RU2620741C2 - Device for oral care and method for manufacturing device for oral care - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: pharmacology.

SUBSTANCE: method for manufacturing the device for oral care is proposed, according to which: (a) the head and the first handle portion connected to the head is provided. Said first portion has the first surface; (b) the head is provided with at least one tooth-cleaning element; and (c) the second handle portion is attached to the first handle portion. The second portion has the second surface and comprises the unit containing the timer and the user notification device made with the possibility to issue a notification according to the timer state, so that the first portion is connected with the head at the distal handle end, the second portion forms the proximal handle end, and the first and the second surfaces together form the outer handle surface.

EFFECT: enhanced usability.

43 cl, 10 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral care devices, in particular toothbrushes, are used by many people for daily care. Typical oral care devices include an elongated handle and a head connected to one end of the handle. The handle provides a structure by which a user grips and manipulates an oral care device in use. The head usually contains one or more elements designed to perform the function intended for them, for example, toothbrushing elements, elements for cleaning soft tissues, and / or substances for caring for the oral cavity.

The effectiveness of an oral care device in brushing teeth, soft tissue surfaces, or performing other functions intended for them usually depends on the length of time it is used in an oral care session. The user of the oral care device may not register how long they used the oral care device in the oral care session, or they may not know the desired, recommended or appropriate duration for which it is intended to use the oral care device oral cavity during any oral care session to achieve the desired result or effect.

Recently, attempts have been made to provide oral care devices having systems for indicating to a user how long they should use the device during an oral care session or how long they should continue to use the device during an oral care session. Such attempts included the development of a toothbrush having a transparent handle having an inner chamber accommodating a luminous element whose luminescence is controlled by a timing circuit. A flexible grip accommodating the timing circuit, a switch for turning on the timing circuit, and a power source for the timing circuit and the luminous element are connected to the end of the handle.

Despite these attempts, there is a need for an oral care device having a system for indicating to the user the elapsed time, while the system allows the handle portion of the device to be gripped to be more compact and / or designed more ergonomic. There is also still a need for an oral care device having a more reliable system for indicating to the user the elapsed time. In addition, there is a need for an oral care device having a system for indicating to a user the elapsed time, the device being simple to manufacture or assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an oral care implement comprising the steps of: (a) providing a head and a first part of a handle connected to the head, said first part having a first surface; (b) supplying the head with at least one tooth cleaning element; and (c) attaching the second part of the handle to the first part of the handle, wherein the second part has a second surface and accommodates a unit comprising a timer and a user notification device configured to issue a notification depending on the state of the timer, so that the first part is connected to the head on the distal end of the handle, the second part forms the proximal end of the handle, and the first and second surfaces together form the outer surface of the handle.

Optionally, step (b) precedes step (c). Alternatively, step (c) precedes step (b), or steps (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously.

Preferably, the method comprises, before step (c), a step in which at least a part of the block is inserted into the cavity of the second part of the handle.

The block may comprise a circuit board on which a timer and a user notification device are installed. The insertion step may include inserting the printed circuit board into the cavity of the second part of the handle so that the printed circuit board lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

Optionally, the block and the cavity of the second part have a shape that does not allow rotation of the block relative to the second part around the longitudinal axis of the device.

Optionally, the block contains one or more elements that prevent the block from moving relative to the second part in the direction in which the component is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. The method may comprise, after the location in the cavity and before step (c), a step in which one or more elements on the block are provided. The step of providing one or more elements may comprise a sub-stage in which one or more elements are soldered or glued to a block portion.

Preferably, step (c) comprises a sub-step in which one or more electrically conductive contacts of the unit are brought into surface contact with one or more corresponding electrically conductive contacts contained in the first part.

As used herein, the term “surface contact” means that two or more elements in the contact are not glued or otherwise fixed to each other, but instead simply touch each other.

The method may comprise providing a power source and an engine configured to connect to a power source. Optionally, the method comprises the step of locating at least one of a power source and an engine in a first part. The method may comprise the step of locating a power source between the engine and the unit. The method may comprise the step of electrically connecting the engine and the unit to a power source. The method may comprise the step of electrically connecting the engine and the unit in parallel with the power source. A power source may consist of one, two, or a plurality of batteries or batteries.

Preferably, step (c) comprises a sub-step in which the electrically conductive contact of the unit is brought into surface contact with a power source located in the chamber of the first part.

Step (c) may comprise a sub-step in which the second part is attached to the first part by one or more of: gluing, welding and meshing of the corresponding mechanical elements of the first and second parts.

Step (e) may comprise a sub-step in which the second part is removably connected to the first part. Optionally, step (c) comprises a sub-step in which insulation or gasket is provided at the junction of the first and second parts.

Preferably, the second part is transparent or translucent. Optionally, the first part is opaque.

An optional oral care device includes a toothbrush.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oral care implement comprising: a head carrying at least one cleaning element; and a handle having a distal end, a proximal end, a first part and a second part attached to the first part, wherein the first surface of the first part and the second surface of the second part together form the outer surface of the handle; moreover, the first part is connected to the head at the distal end of the handle, and the second part forms the proximal end of the handle; wherein the second part accommodates a block containing a timer and a user notification device configured to issue a notification depending on the status of the timer.

Optionally, the unit comprises a printed circuit board on which a timer and a user notification device are installed. Optionally, the circuit board lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

Preferably, at least a portion of the block is located in the cavity of the second portion. In addition, preferably the block and the cavity of the second part have a shape that does not allow rotation of the block relative to the second part around the longitudinal axis of the device. At least a part of the block may be located in the cavity of the second part, and the block may contain one or more elements located relative to the cavity so as to prevent the block from moving relative to the second part in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

Preferably, the unit comprises one or more electrically conductive contacts in surface contact with one or more corresponding electrically conductive contacts contained in the first part.

Optionally, the device includes a power source and a motor configured to connect to a power source. At least one of the power source and the motor may be located in the first part. A power source may be located between the engine and the unit. The engine and unit can be electrically connected to a power source. The engine and the unit can be electrically connected in parallel with the power source. The power source may consist of one, two, or multiple batteries or cells.

Optionally, the unit comprises an electrically conductive contact in surface contact with a power source located in the chamber of the first part.

The second part may be attached to the first part by one or more of: adhesive, a welded joint, and corresponding engaged mechanical elements of the first and second parts.

The second part can be removably connected to the first part. Insulation or laying may be provided at the junction of the first and second parts.

Preferably, the second part is transparent or translucent. Optionally, the second part is made of styrene acrylonitrile polymer (SAN). Optionally, the first part is opaque.

Optionally, the unit comprises a control device, for example, a microcontroller. The control device may have a device containing at least one processor and at least one memory device including computer program code, wherein said at least one memory device and computer program code are configured to, together with said at least one processor, call time tracking through the device.

The timer may be configured such that the state of the timer changes over time, and the user notification device may be configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in the first state, and to issue a second predetermined notification when the timer is in the second state. Preferably, the second predetermined notification is different from the first predetermined notification. The second predetermined notification may have a duration, structure or frequency different from the duration, structure or frequency of the first predetermined notification.

Preferably, the user notification device comprises a device configured to issue a notification or notifications by emitting visible light. The device may comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED).

Optionally, the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification depending on the state of the power source.

Preferably, a large part of the outer surface of the handle is formed by the first surface of the first part. The second part may include a cap attached to the first part.

An optional oral care device includes a toothbrush.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an oral care implement, a kit of parts comprising: a head supporting at least one cleaning element; the first part of the handle, while the first part is connected to the head and has a first surface; and the second part is a handle, while the second part has a second surface and accommodates a unit containing a timer and a user notification device configured to issue a notification depending on the state of the timer; wherein the second part is adapted to be attached to the first part so that the first part is connected to the head at the distal end of the handle, the second part forms the proximal end of the handle, and the first and second surfaces together form the outer surface of the handle.

The second part can be made with the possibility of removable connection with the first part.

The components of the kit may have any of the above-described optional elements of an oral care device in a second aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oral care implement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board of the oral care device of FIG. 1, in the manufacture of the device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second part of the handle of the oral care device of FIG. 1, in the manufacture

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the circuit board of FIG. 2 inserted into the second part of the handle of FIG. 3, in the manufacture of the device depicted in FIG. one;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pair of electrically conductive contacts for attachment to a printed circuit board;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the components shown in FIG. 4, wherein the pair of electrically conductive contacts depicted in FIG. 5, attached to the circuit board;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first component of a first material, the first component forming a head and a first portion of a first portion of a handle of the oral care device of FIG. 1, in the manufacture of the device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 7, after “molding over” a second component from a second material onto a first component;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plate carrying cleaning elements; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 8, wherein the plate depicted in FIG. 9 is attached to the head of the first component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment (s) is essentially just an example and in no way limits the invention, its use, or use. The description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered as part of the entire description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to a direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms, for example, “bottom”, “top”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “under”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, as well as their derivatives ( for example, “horizontally”, “down”, “up”, etc.) should be construed with respect to orientation as described hereinafter or as shown in the drawing in question. These relative terms are for convenience only and do not require the device to be designed or function in a specific orientation unless otherwise specified explicitly. Terms such as “attached”, “attached”, “connected”, “connected”, “interconnected” and the like refer to a relationship in which structural elements are fixed or attached to each other either directly or indirectly through intermediate structural elements, and also moving or rigid connections or relationships, unless otherwise explicitly described. In addition, features and advantages of the invention are described with reference to preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention should not be explicitly limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be implemented separately or in conjunction with other combinations of features.

In the description below, the invention is embodied in a vibrating oral care device, more particularly in a vibrating toothbrush. However, in another embodiment, the invention is embodied in a manual, non-vibrating toothbrush, and in yet another embodiment, the invention is embodied in an electric toothbrush, wherein one or more cleaning elements provided on the head of the device are adapted to be brought into them action so that they can be moved relative to the handle of the device. In further embodiments, the invention may be embodied with other types of oral care devices, for example, a soft tissue cleaning device, an irrigator, an interdental cleanser, a plaque scraper or other oral device with a handle. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used, and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 illustrates an oral care implement, in the present case, a toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated by 100. Toothbrush 100 has a supporting structure 110 including a handle 120 and a head 140. A transition portion 130 of the handle 120 connects the handle 120 to the head 140, and the head 140 carries at least one cleaning element 200. The head 140 is an end portion of the supporting structure 110 and is provided with at least one cleaning element 200. In this embodiment In an embodiment, the head 140 carries a plurality of cleaning elements 200.

In this embodiment, the cleaning elements 200 comprise a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, more specifically, a plurality of flexible nylon bristles arranged in tufts. However, in variations of this embodiment, the cleaning elements 200 may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one of any one or more of the following, without limitation: bristles, hard bristles, flexible bristles, fibrous bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, elastomeric elements, flexible polymer protrusions, coextruded fibers, flattened bristles, corrugated bristles, antibacterial bristles and combinations thereof and / or designs containing such materials or combinations.

The head 140 has a first, proximal end 141, and a second, distal end 142. The handle 120 has a first, proximal end 121, and a second, distal end 122. The transition portion 130 is located on the distal end 122 of the handle 120. The distal end 122 of the handle 120 is connected to the proximal end 121 of the head 140. The transition section 130 has a generally narrower cross-sectional area than the head 140 and the rest of the handle 120.

The handle 120 provides the user with a mechanism by which he can easily grab and manipulate the toothbrush 100, includes ergonomic elements that provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort, and can be made in many different forms and in the form of many designs.

In general, the toothbrush 100 extends from the proximal end 101 (which is also the proximal end 121 of the handle 120) to the distal end 102 (which is also the distal end 142 of the head 140) along the longitudinal axis A-A. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 120 is of a non-linear structure, the longitudinal axis A-A of the device 100 in the illustrated embodiment is straight. However, the invention is not limited to this, and in some embodiments, the device 100 may have a simple straight handle 120 that extends along the straight longitudinal axis A-A of the device 100 in the longitudinal direction.

The head 140 is connected to the handle 120 via a transition portion 130 of the handle 120. In this embodiment, the head 140 and the first portion 123 of the handle 120 (including the transition portion 130) are formed as a single unit using an injection molding process. The head 140 and the first part 123 of the handle 120 together form a single structure. However, in other embodiments, the head 140 and the first part 123 of the handle 120 can be made as separate components that are functionally connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable method known from the prior art, including, without limitation, heat welding, sound welding , interference fit, connection sleeve, adhesion, retainers and snap fit. Whether the head 140 and the first part 123 of the handle 120 are integral or constitute a block of many parts (including connection methods) does not limit the present invention in all embodiments. In addition, other manufacturing methods can be used instead of or in addition to injection molding to create the first part 123 of the handle 120 and / or head 140 (or their components), for example, milling and / or machining.

In this embodiment, the head 140 and the first part 123 of the handle 120 are constructed together from a first component 10 of polypropylene (PP) and a second component 20 of an elastomer, for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), molded over the first component 10, as described in more detail below. However, in variations of this embodiment, the first component 10 may, instead of or in addition, contain one or more of the following materials: polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulose, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic polymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and thermoplastic. In variations of this embodiment, the second component 20 may, instead of or in addition, comprise styreneethylene / butylene styrene (SEBS) or one or more of the materials listed in the previous sentence.

The head 140 generally comprises a front surface on the front side 143 of the head 140 and a rear surface on the rear side 144 of the head 140 opposite the front side 143. The front surface and the rear surface of the head 140 can take a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which limit the present invention . For example, the front and back surfaces may be flat, embossed, or a combination of these options. The front surface and the rear surface are connected by a peripheral or lateral surface 145 of the head 140. Cleaning elements are provided on the front side 143 of the head 140 and move away from it for cleaning contact with the surface of the oral cavity, preferably with teeth.

Although many cleaning elements 200 are particularly suitable for brushing teeth, cleaning elements 200 can be used to clean soft tissues of the oral cavity, for example, tongue, gums or cheeks, instead of or in addition to teeth. As used herein, the term “cleaning element” is used in a general sense to mean any structure that can be used to clean, massage or polish an oral surface, such as teeth or soft tissues, by relative contact of surfaces.

Indeed, in the variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1, instead of a plurality of toothbrushing elements 200, at least one soft tissue cleaning element is provided, for example, a tongue scraper containing at least one rib. Preferably, said or each rib has a longitudinal length located so as to extend across the front side 143 of the head 140 in a direction non-parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A.

On the rear side 144 of the head 140, the head 140 comprises a soft tissue cleaning member 170. The soft tissue cleaning member 170 comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions 172. The protrusions 172 and the rest of the soft tissue cleaning member 170 are a single component. The soft tissue cleaning member 170 and the protrusions 12 are formed by a second component 20.

The handle 120 is formed from the first part 123 and the second part 124, which is a separate component in the form of a cap attached to the first part 123. While the first part 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second part 124 forms the proximal end 121 the handles 120, in fact the proximal end 101 of the device 100. The first surface 123a of the first part 13 and the second surface 124a of the second part 124 together form the outer surface 125 of the handle 120. At least the first surface 123a is grasped by the hand of the user during oral care, so that the user can manipulate the toothbrush 100. As will become clear from a consideration of FIG. 1, a large part of the outer surface 125 of the handle 120 is formed by the first surface 123a of the first part 123. In particular, the second surface 124a of the second part 124 forms less than 20%, possibly less than 10% of the outer surface 125 of the handle 120.

The first and second components 10, 20 are shaped to provide ergonomic elements to the handle 120, providing a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. In addition, the second component 20 forms gripping regions on the outer surface 125 of the handle 120, which have a greater coefficient of friction than the regions of the outer surface 125 formed by the first component 10.

The first part 123 is opaque, and the second part 124 is transparent, that is, made of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the second part 124 is made of styrene acrylonitrile polymer (SAN) and is attached to the first part 123 of the handle 120 by adhesive. In other embodiments, the first and second parts 123, 124 of the handle 120 may be attached to each other by other mechanisms, for example, by welding or the corresponding engaged mechanical elements of the first and second parts 123, 124. In variations of these embodiments, the second part 124 is translucent, that is, made of a translucent material.

In variations of the illustrated embodiment, the second part 124 is removably connected to the first part 123, as described in more detail below.

The second part 124 accommodates a unit 300 comprising a printed circuit board 302 on which a control device 304, for example, a microcontroller, is installed, and a light emitting diode (LED) 306. The LED 306 is a part of a user notification device configured to issue a notification depending on the state of the timer contained in the control device 304. In this embodiment, the user notification device comprises an LED 306 having the ability to emit light that is visible to the user through the transparent second portion 124 of the handle 120. However, in variations of this embodiment, the user notification device may include a non-LED element configured to issue notifications by radiation visible light. In other variations, a user notification device may comprise an element configured to issue a notification by means other than emitting visible light, for example, a buzzer or speaker configured to issue a notification by emitting sound, or a vibrator configured to issue a notification by vibration.

The printed circuit board 302 is located in the inner cavity 124b of the second part 124 and lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the device 100. The block 300 and the cavity 124b of the second part 124 are shaped so that the block 300 cannot rotate relative to the second part 124 about the longitudinal axis AA of the device 100. That is, in this embodiment, the cavity 124b contains a slit, and the printed circuit board 302 has a rectangular cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA, which coincides with a rectangular cross-sectional area of the slit in the same square -plane.

In addition, the unit comprises first and second electrically conductive contacts 310, 320 having respective proximal terminals 314, 324 soldered to respective electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b mounted on the printed circuit board 302. Electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b are electrically connected to the microprocessor 304. Contacts 310 , 320 are positioned relative to the cavity 124b so as to prevent the block 300 from moving relative to the second part 124 in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the device 100. In particular, as shown FIG. 6, the respective main parts 312, 322 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA through the corresponding holes 124c in the wall 124d of the second part 124. The wall sections 124d are located on both sides of the holes 124c in the longitudinal direction of the device 100 preventing movement of the block 300 relative to the second part 124 in the longitudinal direction.

In the assembled device 100, the corresponding distal terminals 316, 326 of the contacts 310, 320 are in surface contact with the corresponding electrically conductive contacts (of which only one is shown in Fig. 7 and indicated by the reference number 408) contained in the first part 123. In addition, in the assembled device 100 additional elastic terminal 318 of the first contact 310 of block 300 is in surface contact with the battery or other power source located in the chamber 123b of the first part 123, as described in more detail below.

In FIG. 6 illustrates a second portion 124 containing a block 300 when the second portion 124 is not attached to the first portion 23 of the handle 120. As shown in FIG. 6, unit 300 includes a control device 304. The control device 304 has a device comprising at least one processor (not shown explicitly) and at least one memory device (not shown explicitly) including computer program code, and said at least one memory device and computer program code so that, together with at least one processor, cause time tracking by the device, in other words, the control device 304 includes a timer so that the resident program in the control device 304 tslezhivala time. In addition, the control device 304 includes a part of the user notification device so that the user notification device is configured to issue one or more notifications depending on the state of the timer. The user notification device also includes LED 306.

The timer is actuated by the user closing the switch contained in the first part 123 of the handle 120. More specifically, the user clicks on the first highlighted area 126 of the first surface 123a of the first part 123 formed from the second component 20. The highlighted area 126 is elastic, so the user exerts force to the selected area 126 causes deformation of the selected area 126. In turn, this deformation causes the switch to close on the side of the selected area 126 inside the first part 123 of the handle 120, which closes an electrical circuit including an engine 500 (discussed below), a control device 304, a battery or other power source located in the inner chamber 123b of the first part 123, and wires 501-504, as described in more detail below. Thus, as a result of the closure of the switch, the motor and the control device 304 receive power, which causes the motor 500 to rotate and start the timer mounted in the control device 304 to track the time.

Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a mechanical vibration device, such as an eccentric, is mounted on the output shaft of the engine 500, resulting in rotation of the engine 500, the mechanical vibration device rotates around the axis of the output shaft of the engine 500, causing vibration of the head 140 of the device 100, which enhances the efficiency with which the cleaning elements 200 clean the surface of the oral cavity when using the device 100.

Since the timer keeps track of the time, the state of the timer changes over time. In various other embodiments, the user notification device is configured to issue one or more notifications (for example, causing light emission of LED 306) depending on the state of the timer. For example, in the present embodiment, the control device 304 monitors the time and, in accordance with the instructions included in the computer program code, causes the LED 306 to execute different light emitting sequences depending on the length of time that has passed since the timer started. In this embodiment, during the first period of 30 seconds starting from the start of the timer, the control device 304 causes the emission of single flashes of light of the LED 306 with pauses of equal duration between the single flashes. During a second period of 30 seconds following the first period, the control device 304 emits successive pairs of single flashes of LED 306 with first pauses of equal duration between pairs and second pauses of equal duration between single flashes of each pair, with each of the first pauses longer, preferably at least two or three times, than each of the second pauses. In other embodiments, the first period may have the same or different duration from the second period. The first and / or second period may, for example, have any of the following durations: 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds and 60 seconds. In other embodiments, other light emission sequences may additionally be used. In any case, it is preferable that the user notification device is configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in the first state and to issue a second predetermined notification when the timer is in the second state, wherein the second predetermined notification is different in appearance from the first predetermined notification. The second predetermined notice may have a duration, structure, and / or frequency different from the first predetermined notice.

Accordingly, when the device 100 for caring for the oral cavity of the user is notified about the elapsed time, in particular, the time elapsed after the closure of the first switch. At the end of the oral care session, the user opens the switch contained in the first part 123 of the handle 120. More specifically, the user presses the second highlighted area 127 of the first surface 123a of the first part 123, which is formed from the second component 20. The second highlighted area 127 is also elastic, therefore, the application of a force by the user to the second selected area 127 leads to deformation of the second selected area 127. In turn, this deformation causes the switch to open, which disconnects the electric th circuit. In the presented embodiment, the control device 304 does not have the ability to register the usage status of the device 100 during a completed oral care session, so the resident program in the control device 304 is reset to its standard initial state as soon as the circuitry opens. Accordingly, when the switch then closes again, the control device 304 performs a process similar to that described above.

An engine 500 and a power source (not shown) discussed above are contained in the first portion 123 of the handle 120, as shown in FIG. 7. More specifically, the engine 500 is located in the transition section 130 of the handle 120 of the device 100. In the assembled device 100, a power source is located between the engine 500 and the block 300. As discussed above, the engine 500 is configured to connect to the power source by closing a switch by the user. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the engine 500 and the unit 300 are electrically connected in parallel with the power source. In particular, the motor 500 is connected to a power source through a first pair of wires 501, 502, and the unit 300 is connected to a power source through a parallel second pair of wires 503, 504.

In this embodiment, the engine 500 and the unit 300 (including a timer and a user notification device, and thus including a control device 304 and an LED 306) are connected in parallel with the same common power source, so that the engine 500 and block 300 may be powered by a power source. The power source may consist of one, two, or a plurality of batteries or cells located in the chamber 123b of the first part 123. In another embodiment, the engine 500 and unit 300 (including a timer and user notification devices, and thus including a device 304 control and LED 306) are connected in series with the same common power source, so that the engine 500 and unit 300 can be powered by a power source.

In the aforementioned variations of the illustrated embodiment, in which the second part 124 is removably connected to the first part 123, the second part 124 can be removably connected to the first part 123 in any way from an interference fit, a rotary connector, a snap-fit and a threaded connection. It can be assumed that a contact surface is provided between the first and second parts 123, 124 where the first and second parts 123, 124 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, a compressible or resilient gasket or insulation is provided on the contact surface. The gasket or insulation may be made of TPE and / or may be part of the second component 20. Preferably, the gasket or insulation surround the contact surface. Preferably, the gasket or insulation is compressed when the second part 124 is connected to the first part 123, in which the gasket or insulation is compressed in the assembled device 100 and prevents or minimizes the flow of fluid from the outside of the first and second parts 123, 124 into the chamber 123b and / or into cavity 124b. Accordingly, the gasket or insulation isolates the block 300, the engine 500 and the power source from the water when using the assembled device 100, although the ability to disconnect the second part 124 from the first part 123 provides, if necessary, the ability to replace the power source and / or maintenance of the block 300.

In this embodiment, the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification depending on the state of the power source. In this embodiment, the control device 304 monitors the state of the power source, for example, the residual charge level of the power source, and when the residual charge level falls below a predetermined charge level threshold, the user notification device emits light LED 306 with a predetermined light emitting circuit. The predetermined light emitting circuit may comprise providing light emission of LED 306 for a relatively long time, for example 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds, or may comprise providing light emission of LED 306 with rapidly repeating flashes of light, for example 5 or 10 individual flashes per second. Other predetermined pattern of light emission is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The manufacture of the toothbrush 100 shown in FIG. 1 is described with further reference to FIG. 2-10.

In a first process for manufacturing an oral care device 100, the second portion 124 of the handle 120, including the wall 124d, the internal cavity 124b, and the holes 124c in the wall 124d, is made, in the embodiment shown, of a transparent material by molding a transparent material. A second portion 124 thus formed is shown in FIG. 3.

In a second process that can be performed during, before or after the first process, a unit 300 is assembled. More specifically, a printed circuit board 302 is provided, and a control device 304 (eg, a microcontroller), LED 306, and conductive elements 308a, 308b are mounted on the printed circuit board 302, as shown in FIG. 2.

After completing each of the first and second processes, a third process is performed in which at least a portion of the block 300 is inserted into the cavity 124b of the second portion 124 of the handle 120 so that the printed circuit board 302 lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the finished device 100, as shown in FIG. 4. As discussed above, the block 300 and the cavity 124b of the second part 124 have a shape that does not allow rotation of the block 300 relative to the second part 124 about the longitudinal axis A-A of the device 100.

After the third process, the fourth process is performed, in which the first and second contacts 310, 320 are provided (shown in Fig. 5}, and the corresponding proximal terminals 314, 324 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 are soldered to the corresponding terminals of the electrically conductive active elements 308a, 308b, mounted on the printed circuit board 302 so that the respective main parts 312, 322 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 pass in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA through the corresponding holes 124c in the wall 124d of the second part 124, as avleno in Fig. 6. Accordingly, the first and second contacts 310, 320 act as elements that do not allow movement of the block 300 relative to the second portion 124 in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A finished device 100.

The fifth process, which can be performed during, before, or after any or all of the first to fourth processes, comprises the step of providing a head 140 and a first part 123 of the handle 120 that is connected to the head 140. This fifth process includes a step, on which the first material is first formed to form the first component 10 (as shown in FIG. 7). This can be done according to any method known in the art, for example, by injection molding the first material in a suitable form in a molten state and then allowing the cooling and curing of the first material. Then, the engine 500 is located in the transition section 130 of the first part 123 of the handle 120, and the first pair of wires 501, 502 having respective first ends connected to the respective terminals of the engine 500 are distributed so that their respective second ends opposite the first ends are located in the chamber 123b of the first part 123 through the hole 129 in the first component 10 for further connection with a power source, which will be located in the chamber 123b. In addition, a second pair of wires 503, 504 having respective first ends connected to respective conductive contacts 408 in the chamber 123b is distributed so that their respective second ends, opposite the first ends, are located in the chamber 123b of the first part 123 through the hole 129 in the first component 10 for further connection to a power source. Finally, the second material forming the second component 20 is molded on top of the first component 10 to accommodate the engine 500 and most of the two pairs of wires 501, 502, 503, 504. The resulting device is shown in FIG. 8. It should be noted that in this embodiment, each of the first and second components 10, 20 is opaque.

Optionally, at this stage, the power source may be located in the chamber 123b between the engine 500 and the end of the chamber 123b, to which the second portion 124 of the handle 120 is subsequently attached.

The sixth process, which may be performed during, before, or after the first to fifth processes, includes the step of providing a subunit 600 of the cleaning element, as shown in FIG. 9. The subunit 600 comprises a base plate 601 and said at least one cleaning element 200 extending from the main plate 601. Said one or more cleaning elements 200 can be connected to the main plate 601 by a method known in the art, for example, AFT, ΙΜT, or brackets.

The seventh process, which may be performed after the sixth process, includes the step of attaching the cleaning element unit 600 to the head 140 to provide the head 140 with at least one cleaning element 200, as shown in FIG. 10. This attachment may include, for example, bonding the subunit 600 to the head 140 or ultrasonically welding a portion of the subunit 600 to the head 140.

The eighth process, which can be performed before, during, or after the seventh process, comprises the step of placing the power source in the chamber 123b (if this has not already been done), and then attach the second part 124 of the handle 120 to the first part 123 of the handle 120, so that the first part 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second part 124 forms the proximal end 121 of the handle 120, and the first and second surfaces 123a, 124a of the first and second parts 123, 124 together form the outer surface 125 of the handle 120. Step attachments may contain a sub-step on which the second part 124 is attached to the first part 123 by one or more of: gluing, welding and engagement of the respective mechanical elements of the first and second parts 123, 124. Alternatively, the attachment step may comprise a sub-step in which the second part 124 is removably connected to the first part 123, and may optionally also comprise the step of providing or compressing the insulation or gasket between the first and second parts 123, 124 by connecting the second part 124 to the first part 123, resulting in an assembled device 100 the gasket or insulation is in a compressed state and prevents or minimizes the flow of fluid outside the first and second parts 123, 124 into the chamber 123b and / or into the cavity 124b.

During the eighth process, a power source is located between the engine 500 and the block 300. In addition, the distal terminals 316, 326 of the contacts 310, 320 come into surface contact with the corresponding electrically conductive contacts {one of which is shown in FIG. 7 and is denoted by reference numeral 408) contained in the first part 123, and the additional elastic terminal 318 of the first contact 310 of the unit 300 is in surface contact with a power source located in the chamber 123b of the first part 123, as a result of which the engine 500 and the unit 300 become electrically connected in parallel to the power source.

In the present invention, since the block 300 is placed in the second part 124 of the handle 120, the first part 123 of the handle 120 intended for gripping by the user when using the device 100 can be made compact and / or designed more ergonomically for gripping by the user. The first part 123 can also be made from a wide variety of materials, including opaque materials. In addition, since the unit 300 including the user notification device fits into the second part 124 of the handle, the protrusion of the parts of the block 300 from the second part 124 into the first part 123 of the handle 120 can be minimized or eliminated, which provides a more reliable system for indicating the expiration of time to the user, since it is unlikely that parts of the unit 300 will be impacted or damaged in the manufacture of the device 100.

In addition, the device 100 is simpler to manufacture than prior art devices including systems for indicating to the user the elapsed time, since most of the device 100 is manufactured independently of the system for indicating to the user the elapsed time, and providing a system for indicating to the user the elapsed time modifications only in relation to the second part 124 of the handle 120. The assembly of the device 100 is also relatively simple: the first part 123 of the handle 120 can be assembled separately from the second part 124 of the handle 120, and it is only necessary to attach to each other the first and second parts 123, 124 closer to the end or at the very end of the assembly process.

The present invention can be embodied as a set of parts for an oral care device 100, the set of parts comprising: a head 140 supporting said at least one cleaning element 200; the first part 123 of the handle 120, while the first part 123 is connected to the head 140 and has a first surface 123a; and a second part 124 of the handle 120, wherein the second part 124 has a second surface 124a and accommodates a block 300 comprising a timer and a user notification device configured to issue a notification depending on the state of the timer; moreover, the second part 124 is adapted to be attached to the first part 123 so that the first part 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second part 124 forms the proximal end 121 of the handle 120, and the first and second surfaces 123a, 124a together form the outer surface 125 of the handle 120.

Although the invention has been described in relation to specific examples, including currently available methods of carrying out the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are many variations and variations of the above described systems and methods. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the meaning and scope of the invention should be taken in the broadest sense, as set forth in the attached claims.

Claims (55)

1. A method of manufacturing a device for caring for the oral cavity, according to which: (a) providing a head and a first part of a handle connected to the head, wherein the first part has a first surface and a power source located in a chamber of the first part; (b) supplying the head with at least one tooth cleaning element; and (c) attaching the second part of the handle to the first part of the handle, wherein the second part has a second surface and accommodates a unit comprising a timer and a user notification device configured to issue a notification based on the state of the timer, the first part being connected to the head at the distal end handles, the second part forms the proximal end of the handle, and the first and second surfaces together form the outer surface of the handle, and when attaching the second part of the handle, the electrically conductive contact of the block is brought into the surface ntakt the power supply. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) is carried out prior to step (c). 3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) is carried out prior to step (b). 4. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, according to which, before step (c), at least a part of said block is introduced into the cavity of the second part of the handle. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said block comprises a printed circuit board on which a timer and a user notification device are mounted, while introducing, insert the printed circuit board into the cavity of the second part of the handle so that the printed circuit board lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device . 6. The method according to p. 4, according to which the block and the cavity of the second part have a shape that prevents rotation of the block relative to the second part around the longitudinal axis of the device. 7. The method according to p. 4, according to which the block contains one or more elements that prevent the block from moving relative to the second part in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. 8. The method according to p. 7, according to which, after the stage in which the block is located in the cavity, and before step (c), the block is supplied with the indicated one or more elements. 9. The method according to p. 8, according to which at the stage of supplying the specified one or more elements, one or more elements are soldered or glued to the block section. 10. The method according to p. 1, according to which provide an engine configured to connect to a power source. 11. The method according to p. 10, according to which the engine is located in the first part. 12. The method according to p. 10 or 11, according to which the power source is located between the engine and the unit. 13. The method according to p. 10 or 11, according to which the engine and the unit are electrically connected to the power source, while optionally the engine and the unit are connected in parallel to the power source. 14. The method according to p. 1, according to which in step (c) the second part is attached to the first part by means of one of: gluing, welding or meshing of the corresponding mechanical elements of the first and second parts. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (c), the second part and the first part are detachably connected. 16. The method according to p. 1, in which the second part is transparent or translucent. 17. The method according to claim 1, in which the first part is opaque. 18. The method according to p. 1, according to which the device for caring for the oral cavity is a toothbrush. 19. An oral care device comprising: a head bearing at least one cleaning element; and a handle having a distal end, a proximal end, a first part and a second part attached to the first part, the first surface of the first part and the second surface of the second part together form the outer surface of the handle; wherein the first part is connected to the head at the distal end of the handle, and the second part forms the proximal end of the handle; and the second part accommodates a block containing a timer and a user notification device, configured to issue a notification depending on the status of the timer, moreover, the block contains an electrically conductive contact configured to bring into surface contact with a power source located in the chamber of the first part. 20. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the unit comprises a printed circuit board on which a timer and a user notification device are installed. 21. An oral care implement according to claim 20, wherein the printed circuit board lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. 22. The oral care device according to claim 19, wherein at least a part of the block is located in the cavity of the second part, the block and the cavity of the second part having a shape that prevents the block from rotating relative to the second part about the longitudinal axis of the device, 23. The oral care device according to claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the block is located in the cavity of the second part, wherein the block contains one or more elements located relative to the cavity so as to prevent the block from moving relative to the second part in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. 24. An oral care implement according to claim 19, comprising an engine configured to be connected to a power source. 25. An oral care implement according to claim 24, wherein the power source and / or motor are located in the first part. 26. An oral care implement according to claim 24, wherein the power source is located between the engine and the unit. 27. An oral care implement according to claim 24, wherein the engine and the unit are electrically connected to the power source, optionally the engine and the unit are electrically connected in parallel to the power source. 28. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the second part is attached to the first part by one or more of: adhesive, a welded joint, or corresponding engaged mechanical elements of the first and second parts. 29. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the second part is removably connected to the first part. 30. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the second part is transparent or translucent, 31. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the second part is made of styrene acrylonitrile polymer (SAN). 32. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the first part is opaque. 33. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the unit comprises a control device, such as a microcontroller. 34. An oral care implement according to claim 33, wherein said control device has a device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory device including computer program code, wherein said at least one memory the device and the computer program code are configured to cause time tracking by the device using the at least one processor. 35. An oral care implement according to claim 19, wherein the timer is configured such that the state of the timer changes over time, wherein the user notification device is configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in a first state and to issue a second predetermined notification when the timer is in the second state, the second predetermined notification being different from the first predetermined notification. 36. An oral care implement according to claim 35, wherein the second predetermined notice has a duration, pattern, or frequency different from the first preset notice. 37. The oral care device of claim 19, wherein the user notification device comprises a device configured to issue a notification or notifications by means of visible light. 38. An oral care device according to claim 37, wherein said device comprises at least one light emitting diode. 39. An oral care implement according to claim 24, wherein the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification depending on the condition of the power source. 40. A device for caring for the oral cavity according to any one of paragraphs. 19-39, in which most of the outer surface of the handle is formed by the first surface of the first part. 41. An oral care implement according to claim 19, comprising a toothbrush. 42. A set of parts for a device for caring for the oral cavity, containing: a head bearing at least one cleaning element; the first part of the handle, the first part being connected to the head and having a first surface; and the second part of the handle, the second part having a second surface and accommodates a unit containing a timer and a user notification device, configured to issue a notification depending on the state of the timer; wherein the second part is adapted to be attached to the first part so that the first part is connected to the head at the distal end of the handle, the second part forms the proximal end of the handle, and the first and second surfaces together form the outer surface of the handle, and the unit contains an electrically conductive contact made with the possibility of bringing into surface contact with a power source located in the chamber of the first part. 43. A set of parts according to claim 42, in which the second part is made detachable to the first part.

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