GB2536620A

GB2536620A - A mouth cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2536620A
Application number: GB1504352.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sihra Saranjit
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2015-03-16
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Also published as: GB201504352D0

Abstract

A mouth cleaning device such as a toothbrush comprising a body (2, Fig 1) for a user to hold, a preferably displaceable head (3, Fig 1) for insertion into the user's mouth, a timing means, and a sensor, located in the body (2), for registering pressure on the head (3). The pressure sensor and timing means allowing a user to ensure that during cleaning of the teeth the correct pressure is applied for the correct duration. The device may further comprise a display portion 12, possibly in the form of LEDs to indicate ends of time periods or excessive pressure on the head. It may also include feedback means, possibly in the form audible feedback or a thumb button 8 including vibrational feedback etc. The toothbrush may also be provided with a separate charging unit 10 and may further be provided with wireless connectivity such that the feedback could be communicated to displays provided remote from the toothbrush, possibly on the charging unit 10. Claims are also provided for interchangeable heads (41-45, Fig 5), and a system comprising a mouth cleaning device, a plurality of heads (41-45) and a storage case.

Description

A MOUTH CLEANING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mouth cleaning device, in particular a device for cleaning teeth and gums and tongue of a user's mouth; more particularly but not exclusively a manual toothbrush system for accomplishing a plurality of tasks in the user's mouth.

Background

Increasing interest in mouth hygiene and health has led to many users switching to electric toothbrushes.

Many other users however distrust, dislike or cannot afford electric toothbrushes, preferring to use manual toothbrushes, particularly with reference to children learning how to clean their mouth. In addition for travel purposes electric toothbrushes may be inconvenient. Furthermore for delicate areas of the mouth, such as gums or tongue, known electric brushes are ill-adapted or unsatisfactory and can be damaging.

Despite improvements and increased knowledge in mouth care, standard manual toothbrushes have not changed substantially in character or construction for decades. In particular the recognition of the importance of general mouth health, including with respect to tongue, interdental areas and gum areas has not been reflected in manual toothbrushes, or for that matter many electric toothbrushes.

In addition or the alternative where such tooth care devices are currently available, but a user is required to keep a plurality of devices for such different purposes.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 8 448 287 (ATLASON et al) discloses a toothbrush with a replaceable head formed to permit ready removal and attachment without the use of a tool. The replaceable toothbrush head is advantageously formed for coupling with a power toothbrush, particularly, a power toothbrush with a power element that protrudes from the toothbrush head. The replaceable toothbrush head is thus formed to accommodate the power element. The replaceable toothbrush head is moved axially along an rotation axis for alignment with an alignment axis. The replaceable toothbrush head is then rotated about the rotation axis into a snap in engagement with the head of the toothbrush main unit.

United States patent application US 2006 037 158 (ELDON et al) discloses a method for indicating to a user of a toothbrush, an elapsed brushing time and a recommended brushing time using the toothbrush, the method comprising: providing a toothbrush having a timer element and a switch for operating the timer; initiating the timer upon initiation of the switch by the user; determining an elapsed brushing time; indicating to the user the elapsed brushing time; determining when the recommended brushing time has elapsed; and indicating to the user that the recommended brushing time has elapsed.

United States patent application US 4 716 614 (AASAA et al) discloses a device for monitoring the process of toothbrushing, said device comprising a toothbrush having a handle with a neck and a removable and replaceable head, said neck being located between said head and a remainder of said handle, said neck having means to consecutively receive various heads so that when pressure is exerted on said head it will be transmitted to said neck, said head having numerous bristles thereon and said bristles having a free end, said handle having at least two sets of sensing means affixed thereto in an area of said neck to linearly measure a bending moment of the area to which each set of sensing means is attached, said handle having two nonparallel planes with one set of sensing means on each plane, each plane being parallel to a longitudinal axis of said handle, each set of sensing means being electrically connected to different signalling means so that a two dimensional signal can be activated as pressure is exerted on said bristles.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a mouth cleaning device comprising a body for a user to hold and a head for insertion into the user's mouth, the body comprises a sensor for registering pressure on the head, and the device comprises a timing means.

In advantageous embodiments the head may be displaceable, so as to allow for a plurality of head styles, adapted for different areas of the mouth.

Advantageously the device may allow the user to monitor correct usage of the device 10 during mouth cleaning. The user is enabled to monitor by a feedback means.

The timing means preferably enables the user to control minimum time taken during brushing or mouth cleaning.

The sensor preferably enables the user to control the damaging application of excessive pressure in cleaning.

The device may comprise an electric or manual feedback means, for example wherein a manual means may comprise a mechanical timer, and/or a displaceable 20 part, displaced by excessive pressure on the head.

The body may further comprise an energy source, for example at least one battery.

The energy source may be used to facilitate an alarm signal, which signal may be 25 acoustic, haptic or visual, wherein in some embodiments the signal comprises a light visible to the user during use.

Advantageously the light signal may be situated on the body, wherein the light signal is located remote from the head on the body and is consequently not covered jn use 30 by the user's hand. For example in preferred embodiments the light signal is situated at or adjacent the end of the body distal from the head.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a local feedback means, wherein such means may comprise a feedback portion which portion provides the light signal.

In some embodiments the feedback means may be included remotely and the device is configured with wireless connectivity, for example included in a separate charging unit for charging a battery in the device.

In some embodiments the feedback means may comprise a hapfic feedback means, for example wherein the feedback means comprises a portion having vibration means.

The portion may provide vibration and light signals.

The head in some embodiments may comprise a neck and cleaning portion, wherein the neck is configured to secure into a collar on the body and the portion is configured to have cleaning properties. The portion thereby includes bristles known in the art for teeth cleaning in some embodiments. In other embodiments the portion includes parts configured for cleaning other areas of the mouth, for example a tongue scraper.

The head or neck fits in use into the body and may be held in place by a tolerance, friction or interference fit. In this way moving parts and cost may be minimised and 20 ease of use improved, wherein the head may be simply pulled from the body when a different head or neck may be used.

The head and body interface thereby may comprise resiliently deformable material.

The device may comprise a charging unit, wherein such unit and the body interact to pass electrical current. In some embodiments the passage of electrical current may be comprised in a wireless form. Advantageously the body may be placed into or docked on the unit at nighttimes. The body may comprise an overcharge prevention mechanism.

The unit in some embodiments may include a head storage part, for storage of heads when not in use.

The unit and body and head may comprise waterproofing, particularly with respect to 35 mutual connection sections.

In some embodiments the device may include a control mechanism, which control mechanism is used to control the timing means and/or pressure-registering sensor.

In some embodiments this control mechanism comprises at least one button or user 5 activated finger control. This may be used to activate the pressure sensor for use, so as to allow greater user control and conservation of electrical charge.

The control mechanism may additionally or alternatively allow control of the timing means and set time periods thereof.

In some embodiments the control mechanism may control a series of time periods, for example wherein the time periods are consecutive periods and an overall time period.

In some embodiments the control mechanism may allow setting of time periods, where the control mechanism is further interrelated to the sensor. For example the sensor may function as an activation trigger for the control mechanism in some further embodiments.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system of customising the body, for example by provision of a software interface for choosing colours or graphics for the body. Such customisation may occur prior to manufacture or retail or may comprise adhesive post-purchase options.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure la shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device on a stand; Figure lb shows a reserve isometric view of an embodiment of the device on a 30 stand; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figure 3 shows a reserve exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in 35 Figures 1; Figures 4 show isometric views of the head shown in Figures 1; Figures 5 show isometric views of replacement heads for use with the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of apparatus including the device as shown in Figures 1 and the replacement heads as shown in Figures 5; And Figure 7 shows a side view of the device in use, demonstrating the control mechanism.

Detailed Description of Figures

The head 3 and body 2 are wholly or predominantly formed from plastics such as polyethylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs). The charging or base unit 1 is formed in similar material.

Particularly as shown in Figure 7, the body is formed in an ergonomic S shape such that the reversed curvature allows both that the body is easily held comfortably in a user's hand and that the head may be effectively directed. In some embodiments interchangeable heads may allow for further precision of direction, for example wherein some replacement heads accentuate the curvature of the neck and others don't. This may allow for future possibilities in retail items or ranges. In some embodiments the body may include some articulation, for example at the neck.

In this way the device forms stylish and desirable manual toothbrush with interchangeable heads and a built in timer which shows 30 second cycles and two 30 minute loop The bristles are similar to Nylon (RTM) or other bristle material known in the art.

The charging unit in some embodiments include an integral battery, and/or may 35 include a transformer or adapter to transform mains electricity to a charging current for the body. The body includes a battery.

In some further embodiments the unit includes displaceable batteries. In yet further embodiments the body includes at least one displaceable battery.

The head in three embodiments 41,42,43 includes a neck 5 and bristles 4.

The head in further embodiments, for example in pictured embodiment 45, may include further materials such as resiliently deformable elastomer.

The varieties of head comprise the following: Tongue Cleaner 45 I nterproximal 41 Circular 42 I nterdental 44 Pear shaped 43 Ellipse 4 In all embodiments the head includes a socket 6 for interface with the body. The head is inserted into a collar 7 on the body, which collar permits lateral flexure in the neck. Ideally the collar interior is waterproof and has no moving parts. In some embodiments the head and collar include ferromagnetic portions, in others comprising a friction fit. Still further embodiments have necks that sit or cover over the collar to prevent ingress of fluid.

The body, unit and neck/head are coated or finished in a glossy wipeclean material.

The body has a mulfiplanar surface for the user to hold and more effectively direct the head in use.

The unit may include a battery or may serve as a stand or base solely. The unit includes a dip 10 configured for secure receipt of the body, and a planar base 11. This base may include feet (not shown) to accommodate irregular surfaces subordinate.

A thumb button 8 includes vibration feedback such that the user is alerted to end of time periods and/or excessive pressure detection.

A display portion 12 situated near the body end 9 is envisaged to be situated to 5 remain visible at all times (for example in a mirror) during use of the device. This portion includes light emitting diodes and lights to indicate ends of time periods or excessive pressure on the head.

A red light indicates when too much pressure is being applied to the brush head. A 10 green light flashes every 30 seconds, indicating to the user to move to another quadrant to brush. The light then stays on for 5 seconds to indicate when two minutes is over.

The device is accommodated in a kit including a case 13 for transport or storage.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims