U.S. patent application number 12/137846 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for electronic toothbrush incorporating digital training aid.
Invention is credited to Robert G. Dickie, Graham Mottram.
Application Number | 20090307859 12/137846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41413397 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090307859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mottram; Graham ; et
al. |
December 17, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC TOOTHBRUSH INCORPORATING DIGITAL TRAINING AID
Abstract
An electric toothbrush and method of use for improving the oral
health habits of a child. The toothbrush incorporates a digital
training aid that includes a display screen and microprocessor
which generates pictorial images on the screen. The microprocessor
is programmed to record the actual frequency and duration of
brushing over at least a twenty four hour period and to compare the
actual figures with pre-programmed desired runtimes and
frequencies. The microprocessor changes the images displayed on the
screen to reflect the relationship between the actual times and
desired times. The microprocessor includes gaming programs that are
only accessible should the minimum desired frequency and time of
brushing be met.
Inventors: |
Mottram; Graham;
(Collingwood, CA) ; Dickie; Robert G.; (King City,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
41413397 |
Appl. No.: |
12/137846 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/221 20130101;
A46B 15/0071 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 15/0004
20130101; A46B 15/0008 20130101; A61C 2202/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00; A46B 9/04 20060101 A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. An electric toothbrush comprising: a body having a front, a back
and a head at one end; a plurality of bristles on the head which
extend outwardly from the front; a powered motor retained within an
interior of the body, said motor being operationally connected to
said bristles to cause movement of the same when the motor is
activated; a display screen carried by the body; a microprocessor
operationally linked to the motor and to the display screen;
wherein said microprocessor includes programming to track actual
runtime of the motor and to indicate an amount of actual runtime
over a pre-set time period of at least twenty four hours by
generating an image on said display screen.
2. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 1, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to generate an image that
comprises a first image in a pictorial format, wherein said first
image is substantially free of letters and numbers.
3. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 1, further
including: a power source retained within the body; an electrical
circuit, wherein the microprocessor and motor are connected to the
power source in parallel; a switch provided in the circuit between
the power source and the motor, said switch being movable between a
closed position where the motor is operational, and an open
position where the motor is non-operational; and a feedback circuit
connecting the motor, the switch and the microprocessor; wherein
the feedback circuit is closed when the switch is in the closed
position.
4. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 1, further
comprising at least a first play button provided on the housing and
being directly connected to the microprocessor; wherein said
microprocessor causes a second pictorial image to be displayed on
the display screen, and said second image is linked to said first
play button.
5. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 4, wherein
depression of the first play button causes the microprocessor to
generate a third pictorial image on the display screen for several
seconds.
6. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 5, wherein the
microprocessor is programmed to generate an enhanced image if,
during the at least twenty four hour period, the first play button
is depressed at least once and the actual runtime of the motor
reaches a minimum pre-programmed runtime.
7. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the
microprocessor further includes programming that resets the display
screen twenty four hours after display of the enhanced image by
removing the enhanced image and displaying the first pictorial
image once again.
8. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the
microprocessor is further programmed to include a plurality of
games for play, and when said enhanced image is displayed one of
the first play button and another play button activates said game
programs.
9. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 2, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to generate the first image in
the form of a smile including a plurality of teeth.
10. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 9, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to selectively remove one or
more of the teeth from the first image of the smile when one of a
plurality of threshold minimum actual run-times and frequencies of
brushing are not met.
11. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 4, wherein the
second pictorial image is one of a manual toothbrush, a floss
container and a bottle of mouthwash.
12. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 11, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to generate at least a fourth
pictorial image and the fourth image is another of the manual
toothbrush, the floss container and the bottle of mouthwash and is
substantially permanently displayed on said display screen; and
wherein the toothbrush further includes a second play button that
is directly linked to the microprocessor and is associated with the
fourth image, and when said second play button is depressed, said
microprocessor causes a fifth image to be displayed on the display
screen for several seconds.
13. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 12, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to generate at least a sixth
pictorial image and the sixth image is the last of the manual
toothbrush, the floss container and the bottle of mouthwash and is
displayed on the display screen substantially permanently, and
wherein the toothbrush further includes a third play button that is
directly linked to the microprocessor and is associated with the
sixth image, and when said third play button is depressed, said
microprocessor causes a seventh image to be displayed on the
display screen for several seconds.
14. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 13, wherein the
microprocessor includes programming to cause one or more of the
third, fifth and seventh images to move back and forth across the
display screen for several seconds upon depression of the
associated one of the first, second and third play buttons.
15. The electric toothbrush as defined in claim 1, further
comprising packaging for retailing the toothbrush, and wherein one
or both of the packaging and the body of the toothbrush include a
visual chart for interpreting the image on the display screen.
16. A method of encouraging a child to develop good oral care
habits, said method comprising the steps of: providing a powered
toothbrush having a digital training aid incorporated therein, said
training aid being operationally linked to a motor within the
toothbrush that moves a plurality of bristles, and wherein said
digital training aid further includes a display screen and a
microprocessor that is programmed to generate a changeable image on
the display screen in response to operation of the motor; moving a
switch on the toothbrush from an off position to an on position to
activate the motor to move the bristles and to start a timer within
the microprocessor; brushing the teeth using the moving bristles;
moving the switch from an on position to an off position to
deactivate the motor and stop the movement of the bristles and to
stop a timer within the microprocessor, whereby an actual runtime
for the motor is computed by the microprocessor and is compared
with a pre-programmed desired run-time; and reviewing the display
screen after the actual runtime to determine if the image has
changed.
17. The method as defined in claim 16, further comprising the step
of; engaging a play button on the toothbrush to select a second
image generated by the microprocessor and displayed on the display
screen adjacent the changeable image so as to directly input data
into the microprocessor; and reviewing the display screen to see if
the microprocessor has changed the changeable image to an enhanced
image.
18. The method as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step
of: selecting any one of a plurality of games displayed on the
display screen in response to the appearance of the enhanced image;
and playing the selected game by depressing the play button.
19. The method as defined in claim 14, further including the step
of: comparing the changeable image on the display screen with a
chart to determine how the actual frequency of brushing and actual
runtime relates to the desired pre-programmed frequency and
runtime; and changing the frequency and duration of brushing teeth
accordingly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention generally relates to toothbrushes. More
particularly, the invention relates to a child's toothbrush.
Specifically, the invention relates to a toothbrush incorporating a
digital training aid in the handle that aids in motivating a child
to increase their brushing time and assists a parent in monitoring
their child's brushing habits.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Parents frequently experience problems with children who are
reluctant not only to brush their teeth, but also to brush their
teeth for a sufficient length of time. The American Dental
Association (hereinafter ADA) recommends that everyone should brush
their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Statistics show
that even adults average only forty five seconds of brushing and
the average time period children spend on brushing their teeth is
even lower. Many parents are aware that their children do not brush
their teeth for a sufficiently long time but it is difficult for
parents to monitor every brushing as it is time consuming and may
tend to create anxiety for the child and potential battle grounds
between parents and the child. Various devices and methodologies
have been utilized in the prior art in an attempt to address this
issue and to encourage children to continue brushing longer than
they would normally choose. One such methodology has included the
provision of specially designed tablets that, when dissolved in the
mouth, produce a color in all regions of the teeth where plaque
remains. The tablets provide the child with an easily detected
visual aid that clearly shows that they need to continue brushing
until all of the color on the teeth is removed.
[0005] Additionally, a wide variety of toothbrushes have been
provided in the art that include mechanisms for advising the user
how long they have actually been brushing their teeth. This is why
so many powered toothbrushes have timers that are set for a two
minute interval. Once brushing commences, the timer is activated
and when the two minute interval is over the brush emits some sort
of signal. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,303 to
Dewan, when the pre-set length of time is over, the toothbrush
emits an audible sound or a visual signal, such as a flashing
light. It should be noted, however, that there is no mechanism
within Dewan's toothbrush of determining and tracking if the brush
was only used for part of the pre-set length of time. Nor is there
a mechanism of tracking if the toothbrush is habitually only used
for a portion of each pre-set length of time over a longer time
period such as one or two days.
[0006] Another toothbrush disclosed in the prior art is the brush
shown in PCT publication No. WO 2006/065159 to Jeziorowski. This
brush includes sensors under the bristles that are linked to a
timer for recording the actual time the bristles are in contact
with the teeth during brushing. Every time the bristles are lifted
out of contact with the teeth, the timer stops and when contact is
resumed, the timer restarts. After a pre-set period of time has
elapsed, such as three minutes, an audible sound is emitted by the
brush. The time elapsed is displayed in numbers and bars on a
digital display in the handle. The brush also accumulates a record
of the total time the bristles have been in use and indicates when
the bristles have ended their useful life by displaying an
indicator on the handle or by making a distinctive sound.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,087 to Strub is directed to a toothbrush
that includes a processor which tracks a long period of time, such
as a six month period, and then emits a signal to advise the user
that it is time to visit the dentist. The signal may take the form
of an audible sound or a flashing light that is emitted by the
brush each time it is used after the six month period has
elapsed.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,726 to Leite discloses a toothbrush that
includes a display screen which displays a time period in numbers.
The numbers count down a pre-determined time period. When the
numbers reach zero, the toothbrush emits an audible sound or
vibrates to signal to the user that the time period for brushing
teeth has ended.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,522 to Kumagai discloses a toothbrush
that generates sounds in response to the movement made by the
toothbrush during brushing. The brush also includes a counter that
records the number of movements made during brushing. The counter
is linked to the sound generating components so that a variety of
sounds or messages are emitted from the brush to encourage the user
to continue brushing their teeth. The messages change as the count
number goes up.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,881 to Klinger et al discloses a
toothbrush that includes a timer for tracking time, pressure
sensors for tracking pressure applied during brushing and a
positioning sensor for tracking the orientation of the brush during
brushing. The brush further includes a processor for computing all
of this information and giving a visual indication on a screen as
to the effectiveness of the user's brushing action.
[0011] Finally, U.S. Publication No. 2002/0133308 to Lundell et al,
discloses a toothbrush that includes an electric toothbrush and a
separate control unit having a microprocessor that collects and
stores data relating to actual brushing times and the condition of
the toothbrush battery. The control unit may include a display
screen to show the status of the toothbrush.
[0012] While all of these devices and methodologies work to varying
degrees, they are not necessarily fun experiences for a child who
just wants the brushing tedium to be over.
[0013] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved device
and method to encourage younger children to continue brushing for a
set period of time and to improve their oral care by incorporating
other oral health tools and devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The device of the present invention comprises an electric
toothbrush and method of use for aiding in improving the oral
health habits of a child. The toothbrush incorporates a digital
training aid that includes a display screen and microprocessor
which generates pictorial images on the screen. The microprocessor
is programmed to record the actual frequency and duration of
brushing over at least a twenty four hour period and to compare the
actual figures with pre-programmed desired runtimes and
frequencies. The microprocessor changes the images displayed on the
screen to reflect the relationship between the actual times and
desired times. If certain brushing habits and other oral care
criteria are met, a gaming function in the microprocessor is
activated. The toothbrush therefore gives the child a sense of play
that enables them to persist with what is normally a fairly onerous
task for a child, and rewards the child for being consistent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown
in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and
set forth in the appended claims.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of a toothbrush in accordance with
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial block diagram illustrated the circuitry
contained within the toothbrush of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display of the electronic
pet provided on the front of the toothbrush and showing the virtual
pet in an initial mode prior to the child starting to brush their
teeth;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the display showing the second
stage of the virtual pet once a first time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the display showing the third
stage of the virtual pet once a second time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the display showing the fourth
stage of the virtual pet once a third time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the display showing the fifth
stage of the virtual pet once a fourth time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the display showing the sixth
stage of the virtual pet once a fifth time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the display showing the
seventh stage of the virtual pet once a sixth time period of
brushing has elapsed;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the display showing the
eighth stage of the virtual pet once a seventh time period of
brushing has elapsed;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the display showing the ninth
stage of the virtual pet once a eighth time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0027] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the display showing the tenth
stage of the virtual pet once a ninth time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the display showing the
second stage of the virtual pet once a tenth time period of
brushing has elapsed;
[0029] FIG. 14, is an enlarged view of the display showing the
twelfth stage of the virtual pet once an eleventh time period of
brushing has elapsed;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the display showing the final
stage of the virtual pet once a twelfth time period of brushing has
elapsed;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 shown
incorporated into packaging for retail sales; and
[0032] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the packaged toothbrush of FIG.
16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a toothbrush in
accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at
10. Toothbrush 10 is a powered toothbrush that has a plurality of
movable bristles 12 on a head 14 at one end of a neck 16. The neck
16 is connected to a handle 18 that retains a power supply 20 (FIG.
3) therein. Toothbrush 10 preferably is of a type in which bristles
12 are caused to move by said power supply 20. So, for example,
bristles 12 may be rotated, or may be reciprocated (not
illustrated) back and forth in an orientation generally parallel to
a longitudinal axis "Y" of toothbrush 10. Toothbrush 10 is provided
with activator buttons 22 to start and stop the motion of bristles
12.
[0034] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, toothbrush 10 includes a digital training aid 24 that is
incorporated into handle 18 and is provided as a means for
motivating a child to take better care of their teeth. More
specifically, digital training aid 24 is provided to aid in
increasing the length of time that the child brushes their teeth
and to encourage them to use other oral care products, such as
floss and mouthwash to improve their oral health. Training aid 24
includes a display screen 26, a microprocessor 34 (FIG. 2) and one
or more play buttons 30 to activate microprocessor 34. Training aid
24 preferably is of a type similar to that sold under the trademark
Tamagotchi by Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai of Tokyo, Japan. These
digital toys include a small microprocessor and a monochrome
display screen with three or four play buttons. The display screen
shows an image of a virtual pet. The toys also include an internal
clock and require the user depress the play buttons to input
various tasks at various times to keep the pet displayed on the
screen healthy and happy. The display will indicate that it is time
to feed, brush or pat the virtual pet and the user will select an
appropriate tool or item on the display screen to accomplish this
task. So, for example, if display indicates that it is time to feed
the pet, the user will push the appropriate button to select a food
bowl displayed on the screen. If this action is taken in an
allotted time, the pet remains healthy and happy. If the action is
not taken in the allotted time, the pet's health and happiness
deteriorates. These digital toys include a health and happiness
meter on the screen to show the status of the pet. Only if all the
required actions are taken in a timely fashion does the pet remain
healthy and happy and only then can the user play a plurality of
fun games available on the microprocessor. Children learn to check
and care for their digital pet so that they can keep it happy and
so that they can play the games available in the device.
[0035] The toothbrush 10 of the present invention incorporates this
type of digital toy, but instead of images relating to virtual pets
and the care thereof, microprocessor 34 includes programming that
generates images 28 that relate to teeth and to oral health. Images
28 preferably are of a pictorial nature and represent objects such
as a smile 28a with teeth A-H, a toothbrush 28b, a mouthwash
container 28c, and a dental floss container 28d. Images 28
preferably are substantially free of letters and numbers as they
are designed to be easily understood and interpreted, even by
children that are unable to read or to identify numbers. It will be
understood, however, that numbers and letters may be displayed on
screen 26 in addition to images 28. Pictorial images 28a, 28b, 28c
and 28d displayed on display screen 26 are by way of example only.
Any graphic image that would be appealing to a child and that
represents some type of oral care product or relates to the teeth
or mouth could be used without departing from the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows the major components of toothbrush 10 and
includes possible electrical circuit 32 to link those components to
each other and to a power supply 20. In the system illustrated, a
pair of batteries is used as power supply 20. A first section 32a
of circuit 32 links a terminal 20a on one of the batteries to
microprocessor 34 for the digital training aid 24. A second section
32b of circuit 32 links terminal 20a to a first contact 36a on a
motor 36. A third section 32c of circuit 32 links a terminal 20b on
the other of the batteries to microprocessor 34. Terminal 20b on
the other of the batteries is also linked to a terminal 22a on the
on-off switch 22 by a fourth section 32d of circuit 32. A fifth
section 32e of circuit 32 links a second terminal 22b on the on-off
switch 22 to a second contact 36b on motor 36. A feedback section
32f of circuit 32 extends between second contact 36b and
microprocessor 34. It will be seen that motor 36 and microprocessor
34 are connected into circuit 32 in parallel. Additionally, motor
36, switch 22 and microprocessor 34 are connected in series.
Microprocessor 34 includes a clock (not shown). When the batteries
are placed in toothbrush 10, the clock is always on, but display
screen 26 is blank. Touching any of buttons 30 or the on/off
controls of switch 22 turns display screen 26 on. Play buttons 30a,
30b and 30c are directly wired to microprocessor 34. Each button 30
is associated with one of the images that appear above line 42. So,
for example, button 30a is associated with toothbrush 28b, button
30b is associated with mouthwash container 28c and button 30c is
associated with floss container 28d. Buttons 30a-30c are used to
input data into microprocessor and to play games stored
therein.
[0037] Microprocessor 34 is the brains of digital training aid 24
and is programmed to accumulate data, process the same and cause
the display of images 28 on display screen 26. Microprocessor 34 is
programmed to sense and track the cumulative amount of actual
brushing time as measured by the actual run-time of motor 36. It is
also programmed to record the frequency of the operation of motor
36. Specifically, microprocessor 34 is programmed to track
frequency and actual run-time of motor 36 for a period of at least
twenty four hours and to display images 28 in accordance with data
gathered and processed over that time period. Furthermore, the
programming is designed to compare the frequency and actual
run-time data with a pre-set desired frequency and run-time for
motor 36. Microprocessor 34 also tracks and records input from
buttons 30b and 30c which are depressed each time the child has
used other oral care products, specifically mouthwash and dental
floss, in the twenty four hour period. Still other programming in
microprocessor 34 relates to games that are available as a reward
to the child for meeting the pre-set brushing and oral care
goals.
[0038] The ADA has recommended that teeth be brushed a minimum of
two times a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. This
frequency and time period are programmed into microprocessor 34 as
the pre-set desired frequency and run-time for motor 36.
Microprocessor 34 compares the actual period of brushing time with
this desired, and pre-programmed, time and generates smile 28a
according to the relationship between these two times.
[0039] When toothbrush 10 is to be used, the on-button 22b of
switch 22 is depressed, closing circuit 32. Motor 36 is actuated
and causes motion in a drive shaft 38 that extends outwardly
therefrom. Drive shaft 38, in turn, produces motion in bristles 12.
When off-button 22a is engaged and on-button 22b is therefore
disengaged, motor 36 ceases to run. Microprocessor 34 is linked,
via feedback circuit 32f with on-button 22b and, consequently,
engagement of on-button 22b causes circuit 32f to be closed and
microprocessor 34 to be actuated to begin gathering information
about the length of time motor 36 runs. Disengagement of on-button
22b breaks circuit 32f and microprocessor 34 records the cessation
of motor 36. Microprocessor 34 therefore gathers information about
the actual run-time of motor 36 between the time of engagement of
on-button 22b and the disengagement thereof. Microprocessor 34
gathers this information each time toothbrush 10 is used in a time
period of at least twenty-four hours. The frequency of use of
toothbrush for brushing is also recorded. Microprocessor 34 is
programmed to compare this gathered information with the
pre-programmed desired frequency and run-time of motor 36. Images
28 are generated in response to the comparison of actual frequency
and actual run-time with desired frequency and desired run-time as
will be hereinafter described.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, image 28 on display screen 26 includes
smile 28a showing eight "teeth" numbered A through H. Each tooth
comprises a block-type representation having a darker border region
38 and a lighter interior region 40. Image 28 further includes a
second image being a pictorial representation of a toothbrush 28b.
Image 28 further includes a third image being a pictorial
representation of a mouthwash container 28c and a fourth image
being a pictorial representation of a dental floss container 28d
with a length of floss extending outwardly away therefrom. A line
42 extends across display screen and separates smile 28a from the
three spaced-apart images of toothbrush 28b, mouthwash container
28c and a floss container 28d. The overall impression of image 28
is that of a face with the eyes being image 28b and 28d, the nose
being image 28c and the mouth being image 28a. It will be
understood that the image 28 shown in FIG. 3 is by way of
illustration only and the designs and arrangement of the images
28b-28d can be altered, and that smile 28a can have any number of
"teeth" desired, without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0041] Smile 28a acts as a meter for displaying the length of time
the teeth were actually brushed relative to the desired period of
time they should have been brushed. In FIG. 3, smile 28a includes
all of teeth A-H and this is the image that is displayed on display
screen 26 when toothbrush 10 is first used. The images of
toothbrush 28b, mouthwash container 28c and dental floss container
28d are representative images that are individually selected by the
child when they have physically used the associated product in
their own dental care routine. The child selects the relevant image
by depressing the associated play button 30a-30c. Images 28b, 28c
and 28d are always displayed on display screen 26.
[0042] FIGS. 3 to 15 show a plurality of enlarged display screens
26 to illustrate how image 28 changes in response to microprocessor
34 processing the actual brushing time, brushing frequency and
additional oral care information that is input. Smile image 28a is
programmed in real time as microprocessor 34 is linked to the
on-button 22b of switch 22 that activates and deactivates motor 36.
When the child engages switch 22 to start motor 36 and thereby move
bristles 12, the microprocessor 34 records exactly when the motor
was activated and for how long the motor 36 runs. The
microprocessor 34 will track this information for a pre-set period
of time being at least twenty four hours, and will provide a visual
"report card" of that brushing period. By regular brushing alone,
the smile image 28a can be maintained with all of its teeth intact,
i.e., image 28a can look like that shown in FIG. 3, provided the
actual run-time and frequency over the pre-set time period of
twenty-four to forty-either hours meets or exceeds the desired
run-time and frequency programmed into microprocessor 34. A parent
can simply touch any button on the toothbrush 10 to activate
display screen 26 and view smile 28a to see the exact status of the
child's brushing habits over that twenty-four to forty eight hours.
Brushing less than twice a day and less than two minutes a time
will cause the smile 28a to change by having "teeth" fall out of
smile 28a as will be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS.
8-15. It is therefore easy for a parent to see if their child is
not brushing teeth for a sufficient period of time.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows changes in display screen 26 when motor 36 is
activated by closing switch 22. The child may depress play button
28b when they intend to start brushing their teeth. This is not
essential as simple activation of motor 36 transmits a signal via
the feedback circuit 32f to microprocessor 34. When motor 36 is
activated, microprocessor 34 causes an additional image to appear
on display screen 26. This additional image is one of a manual
toothbrush 48 that appears below line 42 and proximate smile 28a.
Manual toothbrush 48 moves back and forth with respect to teeth A-H
as indicated on FIG. 4 and for as long as motor 36 is operational.
Manual toothbrush 48 thereby simulates the brushing of the teeth
A-H. When switch 22 is moved to the open position, the feedback
circuit 32f is broken and microprocessor 34 causes the image of
manual toothbrush 48 to disappear from display screen 26.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows display screen 26 when the play button 30b
associated with mouthwash container 28c is depressed and released.
Button 30b is depressed by the child when they have physically used
mouthwash in that day's oral care. In response to button 30b being
pushed, microprocessor causes a new image of a mouthwash container
50 and cap 52 to be displayed beneath line 42 and proximate the
teeth A-H of smile 28a.
[0045] Mouthwash container 50 is oriented on its side and cap 52
pops off the container 50 and moves back and forth as indicated.
Cap 52 moves for a few seconds and then the images of both of
mouthwash container 50 and cap 52 disappear from display screen
26.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows display screen 26 when the play button 30c
associated with dental floss 28d is pushed. The child will push
play button 30c when they have physically used dental floss as part
of their teeth cleaning regimen, The depression of button 30c
causes microprocessor 34 to generate an new image of a dental floss
container 54 and a length of floss 56 beneath smile 28a. Floss
container 54 is disposed adjacent tooth A and floss 56 extends
outwardly therefrom and moves back and forth as indicated in FIG.
6. This back and forth motion gives the illusion of the floss being
pulled out of floss container 54 and then being drawn back into the
same. The back and forth motion continues for a few seconds and
then the floss container 54 and floss 56 disappear from the
screen.
[0047] FIG. 7 is an illustration of display screen 26 if the child
has faithfully followed a recommended dental care regimen over a
set period of time such as twenty four hours or forty eight hours.
So, for example, if the child has, for a forty-eight hour period,
faithfully brushed their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
each time and has used at least one of dental floss and mouthwash
over that two day period, the microprocessor will cause the visual
display on screen 26 to change to an enhanced image such as the big
smile 60 shown in this figure. Big smile 60 is formed by the
addition of a bottom lip 58 to smile 28a. When this big smile 60 is
displayed on display screen 26 the gaming function in the
microprocessor is activated and the child can play the fun games
that are programmed into the microprocessor 34. Games are accessed
and played using play buttons 30a, 30b, and 30c. If big smile 60 is
not displayed on display screen 26, then none of the fun games are
accessible. Big smile 60 only lasts for a twenty four hour period
and then the bottom lip 58 disappears, leaving smile image 28a on
display screen 26. Each day microprocessor resets to the standard
smile 28a (FIG. 3) and thus requires all the teeth A-H to be
present plus the use of the digital oral care tools in order for
the child to be able to play any games on that day.
[0048] FIGS. 8 to 15 show a progressive display of the loss of
"teeth" from smile 28a if the required cumulative minimum frequency
and/or time of brushing is not reached by the child over a set time
period, such as twenty four hours. If the minimum brushing
frequency and length of time goal is not met, at least one of the
teeth A drops out of smile 28a and falls down to the bottom of
display screen 26. So, for example, FIG. 8 shows the display screen
when the child has only met around 87.5% of the ADA's frequency and
brushing time recommendation. Tooth "B" has dropped out of smile
28a and moved to the bottom of display screen 26 as blacked tooth
B'. When tooth "B` drops out of smile 28a, the region of the smile
28a where tooth "B" was formally located, i.e., region 62, is
darkened.
[0049] Similarly, FIG. 9 shows the display screen 26 when yet
another "tooth", being tooth "F" has dropped out of smile 28a
because the recommended frequency and/or brushing time has not been
met and the amount of actual run-time was less than in the instance
of FIG. 8. So, for example, if the child only met around 75% of the
ADA recommended frequency and brushing times, two teeth will drop
out of the smile. This leaves two blackened areas 60 and 62 on
smile 28a and two teeth B' and F' at the bottom of display screen
26. If the child improves their oral habits over the next twenty
four hours and increases the frequency and length of brushing, one
of teeth B' or F' will move back into smile 28a. A second day of
good oral care where the minimum frequency and length of brushing
goals are met will return the other of the teeth B' and F' back
into smile 28a.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows the display screen 26 when yet another
"tooth", being tooth "D", has dropped out of smile 28a because the
recommended frequency and/or brushing time has not been met and the
amount of actual run-time was less than in the instance of FIG. 9.
So, for example, if the child only met around 62.5% of the ADA
recommended frequency and brushing times, three teeth will drop out
of the smile. This leaves three blackened areas 60, 62 and 64 on
smile 28a and three teeth B', D', and F' at bottom of display
screen 26.
[0051] FIGS. 11 through 15 show the display screen 26 when the
remaining teeth are progressively lost through failure to brush for
the recommended frequency and/or length of time. Ultimately, as
shown in FIG. 15, no teeth A-F are left in smile 28a and smile 28a
is one large blackened or darkened region. All of the teeth have
dropped out of smile 28a and are situated beneath smile 28a as
teeth A', B', C', D', E', F', G' and H'. The means that the child
has essentially has not brushed their teeth at all that day.
[0052] It will be understood that instead of the microprocessor
resetting smile 28a every twenty four hours, microprocessor 34
could be programmed to track oral care over a period of a week for
example. At a touch of any button on toothbrush 10, a parent could
determine the oral habits of their child over that time period. If
the child is regularly not meeting the minimum daily
recommendations for brushing, the teeth A-H could be progressively
lost over that week long time period. The overall image of the
blackened smile 28a with all of the teeth dropped out therefrom is
an image that is clear enough for even a fairly young child to
understand that they have not been brushing their teeth properly.
The overall image is also a clear indication to a parent that more
supervision of their child's oral care needs to be undertaken.
Similarly, if over a week long period the child's brushing habits
improve and the microprocessor causes the reincorporation of
previously lost teeth A-H into the smile 28a, then the child will
easily see that improved habits bring about improved results.
[0053] FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example of how the toothbrush 10 in
accordance with the present invention could be packaged within a
blister package 70. Package 70 includes an aperture 72 which will
allow it to be hung on a display rod in a store. Package 70 also
includes a second aperture 74 that is complementary located and
sized to allow a potential consumer access to one of the play
buttons, such as 30b. The potential consumer is able to depress
play button 30b to play a portion of a game programmed into
training aid 24. The game will be displayed on display screen 26
that is visible through the packaging. Packaging may also include
product information that will advise parents as to the significance
of the loss of the teeth A-H from smile 28a and how to monitor and
encourage their child to improve their oral care habits. As shown
in FIG. 17, a chart 80 or other explanatory text or illustrations
may be placed on either the rear surface of toothbrush 10 or on
package 70. For instance, chart 80 could indicate that one tooth
missing from smile 28a indicates that the child has only met around
87.5% of the ADA recommendations. Two teeth missing represent 25%
less than the ADA minimums and so on.
[0054] As mentioned previously, the goal of toothbrush 10 is to aid
in motivating a child to increase the length of time they brush
their teeth and to use additional dental tools and products to take
care of their teeth. The picture type nature of images 28 makes it
easy for even a young child to see whether their brushing habits
are adequate or inadequate. The visual image of the loss of teeth
when bad habits are followed will easily show the child they need
to improve their brushing. The visual image of the maintenance of a
full smile 28a or the display of the big smile 60 will encourage
the child to keep up their brushing. The access to the fun games
programmed into the device, will further serve to encourage the
child to continue to brush their teeth properly and to use other
oral care products. The presence of digital training aid 24 also
enables a parent to monitor, verify and encourage regular brushing
by providing a reliable indicator of their child's actual brushing
habits over a more protracted period of time.
[0055] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other
features may be incorporated into toothbrush 10. Such features
could include pressure or motion sensors installed adjacent
bristles 12 and are operationally linked to microprocessor 34. Such
sensors could be installed to substantially prevent a child from
simply switching the motor 36 on to save their digital teeth A-H
without actually physically brushing their teeth. The sensors would
substantially prevent microprocessor 34 from recording an actual
run-time of the motor in such instances. Microprocessor 34 could be
programed to not save the teeth A-H unless pressure has been
applied to the bristles 12 through the brushing motion. Yet other
additional features may include a count-down timer that will enable
the user to see how much time to continue brushing in a
pre-determined two minute time period, as well as the provision of
a mechanism for generating a sound when a two minute time period
has elapsed.
[0056] The oral care tools 28b-28c expose the young users to more
adult oral care products and help them to associate a regime such
as flossing, toothpicks and mouthwash as part of regular oral care.
Preferably all of the fun games programmed into the microprocessor
34 will have oral care based themes or use oral care products as
components of the game.
[0057] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0058] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
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