U.S. patent application number 10/832168 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company Attention: Chief Patent Counsel. Invention is credited to Chan, John Geoffrey, Ghosh, Chanchal Kumar, Pinyayev, Aleksey Mikhailovich, Wang, Ping.
Application Number | 20050053895 10/832168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37031071 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050053895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinyayev, Aleksey Mikhailovich ;
et al. |
March 10, 2005 |
Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity
toothbrush
Abstract
An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting
diode emitting light having a flux density of at least about 30
mW/cm.sup.2. An illuminated electric toothbrush having this level
of flux density can result in an oral care benefit such as
whitening. When this toothbrush is used within the oral cavity the
heat generated by the toothbrush remains low enough that the
surface temperature of the teeth remains below about 43.degree. C.
The flux density of at least about 30 mW/cm.sup.2 can be achieved
by overpowering the light emitting diode, by using a light emitting
diode having at least about two dices, and by providing a pulsed or
non-continuous current to the LED which results in a pulsing or
non-continuous light.
Inventors: |
Pinyayev, Aleksey Mikhailovich;
(West Chester, OH) ; Ghosh, Chanchal Kumar; (West
Chester, OH) ; Chan, John Geoffrey; (Loveland,
OH) ; Wang, Ping; (Beijing, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble Company
Attention: Chief Patent Counsel
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
37031071 |
Appl. No.: |
10/832168 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60501266 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/29 ;
15/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0606 20130101;
A61C 17/222 20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; A61C 17/221
20130101; H01L 2224/48247 20130101; A61C 17/22 20130101; H01L
2924/00012 20130101; A61C 17/3427 20130101; A61C 17/349 20130101;
A61C 19/066 20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; A61C 17/34
20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; A61N 5/0624 20130101; A61C
17/26 20130101; A61C 17/225 20130101; H01L 2924/181 20130101; A61N
2005/0651 20130101; A61N 2005/0644 20130101; H01L 2924/181
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/029 ;
015/028 |
International
Class: |
A61C 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head, said
handle having a hollow interior region, said head having bristles
disposed thereon, and said electric toothbrush having a
longitudinal axis; (b) at least one light emitting diode disposed
on said head, wherein said light emitting diode is powered by an
electrical current, wherein said light emitting diode has a flux
density of greater than about 30 mW/cm.sup.2 at a detector distance
of about 0.68 cm and at a detector aperture area of about 0.46
cm.sup.2, and wherein said light emitting diode has an emission
temperature of less than about 43.degree. C. at an emission
distance of about 0.68 cm and at an emission time of about 2
minutes; (c) one or more movable bristle holders disposed on said
head, said movable bristle holders having a plurality of bristles
disposed thereon; and (d) a motor disposed in said hollow interior
region, wherein said motor is operatively connected to said movable
bristle holders by a drive shaft.
2. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said
flux density is between about 30 mW/cm.sup.2 to about 300
mW/cm.sup.2.
3. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said
current is a continuous forward current greater than about 35
mA.
4. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said
current is a pulsed forward current greater than about 100 mA.
5. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said
light emitting diode has a power dissipation of less than about 1
Watt.
6. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said
light emitting diode comprises at least about two semi-conductor
substrates having light emitting properties, a single lens cover,
one positive lead, and one negative lead.
7. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head, said
handle having a hollow interior region, said head having bristles
disposed thereon, and said electric toothbrush having a
longitudinal axis; (b) at least one light emitting diode disposed
on said head, wherein said light emitting diode is powered by an
electrical current, wherein at least one of said light emitting
diode individually emits light having a half angle of less than
about 50.degree. and a flux density of greater than about 30
mW/cm.sup.2 at a detector distance of about 0.68 cm and at a
detector aperture area of about 0.46 cm.sup.2; (c) one or more
movable bristle holders disposed on said head, said movable bristle
holders having a plurality of bristles disposed thereon; and (d) a
motor disposed in said hollow interior region, wherein said motor
is operatively connected to said movable bristle holders by a drive
shaft.
8. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein said
plurality of bristles comprise bristles having a height of from
about 0.5 to about 2 cm.
9. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein said
light emitting diode is substantially encircled by one ring of
bristles.
10. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein said
light emitting diode has a diameter of from about 0.5 mm to about
10 mm.
11. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein said
light emitting diode has an emission temperature of less than about
43.degree. C. at an emission distance of about 0.68 cm and at an
emission time of about 2 minutes.
12. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head, said
handle having a hollow interior region, said head having bristles
disposed thereon, and said electric toothbrush having a
longitudinal axis; (b) at least one light emitting diode disposed
on said head, wherein said light emitting diode is powered by an
electrical current, wherein said light emitting diode has a single
semiconductor substrate having a single light emitting element and
emits light having a flux density of greater than about 30
mW/cm.sup.2 at a detector distance of about 0.68 cm and a detector
aperture area of about 0.46 cm.sup.2; (c) one or more movable
bristle holders disposed on said head, said movable bristle holders
having a plurality of bristles disposed thereon; and (d) a motor
disposed in said hollow interior region, wherein said motor is
operatively connected to said movable bristle holders by a drive
shaft.
13. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 12, wherein said
light emitting diode has a wavelength from about 440 to about 480
nm.
14. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 12, wherein said
light emitting diode is disposed within a circular area of about
0.28 cm.sup.2 to about 3.14 cm.sup.2, wherein said area is
substantially devoid of bristles.
15. A kit comprising: (a) the illuminated electric toothbrush of
claim 12; and (b) a composition comprising peroxide.
16. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head, said
handle having a hollow interior region, said head having bristles
disposed thereon, and said electric toothbrush having a
longitudinal axis; (b) at least one light emitting diode disposed
on said head, wherein said light emitting diode is powered by an
electrical current, wherein said current is a pulsed forward
current of greater than about 100 mA having a pulse frequency of
about 0.01 Hz to about 10 GHz; (c) one or more movable bristle
holders disposed on said head, said movable bristle holders having
a plurality of bristles disposed thereon; and (d) a motor disposed
in said hollow interior region, wherein said motor is operatively
connected to said movable bristle holders by a drive shaft.
17. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 16, wherein said
pulse frequency is about 10 Hz to about 500 MHz.
18. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head, said
handle having a hollow interior region, said head having bristles
disposed thereon, and said electric toothbrush having a
longitudinal axis; (b) at least one light emitting diode disposed
on said head, wherein said light emitting diode has a power
dissipation of less than about 1 watt, and wherein said light
emitting diode emits light at a flux density of greater than about
30 mW/cm.sup.2 at a detector distance of about 0.68 cm and at a
detector aperture area of about 0.46 cm.sup.2; (c) one or more
movable bristle holders disposed on said head, said movable bristle
holders having a plurality of bristles disposed thereon; and (d) a
motor disposed in said hollow interior region, wherein said motor
is operatively connected to said movable bristle holders by a drive
shaft.
19. The illuminated electric toothbrush of claim 18, wherein said
light emitting diode has an emission temperature of less than about
43.degree. C. at an emission distance of about 0.68 cm and at an
emission time of about 2 minutes.
20. An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between said handle and said head; (b)
said handle having a hollow interior region having a motor disposed
therein; (c) said motor being operatively connected to said movable
bristle holders by a drive shaft; (d) said head having a light
emitting diode disposed thereon; (e) a current driver which
delivers a current greater than about 35 mA to said light emitting
diode; wherein said motor said driver and said battery and said
light emitting diode are part of an electrical circuit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/501,266 filed Sep. 9, 2003 which is herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to illuminated electric
toothbrushes that utilize a light emitting diode, particularly a
light emitting diode that illuminates the brushing area. More
particularly, the present invention relates to the delivery of
light of a particular luminous intensity or flux density that is in
excess of the luminous intensity or flux density delivered by
standard use of light emitting diodes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Lighted toothbrushes have traditionally been manual brushes
having a light disposed on or in the handle of the toothbrush with
fiber optics carrying the light from the handle to the head of the
toothbrush. However, light that is transmitted by fiber optics
often diminishes in luminous intensity and/or flux density as it is
transmitted. Therefore, it was desired to have a light disposed in
or on the head of the toothbrush such that no fiber optic materials
are necessary to transmit the light. Additionally, it was desired
to have an electric lighted toothbrush.
[0004] In order for a light to be disposed on the head of a
toothbrush, especially an electric toothbrush, the size must be
minimized to allow sufficient space for bristles, and sufficient
space for the mechanics of the electric toothbrush. A standard
light emitting diode may be of the proper size; however such a
device may not be able to deliver light having sufficient luminous
intensity and/or flux density to provide an oral care benefit. A
high power non-standard light emitting diode may be able to deliver
the desired luminous intensity and/or flux density. However, the
high power diodes use a high current level, and thus generate a
high level of heat. Generating a high level of heat in the oral
cavity can overheat the pulp chamber, which can result in pulpitis
or other damage to oral tissues. Accordingly, there is a need for
an illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting
diode that emits light having a luminous intensity of at least
about 7 candelas and/or flux density of at least about 30
mW/cm.sup.2 which can safely be used safely in the oral cavity
without damaging the teeth and/or other oral surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a handle, a
head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The
handle has a hollow interior region having a motor disposed
therein. The head comprises bristles and at least one light
emitting diode. The light emitting diode is powered by an
electrical current and has a flux density at a representative tooth
surface of greater than about 30 mW/cm.sup.2 at a detector distance
of about 0.68 cm and at a detector aperture area of about 0.46
cm.sup.2. Further the light emitting diode has an emission
temperature of less than about 43.degree. C. at an emission
distance of about 0.68 cm and an emission time of about 2 minutes.
The illuminated electric toothbrush has one or more movable bristle
holders comprising bristles disposed on the head; and the motor is
operatively connected to the movable bristle holders by a drive
shaft.
[0006] In one embodiment the desired flux density at a
representative tooth surface is achieved by delivering a continuous
forward current of greater than about 35 milliamps to the light
emitting diode.
[0007] In another embodiment the desired flux density at a
representative tooth surface is achieved by disposing a light
emitting diode comprising at least two dices, one lens, one
positive lead and one negative lead on the head of the illuminated
electric toothbrush.
[0008] In yet another embodiment the desired flux density at a
representative tooth surface level is achieved by delivering a
pulsed or non-continuous forward current to the light emitting
diode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, embodiments of which will be described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting
diode.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode
having more than one light emitter, and a single optical
output.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated electric
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the electric toothbrush of
FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
electric toothbrush of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the
electric toothbrush.
[0016] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the
electric toothbrush.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention in which
the toothbrush includes a head and neck that can be separated from
the handle.
[0024] FIG. 14 and 15 are partial side elevational views
illustrating installation of a replaceable head and neck onto a
handle or body portion of the illuminated electric toothbrush of
FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a schematic of an electrical configuration
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a
variety of colors for light-emitting diodes that are suitable for
use with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a
light-emitting diode that emits a white light that is suitable for
use with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating a light radiation pattern
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the geometry of the void
between the light emitting diode and the surface to be exposed to
light.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the test method for
measuring average flux of the light within a particular solid
angle.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the test method for
measuring the affect of the illuminating electric toothbrush on the
temperature at the surface of the teeth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] All printed publications, patents, and patent applications
referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference. Generally,
the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush having one
or more light-emitting diodes ("LED") disposed on or in the head of
the electric toothbrush. More specifically, the electric
toothbrushes are used in personal hygiene to clean one's teeth and
gums using a motorized movement, while the LEDs illuminate the
region of brushing, including the teeth and/or gums. Additionally,
the LEDs can provide an oral care benefit, such as whitening.
[0033] As used herein, the term "light" is intended to encompass
the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and
infra-red) light. There are two systems for measuring light:
radiometry and photometry, wherein radiometry is measurement of
electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range between
3.times.10.sup.11 and 3.times.10.sup.16 Hz and photometry is the
measurement of electromagnetic radiation that is detectable by the
human eye. As known in the art, radiometric units include: Energy
(Newton meter or joules), Power or Radiant Flux which is the flow
of Energy with respect to time (joules/second or watts), Irradiance
or Flux Density which is power per unit area (watts/m.sup.2),
Radiant Intensity which is power per unit solid angle
(watts/steradian), and Radiance which is the power per unit
projected area per unit solid angle (watts/m.sup.2-steradian).
Equivalent photometric units include: Power or Luminous Flux
(lumen) and Luminous Intensity (lumen/sr or candela). Another
characteristics of the light that will be discussed is the viewing
or half angle. As described herein the half angle is two times the
included angle (in degrees) between the peak and the point on one
side of the beam axis at which the luminous intensity is fifty
percent of the maximum or half of the beam angle. Yet another
characteristic that will be discussed hereafter relates to the
amount of heat or Emission Temperature (Celsius) which is generated
by an LED at a tooth surface. Additionally, the total electric
power consumed by the LED ("power dissipation") disposed on the
head of the illuminated electric toothbrush will be characterized.
For simplicity herein, units may be discussed in either radiometric
units or photometric units, although radiometric units are
preferred. Intensity can be either luminous intensity measured in
candelas (or lumens/steradian), or flux density measured in
Watts/meter.sup.2.
[0034] All test methods described herein are performed when the
illuminated electric toothbrush is operated at the current normally
drawn to operate the device when the brush is fully charged and
turned on, the bristles are moving, and the LED is illuminated.
Characteristics of the LEDs of the present invention are discussed
more fully below.
[0035] A. Flux Density at a Representative Tooth Surface
("FDRT")
[0036] This test is intended to represent the radiant flux density
projected onto a tooth surface in W/m.sup.2. A detector calibrated
in Watts having a detector aperture area of less than about 3.14,
1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64,
0.50, and/or 0.46 cm.sup.2 and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31,
0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm.sup.2 and a detector
aperture diameter of at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76,
0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, and/or 1 cm and/or less
than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 cm,
and the detector aperture has a distance ("detector distance") of
greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72,
0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.0 cm, and/or less than about
2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.0 cm from
the light emitting point of the LED. Traditionally, the detector
comprises an iris that can provide a detector aperture area of the
desired size. The LED should be positioned facing the detector
aperture, and the mechanical axis of the LED should pass through
the center of this detector aperture. The detector measures radiant
flux (Watts) at the detector. The detector measures the radiant
flux over the entire detector aperture area. Therefore, the
resulting number is a total value of the radiant flux. The FDRT is
the total value of the radiant flux divided by the Spherical Area
of the cap 1109 (as shown in FIG. 20 which illustrates the
geometrical relationship between the LED and the surface to be
exposed to light). The spherical area of the cap can be calculated
by the following equations:
S=2.pi.R(R-l)
where:
R={square root}{square root over (l.sup.2+d.sup.2/4)}
[0037] S=spherical area of the cap
[0038] l=detector distance
[0039] d=diameter of detector aperture area.
FDRT=Total Radiant Flux (Watts)/S
[0040] This radiant flux (Watts) is divided by the spherical area
of the cap to result in flux density at a representative tooth
surface (W/m.sup.2). An example of a device suitable for measuring
the FDRT includes the OL 730CV Radiometer/Photometer manufactured
by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Fla. As illustrated in
FIG. 21 detector distance "1" (as shown at 1200) is the distance
between the light emitting point 1205 of LED 1275 and the entrance
aperture 1201 of detector 1203. This detector distance "1" (as
shown at 1200) is measured from the light emitting point 1205 of
the LED 1275 to the plane of the detector aperture 1201 of the
detector 1203.
[0041] The FDRT of the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush is
from at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and/or 100
mW/cm.sup.2 and/or less than about 300, 250, 200, 150, and/or 100
mW/cm.sup.2 or any combination of these. It is believed that
toothbrushes comprising LEDs that individually emit light at the
aforementioned FDRT can result in whitening and other oral care
benefits when used in the mouth alone or in combination with other
oral care compositions. To achieve these oral care benefits at
least one of the LEDs disposed on the head of the toothbrush must
emit light having an FDRT of at least about 30 mW/cm.sup.2. Light
having a higher FDRT may also result in whitening or other oral
care benefit, however if 300 mW/cm.sup.2 is exceeded a user may
need to take safety measures to prevent damage to the oral
cavity.
[0042] B. Percent Total Luminous Flux Within a Solid Angle
[0043] In one embodiment of the LED of the electric toothbrush, at
least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the total power
(watts) of the LED is contained within the solid angle with a
vertex in the center of the LED of at least about 0, 0.5, 0.55,
0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, and/or 1 steradian ("sr")
and/or less than about 6.3, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5,
1.3, 1.2, 1.1, and/or 1 sr. The solid angle having a vertex in the
light emitting point of the LED can be calculated using the
equations below:
.alpha.=S/R.sup.2=2.pi.h/R,
where:
h=R-a and
R={square root}{square root over (a.sup.2+b.sup.2/4)}
[0044] .alpha.=solid angle (sr)
[0045] S=spherical area of the cap
[0046] a=axial distance
[0047] b=diameter of the dimensional area
[0048] These calculations are similar to the calculations as used
above to calculate the FDRT, and the axial distance and dimensional
area have similar values to the detector distance and detector
area, however no detector is present in the calculation of the
solid angle.
[0049] A diagram of the void space within which the LED emits light
towards the surface to be exposed to light is shown in FIG. 20. The
elements of the equation are depicted in FIG. 20 wherein ".alpha."
is the solid angle (shown at 1110) with a vertex (shown at 1111) in
the light emitting point 1113 of the LED 1175. "a" (illustrated in
FIG. 20 at 1101) is the vertical distance between the emitting
surface of the LED and the surface to be exposed to the light
emitting from the LED ("axial distance"), "b" (shown at 1103) is
the diameter of a circular area comprising the LED, and "S" (shown
at 1109) is the spherical area of the cap. "h" (shown at 1105)
equals "R" (shown at 1107) minus "a" (shown at 1101). "b" can be at
least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95
and/or 1.00 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25,
1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm. "a" can be greater than
about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76,
0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.00 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50,
1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm.
[0050] To determine the percent of power within the solid angle,
first, the total power emitted from the LED must be measured, and
second, the power within a particular solid angle area must be
measured. Finally, the percent power within a particular solid
angle is calculated. The total power emitted from the LED can be
determined by either the goniophotometer method and/or the
integrating sphere method. The goniophotometer method allows for
the total radiant flux to be measured in Watts (when the
goniophotometer is calibrated in Watts). The rotating detector of
the goniophotometer scans the surface of a spherical shaped area
surrounding the LED. The partial fluxes d.PHI. incident on each
element dA of the surface represent a total radiant flux: 1 E ( , )
= A
[0051] Which can be weighted and integrated to give the value of
the total radiant flux .PHI., 2 = ( A ) E A
[0052] Another method of measuring the total radiant flux from an
LED is to use an integrating sphere (calibrated in Watts) to
compare the tested LED to a standard LED with a similar spatial and
spectral power distribution. If no perfectly matches standard is
available, a correction for color can be calculated; however a
correction for spatial power differences is more difficult to
calculate. Most integrating spheres are no more than 10 cm in
diameter. Therefore, an auxiliary LED of the same type should be
inserted into the integrating sphere to allow for a correction to
be applied for the self-absorption of the test LED. Spheres with
two entrance and one exit port for the detector should work. Both
of these methods are described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled
"Measurement of LEDs", which is published by the International
Commission of Illumination.
[0053] Second, the power within a particular solid angle is
measured. To choose the solid angle within which the power is
measured, the axial distance and diameter of dimensional area for
the desired solid angle must be determined using the aforementioned
equations. The axial distance value corresponds to the detector
distance value, and the diameter of the dimensional area value
corresponds to the detector aperture area value. By choosing these
values when performing the test, the power within the desired solid
angle is measured. If the detector has been calibrated in Watts,
this results in total radiant flux within the desired solid
angle.
[0054] The measurement of total radiant flux (within a particular
solid angle) of the LED involves a detector calibrated in Watts
having a circular aperture 1201 with an area of less than about
3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70,
0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm.sup.2 and/or greater than about 0.28,
0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm.sup.2, and a
detector aperture diameter of at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64,
0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, and/or 1 cm
and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15,
1.10, 1.00 cm. The LED should be positioned facing the detector
aperture 1201 at a detector distance 1200 from the light emitting
point 1205 of the LED 1275 of about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66,
0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.00 cm,
and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15,
1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm. The mechanical axis of the LED should
pass through the center of this detector aperture.
[0055] Finally, the percentage of light emitted within the desired
solid angle is calculated by the equation: 3 Total Radiant Flux
Within the Desired Solid Angle To tal Radiant Flux = % of Light
Emitted Within the Desired Solid Angle
[0056] C. Half Angle and/or Viewing Angle
[0057] Another method for determining if a illuminated electric
toothbrush emits light having the desired characteristics is to
examine the half angle and/or viewing angle of the LED. As
described herein the half angle is two times the included angle (in
degrees) between the peak and the point on one side of the beam
axis at which the luminous intensity is fifty percent of the
maximum or half of the beam angle. This can also be referred to as
the viewing angle. The smaller the half angle the more focused the
light. The more focused the light emitting from the LED, the less
light is needed to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or
FDRT. Having a more focused angle of light results in less light
wasted from shining in non-preferred directions, i.e. shining into
the bristles areas. If light is shined in non-preferred directions,
more light will be required to achieve the desired luminous
intensity or FDRT, often resulting in increased heat levels.
Increased heat emission from the illuminated electric toothbrush
can result in damage to the teeth and tissues in the oral cavity.
The half angle 4 ( 2 1 2 )
[0058] of the LED can be less than about 50.degree., 49.degree.,
48.degree., 47.degree., 46.degree., 45.degree., 44.degree.,
43.degree., 42.degree., 41.degree., 40.degree., 38.degree.,
36.degree., 34.degree., 32.degree., 30.degree., and/or
28.degree.and/or greater than about 0.degree. and/or 5.degree..
[0059] D. Emission Temperature
[0060] Using an LED on the head of a toothbrush, which is then
placed into the oral cavity for brushing and/or treating the teeth,
may introduce heat as well as light into the oral cavity. The light
can be absorbed by the surface of the tooth, thereby generating
additional heat at the tooth surface. If heat is generated within
the oral cavity, the pulp chamber of the tooth can be increased,
which may result in pulpitis or other damage to the oral cavity. To
avoid causing damage in the oral cavity, the temperature of the
surface of the teeth should remain less than about 43.degree. C.,
40.degree. C., 39.degree. C., 38.degree. C., 37.degree. C.,
36.degree. C., 34.degree. C., 30.degree. C., and /or 25.degree. C.
If the temperature of the surface of the teeth is increased beyond
the aforementioned temperatures, the pulp chamber of the tooth may
be overheated, thereby resulting in pulpitis. Therefore, the light
emitted by the illuminated electric toothbrush should not produce
heat that raises the temperature of the surface of the teeth
greater than about 43.degree. C., 40.degree. C., 39.degree. C.,
38.degree. C., 37.degree. C., 36.degree. C., 34.degree. C.,
30.degree. C., and/or 25.degree. C. In one embodiment the
temperature of the surface of the teeth is kept below about
43.degree. C. by using a standard LED and providing a continuous
forward current less than about 200 milliamps ("mA") to the
standard LED.
[0061] The temperature generated at the surface of the teeth
resulting from exposure to light emitted from the illuminated
electric toothbrush is the "emission temperature." The emission
temperature can be measured by devices known in the art such as a
thermo-couple 1315 (as shown in FIG. 22). One thermo-couple
suitable for use in the present test method is the SC-GG-T-30-36
thermo-couple manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. The
thermo-couple can be attached, preferably with adhesive, to the
surface of the tooth exposed to light emitting from the LED.
Alternatively, the temperature at the surface of the tooth can be
measured after exposure to the light, so long as the thermo-couple
is touched to the tooth and the temperature reading is completed
within a testing time of less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,
2, 1 seconds of terminating exposure of the tooth to the light. One
method of measuring temperature after exposure to the light is
terminated is by using a standard cotton swab to apply and hold the
thermo-couple on the tooth for the duration of the testing time to
gather the temperature data. Additionally, a unit 1317 which
translates the data from the thermocouple into temperature in
degrees can be used; hand held unit HH5-08 manufactured by Omega
Engineering, Inc. is suitable to be used with aforementioned
thermo-couple to translate data received from the thermo-couple
into temperature in degrees. This testing is performed in vitro on
standard extracted human or bovine tooth 1301 samples, within an
incubator set at 32.degree. C. The test is performed within a
incubator set at 32.degree. C. to replicate the normal base
temperature of a tooth placed in the mouth. A suitable incubator
for this test is the THELCO 3DG, catalog #51221122 available from
the Jouan Group of Companies. The tooth is placed in cast aluminum
stand 1319 comprising a piece of cast aluminum with a space removed
for placement of the tooth. The cast aluminum stand 1319 connects
the tooth 1301 to a heat sink 1321. A heat sink suitable for use in
the present test method includes heat sink 11-5602-48 VIS #031608
manufactured by Aavid Thermalloy. A power supply (not shown) can be
provided to the heat sink. The "emission distance" is the distance
1303 between the light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 and the
surface of the tooth 1301. The emission distance 1303 can be less
than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87,
0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm and/or greater than about
0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm from the
surface of the tooth. The light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375
is placed at an emission distance of less than about 3.14, 1.77,
1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50,
and/or 0.46 cm and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33,
0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm from the surface of the tooth
1301, and the illuminated electric toothbrush 1313 is turned on;
thereby operating the LED 1375 and illuminating the surface of the
tooth 1301. The tooth 1301 is then exposed to light emitting from
the LED 1375 for an emission time of less than about 15, 14, 13,
12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and/or 0 minutes and the
temperature of the tooth 1301 is measured by the standard
thermo-couple 1315. The thermo-couple can be attached to a separate
hand-held unit 1317 to translate the readings from the
thermo-couple 1315 into temperature readings. The emission
temperature should not exceed about 43.degree. C., 40.degree. C.,
39.degree. C., 38.degree. C., 37.degree. C., 36.degree. C.,
34.degree. C., 30.degree. C., and/or 25.degree. C.
[0062] E. Power Dissipation
[0063] Additionally, to avoid damage to the oral cavity due to
excessive heat generation, the total electric power consumed
("power dissipation") by the LED disposed on the head of the
illuminated electric toothbrush should not exceed about 2, 1.5, 1,
0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 Watts
("W").
[0064] F. Examples of Embodiments of the Invention
[0065] Luminous intensity of at least about 7 candelas and/or FDRT
of at least about 30 mW/cm.sup.2 can be achieved in the inventive
illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a standard LED by
increasing the forward current beyond that recommended by the
manufacturer ("overpowering"), including more than one light
emitter in the LED, and/or pulsing the light emitted from the LED,
or any combination of these. Overpowering of the LED can shorten
the life span of the LED. The amount the life span of the LED is
shortened depends on the level of current used to overpower the LED
and the characteristics of LED. However, this shortened life span
will still exceed what is needed for use on a toothbrush, as a
toothbrush is a disposable and/or replaceable item. In one
embodiment the LED is disposed on a replaceable portion of the
toothbrush, and can therefore be replaced if desired.
[0066] As used herein, the term "light" is intended to encompass
the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and
infra-red) light. This spectrum may extend from light having a
dominant or centroid wavelength of about 10 nm (far ultraviolet) to
light having a centroid wavelength of 10.sup.6 nm (infrared), or
the spectrum may include visible light having a centroid wavelength
between about 370 nm and about 770 nm. Further, the spectrum may
include visible light having a centroid wavelength between about
370 to about 500. As used herein, the term "centroid wavelength" is
intended to refer to the wavelength which represents the perceived
color of the light. This may be different than the peak wavelength
which is the wavelength at which the radiant intensity of the LED
is maximum. For LEDs, the dominant or centroid wavelength can be
determined by the equations: 5 c = min max I ( ) l / min max I (
)
[0067] For continuous spectrums, and 6 c = i I i i / i I i
[0068] For discrete spectrums.
[0069] Wherein I is illumination intensity and .lambda. is
wavelength.
[0070] These equations are further described in CIE 127 (1997)
entitled "Measurement of LEDs", which is published by the
International Commission of Illumination. The spectral (e.g., peak
wavelength), photometric (e.g., luminous intensity), radiometric
(e.g., radiant intensity), and calorimetric (e.g., dominant
wavelength) characteristics of the LEDs can be measured using
devices known in the art, such as OL 730CV Radiometer/Photometer
manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Fla. Some
light may not have a dominant or centroid wavelength (e.g., white
light).
[0071] The inventive illuminated electric toothbrush comprises LEDs
that emit light having a luminous intensity of at least about 7,
10, 15, 20, 30, and/or 40 and/or less than about 60, 50, 45, and/or
40 Candelas or any combination of these, or a FDRT of at least
about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and/or 100 mW/cm.sup.2 and/or
less than about 300, 250, 200, 150, and/or 100 mW/cm.sup.2 or any
combination of these.
[0072] One embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush
comprises an LED as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a cross section
of LED package 11 comprising a lens 3, a single light emitting dice
5, a wire bonding 7, a positive lead 21 and negative lead 9, and a
Longitudinal axis L. Various types of semi-conductor substrates
having light emitting properties can be used in LEDs of the claimed
invention. One type of semi-conductor substrate having a light
emitting property is a dice. A dice is a single semi-conductor
substrate having light emitting properties. It is contemplated that
the LED disposed on the head of the inventive illuminated electric
toothbrush can comprise any type of semi-conductor substrate having
light emitting properties, including but not limited to a dice, so
long as the illuminated electric toothbrush provides light having
the desired properties described herein. The LED can have a
diameter of at least about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and/or 6 mm and/or
less than about 5, 10, 15, and/or 20 mm.
[0073] Light can emit from many surfaces of the light emitting
point of an LED. However, for simplicity hereinafter all
measurements of the distance from the light emitting point and/or
surface of the LED refer to the front surface of the semi-conductor
substrate, such as the front surface of the dice 5. Light emits
from a surface of the dice and is directed to the lens 3 of the
LED. Therefore, to measure a distance from the light emitting point
of a semi-conductor substrate, the front surface of the light
emitting element of the semi-conductor substrate must be
identified. In one embodiment of the illuminating electric
toothbrush the front surface of the light emitting element of the
LED is the surface of the dice 5 (as shown in FIG. 1). Therefore,
all measurements of distance from this embodiment of a light
emitting surface begin with the front surface of dice 5.
[0074] Overpowering the LED results in the desired luminous
intensity and/or FDRT because, luminous intensity and/or FDRT of a
LED increases, within limits, as forward current input increases.
Therefore, the luminous intensity and/or FDRT levels desired for
the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush can be achieved by
increasing the current to a standard LED beyond that recommended by
the manufacturer. Increasing the current twice the maximum
recommended by the manufacturer will almost double the luminous
intensity and/or FDRT, while still resulting in a lifespan of the
LED acceptable for use in an illuminated electric toothbrush. A
standard driver can be used to deliver the chosen current level to
achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT. A voltage or
current driver suitable for use with the present invention is the
ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Driver manufactured by Zetex
Semiconductors, Oldham, UK. The minimum current to achieve the
desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT can be greater than the
maximum current recommended by the manufacturer for continuous
operation, two times the maximum recommended by the manufacturer
for continuous operation, or three times the maximum recommended by
the manufacturer for pulsed operation. At a maximum the current can
be increased to the level which causes immediate failure of the
LED. One embodiment of the invention comprises a standard LED which
delivers the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT via a
continuous forward current greater than about 35 mA, 40 mA, 45 mA,
50 mA, 55 mA, 60 mA, 65 mA, 70 mA, 75 mA, 80 mA, 90 mA, 100 mA, 150
mA and/or 200 mA and/or less than about 700 mA, 600 mA, 500 mA, 400
mA, 300 mA, 250 mA, 200 mA, 150 mA, 100 mA, 90 mA, 80 mA, 75 mA, 70
mA, 65 mA, 60 mA, 55 mA, 50 mA, 45 mA, 40 mA, and/or 35 mA. In one
embodiment the minimum continuous current level can be the maximum
continuous current rating for continuous operation, and the maximum
continuous current level can be about the current causing immediate
failure of the LED. Although the luminous intensity and/or FDRT
does increase as the current increases, there is a point at which
this correlation levels out, and further current increase does not
result in luminous intensity and/or FDRT increase. This exact point
depends on the properties and design of the LED. Additionally, as
time passes and the LED is exposed to currents beyond that
recommended by the manufacturer, the luminous intensity and/or FDRT
begins to fade. One way of maintaining the desired luminous
intensity and/or FDRT includes, but is not limited to, further
increasing the current in order to maintain the same luminous
intensity and/or FDRT. Although the current is increased to the
standard LED to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT,
the current used is still lower than traditionally used for high
power non-standard LEDs. Therefore, the heat generated by the
standard LEDs does not increase the temperature of the surface of
the teeth above about 43.degree. C.
[0075] Stabilizing the current of the LED in a standard driver
design does partially stabilize the luminous intensity and/or FDRT
over time since the current stays the same as the LED decays.
However, as the LED decays the current may need to be increased to
maintain the same level of luminous intensity and/or FDRT. One way
of maintaining constant luminous intensity and/or FDRT as the LED
decays is to measure the luminous intensity and/or FDRT emitted
from the LED with a built in sensor and adjust the current
according to the measured value. Adjusting the current as the LED
decays results in an illuminated electric toothbrush which
continues to deliver light at the specified luminous intensity
and/or FDRT over time. Another way of maintaining approximately the
same luminous intensity and/or FDRT without including a built in
sensor, is to include a timing circuit which increases the current
to the LED over time as the LED decays. This can maintain
approximated steady luminous intensity and/or FDRT via a simple
design, and with minimal additional expense. A voltage or current
driver suitable for use with the present invention is the ZXSC310
Single or Multi Cell LED Driver manufactured by Zetex
Semiconductors, Oldham, UK.
[0076] FIG. 2 shows a another means for achieving the levels of
luminous intensity and/or FDRT in the inventive illuminated
electric toothbrush by including more than one light emitter such
as multiple dices. This embodiment of the invention has a single
light output, the lens 3, and one positive lead 21 and one negative
lead 9. However, this single standard LED package contains more
than one light emitter and more than one semi-conductor substrate.
All light from emitting sources is combined to result in a single
light output at lens 3 of LED package 15. The single LED package 15
has multiple light emitting dices 5 and 17 and a wire bonding 7.
These dices can be electrically connected in parallel or in series.
When they are connected in series, all current considerations are
the same as for one single dice. The total voltage will be
approximately n.times.V.sub.i where n=number of dices, and
V.sub.i=forward voltage for a single dices. If the dices are
connected in parallel, the total current will be approximately
n.times.I.sub.i and the total voltage approximately that of a
single dice. Serial connection works well because it adjusts for
differences between the dices. When the dices are connected in
series, they automatically adjust their forward voltages and their
luminous intensity and/or FDRT become very close. In either
arrangement the two dices LED has approximately the luminous
intensity and/or FDRT of 1.6.times.P.sub.i, where P.sub.i is
luminous intensity and/or FDRT of a single dice. A three dices LED
will likely have the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of about
2.26.times.P.sub.i. (Interference between the dices can prevent the
luminous intensity and/or FDRT calculation from being a multiplier
by the number of dice.) These dices can deliver the same color of
light, or they can have different colors of light. For example, a
single LED could contain two dices emitting different colors of
light, for example a wavelength selected from the range of greater
than about 370, 380, 390, 400, 425, 440, 450, 475, 480 and/or less
than about 500 nanometers. The dices could also be selected such
that the dices emit light of a different wavelength within the same
color range; for example the dices could emit light having
different wavelengths that result in the color blue. Further, the
combination of the different wavelengths of light at the single
optical output of the LED (the lens) could result in a specific
combination of colors that delivers an oral care benefit. For
example, two different compositions can be applied to the teeth,
each of which reacts to a different wavelength of light.
Additionally, different wavelengths of light may result in
different reactions within the oral cavity; one wavelength of light
may kill bacteria, another wavelength of light may whiten the
teeth. Some colors are difficult to achieve by a single wavelength
of light; this invention can be used to produce light of one of
these unique colors. Thus the combination of different colors at
the single optical output may result in a color that cannot be
achieved by one dice alone. Therefore, using different colors could
result in one or more oral care benefits that a single wavelength
of a single color could not achieve. However, if each individual
light emitter emits the same light, the luminous intensity and/or
FDRT of that color light from that one single LED is greater than a
single standard LED emitting light of one color.
[0077] Yet another means for achieving the luminous intensity
and/or FDRT of the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush
includes providing a non-continuous or pulsing current to the LED
which results in pulsed or non-continuous light. This embodiment of
the invention comprises a standard LED which provides the desired
luminous intensity and/or FDRT level via a pulse forward current
greater than about 100 mA, 125 mA, 150 mA, 175 mA, 200 mA, 225 mA,
250 mA, 275 mA, 300 mA, 325 mA, 350 mA, and/or 375 mA and/or less
than about 900 mA, 800 mA, 700 mA, 600 mA, 500 mA, 400 mA, 375 mA,
350 mA, 325 mA, 300 mA, 275 mA, 250 mA, 225 mA, 200 mA, 175 mA, 150
mA, 125 mA, and/or 100 mA. In one embodiment the pulsed forward
current is greater than about the maximum current rating for pulsed
operation and less than about the current causing immediate failure
of the LED. The minimum luminous intensity and/or FDRT of the light
pulses can be that of continuous light, and the maximum luminous
intensity and/or FDRT is Pc/Q where Pc is the luminous intensity
and/or FDRT of continuous light and Q is the cycle ratio. The cycle
ratio equals the duration of the pulse divided by the time period
between pulses. The inventive cycle ratio is from about 0.01, 0.10,
0.25, 0.40, and/or 0.50 to about 0.50, 0.60 0.75, 0.80, and/or
0.99. The frequency of the light pulses can be about 0.01 Hz, 1 Hz,
10 Hz, 100 Hz, 500 Hz, or 1 MHz to about 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz,
500 MHz, 1 GHz, or 10 GHz. The current amplitude for the pulsed
operation of the LED can go from about I.sub.maxp to about 10
I.sub.maxp, where I.sub.maxp is the absolute maximum current rating
for pulsed operation, or from about I.sub.maxp to about 20
I.sub.map, where I.sub.max is the maximum current rating for
continuous operation. Pulsing the current to the LED results in a
reduction of the LED's power dissipation, and therefore prolonged
battery life, as well as an increase in light brightness, and/or
luminous intensity and/or FDRT. The improved battery life and
increased brightness can vary depending on the properties and
design of the LED.
[0078] In one embodiment, the illuminated electric toothbrush
includes an elongated body portion or handle, a head, and a neck
extending between the head and the handle. One or more LEDs are
provided on the head, preferably adjacent to, on, and/or in, one or
more static or moving bristle holders having a plurality of
bristles thereon. The bristles may be formed into one or groups of
tufts.
[0079] The head includes a longitudinal axis, one or more moving
bristle holders and, optionally, one or more static or fixed
bristle holders. The moving bristle holders may rotate, swivel,
gyrate, oscillate, linearly reciprocate, or undergo any combination
of motions. The type of motion provided by the electric
toothbrushes of the present invention can be widely varied. The
static bristle holders and the arrangement of the static bristles
disposed thereon can also be widely varied. For example, the static
bristles might partially or wholly circumscribe the moving bristle
holders or may be disposed in a gap between the moving bristle
holders. Examples of some bristle holder motions and bristle
arrangements suitable for use with the present invention are
described in U.S. 20030126699; U.S. 20030084525; U.S. 20030084524;
U.S. 20030084526; and WO 03/063723; and WO 03/063722. The bristles
can be made from conventional non-elastomeric materials, such as
polyethylene, or can be made from elastomeric materials such as
natural or synthetic rubbers, polyolefins, polyetheramides,
polyesters, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or a
combination of materials.
[0080] The handle has a hollow portion with a motor disposed
therein that is operatively connected to the moving bristle
holders. A motor is operatively connected to the moving bristle
holder when some action by the motor results in a response in the
moving bristle holder. A shaft may extend from the motor through
the neck and into at least a portion of the head. The shaft may
rotate, oscillate, linearly reciprocate, gyrate, vibrate or orbit
when driven by the motor in order to impart one or more motions to
the moving bristle holders. A gearing arrangement can be provided
between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the moving
bristle holders in order to impart motion thereto. Exemplary shaft
and/or gearing arrangements are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,360,395
and 5,617,601 as well as in other patents and patent publications
referenced herein. The handle also has a power source, such as one
or more batteries, disposed therein for powering the motor and the
LED. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush may be connected to an
external power source for powering the motor. A switch is disposed
on the handle for activating the motor and/or LEDs. The LEDs can be
energized whenever the motor is activated. However, the toothbrush
also can have more than one switch to activate the LEDs and/or the
movable bristle holder.
[0081] FIG. 3 shows an illuminated electric toothbrush 10 according
to the present invention. The electric toothbrush can be used for
personal hygiene such as brushing one's teeth and gums. As shown in
FIG. 3, the electric toothbrush includes a handle 12 a gripping
portion 70, and a neck 14 attached to the handle 12. A head 16 is
attached to neck 14. Typically, the head is larger than the neck
14, which is also typically smaller than the handle 12.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 4, the toothbrush 10 comprises head
16, longitudinal axis 19, a handle 12, a neck 14, gripping region
72, switch 52, a moving bristle holder 20 and static bristle
holders 22 having bristles 26 disposed thereon. The static bristle
holders 22 are located on opposite sides of the moving bristle
holder 20. The moving bristle holder 20 is located at the center of
the head 16. The moving bristle holder preferably oscillates about
an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the
head 16, although other motions may be provided as previously
described. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 12 further includes a
hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor 32 powers the
moving bristle holder 20 through a rotatable shaft 44. A gearing
arrangement is operatively interconnected between the shaft 44 and
the motor 32. The gearing arrangement includes a worm gear 40 and a
pair of step gears 42, 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to
the worm gear 40. Step gear 42 is operatively connected to step
gear 43 and the worm gear 40. A LED 75 is provided that is disposed
in the interior of the moving bristle holder 20. The LED 75 is
mounted or secured to the moving bristle holder 20 so that LED 75
moves with moving bristle holder 20. As shown in FIG. 6, electric
power is provided to the LED 75 by the use of a pair of electrical
contacts 76 and 77 that slidingly contact dedicated contact
portions defined along the underside of the moving bristle holder
20. Electrical wires (not shown) may be provided from the switch
and power source to the contacts 76 and 77 for conducting
electricity from the power source to the LED. The wires may run
from the handle 12 through the neck 14 to the head 16. Preferably,
the wires are disposed adjacent the interior wall of the neck 14 so
that they do not interfere with the movement of the shaft 44.
Alternatively, the wires may be embedded within the neck 14.
[0083] It is contemplated that circular electrically conductive
contact regions 80 and 82 could be provided along the exterior of
the moving bristle holder 20, which regions would be in electrical
communication with the pair of fixed contacts 76 and 77 provided
within the interior of the head. The electrically conductive
contact regions 80 and 82 are insulated from each other by a
non-conductive material. Electrical leads 84 and 86 can be provided
from the electrically conductive contact regions to the LED. FIG. 4
illustrates the LED 75 disposed on or within the moving bristle
holder 20. In this embodiment the LED is fixedly attached to the
moving bristle holder 20 and therefore moves with the bristle
holder. Preferably the tip of the LED is flush with the top surface
23 of the moving bristle holder 20, although it may extend above
the top surface 23 if desired. Additional LEDs can be provided in
or on the static bristle holders 22. FIG. 6a shows a stationary LED
75 that is connected to a pillar 91 that is stationary and fixed to
the head 95 at 93 of the toothbrush. The moving bristle holder 97
oscillates or rotates around the stationary LED. The positive lead
87 and the negative lead 89 can run from the LED 75 through the
pillar 91 and then down the length of the head 95 of the toothbrush
to the power source (not shown).
[0084] In another embodiment, the LED 75 is disposed within an
aperture or hole 88 that extends through the moving bristle holder
320, as best seen in embodiment 300 as shown in FIG. 7, so that the
LED is stationary and the moving bristle holder 320 oscillates or
rotates about the stationary LED 75. In this embodiment, the LED 75
is fixedly secured to the head 316. The LED 75 might extend
partially through the hole 88 or it may be disposed below the lower
surface of the moving bristle holder 320 so that it is completely
contained within the head 316. The centerline or axis of the LED 75
may also be the axis of rotation or oscillation for the moving
bristle holder 320. Neck 314 extends between head 316 and a handle
(not shown). The head 316 further comprises static bristles
322.
[0085] In each of the above-described embodiments, the LED is
disposed in, on, below or directly adjacent the moving and/or
static bristle holders so that the light is directed onto the
brushing area as efficiently as possible. Further, the LEDs are
preferably arranged so that the principle direction of light
emission is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the
bristle holders and/or generally parallel to the direction of the
bristles of the bristle holder. In other words, the LED is
preferably arranged so that the centerline 90 of the LED is
generally perpendicular to the top surface of the head and/or
bristle holder, as best seen in FIG. 6. The centerline 90 typically
passes through the lens 92 or aperture of the LED. When the LED is
disposed within, on, or below a moving and/or static bristle
holder, a cylindrical region or volume about the centerline 90 of
the LED can be substantially devoid of bristles. The area
substantially devoid of bristles can be larger and/or smaller
depending on the size of the head of the toothbrush, and/or the
number of bristles removed in the area surrounding the LED. The
area substantially devoid of bristles can be greater than about
0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80,
0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.0 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4,
1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.0 cm. The moving bristle
holder still, however, preferably has at least one ring of bristles
that encircle the LED, as shown by way of example in FIG. 7.
Additional bristle tufts or an inner ring of bristle tufts might,
however, be provided.
[0086] Referring again to FIG. 5, a switch 50 is provided to
control operation of the illuminated electric toothbrush and is
operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 is also
configured to operate the one or more LEDs of the toothbrush. Such
operation is preferably momentary or continuous. When the switch 50
is closed, a circuit comprising wire 54 is completed between a
standard battery 60 provided within the hollow portion 30 of the
handle 12 and the motor and LED 75.
[0087] In embodiment of the toothbrush 400 the LED 75 can be placed
on the head 416 so that it is between static bristle holder(s) 422
and movable bristle holder 420 and not aligned with an axis of
rotation/oscillation of a moving bristle holder, as shown by way of
example in FIG. 8 wherein the bristles have been deleted for
clarity. Head 416 is connected to handle (not shown) by neck
414.
[0088] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate other head, bristle holder and bristle
configurations for illuminated electric toothbrushes, all of which
contain one or more LEDs. FIG. 9 illustrates a head 516 and a neck
514. It will be appreciated that the neck 514 extends between the
head 516 and a handle of the toothbrush (not shown). Disposed on
the head 516 is a single moving bristle holder 520 having a
plurality of bristles tufts 532 disposed thereon. Disposed on a
second bristle holder 522 is a LED 575. FIG. 10 depicts another
head 616 in accordance with the present invention having a
plurality of bristles 632 disposed thereon. The head 616 comprises
a single bristle holder 620 having LED 675 disposed therein. Neck
614 extends between head 616 and handle (not shown). FIG. 11
depicts yet another head 716 having a single bristle holder 720
having bristles 732 disposed thereon. A LED 775 is disposed
adjacent the bristle holder 720 on the head 716. The LED 775,
however, is not disposed on bristle holder. FIG. 12 depicts still
another head 816 having a first bristle holder 820 that moves and a
second bristle holder 822 that is fixed or stationary. Both bristle
holders have LEDs 875 disposed thereon. The first bristle holder
820 has a plurality of bristle tufts 832 that encircle the LED 875
disposed thereon, and the second bristle holder 822 has a plurality
of bristle tufts 834 that encircle the LED 875 disposed thereon.
Neck 814 extends between head 816 and a handle (not shown).
[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, an embodiment of the illuminated
electric toothbrush 1010 having a head 1016, neck 1014, and a
handle 1012. Disposed on the head 1016 is LED 1075. The neck and
handle are releasably connected at 1015 and contain corresponding
structures for their physical engagement and for establishing
electrical communication between the LED and the power source.
Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the head 1016 further includes a
moving bristle holder 1020 and a static bristle holder 1022.
Disposed on the static bristle holder 1022 is a LED 1075.
[0090] The neck 1017 separates from the handle 1012 at joint 1015.
The neck 1017 has two small pins or projections 1036 [in phantom]
located inside the neck end portion 1032. The small projections are
dimensioned to fit into L-shaped slots 1042 found on a mating end
portion 1040 of the handle 1012. The width of the L-shaped slots
1042 is slightly wider than the width of the small projections to
enable the L-shaped slots to receive the small projections. The
depth of the L-shaped slots is substantially equal to the height of
the small projections so that the L-shaped slots can receive the
small projections.
[0091] To connect the head and neck to the handle, the user aligns
the small projections with a top surface 1044 of the L-shaped
slots. The user pushes or presses the head 1016 down so that the
small projections contact a bottom surface 1046 of the L-shaped
slots 1042. When the small projections have contacted the bottom
surface 1046 of the L-shaped slots, the user then turns the head
1016 and/or the neck 1017 approximately 90 degrees with respect to
the handle 1012 locking the head into place, as seen in FIGS. 14
and 15. A top surface of each of the projections becomes locked
under a top surface of each of the L-shaped slots 1042. The user
thus exerts a press-and-twist action on the cooperating pins and
guide slots to put the head into a fully attached disposition on
the handle and realize a locking engagement between the two.
[0092] One or more electrical contacts are provided along the
mating region of the neck and the handle to provide a releasable
electrical connection there between.
[0093] FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic of an electrical
configuration for the present invention. In this configuration, the
LED 75 and the motor 32 are powered or activated concurrently with
one another by switch 50 and power source 60. Due to the fact that
an LED is included and the power provided by the battery may exceed
that which is desired for the LED, it may be desirable to include a
standard voltage or current driver 94 which can provide a constant
voltage or current output to the LED despite changes to the input
voltage or current, especially as the voltage or current output
from a battery tends to decrease over time. While the schematic
shown in FIG. 16 is one embodiment, other configurations can be
provided. For example, separate switches might be provided to
separately activate the LED and the motor. More than one LED might
be provided. LEDs having different spectral, photometric,
radiometric, and colorimetric characteristics (e.g., different
dominant wavelengths, peak wavelengths, radiometric power, etc.)
might be provided to accommodate multiple uses in a single electric
toothbrush. This can also be accomplished using an LED having
multiple dices (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0094] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate spectral distributions for
various colors of commercially available LED light emitting unit
used in the electric toothbrushes described herein. These spectral
distribution graphs are for Luxeon.TM. 1--watt emitter LEDs,
however these distribution patterns may be achieved with other
light emitting units. Specifically, FIG. 17 is a graph of the
relative spectral power distribution for various colors of LEDs.
FIG. 17 illustrates the colors of royal blue, blue, cyan, green,
amber, red-orange, and red. FIG. 18 is the relative spectral power
distribution for a white color LED.
[0095] For tooth bleaching as well as other applications, it is
often desirable to utilize a LED that provides a generally or
substantially uniform distribution of radiometric power so that
each tooth receives about the same of amount of radiometric power
over the tooth surface. Therefore, embodiments of the inventive
toothbrush comprise light radiation patterns having lamberertian or
bell-shaped patterns, such as shown by way of example in FIG. 19.
Other radiation patterns, such as the bat-wing pattern may also be
utilized. As discussed above, however, the LED may provide a wide
variety of light radiation patterns in accordance with the present
invention.
[0096] The bristles of the bristle holders can be arranged to
minimally interfere with the light emitted from the LED. Bristles
can have a height of at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and/or
1.0 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, and/or
1.0 cm. However, it is contemplated that the toothbrushes of the
present invention may utilize bristle arrangements or materials
that interact with the light emitted from the LED. For example,
bristles and/or the top surface of the bristle holder located
immediately adjacent the LED could include a reflective coating,
such as nickel or chrome, to assist with directing light away from
the head and toward the tooth surfaces. Alternately, bristles near
the LED could be formed from a transparent or translucent material
to further promote the transmission of light to the brushing area.
The bristles might also be colored, pigmented, or dyed to generally
match the color of the light emitted by the LED. In this way, the
bristle would not absorb, but reflect, the light emitted by the
LED. In addition, the use of a reflective shield that assists with
directing light toward the tooth or gum surfaces which is placed
around or near the LED might be utilized.
[0097] As previously noted herein, the embodiment toothbrushes with
LED may be used in conjunction with a whitening composition for
whitening teeth, and in particular, for enhancing or accelerating
the whitening function of the composition by irradiating the
brushing region either prior to, during, or after application of
the whitening composition. A kit can be provided comprising the
illuminated electric toothbrush, and a composition comprising
peroxide.
[0098] Color in organic compounds is usually attributed to
chromophores, which are unsaturated groups that can undergo .pi.
electronic transitions. Light can activate stain chromophores
(undergo electronic transition), and reduce activation energy
barrier making them more susceptible to attack by bleaching. In
other words, activation of color bodies via light may enhance
peroxide bleaching. Similarly, stain chromophores become more
susceptible to abrasive whitening because of light treatment which
results in faster and better whitening. Bleaching agents penetrate
into the pores in enamel and dentin, and, therefore, both extrinsic
and intrinsic color stains can be degraded and removed.
[0099] A wide variety of tooth whitening compositions may be used
in combination with the electric toothbrushes described herein. The
tooth whitening compositions may contain a bleaching agent, an
abrasive agent, pH modifiers or any other agent that acts upon the
chromophores of the teeth by mechanical or chemical action or a
combination thereof. The tooth whitening composition can be
provided in the form of a solution, paste, gel, viscous liquid,
solid, or other suitable form. Illustrative bleaching agents
include an oxygen radical or hydrogen radical-generating compound
such as metal ion free peroxides, organic peroxides, and metal ion
containing peroxides. Specific, non-limiting examples of bleaching
agents include peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates,
percarbonates, peroxyacids, persulfates, compounds that form the
preceding compounds in situ, and combinations thereof. Suitable
peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide,
calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. In one
embodiment the bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide. Suitable
metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite,
magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium
chlorite, and mixtures thereof. Additional bleaching agents also
include hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment the
bleaching agent is selected from sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium
percarbonate, oxones, and mixtures thereof. The starting bleaching
agent can be aqueous or solid material.
[0100] The amount of bleaching agent in the whitening or bleaching
composition may vary. For example, the bleaching agent could be
present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 60 weight percent, based
on the total amount of the tooth whitening composition. If hydrogen
peroxide is the bleaching agent, according to one particular
embodiment, it may be present in about 0.5 to about 40 weight
percent, especially about 7 to about 15 weight percent, based on
the total amount of the tooth whitening composition. If carbamide
peroxide is the bleaching agent, according to one particular
embodiment, it may be present in about 10 to about 60 weight
percent, based on the total amount of tooth whitening composition.
Typically, the radiant energy from the LED is applied while the
composition is in contact with the tooth, however, may be applied
prior to or after application of the tooth whitening
composition.
[0101] The illuminated electric toothbrush can be packaged as a kit
one or more replaceable heads containing a LED. Although the handle
is discussed as preferably battery powered, the invention also
includes other well known power supplies such as corded for outlet
connection or rechargeable batteries and an associated brush
holder/charger (not shown).
[0102] As discussed above, the various embodiments of the
illuminated electric toothbrush may be used in combination with a
whitening composition. A representative method of whitening teeth
is as follows. After obtaining the illuminated toothbrush and
composition, the composition is applied to the dental surface, i.e.
teeth, to be whitened. Preferably, such application is performed by
depositing an effective amount of the composition on the bristle
holder of the toothbrush, and then applying the composition to the
desired surfaces to be whitened. Generally, this latter step is
performed in like fashion as brushing one's teeth. Alternatively,
the tooth whitening composition might be brushed, painted, or
applied to the teeth with an applicator strip. The light emitting
unit of the toothbrush is then activated and the light emitted
there from is directed to the applied composition. It will be
understood that the various whitening techniques of the present
invention include variant strategies in which the light is directed
to the dental surface before, during, and after application of the
composition to the dental surface. Preferably, a brushing operation
is then performed while the light continues to irradiate the
composition applied to the dental surface of interest.
[0103] This whitening process is merely exemplary. The present
invention includes a wide array of whitening techniques.
Additionally, it is contemplated that a conventional brushing
operation may be performed prior to, during, or subsequent to a
whitening operation.
[0104] The present invention has been described with reference to
multiple embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will
occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this
specification. For example, any number of bristle holders and
bristle patterns can be utilized with the present invention along
with one more LED. It is intended to include all such modifications
and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the
appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *