 11C, the LED 815C can have multiple dices 805 or 817 connected in parallel. The LED 815C could have a single output, the lens 830. It may also include one positive lead 809 and one negative lead 827. There may be a parallel connection between the dices. Wire bonding 837 connects the tops of dices 805 and 817. Wire bonding 807 connects the tops of dices 817 and the tops of common negative leads 827. The light output from all light emitting sources can be combined at lens 830 of the LED 815C to produce a single light output.
“As shown at FIG. An LED 815D (three-wire LED) can include multiple dices 805 or 817. The LED 815D could include a lens 830 and two semiconductor substrates. Two dices 805 & 817 are connected in parallel. Wire bondings 819 & 821 are used. One positive lead 833 is included. Two negative leads 831 & 835 are also included. The lens 830 is also used to emit light from the LED 815D. Each dice can have a pedestal 837 or 839. The LED 815D may have two positive leads and one negative lead. Additionally, the dice 805 and 817 could be connected in series.
The LED can also contain more than two semiconductor substrates with light emitting qualities. An LED can be equipped with a single or multiple leads, or it can include individual leads for each semiconductor substrate that has light emitting properties. Each semi-conductor substrate with light emitting properties can be powered independently by a separate power source such as a battery.
A three-wire LED, such as LED 815D or LED 817D, has the advantage that both dice 805 and 817 can be operated independently. The dices can be controlled independently if the LED 815D has two positive leads. The first dice 805 can be operated at 80 percent while the second dice 807 may operate at 20 percent. Another example is that the first dice 805 can be operated at fifty percent, while the second dice (807) can be operated at 100 percent. There are many combinations of operating levels for the first and second dice 805 or 817. These combinations are believed to create unique visual effects for the user by creating color blends.
Light blends can also be made for two-wire LEDs. You can switch the polarity of your supply voltage at a sufficient rate, for instance, higher than 70 Hz. This allows you to drive the dices and create blended colors. A first dice can be energized if the polarity is in a first condition. A second dice can be activated if the polarity is in a different state. A color blend can be perceived if the supply voltage’s polarity is changed quickly enough. The switching speed of the polarity supply voltage can be higher than 70 Hz or greater than 80 Hz. It may also be greater or less than 100 Hz.
These dice can be connected electrically in parallel or in series, as stated above. All current considerations for a series of dice are the same as those for a single one. Below is an equation that approximates the total voltage: nV=V +V f2+ . . +V fn”
“where n equals the number of dices, and Vf=forward-voltage for a particular die.” The total voltage for a pair of dices connected in parallel is about the same as one dice.
A single LED could contain two dices that emit different colors of light. For example, one LED could have two dices that emit light at different wavelengths. You could choose to have the dices emit different wavelengths within the same color range. For example, the dices might emit different wavelengths of light that results in the color blue. The combination of different wavelengths of light at the same optical output of an LED (the lens), could produce a particular combination of colors that provides oral care benefits. Some colors are not possible to achieve with a single wavelength. This invention can produce light of one of the unique colors. Combining different colors at the same optical output can result in a color impossible to achieve by just one dice.
The oral hygiene implement of this invention can provide multiple signals to the user for embodiments that include multiple LEDs or multiple dices. A first visual indication may include a dice being energized. For example, the first visual indication could correspond to the amount of time that was used. The second visual indicator may come from a second dice. A second visual indicator may indicate that the oral care device needs to be replaced. The first visual indication could be a first-color indication, while the second visual indicator may include a second color that is different from the first. You can use any color you like.”
The indication element can be used to provide feedback to the user for various conditions. “Toothbrushes made in accordance the present invention could provide feedback to users. A visible signal could be displayed to the user when they have brushed their teeth for a certain amount of time. This could include a visual indication indicating that they have brushed their teeth for two, three, or more minutes. Another example is a visual signal to the user indicating when the brush needs to be replaced. Another example is a visible signal that the user may receive regarding how many times he has used the brush. Another example is when the brush head is pushed too hard, which can cause gum damage. A first signal could be given if the user brushes for the required time. For example, two minutes for a predetermined number routines. If the user does not brush for the required time, a second signal is sent to them. The toothbrush may also send additional signals, such as using light in infrared spectrum wavelengths around 950 nanometers. To ensure that signals can be received by a receiver, the indicator element can distribute infrared signals in all directions.
The signal may be continuous, such as a constant signal that is sent throughout the entire brushing process. The signal can also be given at the end. If the user does not brush for the prescribed amount of time (e.g. two minutes) in a previous routine, the signal may flash red, or show a visible signal that indicates the time the user will brush for during the next routine. Another example is when the user brushes for a predetermined time in a previous routine, the signal may flash green or display a green visible signal for that time period.
“In some embodiments, the signal may be intermittently provided to the user during brushing. The signal may be sent to the user at predetermined times. A signal could be sent every 20 seconds, for example. You can choose any time interval you like. The time interval between signals can be as short as 0.1 second, more than 0.3 seconds or greater, than 0.8 seconds or greater, than 0.6 seconds or greater, than 0.9 second, more than 0.7 second, more than 0.6 second, higher than 0.7 second, better than 0.9 second, faster than 0.6 second, longer than 0.7 second, larger than 0.8 second, higher than 0.9 second, shorter than 0.2 second, lesser than 0.9 second, less about 0.6 second, less about 0.02 seconds and less then about 1 second, and less that about 1 second, but less about 0.4 second, 0.2 second, less about 0.2 second, or about a second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.6 second, and less about 0.6 second, 0.4 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.6 second, 0.4 second, 0.6 second, 0.2 second, 0.4 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.4 second, 0.4 second, less about 1.
“Previously, there was a time interval between signals. A processor can be used to alter the time interval between signals to the user, either during a specific brushing regimen or across a series of brushing sessions. If the user brushes for a predetermined time, such as two minutes, then the interval between the signals to the user could be set at a first interval. In a second routine, if the user brushes for a shorter time than the prescribed time, signals may be given to the user at a different time interval. The first time interval could be longer than the second, providing the user with more feedback. Some embodiments allow for the switching of the time intervals so that the user receives more feedback on brushing.
The outer shell 212 can be made of any material that is suitable for toothbrush materials. Some examples of suitable materials include polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate), copolyester, POM (polyaformaldeyde), combinations thereof, and the like. Polypropylene, nylon and other moldable stable plasticmers are some examples of suitable materials. Some embodiments may include recesses and channels for receiving a second material. The handle could include an elastomeric grasp feature or multiple elastomeric grab features. There may be a variety of elastomers in the plurality, which may include similar materials or different materials.
“The sealing element 270 can contain any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include silicone-based materials, thermoplastic elastomers and silicone based materials. Viton? is another example.
“Recycled and/or plant-derived plastics can be used in some embodiments. In some cases, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), may be used. The PET can be bio-based. The PET could contain a mixture of 25 to 75 weight percent of an terephthalate component and 20 to 50 weight percent a diol part. At least one weight percent of the terephthalate or diol components may be derived from a bio-based material. The terephthalate may also be made from bio-based materials. You can choose from a variety of bio-based materials, including corn, sugarcane and potato, starch or citrus fruit, starch, potato, starch or cellulosic linenin, plant oil, natural fibre, oily wood feedstock, and many others.
“Some components of PET could be bio-based. Bio-based materials may allow for the formation of monoethylene glycol or terephthalic acids, for example. United States Patent Application Publication Nos. explains the formation and manufacture of bio-based PET. 20090246430A1 & 20100028512A1
“As previously mentioned, certain embodiments (e.g. FIGS. The toothbrush 10 may have a replaceable head 14 or neck 16. The head 14 can be removed from the neck 16 or the neck 16. The replaceable elements are referred to as?refills’, regardless of whether the head 14 can be removed from the neck 16 and/or the neck 16. The processor can be programmed with multiple algorithms to determine a time frame for cumulative use and/or identification of a specific use. U.S. Pat. describes some examples of oral care instruments that can recognize a specific refill. Nos. 7,086,111, 7,207,080 and 7,024,717.”
“The interconnectivity between neck 16 and handle region 12 may be provided in any way that is suitable. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,086,111 and 7,207,080 respectively.
“The toothbrush according to the invention could also include a power source, as previously discussed. Any suitable element that can supply power to the toothbrush may be used as the power source. One or more batteries is a good example. This allows for the toothbrush to be placed in a smaller space. If the output source is a light emitting element, the power source could be smaller than a triple-A battery. The battery can be either rechargeable or disposable. In some embodiments, the power supply may include alternating current power provided by a utility company. U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. No. 12/102,881, filed April. 15th April 2008 and entitled “Personal Care Products & Methods?”
“In certain embodiments, a user-operated switch may be available that allows the user to set when the timing indication starts. The switch can be connected to the power source, the output signal element, and/or the timer.
“The elastomeric grip elements of the handle can be used to overmold at least a portion of timers, output signaling elements, processors, caps, and/or power sources. These components can also be used in electrical communication via wiring, which can be similarly overmolded. There may be portions that can be gripped by the palm and/or index fingers of the user. These elastomeric features can be made of the same material as the others, or they may be made from different materials, such as color, shape, composition and hardness.
“Additionally, the term “contact elements” as used in this document refers to any element that can be inserted into the oral cavity. Any suitable element that can be inserted in the oral cavity is referred to. You can use bristle tufts or elastomeric cleansing elements to clean your teeth. There may be a variety contact elements in the head. The head could include bristles, abrasive elements, elastomeric elements with abrasive properties, elastomeric element in a specific orientation or arrangement (e.g. pivoting fins, prophycups or the like). U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 62 and 63 provide examples of elastomeric cleaning element/or massaging elements. U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0251040, 2004/0154112, 2006/0272112 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,553,604; 6,151,745. 6,553,604; 6,151,745. U.S. Pat. provides some examples of cleaning elements and/or massaging components. Nos. Nos. 2006/0080794.”
The contact elements can be attached to the head in any way that suits them. There are three main methods of attaching contact elements to the head: stapling and anchor-free tufting. Contact elements made of elastomer may be formed integrally with each other, such as having an integral base and projecting outward.
The head can contain a soft tissue cleanser made of any material. Elastomeric materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, are some examples of suitable material. Any suitable soft tissue cleansing element may be included in the soft tissue cleanser. U.S. Patent Application Nos. outlines some examples and configurations of soft tissue cleansers on a toothbrush. 2006/0010628;2005/0166344, 2005/0210612 and 2006/0195995;2008/0189888;2006/0052806; 2005/0038461: 2005/0038461 ; 2004/0255416 ; 2005/0000049 ; 2005/0038461 ; 2004/0038461 ; 2005/0038461 ; 2006/0026784 ; 20070049956 ; 2008/0049956 ; U. Nos. Nos.
For embodiments that include an elastomeric component on one side of a head and another on the opposite side, the elastomeric components may be integrated via channels or gaps that extend through the material. These gaps or channels can allow elastomeric material flow through the head during injection molding. This allows both the first and second sides of the elastomeric element to be formed in one step.
“Test Method to Determine Light Emission Efficiency”
Three samples of the brush should be taken to test and three of the output source used in the brush. The output source samples should match the one used in the brush. All samples should be taken, i.e. Three brush samples and three output source samples should be taken to an independent testing facility. Each of the three brush samples and the output source samples will be tested by the testing facility in an appropriate sized integrating globe. A 12 inch integrating globe might be sufficient to accommodate the brush samples.
Before any measurements are made, the equipment will be calibrated in the testing facility. Before testing the brushes, the output source samples will be tested. One sample of the output source will be placed in the integrating chamber according to standard testing procedures. The same voltage will power the output source as the brush. If the brush uses a 3.6 volt Lithium battery, the output source will be similarly powered by a 3.6V Li-ion battery.
“The output source must be turned on, the integrating globe closed, and the total amount of light radiated by the output source shall also be measured. Each remaining sample of output source must be measured in a similar manner. Each sample will record the total light output from each output source and note it.”
Before testing a sample toothbrush, remove the sample output source from integrating sphere. The integrating sphere should be placed with a sample brush so that it activates the output source without blocking the light emitted by the indicator element. If the indicator element indicates excessive pressure, a harness can be used to move the neck/head of the brush. This will ensure that the output source/indicator element is activated. The total amount of light radiated by the sample brush should be measured. You can repeat this process for all other brushes.
“The total light radiated by sample output source one will then be divided by that radiated by sample brush one. To determine percent one, the quotient must be multiplied with 100. The total light radiated by sample output source 2 will be divided with the total light radiated by sample brush 2. To determine percentage 2, the quotient must be multiplied with 100. The total light radiated by sample output source three is divided by the total radiation from sample brush three. To determine the percentage three, multiply the quotient by 100. To calculate the percent efficiency, the percentages one, two and three are combined.
“The dimensions and values described herein should not be taken to mean the exact numerical values. Each dimension, except where otherwise stated, is meant to refer to both the recited value as well as a functionally equivalent range around it. A dimension described as “about 40 mm” is an example. “About 40mm” is an example of a dimension.
“Every document cited in this document, including any cross-referenced or related patent application or patent, is hereby included herein by reference in its entirety, unless otherwise stated. Any citation of any document does not mean that it is prior art in respect to any invention claimed or disclosed herein. It is not implied that the document alone or in combination with any other references teaches, suggests, discloses or discloses such invention. To the extent any definition or meaning of a term in this text conflicts with the definition or meaning of the same term within a document incorporated into reference, this document will govern.
“While certain embodiments of this invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious to those who are skilled in the arts that many other modifications and changes can be made without departing form the spirit or scope of the invention.” The appended claims will cover all modifications and changes that fall within the scope this invention’s scope.
Summary for “Oral care instrument”
The use of toothbrushes for cleaning teeth is well-known. There are two types of toothbrushes that can be used: power and manual. The majority of cleaning action for manual toothbrushes is performed by the user. The toothbrush provides the majority of the cleaning motion for power toothbrushes. A drive mechanism is usually included in a power toothbrush to allow for the driving of a brush head. Power toothbrushes can be more expensive to make than manual ones because they include a drive mechanism. Some power toothbrushes can offer additional features. Some power toothbrushes can monitor the time a brush heads is used and show the user when the brush head needs to be replaced. Another example is that some power toothbrushes provide information to the user about how long it takes to brush a certain amount of hair.
These indications have been traditionally placed on the toothbrush’s front, in the area with the bristles. A toothbrush can be moved in multiple directions so that the indication means placed on one side of the toothbrush might not always be obvious to the user. A personal hygiene tool that can indicate the user’s position during use is needed.
An oral hygiene instrument is provided which comprises a handle with a circumference and a head. The neck contains a plurality contact elements. The oral hygiene implement further includes an indication element. This element has an outer lateral surface, an electromagnetic energy output source, a transmission device in electromagnetic energy communication; a transmission ring with a bottom edge in electromagnetic energie communication with the transmission element; as well as a reflective core within the transmission element. In this case, the reflective core redirects electromagnetic radiation from the output element to the indicator element
“An oral hygiene instrument is provided which comprises a handle, head and neck, with a plurality contact elements. The oral hygiene implement further contains an indication element. This element has an outer lateral surface; an electronic energy output source; an transmission element in electromagnetic power communication with that output source; and a transmission ring with an outer periphery in electromagnetic energie communication with that transmission element. In this case, the transmission element rings redirects electromagnetic energy from an output source to the indicator element.
“An indicator mechanism is provided which comprises an indication element, an electromagnetic energy outputsource; a transmission elements in electromagnetic energy communications with the output source; and a transmission ring consisting of one or more surface contours in electromagnetic energie communication with transmission element. The transmission element rings redirects electromagnetic energy from output source to the indication.
The following description provides a broad overview of many different embodiments of this invention. This description should be considered exemplary and not exhaustive. It is impossible to describe all possible embodiments. However, it is possible to delete, combine with, or substitute for any other feature, characteristic or component, composition or ingredient, product or step, or methodology, described herein. Many other embodiments are possible using current technology, or technology developed after this patent was filed. These alternative embodiments would still be within the scope of the claims.
“As used herein ?personal hygiene implement? Any implement that can be used for personal hygiene. You can use them for personal hygiene, like toothbrushes that are manual or powered, razors that are manual or power, trimmers, and shavers.
“Oral hygiene implement” is defined herein. Any device that can be used for oral hygiene purposes. Examples of such devices are toothbrushes (both power and manual), flossers (both power and manual), water picks and the like.
“For simplicity of explanation, the oral hygiene instrument described hereafter shall consist of a powered toothbrush. However, an oral hygiene tool constructed in accordance to the present invention does not have to be limited only to a powered toothbrush. The embodiments described below are also applicable to blades and razors as well as other personal hygiene tools.
“As shown at FIG. 1. A toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12, a 14-inch head, and a 16-inch neck extending between the handle 12 & the head 14. From a first surface of the head 14A, a contact element field 20 containing one or more contact elements is found. On a second 14B surface of the head, a soft tissue cleanser, a massaging element, and the like may be placed. We will discuss the use of tongue cleaners, soft tissues cleansers, and massaging elements in this section.
An indication element 30 can be placed between the handle 12 & the neck 16 at the proximal 90. An indication element 30 can provide a visual signal to the user for a variety of conditions. The visible signal could be used to notify the user when they have brushed for a sufficient amount of time (for example, two minutes), when their toothbrush is empty, or when they brush too hard, as excessive pressure can cause gum damage.
The indication element 30 can be placed in any location on the toothbrush 10. In some embodiments, the indicator element 30 can be placed in any location on the toothbrush 10. Another example is that the indication element 30 could surround the neck 16 or the handle 12. Another example is that the indication element 30 can be placed on the back-facing surface 40B, neck 16 or both. Another example is that the indication element 30 can be placed on the front-facing surface of the handle 12, neck 16 or both.
“Referring FIGS. 1. and 2. The contact field element 20 can be mounted on the head 14, so that it can rotate around an axis 31. The axis 31 may be perpendicular or parallel to the neck’s longitudinal axis 21. You can also angle the axis 31 relative to the neck’s longitudinal axis 21. The handle 12 consists of an outer shell 212 that forms an interior section with a chassis 35. Attached to the chassis 35 is a drive motor 36, an electric power source (such as a battery 37), and other electronic components such as a charging coil 38. A rocker 39 can be mounted on the chassis 35 so that it can pivot about a rockeraxis 40. The rocker axis forty extends transversely from the handle 12 longitudinal axis 55. The rocker 39 extends out from handle 12. The neck 16 can be easily attached to rocker 39’s projecting end. The neck 16 may be rocked along with rocker39 around rocker axis forty.
“A sealing element 270 should seal the annular space between rocker 39 of the handle and outer shell 212 of the handle to reduce the risk of leakage into the outer shell 220. Any suitable sealing feature may be included in the sealing element 270. Deformable materials that can be compressed and then recovered within the cavity of outer shell 212 are some examples of sealing elements. A soft material can be molded onto the chassis 35. The soft material may then be inserted into the outer shell 220 to seal the assembly. Another embodiment may include a soft material being overmolded onto the outer shell212. Then the chassis 35 can be inserted into this outer shell212 to engage the soft material. In other embodiments, a discrete element may be placed on the chassis before attaching the chassis 35 the outershell 212. In some embodiments, the indication element 30 may seal the annular space between rocker 39 (or the outer shell 212) in certain cases.
“Additionally in some embodiments, electromagnetic energy such as light that is provided to the indicator element 30 may also be supplied to the sealing element 272. If the sealing elements 270 and 270 are transparent, the user may receive light via the indicator element 30 or the sealing element 272. The light provided by the indicator element 30 and the sealing element 277 may be intensified or contrasted with the indicated element 30. The light that is provided to the indicator element 30 can blend with the pigment color of sealing element 277 to create a unique visual effect. The light may be a first-color, while the pigmented sealing elements 270 could contain a second.
The interior of the rocker 39 contains a first drive shaft 42. For embodiments with a neck 16 and a head 14, the first drive shaft 42 is attached to the handle 12. The neck 16 is connected to the handle 12 so that the shaft 42 rotates with the second drive shaft 43. Through a bevel-gear 44, the second drive shaft 43 drives contact field element 20 around the axis rotation 31. Through a gear mechanism 45, the motor end of the first drive shaft 42 connects to drive motor 36. A motor shaft 46 extends from the drive motor 36 and is included in the powered toothbrush 10. Gear mechanism 45 converts the continuous rotary motion of motor shaft 46 into an oscillating, rotary movement for first drive shaft 42. Contact field element 20 is now driven in rotation in a reciprocating fashion.
The pivotable arrangement of rocker 39 may produce a translation stroke or picking movement of contact fields element 20 along axis 31, in certain embodiments. Rocker 39 is mounted on a cyclically-movable drive part 47 (here a cam), which is an eccentric and itself is seated on the shaft 46. A follower part 48 is formed by the end of rocker 39, which is angled away from contact field element 20, The follower 48 follows the curved surface of the cam 47 or the cyclic movement. Rocker 39 then executes a reciprocating movement. A prestressing device 49 (e.g. a spring) biases the follower 48 against the cam 47. The rocker 39 biases the contact field elements 20 in the direction it is operating in, while the cam47, through its corresponding curved surface forces them in the opposite direction.
The outer shell 212 may contain a variety of electronic components. The outer shell 212 may contain, for example, a timing circuit (240), a processor (240), or electromagnetic output sources (245), such as audible, light, and LED sources or combinations thereof. An array of power sources may be housed in the outer shell 212, such as to supply the threshold voltage for an LED.
The chassis 35 can support the processor 240 or the output source 245. The power source 37 can electrically connect with the processor, 240, or both. Additionally, the output source 245, which can include the processor 240 and PCB 242, can be electrically connected to the processor 240. As illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2. 3A The output source 245, such as an LED, can be in electromagnetic communication to a transmission element 33. Transmission element 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light from an output source 245, to a transmission element rings 65, and the indication element 30, respectively.
Referring to FIG. “Referring to FIG. The transmission element 33 transmits electromagnetic energy such as light from the output source 245 to an indication element 30. If the output source 245 includes an LED, then the transmission element 33 could be a light pipe or light guide, or a fiber optic. Transmission element 33 could also include a transmission element 65. The transmission element 65 extends laterally from the transmission element 33 so that it traverses the toothbrush handle’s circumference. This allows light to be distributed throughout the indicator element 30. Material for transmission element 33 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or a combination thereof. It transmits light from the LED through transmission element 33 to indication element 30. Some examples of suitable materials for the transmission element 33 include glass, polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, polyethyleneteraphthalate, silicone, combinations thereof, for example polyester and polycarbonate, or the like,”
“In some cases, the indication element 30 may be combined with the transmission element 33. The transmission element 33 and 30 could be constructed from the same material as the indication element 30, for example. Transmission element 33 can be an individual part of the indication element 30 in some embodiments. If the transmission elements 33 and 30 are separate parts, the elements 30, 33 can be placed relative to one another in a way that permits transmission of electromagnetic energy from an output source 245, through the transmission component 33 to the indication part 30. FIG. 3B shows an example of this. As shown in FIG. 3C The transmission element 33 can be partially nestled within the indication element 30, Referring to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the indicator element 30, transmission element 33 and chassis 35 can be integrated. In some cases, the transmission element 33 and the indicator element 30 may be integrated and attached to the chassis 35. In some cases, the outer shell 212, transmission element 33 and indication element 30 may all be integrally formed. In some embodiments the indication element 30 and outer shell 221 may be integrally formed. The transmission element 33 will then be attached to outer shell 222. These embodiments have the advantage of requiring fewer components for brush assembly, which can lower the cost and/or time.
The transmission element 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light to the indicator element 30 through internal reflection or external reflection. External reflections occur when light is reflected off of a material having a higher refractive Index (e.g. aluminum or silver) from a material that has a low refractive. Common household mirrors work on external reflection.
Internal reflections refer to reflections in which light is reflected off of a material having a lower refractive indice (such as polycarbonate). Fiber optic technology works on the principle that internal reflections. The refractive index, an optic attribute that measures the ability of light to bend or refract through a material, is an optic attribute. Even materials that conduct light well (such as aluminum), have indices for refraction.
External reflections are best when the angle at which the light hits the surface is close to normal. They decrease as the angle of incidence increases and approaches the surface at an angle steeper. Internal reflections, on the other hand, are more efficient at higher angles of incidence. They do not reflect at shallow angles (e.g. normal to the surface). Internal reflection is possible only if the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. The critical angle is that point below which light cannot reflect between two materials.
Referring to FIG. 2. For embodiments of this invention that use external reflection, a foil, or other highly reflective material, can be used within the outer shell, chassis 35, and/or both. You can place the highly reflective material such as foil on the interior surface 35 of the chassis 35 or the exterior surface 375 of outer shell 212. The transmission element 33 can also be covered with highly reflective material such as foil.
For embodiments that use internal reflection, it is possible to select a material with a high refractive index (e.g., above 1.0). The material chosen for transmission element 33 could have a refractive indice greater than 1.4, greater about 1.5, greater about 1.6 or less about 1.7, less about 1.6 or 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5, less about 1.5 or 1.5 or any other number between the provided values or within the ranges of the provided values. The material chosen for transmission element 33 may have a refractive indice of about 1.4 to about 1.66 in some instances.
“Referring FIGS. “Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In such embodiments, an external surface 429, 1429 of the transmission element 33.233 can be polished. The transmission element 33-233 can be polished to reduce light leakage.
“Some embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 4A, the transmission elements 33 and 33 may include a receptacle 453, which can receive the output source 245, such an LED. The transmission element 33 may have a receptacle 453, which can be placed at the end 455 of the transmission. A receptacle 453, located at the end of the transmission elements 33, can be used to allow the output source 245, such an LED, to be inserted into the receptacle 433. This will reduce the likelihood of misalignment between the output source 245 and the transmission element 33. This will help to reduce light leakage between the transmission element 33 and the output source 245 by reducing the risk of misalignment.
“In order to achieve internal reflection, impinging sunlight may exceed the critical angle, as stated earlier. The distribution angle of the output source 245 and 1450 can impact the angle at which light impacts the transmission element 33. (See FIG. 4B). The design of the receptacle 453, such as having sides 453A, 453B parallel to face 453C may be enough to capture most of the light emitted by the output source 245 to allow for internal reflection. Internal reflection is generally not possible for light that is less than the critical angle. The sides 453A, 453B, and/or face 453C can be adjusted to increase light that is beyond the critical angle. The sides 453A and 453B can be tapered towards or away from 453C. The face 453C can also have multiple angles, multiple surfaces or curved surfaces. This is to increase the amount light emitted above the critical angle.
“Referring FIG. “Referring to FIG. 4B. 4B. To reduce light leakage from the output source 1450, the distance B (1460), should be kept within the guidelines.
“B ? A tan ? ( ? )”
“Where ? What is the half angle? Available from manufacturer’s specifications. A (1457) refers to a leg projection on the transmission elements 233. The leg of projection 1457 refers to the straight line distance between the midpoint of an output source 1450 and the transmission element 233.
For embodiments that use internal reflection, it is important to consider the distribution angle of output source 245, 1450 (such as an LED) A wide distribution angle can cause a portion of light supplied to the transmission elements 33, 33, 233 to not be internal reflected. Instead, it will leak out of the transmission elements 33, 233. Any suitable distribution angle may be utilized. You can use any angle that is suitable for your distribution, including angles greater or equal to about 0 degrees.
“Referring FIG. “Referring to FIG. 3A, a transmission device 33 can transmit electromagnetic energy such as light from an outgoing source 245 to an indication element 30. A reflective core 461 may be used in transmission element 33 to reduce energy leakage. Reflective core 461 reduces light loss through transmission elements 33 and 65, which can be incorporated into the neck or handle of the brush. The reflective core 461 also helps to distribute light from the indicator element 30 to the outer surfaces 87 of this element 30.
“As shown at FIG. 5 may contain one or more reflective cores 461 that may include one or more faces 467. These may be polished and incorporated within the transmission element 33. You can configure the faces 467 to redirect light 71 from the transmission element to indicate element 30.
The faces 467 of the reflective center 461 can be configured in a square shape or a cone to facilitate dispersion electromagnetic energy (such as light) towards the indicator element 30. For example, FIGS. 467 shows that the faces 467 of reflective core 461 can be any shape to aid in dispersion electromagnetic energy towards the indicator element 30. 6A, 6B and 6C may have a portion or all of their lengths. One or more faces 467 can be curved, straightened, notched, U-shaped, or any combination thereof. The reflective core can have as many faces as you like, and it may also help in the dispersion electromagnetic energy to the indicator element. FIGS. 6D and 6E. FIG. 6E The reflective core 461 is made up of seven faces: 467B, 467C and 467D. FIG. FIG. 6F shows that a transmission element 33 may have a frontside 134 and backside 135 respectively. The shape of the reflective center 461 on the transmission element 33’s frontside 134 can be different from the reflective core 461 located on the transmission element 33’s backside 135 in FIG. The reflective core 461 can penetrate the transmission elements 33 completely to create a passageway between the front side 134 and the back side 135 of transmission element 33. Other embodiments of the reflective core 461 do not penetrate the transmission element 33 completely. Other embodiments of the reflective core 461, however, do not penetrate the transmission 33 at all but are integral to the transmission 33. For example, the reflective core 461 could contain reflective surfaces embedded within 33. Cross-sectionally, the reflective core’s faces can be bent, curled, or otherwise shaped in order to increase light reflection towards the indicator element. FIGS. 7A and 7A show the faces 467 of a reflective core 461 that may be curved in cross section, while FIGS. 8 and 8A show that the faces 467 are angled away towards the front side 134, transmission element 33, and the backside 135 (transmission element 33).
“Referring to FIG. “Referring back to FIG. The reflective core 461 can be partially filled with material in certain embodiments. An air gap may be created between the filling material 461 and the faces 467 if the reflective core 461 has been partially filled. This air gap is necessary to ensure internal reflection within the indication element 30. The reflective core 461 can be filled with material that has a lower refractive value than the reflective core material.
The indication element 30 would emit less than 10 percent of the light emitted by the output source if the reflective core 461 was not present. The indication element 30 would emit 90 percent to 100 percent of the light from the output source 245. The light emitted from the indicator element 30 in certain embodiments is greater that about 10% of the output source’s light. It can also be greater or less than 10 percent. Here is a discussion of a test method to measure light emission efficiency.
“FIG. 9. shows electromagnetic energy, such light 71, as it travels along transmission element 33 towards indication element 30. In some embodiments, at least part of the light traveling towards the indicator element 30 along transmission element 33 is reflected off the faces 467 and 461 back to the transmission element33. This light is directed towards the transmission element 65’s bottom edge 67. Certain embodiments produce constant light distribution around the circumference. The reflective core 461 redirects light beams from the output source 245 through transmission element 33 in such a way that constant density light beams of 71 is achieved at the bottom edge 65 of the transmission elements ring 65. The reflective core can be bent to expand the light. This is done by producing a constant light density at the bottom edge 67. For illustration purposes FIG. FIG. 9A is an illustration of FIG. 9 showing FIG. 9A, which is a depiction of FIG.
“The transmission element ring 65’s bottom edge 67 has a reflective surface that redirects light to the indication element 30. You can coat the reflective surface of the transmission ring with reflective material, or as shown in FIG. You can use both reflective coatings or surface contours to make 9 reflect the light toward the indicator element 30.
“The height of a surface contour could be H?3mm in some embodiments, or H?0.5mm?H?1mm in others. The H, W, and D may be affected by the position of the surface contour on a transmission element ring.
“In certain embodiments (as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, transmission element 33 could be non-linear along it’s length. This means that transmission element 33 might have one or more angles or, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E may have one or more curves. This orientation of the transmission elements 33 can be beneficial in certain embodiments. For example, in a powered toothbrush, there might be motors or batteries between the output source (or the indicator element) and the transmission element. The non-linear orientation 33 of the transmission element allows light to be transferred from the output source 245 to the transmission element rings 65 and 30. Any point on the transmission ring where light can be transmitted from the transmission elements ring, the transmission component may connect to it. The surface contours can also be present on any surface of the transmission element rings. FIG. 9E shows an example. 9E The surface contours 83 are placed on the inner surface transmission element rings 65 so that light is reflected towards the indication element 30. In this embodiment, the indicator element 30 is located at least partially along the outer perimeter 66 of transmission element rings 65. FIGS. FIGS. 9D and 9E show that a reflective core does not exist in certain embodiments. The transmission elements 33 and ring 65 can distribute light to the indicator element.
“With reference to FIG. 9 The redirected light coming from the bottom edge 65 of the transmission element rings 65 enters the indicator element 30 and is directed towards the outer surface 87 or, in some embodiments, reflected off the surface of the indicated element 30, such as the top surface or inner surface. As shown in FIG. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. The surfaces can be angled.
“Additionally embodiments that include multiple output sources are possible. A receptacle could be designed so that two LEDs can be placed within it. A first LED might provide a signal, such as brushing time. In other embodiments, a second LED could provide a second signal for a second condition. For example, time for brush replacement. In embodiments that do not contain a receptacle for transmission, multiple output sources (e.g LEDs) may be used.
“In addition to this, certain embodiments of the invention are contemplated in which the output source comprises an LED with multiple dices as described by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0053896A1. FIG. FIG. 11A shows that an LED 815 can include a lens 830 and one positive and one negative leads 821 and 809. The LED 815 can contain more than one light emitter or more than one semiconductor substrate. It may also have more than two leads. Embodiments can be made if the LED has two dices. Embodiments can also be considered if the LED contains more than two dices.
The LED 815 could include multiple light emitting dices 805 or 817, and a wire bonding 807 and 818. The wire bonding 818 could be used as the connection between dice 805 and 817. This connection can either be a parallel or serial connection.
“As shown at FIG. 11B, the LED 815B (two-wire LED) can have multiple dices 805 or 817 connected in series. One positive lead 809 or one negative lead 827 may be included in the LED 815B. Each dice 805 and 817 can have a pedestal 837 or 839, as shown. There is a serial connection between the top and bottom of the dices 805 and 817. Wire bonding 813 links the top of the dices 817 to negative lead 827. The light output from all light emitting sources can be combined to create a single light output at LED 830B.
“As shown at FIG. 11C, the LED 815C can have multiple dices 805 or 817 connected in parallel. The LED 815C could have a single output, the lens 830. It may also include one positive lead 809 and one negative lead 827. There may be a parallel connection between the dices. Wire bonding 837 connects the tops of dices 805 and 817. Wire bonding 807 connects the tops of dices 817 and the tops of common negative leads 827. The light output from all light emitting sources can be combined at lens 830 of the LED 815C to produce a single light output.
“As shown at FIG. An LED 815D (three-wire LED) can include multiple dices 805 or 817. The LED 815D could include a lens 830 and two semiconductor substrates. Two dices 805 & 817 are connected in parallel. Wire bondings 819 & 821 are used. One positive lead 833 is included. Two negative leads 831 & 835 are also included. The lens 830 is also used to emit light from the LED 815D. Each dice can have a pedestal 837 or 839. The LED 815D may have two positive leads and one negative lead. Additionally, the dice 805 and 817 could be connected in series.
The LED can also contain more than two semiconductor substrates with light emitting qualities. An LED can be equipped with a single or multiple leads, or it can include individual leads for each semiconductor substrate that has light emitting properties. Each semi-conductor substrate with light emitting properties can be powered independently by a separate power source such as a battery.
A three-wire LED, such as LED 815D or LED 817D, has the advantage that both dice 805 and 817 can be operated independently. The dices can be controlled independently if the LED 815D has two positive leads. The first dice 805 can be operated at 80 percent while the second dice 807 may operate at 20 percent. Another example is that the first dice 805 can be operated at fifty percent, while the second dice (807) can be operated at 100 percent. There are many combinations of operating levels for the first and second dice 805 or 817. These combinations are believed to create unique visual effects for the user by creating color blends.
Light blends can also be made for two-wire LEDs. You can switch the polarity of your supply voltage at a sufficient rate, for instance, higher than 70 Hz. This allows you to drive the dices and create blended colors. A first dice can be energized if the polarity is in a first condition. A second dice can be activated if the polarity is in a different state. A color blend can be perceived if the supply voltage’s polarity is changed quickly enough. The switching speed of the polarity supply voltage can be higher than 70 Hz or greater than 80 Hz. It may also be greater or less than 100 Hz.
These dice can be connected electrically in parallel or in series, as stated above. All current considerations for a series of dice are the same as those for a single one. Below is an equation that approximates the total voltage: nV=V +V f2+ . . +V fn”
“where n equals the number of dices, and Vf=forward-voltage for a particular die.” The total voltage for a pair of dices connected in parallel is about the same as one dice.
A single LED could contain two dices that emit different colors of light. For example, one LED could have two dices that emit light at different wavelengths. You could choose to have the dices emit different wavelengths within the same color range. For example, the dices might emit different wavelengths of light that results in the color blue. The combination of different wavelengths of light at the same optical output of an LED (the lens), could produce a particular combination of colors that provides oral care benefits. Some colors are not possible to achieve with a single wavelength. This invention can produce light of one of the unique colors. Combining different colors at the same optical output can result in a color impossible to achieve by just one dice.
The oral hygiene implement of this invention can provide multiple signals to the user for embodiments that include multiple LEDs or multiple dices. A first visual indication may include a dice being energized. For example, the first visual indication could correspond to the amount of time that was used. The second visual indicator may come from a second dice. A second visual indicator may indicate that the oral care device needs to be replaced. The first visual indication could be a first-color indication, while the second visual indicator may include a second color that is different from the first. You can use any color you like.”
The indication element can be used to provide feedback to the user for various conditions. “Toothbrushes made in accordance the present invention could provide feedback to users. A visible signal could be displayed to the user when they have brushed their teeth for a certain amount of time. This could include a visual indication indicating that they have brushed their teeth for two, three, or more minutes. Another example is a visual signal to the user indicating when the brush needs to be replaced. Another example is a visible signal that the user may receive regarding how many times he has used the brush. Another example is when the brush head is pushed too hard, which can cause gum damage. A first signal could be given if the user brushes for the required time. For example, two minutes for a predetermined number routines. If the user does not brush for the required time, a second signal is sent to them. The toothbrush may also send additional signals, such as using light in infrared spectrum wavelengths around 950 nanometers. To ensure that signals can be received by a receiver, the indicator element can distribute infrared signals in all directions.
The signal may be continuous, such as a constant signal that is sent throughout the entire brushing process. The signal can also be given at the end. If the user does not brush for the prescribed amount of time (e.g. two minutes) in a previous routine, the signal may flash red, or show a visible signal that indicates the time the user will brush for during the next routine. Another example is when the user brushes for a predetermined time in a previous routine, the signal may flash green or display a green visible signal for that time period.
“In some embodiments, the signal may be intermittently provided to the user during brushing. The signal may be sent to the user at predetermined times. A signal could be sent every 20 seconds, for example. You can choose any time interval you like. The time interval between signals can be as short as 0.1 second, more than 0.3 seconds or greater, than 0.8 seconds or greater, than 0.6 seconds or greater, than 0.9 second, more than 0.7 second, more than 0.6 second, higher than 0.7 second, better than 0.9 second, faster than 0.6 second, longer than 0.7 second, larger than 0.8 second, higher than 0.9 second, shorter than 0.2 second, lesser than 0.9 second, less about 0.6 second, less about 0.02 seconds and less then about 1 second, and less that about 1 second, but less about 0.4 second, 0.2 second, less about 0.2 second, or about a second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.6 second, and less about 0.6 second, 0.4 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.6 second, 0.4 second, 0.6 second, 0.2 second, 0.4 second, 0.2 second, 0.2 second, 0.4 second, 0.4 second, less about 1.
“Previously, there was a time interval between signals. A processor can be used to alter the time interval between signals to the user, either during a specific brushing regimen or across a series of brushing sessions. If the user brushes for a predetermined time, such as two minutes, then the interval between the signals to the user could be set at a first interval. In a second routine, if the user brushes for a shorter time than the prescribed time, signals may be given to the user at a different time interval. The first time interval could be longer than the second, providing the user with more feedback. Some embodiments allow for the switching of the time intervals so that the user receives more feedback on brushing.
The outer shell 212 can be made of any material that is suitable for toothbrush materials. Some examples of suitable materials include polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate), copolyester, POM (polyaformaldeyde), combinations thereof, and the like. Polypropylene, nylon and other moldable stable plasticmers are some examples of suitable materials. Some embodiments may include recesses and channels for receiving a second material. The handle could include an elastomeric grasp feature or multiple elastomeric grab features. There may be a variety of elastomers in the plurality, which may include similar materials or different materials.
“The sealing element 270 can contain any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include silicone-based materials, thermoplastic elastomers and silicone based materials. Viton? is another example.
“Recycled and/or plant-derived plastics can be used in some embodiments. In some cases, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), may be used. The PET can be bio-based. The PET could contain a mixture of 25 to 75 weight percent of an terephthalate component and 20 to 50 weight percent a diol part. At least one weight percent of the terephthalate or diol components may be derived from a bio-based material. The terephthalate may also be made from bio-based materials. You can choose from a variety of bio-based materials, including corn, sugarcane and potato, starch or citrus fruit, starch, potato, starch or cellulosic linenin, plant oil, natural fibre, oily wood feedstock, and many others.
“Some components of PET could be bio-based. Bio-based materials may allow for the formation of monoethylene glycol or terephthalic acids, for example. United States Patent Application Publication Nos. explains the formation and manufacture of bio-based PET. 20090246430A1 & 20100028512A1
“As previously mentioned, certain embodiments (e.g. FIGS. The toothbrush 10 may have a replaceable head 14 or neck 16. The head 14 can be removed from the neck 16 or the neck 16. The replaceable elements are referred to as?refills’, regardless of whether the head 14 can be removed from the neck 16 and/or the neck 16. The processor can be programmed with multiple algorithms to determine a time frame for cumulative use and/or identification of a specific use. U.S. Pat. describes some examples of oral care instruments that can recognize a specific refill. Nos. 7,086,111, 7,207,080 and 7,024,717.”
“The interconnectivity between neck 16 and handle region 12 may be provided in any way that is suitable. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,086,111 and 7,207,080 respectively.
“The toothbrush according to the invention could also include a power source, as previously discussed. Any suitable element that can supply power to the toothbrush may be used as the power source. One or more batteries is a good example. This allows for the toothbrush to be placed in a smaller space. If the output source is a light emitting element, the power source could be smaller than a triple-A battery. The battery can be either rechargeable or disposable. In some embodiments, the power supply may include alternating current power provided by a utility company. U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. No. 12/102,881, filed April. 15th April 2008 and entitled “Personal Care Products & Methods?”
“In certain embodiments, a user-operated switch may be available that allows the user to set when the timing indication starts. The switch can be connected to the power source, the output signal element, and/or the timer.
“The elastomeric grip elements of the handle can be used to overmold at least a portion of timers, output signaling elements, processors, caps, and/or power sources. These components can also be used in electrical communication via wiring, which can be similarly overmolded. There may be portions that can be gripped by the palm and/or index fingers of the user. These elastomeric features can be made of the same material as the others, or they may be made from different materials, such as color, shape, composition and hardness.
“Additionally, the term “contact elements” as used in this document refers to any element that can be inserted into the oral cavity. Any suitable element that can be inserted in the oral cavity is referred to. You can use bristle tufts or elastomeric cleansing elements to clean your teeth. There may be a variety contact elements in the head. The head could include bristles, abrasive elements, elastomeric elements with abrasive properties, elastomeric element in a specific orientation or arrangement (e.g. pivoting fins, prophycups or the like). U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 62 and 63 provide examples of elastomeric cleaning element/or massaging elements. U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0251040, 2004/0154112, 2006/0272112 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,553,604; 6,151,745. 6,553,604; 6,151,745. U.S. Pat. provides some examples of cleaning elements and/or massaging components. Nos. Nos. 2006/0080794.”
The contact elements can be attached to the head in any way that suits them. There are three main methods of attaching contact elements to the head: stapling and anchor-free tufting. Contact elements made of elastomer may be formed integrally with each other, such as having an integral base and projecting outward.
The head can contain a soft tissue cleanser made of any material. Elastomeric materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, are some examples of suitable material. Any suitable soft tissue cleansing element may be included in the soft tissue cleanser. U.S. Patent Application Nos. outlines some examples and configurations of soft tissue cleansers on a toothbrush. 2006/0010628;2005/0166344, 2005/0210612 and 2006/0195995;2008/0189888;2006/0052806; 2005/0038461: 2005/0038461 ; 2004/0255416 ; 2005/0000049 ; 2005/0038461 ; 2004/0038461 ; 2005/0038461 ; 2006/0026784 ; 20070049956 ; 2008/0049956 ; U. Nos. Nos.
For embodiments that include an elastomeric component on one side of a head and another on the opposite side, the elastomeric components may be integrated via channels or gaps that extend through the material. These gaps or channels can allow elastomeric material flow through the head during injection molding. This allows both the first and second sides of the elastomeric element to be formed in one step.
“Test Method to Determine Light Emission Efficiency”
Three samples of the brush should be taken to test and three of the output source used in the brush. The output source samples should match the one used in the brush. All samples should be taken, i.e. Three brush samples and three output source samples should be taken to an independent testing facility. Each of the three brush samples and the output source samples will be tested by the testing facility in an appropriate sized integrating globe. A 12 inch integrating globe might be sufficient to accommodate the brush samples.
Before any measurements are made, the equipment will be calibrated in the testing facility. Before testing the brushes, the output source samples will be tested. One sample of the output source will be placed in the integrating chamber according to standard testing procedures. The same voltage will power the output source as the brush. If the brush uses a 3.6 volt Lithium battery, the output source will be similarly powered by a 3.6V Li-ion battery.
“The output source must be turned on, the integrating globe closed, and the total amount of light radiated by the output source shall also be measured. Each remaining sample of output source must be measured in a similar manner. Each sample will record the total light output from each output source and note it.”
Before testing a sample toothbrush, remove the sample output source from integrating sphere. The integrating sphere should be placed with a sample brush so that it activates the output source without blocking the light emitted by the indicator element. If the indicator element indicates excessive pressure, a harness can be used to move the neck/head of the brush. This will ensure that the output source/indicator element is activated. The total amount of light radiated by the sample brush should be measured. You can repeat this process for all other brushes.
“The total light radiated by sample output source one will then be divided by that radiated by sample brush one. To determine percent one, the quotient must be multiplied with 100. The total light radiated by sample output source 2 will be divided with the total light radiated by sample brush 2. To determine percentage 2, the quotient must be multiplied with 100. The total light radiated by sample output source three is divided by the total radiation from sample brush three. To determine the percentage three, multiply the quotient by 100. To calculate the percent efficiency, the percentages one, two and three are combined.
“The dimensions and values described herein should not be taken to mean the exact numerical values. Each dimension, except where otherwise stated, is meant to refer to both the recited value as well as a functionally equivalent range around it. A dimension described as “about 40 mm” is an example. “About 40mm” is an example of a dimension.
“Every document cited in this document, including any cross-referenced or related patent application or patent, is hereby included herein by reference in its entirety, unless otherwise stated. Any citation of any document does not mean that it is prior art in respect to any invention claimed or disclosed herein. It is not implied that the document alone or in combination with any other references teaches, suggests, discloses or discloses such invention. To the extent any definition or meaning of a term in this text conflicts with the definition or meaning of the same term within a document incorporated into reference, this document will govern.
“While certain embodiments of this invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious to those who are skilled in the arts that many other modifications and changes can be made without departing form the spirit or scope of the invention.” The appended claims will cover all modifications and changes that fall within the scope this invention’s scope.
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