U.S. patent application number 11/141999 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for toothbrush and method of brushing.
Invention is credited to James Eldon, Kevin Foley.
Application Number | 20060037158 11/141999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35908276 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060037158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foley; Kevin ; et
al. |
February 23, 2006 |
Toothbrush and method of brushing
Abstract
The invention is directed to an improved toothbrush and methods
of brushing. Many experts have noted that dental hygiene can be
improved by brushing for a specified amount of time and replacing
worn and used toothbrush bristles at regular intervals. The present
invention addresses these and other needs. By way of example, the
improved toothbrush includes a head portion having bristles, one or
more or which extend radially outwardly from a surface of the head,
a handle including a timer element and a use counter, wherein the
head is removably coupled to the handle such that the head and the
handle are connected during use and such that the head can be
removed from the handle and replaced as desired.
Inventors: |
Foley; Kevin; (Kempton,
PA) ; Eldon; James; (Barto, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
|
Family ID: |
35908276 |
Appl. No.: |
11/141999 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60598866 |
Aug 4, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1; 15/176.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0008 20130101;
A46B 9/026 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 15/0002
20130101; A46B 15/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/105 ;
015/176.1; 015/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A method for indicating to a user of a toothbrush, an elapsed
brushing time and a recommended brushing time using the toothbrush,
the method comprising: providing a toothbrush having a timer
element and a switch for operating the timer; initiating the timer
upon initiation of the switch by the user; determining an elapsed
brushing time; indicating to the user the elapsed brushing time;
determining when the recommended brushing time has elapsed; and
indicating to the user that the recommended brushing time has
elapsed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the recommended brushing time is
two minutes.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of indicating the
elapsed brushing time includes indicating the completion of a
specified time interval.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the specified time interval is
thirty seconds.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing a visual display to the user.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing a green light visible to the user.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing an audible notification to the user.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing an audible alarm which can be heard by the user.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing playback of recorded music which can be heard by the
user.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing playback of a recorded voice message which can be heard
by the user.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication steps comprise
providing a tactile notification to the user.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tactile notification is a
vibration of the handle.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of indicating to the
user that the recommended brushing time has elapsed comprises
providing an audible display and a visible display to the user.
14. A method for indicating to a user of a toothbrush, a
recommended time for replacing a head portion of the toothbrush,
the method comprising: providing a timer element within the
toothbrush, wherein the timer is initiated by the user upon each
use of the toothbrush by the user; determining an elapsed number of
timer initiations; determining whether the elapsed number of timer
initiations exceeds a predetermined replacement parameter; and
providing an indication to the user that the elapsed number of
timer initiations exceeds the replacement parameter.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the predetermined replacement
parameter is one hundred eighty uses.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing an
indication to the user further comprises providing a visual
indication.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the visual indication is a red
light.
18. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of providing an
indication to the user further comprises providing an audible
indication.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the audible indication is a
beep.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the audible indication is
recorded music.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the audible indication is a
recorded voice message.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of
providing a further indication to the user when the head portion
has been replaced.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the further indication is a
visual indication.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the further indication is an
audible indication.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the further indication is a
tactile indication.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the further indication is
provided until the elapsed number of timer initiations is
re-set.
27. A toothbrush comprising a head portion and a handle portion:
the head portion further comprising a plurality of bristles, at
least one of the bristles radiating outwardly from a first head
surface, the head portion being removably coupled to the handle
portion such that the head portion can be attached to the handle
portion during use and can be removed from the handle portion for
replacement; and the handle portion further comprising a timer
element and a use meter.
28. The toothbrush of claim 27, wherein the use meter counts an
elapsed number of initiations of the timer by the user.
29. The toothbrush of claim 27, wherein the handle further includes
a visual indicator and an audible indicator for providing
information to the user.
30. The toothbrush of claim 29, wherein the visual indicator is a
light source viewable by the user.
31. The toothbrush of claim 29, wherein the audible indicator is an
alarm.
32. The toothbrush of claim 27, wherein the handle includes at
least a partly transparent or translucent section, allowing light
to pass through the handle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to improved toothbrushes and
methods of brushing.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is generally recognized that many problems with dental
hygiene can be minimized by better brushing techniques and methods.
However, despite numerous attempts to address these problems,
various limitations exist with respect to all presently known
systems and methods.
[0003] Proper dental hygiene is an important aspect of our lives
today. While tooth decay is not life threatening and is highly
preventable, it affects most people to some degree during their
lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to
foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda and
candy, or even fruits and vegetables. Natural bacteria live in the
mouth and form plaque. This plaque interacts with deposits left on
teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids
damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or de-mineralizing,
the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening
the teeth.
[0004] The acids formed by plaque can be counteracted by simple
saliva in the mouth, which acts as a buffer and re-mineralization
agent. However, though it is the body's natural defense against
tooth decay, saliva alone is not sufficient to combat tooth decay.
It is generally recognized that the best way to prevent tooth decay
is to brush regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque
bacteria, fluoride is used to help re-mineralize the tooth
structure. Fluoride, in addition to being added to the water people
drink, is added to toothpaste to fight cavities and clean
teeth.
[0005] As mentioned above, the best way to combat tooth decay is to
brush after every meal. To this end, toothbrushes and toothpastes
come in all shapes, colors, flavors and sizes, all promising to
perform better at minimizing tooth decay and improve the brushing
process. However, despite these efforts, tooth decay remains a
pressing and unresolved problem. One main reason is that most
people don't brush or visit dentists as frequently as suggested.
Another reason is that many people don't brush for a long enough
period of time because they are too lazy, too busy, or because they
just lose track of time. This problem is compounded in children
who, as a group, particularly dislike brushing. Most people brush
less than a minute; but to effectively reach all areas and scrub
off cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush for two to
three minutes.
[0006] Problems also arise because most people don't replace their
toothbrush with any degree of regularity or frequency. This is
often the result of forgetfulness or inattentiveness, as well as
cheapness. Most people simply don't track their purchases of new
toothbrushes nor do they want to replace a toothbrush that can
arguably still be used. For toothbrushes without replaceable heads,
replacing the bristles requires replacing the toothbrush in its
entirety. However, not only are worn toothbrushes ineffective, but
they may harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infection such as
gingivitis and periodontitis. Thus, it is suggested that
toothbrushes be changed when the bristles become splayed and
frayed, or approximately every three to four months.
[0007] Various methods have been developed to deal with these two
latter factors. For example, in dealing with the issue of
toothbrush replacement, one common method is to use dye impregnated
bristles or a colored bristle sheath, both of which help show signs
of wear. However, these systems are imprecise and easily ignored.
Another method, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,802, involves a power
toothbrush that measures that number of accumulated
oscillations/strokes during use. When this number exceeds a
specified parameter, the user is notified that the brush head
should be replaced. While helpful, this system is less useful for
most common toothbrushes which don't include replaceable brush
heads. It also involves costly and sophisticated circuitry and
components. With respect to the issue of proper brushing length,
various systems are known, such as the systems described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,483,726, some of which provide some indication to a user
when a selected or pre-determined period of time has elapsed.
However, these systems, while perhaps indicating to the user the
completion of an elapsed time, do not provide constant updates and
information to the user on the timing and/or progress of the
brushing process.
[0008] Hence, there is a need for an improved brushing system and
method for guiding the user with respect to the proper amount of
time for brushing of teeth, as well as the proper time to replace
worn or unhealthy toothbrush bristles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a method
for indicating to a user of a toothbrush, an elapsed brushing time
and a recommended brushing time using the toothbrush, comprises the
steps of:
[0010] (a) providing a toothbrush having a timer element and a
switch for operating the timer;
[0011] (b) initiating the timer upon an initiation of the switch by
the user;
[0012] (c) determining an elapsed brushing time;
[0013] (d) indicating to the user the elapsed brushing time;
[0014] (e) determining when the recommended brushing time has
elapsed; and
[0015] (f) indicating to the user that the recommended brushing
time has elapsed.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for indicating to a user of a toothbrush, a
recommended time for replacing a head portion of the toothbrush,
the method comprising the steps of:
[0017] (a) providing a timer element within the toothbrush, wherein
the timer is initiated by the user upon each use of the toothbrush
by the user;
[0018] (b) determining an elapsed number of timer initiations;
[0019] (c) determining whether the elapsed number of timer
initiations exceeds a predetermined replacement parameter; and
[0020] (d) providing an indication to the user when the elapsed
number of timer initiations exceeds the replacement parameter.
[0021] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a toothbrush comprising a head portion and a
handle portion:
[0022] (a) the head portion further comprising a plurality of
bristles, at least one of the bristles radiating outwardly from a
first head surface, the head portion being removably coupled to the
handle portion such that the head portion can be attached to the
handle portion during use and can be removed from the handle
portion for replacement;
[0023] (b) the handle portion further comprising a timer element
and a use meter.
[0024] These and other aspects, features and arrangements of the
invention can be appreciated from the accompanying Drawings and
Detailed Description of an Exemplary Embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIGS. 1a-1c are side and isometric views of an improved
toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIGS. 2a-2d are top, side, front and isometric views of a
replacement brush head according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIGS. 3a-3b are isometric views showing the connection of a
removable brush head to a brush handle according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention; and
[0028] FIG. 4 is an internal view of a brush handle showing various
internal components according to one aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] By way of overview and introduction, the present invention
provides for an improved toothbrush and methods of brushing
utilizing a toothbrush having a replaceable head, a timer and/or a
use meter which measures the number of times a user utilizes the
timer device, and one or more status indicators. Through the use of
the present system, dental hygiene can be improved by helping to
guide the user to brush his or her teeth using the toothbrush for a
desirable amount of time as well as properly replaces the bristles
on the head of the toothbrush at specified intervals corresponding
to expected and undesirable wear.
[0030] A preferred embodiment of the improved toothbrush is now
described by way of example. FIGS. 1a-1c provide side and isometric
views of an improved toothbrush 100 according to a first embodiment
of the present invention. The toothbrush 100 includes a handle 170
and a replaceable head 150. According to one aspect of the
invention, the head 150 may include a section made of a transparent
or translucent material such that if light is emitted from a light
source within the handle portion 170 of the brush, it can be seen
by the user through the head portion 150 and provide visual
notifications to the user. Preferably, the brush 100 is constructed
such that the handle 170 can be used for an extended period of time
with multiple replacement heads 150, which heads are replaced as
the bristles become worn and used. The toothbrush, including the
handle 170 and the head 150, may be constructed of any of a variety
of known materials as are typically used in the art. For example,
the handle 170 can be formed from two separate injection molded
shell halves, such that a printed circuit board or other electronic
components can be placed into one shell half, after which time, the
shell halves can be sonic welded together and the welded shell
halves can be overmolded in a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0031] The head 150 preferably includes an elongated shaft 155, a
connector 160 at one end of the head 150, which connector 160 is
removably connectable to the handle 170, and an upper surface 200.
Ideally, the upper surface 200 is formed using as little material
as possible so as not to interfere with the brushing process. One
was to accomplish this without sacrificing the cleaning surface
area providing by the bristles, is to include bristles which
radiate outwardly from the upper surface 200 as will be discussed
in more detail below. According to one embodiment, further
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector 160 is insertable into,
and seatable within a socket 175 in the handle 170. The connector
160 may be held in the socket 175 using friction or any of a
variety of other known methods.
[0032] The upper surface 200 includes a plurality of bristles 250
for use in brushing teeth, some or all of which may radiate
outwardly from the upper surface 200. The use of radiating bristles
allows for the provision of a more substantial bristle tip area for
a particular brush head size, thus making the brushing of teeth and
gums easier by allowing for the use of a smaller upper surface 200.
It may be desirable to have all of the bristles 250 radiating
outwardly from the top surface 200, or instead, have only the
exterior or interior groups of bristles radiate outwardly,
depending on desired tooth cleaning characteristics. It will be
appreciated that any of a variety of orientations of the bristles
may be embodied within the scope of the present invention.
[0033] The top surface 200 includes a plurality of holes formed
therein (not shown), which holes are sequentially bristled by the
rotation of an automated turret around a particular axis. In this
manner, the bristles are seated within the top surface at any
desired orientation. Bristles of a uniform length, material and
color may be provided or, alternatively, a variety of different
bristle types, shapes and sizes may be utilized. Such bristles may
be selected to reach and remove plaque from hard-to-reach places,
specifically clean along the gum-line, or more effectively clean
the different tooth surfaces and geometries. Preferably, thin
DuPont Tynex.RTM. nylon bristles are used. The brush head 150 and
the bristles 250 are illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 2a-2d.
As can be seen in the figures, the bristles extend from the top
surface in a radially outward direction, thus providing a greater
brushing surface area while using less material to create the upper
surface 200. The use of a larger bristle surface area using a
smaller upper surface 200 is a large improvement from current
systems.
[0034] The brush handle 170 is preferably shaped such that it can
easily and comfortably gripped by a user. Additionally, other
materials such as a rubber padding may be placed or formed on the
exterior of the handle 170 to aid in this regard. Housed within the
handle 170 are a printed circuit board and various electronic
components which may include one or more of the following: a clock
and timer element, a switch to operate the timer, a use counter, a
visual indicator to the user (such as a light source), and audible
indicator to the user (such as an alarm or musical playback
device), a tactile indicator to the user (such as a vibrating
element), and a power source for the internal electronic components
(all of which are discussed in further detail below and illustrated
in FIG. 4). To the extent that user indicators are included within
the handle 170, these indicators are electronically coupled using
known circuitry to the timer element and/or use counter so as to
specifically provide notifications to the user with respect to such
components. For example, a user can be notified by an audible alarm
or visible light when the timer element has reached a specified
time interval or when the use counter has reached a specified use
parameter.
[0035] According to one embodiment, injection molded into or formed
within the handle 170 is a button 300 for operating the timer. This
button is electrically coupled to a switch 305 which operates the
timer. While a user-pressable button is a preferred way for
allowing user interaction with the switch 305, any of a variety of
other known ways for allowing the user to implement the timer may
instead be used. For example, the switch may be initiated by an
audible command or a vibration of the handle 170. In operation,
according to the preferred embodiment, the user may press the
button 300 in order to start the clock timer immediately upon
brushing his or her teeth. According to one aspect of the
invention, a subsequent press of the button 300 by the user will
stop the timer, which feature can be used to stop the timer when
the user stops brushing. According to another aspect of the
invention, the timer will automatically stop after a specified
period of time. In this way, the user does not have to remember to
press the button 300 again when he or she finishes brushing.
[0036] According to one embodiment, the handle 170 includes one or
more light indicators 350 (one shown) such that the light from one
or more internal light emitting diodes or other light sources
within the handle 170 is viewable by a user. Preferably, the light
indicator 350 is a transparent section or small clear bubble in the
handle 170 such that light from the interior of the handle 170 can
be seen outside the handle 170 by the user. According to one aspect
of the invention, a plurality of light indicators may be included
to provide a variety of different indications to a user. The light
indicator 350 can be used to provide a variety of information to a
user, such as indication that the user is to begin brushing, an
indication that certain specified time intervals for brushing have
elapsed, an indication that a recommended brushing time has
elapsed, or an indication that the brush head 150 should be
replaced. Handle 170 may also include an area 400 for providing
branding or other information to the user.
[0037] The detachability of the brush head 150 from the brush
handle 170 is shown in FIGS. 3a-3b. As discussed, the brush head
150 includes an elongated shaft 155 having a connector 160 at a
lower end opposite from the bristles 250. The connector 160 is
removably coupled to the handle 170 such that the head 150 can be
connected to the handle 170 during use, and can be removed from the
handle 170 as desired by the user. According to one embodiment, the
connector 160 is sized and shaped to be received and sit within a
socket 175 in the handle 170 using frictional forces. According to
another embodiment, the connector 160 may include one or more
grooved or extended portions which mate with opposing surfaces
within the socket 175 in order to secure the head 155 to the handle
170. Alternatively, any of a variety of other known ways for
securing the head 150 to the handle 170 may be used, provided that
the head 150 and the handle 170 may be detached as desired by the
user.
[0038] The head 155 and the handle 170 remain secured to one
another during use. However, when the brush 100 is not being used,
according to one aspect of the invention, a user may pull the head
150 away from the handle 170 by pulling on the head shaft 155 with
a sharp tug or at an angle in order to detach the head 155. By
doing so, the connector 160 is displaced from the socket 175. In
this manner, a head 150 having bristles which are worn or are
otherwise in need of replacement, can be removed from the handle
170 and replaced with a new head. According to the same aspect of
the invention, the connector 160 of the new head 150 can be
re-inserted into the socket 175, by a user pushing on the head 150
until a positive click is felt by the user, thus indicating that
the head is fully seated within the handle 170 and can be used
again for brushing.
[0039] Preferably, the head 150 should be replaced every 90 days.
In order to provide guidance to a user as to when the current head
150 should be replaced, as well as to provide guidance to the user
as to the timing of the brushing process, the brush 100 includes a
clock and timer element and circuitry, an operation switch for the
timer, and a power source for the timer. The brush 100 may also
include a use counter connected to the timer. These components are
preferably housed within the handle 170. The power source
preferably includes three small button batteries 365. It has been
found that such batteries will typically last through one year of
use. According to one embodiment, the handle 170 includes mated
housing sections which can be removed from one another to access
the interior of the handle 170. In this way, the battery and/or
other electronic components can be accessed, replaced, or fixed.
Alternatively, if the battery is not replaceable, the handle 170
can simply be replaced once the battery is dead. According to
another aspect of the invention, a rechargeable battery may be used
as the power source and a connector 354 may be provided in the
handle 170 such that the power source can be recharged by the user
as needed. According to one aspect of the invention, the power
source may be coupled to a light source 352, 354 or other user
indicator, which can indicate to the user when the power source is
operating and/or when the power source needs to be replaced.
[0040] Any of a variety of known timer and clock circuits can be
used and are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.
The timer and clock circuitry includes a switch 305 for initiating
the timer, which switch is preferably triggered by a user pressing
on a button 300 on the exterior of the handle 170. By depressing
the button 300, the user can turn on or, according to another
aspect of the invention, turn off the timer. The timer and clock
circuitry can measure the elapsed time from the initiation of the
timer as well as compare the elapsed time with specified time
intervals. These time intervals may be pre-set in the brush 100 by
the manufacturer, or, alternatively, the brush 170 may include
simple and known software and one or more keys or buttons to allow
the user to specify his or her own time intervals. The time
intervals which may be utilized include, e.g., a time interval
corresponding to the preferred total brushing time (currently
believed by experts to be approximately two minutes) and various
elapsed brushing time intervals, such as every fifteen or thirty
seconds. In this way, the timer and clock components can track and
provide notification, not only as to when the user should cease
brushing, but also as to the current time in the brushing
cycle.
[0041] In operation, immediately prior to beginning brushing, the
user can depress the button 300 to initiate the timer. The
timer/clock components may be coupled to one or more light sources
352, 354 within the handle 170. In this way, information as to the
status of the timer/clock can be visually provided to the user.
Alternatively, the timer/clock components can be coupled to a
vibrating element, an audible alarm, or a music-playback system to
provide auditory or tactile notice to the user. As the user brushes
his or her teeth, the timer and clock components track the time
that has elapsed since the timer was initiated and compare that
time with the specified total brushing time and use intervals. As
each use interval is reached, a notification can be provided to the
user. For example, a green light can flash, a beep may sound, or
the handle 170 may vibrate to indicate that the timer was
initiated. As the user continues brushing, these notifications can
be provided as each subsequent use interval is reached. Finally, as
the timer and clock components note the occurrence of the
recommended total brushing time, further notification can be
provided to the user, such as an extended vibration of the handle
170, a longer or different type of alarm, or a pattern or sequence
of visual cues (such as a flashing green light, an extended light,
or a pattern of lights).
[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the audible
indicator may include musical playback or voice playback functions.
For example, instead of an alarm, pre-recorded or downloaded music,
or pre-recorded voice messages stored in the brush 100 can be
played to the user at the specified notification periods.
Alternatively, music or voice-message playback may begin when the
timer is initiated and continue until the recommended total
brushing time has elapsed, at which time, the music or voice
playback will cease playing.
[0043] To this end, the music may be pre-recorded in the brush 100
by the manufacturer or the brush 100 may include electronic
circuitry and storage capabilities such that music can be
downloaded from a personal computer or the Internet using an input
port 354 and stored in a memory device (not shown) within the
handle 170. Any of a variety of known software and hardware for
performing these downloading, storage and playback functions is
encompassed within the spirit of the present invention.
Alternatively, the brush 100 can include a voice recording button
(not shown) on the handle 170, which button connects to known
software and hardware for recording, storing and initiating
playback of a personalized voice message. Once again, any of a
variety of known software and hardware for performing these
functions is encompassed within the spirit of the present
invention. The advantage of this type of a system is that a user
will be entertained and/or distracted while brushing his or her
teeth, thus making the brushing process more enjoyable and go by
faster, and further ensuring that the user completes brushing for
the entire recommended brushing time. Additionally, such a system
allows a user to personalize the brushing process, such as by
providing personalized messages (e.g., "It's time to stop brushing
Tom" or "You need to replace the brush head now Tom") or
personalized song selections (e.g., Beethoven's Fifth Symphony upon
completion of the recommended brushing time).
[0044] As the user will come to expect and know the various types
of indications provided, the user will be guided through the timing
of the brushing process--knowing how long he or she has brushed,
and the amount of brushing time remaining. Because the user is also
notified as to when to stop brushing, the user is encouraged to
continue brushing until this notification signal is provided. In
this way, the brush 100 helps ensure that the user brushes for the
proper amount of time and does not stop too early or continue too
long.
[0045] Additionally, a use meter may be included within the handle
170 and electronically coupled to the switch of the timer and clock
components. In this way, the use meter can track the number of
times the switch (and thus the timer) is initiated. It is presumed
that this corresponds to the number of times that the user has used
the brush 100 to brush his or her teeth. The use meter may also be
connected to one or more of the user notifications systems to
provide notification to the user as to the status of the use
counter. In operation, the use meter measures the number of user
implementations of the timer and compares this with a predetermined
use parameter. Once again, this use parameter may be pre-set by the
manufacturer or set by the user. The use parameter corresponds to
the number of uses of the brush 100, after which time it is
expected that the bristles 250 will be worn and need to be
replaced. It is currently believed that after one hundred and
eighty uses, the bristles 250 should preferably be replaced. After
the use meter reaches the use parameter, a notification can be
provided to the user to replace the brush head 150. This
notification may be a visual notification (such as a red LED), an
audible notification (such as an alarm or a pre-recorded voice
message) or a tactile notification (such as a vibration of the
handle 170 in a specified manner). For each subsequent use, if the
brush head 150 is not removed and replaced and the counter re-set,
the user notification to replace the brush head will be provided.
According to one aspect of the invention, once the head 150 is
removed from the handle 170 and re-inserted, the use meter is
automatically re-set to zero as a result of triggering a switch
contained in the socket 175 (not shown) and, upon subsequent uses
of the timer, the counter begins to count again until the use
parameter is subsequently reached. According to another aspect of
the invention, for each use after the use parameter has been
reached, instead of the visual, audible, or tactile notification
typically provided at the use intervals and recommended brushing
time, a distinct notification is given until the button 300 is held
down for a certain period of time, thus re-setting the counter to
zero.
[0046] For example, according to one embodiment, a single green
light may be provided upon initiation of the timer and upon each
use interval, and a flashing green light may be provided after the
recommended brushing time has elapsed. After one-hundred-eighty
uses of the timer, a single red light may be provided the next time
the timer is initiated and upon each use interval, and a flashing
red light may be provided after the recommended brushing time has
elapsed. In this way, the user is still provided guidance as to the
recommended brushing time but is also informed that he or she
should replace the brush head 150. After replacing the brush head
150, the user may hold down the button 300 for five seconds, after
which time the counter is re-set to zero. Upon the next initiation
of the timer, a single green light will again be provided to
indicate timer initiation and each use interval.
[0047] While the invention has been described in connection with an
exemplary embodiment thereof, it is not so limited in scope but
rather is defined by the recitations in the following claims and
equivalents thereof.
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