U.S. patent application number 14/183267 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for personal care implement having a display.
This patent application is currently assigned to COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Eduardo J. Jimenez, Dong Ho Yun.
Application Number | 20140157538 14/183267 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39876310 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140157538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jimenez; Eduardo J. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT HAVING A DISPLAY
Abstract
A personal care implement or toothbrush includes a sensor for
detecting a position of the toothbrush and orientation display for
providing content to a user. The display may be configured to
present content in a mirror-image format. The personal care
implement may be configured to operate in one or more modes of
operation. One or more components may be included for setting
variables associated with the modes of operation, for changing an
orientation of the displayed content between a mirror-image format
and forward-facing format, and for changing the particular mode of
operation.
Inventors: |
Jimenez; Eduardo J.;
(Manalapan, NJ) ; Yun; Dong Ho; (Bayside,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
39876310 |
Appl. No.: |
14/183267 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13433785 |
Mar 29, 2012 |
8681008 |
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14183267 |
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11853078 |
Sep 11, 2007 |
8159352 |
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13433785 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B
15/0002 20130101; A46B 15/0006 20130101; A46B 15/0008 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A personal care implement defining a longitudinal axis and
comprising: a head; a handle coupled to the head by a neck portion;
a display configured to present visual content for viewing by a
user; a sensor arranged on the personal care implement and
configured to detect a relative change in orientation of the
personal care implement about an axis normal to the longitudinal
axis; and a control system operatively connected to the sensor and
the display, wherein the control system is configured to receive
and process signals from the sensor indicative of the relative
change in orientation of the personal care implement, and wherein
the control system is configured to change the visual content on
the display depending on the detected orientation of the personal
care implement.
2. The personal care implement of claim 1, wherein the sensor is
selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a
gyroscopic sensor, a MEMS accelerometer device, and a combination
thereof.
3. The personal care implement of claim 1, wherein the personal
care implement comprises a toothbrush and the head includes tooth
cleaning elements extending therefrom in a first direction.
4. The personal care implement of claim 3, wherein the display is
oriented in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
5. The personal care implement of claim 3, wherein the display is
included within the neck portion of the toothbrush.
6. The personal care implement of claim 3, further comprising a
second sensor configured to track a number of brushing strokes of
the toothbrush, wherein the second sensor is operatively connected
to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to
receive and process signals from the second sensor and output to
the display a counted or remaining number of brushing strokes
during a brushing session.
7. The personal care implement of claim 6, wherein the control
system actuates an alarm upon the number of brushing strokes
reaching a predetermined threshold.
8. The personal care implement of claim 1, further comprising an
actuator configured to change a mode of operation of the
display.
9. The personal care implement of claim 8, wherein the mode of
operation of the display comprises at least two of a clock mode, a
timer mode, and a counter mode.
10. The personal care implement of claim 9, wherein when the mode
of operation of the display is in the clock mode, a time of day is
displayed on the display, wherein when the mode of operation of the
display is in the timer mode, a timer is displayed on the display,
and wherein when the mode of operation of the display is in the
counter mode, a stroke counter is displayed on the display.
11. The personal care implement of claim 8, further comprising an
alarm associated with the change of the mode of operation of the
display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/433,785, filed on Mar. 29, 2012, now
allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/853,078, filed on Sep. 11, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,159,352, issued on Apr. 17, 2012, the contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to a personal care implement,
in particular, to a toothbrush with sensors. Tooth brushing is part
of a daily oral hygiene activity. Dentists generally recommend that
an individual brush his or her teeth for a minimum interval per
cleaning, such as two minutes. Despite such recommendations, many
individuals, especially young children, do not regularly brush
their teeth for the recommended minimum interval.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention pertains to a personal care implement
including a care region for engaging an anatomical region of an
organism, a body for gripping the implement and a sensor to detect
the position of the personal care implement.
[0004] In a further aspect, the sensor detects a rotation of the
body about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the body.
[0005] In yet another aspect, the sensor is an accelerometer.
[0006] In another aspect, the personal care implement includes a
display to provide information to a user of the implement.
[0007] In another aspect, the personal care implement may include
at least one actuator configured to change a mode of operation of
the oral care implement.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the implement may include at least
one actuator configured to change an orientation of the content on
the display of the oral care implement.
[0009] In another aspect, the implement includes a sensor
configured to rotate the content being presented upon detection of
a rotation of the oral care implement about an axis.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective front and rear views of an oral
care implement, such as a toothbrush, according to one or more
embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2A-6B are enlarged views of the implement portions
with a display; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is an example functional block diagram of components
of the implement with an electronic display system according to one
or more embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In the following description, the invention is discussed in
terms of a toothbrush (e.g. a form of an oral care implement) but
could be in the form of other personal care implements, such as a
hair dryer. The personal care implement is normally used by a human
for personal hygiene. For example, a toothbrush can be used for
personal hygiene, such as oral care purposes. Further, it is
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
and functional modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an oral care implement, such as a
toothbrush, generally designated with the reference numeral 100.
The toothbrush 100 generally includes a head 102 and a handle
103.
[0016] The handle 103 is generally an elongated member dimensioned
so that a user can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100.
The handle 103 may be formed of many different shapes, lengths and
with a variety of constructions. In one construction, the handle
103 has a neck portion 105 positioned adjacent the head 101. The
neck portion 105 may be a narrowed region on the handle 103 between
head 101 and the part of the handle normally gripped by the user.
Nevertheless, the neck portion 101 could be the region between the
head 101 and the part of the handle normally gripped by the user.
In another construction, the handle 103 is integrally formed with
the head 101. Other attachment configurations also are
possible.
[0017] The head 101 may include an oral care region comprising one
or more tooth cleaning elements 111. As used herein, the term
"tooth cleaning elements" or "cleaning elements" includes any type
of structure that is commonly used or is suitable for use in
providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth
polishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulating, etc.) by making
contact with portions of the teeth and gums. Such tooth cleaning
elements include but are not limited to tufts of bristles that can
be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes and
elastomeric cleaning members that can be formed to have a number of
different shapes and sizes, or a combination of both tufts of
bristles and elastomeric cleaning members.
[0018] In one construction, the one or more tooth cleaning elements
111 are formed from a plurality of bristles. Referring to FIGS.
1A-1B, the tooth cleaning elements 111 are bristle regions having
different shapes, however, it is understood that a number of
different configurations of oral care implements may be utilized.
The one or more tooth cleaning elements 111 may be attached to the
head 101 by known methods, such as being fit within recesses formed
in the head 101 along a front portion 107 of the toothbrush 100
(FIG. 1A). The head 101 also may be configured to be detached from
the neck 105 or handle 103 and replaced with a new head 101 when
the previous head 101 wears out and should be replaced.
[0019] In another construction, toothbrush 100 may be a powered
toothbrush including a power source that drives a powered element,
such as movable cleaning elements 111 with an
activation/deactivation or "on/off" button (not shown).
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a front portion 107 of the toothbrush
100 and FIG. 1B shows a rear portion 109 of the toothbrush 100. In
the illustrative FIGS. 1A-1B, a thumb gripping portion 115 is also
shown. A user may hold the toothbrush 100 with their thumb resting
on gripping portion 115. Thumb gripping portion 115 may be formed
of a pliable, cushioning material that is depressible as a user
presses their thumb against it. In one or more constructions, as
described herein, the thumb gripping portion 115 may serves as an
actuator. For example, portion 115 may act as a button to turn an
electronic device associated with the toothbrush 100 "on" and/or
"off," a button to change a mode of operation of an electronic
device associated with the toothbrush 100, and/or a button to
change an orientation of the content of a display associated with
the toothbrush 100.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1B, display 121 presents symbolic or
graphical content for viewing by a user. The symbolic or graphical
content may include characters or images associated with digital
data. In one construction, the content may include video clips or
other moving images and characters for dynamic viewing by a user.
Display 121 is disposed within the neck portion 105 on the back
portion 109 of the toothbrush 100. In this arrangement, the oral
care region is oriented in a first direction (e.g., extending away
from the front portion 107) and the display is oriented in a second
direction opposed to the first direction. Display 121 may be a
liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) type
display among other types. For example, display may be an Organic
LED that can be tuned to provide a desired luminescent
characteristic such as color, temperature, intensity etc. OLED
technology can be embedded into the toothbrush molding, or can be
applied to the surface of the toothbrush body. It should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention
is not limited to any particular type of display.
[0022] FIGS. 2A-6B illustrate alternative constructions of the oral
care implement, generally designated with the reference numerals
200, 300, 400, 500, and/or 600, respectively. For ease of
explanation, similar structures will be referred to with similar
reference numerals, using a 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600 series
numerals.
[0023] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a display region of a toothbrush
according to one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, a
toothbrush 200 includes a display 221 disposed within the neck
portion 205. Although shown in the neck portion 205, it should be
understood that other areas of the toothbrush 200 may be utilized
to house the display 221. For example, the display could be located
in the handle region on the side opposite the tooth cleaning
elements 111. As shown in FIG. 2A, the content of the display 221
refers to a time of day for clock reading, i.e., 7:07 AM. Display
221 may also present other content such as the current day, month,
year, or century; future appointments or meeting reminders. In this
arrangement, the display 221 functions as clock device or time
piece.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2A, toothbrush 200 may include two setting
actuators 227. In this example, setting actuators 227 may be
configured to allow a user to depress, or otherwise engage, one or
more of the actuators 227 to set an hour and a minute for the time
of day. A single actuator 227 and/or more than two actuators 227
may be utilized for toothbrush 200. For example, a third setting
actuator 227 may be included to set the time with a designation of
AM or PM.
[0025] One or more additional actuators may be included to perform
a variety of functions. As shown in FIG. 2A, two additional
actuators 223 and 225 are shown. In this example, actuators 223 and
225 may be push buttons. In other examples, actuators 223, 225, and
227 may be other types of input actuators. For example, they may be
a switch or other type of input mechanisms or devices. In this
example, actuator 223 may be a mode selection actuator. Actuator
223 allows a user to change the mode of operation of the display
221 to any of a number of different operations. For example, and as
described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, depression or other
engagement of actuator 223 may change the mode of operation to
present a time of day or clock reading on the display 221. A
subsequent engagement of actuator 223, may change the mode of
operation to a stroke counter, as illustrated in the example shown
in FIGS. 3A and 3B. A further subsequent engagement of actuator 223
may change the mode of operation to a countdown or count-up timer,
as illustrated in the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
Nevertheless, the specific order of the engagement events of the
actuator 223, does not limit the scope of the invention.
[0026] In one construction, the presented content changes
corresponding to the change in time when operating in a mode to
display a time of day for clock reading on the display 221. In
addition, the designation of AM may change to PM when the 12th hour
of the day has been reached. Similarly, the PM designation may
change to AM when midnight is reached. Although described herein as
a clock reading, the display 221 in this mode of operation may
present the current date or future date in lieu of, or in
combination with the presented time.
[0027] Returning to the example in FIG. 2A, actuator 225 may serve
as an orientation actuator for the content presented in display
221. In one operation, when display 221 is in a forward facing
direction for viewing by the user, the content shown on the display
221 in FIG. 2A may be easily read in a left to right direction by
the user (e.g., a forward-facing format). However, when the display
221 is in a rear-facing direction away from the user, the content
is blocked from the view of the user. Furthermore, in the rear
facing arrangement of display 221, when the content is viewed as an
image on a reflective surface, the image of the display 221 is
reversed with respect to the forward facing direction.
[0028] In a construction of toothbrush 200, upon depression or
other engagement of the orientation actuator 225, the content
presented on the display 221 is changed to a mirror-image of the
original content. Accordingly, the original content shown in the
display 221 in FIG. 2A is re-oriented or re-formatted to the
content shown in FIG. 2B, where the content is now in a right to
left direction. For example, in FIG. 2B, the time of 7:07 AM is
still shown, but is now in a mirror-image format. The original
content which would normally be read in a left to right direction
in the English language is now presented in a right to left
direction. In this example, when the content is reversed in the
display 221 as seen in FIG. 2B (e.g., in a mirror-image format),
the display can be clearly read as 7:07 AM when viewed as a
reflected image from a mirrored surface. This configuration is
helpful to a user when the display 221 is in a rear-facing
direction, such as when the user is brushing in front of a mirror
(e.g. a front facing toward a mirror). In this manner, the user can
readily determine the information presented on the display by
viewing the reflective image in the mirror without having to
momentarily stop brushing. Nevertheless, upon depression/engagement
of orientation actuator 225, the content in mirror-image format may
change to that shown in FIG. 2A for forward face viewing by the
user. While the discussion refers to the English language reading
direction, the inventive aspects may be practiced in other
languages as well, such as Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic,
Russian, French, etc.
[0029] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another construction of a toothbrush
300 in which the content relates to a stroke counter. In FIG. 3A,
toothbrush 300 includes a display 321 disposed in the body or a
neck portion 305 of the toothbrush 300. The stroke counter mode of
operation may be obtained by depression of one of the actuators. In
this example, upon engagement of actuator 323, a user may switch
from the time of day operation mode to the stroke counter
operation. In the stroke counter mode, the number of brush strokes
is tracked and counted by the toothbrush 300. By using actuators
327, a user may set a target number of strokes to be counted before
an alarm (e.g., a sound or visible notification) is activated
and/or the user may set a number of strokes to be counted down
before an alarm is deactivated. Different stroke counts may be
implemented at one time. For example, a user may track the total
number of brush strokes, while also independently tracking the
number of strokes in a particular area of his or her mouth. The
information may be stored separately to allow a user to monitor his
or her brushing habits.
[0030] Similar to the mirror-image format of content in FIG. 2B,
FIG. 3B illustrates a mirror-image format of the stroke count. Upon
depression or other engagement of actuator 325 in FIG. 3A, the
content of display 321 may be reversed to show the stroke count,
i.e., "17 strokes". A user can readily read at any time how many
strokes have been counted or how many strokes remain to be counted
via the reflection of the display 321 in a mirrored surface. Any
number of different configurations of stroke counting or countdown
may be implemented in accordance with aspects of the illustrative
embodiments.
[0031] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate another construction of a toothbrush
400 in which the content is a count up or countdown timer. In FIG.
4A, toothbrush 400 includes a display 421 disposed in body or a
neck portion 405 of the toothbrush 400. The timer mode of operation
may be obtained by depression of one of the actuators. In this
example, upon depression of actuator 423, a user may switch from
the stroke counter mode of operation to the timer mode of
operation. In the timer mode of operation, the toothbrush 400 may
act as a device to count up to a certain time or to count down from
a certain time. This may be useful to individuals who strive to
brush their teeth for the recommended total of at least two
minutes, twice a day. In one example, an alarm may be configured to
alert the user upon the timer reaching the specified end time.
[0032] Similar to the mirror-image format of the content in FIGS.
2B and 3B, FIG. 4B illustrates a mirror-image format of the elapsed
or remaining brushing time. Upon depression of actuator 425 in FIG.
4A, the content to display 421 may be reversed to show 1:47 in
mirror-image format. A user can readily determine how much time
remains, whether counting down to zero or counting up to a
particular end time, by viewing the display 421 as a reflection in
a mirror. Any number of different configurations of counting up or
counting down may be implemented in accordance with aspects of the
illustrative embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates another construction of a toothbrush 500.
In FIG. 5, toothbrush 500 includes a display 521 disposed in body
or a neck portion 505 of the toothbrush 500. In this example,
display 521 includes a backlight feature. For example, OLED
technology could be used in display 521 of toothbrush 500. With
this feature, the toothbrush 500 may act as a nightlight during
certain configurable times of day. As shown in FIG. 5, the
backlight of display 521 is illuminated at 2:07 AM. A user may use
the illuminated light from the backlight of the display 521 to see
around a darkened room for orientation and may be able to tell the
time at the same time. This feature may be implemented by
depression or other engagement of one of the actuators.
[0034] In this example, a user may set the time period in which
he/she desires the backlight to be in operation. For example,
utilizing actuators 527, a user may set the backlight to operate
between one or more predefined time periods, such as 11:00 PM to
6:00 AM, although it should be understood that any of a number of
other settings may be configured. In an alternative embodiment, a
light detection sensor may be included within the toothbrush 500 to
detect the ambient light around the toothbrush 500. In one example,
the sensor may be a photodiode or photoconductive sensor enabled
read a light level of 0 to 100 Foot-Candles (FC). Upon falling
below a particular lighting threshold, the toothbrush 500 may then
automatically initiate operation of the backlight on the display
521. The body of the toothbrush 500 may have a small window (e.g.,
clear plastic) which receives ambient light for the sensor. For
example, the window may be part of display 521 and the sensor may
be provided in combination with the display 521.
[0035] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another construction of a toothbrush
600. As shown in FIG. 6A, toothbrush 600 includes a display 621
disposed in a body or in a neck portion 605 of the toothbrush 600.
In this example, the user may operate the toothbrush 600 in a time
of day or clock reading mode of operation. Such may be the case
where a user has depressed one or more of actuators 623, 625,
and/or 627. As shown, the content of the display 621 is in a
mirror-image format so the user may readily read the content as a
reflection in a mirror. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 6A, the content
is shown in which the graphic characters are presented along a
longitudinal axis (a-a shown in FIG. 1A) of the display 621 and of
the toothbrush 600. The toothbrush may be rotated clockwise or
counter-clockwise about an axis b-b transverse to the longitudinal
axis a-a of the toothbrush as shown in FIG. 1A. If the user rotates
the toothbrush counter-clockwise 180.degree. about axis b-b, the
content of display 621 would be displayed upside down.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6B, when toothbrush 600 is rotated
180.degree. counter-clockwise, the content of display 621 also
flips or rotates to maintain the mirror-image format. Therefore,
when looking at the reflection of the display 621 in a mirror, a
user may properly see the time or other information. Any of a
number of different mechanisms may be utilized to track the
position of the display and/or toothbrush. For example, a sensor,
such as a gyroscopic sensor or an accelerometer, built into the
toothbrush 600 may detect the relative change in position of the
toothbrush 600 from a first state, to a second state, in which the
toothbrush 600 has been rotated 180.degree.. As should be
understood, although described with respect to the time of day mode
of operation, the description with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B may
be implemented with respect to other modes of operation of the
toothbrush.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6B, in an alternative construction, an
accelerometer utilizing Micro-Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS)
technology could be embedded in the toothbrush during molding, or
could take the form of a sticker applied on the toothbrush body. A
MEMS accelerometer device generates a signal representative of
acceleration in a particular direction ("measurement direction").
The MEMS accelerometer detects gravitational force when not in
motion. Accordingly, different altitudes of the MEMS accelerometer
device with respect to the vertical can result in different
readings which depend on the coincidence of the measurement
direction with the direction of the gravitation pull. The detection
of different altitudes may be used to detect the position of the
toothbrush and the relative change in position from a first state
or second state as discussed above.
[0038] As described herein with respect to FIG. 7, a control system
707 of the toothbrush 100 may be included to provide content or
image data for the display 121. FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram
of components in one or more constructions of toothbrush 100. One
or more of the components shown in FIG. 7 may be included within
one or more printed circuit boards. Toothbrush 700 includes control
system 707, a power supply operatively connected to one or more
elements of the system 707; and a display 711 operatively connected
to one or more components of the system 707. Power supply 709 may
include one or more power components, such as a battery or a wired
connection to a power source, providing for electrical power to
electrical components of the toothbrush 700.
[0039] Clock circuitry 701 may include hardware, software,
computer-readable instructions, or other components to allow for
tracking of the time of day and/or time of year and for outputting
such information in a suitable form for use by the display 711. As
such, clock circuitry 701 may include a crystal oscillator for
counting seconds. Clock circuitry 701 may be configured to perform
the functions for processing signal(s) performing computer-readable
instructions, and reading from and writing to a memory (not shown)
associated with the toothbrush 700 operating in a clock mode.
[0040] Timer circuitry 703 may include hardware, software,
computer-readable instructions, or other components to allow for
counting up or counting down time and for outputting such
information in suitable form for use by the display 711. Timer
circuitry 703 may include a crystal oscillator for counting
seconds, minutes, etc. Timer circuitry 703 may be configured to
perform the functions for processing signal(s) performing
computer-readable instructions, and reading from and writing to a
memory (not shown) associated with the toothbrush 700 operating in
a timer mode.
[0041] Counter circuitry 705 may include any hardware, software,
computer-readable instructions, or other components to allow for
counting up or counting down strokes of the toothbrush 700 and for
outputting such information in suitable form for use by the display
711. As such, counter circuitry 705 may include a sensor for
detecting movement of the toothbrush. Counter circuitry 705 may be
configured to perform the functions for processing signal(s),
performing computer-readable instructions, and reading from and
writing to a memory (not shown) associated with the toothbrush 700
operating in a stroke counter mode.
[0042] Orientation circuitry 713 may include hardware, software,
computer-readable instructions, or other components to allow the
content of display 711 to be selectively presented in a
mirror-image format or forward-facing format, and for outputting
such information in suitable form for use by the display 711. For
example, orientation circuitry 713 may receive and process an input
signal to cause display 711 and/or clock circuitry component 701,
timer circuitry component 703, and/or counter circuitry component
705 to display an image on display 711. Orientation circuitry 713
may be configured to perform the functions for processing signal(s)
performing computer-readable instructions, and reading from and
writing to a memory (not shown) associated with the toothbrush 700
switching between a reversed content display and a non-reversed
content display.
[0043] Mode selection circuitry 715 may include electrical
circuitry, software, computer-readable instructions, or other
components to allow for changing the mode of operation of the
toothbrush 700. For example, mode selection circuitry 715 may
receive and process an input signal to change the mode of operation
from time of day mode of operation to timer mode of operation. Mode
selection circuitry 715 may be configured to perform the functions
for processing signal(s) performing computer-readable instructions,
and reading from and writing to a memory (not shown) associated
with the toothbrush 700 switching between different modes of
operation.
[0044] Setting circuitry 717 may include electrical circuitry,
software, computer-readable instructions, or other components to
allow for setting one or more features of the toothbrush 700. For
example, setting circuitry 717 may receive and process an input
signal to set one or more features, such as the time of day, the
month or year, the time to count up to, the time to count down
from, the strokes to count up to, and/or the strokes to count down
from. Setting circuitry component 717 is configured to perform the
functions for processing signal(s) performing computer-readable
instructions, and reading from and writing to a memory (not shown)
associated with setting features of the toothbrush 700.
[0045] The inventive aspects may be practiced for a manual
toothbrush or a powered toothbrush. While the various features of
the toothbrush 100 work together to achieve the advantages
previously described, it is recognized that individual features and
sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtain some of
the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt all of
these features.
[0046] It is understood that designations such as "first" and
"second" are for illustrative purposes and can be interchanged.
Further, a care region, such as a personal care region or oral care
region, may engage a particular anatomical portion or region of an
organism, such as a human body or mammal. The engagement may be
physical abutment of the care region of the implement or movement a
fluid, such as air or liquid, coming from the care region. In
another example, the care region may have light coming from the
region which contacts the user's anatomical portion. In one
example, an oral care region may have cleaning elements or may
direct a form of ultraviolet light to clean/whiten the teeth of a
user. In a hair dyer example (e.g., a form of a personal care
implement), a personal care region may include a comb or nozzle for
directing forced air--heated or unheated onto a user's head, such
as hair.
[0047] While the invention has been described with respect to
specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying
out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
there are numerous variations and permutations of the above
described systems and techniques. Thus, the spirit and scope of the
invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended
claims.
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