Electric Appliance

Abstract

An electric appliance including timing means and adapted to receive a battery operated device for storage and for the purpose of charging the battery contained therein. The appliance has a plastic housing which provides chambers for the timing means, the battery operated device, accessory items such as toothpaste and for cord storage. Two lamps are provided, one of which indicates that the battery operated device is being charged, and the other both illuminates the timing means and directs light outwardly to provide a night light.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most recommended dental hygiene procedures, it is suggested that a person brush his teeth several times a day for a specific interval of time in order to assure that food particles and dental plaque are removed from the teeth. This brushing for a specific time interval is particularly beneficial to the user of an electrically operated toothbrush where the uniformity in brush movement provides a consistent cleaning operation per unit time period.

Unfortunately, most bathrooms are not equipped with a timing device for measuring toothbrushing interval. The absence of a timing device such as a clock in a bathroom may be best explained by the fact that it is not occupied for long periods, and consequently, a clock would seem unnecessary. In those few bathrooms having a clock, the clock is more often than not located in a place inconvenient to the electric toothbrush user, or the clock is not provided with a second hand necessary to accurately time the desired interval. Another problem with using an electric appliance within the bathroom is that there is a minimum of electrical outlets and a serious shortage of storage space. In fact, the average bathroom is normally provided with only a relatively small medicine cabinet for storing numerous items, and this cabinet is normally filled to overflowing. Accordingly, one of the primary purposes of this invention is to provide, in one unitary housing, an electric timing means and storage and charging apparatus for a battery operated toothbrush plus storage space for items normally used in connection with toothbrushing such as toothpaste and dental floss.

Inasmuch as the electrical outlets within a bathroom are normally overtaxed, and since the bathroom is frequently used during the night, it would be meritorious if illumination could be selectively given off by the subject appliance in order to eliminate the necessity of having a separate night light. Furthermore, since in some bathrooms the electrical outlet is controlled by a switch which also regulates a room light, it is advantageous to provide some visual means to indicate whether the battery operated device is being charged to guard against the outlet to which the appliance is connected from being inadvertently turned off and to indicate if a proper electrical charging connection is being made between the appliance and the battery operated device.

Obviously, extreme care must be employed in operating any 110 volt electrical appliance in a bathroom due to the possibility that water might seep into the appliance and cause a short or electrical shock to the user. There is also a danger that the appliance might drop into the bathtub or wash basin thereby creating an undesirable condition. In this invention, the possibility of electrical shock is prevented by employing a potted supply transformer whose maximum secondary output voltage is six volts A.C. which is insufficient to cause serious electrical shock.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an electric appliance comprising a plastic housing having intersecting vertical and horizontal walls defining side-by-side front open chambers with electric timing means mounted within one chamber and the other chamber being adapted for receiving and charging a portable battery operated device. In addition, the plastic housing has a storage chamber disposed below the side-by-side chambers and extending lengthwise across the appliance for storing convenience items. Disposed within the housing is a voltage reducing potted power supply having low voltage A.C. output terminals in electrical connection with the timing device and also having low voltage terminals in connection with a rectifying unit which is connectable to supply D.C. to the battery operated device.

Within one of the side-by-side chambers is a lamp positioned to illuminate the timing means and also arranged to cast light outwardly from the housing to act as a night light. In addition, a second lamp is disposed within the housing and connected in parallel with a resistor to visually indicate that power is being supplied to the battery operated device.

Other novel features of the electric appliance will become apparent from the more detailed description.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric appliance having an electric timing means and adapted to store and charge a battery operated device.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electric appliance having an electrically operated clock, means for receiving and charging a battery operated toothbrush and means providing a separate storage compartment for accessory items and for the power cord.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following specification proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a new and improved electric appliance constructed in accordance with the features of the present invention with the sliding panel partially broken away;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 assuming that FIG. 1 shows the entire structure;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 3--3 of FIG. 1 with the toothbrush power handle and brush attachments removed;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of a vertical section taken substantially along line 5--5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the plastic support member by itself;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 7--7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 8--8 of FIG. 7 assuming that FIG. 7 shows a complete structure; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit for the subject electric appliance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawing, there is shown an electric appliance which is generally designated by the reference numeral 20. The appliance includes electric timing means preferably, an electric clock 21, and a battery operated device such as a toothbrush power handle 22 having a drive shaft 23 to which a plurality of toothbrush attachments 24 are attachable. The power handle 22 is of the general type disclosed and claimed in Spohr U.S. Pat. No. 3,274,631 which is assigned to the same assignee as in the present application and includes a sealed tubular housing within which is contained an electric motor and rechargeable battery for powering the motor. The power handle motor is connected to the drive shaft 23 in such a manner as to produce an oscillatory movement which can be imparted to the toothbrush attachments 24 thereby facilitating the brushing of the teeth with the desired up and down brush motion. There is disclosed in detail in the above-mentioned Spohr patent, the means for supporting the power handle 22 so that it is connected in a circuit for recharging the battery contained within the power handle. The driving connection between the drive shaft 23 and the toothbrush attachments 24 is disclosed in detail in Spohr U.S. Pat. No. 3,187,360 which is also assigned to the same assignee as in the present invention.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, the electric appliance 20 includes a housing 28 having a somewhat rectangularly shaped frame 29 which is opened at its front and back and a support member 31 which is insertable into frame 29. Preferably, both the frame 29 and the support member 31 are molded from a suitable plastic material. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that support member 31 is molded with a vertically extending back plate 33 and extending forwardly therefrom are three vertical walls 34, 35 and 36 which unite at their lower ends with horizontally extending wall 37. With this construction, side-by-side chambers 38 and 39 are formed so that timing chamber 38 is defined in part by vertical walls 34 and 35, by a portion 40 of the back plate 33 and horizontal wall 37 and similarly, toothbrush chamber 39 is defined by vertical walls 35 and 36 as well as a portion 41 of back plate 33 and horizontal wall 37. As may be seen in FIG. 3, the portion 41 of the back plate 33 disposed within chamber 39 is curved in its lower half so that it terminates adjacent to the forward end of horizontal wall 37. The wall portion 41 is formed with a plurality of cavities 43 adapted to receive and retain toothbrush attachments 24 for storage. In addition, wall portion 41 contains a large depending pocket 44 into which toothbrush power handle 22 is insertable for storage and charging. It should be noted that the pocket 44 has substantially vertically extending wall 45, the front portion of which is angled outwardly so that the upper end of the vertical wall defines a larger opening than the bottom, and the pocket is completed by horizontal bottom wall 46. Integrally formed with the pocket vertical wall 45 at its front portion is an upwardly extending finger 47 having an upper curved unsupported end 48. Consequently, the finger 47 acts as a resilient element urging the power handle 22 towards the rear portion of vertical pocket wall 45. Inasmuch as the electric appliance 20 is compactly fabricated, it is not possible to insert the power handle 22 by a pure vertical movement into pocket 44. Therefore, in order to insert the power handle 22 into pocket 44, the handle must be cocked slightly so that the bottom portion thereof angularly enters into the mouth of the pocket. As the lower portion of the power handle 22 goes deeper into the pocket 44, the upper portion of the power handle is pivoted or tilted upwardly until it is in direct alignment and coextensive with the pocket. As the power handle is being inserted into the pocket and after it bottoms therein, resilient finger 47 urges it against the rear portion of pocket vertical walls 45 so that it can be correctly oriented to make engagement with electrical charging contacts 50 and 51 which are secured to the pocket bottom wall 46.

To provide means for timing the desired toothbrushing interval, the clock assembly 21 is disposed within chamber 38 and includes a recessed plastic mounting panel 55 to which is secured on its rear face a clock motor 56 having a rearwardly projecting setting knob 57 and forwardly projecting shaft assembly 50 extending through the panel 55 and to which is secured hour hand 59, minute hand 60 and second hand 61. A clock dial 63 bearing suitable indicia 64 is attached to the recessed mounting panel 55. Enclosing the hands 59-61 and dial 63 is a curved crystal 65 locked in position by an annular rim 66. Integral with the clock mounting panel 55 is a rearwardly extending projection 68 to which is mounted an electrical bracket 69 supporting a low voltage A.C. lamp 70. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the clock mounting panel 55 contains an opening immediately above dial 63 and spanning this opening is translucent diffuser 72. With this arrangement, the lamp 70 is disposed immediately above diffuser 72 so that when the lamp is energized, light will be diffused across the face of dial 63 facilitating the reading of the time, and in addition, a soft light is transmitted having a very low intensity outwardly through crystal 65. The light transmitted outwardly through crystal 65 is an effective night light giving a relatively low level illumination in the area occupied by the appliance 20 and thereby eliminating the necessity of having a separate night light within the bathroom. For controlling the operation of the lamp 70, an on-off switch 87 is secured to the clock mounting panel 55 near its bottom, and the switch has an actuating knob 88 which extends through the panel so that it can be actuated by the user to turn on the lamp 70 for either illuminating the clock dial 63 or for providing a night light.

For mounting the electric clock assembly 21 within the chamber 38, vertical walls 34 and 35 are formed with opposed inwardly extending shoulders 74 and 75, respectively. Additionally, as may be seen in FIG. 2, the horizontal wall 37 is molded with a groove 77 into which the bottom edge of clock mounting panel 55 is received while the sides of said panel abut against shoulders 74 and 75. Locking the electric clock assembly within the chamber 38 is an elongated plastic top plate 79 molded with groove 80 on its underside which extends across the length of chamber 38 and is oriented to receive the upper edge of clock mounting panel 55. Consequently, once the top plate 79 has been assembled to the support member 31 nesting the electric clock assembly 21 within the chamber 38, the assembly is held in its correct assembled relationship.

In operation, it would be desirable to provide means to visibly indicate if the toothbrush handle is being charged. To this end within chamber 38, there is molded wall 82 extending upwardly from horizontal wall 37. The purpose of wall 82 is to provide a mounting for electric bracket 84 which carries and positions a low voltage D.C. lamp 85 for indicating the state of the charging operation. Mounted adjacent to switch 87 on panel 55 is translucent lens 90 disposed in front of lamp 85 so that the user can readily determine if said lamp is energized. The operation of lamp 85 will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

In order for the user to operate the clock setting knob 57, the support member back plate 33 is molded with an opening 92 through which said knob projects. Since the appliance 20 can be mounted to a wall whereby the back plate 33 rests thereagainst, the back plate is formed with a recess 93 and is arranged so that the clock setting knob 57 does not extend beyond the portion of back plate 33 resting against a bathroom supporting wall.

Not only does the top plate 79 retain and assist in locating the clock mounting panel 55, but it also adds rigidity and properly spaces the upper ends of vertical walls 34, 35 and 36, and once assembled to support member 31, assists in positioning the support member with respect to frame 29. Vertical support member walls 34, 35 and 36 are provided with upstanding projections 95, 96 and 97, respectively, which are received in top plate notches (not shown) for maintaining the vertical walls in their proper spaced relationship. Extending lengthwise along the top surface of top plate 79 is an integral tapered ridge 102 which is adapted to lock with the frame 29.

Extending downwardly from horizontal wall 37 are end strengthening ribs 104 and 105, a lengthwise short vertical wall 107, vertical partition 108 and three fingers 110, 111 and 112. The back plate 33 defines a relatively large opening 114 disposed between side strengthening rib 104 and partition 108. Spaced approximately midway along short wall 107 is an opening 116 defined by two spaced inwardly curved protuberances 118 and 119 as can be easily seen in FIG. 8. A potted transformer 120 is received between fingers 110, 111 and 112 and back plate 33 trapping the transformer in its proper location. It should be appreciated that fingers 111 and 112 are somewhat resiliently disposed and, consequently, are capable of urging the transformer 120 towards the back plate 33 and the finger 110 to prevent it from shifting within the appliance 20. The power cord (not shown) from the transformer 120 extends through partition 108 and can be stored within cord storage chamber 122 which, as can be seen in FIG. 2, is partially defined by the partition 108, horizontal wall 37, back plate 33 and frame 29. When it is desired to use the power cord, it can be withdrawn through opening 114. If it is desired to use only a portion of the power cord, the unused portion may remain in the cord storage chamber 122.

As mentioned hereinabove, frame 29 is designed to receive in locking relationship, support member 31 and all components attached thereto. The frame 29 is molded with a top 125, spaced sides 126 and 127, a bottom 128, a forwardly angled recessed front 129 extending upwardly from bottom 128 between sides 126 and 127 and a horizontally disposed beam 130 which defines an upper opening 132 bordered by an inwardly projecting ridge 133 and a lower opening disposed between beam 130, sides walls 126 and 127 and front 129. Spaced along the frame top 125 along its undersurface are abutments 136 which are adapted to engage with top plate ridge 102 as illustrated in FIG. 2, so that the front edges of plate 79 and support member vertical walls 34, 35 and 36 are spaced slightly inwardly from the ridge 133 thereby establishing an upper horizontally extending groove or track 138. To assist in locking the beam 130 to the support member 31, the beam is formed with inwardly extending V-shaped or bifurcated elements 141 and 142. As may be seen in FIG. 8, when the support member 31 is received within frame 29, the bifurcated elements 141 and 142 snap into locking engagement with protuberances 118 and 119. Disposed immediately below the ends of beam 130 are forwardly extending oppositely oriented grooves 144 in frame side 126 and 127. Insertable through opening 134 from the rear side is a plastic cover 146 having a cylindrically shaped rear edge 147 which extends outwardly from the cover to form integral trunnions which are received within grooves 144 whereby the cover 146 is pivotally attached to the frame 29. In the assembled position, cover 146 encloses lower opening 134 and its forward edge projects beyond front 129 so that the user may grasp this edge to pivot it upwardly. Positioned below lower opening 134 is curved member 150 having its lower edge 151 abut against front 129 and its upper edge 152 has a concave surface which receives the cylindrically shaped rear cover edge 147 to form a bearing to facilitate the pivoting and supporting of cover 146.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the appliance 20 is assembled, the forward edge of support member horizontal wall 37 is spaced from ridge 133 forming a lower groove or track 154 by the support member short wall 107 abutting against the curved member 150. With the curved member 150 properly assembled, a lengthwise utility storage chamber 156 is defined by the curved member 150, sides 126 and 127 and cover 146. This storage chamber is useful in storing items such as toothpaste, dental floss or the like.

In order to selectively close the power handle chamber 39, rectangularly shaped panel 158 is positioned within the upper and lower tracks 138 and 154 permitting the panel to slide lengthwise so that it can be disposed either in front of the clock chamber 38 providing access to the power handle chamber 39 or slid in front of the chamber 39 exposing the clock assembly 21. To facilitate the sliding movement of panel 158, it is formed with an integral handle 159. For rigidly securing the support member 31 to the frame 29, there are provided a plurality of threaded fasteners 160. Integrally molded with frame bottom 128 are spaced supporting feet 162.

Referring to the electrical schematic diagram in FIG. 9, there may be seen the transformer 120 which is completely potted so there is no danger of the user being exposed to any voltage higher than the low voltage at its output terminals. As indicated hereinbefore, a suitable power cord is attached to the transformer 120 so that it may be in electrical contact with a suitable power source. Clock motor 56 is electrically connected to the transformer 120 output terminals and runs constantly so long as power is supplied to the transformer. In this particular invention, the voltage applied to the clock is approximately six volts and since the transformer is connected to an A.C. power source, the clock is correspondingly run on A.C. The same six volt alternating current is applied to lamp 70 which is in series with on-off switch 87 so the user may selectively turn the light on to read the clock dial and provide a night light or alternately may keep this light off. A diode rectifier 165 is placed in series with transformer output terminals having approximately 11/4 volt potential and with electrical charging contacts 50 and 51 so the current supplied to the battery operated toothbrush 22 is the required direct current for charging the battery contained therein. Also in series with contacts 50 and 51 and the rectifier 165 is lamp 85 which is connected in parallel with resistor 166. The lamp 85 is lit when the toothbrush power handle is in proper electrical connection with the contacts 50 and 51 and the power cord is attached to a live outlet. Thus, the lamp 85 shines and gives a visual indication through lens 90 to the user that the toothbrush power handle is being charged and that the power cord is in proper engagement with a power outlet. If for some reason the toothbrush power handle 22 does not make proper contact with either charging contacts 50 or 51, the lamp 85 will not light or if the power outlet to which the power cord is attached is inadvertently deactivated, the lamp will not light. In the event that the lamp 85 burns out, the appliance 20 may still charge the toothbrush power handle 22 since the direct current can still pass through resistor 166. Although the charging rate will be less when the lamp 85 is burned out, the charging rate is sufficient to charge the power handle 22 if left in the charging position for a longer time.

The electric appliance 20 is fabricated basically from plastic components which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and which are rather lightweight. The appliance provides timing means in order to permit the user to use the toothbrush for a proper brushing interval. The circuit integrated with the appliance permits the clock to operate at a very low A.C. voltage and also provides the battery operated power handle with a low voltage D.C. power source. Consequently, if the appliance were accidentally immersed in water, the low voltage involved would not present a shock hazard. To conserve space within the bathroom, the electric appliance is provided with storage means for the toothbrush power handle, the brush attachments, the power cord and accessory items such as toothpaste and dental floss.

While there has been illustrated and described a single embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications will occur and it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An electric appliance comprising a housing, electric timing means mounted to said housing, said housing defining a chamber for receiving and supporting a portable battery operated device, contact means connected to said housing chamber and disposed for making electrical engagement with said battery operated device, a voltage reducing potted power supply secured to said housing having low voltage A.C. output terminals in electrical connection with said timing means and having low voltage terminals in electrical connection with a D.C. rectifying means which rectifying means is connected to said contact means, a first lamp and resistor in parallel and electrically connected with said contact means so that said first lamp can light when said power supply is connected to an electrical outlet and said battery operated device is in electrical engagement with said contact means, a second lamp being secured to said housing and disposed to illuminate said timing means and to throw illumination outwardly from said housing, an on-off switch in electrical connection with said low voltage A.C. output terminals and said second lamp, said housing being formed with an intersecting horizontal and vertical wall means defining said battery operated device receiving chamber, a horizontally spaced chamber containing said timing means and said first and second lamps and a lower chamber disposed below said horizontal wall means for providing storage.

2. The electric appliance of claim 1 wherein said lower chamber contains partition means forming a separate cord storage chamber and a toothpaste storage chamber, said housing having a front and rear side, said cord storage chamber being accessible from the housing rear side and said toothpaste storage chamber being accessible from the housing front side.

3. An electric appliance comprising a plastic housing being provided with intersecting vertical and horizontal wall means defining side-by-side front open chambers with said vertical wall means therebetween, said plastic housing including a first unitary plastic member forming said vertical and horizontal wall means and a second unitary plastic member having a large opening into which said first member extends, one of said side-by-side chambers containing electrically operated timing means and the other adapted for receiving and supporting a battery operated device, said plastic housing defining a storage chamber below said horizontal wall means extending lengthwise and accessible from the front of said housing, a cover disposed above said storage chamber and mounted to said housing so that it can pivot for selectively exposing said storage chamber, an electric power source mounted within said housing supplying low voltage A.C. to said timing means and supplying low voltage D.C. to means engageable with said battery operated device.

4. The electric appliance of claim 3 wherein said first member horizontal wall means including a depending partition extending to said second member to define therebetween a cord storage chamber accessible from the rear of said housing.

5. The electric appliance of claim 3 wherein said cover being molded from plastic material and formed with opposed outwardly extending trunnions, said second member having spaced grooves above said storage chamber for receiving said trunnions to pivot therein, said first member formed with means preventing the withdrawal of said trunnions from said grooves.

6. An electric appliance comprising a plastic housing being provided with intersecting vertical and horizontal wall means defining side-by-side front open chambers with said vertical wall means therebetween, one of said side-by-side chambers containing electrically operated timing means and the other adapted for receiving and supporting a battery operated device, the portion of said housing forming said other chamber including a vertically depending pocket adapted for receiving said battery operated device, said pocket being larger at the top than the bottom so that said battery operated device does not have to move downwardly in a pure vertical direction in order to be positioned within said pocket, said pocket being provided with an integral finger for biasing said battery operated device to make proper engagement with said means engageable with said battery operated device, said plastic housing defining a storage chamber below said horizontal wall means extending lengthwise and accessible from the front of said housing, an electric power source mounted within said housing supplying low voltage A.C. to said timing means and supplying low voltage D.C. to means engageable with said battery operated device.

7. The electric appliance of claim 6 wherein said battery operated device being a toothbrush having a drive shaft to which brush attachments are removably attachable, said portion defining a plurality of integral cavities for storing toothbrush brush attachments.

8. An electric appliance comprising a plastic housing being provided with intersecting vertical and horizontal wall means defining side-by-side front open chambers with said vertical wall means therebetween, one of said side-by-side chambers containing electrically operated timing means and the other adapted for receiving and supporting a battery operated device, said plastic housing defining a storage chamber below said horizontal wall means extending lengthwise and accessible from the front of said housing, an electric power source mounted within said housing supplying low voltage A.C. to said timing means and supplying low voltage D.C. to means engageable with said battery operated device, said housing defining spaced parallel track means extending horizontally and being contiguous to said side-by-side chambers, a panel being slidably mounted to said track means and disposed for sliding in front of said side-by-side chambers so that the user can selectively enclose said battery operated device within said other chamber by positioning said panel in front thereof and can slide said panel away therefrom for gaining access to said battery operated device.

9. An electric appliance comprising a plastic housing being provided with intersecting vertical and horizontal wall means defining side-by-side front open chambers with said vertical wall means therebetween, one of said side-by-side chambers containing electrically operated timing means and the other adapted for receiving and supporting a battery operated device, said plastic housing defining a storage chamber below said horizontal wall means extending lengthwise and accessible from the front of said housing, an electric power source mounted within said housing supplying low voltage A.C. to said timing means and supplying low voltage D.C. to means engageable with said battery operated device, said housing defining a forwardly extending bottom pedestal portion, said storage chamber being positioned within said pedestal portion whereby said storage chamber is disposed in front of both side-by-side chambers, said pedestal portion forming a flat base for supporting said appliance thereon and being sufficiently deep so that said appliance is in a stable state when resting on said flat base.

10. The electric appliance of claim 9 including a plastic cover pivotally mounted to said housing between said side-by-side chambers and said storage chamber, said cover adapted for selectively closing said storage chamber.