U.S. patent application number 10/351104 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dr. Fresh, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nanda, Puneet.
Application Number | 20040143920 10/351104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32712821 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040143920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nanda, Puneet |
July 29, 2004 |
Illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use
Abstract
A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head.
The body having a first section and a second section forming an
oblique angle. A projector of a beam of light located within the
handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the
head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base. A method
of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the
toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the
projector of a beam of light. The method still further including
the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light
beam is activated.
Inventors: |
Nanda, Puneet; (Cerritos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
801 GRAND AVENUE
SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Assignee: |
Dr. Fresh, Inc.
La Mirada
CA
|
Family ID: |
32712821 |
Appl. No.: |
10/351104 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1; 362/109; 433/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0002 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 15/0044 20130101; A46B 5/02 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/105 ;
015/167.1; 433/029; 362/109 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle having a base, a body, and a
head; the body having a first section and a second section forming
an oblique angle; a projector of a beam of light located within the
handle; at least one bristle attached to the head; a grip attached
to the base.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising a switch for
control of the projector of a beam of light from a non-illuminating
position to an illuminating position.
3. The illuminated toothbrush handle of claim 2 wherein the switch
is a flexible member attached to the base.
4. The toothbrush of claim 3 further comprising a timing circuit
limiting the operation of the projector of a beam of light to
approximately 60 seconds.
5. The toothbrush claim 4 wherein the first section has a chamber
therein, the projector of a beam of light located within the
chamber.
6. The toothbrush of claim 5 wherein a light beam is transmitted
from the projector, the light beam partially reflected off an
interface between the chamber and the first section, the light beam
partially refracted off the interface between the chamber and the
first section.
7. The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein the light beam is partially
reflected off of an interface between the second section and
atmosphere toward the head, the light beam partially refracted into
the atmosphere.
8. The toothbrush of claim 7 wherein the light beam is partially
reflected off of an interface between the head and the bristle, the
light beam partially refracted into the bristle.
9. The toothbrush of claim 8 wherein the light beam is partially
reflected off of at least one metallic flake imbedded in the
body.
10. A toothbrush comprising: a handle having a base, a body, and a
head; the body having a chamber therein; a projector of a beam of
light within the chamber; at least one bristle attached to the
head. a grip attached to the base.
11. The toothbrush of claim 10 further comprising a switch for
control of the projector of a beam of light from a non-illuminating
position to an illuminating position.
12. The illuminated toothbrush handle of claim 11 wherein the
switch is a flexible member attached to the base.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12 further comprising a timing circuit
limiting the operation of the projector of a beam of light to
approximately 60 seconds.
14. The toothbrush of claim 13 wherein a light beam is transmitted
from the projector, the light beam partially reflected off an
interface between the chamber and the body, the light beam
partially refracted off the interface between the chamber and the
body.
15. The toothbrush of claim 14 wherein the base has a
circumferential groove therein, the circumferenital groove located
adjacent the chamber, the circumferential groove having a
centerline.
16. The toothbrush of claim 15 wherein a centerline of the chamber
is in offset alignment with the circumferential groove
centerline.
17. A method of using a toothbrush having a handle and an
illumination circuit, the handle having a base, a body, and a head,
the illumination circuit having a projector of a beam of light
connected to a switch, the method comprising: gripping the
toothbrush; engaging the switch for completing the illumination
circuit; activating a projector of a light beam within the
toothbrush; utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light
beam is activated.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of engaging the switch
comprises longitudinal pressing a grip attached to the base of the
toothbrush towards the body.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of
intermittent engaging the projector of a light beam.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of
deactivating the projector of a light beam after approximately 60
seconds.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an illuminated toothbrush
and a method for using an illuminated toothbrush.
[0002] In the design and use of a toothbrush, there is a need for
illumination. Therefore, a primary objective of the present
invention is to provide a projector of a beam of light within a
toothbrush handle to provide for lighting the handle.
[0003] In the design of toothbrush handles for illumination, there
is a need for maximizing the amount of light that is directed
towards the user. Therefore, a further objective of the present
invention is to provide a toothbrush handle that maximizes the
amount of light transmitted, reflected, and refracted within its
handle towards the user.
[0004] Also in the design of toothbrush handles, there is a need
for indicating an increment of time in which a user is brushing
their teeth. Therefore, a still further objective of the present
invention is to provide a timing circuit so that a user can
identify an amount of time passed while brushing their teeth.
[0005] A still further objective of the present invention is to
provide a novel device to encourage a user to brush their
teeth.
[0006] A still further objective of the present invention is to
provide a device with is easy to use and economical to
manufacture.
[0007] The means and method of accomplishing these and other
objectives will become apparent from the following description of
the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The foregoing objects may be achieved by a toothbrush with a
handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first
section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector
of a beam of light located within the handle. The toothbrush having
at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a
grip attached to the base.
[0009] The foregoing objects may also be achieved by a toothbrush
having a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having
a chamber therein. A projector of a beam of light within the
chamber. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the
head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base.
[0010] The foregoing objects may still further be achieved by a
method of using a toothbrush. The method uses a toothbrush having a
handle and an illumination circuit. The toothbrush handle having a
base, a body, and a head. The toothbrush illumination circuit
having a projector of a beam of light connected to a switch. The
method including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method
further including the step of engaging the switch for completing
the illumination circuit. The method still further including the
step of activating a projector of a light beam within the
toothbrush. The method still further including the step of
utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is
activated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush showing the
lines of transmission, reflection, and refraction of a light beam
emitted by a projector of a light beam.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1
showing the brush side of the toothbrush.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1
showing the non-brush side of the toothbrush.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 showing
the chamber preferentially placed near the non-brush side.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the toothbrush with the grip removed
exposing the toothbrush base and illumination circuit held
within.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of the toothbrush grip, base,
and lower section of toothbrush handle showing the placement of the
illumination circuit within the toothbrush handle.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the base in FIG. 6 showing the
indentations for containing the positive terminal conductors.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the illumination circuit
without the power supply.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the illumination circuit.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the illumination
circuit.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of the illumination
circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to the drawings, numeral 10 generally refers to
the illuminated toothbrush of the present invention which comprises
a handle 12, an illumination circuit 14, a brush 16, and a grip
18.
[0024] The handle 12 has a base 20, a body 21, and a head 26. The
body has a first section 22 and a second section 24. The handle 12
is formed of hard, clear plastic. Alternatively, the handle 12 may
be a colored plastic. Alternatively, the handle 12 may be a
translucent plastic. Alternatively, the handle 12 may be fashioned
out of a plastic incorporating metallic flake 90.
[0025] The toothbrush handle 12 is formed through an injection
molding process. Plastic in a liquid form is injected into a mold
having two sections. Liquid plastic is injected into the mold where
it is then allowed to solidify. When the mold is opened it creates
a handle having a brush side 28 and a non-brush side 30. At the
intersection of these two sides 28, 30, is a ridge 32. The ridge 32
is a surface characteristic resulting from the injection molding
process. The ridge 32 does not extend inside the handle 12 but
exists on the surface. The injection molding process in
constructing of the toothbrush handle 12 is conventional and does
not form a part of the present invention.
[0026] As seen in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the handle 12 has a handle
base 20. The base 20 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a
circumferential groove or cavity 44 therein. The circumferential
groove has a centerline. The base 20 has an outside surface 34, an
inside surface 36, a first end 38, and a second end 40. On the
outside surface 34 of the base 20 are three annular rings 42. The
annular rings 42 provide a ledge upon which the grip 18 holds.
[0027] The inside surface 36 defines a cavity 44. The inside
surface 36 has first indentation 46 and a second indentation 48.
The cavity 44 serves as a housing for the illumination circuit 14.
The first and second indentation 46, 48 serve as a guide for
positioning the illumination circuit 14 within the base 20.
[0028] A chamber 50 extends within the section 22. The chamber 50
has a first end 52 and a second end 54. The chamber 50 is generally
cylindrical in shape. The first end 52 is rounded and provides a
transition between the chamber 50 filled full of air and the first
section 22 which is of plastic. The air is inherently present as a
result of assembly at a time after the handle was formed.
Alternatively, the chamber may be filled full of a material in a
process separate from the forming of the handle.
[0029] The second end 54 of the chamber 50 is open to the first end
38 of the base 20. The first section chamber 50 is in off-center
alignment with the base 20. As seen in FIG. 8, the first section
chamber 50 is in off-center alignment with the base 20 to allow the
projector of a light beam or illuminating member 60 to emit a light
beam 104 that travels through the first section 22 and to strike
the interface 114 between the second section 24 and atmosphere. At
this interface, a light beam 106 is reflected towards the handle
head 26 and a light beam 108 is refracted towards atmosphere.
[0030] The first section chamber 50 is also positioned in
off-center alignment with the base 20 because in the first section
22 is ergometrically designed to accommodate a user's grip. In the
ergometric design, the brush side 28 of the first section 22 is
contoured and the non brush side 30 of the first section 22 is
flat. In addition, the brush side 28 of the first section 22
arrives at a point of the second section 24 at a greater angle than
the non brush side 30. In other words, the illumination circuit 14
extends within the first section 22 substantially parallel to the
center line of the base member 20 but the first section 22 brush
side 28 angles toward the inner point where the first section 22
meets the second section 24 and the non brush side 30 portion of
the first section 22 also angles toward the point where the first
section 22 meets the second section 24. Thus, for the first section
chamber 50 to extend the furthest into the first section 22 of the
handle 12, the first section chamber 50 must be positioned closer
to the non-brush side 30 of the first section 22.
[0031] The illumination circuit 14 has an illuminating member or
projector of a light beam 60, a resistor 62, a timing circuit 64,
and a power source 66. These parts are joined by conductor. The
conductors serve structural functions. The illuminating member
conductor 68 provides a support structure extending the
illuminating member 60 a distance away from the timing circuit 64.
The negative terminal conductor 70 is a spring which presses
against the power source 66. The positive terminal conductor 72
extends away from the timing circuit 64 to embrace three batteries.
The positive terminal conductor 72 is also sized to stabilize the
illumination circuit 14 within the base 20 as the positive terminal
conductor 72 is sized to fit within the first indentation 46 and
the second indentation 48 of the base 20.
[0032] The illumination member 60 in this embodiment is a light
emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the illuminating member 60
could be an incandescent lightbulb. Alternatively, the illumination
member 60 may be any other device known in the art that may provide
illumination.
[0033] The power source 66 is a micro cell battery model number
G3-ACNB. Three batteries are placed in serial within the base 20.
The timing circuit functions to illuminate the illuminating member
60 for approximately 60 seconds. The illuminating member 60 also
serves to control the illuminating member 60 to blink
intermittently for the time period in which it is engaged.
Alternately, the illumination member 60 may stay on
continuously.
[0034] The brush 16 has bristles 80. The bristle 80 has a first end
82 and a second end 84. The bristle second end 84 is embedded in
the head 26 of the handle 20. The bristle 80 are made of clear
plastic material. The bristle 80 when struck by light traveling
from the illuminating member 60 through the first section 22 and
the second section 24 illuminate. A portion of the light striking
the bristle 80 may reflect through the bristle 80 and extend out of
the bristle 80. The brush 16 is made of a series of individual
bristle 80.
[0035] The grip 18 is made of a flexible material. The grip 18 also
serves to function as a switch. The grip 18 has an extending piece
or switch 74 of flexible material as seen in FIG. 7. The piece 74
moves the positive terminal metal conductor 72 to contact the power
source 66. Alternatively, the piece 74 moves the power source 66 to
contact the positive terminal metal conductor 72. In doing so the
piece 74 moves illumination circuit 14 from an unilluminated
position to a ruminated position. The grip 18 stays in place on the
base 20 by engaging the annular rings 42 on the outside surface 34
of the base 20. An adhesive 88 is positioned between the first
section 22 and the grip 18 to hold the grip 18 in close connection
with the first section 22.
[0036] The grip 18 is made of a flexible material. Alternatively,
the grip 18 may be of a hard material but have a flexible portion
that may be used to engage the positive terminal conductor 72 and
press against the power source 66.
[0037] In operation the illuminated toothbrush 10 is used by a user
to indicate the duration of an amount of time. The user grips the
toothbrush handle 12 in their hand with the bristle 80 surface with
the bristles 80 against their teeth and engages the illumination
circuit switch 74. The illuminating member 60 begins to blink
intermittently in an on/off fashion. The illuminating member 60
continues to blink for a period of approximately 60 seconds. The
handle is designed to direct light to the user in multiple way so
that the user may be accurately appraised of brushing time.
[0038] A light beam 100 travels from the illuminating device 14
through a first section chamber 50. The light beam 100 strikes an
interface 112 between the first section chamber and the first
section and a light beam 102 is partially reflected off of the
interface and a light beam 104 is refracted enters the first
chamber. The light beam 104 travels through the first section 22 to
strike upon an interface 114 between the second section 24 and
atmosphere. A light beam 106 is reflected from interface 144 toward
head 26 and a light beam 108 is refracted towards atmosphere. The
light beam 106 then strikes an interface 116 between the head 26
and bristle 80 where it is partially reflected and refracted.
[0039] Alternatively, the toothbrush handle may have a metallic
piece or flake embedded in the hardened plastic. The angle of
reflection upon the flake is equal to the angle of incidence upon
the flake. These metallic pieces 90 may be glitter. In operation,
light will strike these metallic pieces 90 at an angle of incidence
and the reflected light beam 110 directed at an angle of reflection
as seen in FIG. 1.
[0040] In the drawings and specifications there has been set forth
a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific
terms are employed, these are used in a generic descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and
the proportion of parts as well as in the substitution of
equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render
expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention in the following claims.
* * * * *