U.S. patent application number 13/863024 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for bling toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ashtel Studios, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is ASHTEL STUDIOS, INC.. Invention is credited to Anish Patel.
Application Number | 20140304932 13/863024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51685748 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140304932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Anish |
October 16, 2014 |
BLING TOOTHBRUSH
Abstract
A diamond-like cover for a toothbrush may improve the appearance
of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the toothbrush may include an
elongated member including a head with bristles. The body may
include a cover with a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of
slots containing an ultrasonically sealed diamond-like element.
Inventors: |
Patel; Anish; (Fontana,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASHTEL STUDIOS, INC. |
Fontana |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ashtel Studios, Inc.
Fontana
CA
|
Family ID: |
51685748 |
Appl. No.: |
13/863024 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
29/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/23 20150115;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 15/0087 20130101; A46B 15/0042
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
29/10 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00; A46B 9/04 20060101 A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: an elongated member comprising a head
with bristles; and a body comprising a cover with a plurality of
slots, each of the plurality of slots containing a diamond-like
element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each diamond-like element is
ultrasonically sealed into each of the plurality of slots.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is a replaceable
cover with a plurality of diamond-like elements.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the apparatus
further comprises a plurality of slots, each of the slots
containing an ultrasonically sealed diamond-like element.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a button
configured to activate audio stored in memory of the apparatus for
a predefined period of time.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a button
configured to activate a plurality of light emitting devices to
create an illuminating effect through each diamond-like element for
a predefined period of time.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the body comprises a
transparent cover configured to allow light to pass through each
diamond-like element for the predefined period of time.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a base configured
to hold the apparatus in an upright manner, reducing a number of
microbes that contact the bristles of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of slots
comprises a locking mechanism configured to contract when the
diamond-like element is inserted in a slot, and configured to
secure the diamond-like element in the slot.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
slots comprises a locking mechanism configured to latch into a
rivet of the diamond-like element when the diamond-like element is
inserted into a slot.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second cover
comprising a plurality of slots configured to be placed on the
first cover, and configured to secure each diamond-like element to
the first cover.
12. An apparatus, comprising: an elongated member comprising a head
with bristles; and a body comprising a cover with a plurality of
slots, each of the plurality of slots containing an ultrasonically
sealed diamond-like element.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cover is a replaceable
cover.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the body, the cover, and the
elongated member of the apparatus are transparent.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the body comprises a button
configured to activate audio stored in memory of the apparatus for
a predefined period of time.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the body comprises a button
configured to activate a plurality of light emitting devices to
create an illuminating effect through each diamond-like element for
a predefined period of time.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a base
configured to hold the apparatus in an upright manner, reducing a
number of microbes that contact the bristles of the apparatus.
18. A method, comprising: creating, by a molding machine, a cover
comprising a plurality of slots; and ultrasonically sealing, by an
ultrasonic machine, a plurality of diamond-like elements into the
plurality of slots.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush and, more
particularly, to a process for applying diamonds, or diamond-like
objects, on a toothbrush.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Users of various devices, such as mobile phones, often
purchase accessories for their devices. One such accessory is a
cover for the device. The device cover may include shiny elements,
such as imitation diamonds, to give a shiny appearance. These shiny
elements are generally glued onto the device and have a tendency to
fall off over the use of the cover. For this reason, toothbrushes
lack such a cover. Thus, an improved way to attach the shiny
elements to the cover of the device, such as a toothbrush, may be
beneficial.
SUMMARY
[0003] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide
solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet
been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current device
covers.
[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is
provided. The apparatus includes an elongated member having a head
with bristles. The apparatus also includes a body having a cover
with a plurality of slots. Each of the plurality of slots is
configured to contain a diamond-like element.
[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus
is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated member comprising
a head with bristles, and a body having a cover with a plurality of
slots. Each of the plurality of slots is configured to contain an
ultrasonically sealed diamond-like element.
[0006] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a
process for applying diamond-like elements is provided. The process
includes creating, by a molding machine, a cover comprising a
plurality of slots. The process also includes ultrasonically
sealing, by an ultrasonic machine, a plurality of diamond-like
elements into the plurality of slots.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the
invention will be readily understood, a more particular description
of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by
reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the
appended drawings. While it should be understood that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a toothbrush, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a toothbrush, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates another side view of a toothbrush,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a toothbrush having a
button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a toothbrush having a
button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates another side view of a toothbrush having
a button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2D illustrates a bottom view of a toothbrush, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of a toothbrush, such as that
shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system
for a toothbrush, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for applying
particles to a toothbrush or a cover of the toothbrush, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cover with a plurality of
slots, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cover and a plurality of
elements with rivets, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a first cover with a
plurality of slots, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a first cover and a second
cover to secure elements, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a
toothbrush. In one embodiment, the toothbrush includes a cover with
a plurality of slots. Each of the slots includes an ultrasonically
sealed diamond-like element. It should be appreciated that the
embodiments are not limited to diamond-like elements, but may
include any type of element, such as another gem-like element, a
gold-like element, etc.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a toothbrush 100,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Toothbrush 100
includes an elongated section 105. At the distal end of elongated
section 105, a toothbrush head 110 having bristles 115 is
provided.
[0024] Toothbrush 100 also includes a body 120. Body 120 includes a
cover 125 having a plurality of diamond-like elements 130 and a
gripping portion 135. Cover 125 may be removable to allow a user of
toothbrush 100 to customize his or her toothbrush 100. Cover 125
may include a plurality of slots. Each of the plurality of slots is
either the same in size or different in size, depending on the
size(s) of diamond-like element(s) 130, as well as the design of
toothbrush. Gripping portion 135 allows a user of toothbrush 100 to
place his or her thumb on gripping portion 135 to firmly hold
toothbrush 100.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, another gripping portion 145 is
provided on the reverse side of toothbrush 100. This allows a user
to firmly grip toothbrush 100 using his or her fingers, e.g., an
index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and/or pinky finger.
Gripping portions 135, 145 provide the brush with a functional
ergonomic design, allowing the user to grip toothbrush 100. It
should be appreciated that gripping portions 135, 145 may be
suitable for both right hand users and left hand users. This is
contrary to current toothbrush designs, as toothbrushes are
generally suitable for right handed users only. A more detailed
explanation of the gripping portions of toothbrush 100 will be
described below with respect to FIGS. 2B and 2C.
[0026] It should also be appreciated that toothbrush 100 also
includes a stand 150 configured to maintain toothbrush 100 in an
upright manner. This prevents toothbrush 100 from contacting a
surface, such as a bathroom countertop, reducing the overall number
of microbes traversing the surface of bristles 115. On the opposite
side of bristles 115, a tongue cleaner 140 is provided. Tongue
cleaner 140 allows a user to clean his or her tongue, cheek, or
both, while brushing his or her teeth. In certain embodiments,
tongue cleaner 140 may be composed of plastic material that may be
part of the mold of toothbrush 100. In other embodiments, tongue
cleaner 140 may be any material, such as rubber, that would be
appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a toothbrush 200 having
a button 255, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Toothbrush 200 includes similar features to those discussed above
with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, toothbrush 200 may
include an elongated section 205 having a brush head 210 with
bristles 215 and a tongue cleaner 240 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C).
Toothbrush 200 may also include a body 220 having a cover 225 with
diamond-like elements 230 embedded on each of the slots, a first
grip portion 235, a second grip portion 245 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C),
a brush stand (or base) 250.
[0028] First and second grip portions 235, 245 are configured to
allow a user to firmly grip toothbrush 200 in an ergonomic manner.
In this embodiment, second grip portion 245 includes an index
finger indentation 245a configured to allow a user to grip
toothbrush 200 with his or her index finger, a central finger
indentation 245b configured to allow the user to grip toothbrush
200 with his or her middle finger and ring finger, and a pinky
finger indentation 245c configured to allow the user to grip
toothbrush 200 with his or her pinky finger.
[0029] In this embodiment, toothbrush 200 includes a button 255
configured to cause toothbrush 200 to play music and in some
embodiments, light up to provide an illuminating/crystallized
effect. In order for the user of toothbrush 200 to view the
illuminating effect, toothbrush 200 or cover 225 may be
transparent. By having a transparent cover, when the light emitting
devices (LEDs, not shown) illuminate through diamond-like elements
230, a crystallized effect is realized, and light is refracted
through the diamond-like elements.
[0030] In some embodiments, the LEDs are configured to light up for
a predefined period of time where no music is played. In other
embodiments, where music is played by toothbrush 200, the LEDs may
illuminate for the duration during which the music is played. In
certain embodiments, the LEDs may illuminate in accordance with the
beat of the music, providing the user of toothbrush 200 with more
entertainment.
[0031] It should be appreciated that base 255 may include a
plurality of slots 260 (see FIG. 2D), allowing audio (e.g., music)
to be heard by the user. By placing slots 260 in base 255, or the
bottom of toothbrush 200, the volume of the audio will not be
decreased when the user is brushing his or her teeth. Further, the
audio itself will not be muffled when the user grips the
toothbrush.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of a toothbrush 300,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example,
FIG. 3 shows a back view of a toothbrush, such as that shown in
FIGS. 1A and 2A. In this embodiment, toothbrush 300 may include a
tongue cleaner 305 and grip 310. Grip 310 allows the index finger
and middle finger to grip the brush properly. An explanation of
grip 310 is provided above with respect to FIGS. 2B and 2C.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system
400 for a toothbrush, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Computing system 400 may include a bus 405 or other
communication mechanism that can communicate information and at
least one processor 410, coupled to bus 405, that can process
information. At least one processor 410 can be any type of general
or specific purpose processor. Computing system 400 may also
include memory 420 that can store information and instructions to
be executed by at least one processor 410. Memory 420 can be
comprised of any combination of random access memory ("RAM"), read
only memory ("ROM"), static storage such as a magnetic or optical
disk, or any other type of computer readable medium. Computing
system 400 may also include a communication device 415, such as a
network interface card, that may provide access to a network.
[0034] The computer readable medium may be any available media that
can be accessed by at least one processor 410. The computer
readable medium may include both volatile and nonvolatile media,
removable and non-removable media, and communication media. The
communication media may include computer readable instructions,
data structures, program modules, or other data and may include any
information delivery media.
[0035] At least one processor 410 can also be coupled via bus 405
to at least one button 445. At least one button 445, together with
the at least one processor 410, when pressed by a user, may cause
music module 430 to play music that can be heard via speaker 450.
At least one button 445 with the at least one processor 410 may
also activate LED lights 440, causing illumination to occur
according to the beats of the music.
[0036] According to one embodiment, memory 420 may store software
modules that may provide functionality when executed by at least
one processor 410. The modules can include an operating system 425
and a music module 430, as well as other functional modules 435.
Operating system 425 may provide operating system functionality for
computing system 400. Because computing system 400 may be part of a
larger system, computing system 400 may include one or more
additional functional modules 435 to include the additional
functionality.
[0037] It should be noted that some of the system features
described in this specification have been presented as modules, in
order to more particularly emphasize their implementation
independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a
hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integration
(VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such
as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module
may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as
field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic,
programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or the
like.
[0038] A module may also be at least partially implemented in
software for execution by various types of processors. An
identified unit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one
or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that
may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or
function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module
need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate
instructions stored in different locations which, when joined
logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated
purpose for the module. Further, modules may be stored on a
computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a hard disk
drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any other
such medium used to store data.
[0039] Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single
instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over
several different code segments, among different programs, and
across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be
identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be
embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable
type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a
single data set, or may be distributed over different locations
including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least
partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating a process for
applying particles to a toothbrush or a cover of the toothbrush,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process
begins with creating, by a molding machine, a mold at 505 with
embedded slots. Each slot within the mold is based on the size and
shape of the element (e.g., the imitation diamond) that will be
inserted into each of the slots. At 510, paint is applied by a
machine to the mold. At 515, each element is inserted into each of
the slots and an ultrasonic machine ultrasonically seals each
element into the slots at 520 to prevent the elements from falling
out.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 illustrating a cover 605 with a
plurality of slots 610, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, a locking mechanism 615 is included
around each of the plurality of slots 610. As each element 620 is
placed into each of the plurality of slots 610, locking mechanism
620 is configured to contract, allowing element 620 to be locked in
slot 610 after insertion by locking mechanism 620, preventing
element 620 from falling out of cover 605. Stated differently, this
embodiment allows each element 620 to be snapped into cover
605.
[0042] In another embodiment, an element may have rivets, allowing
the locking mechanism to securely lock the element. FIG. 7 is a
diagram 700 illustrating a cover 705 and a plurality of elements
720 with rivets 725. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of
elements 720 includes rivets 725. As each element 720 is inserted
into each of a plurality of slots 710, a locking mechanism 715 is
configured latch to rivet 725 of element 720. This allows element
720 to be secured within cover 705, preventing element 720 from
falling out. In other embodiments, element 720 may include grooves
(not shown) instead of rivets, allowing element 720 to be screwed
onto cover 705.
[0043] FIG. 8A is a diagram 800 illustrating a first cover 805 with
a plurality of slots 810, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of elements 815
are inserted into each of the plurality of slots 810. As shown in
FIG. 8B, a second cover 820 having a plurality of slots 825 is
placed on first cover 805 to secure each of the plurality of
elements 815. A seal 830 is used to secure and connect first cover
805 with second cover 820. In certain embodiments, however, second
cover 820 may be ultrasonically sealed to first cover 805 to secure
each element 815 in each of the plurality of slots 810.
[0044] It will be readily understood that the components of the
invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures
herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but
is merely representative of selected embodiments of the
invention.
[0045] The features, structures, or characteristics of the
invention described throughout this specification may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the
usage of "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other
similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one
embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in
certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other
embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this
specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment
or group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0046] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand
that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps
in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in
configurations that are different than those which are disclosed.
Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon
these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill
in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and
bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the
appended claims.
* * * * *