GB2406503A

GB2406503A - A powered toothbrush

Info

Publication number: GB2406503A
Application number: GB0322886A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Metter
Original assignee: BULK SUPPLIES Ltd
Current assignee: BULK SUPPLIES Ltd
Priority date: 2003-09-30
Filing date: 2003-09-30
Publication date: 2005-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-30
Also published as: GB0322886D0; GB2406503B

Abstract

A powered toothbrush comprises a rotatable part 3 having an axis of rotation and a plurality of light sources 13 mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation, the light sources travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part. The toothbrush may comprise a controller which controls the illumination of the light sources. The controller may control the light sources to illuminate and extinguish in a phase relationship with the rotation of the rotatable part in such a manner as to form numbers, letters or pictures as the rotatable part rotates.

Description

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"A Powered Toothbrush" THIS INVENTION relates to a powered toothbrush, and in particular to a powered toothbrush incorporating a light display.

Correct care of teeth is important for children, and parents or guardians of children will know that it is not always easy to persuade children to brush their teeth frequently enough, or for an appropriate length of time at each session. Hence, some effort is often invested in making toothbrushes for children fun or otherwise appealing, so as to capture a child's attention and make the child wish to use the 1 5 toothbrush.

It is known for a child's toothbrushes to incorporate an LED or other illumination device, for instance within the handle of the toothbrush. The toothbrush is provided with a transparent or translucent housing, at least in the region of the light source, so that the light source is visible when illuminated. The light source may illuminate constantly, or may flash while the toothbrush is in use. Hopefully, a child will be entertained by this, and will wish to use the toothbrush.

Children's attention spans are, however, notoriously short, and it is desirable to be able to provide an improved light display in a toothbrush to continue to hold children's attention and make them wish to brush their teeth. However, elaborate light displays often require relatively heavy or expensive components, and in some cases may require moving parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush comprising an improved light display, while minimising the additional size, weight and cost of the toothbrush, and also minimising the modifications that must be made to the toothbrush to provide the display.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a powered toothbrush comprising: a rotatable part having an axis of rotation; and at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

Advantageously, the at least one light source travels in a substantially circular path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part during rotation thereof.

Preferably, the toothbrush comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on or connected to the rotatable part.

Conveniently, the toothbrush further comprises a controller which controls the illumination of the at least one light source.

Advantageously, the controller causes the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in a phase relationship with the rotation of the

rotatable part.

Preferably, the controller is operable to cause the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in such a manner as to form numbers, letters or pictures as the rotatable part rotates.

Conveniently, the toothbrush further comprises a switch which may be used to switch between different modes of illumination of the at least one light source.

Advantageously, the at least one light source is mounted or connected so that it lies at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotatable part, in a direction perpendicular thereto.

Preferably, the rotatable part comprises a spindle of the toothbrush.

Alternatively, the rotatable part comprises a drive shaft of the toothbrush.

Alternatively, the rotatable part comprises a member which is located between a drive shaft of the toothbrush and a spindle of the toothbrush.

Conveniently, the toothbrush further comprises a housing which substantially surrounds the rotatable part, and the housing comprises a transparent or translucent window in the region of the light source to allow the light source to be seen by a user of the toothbrush.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a powered brush or other cleaning device comprising a rotatable part having an axis of rotation, the rotatable part rotating, during operation of the device, as part of a mechanism to effect a cleaning function of the device, the device further comprising at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a device for attachment to a spindle of a powered toothbrush, the device comprising at least one light source which is mountable on or connectable to the spindle such that, during rotation of the spindle, the light source travels in a path around the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure I shows some components of a toothbrush embodying the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a toothbrush embodying the present invention.

With reference to Figure 1, part of the mechanism for driving a powered toothbrush is shown. A motor 1 is provided, along with a battery receiver 2 for receiving one or more batteries to provide power for the toothbrush. A drive shaft 3 protrudes from one end of the motor 1, the drive shaft 3 rotating during operation of the motor 1.

An elongate spindle 4 is provided, having a connection arrangement which allows the spindle 4 to be connected to the drive shaft 3. A winged sleeve 5 is fitted over the drive shaft 3, so that the winged sleeve 5 rotates with the drive shaft 3. The winged sleeve 5 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical body and a pair of wings 6 which protrude radially from opposing sides of the body. A connector 7 is also provided on a end of the spindle 4 nearest the motor 1. The connector 7 comprises a circular bore 8, which is coaxial with the spindle 4. The circular bore 8 has an internal diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the winged sleeve 5. The connector 7 is provided with cut-out portions on opposing sides thereof, which are adapted to receive the wings 6 of the winged sleeve 5.

In construction of the toothbrush, the winged sleeve S is placed over the drive shaft 3, and the connector 7 is then attached to the winged sleeve 5 so that the wings 6 are received in the cut-out portions thereof. It will be understood that the spindle 4 is now constrained to rotate with the drive shaft 3.

A rotary support 9 is provided, the rotary support 9 initially being formed in two halves 9a, 9b. Each half 9a, 9b comprises a substantially planar element, each having an elongate groove 10 running along an inner surface thereof. The two halves 9a, 9b are adapted to be fitted together with their inner surfaces facing one another, so that the grooves l O align with one another to form a bore running through the rotary support 9. In this manner, the two halves 9a, 9b can be fitted to one another around the spindle 4, so that the spindle 4 passes through the bore formed by the two grooves 10. The rotary support 9 is then attached to the spindle 4, and constrained to rotate therewith. The rotary support 9 is substantially rectangular in shape, but has a cut-out portion 11 provided in one edge thereof to accommodate the connector 7 which is attached to the spindle 4. A collar 12 positioned at an appropriate distance along the length of the spindle 4 lies against a top surface of the rotary support 9, and prevents the rotary support 9 from sliding along the spindle 4 and hence moving away from its correct position.

A number of LED's or other light sources 13 are provided on one or more edges of the rotary support 9 which are furthest from the spindle 4. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the light sources 13 are mounted on one or more dice, which are attachable to the rotary support 9.

The rotary support 9 further comprises a PCB or other controller (not shown), which is operable to illuminate and extinguish each light source 13 independently, and suitable connections are made with the battery receiver 2 to supply power to the By- controller, both to power logic circuits thereof, and to supply power to the light sources 13.

A mechanism is provided by which the controller may sense the rate of rotation of the spindle 4. This may be achieve by means of an optical sensor and counter, or by any other suitable means.

Other components shown in Figure l include a crank 14 provided at a distal end of the spindle 4, to drive a brush head of the toothbrush in an oscillating fashion, and a switching arrangement 15 by which a user of the toothbrush may switch the toothbrush on and off. In the depicted embodiment, the switching arrangement 15 comprises an on switch 16 and an off switch 17, but toothbrushes embodying the present invention may have further controls provided thereon, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

In operation of the toothbrush, the spindle 4 rotates, in order to drive the brush head of the toothbrush in an oscillating fashion. As the spindle 4 rotates, the rotary support 9 will also rotate, and the controller causes the light sources 13 to illuminate and extinguish in a phase relationship with the rotation of the spindle 4. This type of light display is known, and a skilled reader will understand that many attractive and engaging effects may be achieved. For instance, the light sources 13 may be illuminated in order to provide the effect of a radially symmetrical pattern of lights, or may alternatively be illuminated to create the illusion of numbers, letters or pictures, and it is envisaged that a child's toothbrush may be programmed so that the child's name appears in lights as the toothbrush is being used.

The present invention is, of course, not limited to these possibilities, and any pattern, picture or information may be produced by the light sources 13 as the spindle 4 rotates.

Figure 2 shows a toothbrush 18 embodying the present invention. The toothbrush 18 is provided with a housing 19 which, aside from parts of the switching arrangement 15, surrounds the components depicted in Figure 1. A brush head 20 is also provided, the brush head 20 being caused to rotate, in operation of the toothbrush 18, in an oscillating fashion.

The housing 19 is provided with a transparent or translucent window 21, in a region near or adjacent the rotary support 9. It will be appreciated that this window 21 will allow a user of the toothbrush to view the light display when the toothbrush 18 is in use.

The toothbrush 18 comprises an on switch 16 and an off switch 17, as discussed above. However, it is also envisaged that further controls may be provided to vary the display produced by the light sources 13 provided on the rotary support 9.

These additional controls may, for example, comprise a switch which, in a first position, produces a light display involving gradually changing patterns, and in a second position may cause the name of the user to appear.

It will be appreciated that the fact that a powered toothbrush comprises a rotating spindle means that a rotating light display may be incorporated into an electric toothbrush with a minimum of modification to the mechanism of the toothbrush.

Hence, a powered toothbrush may incorporate this type of display with minimal addition to the size, weight and cost of the toothbrush.

The present invention also provides a device which may simply be "retrofit" on to the rotating spindle of a conventional powered toothbrush, thereby modifying this toothbrush to provide a rotating light display.

In the present specification "comprises" means "includes or consists of'' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'. '

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A powered toothbrush comprising: a rotatable part having an

axis of rotation; and at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.
2. A toothbrush according to Claim l, wherein the at least one light source travels in a substantially circular path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part during rotation thereof.
3. A toothbrush according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of light sources mounted on or connected to the rotatable part.
4. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, farther comprising a controller which controls the illumination of the at least one light source.
5. A toothbrush according to Claim 4, wherein the controller causes the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in a phase relationship with the rotation of the rotatable part.
6. A toothbrush according to Claim 5, wherein the controller is operable to cause the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in such a manner as to form numbers, letters or pictures as the rotatable part rotates.
7. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, further comprising a switch which may be used to switch between different modes of illumination of the at least one light source.
8 A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light source is mounted or connected so that it lies at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotatable part, in a direction perpendicular thereto.
9. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable part comprises a spindle of the toothbrush.
10. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable part comprises a drive shaft of the toothbrush.
11. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable part comprises a member which is located between a drive shaft of the toothbrush and a spindle of the toothbrush.
12. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein: the toothbrush further comprises a housing which substantially surrounds the rotatable part; and the housing comprises a transparent or translucent window in the region of the light source to allow the light source to be seen by a user of the toothbrush.
13. A powered brush or other cleaning device comprising a rotatable part having an axis of rotation, the rotatable part rotating, during operation of the device, as part of a mechanism to effect a cleaning function of the device, the device further comprising at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.
14. A device for attachment to a spindle of a powered toothbrush, the device comprising at least one light source which is mountable on or connectable to the spindle such that, during rotation of the spindle, the light source travels in a path around the longitudinal axis of the spindle.
15. A device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A toothbrush substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as fon CLAIMS: 1. A powered toothbrush comprising: a rotatable part having an axis of rotation; and at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

2. A toothbrush according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one light source travels in a substantially circular path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part during rotation thereof.

3. A toothbrush according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of light sources mounted on or connected to the rotatable part.

4. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, further comprising a controller which controls the illumination of the at least one light source.

5. A toothbrush according to Claim 4, wherein the controller causes the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in a phase relationship with the rotation of the rotatable part.

6. A toothbrush according to Claim 5, wherein the controller is operable to cause the at least one light source to illuminate and extinguish in such a manner as to form numbers, letters or pictures as the rotatable part rotates.

7. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, further comprising a switch which may be used to switch between different modes of illumination of the at least one light source.

8 A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light source is mounted or connected so that it lies at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotatable part, in a direction perpendicular thereto.

9. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable part comprises a spindle of the toothbrush.

10. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable part comprises a drive shaft of the toothbrush.

11. A toothbrush according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable part comprises a member which is located between a drive shaft of the toothbrush and a spindle of the toothbrush.

12. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein: the toothbrush further comprises a housing which substantially surrounds the rotatable part; and the housing comprises a transparent or translucent window in the region of the light source to allow the light source to be seen by a user of the toothbrush.

13. A powered brush or other cleaning device comprising a rotatable part having an axis of rotation, the rotatable part rotating, during operation of the device, as part of a mechanism to effect a cleaning function of the device, the device further comprising at least one light source mounted on or connected to the rotatable part such that, during rotation of the rotatable part, the light source travels in a path around the axis of rotation of the rotatable part. 1!

14. A toothbrush substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.