GB2324174A

GB2324174A - Toothbrush holder with timer

Info

Publication number: GB2324174A
Application number: GB9707359A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gregory Robert Webb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-11
Filing date: 1997-04-11
Publication date: 1998-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-11
Also published as: GB9707359D0; GB2324174B

Abstract

A toothbrush holder 12 provides a indication of the length of time that toothbrush 16 has been removed from its recess 14. Upon removal brush support 18 moves up the recess by the action of spring 32. Rack and pinion 24/30 are thereby moved causing a dial and pointer, via a governor, (not illustrated) to indicate the time that the brush has been removed. Stop 42 (fig 4) prevents the brush being replaced until after a period of time. Replacement of the brush recharges the spring.

Description

TIMING DEVICE This invention relates to a timing device. More particularly, the invention relates to a timing device for use with a toothbrush.

It is generally recommended by dentists that people should clean their teeth at least once per day for a period of at least two minutes. It is desirable for people to have some way of knowing how long they have spent cleaning their teeth, so that they can ensure that they have complied with dentists' recommendations.

Electric toothbrushes often have an electronic timer built in; however, users of manual toothbrushes would have to use a nearby clock or a watch in order to keep track of the time that had elapsed.

I have now found a way for users of any toothbrush to time how long they have been cleaning their teeth. Broadly, this involves the use of a timing device which is activated automatically when a user picks up the toothbrush, and which provides a signal indicative of an amount of time that has elapsed.

According to one aspect of the invention, I provide a timing device comprising means to support a toothbrush, a timing mechanism that is activatable in response to the toothbrush being removed from the support means, arid signal means for providing a signal, to a user, indicative of time measured by the timing mechanism.

Preferably, the timing device includes a detection means for detecting when the toothbrush has been removed from the support means. This enables the timing mechanism to be activated when the detection means detects removal of the toothbrush. It is especially preferred that the detection means and the support means are integral and comprise a support member operatively connected to the timing mechanism. In the most preferred embodiment, the detection means is sensitive to the weight of the toothbrush, whereby the timing mechanism can be activated by removal of the toothbrush from the support means.

The timing device suitably includes a housing which houses the timing mechanism. The housing may also house the support means. The housing may be provided with a recess which receives an end of the toothbrush, the support means being disposed at an inner end of the recess. Preferably the recess comprises a substantially cylindrical bore extending within the housing; the recess should preferably be of a size sufficient to recess any toothbrush therein.

The housing may, of course, have any desired shape. The use of certain shapes (eg well-known children's characters) would make the device more attractive to small children.

The timing mechanism may be electronically operated or mechanically operated. When the timing mechanism is electronically operated, it could be powered by a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or a mains electricity supply, or by light energy converted into electrical energy through an appropriate transducer.

However, in my preferred embodiment, the timing mechanism is entireiy mechanically operated, and is essentially a "clockwork" mechanism. I prefer that the timing mechanism is provided with a mechanical energy storage means, means to discharge energy from the storage means at a controlled rate, whereby the amount of energy discharged is proportional to the duration of the energy discharge, and means to recharge the energy of the storage means. The energy discharge means is desirably operatively connected to the signalling means, whereby the signalling means can provide the user with the signal indicative of time.

The energy storage means is preferably a spring, such a leaf spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, and the like.

The energy discharge means preferably comprises a governor that can regulate the rate at which energy is discharged from the storage means.

The recharging means enables the energy of the storage means to be replenished after each use of the timing device. The recharging means is advantageously such that the energy for recharging the storage means is provided mechanically by the user of the timing device. In my preferred embodiment, the support means is movable in response to pressure applied to it by an end of the toothbrush, and the support means is operatively connected to the energy storage means such that movement of the support means causes recharging of the storage means.

The support means may be arranged to be movable linearly or pivotally. The support means is preferably movable between an initial position and a final position, and movement of the support means from the final position to the initial position causes recharging of the storage means. The arrangement will usually be such that the support means is moved to the final position during the discharging of the energy of the storage means. This arrangement enables the timing device to be reset after discharge of the energy of the storage means.

Preferably, the energy discharge means is operatively connected to the support means though a rack and pinion arrangement. Desirably, the support means is secured to the rack, the pinion is secured to the governor, and the rack and pinion are each provided with interengaging teeth, whereby linear movement of the rack results in rotational movement of the pinion and yice versa.

If the support means is pivotally movable, then it may be provided on an arm pivotally secured to the housing, the arm being operatively connected to the storage means in such a way that pivotal movement of the arm results in the storage of mechanical energy in the storage means. It may be desirable to provide a gearing mechanism between the arm and the storage means. In this embodiment the recesss in the housing may not be desirable.

The storage means may be connected directly between the housing and the support means, whereby the storage means, when charged with mechanical energy, applies a force directly to the support means. It is also possible for the storage means to be connected directly to the housing, but indirectly to the support means. For example, the storage means could be directly connected to the rack or to the pinion described above.

It will be appreciated that there are many different possible configurations for the signalling means. The signalling means may provide a continuous signal indicating the amount of time that has elapsed since the toothbrush was removed, for example by of a time display that may comprise a movable pointer arranged to point at a time scale. Alternatively, or in addition, the signalling means may be arranged to provide a specific signal to identify that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. This specific signal may be, for example, an acoustic signal, such as the sounding of a bell or of a voice; or a visual signal, such as the flashing of a light. An acoustic signal would usually be preferred because this can be achieved with a purely mechanical arrangement.

As mentioned above, the signalling means is preferably operatively connected to the energy discharge means of the timing mechanism. In my preferred construction the energy discharge means is connected to a pointer that is indicative of the amount of time that has elapsed since removal of the toothbrush. I also prefer that the energy discharge means is arranged to activate a bell after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. Typically the predetermined amount of time would be in the range 2 to 3 minutes.

It is desirable to provide the timing device with stop means to prevent the support means from being returned to the initial position before a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since removal of the toothbrush. This feature would prevent the toothbrush from being replaced, and prevent the timing device from being reset, until the predetermined amount of time had elapsed. This feature would be particularly useful for children, where there would often be a temptation to replace the toothbrush before 2 to 3 minutes had elapsed.

In one embodiment the stop means comprises a stop member movable between a stop position in which it blocks the housing recess and a retracted position in which it does not block the housing recess. The stop member may be biassed towards the stop position, so that it moves to the stop position when the toothbrush is removed from the recess. The support means may be arranged to move the stop member to the retracted position as it moves from the initial position to the final position.

It is possible for the more than one timing device according to the invention to be integrated within a single housing.

The ability of the timing device to support the toothbrush enables the device to act as a toothbrush holder as well as a timing device. Furthermore, the timing device enables a person using a toothbrush that has been supported by the device to monitor the time that has elapsed since he or she started cleaning his or her teeth.

Whilst the invention has been described above in relation to toothbrushes, it will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to other articles.

Furthermore, the invention may have more general application to situations where it is not necessary to hold any particular article. According to another aspect of the invention, I provide a timing device comprising a movable timing actuator; a mechanical timing mechanism operatively connected to the actuator in such a way that movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position charges the timing mechanism with mechanical energy, the timing mechanism being capable of discharging the mechanical energy at a controlled rate; and signal means for providing a signal, to a user, indicative of time measured by the timing mechanism. A timing device of this form could be used, for example as an egg timer, where a user simply presses the actuator, and the signalling means indicates when the time necessary to cook an egg has elapsed.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a timing device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a timing device according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a timing device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of part of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing a stop means; and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of support means for a timing device according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 a timing device generally designated 10 comprises a housing 12 containing a recess 14 therein for receiving the handle end of a toothbrush 16.

The cross-section of the recess 14 should be large enough to receive a wide range of toothbrushes therein. A support means in the form of a support member 18 is provided at an lower end of the recess 14.

A base 20 is provided at a lower end of the housing 12, and is provided with a rubber sucker 22 to help hold the timing device 10 in position on a support surface, such as a bathroom shelf. As an alternative, the timing device 10 could be provided with a fixing bracket (not shown) to enable it to be fixed to a wall.

The support member 18 is fixed to a rack 24 having a plurality of teeth 26. The teeth 26 can interengage with a plurality of cooperating teeth 28 on a pinion 30. The pinion 30 is provided with a governor (not shown) which limits the rate at which it can rotate when a rotational force is applied thereto. In addition, the pinion 30 is connected to a pointer (not shown) that points to a time scale (not shown), such as a "clock face", whereby movement of the pointer relative to the time scale is indicative of the passage of a certain amount of time.

A mechanical energy storage means, in the form of a compression spring 32, is provided under the support member 18. One end of the spring 32 presses upwardly against the support means 18, while another end of the spring 32 is fixedly secured to the housing 12.

The operation of the timing device 10 will now be described. Initially, the timing device 10 is in the position shown in Fig. 1 with the toothbrush 16 held therein; the support member 18 is in an initial position at the lower end of the recess 14. When the weight of the toothbrush 16 is removed from the recess 14, the biasing force of the spring 32 is sufficient to push the support member 18 upwardly along the recess 14. The upward movement of the support member 18 causes a corresponding upward movement of the rack 24, to which the support member 18 is attached. The upward movement of the rack 24 causes rotation of the pinion 30, thereby causing movement of the pointer, which indicates the passage of time.

During the upward movement of the support member 18, the rate of movement is controlled by the governor - this ensures that the pointer will move along the time scale at the correct rate.

After the elapse of 2 to 3 minutes (depending upon the amount of time that the timing device has been set up to measure), the support member will reach a final position at or near the upper end of the recess 14; at this time the mechanical energy in the spring 32 may be completely discharged. At this point it will be impossible to insert the toothbrush 16 into the recess 14 without also pressing the support member 18 back down into the recess 14. When the support member 18 has been pushed back down to the initial position shown in Fig. 1, the weight of the toothbrush 16 will hold the support member 18 in position, overcoming any upward force from the spring 32.

In Fig. 2 an altemative embodiment of timing device 10' is shown. The embodiment of Fig. 2 is the same as the embodiment of Fig. 1, except that the compression spring 32 has been replaced with a leaf spring 34; accordingly, like parts have been designated with like reference numerals. An end 36 of the leaf spring 34 is secured to the housing, while an end 38 of the leaf spring 34 presses against the lower surface of the support member 18. There is an also an additional aperture provided in the housing 12 to enable the leaf spring 34 to move along the recess 14. The operation of the timing device 10' is similar to the operation of the timing device 10.

In Fig. 3 another alternative embodiment of timing device 10" is shown.

The embodiment of Fig. 2 is the same as the embodiment of Fig. 1, except that the compression spring 32 has been replaced with an extension spring 40; accordingly, like parts have been designated with like reference numerals. Both ends of the spring 40 are secured to the housing 12, and part of the spring 40 is secured to the pinion 30. The operation of the timing device 10" is similar to the operation of the timing device 10.

Fig. 4 shows a stop means in the form of a stop member 42, which is intended to prevent the toothbrush 16 from being re-inserted into the recess 14 until a certain amount of time has elapsed. The stop member 42 is pivotally mounted to the housing 12 by a mounting 44 that enables the stop member 42 to be moved between a retracted position (shown in dotted lines) and a stop position (shown in full lines). The mounting 44 is such that the stop member 42 is biased towards the stop position.

When the toothbrush 16 is first withdrawn from the recess 14, the stop member 42 moves to the stop position under the influence of the biassing force provided by the mounting 44. The stop member 42 has an upper stop surface 46, which prevents the toothbrush 16 from being re-inserted into the recess 14. As the support member 18 moves upwardly along the recess 14, its upper surface engages an inclined surface 48 of the stop member 42, which causes the stop member 42 to be pushed back to its retracted position. At this time the toothbrush 16 can now be pressed against the upper surface of the support member 18, and can push the support member 18 back down into the recess 14. It will be appreciated that during this movement their is no opportunity for the stop member 42 to move back to the stop position, so it cannot interfere with the downward movement of the toothbrush 16.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative way of providing the support means. In this embodiment the support means comprises a support member 50 provided on the end of an arm 52, which is pivotally mounted to the housing 12. Removal of the toothbrush 16 causes activation of the timing mechanism. Once again, a stop can be provided to prevent premature replacement of the toothbrush 16. The arm 52 moves pivotally while the timing mechanism is operating. It is possible for the arm 52 to be arranged to point directly at a time scale, so that the arm supporting the toothbrush also provides a measure of elapsed time.

It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the invention described above. For example, means may be provided to adjust the length of time measured by the timing mechanism. This may be achieved by the provision of an adjusting screw linked to the time mechanism.

Claims

1. A timing device comprising means to support an article such as a toothbrush, a timing mechanism that is activatable in response to the article being removed from the support means, and signal means for providing a signal, to a user, indicative of time measured by the timing mechanism.

2. A timing device according to claim 1, wherein the timing device includes a detection means for detecting when the article has been removed from the support means, whereby the timing mechanism can be activated when the detection means detects removal of the article.

3. A timing device according to claim 2, wherein the detection means and the support means are integral and comprise a support member operatively connected to the timing mechanism.

4. A timing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection means is sensitive to the weight of the article, whereby the timing mechanism can be activated by removal of the article.

5. A timing device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a housing which houses the timing mechanism.

6. A timing device according to claim 5, wherein the housing also houses the support means.

7. A timing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the housing is provided with a recess which receives an end of the article, the support means being disposed at an inner end of the recess.

8. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the timing mechanism is entirely mechanically operated.

9. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the timing mechanism comprises a mechanical energy storage means, means to discharge energy from the storage means at a controlled rate, whereby the amount of energy discharged is proportional to the duration of the energy discharge, and means to recharge the energy of the storage means.

10. A timing device according to claim 9, wherein the energy discharge means is operatively connected to the signalling means, whereby the signalling means can provide the user with the signal at the predetermined time.

11. A timing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the energy storage means is a spring.

12. A timing device according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the energy discharge means comprises a governor that can regulate the rate at which energy is discharged from the storage means.

13. A timing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the support means is movable in response to pressure applied to it by an end of the article, and the support means is operatively connected to the energy storage means such that movement of the support means can cause recharging of the storage means.

14. A timing device according to claim 13, wherein the support means is movable between an initial position and a final position, and movement of the support means from the final position to the initial position causes recharging of the storage means.

15. A timing device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the energy discharge means is operatively connected to the support means though a rack and pinion arrangement.

16. A timing device according to claim 15, wherein the support means is secured to the rack, the pinion is secured to the governor, and the rack and pinion are each provided with interengaging teeth, whereby linear movement of the rack results in rotational movement of the pinion and vice versa.

17. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means is linearly movable.

18. A timing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the support means is pivotally movable.

19. A timing device according to claim 18, when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the support means is provided on an arm pivotally mounted to the housing.

20. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the signalling means is arranged to provide a continuous signal indicating the amount of time that has elapsed since the article was removed.

21. A timing device according to claim 20, wherein the signalling means comprises a time display.

22. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the signalling means is arranged to provide a specific signal to identify that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

23. A timing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the signalling means includes a pointer, and a time scale, the pointer being arranged to point at a part of the time scale to represent the amount of time that has passed.

24. A timing device according to any preceding claim, further comprising stop means for preventing the support means from being returned to the initial position before a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since removal of the article.

25. A timing device according to claim 24, when dependent upon claim 5 and 14, wherein the stop means comprises a stop member movable between a stop position in which it blocks the housing recess and a retracted position in which it does not block the housing recess, the stop member being biassed towards the stop position, so that it moves to the stop position when the article is removed from the recess, and the support means being be arranged to move the stop member to the retracted position as it moves from the initial position to the final position.

26. A timing device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.