U.S. patent application number 12/950325 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-24 for powered brush.
Invention is credited to Hugh James Croggon, Holger Port, Markus Sabisch.
Application Number | 20120124758 12/950325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45044743 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120124758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sabisch; Markus ; et
al. |
May 24, 2012 |
POWERED BRUSH
Abstract
A powered brush is provided comprising a plurality of automated
bristles that are driven in order to facilitate application of
shave cream to a user's face while raising hairs off the face and
stimulating, exfoliating, lubricating and moisturizing the skin.
The powered brush comprises a handle having a top end, a bottom end
and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A brush head comprises a
plurality of bristles projecting away from the top end in a
longitudinal direction is attached to a brush cup which is disposed
at the top end of the handle and is movable relative thereto. An
internal mechanism couples a motor drive shaft to the brush cup.
The internal mechanism translates rotational movement of the motor
drive shaft to reciprocating motion of the brush cup causing the
brush cup and corresponding brush head attached thereto to
oscillate linearly in the longitudinal direction.
Inventors: |
Sabisch; Markus; (Waldems,
DE) ; Port; Holger; (Schwalbach/Taunus, DE) ;
Croggon; Hugh James; (Newbury, GB) |
Family ID: |
45044743 |
Appl. No.: |
12/950325 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/21.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 13/02 20130101;
A61C 17/3445 20130101; A46B 2200/1033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/21.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00 |
Claims
1. A powered brush comprising: a handle having a top end, a bottom
end and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a brush cup disposed at
the top end and movable relative to the handle; a brush head
attached to the brush cup, the brush head comprising a plurality of
bristles projecting away from the top end in a longitudinal
direction; a motor mounted inside of the handle, the motor
comprising drive shaft, and an internal mechanism coupling the
motor drive shaft to the brush cup, wherein, in use, the internal
mechanism translates rotational movement of the motor drive shaft
to reciprocating longitudinal motion of the brush cup wherein the
brush cup and brush head attached thereto oscillate linearly in the
longitudinal direction.
2. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein the brush head comprises a
base wherein the plurality of bristles are attached to the base and
the base is attached to the brush cup.
3. The powered brush of claim 1 further comprising a first opening
in the top end, wherein the brush cup is disposed in the first
opening and the plurality of bristles extend through the first
opening.
4. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bristles
is selected from the group badger hair, boar hair, horse hair.
5. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bristles
comprises synthetic bristles.
6. The powered brush of claim 5 wherein the synthetic bristles
comprises nylon.
7. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein brush cup oscillates
linearly at a frequency ranging from about 100 Hertz to about 800
Hertz.
8. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein brush cup oscillates
linearly at a frequency ranging from about 200 Hertz to about 400
Hertz.
9. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein brush cup oscillates
linearly, in and out a distance ranging from about 1.0 mm to about
2.0 mm.
10. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein brush cup oscillates
linearly, in and out a distance of 1.5 mm.
11. The powered brush of claim 1 further comprising a battery
compartment adjacent to the motor and a battery cap removably
attached to the bottom end of the handle providing access to the
battery compartment.
12. The powered brush of claim 11 wherein the battery cap is
removably attached to the handle via screw threads.
13. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein the internal mechanism
comprises: a. a first gear attached to the motor drive shaft; b. a
second gear meshed with the first gear; c. an elongated cam feature
attached to the second gear, the elongated cam feature including an
outer surface; and d. a cam follower link connected to the brush
cup, the cam follower link including a cam slot wherein the
elongated cam feature engages the cam slot allowing complete
rotation of the elongated cam feature as the outer surface contacts
the cam slot; wherein as the first gear drives the second gear, the
elongated cam feature rotates driving the cam follower link in a
linear, up and down motion.
14. The powered brush of claim 13 wherein the second gear and first
gear include a gear ratio wherein the gear ratio is 2.25.
15. The powered brush of claim 13 wherein the first gear comprises
a pinion and the second gear comprises a crown gear.
16. The powered brush of claim 13 wherein the first gear and the
second gear comprise bevel gears.
17. The powered brush of claim 13 wherein the motor and the drive
mechanism are linearly aligned along the longitudinal axis.
18. The powered brush of claim 11 where in the handle and battery
cap are chrome plated metal.
19. The powered brush of claim 1 including a housing mounted inside
of the handle wherein the housing accommodates the motor, drive
mechanism, and battery compartment.
20. The powered brush of claim 1 wherein the handle further
comprises a power button in the handle between the top end and the
bottom end wherein the power button includes an LED which lights
when the power button is depressed and the powered brush is
activated.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to brushes and particularly to
brushes used in applying shave cream and more particularly to
powered shave brushes used in applying shave cream.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a brushes typically used in
applying shave cream. Traditional shaving brushes are typically
formed of a barrel-shaped handle with a plurality of bristles
protruding from one end of the handle. The handles are typically
made of wood, metal or plastic while the bristles of lower quality
brushes are made of synthetic materials, such as nylon, and the
bristles of higher quality brushes are made of natural materials,
such as badger hair.
[0003] Shaving brushes have been used historically to prepare hair
and skin ahead of wet shaving, for example with a double edged
razor blade or with a wet shaving safety razor. A user would work
up soap or gel into a lather either against their face, in a
shaving mug/bowl, or in the palm of their wet hand. The user would
then apply the lather to their skin with the brush, typically using
rapid short strokes, and in the process would agitate hairs lying
on the skin and enhance the condition of the skin by providing
exfoliation. The benefits felt by a user during and after shaving
are generally dependent on the quality of the bristles of the brush
and the manner in which the lather is applied to the face. The
application of lather is dependent on the motion of the user's hand
which can limit the benefits of using a brush if not performed
correctly.
[0004] In pursuit of an improved shaving product, there is a need
for a shaving brush capable of effectively stimulating the skin,
raising hairs off the face, exfoliating, and lubricating as well as
moisturizing the skin that is not solely dependent on the motion of
a user's hand. Thus, there is a need for a powered brush that can
produce an automated bristle motion to optimize the effects desired
with using a brush.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention features, in general, a powered
brush providing an automated motion to plurality of bristles, thus
enhancing the ability to stimulate the skin, raise hairs off the
face, exfoliate, and lubricate and moisturize the skin while
applying shave cream to a user's face. The powered brush comprises
a handle having a top end, a bottom end and a longitudinal axis
therebetween. A brush cup which is movable relative to the handle
is disposed at the top end of the handle. A brush head is attached
to the brush cup. The brush head comprises a plurality of bristles
projecting away from the top end in a longitudinal direction. A
motor comprising a drive shaft is mounted inside of the handle. The
motor is joined to an internal mechanism coupling the motor drive
shaft to the brush cup. The internal mechanism translates
rotational movement of the motor drive shaft to reciprocating
longitudinal motion of the brush cup such that in use, the brush
cup and corresponding brush head attached thereto oscillate
linearly in the longitudinal direction.
[0006] In one embodiment, the internal mechanism comprises a first
gear attached to the motor drive shaft and a second gear meshed
with the first gear. The second gear includes an elongated cam
feature attached thereto. The elongated cam feature interfaces with
a cam follower link connected to the brush cup. The elongated cam
feature engages a cam slot in the cam follower link and allows
complete rotation of the elongated cam feature as the outer surface
of the elongated cam feature contacts the cam slot. As the first
gear drives the second gear, the elongated cam feature rotates
driving the cam follower link in a linear, up and down motion
causing the brush cup and corresponding brush head attached thereto
to oscillate linearly in the longitudinal direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the
invention will be better understood from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1a is a front view of the powered brush.
[0009] FIG. 1b is a side view of the powered brush showing handle
features.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the powered brush showing
major components.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an overall sectional side view of the powered
brush.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the left inner housing
assembly with the brush handle and right inner housing removed
highlighting the drive gears of the internal mechanism.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the left inner housing
showing the molded insert cylinder.
[0014] FIG. 6a is a section view of the powered brush showing the
oscillating brush in the `in` position.
[0015] FIG. 6b is a section view of the powered brush showing the
oscillating brush in the `out` position.
[0016] FIG. 7a is a sectional perspective view through the internal
mechanism of the powered brush showing the oscillating brush in the
`in` position.
[0017] FIG. 7b is a sectional perspective view through the internal
mechanism of the powered brush showing the oscillating brush in the
`out` position.
[0018] FIG. 8a is a section view through the internal mechanism of
the powered brush showing the oscillating brush in the `in`
position.
[0019] FIG. 8b is a section view through the internal mechanism of
the powered brush showing the oscillating brush in the `out`
position.
[0020] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the powered brush showing
the battery cap removed.
[0021] FIG. 9b is a bottom view of the battery cap.
[0022] FIG. 9c is a perspective view of the bottom of the powered
brush with the battery cap removed exposing the inner housing
assembly.
[0023] FIG. 9d is a perspective view of the powered brush showing
the battery cap removed and the battery door in the open
position.
[0024] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of the powered brush showing
the battery cap removed and battery door open for installation of
batteries.
[0025] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the bottom of the powered
brush with the battery cap removed and battery door open exposing
the battery cavity for installation of batteries.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a section view of the battery compartment showing
the electrical path of the installed batteries.
[0027] FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional side view of the powered
brush at the power button location.
[0028] FIG. 13a is an enlarged front view of the power button with
the top plate removed from the handle.
[0029] FIG. 13b is a detail view of the push button seal with the
sealing frame removed and push button separated from the seal and
handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The shaving razor according to the present invention will be
described with reference to the following figures which illustrate
certain embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that these embodiments do not represent the full scope of the
invention which is broadly applicable in the form of variations and
equivalents as may be embraced by the claims appended hereto.
Furthermore, features described or illustrated as part of one
embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a
further embodiment. It is intended that the scope of the claims
extend to all such variations and equivalents.
[0031] The powered brush 10 according to the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The powered brush 10 includes a handle 14
having a top end 16 including the brush head 12 and a bottom end 18
including a battery cap 20. A longitudinal axis 22 extends between
the top end 16 and the bottom end 18. Power button 24 is disposed
in the side of the handle 14 between the top end 16 and the bottom
end 18.
[0032] The handle 14 and battery cap 20 are preferably chrome
plated metal for a high quality look and feel; however, plastics
and materials can be used. FIG. 1b is a side view of the powered
brush 10 and highlights gripping features of the handle 14. The
brush handle 14 has raised line features 26 on both sides of the
handle 14 to improve the users grip along with a curved etched
section 28. The curved etched section 28 could alternatively be a
machined surface, rubber grip insert, or electroformed plate in
order to improve the users' grip of the device.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the powered brush 10 according
to the present invention showing the major components. Starting
from the top, the powered brush 10 includes brush head 12, brush
cup 30, attachment pin 32, diaphragm seal 34, cam follower link 36,
crown gear 38, motor gear 40, gear shaft 42, gear spacer 44, motor
46, motor cushions 48, left inner housing 50, insert molded
cylinder 116, right inner housing 54, button seal 56, button
sealing frame 58, power button 24, top plate 60, spring battery
contacts 62, PCB assembly 64, battery door torsion spring 66,
battery door shaft 68, battery plus protector 70, battery door 72,
cap O-ring 74, battery cap 20, battery door plate 76, battery door
conductive piece 78, and vent membrane 80. The components and there
functions are discussed more fully below.
[0034] FIG. 3 is an overall sectional side view of the powered
brush 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the brush head 12 comprises a
plurality of bristles attached to a base. The plurality of bristles
can comprise badger hair, boar hair, horse hair, and synthetics
bristles such as nylon. The base of the brush head 12 is attached
to the brush cup 30 by glue and two brush pins 31 that prevent
removal.
[0035] The brush cup 30 is moveable in an axial direction relative
to the handle 14. The bristles extend longitudinally away from the
top end 16 of the handle 14 in a longitudinal direction 22.
"Longitudinal direction" is a direction running parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the handle and includes directions within
.+-.45.degree. of the longitudinal direction. The distance the
bristles extend longitudinally away from the top end 16 of the
handle ranges from about 0.5 inches to about 3.0 inches, preferably
from about 1.0 inches to about 2.5 inches.
[0036] The top end 16 of the handle shown in FIG. 3 includes an
opening 132 sized for receiving the brush cup 30. The handle 14
includes an inner cavity through the center between the top end 16
and the bottom end 18. An inner housing assembly 82 shown in FIG.
9c is disposed inside the inner cavity. The inner housing 82
includes a left inner housing 50 and a right inner housing 54. As
shown in FIG. 3, snap features 92 on either side of the left inner
housing 50 fit into a groove on the inner surface of the brush
handle 14 and lock the inner housing assembly 82 into position. The
inner housing assembly 82 houses a drive mechanism and a battery
compartment. The drive mechanism comprises a motor 46 including a
drive shaft, and an internal mechanism coupling the drive shaft to
the brush cup 30.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device with the brush
handle 14 and right inner housing 54 removed highlighting the drive
gears of the internal mechanism. The internal mechanism partially
translates rotational movement of the motor drive shaft to
reciprocating longitudinal motion of the brush cup 30. The internal
mechanism includes a transmission that comprises a motor gear 40
attached to the motor drive shaft. A crown gear 38 meshes with the
motor gear 40. The gear ratio (number of teeth of the crown gear 38
divided by the number of teeth of the motor gear 40) of this
embodiment is 2.25. However, different gear ratios could be
selected to alter the speed or rate of the in and out motion of the
power shave brush 10. Further, it should be noted that different
gear types could be used. For example, the motor gear can comprise
a pinion, and bevel gears could replace the motor gear and crown
gear. Further still, a different gear combination or gear train
could be used to generate the same motion but at a different rate
of linear oscillation.
[0038] The crown gear 38 includes a cam 112 shown in FIG. 3
comprising an outer surface that interfaces with a cam follower
link 36. The cam follower link 36 is attached to the brush cup 30
via an attachment pin 32. The brush head 12 is glued and pinned
into the brush cup 30 after the attachment pin 32 is attached to
the cam follower link 36. The attachment pin 32 has knurled or
machined features 33 that prevent removal once the attachment pin
32 is inserted into the cam follower link 36.
[0039] A diaphragm seal 34 (shown in FIG. 3 and in more detail FIG.
6a) assembled between the brush cup 30 and internal mechanism
prevents water from entering the device. The diaphragm seal 34 has
a center hole 35 and circular seal flange 37. The circular seal
flange 37 is under compression between the bottom of the brush cup
30 and the top of the cam follower link 36 after the insertion of
the attachment pin 32. The compression of the seal flange 37
prevents water from entering the device at the center attachment
location between the brush cup 30 and the cam follower link 36. The
diaphragm seal 34 also has a center cylindrical hub 39, which is
undersized in order to grip the upper section of the cam follower
link 36. This additional compression further helps to reduce the
possibility of water leaking into the device. In addition, the
outer perimeter of the diaphragm seal 34 has a wedge rib feature 41
that fits into annular groove 126 of the brush handle 14. The wedge
rib feature 41 is driven into the annular groove 126 by the
insertion of inner housing assembly 82. The top features of the
left inner housing 50 and right inner housing 54 supports the
bottom of the wedge rib feature 41 of the diaphragm seal 34. As the
wedge rib feature 41 is compressed into the groove 126, radial
compression on the sides of the wedge rib feature 41 further
prevents water from entering the device. During oscillation of the
cam follower link 36 the flexible diaphragm seal 34 can easily
deform due to the thin ligament 43, which connects the wedge rib
feature 41 with the center cylindrical hub 39.
[0040] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are sectional views of the powered brush
10 showing the internal mechanism. As shown, the motor 46 is
secured between the left inner housing 50 and the right inner
housing 54. In order to stabilize the motor and dampen the noise of
the power shave brush 10, flexible motor cushions 48 are inserted
at the upper and lower points of attachment. (The flexible motor
cushion 48 for the lower point of attachment is shown in FIG. 2.)
It is preferred that these motor cushions 48 are soft and flexible
and made of a thermoplastic elastomer, silicon, rubber, or similar
material.
[0041] Motor gear 40 is attached directly to the motor output
shaft. Motor gear 40 drives crown gear 38 which is attached to gear
shaft 42. Crown gear 38 also has an elongated cam feature 112,
which fits into the molded in hole 106 in the left inner housing
50.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the left inner housing 50
with the molded insert cylinder 116. The molded insert cylinder 116
is preferably a machined metal part, which is inserted directly
into the left inner housing 50. The molded insert cylinder 116 acts
as a guide that aids in the axial alignment of the cam follower
link 36 thereby limiting axial misalignment of the brush head 12
during oscillation. Alignment of the cam follower link 36 and brush
cup 30 are important to ensure that the oscillation of the brush
head 12 is axial since the cam feature 112 can impart both a radial
and axial force on the slot 114. The top opening 132 of brush
handle 14 also assists in the axial alignment of the brush cup 30
during the linear oscillation. Therefore, cylindrical gaps between
the cam follower link 36 and molded insert cylinder 116 and between
the brush cup 30 and top opening 132 are minimized in order to
reduce any radial motion of the brush head 12 and the cam follower
link 36.
[0043] Hole 106 in the left inner housing 50 shown in FIG. 5 acts
as a bearing surface for the elongated cam feature 112 extending
axially from the crown gear 38. The left inner housing 50 also
includes a boss 118 providing a bearing surface where the end of
the gear shaft 42 adjacent the cam feature 112 is mounted. Right
inner housing 54 includes a second boss 120 shown in FIG. 7a
providing a bearing surface for mounting the other the end of the
gear shaft 42 adjacent the crown gear 38. Several additional
features of the left inner housing 50 and the right inner housing
54 can be observed like the upper and lower points of the motor
attachment, attachment snap features 92, and the battery door hinge
to name a few.
[0044] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b demonstrate the basic
linear oscillation of the internal mechanism, each showing
different views of the brush head 12 in the "in" and "out" state.
Cam feature 112 of crown gear 38 engages with the cam slot 114 of
the cam follower link 36. In the "in" or down state shown in FIGS.
6a, 7a and 8a, the cam feature 112 is in contact with the bottom
surface of the cam slot 114 which drives the cam follower link 36
downward. As the crown gear 38 continues to be driven by the motor
gear 40, the cam feature 112 rotates about the axis defined by the
gear shaft 42. The slot 114 in the cam follower link 36 allows for
the complete rotation of the cam feature 112. The outer surface of
the cam feature 112 drives the cam follower link 36 upward as it
rotates at point of contact 134. At half rotation, the cam follower
link 36 is at the maximum extension and the brush head 12, which is
rigidly attached thereto, has moved a fixed distance upward to the
"out" state as shown in FIGS. 6b, 7b, and 8b. As the cam feature
112 continues to rotate in the same direction, cam follower link 36
is driven downward back toward the "in" state.
[0045] When the push button 24 is pressed to activate the basic
function of the power shave brush 10, the brush head 12 will move
in and out a fixed distance 13 governed by the internal mechanism
previously described. FIG. 6a is a section view of the device in
the "in" state and FIG. 6b is a section view of the device in the
"out" state. The fixed distance 13 for the embodiment shown in FIG.
6a is 1.5 mm. However, the distance of linear axial travel could be
adjusted by changing the internal mechanism. In addition, although
linear in and out motion of the brush head 12 is preferred, the
brush head 12 could have different motions (rotation, nodding,
vibrating, etc.) by changing the internal mechanism. Further, the
rate at which the brush head 12 moves in and out can also be
adjusted and will vary depending on the force applied to the brush
head 12 and status of the power supply. However, the rate is
preferably in the range of 100-800 Hz and more preferably in the
range of 200-400 Hz.
[0046] In addition to housing the motor 46 and internal mechanism
previously described, the inner housing assembly 82 includes a
battery compartment 15 near the bottom end of the handle 14 as
shown in FIGS. 9 through 11. FIG. 9a illustrates the removal of
outer battery cap 20 from the handle 14. The outer battery cap 20
is attached to the handle 14 via screw threads 84. Cap O-ring 74 is
disposed adjacent the screw threads 84 proximate the bottom end of
the cap 20 to prevent water from entering around the threads 84.
Although the handle 14 needs to be waterproof to protect the
electrical components, motor, and internal mechanism from exposure
to water, particularly for shaving cream application, it also needs
to allow for venting due to possible internal gas generation from
the batteries. For this reason, the battery cap 20 includes a vent
hole 21 in the bottom of the outer battery cap 20 as shown in FIG.
9b. The vent hole 21 is covered with a vent membrane 80 shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 which is porous to allow air to flow into and out of
the inner cavity of the powered brush 10 and waterproof to protect
the device. Material used for the vent membrane 80 can be purchased
from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
[0047] FIG. 9c is a view of the bottom of the handle 14 with the
outer battery cap 20 removed revealing the bottom of the inner
housing assembly 82 which protrudes outward slightly from the
bottom of the handle 14. The battery compartment 15 includes a
battery door 72. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9c and 9d, the
battery door 72 first slides in the direction indicated by the
arrow molded in the bottom of the door 72. Once a lip 73 on the
battery door 72 clears a cavity 90 of the left inner housing 50,
the door 72 can freely swing open about the battery door shaft
68.
[0048] The battery door 72 houses a metal battery door plate 76,
battery door conductive piece 78, and battery plus protector 70.
The metal battery door plate 76 has formed hinges that attach to
the battery door shaft 68. The battery door 72 can slide relative
to the battery door plate 76 via molded in slots 75 that engage
with the plate. The slots 75 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 11.
This allows the battery door to slide in the direction of the
molded in arrow and allows for the opening of the battery door
72.
[0049] Once the battery door lip 75 clears the cavity 90, the
battery door 72 is forced open by a battery door torsion spring 66.
This allows for the easy insertion of batteries 122B and 122A in
into the battery compartment 15 as illustrated in FIGS. 10a and
10b. The correct orientation of the batteries is communicated by a
molded in minus sign 86 and molded in plus sign 88 on the bottom
exposed surface of left inner housing 50 shown in FIG. 10b.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a sectional view through the center of the
batteries 122B and 122A. It demonstrates the electrical path of
correctly installed batteries in the device. Spring battery
contacts 62 force both batteries downward against the battery door
72 so that contact is made between the batteries and the battery
door conductive piece 78. The battery door conductive piece 78
completes the electrical connection between the batteries to power
the device.
[0051] A battery plus protector 70 is also attached to the battery
door plate 76 to ensure correct installation of the batteries 122B
and 122A into the device. The battery plus protector 70 is
non-conductive and ensures that only the positive end of the
battery can complete the connection due to molded in features. If
the battery is installed with the negative end facing down at this
location, the end of the battery door conductive piece 78 cannot
contact the battery and no connection can be made.
[0052] The powered brush 10 is activated by the push button 24 on
the side of the handle 14 shown in FIG. 1a. When the push button 24
is pressed and the powered brush 10 is oscillating, a blue light
shines through the push button 24 indicating that the unit is on.
When the push button 24 is pressed again, the powered brush 10
stops oscillating and the blue light is off, indicating that the
unit is off. Alternatively, the powered brush 10 can include a
multi-speed motor capable of driving the brush head 12 at two or
more oscillating speeds. For such applications, the motor speed can
be controlled by the PCB activated by the push button 24. For
instance, the button 24 can be pushed once to turn the unit on,
pushed a second time to increase the oscillating speed and a third
time to turn the unit off.
[0053] FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate the push button 24
attachment features. The overall sectional side view of the powered
brush 10 shown in FIG. 3 illustrates the orientation of the push
button 24 relative to other key components of the device. FIG. 12
is an enlarged sectional side view at the button location. FIGS.
13a and 13b illustrate the basic arrangement of the push button
24.
[0054] Push button 24 sits on a clear flexible button seal 56. The
flexible button seal 56 is preferably clear silicon. However,
alternatives like TPE could also be considered. The push button 24
is held in place by an attached top plate 60. A flange on the
perimeter of the button 24 facilitates the retention. The push
button 24 has an extended feature that fits into the button seal 56
and makes contact with a surface mounted switch 98, which is
attached to the main PCB 64. The main PCB 64 has an indicator LED
100 mounted below the push button 24 and button seal 56. When the
device is activated after the switch 98 is depressed, the LED 100
lights up and shines through the clear flexible button seal 56
indicating that the device is activated. The color of the LED light
100 can be white or colored. For instance, in a preferred
embodiment the LED light 100 is blue. The button seal 56 can also
incorporate light scattering techniques to disperse the light. Such
methods include using a matte finish and/or polymer additive.
[0055] The main PCB 64 is fixed to the left inner housing 50. In
the embodiment shown, the PCB 64 is mounted via two heat stake
posts, but other methods of attachment are possible (screws, snap
fit, etc.). The location of the PCB 64 and surface mounted switch
98 is fixed when the inner housing assembly 82 is attached to the
brush handle 14.
[0056] For waterproofing, the button seal 56 has a perimeter rib
feature 94 that fits into a groove 96 in the brush handle 14. The
seal 56 is compressed and retained by the button sealing frame 58.
The button sealing frame 58 is preferably a stamped metal piece to
limit deflection and improve the water tight condition. As the
button seal 56 is compressed, the rib feature 94 deflects outward
against the side walls of the groove 96. Therefore, the sealing
surfaces include the inside and outside wall perimeter of the
groove and the bottom of the groove channel. In addition, adhesive
in the bottom of the groove could be used as a sealing back-up.
[0057] FIG. 13a is an enlarged front view of the push button 24
with the top plate 60 removed. Glue grooves 102 on the side of the
handle 14 are used to attach the top plate 60. Glue is applied in
the grooves to secure the top plate 60 to the handle 14.
Alternative methods for attachment can be used. The button sealing
frame 58 is attached to the brush handle 14 using four screws 55.
The screws 55 allow for the button sealing frame 58 to apply
pressure to the button seal 56 and prevent water leakage into the
power shave brush 10.
[0058] FIG. 13b is a detail view of the push button 24 with the
sealing frame 58 removed and push button 24 separated from the seal
56 and handle 14. It is clear from this view how the shape of the
button seal 56 fits into the push button 24. FIG. 13b also
highlights the screw thread locations 104 for screws 55, which are
used to attach the button sealing frame 58.
[0059] Regarding all numerical ranges disclosed herein, it should
be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given
throughout this specification includes every lower numerical
limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly
written herein. In addition, every minimum numerical limitation
given throughout this specification will include every higher
numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were
expressly written herein. Further, every numerical range given
throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical
range that falls within such broader numerical range and will also
encompass each individual number within the numerical range, as if
such narrower numerical ranges and individual numbers were all
expressly written herein.
[0060] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0061] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0062] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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