U.S. patent application number 12/252876 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-02 for photocatalysis process toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHLIGHT SYSTEMS LLC. Invention is credited to Charlene Adele BARNES, Benjamin Gregory SHEPHERD.
Application Number | 20090083924 12/252876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40506549 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090083924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHEPHERD; Benjamin Gregory ;
et al. |
April 2, 2009 |
PHOTOCATALYSIS PROCESS TOOTHBRUSH
Abstract
A photocatalysis process manual light emitting toothbrush
comprising a handle with a grip at a proximal end and a replaceable
brush head at a distal end thereof. The replaceable brush head has
at least one group of bristles permanently affixed to the
replaceable brush head and at least one blue light emitter is
provided on an upper surface of the replaceable brush head for
emitting blue light in a direction generally parallel to the
bristles permanently affixed to the replaceable brush head. At
least one blue light source is provided for radiating blue light,
in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm, and a power source
is provided for energizing the at least one blue light source. The
blue light is at least one of modulated emission with an average
optical output power level of less than 5 watts.
Inventors: |
SHEPHERD; Benjamin Gregory;
(Fruitland Park, FL) ; BARNES; Charlene Adele;
(Dunnellon, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
112 PLEASANT STREET
CONCORD
NH
03301
US
|
Assignee: |
TECHLIGHT SYSTEMS LLC
Dunnellon
FL
|
Family ID: |
40506549 |
Appl. No.: |
12/252876 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11946263 |
Nov 28, 2007 |
|
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12252876 |
|
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60872761 |
Dec 4, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1; 300/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0034 20130101;
A61N 5/0624 20130101; A61N 5/0601 20130101; A61N 2005/0662
20130101; A61N 5/062 20130101; A46B 5/0095 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 15/0002
20130101; A61N 5/0603 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1; 300/21 |
International
Class: |
A46B 5/00 20060101
A46B005/00 |
Claims
1. A manual toothbrush having a light source which facilitates a
photocatalysis process while brushing, the manual toothbrush
comprising: a handle having a grip at a proximal end and a neck at
a distal end thereof, the distal end of the neck having an opening
therein, and a blue light emitting source being located within the
opening for emitting blue light in a direction generally normal to
the neck and the handle; a completely manual and replaceable brush
head having an aperture formed therein and at least one group of
bristles being permanently secured to the replaceable brush head,
and the aperture of the replaceable brush head, once the
replaceable brush head is installed on neck, overlies and is
concentric with the blue light emitting source to permit the blue
light to pass though the aperture and be emitted generally parallel
to the bristles; a power source for energizing the blue light
emitting source and for radiating blue light in a wavelength band
between 420 nm to 480 nm; and a perimeter of a blue light emitting
surface of the blue light emitting source being sealed with respect
to the opening to form a fluid tight seal therewith to prevent any
water, moisture, toothpaste or other contaminant from entering
therebetween.
2. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the neck has a planar brush head receiving surface and the
opening is formed therein, and the emitting surface of the blue
light source completely fills the opening and is recessed below
receiving surface so as not hinder sliding movement of the
replaceable brush head relative to the neck and thereby facilitate
replacement of the replaceable brush head.
3. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein a U-shaped annular groove is formed in a sidewall of the
receiving surface and the U-shaped annular groove extends around
three adjacent sides of the receiving surface of the neck, and the
replaceable brush head has a mating flat surface which mates with
and slides along the receiving surface of the neck, and the
replaceable brush head has a mating U-shaped protrusion which is
received by the U-shaped annular groove to secure the replaceable
brush head to the neck.
4. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 3,
wherein the neck has a passageway while a leading end of the
replaceable brush head has a clip which is aligned with and sized
to readily pass through the passageway, and the clip latches with a
latching surface of the passageway to captively retain the
replaceable brush head on the neck during use of the
toothbrush.
5. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 4,
wherein the aperture of the replaceable brush head is larger in
size than the blue light emitting source.
6. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the replaceable brush head supports a plurality of bristles
and a base of each of the plurality of bristles is embedded within
the replaceable brush head so that the bristles remain permanently
attached to the replaceable brush head.
7. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 6, a
plurality of bristles are grouped together into a plurality of
clumps of bristles and the plurality of clumps of bristles are
spaced from one another and located about the aperture of the
replaceable brush head.
8. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source has an
average power level of less than 1 watt.
9. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 8,
wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source is a
continuous blue light emission.
10. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 8,
wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source is a
modulated blue light emission.
11. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 10,
wherein the modulated blue light emission is at a frequency of
between about 6 and about 60 Hertz.
12. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the blue light radiated by the at least one blue light
source comprises a combination of a continuous blue light emission
and a modulated blue light emission and the combination blue light
emission has an average power level of less than 5 watts.
13. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the photocatalytic agent is one of a modified TiO.sub.2
semiconductor type materials, a catalytic n-type semiconductor
material, and an organic dye which photocatalytically responsive to
blue light radiation.
14. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 1,
wherein the power source is one of a non-rechargeable battery and a
rechargeable battery.
15. A manual toothbrush having a light source which facilitates a
photocatalysis process while brushing, the manual toothbrush
comprising: a handle having a grip at a proximal end and a neck at
a distal end thereof, the distal end of the neck having opening
therein, and a blue light emitting source being located within the
opening for emitting blue light in a direction generally normal to
the neck and the handle; a completely manual and replaceable brush
head having an aperture formed therein and at least one group of
bristles being permanently secured to the replaceable brush head,
and the aperture of the replaceable brush head, once the
replaceable brush head is installed on neck, overlies and is
concentric with the blue light emitting source to permit the blue
light to pass though the aperture and be emitted generally parallel
to the bristles; a power source equipped with constant electrical
current control electronics for energizing the blue light source
and for radiating blue light with the blue light being modulated
from 0% to 100% at a frequency of between a two (2) and two hundred
(200) Hertz with an average optical output power level of less than
5 watts for radiating blue light in a wavelength band between 420
nm to 480 nm; a perimeter surface of the blue light emitting source
being sealed with respect to the opening to form a fluid tight seal
therewith; and the handle at least partially accommodating at least
one of control circuitry and a power source for the blue light
source.
16. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 15,
wherein the neck has a planar brush head receiving surface and the
opening is formed therein, and the emitting surface of the blue
light source completely fills the opening and is recessed below
receiving surface so as not hinder sliding movement of the
replaceable brush head relative to the neck and thereby facilitate
replacement of the replaceable brush head.
17. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 16,
wherein a U-shaped annular groove is formed in a sidewall of the
receiving surface and the U-shaped annular groove extends around
three adjacent sides of the receiving surface of the neck, and the
replaceable brush head has a mating flat surface which mates with
and slides along the receiving surface of the neck, and the
replaceable brush head has a mating U-shaped protrusion which is
received by the U-shaped annular groove to secure the replaceable
brush head to the neck.
18. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 15,
wherein the neck has a passageway while a leading end of the
replaceable brush head has a clip which is aligned with and sized
to readily pass through the passageway, and the clip latches with a
latching surface of the passageway to captively retain the
replaceable brush head on the neck during use of the toothbrush;
and the aperture of the replaceable brush head is larger in size
than the blue light emitting source and the replaceable brush head
supports a plurality of bristles and a base of each of the
plurality of bristles is embedded within the replaceable brush head
so that the bristles remain permanently attached to the replaceable
brush head.
19. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates
the photocatalysis process while brushing according to claim 15,
wherein the blue light radiated by the at blue light source
comprises a blue light emission wherein the modulated blue light
emission is modulated at a frequency of between about 6 and about
60 Hertz.
20. A method of forming a manual toothbrush having a light source
which facilitates a photocatalysis process while brushing, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a handle having a grip at
a proximal end and a neck at a distal end thereof, forming an
opening in the distal end of the neck, and locating a blue light
emitting source within the opening for emitting blue light in a
direction generally normal to the neck and the handle; forming an
aperture in a completely manual and replaceable brush head and
permanently securing at least one group of bristles to the
replaceable brush head, and installing the replaceable brush head
on the neck so that the aperture overlies and is concentric with
the blue light emitting source to permit the blue light to pass
though the aperture and be emitted generally parallel to the
bristles; energizing the blue light source with a power source for
radiating blue light which is modulated from 0% to 100% at a
frequency of between a two (2) and two hundred (200) Hertz with an
average optical output power level of less than 5 watts for
radiating blue light in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm;
sealing a perimeter surface of the blue light emitting source with
respect to the opening to form a fluid tight seal therewith; and at
least partially accommodating, within the handle, at least one of
control circuitry and a power source for the blue light source.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,263 filed on Nov. 28,
2007 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/872,761 filed on Dec. 4, 2006 and such teachings
and disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to dental hygiene and, in
particular, to a manual light emitting toothbrush which emits
radiation, near ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum,
in order to oxidize and destroy potentially harmful bacteria and/or
other contaminants or compounds contained within the mouth without
harming or destroying human cells and also activate a photo
catalyst that may be deposited on the teeth and the gums of the
person utilizing the toothbrush during normal brushing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of photocatalysis in dental hygiene processes is
well established and stems from processes for purifying gases and
liquids and for controlling bacteria and other microorganisms in
gases and liquids and on the surfaces of solid objects. In general,
photocatalysis methods involve the photoexcitation of
photocatalytic compounds, for example, catalytic n-type
semiconductor particles such as TiO.sub.2 particles, with
ultraviolet (UV) light to activate the photocatalyst, which then
participates in reduction/oxidation reactions with matter adsorbed
to or in the near vicinity of the surface of the particles. The
reduction/oxidation reactions produce highly reactive hydroxyl
radicals which oxidize and destroy bacteria and organic compounds
in the gas or liquid or on the surface(s) being treated, such as
bacteria and other organic substances associated with, for example,
tooth decay, gum disease, denture stomatitis and
halitosis/malodor.
[0004] In the past, photocatalysis methods have generally only been
performed in a dentist's offices by either a dentist or a dental
hygienist using a specialized UV laser(s) or some other optical
device(s) which emits a controllable, directed beam of UV light.
More recently, however, there have been proposals to manufacture
and sell UV photocatalysis devices to the general public, e.g., a
toothbrush containing a UV light radiating device, together with
toothpastes and/or mouthwashes containing photocatalytic particles,
such as TiO.sub.2. In such toothbrushes, the UV light emitted by a
UV laser diode, for example, passes through a light guide to the
end of the toothbrush which brushes the teeth where this light is
emitted into the user's mouth by, for example, lenses implanted
among the bristles or through fiber optic bristles that form at
least part of the brush bristles. The bristles mechanically
facilitate removal of plaque and/or other organic materials from
the teeth and the gums during brushing, similar to brushing with a
conventional toothbrush, while the UV light is emitted directly to
illuminate photocatalytic particles distributed on the surfaces of
the teeth and the gums, thereby providing both a conventional
cleaning mechanism as well as a photocatalytic cleaning
mechanism.
[0005] The currently UV photocatalytic toothbrushes which are
marketed to consumers, however, have a number of significant
problems, not the least being the potential hazards associated with
such devices. For example, in the generally preferred wavelength
range of 280 mm to 400 mm, UV light at any power level is typically
capable of damaging human skin including the tissue of human eyes.
Compounding this problem is the fact that UV light within this
wavelength range is nearly invisible to a user or patient, so that
it is difficult to determine where the emitted UV beam is directed
or aimed. In addition, the duration of irradiation of the catalytic
particles, at any particular location within the mouth, is
typically very short during the normal toothbrushing process, thus
requiring higher power levels of UV radiation in order to obtain
effective catalytic reactions. This problem is further compounded
by the normal deterioration of the light transmission capability of
the brush end elements, such as the lenses and the fiber optic
elements, over time. Higher emitted power levels are generally
called for in order to achieve satisfactory performance.
[0006] Up until now it is in fact the potential hazards of UV
radiation that has limited the use of the UV dental hygiene
processes to dentists and oral hygienists and the practical
application of these methods to consumer toothbrushes and devices
accordingly faces significant hurdles. For example, all medical or
dental devices emitting ultraviolet light, and in particular within
the wavelength range of 280 mm to 400 mm, are under Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) control and licensing. In addition, all laser
devices emitting coherent radiation of 1 milliwatt or more in the
visible wavelengths, and all devices emitting laser radiation at
any power level in the non-visible wavelengths, such as the UV and
IR wavelengths, are presently prohibited from being sold to the
general public.
[0007] Still a further problem with light emitting toothbrushes and
other devices employing high power light emitting diodes was that
these high power light emitting diodes require very special
electronically controlled constant current circuitry. Such control
circuitry has only recently been available in the form of an
economical integrated circuit. Failure to use electronically
controlled constant current circuitry to drive a high power light
emitting diodes, will result in uncontrolled light output, degraded
high power light emitting diode performance, and possible
catastrophic failure.
[0008] A further problem with the proposed light emitting electric
toothbrushes employing movable bristle segments, while this seems
to be a logically sound idea, the electro mechanical requirements
necessary to completely seal the light emitting diode and control
electronics from any moisture intrusion, make this electric
toothbrush idea with movable bristles impossible to economically
manufacture and sell as a commercially viable product.
[0009] The present invention, however, provides a solution to the
above described as well as other related problems associated with
the prior art products and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome the above mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated
with the prior art.
[0011] A primary object of the invention is to provide a manual
light emitting toothbrush which emits radiation, near ultraviolet
region of the electromagnetic spectrum, to oxidize and destroy
potentially harmful bacteria and/or other contaminants or compounds
contained within the mouth.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a manual light
emitting toothbrush that will activate a photo catalyst deposited
on the teeth and the gums of the person utilizing the manual light
emitting toothbrush during normal brushing.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a manual
light emitting toothbrush which emits blue light within the 420 nm
to 480 nm wavelength band, of the electromagnetic spectrum, to
avoid the normal hazards associated with using UV radiation as well
as the corresponding FDA restrictions.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a manual
light emitting toothbrush in which the radiated blue light
emissions may be amplitude modulated from 0% to 100% at a frequency
of between about two (2) and about two hundred (200) Hertz, more
preferably between about 6 and about 60 Hertz and most preferably
between about 10 and about 30 Hertz, with an average optical output
power level of less than 5 watts.
[0015] A still further object of the invention is to provide a
manual light emitting toothbrush which is relatively inexpensive to
manufacture which has a power source that is light weight and can
be readily recharged or replaced as needed.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
toothbrush having a handle with a neck permanently affixed thereto
with a light source embedded in an upwardly facing surface of the
neck of the toothbrush with a replaceable brush head having an
aperture formed therein which is aligned with the light emitting
diode once the replaceable brush head is installed on the remote
end of the neck.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to ensure that
the lighting emitting diode, as well as all the remaining
electrical components of the toothbrush, are permanently sealed
with respect to the external environment so as to prevent any
water, moisture, toothpaste and/or other contaminants from entering
into an interior compartment or area of the neck or the toothbrush
and causing a malfunction of the toothbrush.
[0018] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a replaceable brush head which has an aperture provided
therein with the aperture being designed so that it is slightly
larger than the emitting surface of the light emitting source so
that, when the replaceable brush head is installed on the remote
end of the neck, the aperture is concentric with and aligned with
the light emitting diode to allow all of the light to pass through
the brush head and interact with the teeth end or gums of the
patient during brushing.
[0019] As used herein, the term "average optical output power
level" means that the optical output power may briefly exceed 5
watts on modulation peeks how ever the total integrated power level
over a time period of 1 second will not exceed 5 watts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a toothbrush
according with the teachings of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side
view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side
view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3A is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of
a brush head with the blue light source extending further away from
the base of the head, then the embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B, so
that the light is emitted adjacent the free ends of the bristles of
the toothbrush;
[0025] FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side
view of an alternative embodiment of a toothbrush which comprises a
handle having a removal brush head;
[0026] FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side
view of an alternative embodiment of a toothbrush in which the
handle is integral with the brush head;
[0027] FIG. 3D is a diagrammatic enlarged view of the brush head of
FIG. 3C;
[0028] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic enlarged view of an alternative
embodiment of the brush head in which each individual blue light
source is associated with a group of bristles attached to the brush
head to supply the blue light along the length of the bristles;
[0029] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic enlarged view of a further
embodiment of a brush head having each blue light source associated
with a group of bristles attached to the brush head;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic exploded view showing assembly of a
completely manual toothbrush which has a replaceable brush
head;
[0031] FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic side elevational view showing the
assembled completely manual toothbrush with the replaceable brush
head;
[0032] FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the
assembled completely manual toothbrush of FIG. 6A prior to
installation of the replaceable brush head;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial diagrammatic exploded perspective view
showing the assembly the neck to the handle and assembly of the
circuit driver within a base section of the handle;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing of the neck
of the completely manual toothbrush prior to installation of the
replaceable brush head;
[0035] FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the neck
of FIG. 7;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the replaceable
brush head for attachment to the neck;
[0037] FIG. 8A is a diagrammatic left end elevational view of the
replaceable brush head of FIG. 8; and
[0038] FIG. 8B is a diagrammatic bottom plan view of the
replaceable brush head of FIG. 8,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 1, a diagrammatic representation of a
toothbrush 10, according to the present invention, is shown. As
illustrated therein, the toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 having
a grip 14 at its proximal end to be held in the user's hand while
using the toothbrush 10 and a brush head 16, typically including
one or more groups of bristles 18, located at the distal or working
end of the handle 12. As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the head 16
further includes one or more blue light emitters 20 that emit blue
light 22 in the 450 nm+/-30 nm (nanometer) wavelength band, that
is, in the wavelengths between 420 nm and 480 nm and at an average
power level of less than 5 watts. Preferably the blue light has an
average power level of between about 0.25 and about 1 watt and more
preferably an average power level of between about 0.5 and about
0.95 watts.
[0040] An important aspect is to always have the bristles 18
affixed to the brush head of the toothbrush. In addition, the light
emitting source or diode 26A can be either fixed and sealed to the
brush head 16 adjacent the bristles 18, alternatively, the light
emitting source or diode can be fixed and sealed with respect to
the neck 26 of the handle 12.
[0041] In some applications, the blue light output from the
emitters 20 may comprise solely a continuous emission of blue light
having a combined power level of less than 5 watts, while in other
applications the blue light output from the emitters 20 may
comprise a modulated blue light emission having a frequency of
between about two (2) and about two hundred (200) Hertz, more
preferably between about 6 and about 60 Hertz and most preferably
between about 10 and about 30 Hertz, having an average combined
power level of less than 5 watts. For other applications, the blue
light output from the emitters 20 may comprise a first blue light
component which is a continuous emission of blue light and a second
blue light component which is a pulsed blue light emission at a
frequency typically between two (2) and two hundred (200) Hertz a
few Hertz and a few hundred Hertz, more preferably between about 6
and about 60 Hertz and most preferably between about 10 and about
30 Hertz. For such combined continuous and pulsed blue light
emission, the combined total emission must not exceed an average
output which is greater that 5 watts. It is to be appreciated that
the 420 nm to 480 nm wavelength band is within the visible "blue
light" portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and is, therefore,
above the UV light spectrum normally employed during conventional
dental hygiene processes conventionally carried out by dentists and
dental hygienist, thereby avoiding the normal hazards associated
with using UV radiation as well as the corresponding FDA
restrictions.
[0042] The presently preferred photocatalytic agents, for use with
radiation within the 420 nm to 480 nm "blue light" band include,
for example, modified TiO.sub.2 semiconductor type materials and
possibly other catalytic n-type semiconductor particles as well as
various organic dyes already known in the art as being
photocatalytically responsive to blue light radiation.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A and 3B and as will be
described further in the following description, the blue light
emitters 20 emit blue light 22 in a direction generally
perpendicular to an upper surface 24 of the head 16 thereby to
radiate the blue light 22 into the mouth cavity of the person
brushing his or her teeth, that is, the blue light is generally
directed toward the teeth, the gums, and the tongue, being
contacted by the bristles 18 as the toothbrush is used to brush the
teeth. The blue light emitters 20 may comprise one or more blue
light sources 26A, such as blue light emitting diodes or blue light
emitting organic light emitting diodes, or any other type of blue
light emitting device located either on, within or partially
recessed within the upper surface 24 of the head 16 to facilitate
directly emitting the blue light 22. Alternatively, the blue light
source(s) 26A may be located within the body of the head 16 or
within handle 12 with the blue light 22 being conducted along the
handle and/or body to the blue light emitters 20 where the blue
light is finally emitted. One or more internal passages or light
conductive elements, such as reflective surfaces, blue conductive
fiber optics, lenses and/or any combination thereof are provided in
the handle and/or body to facilitate transmission of the blue light
to the blue light emitters 20. In such embodiments of a toothbrush
10, the blue light source or sources 26A will be described or
defined as being located contiguous to the head 16, such as at the
top surface 19 of head 16 or within the body of head 16, and it
should be noted that for purposes of the present descriptions, the
term "contiguous" is taken as meaning "in physical contact with" or
"near, next to, or adjacent".
[0044] In other embodiments, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 3C
and 3D, the blue light source or sources 26A may be located
non-contiguously with head 16, such as in handle 12, with the blue
light 22 being conducted along the handle to blue light emitters 20
located within the head 16 by means of blue light optical
conductors 26B comprising, for example, of blue conductive fiber
optic elements or lenses, reflective surfaces, passages or
conductive "pipes" comprising blue conductive materials, and/or any
combination thereof, which form a one or more paths that conduct
the blue light 22 from the blue light source or sources 26A to the
blue light emitters 20 where the light is emitted.
[0045] For example, one or more blue light sources 26A may be
located in handle 12 at a position just below a neck 28, formed at
a junction between the handle 12 and the head 16. According to one
exemplary embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the
neck 28, the head 16 and possibly portions of the handle 12 are
constructed, for example, of a blue transparent material or with
one or more blue transparent passage(s) or blue light conductive
"pipe" which facilitate passage of the blue light 22 through the
neck 28 to the head 16 and thereafter radiated from the blue light
emitters 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the
portions of the neck 28 through which blue light 22 is transmitted
comprises a suitable blue transparent material, as does the body of
the head 16. The interior of head 16 includes a blue reflective
surface 30 formed as facets 30F wherein the blue light reflective
properties of reflective surface 30 is formed, for example, by a
coating applied at least between the surfaces of facets 30F and an
over-mold 300 of a different material forming the back regions of
the head 16. The reflective surface 30 may also be formed, for
example, by the optical interface of the body 16 and the over-mold
300 materials in the region of facets 30F.
[0046] As indicated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the blue light 22 passing
through neck 28 is reflected by facets 30F and redirected by the
facets 30F from an arrival path, supplied along and co-linear with
the neck 28, to a direction generally parallel to the bristles 18,
that is, to and through the upper surface 24 of the head 16. It
should be noted with regard to this embodiment that other
scattering of the blue light 22 in other directions, such as
through the distal end of head 16, would provide catalytic activity
in other areas of the mouth, but would require attention during
design to avoid unwanted emissions of blue light from
toothbrush.
[0047] It will be recognized that the reflection of the blue light
from its arrival path from handle 12 to the direction parallel with
the bristles 18 may also be accomplished by curved or flat
surfaces, rather than by faceted surfaces.
[0048] In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the
blue light source or sources 26A are again located in the handle 12
which illuminate the blue light emitters 20 provided in the head
16, via a blue light conductive path, wherein the blue light
conductive path comprises blue light optical conductors 26B
including, for example, blue conductive fiber optic elements or
lenses, tunnel-like passages or conductive "pipes" comprising blue
conductive materials and/or any combination thereof.
[0049] Turning now to the bristles 18, it has been described above
that the bristles 18 may comprise either conventional bristles 18,
such as found in conventional toothbrushes, and the blue light 22
may be radiated the from blue light emitters 20 located on or in
the top surface 24 of the head 16, as was discussed above. In other
embodiments, however, the blue light emitters 20 in or on the top
surface 24 of the head 16 may comprise wholly, or in part, blue
light emitting bristles 18E containing a blue light conductive
material. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the blue light source of
sources 26A may be located either in the head 16, at the bases of
emitting bristles 18E, to illuminate emitting bristles 18E
directly, or, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, may be located in handle
12 with the blue light 22 being conducted to the bases of the
emitting bristles 18E by blue light optical conductors 26B. In the
latter case, the emitting bristles 18E may comprise the same
material as the blue light optical conductors 26B or may be
continuations of the blue light optical conductors 26B. It should
also be noted that the emitting bristles 18E may be coated or
otherwise provided with a reflecting outer surface to prevent or
minimize the loss or escape of the blue light 22 out through the
sides of the emitting bristles 18E, and the head 16 may likewise be
provided with a reflective blue light containment surface to
prevent or minimize leakage or loss of the blue light 22.
[0050] It will be noted from the above descriptions of the manual
light emitting toothbrush 10 that while the blue light emitters 20
are located in or on the head 16, the blue light source or sources
26A may be located either in the head 16 or in the handle 12. In
one instance, therefore, blue light 22 must be conducted from the
blue light source or sources 26A located within the handle 12 to
the head 16 and, in the other instance, electrical power, such as
from a battery 32, must be conducted from the handle 12 to the head
16 for supplying electrical power to the blue light source or
sources 26A. It must also be noted, however, that in certain
implementations, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 3C and 3D
for example, the neck 28 which is formed between the head 16 and
the handle 12 may form a disconnectable junction or connection 34
between the head 16 and the handle 12 to allow the head 16 to be
removed from the handle 16. This is a common feature in many
conventional toothbrushes, particularly in conventional battery
powered toothbrushes wherein a battery 32 and an electric motor
vibrate or rotate the toothbrush head. This design facilitates
replacement of a worn or old head 16 with a new head 16 or a
different head 16 having, for example, a different function, a
different arrangement, a different type of bristles 18, etc.
[0051] In those instances wherein the blue light source or sources
26A are located in handle 12, the path between the blue light
source or sources 26A and the head 16 will include the appropriate
blue light optical connectors 34L, at junction 34, to allow the
optical path to be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected in a
reliable manner. Connectors 34L may, for example, comprise lenses,
fiber optic connectors or appropriately shaped ends in those
implementations wherein the optical light path comprises the
material of the handle 12 and the head 16 or a tunnel passage
therethrough.
[0052] In those instances wherein the blue light source or sources
26A are located in the head 16, the blue light source(s) 26A will
typically be provided with electrical power from one or more
batteries 32 located within an internal cavity 36 of the handle 12
and the supply of electrical power to the blue light source or
sources 26A will typically be controlled by a switch 38, e.g., a
"on/off" switch or an a "on" switch with the toothbrush being
turned "off" by the control circuitry 42, located at an appropriate
position on the handle 12. The circuitry will further include leads
32L running from the handle 12 and through the neck to the head 16
and the leads 32L will typically include appropriate electrical
connectors 34L at junction 34 which facilitate repeated
disconnection and reconnection in a reliable manner.
[0053] In this regard, it should be noted that batteries 32 may be
of any type meeting the power, storage and/or size requirements
while still being small enough to reside in within the handle 12
and to provide the necessary levels of current to the blue light
sources 20 for the required duration, such a NiCad, NiMiH, lithium
ion, or lithium polymer batteries which typically may be
rechargeable by electrical current supplied from a wall socket. For
this reason, the handle 12 may also include a charging circuit 32C
that can be connected to a direct or indirect source of electrical
current supplied from a conventional wall socket, such as by a
connector or by an induction coupling device. An active and passive
interlock system will be employed to prevent normal operation
during battery recharge. This interlock system may consist of
mechanical keying of electrical connections and or electronic
control of the toothbrush electronics by the charging circuit. It
should also be noted that advances in battery technology may allow
one or more batteries 32 to be located within the handle 12 to
facilitate the use of interchangeable heads 16, with the
corresponding connections for the switch 38 and the recharging
circuits 32C passing through the neck 28 to the handle 12. As an
alternative source, the power source or batteries may be AA or AAA
alkaline, lithium, or carbon zinc batteries which are commercially
available and readily replaceable by the user of the
toothbrush.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 5 through FIG. 8B, a further embodiment
of a solely manual toothbrush, except for the electrically power
light source 26A, is shown and will be now described. According to
this embodiment, the toothbrush generally comprises a handle 12
which has a neck 28 securely affixed to one end thereof, e.g., by a
snap in self-locking engagement or connection, an adhesive, etc.
Typically at least one seal 29, such as a silicon O-ring, is
located at the interface (see FIG. 6) of the neck 28 with the
handle 12 for preventing any water, moisture, toothpaste or any
other contaminant from entering therebetween. An interior area or
compartment of the handle 12 contains the control circuitry 42,
which is carried by a removal circuit board 43 (see FIGS. 5B and
6), which generates a desired intensity and duration of the blue
light 22, e.g., a timed "on/off" operation of the light source for
two (2) minutes for example, as well as a power source such as a
pair of AA batteries 32 for powering the control circuitry 42 for
powering the blue light source 26A. A further detailed discussion
concerning the attributes of the control circuitry 42 will follow
below.
[0055] To facilitate turning the control circuitry 42 "on" for a
timed duration, the exterior surface of the handle 12 is provided
with an activation switch 38. The end of the handle 12, opposite
from the neck 28, has a removable cover 44 which facilitates both
replacing the batteries 32, when necessary, as well as installation
of the board 43 within a base section of the handle 12 by a
fastener 49, such as a screw. One or more seals 45, such as a
silicon O-ring, is located on a leading end of the removable cover
44 for preventing any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other
contaminant from entering between the handle 12 and the removable
cover 44.
[0056] As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 5B, 7 and 7A, the free end of the
neck 28 has a planar brush head receiving surface 46 which mates
with the replaceable brush head 16 and a further description
concerning the same will follow below. An opening 48 is formed in
this receiving surface 46 and a "blue light" source 26A, such as
blue light emitting diode or blue light emitting organic light
emitting diode, is located within and completely fills the opening
48 in the receiving surface 46. A fluid tight seal is formed
between the outer perimeter of exterior surface of the light
emitting source or diode 26A and the inner perimeter surface of the
opening 48 in the receiving surface 46 to prevent any water,
moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from entering,
between the interface between those components, into an interior
area of the neck 28. For example, the outer perimeter of exterior
surface of the light emitting source or diode can be welded, glue,
etc. to the inner perimeter surface of the opening 48 to form the
fluid tight seal therebetween. To further assist with preventing
any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from
hindering operation of the control circuitry 42, the control
circuitry 42 is spaced from the opening 48 in the receiving surface
46 by a remainder of the neck 28, e.g., between about 1 and 3
inches for example, and completely accommodated within the handle
12.
[0057] As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 5B and 7A, the light emitting
surface 50 of the light emitting source 26A is preferably slightly
recessed below the planar receiving surface 46 of the neck 28 so as
not hinder sliding movement of the replaceable brush head 16
relative to the neck 28 and thereby facilitate replacement of the
replaceable brush head 16 when required, as will be discussed below
in further detail.
[0058] To facilitate secure attachment as well as replacement of
the replaceable brush head 16, a U-shaped annular groove 52 is
formed in a sidewall of the receiving surface 46 and this U-shaped
annular groove 52 extends around three (3) adjacent sides of the
receiving surface 46 of the neck 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 6A). A bottom
surface of the replaceable brush head 16 is provided with a
downwardly facing mating flat surface 54 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B)
which mates with and slides along the upwardly facing receiving
surface 46 of the neck 28. A U-shaped protrusion 56 is formed in a
sidewall extending normal to the mating flat surface 54 and this
U-shaped protrusion 56 extends around three (3) adjacent sides of
the mating flat surface 54 of the replaceable brush head 16. When
the replaceable brush head 16 is placed on the receiving surface 46
such that the mating flat surface 54 engages with the receiving
surface 46 and the replaceable brush head 16 is slide toward the
handle 12, the U-shaped protrusion 56 is received by and mates with
the U-shaped annular groove 52 of the neck 28 to secure the
replaceable brush head 16 to the neck 28. That is, as the flat
bottom surface of the replaceable brush head 16 slides along the
upwardly facing flat face of the neck 28, the U-shaped protrusion
56 of the replaceable brush head 16 is received within the U-shaped
annular groove 52 of the neck 28 and this facilitates a locking
engagement between the replaceable brush head 16 and the neck
28.
[0059] In order to retain the relative locked position, between the
replaceable brush head 16 and the neck 28, an end wall 31 of the
neck 28 has a passageway 58 which opens to the external environment
while a leading end of the replaceable brush head 16 has a spring
clip 60 which is positioned to be aligned with and sized to readily
pass through the passageway 58 and latch onto a latching surface 62
of the passageway 58 which is formed where the passageway 58 opens
to the external environment and, once the clip 60 latches with the
latching surface 62 of the passageway 58, such latching engagement
captively retains the replaceable brush head 16 on the neck 28
during normal use of the toothbrush. In order to remove the
replaceable brush head 16 from the neck 28, the user must bias the
remote end of the clip 60 out of engagement with the latching
surface 62 while, at the same time, sliding or moving the
replaceable brush head 16 away from the end wall of the neck 28
until the clip 60 is clear of the latching surface 62. Once this
occurs, the user then continues sliding the replaceable brush head
16 away from the end wall until the U-shaped protrusion 56
completely disengages from the U-shaped annular groove 52.
Thereafter, a new replaceable brush head 16 is then secured to the
neck 28 by reversing the above procedure.
[0060] Each replaceable brush head 16 has an aperture 64 formed in
a base surface thereof and this aperture 64, once the replaceable
brush head 16 is securely attached to the neck 28 such that the
clip 60 engages with the latching surface 62, is properly aligned
with the light emitting source 26A secured within the opening 48 in
the receiving surface 46 of the neck 28 so that the aperture 64 in
the replaceable brush head 16 precisely overlies and is concentric
with the light emitting source 26A. Preferably, the aperture 64 is
slightly larger in size than the light emitting source 26A so as to
permit all of the blue light 22, emitted from the light emitting
source 26A, to pass readily through the aperture 64 and treat the
teeth, gums and mouth of the individual utilizing the toothbrush
during brushing.
[0061] The exterior upwardly facing surface of the replaceable
brush head 16, which is opposite to the mating flat surface 54, is
provided with a plurality of bristles 18 and the base of each of
the plurality of bristles 18 is securely embedded and permanently
affixed to the replaceable brush head 16 so that the bristles 18
remain permanently attached to the replaceable brush head 16.
Preferably, a plurality of bristles 18 are grouped together in a
clump and each clump of bristles 18 is spaced from one another and
located about the aperture 64 provided in the replaceable brush
head 16. As is well known in the art, some or all of the bristles
18 may be coated with a wear indicator which indicates to the end
user when it is time to replace the replaceable brush head 16.
[0062] Once the bristles 18 of the replaceable brush head 16 become
sufficiently worn, the user removes the replaceable brush head 16
by dislodging the clip 60 from its engagement with the latching
surface 62 and sliding the replaceable brush head 16 away from the
end wall and the handle 12 until the replaceable brush head 16
becomes completely separated from the neck 28. Thereafter, the user
inserts a new replaceable brush head 16 onto the neck 28 so that
the clip 60 passes through the passageway 58 and engages with the
latching surface 62 of the neck 28 and the aperture 64 of the
replaceable brush head 16 is aligned with the light emitting source
26A.
[0063] It will be noted in the above embodiment of the manual light
emitting toothbrush 10 that the blue light emitter 20 is located in
the remote end of the neck 28. As a result of this, the electrical
power from the power source, such as the batteries 32 and the
electrical circuitry 42, to the blue light emitter 20 must be
conducted from the handle 12 and through the neck 28 to the blue
light emitter 20 located within the neck 28. To facilitate such
conduction, a pair of electrical leads 66 are embedded within the
neck 28 and each electrical lead is connected to the blue light
emitter 20 in a conventional manner. The opposite end of each
electrical lead terminates in a respective pin 68. The control
circuitry 42 is support by the plug-in board 43 which is
accommodated within the handle 12 such that a pair of pin apertures
(not shown in detail) are located at the leading end of the board
43 and arranged to receive and mate with a respective one of the
pins 68 connected to the blue light emitter 20 when the neck 28 is
attached to the handle 12 and thereby complete the electrical
circuit for powering the blue light emitter 20. As can be seen in
FIG. 6, the trailing end of the plug in board 43 has a pair of
spaced apart "+" and "-" contacts 33 which are located to mate with
the respective "+" and "-" contacts of the batteries 32.
[0064] The manual light emitting toothbrush 10, according to the
present invention, will typically further include a control
circuitry 42 which will typically be located in the handle 12 and
normally include functions such as a timer circuitry, which times
the duration(s) of use of the toothbrush 10 while brushing, an
on/off duty cycle of the blue light source or sources 26A, a
replace battery indicator, and so on. Preferably the driver, for
driving the blue light source 26A, is equipped with constant
electrical current control electronics and a suitable driver is
supplied by Linear Technology, of San Jose Calif., as part no.
LTC3454 which is an integrated circuit high current LED driver. The
control circuitry 42 may also include blue light source 26A control
circuitry, which may be connected with one or more sensors 40S (see
FIG. 5B), located in the neck 28, for detecting when the neck 28 is
actually located within a user's mouth, thereby reducing the
possibility of the blue light being inadvertently emitted except
when the toothbrush is actually located within the mouth of the
user. The sensor(s) 40S could include, for example, sensors for
measuring or detecting conductivity, temperature, ambient light, or
some other parameter indicating that the head 16 is in the mouth of
a user, and the handle 12 may include a sensor for sensing the
warmth or pressure of the user's hand before the blue light source
or sources 20 can be activated.
[0065] It should also be noted that the toothbrush 10 may further
include a motor (not shown) which moves, vibrates and/or rotates
the head 16 in the manner of conventional powered toothbrushes,
which may, in turn. effect the arrangements for supplying the blue
light 22 to the blue light emitters 20 in as much as the mechanical
structure between the handle 12 and the head 16 in such
toothbrushes includes a moving mechanical joint. In such
implementations, therefore, it may be preferable to place the blue
light source or sources 26A in the handle 12 and communicate the
blue light 22 to the blue light emitters 20 in the head 16 by
optical paths that are typically less affected by moving mechanical
joints than are electrical conductors.
[0066] Lastly, it should be noted that the provision of the
replaceable head 16 permits the use of other forms of blue light
emitting heads 16 containing blue light emitters 20 as described
herein above, but shaped for other purposes than specifically as a
toothbrush, such as a wand specifically designed and/or intended
for blue light irradiation of a photocatalytic agent distributed on
the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. In a further example of an
alternate arrangement of the head 16, the head 16 may be designed
to hold and manipulate flossing thread or string, thereby allowing
flossing to be carried out at the same time as a blue light
photocatalytic process.
[0067] It will be appreciated that various changes and/or
modifications to the present invention may be made by those of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention which is set out in more particular
detail in the appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is
supplied by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting
of the invention as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *