GB2583981A

GB2583981A - Electric toothbrush with vibration absorption

Info

Publication number: GB2583981A
Application number: GB1912611.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Etienne Limited Thomas
Original assignee: Stylideas Ltd
Current assignee: Stylideas Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-12
Filing date: 2019-09-02
Publication date: 2020-11-18
Also published as: GB201912611D0; GB201906671D0; GB2583996A; GB202000455D0; WO2020229815A1

Abstract

A toothbrush with a handle casing 14 and a detachable head portion 10 has a vibration means, such as a motor 36 with an eccentric mass, located within and coupled to the head portion to vibrate it. A structural portion, such as a housing 18, is fixed within the handle casing. A first absorption piece 52 is mounted between the vibration unit and the structural portion to dampen vibrations. A second absorption piece (60, figure 8) may be located between the vibration unit and the handle casing. The toothbrush may have a ballast 22 located in the handle so it rests with the bristles 9 directed upwardly. It may have a detachable head portion 11 and at least one LED light source 44a,44b mounted on a circuit board 42 attached to the handle. With the head portion attached, the lights locate in the head. At least some of the head is transparent or translucent for illumination of a user’s teeth.

Description

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH VIBRATION ABSORPTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an electric toothbrush with at least one vibration absorption piece.

Backqround A toothbrush has a handle portion including a casing, and a replaceable head attachable to the handle portion. Electric toothbrushes typically include a vibration unit in the handle portion.

A problem is that vibration is transmitted from the vibration unit to the casing, where it is transmitted to a person's hand. This is undesirable since the vibration may be uncomfortable for the user. Also, vibration of the casing drains a battery of the toothbrush.

A toothbrush may also include an LED and be configured so that light from the LED is directed onto teeth during brushing. While a power source of the LED is retained in a handle of the toothbrush, it is wanted for the LED to be as close to the teeth during brushing as possible to maximise intensity of emitted light when incident on the teeth. This increases complexity when considering how vibration may be damped.

Bristles of toothbrushes wear out through use. It is desirable to configure a toothbrush having an LED and a power source so that the bristles can be changed. A difficulty with locating an LED in the head portion near the bristles is that it is not desirable to replace the LED each time the head portion is to be replaced. In addition, if the LED is located adjacent the bristles and the power source is located in the handle portion, the toothbrush must allow detachable coupling of the power source and the LED in order for the brush head with the LED to be replaced, resulting in additional complexity.

A known patent publication, CN204337073, discloses an electric toothbrush with an LED located directly behind the bristles. In this case, a part of a head portion of the toothbrush on which the bristles are mounted can be detached for replacement, without detaching a neck of the head portion. Although this permits worn out bristles to be replaced without replacement of the LED, the detachable part is small and may be choked upon if it comes loose in a mouth of a user. Also, bacteria, dirt, old toothpaste and saliva collects in a join between the part and the neck, which is located in a mouth in use of the toothbrush. This join quickly becomes dirty and unhygienic.

Also, in CN204337073 there is no separation between a handle portion and a head portion of the toothbrush. This means that much of the vibrational energy is absorbed by the user's hand instead of being transferred into the bristles. This greatly reduces the performance of the toothbrush as the vibration in the bristles is reduced. This also creates discomfort for the user.

In vibrating toothbrushes, it is wanted that as little of the vibrating energy is transmitted to a hand of a user holding the toothbrush and that as much vibration as possible is transferred into the bristles.

An object of the present invention is to at least partially address such problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a handle casing; a detachable head portion; vibration means located within the head portion and coupled to the head portion for transfer of vibration thereto; a structural portion within the handle casing fixedly disposed relative to the handle casing; a vibration absorption piece, wherein a first side thereof is mounted on the structural portion, and wherein the vibration means is mounted on a second side of the vibration absorption piece, such that the vibration absorption piece at least partially absorbs lengthwise vibration caused by the vibration means.

Preferred and/or optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising:a handle portion; a head portion comprising a head and neck, wherein the head includes a brush portion and the head portion is detachably attachable to the handle portion at an end of the neck remote from the head; at least one light source located in the head; mounting means, attached to the handle portion, on which the at least one light source is mounted, wherein the at least one light source is mounted on the mounting means attached to the handle portion when the head portion is detached, wherein at least a portion of the head is transparent or translucent to allow passage of light therethough emitted by the at least one light source.

Advantageously, enabling detachment of the head portion at the end of the neck remote from the head means that the head portion is sufficiently large that it is not a choke hazard if the head portion is detached in a mouth of the user. Also, a join between the end of the neck and the handle portion does not typically locate in the mouth of the user during normal use of the toothbrush. This reduces the build up of left over toothpaste. Also, interchangeability of the brush head' also allows people to hygienically share electric toothbrushes by using their own brush head.

The at least one light source may be located adjacent the brush portion. The brush portion may be configured to permit passage of light therethough from the at least one light source.

The brush portion may include bristles, a part providing a surface in which the bristles are attached, wherein the part includes at least one transparent or translucent portion for light from the at least one light source to pass through.

The at least one light source may be located adjacent the brush portion such that light from the light source extends through the one transparent or translucent portion parallel with the bristles.

The neck may attach to the handle portion to form a join, wherein the join is at least 2cm from the brush portion, preferably still at least 4cm from the brush portion.

The toothbrush may further comprise a power supply located in the handle portion and means electrically coupling the power supply to the at least one light source for supply of power thereto.

The toothbrush may further comprise a light source housing coupled to the handle portion and extending over the at least one light source, wherein at least a portion of the housing between the at least one light source and the brush portion is transparent such that light emitted from the at least one light source can pass through the brush portion.

The toothbrush may further comprise a vibration unit, and means electrically coupling the power source to the vibration unit for supply of power thereto. The vibration unit may be mounted on the handle portion and be within the head portion. In this case, the neck may extend around the vibration unit. Alternatively, the vibration may be located in the handle portion.

The light source housing may extend into the head when the head portion is attached to the handle portion, wherein the head portion and/or the light source housing comprises means projecting towards and pressing against the other of the head portion or the light source housing, to prevent vibrating of the head portion and the light source housing directly against each other. The projecting means may be a resilient member located to prevent the light source housing touching the head where the resilient member is located during vibration of the toothbrush.

The toothbrush may be further comprise absorption means located between the handle portion and the vibration unit to impede transmission of vibration generated by the vibration unit to the handle portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a cylindrical handle casing, wherein no external feature of the toothbrush prevents rolling of the cylindrical casing; a mass located in the handle casing located such that, when the toothbrush is placed on a horizonal surface, the weight causes the toothbrush to roll such that bristles thereof are directed upwardly.

The mass may be mounted in the handle casing on a side of a central axis of the handle casing opposite to a side on which the bristles are located.

The mass may be located so that a centre of mass of the toothbrush is located in a section of the handle casing nearer a head portion of the toothbrush than an end of the toothbrush remote from the head portion.

Brief Description of the Figures

For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in 25 which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of assembled toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment; Figure lb is a perspective view of the toothbrush with the brush head removed and a cap thereof, which is not shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the toothbrush; Figure 3 is another exploded view, showing parts of the toothbrush from a different angle Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush, Figure 5 is an exploded view of parts of the toothbrush.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of parts of the toothbrush, Figure 7 is a side view of the parts shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of parts of the toothbrush; Figure 10 is a side view of the toothbrush in assembled form; Figure 11 is perspective view of the toothbrush with the cap attached covering the brush head; and Figure 12 is a view with the cap attached, but shown transparently.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1A, 1A, 2, 3 and 4, in an embodiment an electric toothbrush comprises a toothbrush head portion 10, an operational assembly and a brush cap. The toothbrush head portion 10 is separable from the operational assembly by a user for replacement. The brush cap extends over the entire length of the head portion and connects directly to a handle portion.

The operational assembly comprises parts including an illumination and vibration assembly, the handle portion 12 and a damping arrangement.

The toothbrush has a length and this term and the term "lengthwise" are to be construed accordingly herein. The term "transverse" is to be construed as meaning perpendicular to the length.

The handle portion 12 comprises a tubular outer handle casing 14 and an end cap 16. The handle portion 12 also comprises an internal structural component 18, and a power source in the form of a battery 20, a balancing weight 22 and a first printed circuit board (PCB) 24, all mounted on the structural component 18.

The end cap 16 is attached to a first end of the handle casing 14 to close the first end. A pair of first clips 15 extending from opposing sides of the cap 16 locate in the handle casing 14 when the cap 16 is pushed against the first end of the handle casing 14. An interior surface of the handle casing 14 has a pair of first recesses 17 located so that the first clips 15a, b respectively engage in the first recesses 17 when the cap 16 is so pushed.

A sealing ring 13 is located between the cap 16 and the first end of the handle casing 14 to prevent ingress of liquid between the cap 16 and the handle casing 14.

In a variant embodiment, there may be one clip and one corresponding recess, or greater than two clips each having a corresponding recess. In variant embodiments, the cap 16 may be otherwise secured to the first end of the handle casing 14 in a fixed manner, for example with a permanent adhesive, or in a detachable manner, for example by a threaded screw configuration on the cap and the interior of the handle casing 14.

The end cap 16 includes a charging port 19 arranged for connection of a charging cable (not shown). The cap 16 also includes a valve or small aperture 21 to permit equalisation of pressure between an inside of the handle casing 14 and the outside environment.

The cap 16 has a flat end surface 23 extending orthogonally with respect to the length of the toothbrush, to allow the toothbrush to be stood up on the flat end surface 23. The outer surface of the cap is generally in the shape of a frustum. In variant embodiments, the outer surface may be shaped such that the toothbrush cannot be stood up, for example the cap 16 may be domed. In some embodiments (not shown) the cap 16 may include gripping surface portions, for example of rubber, to help the toothbrush be stood up by preventing slip on an underlying horizontal surface.

In variant embodiments, the charging port 19 is absent and the surface of the cap 16 is preferably sealed. In this case, apparatus (not shown) may be provided within the handle casing 14 so that charging of the battery can be done via induction according to principles known to skilled persons. In other variant embodiments, the charging port 19 is absent and the toothbrush is powered by one or more replaceable batteries. In this case, access to the one or more batteries may be enabled via the end cap with the structural component 18 being modified to allows access to the one or more battery, details of how such modifications could be made being apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The internal structural component 18 includes elongate fitting portions 18a-c extending from first and second opposing sides thereof and sized to fit flush against an interior surface of the handle casing 14, to prevent transverse movement of the internal structural component 18 within the handle casing 14 relative to the casing 14. The interior surface of the handle casing 14 also includes lengthwise grooves (not shown) to receive the fitting portions 18a-c to enable the component 18 to be positioned in a predetermined position relative to the handle casing 14. Locating of the fitting portions 18a-c in the grooves also prevents rotational movement of the component 18 within the handle casing 14. The structural component 18 also includes resilient limbs 25a, 25b that locate in a respective recess 61 in the interior surface of the handle casing 14. The structural component 18 is locatable within the outer handle casing 14 before the end cap 16 is attached to the first end.

The first PCB 24 is affixed to a planar side of the structural component 18 by an adhesive, although the first PCB 24 may be otherwise affixed to the structural component 18 in variant embodiments. The first PCT 24 is attached to the charging port 19 by wires (not shown) to enable charging.

The structural component 18 houses the battery 20 and the balancing weight 22. The structural component 18 is shaped to providing housing portions having an open side by which the battery 20 and the balancing weight 22 can be located in the structural component 18. Recessed portions 39a, b between a first and second of the fitting portion 18a, 18b and the second and a third of the fitting portions 18b, 18c allow wires (not shown) to pass to electrically connect the first PCB 24 with the battery 20. The recessed portions 39a, b also allow an adhesive tape (not shown) to be wrapped around the structural component 18 to secure each of the battery 20 and the balancing weight 22 in the structural component 18. Alternatively, the battery 20 and the balancing weight 22 may be otherwise secured, for example by a permanent adhesive.

The structural component 18 is also configured to engage with the handle casing 12 at a second end thereof remote from the first end. The structural component 18 has a pair of second clips 27a, 27b projecting on opposing sides thereof. The interior of the handle casing 12 has a pair of recesses located to receive the clips 25a, 25b when the structural component 18 is located in the handle casing 14 with the fitting portions 18a-c in the grooves.

A purpose of the balancing weight 22 in the handle portion 12 is to make the toothbrush feel balanced in use by a user. A greater mass of the toothbrush resulting from the balancing weight 22 may also facilitate standing of the toothbrush upright on the flat surface 23 of the end cap 16. The structural component 18 may also be configured to retain the balancing weight 22 to cause the centre of mass of the toothbrush to be on an opposite side of a central axis A-A of the handle casing 14 to the side from which the bristles 30 project. Thus, when the outer circumference of the toothbrush is cylindrical, when located on a horizontal surface the toothbrush will naturally roll so that the bristles 30 project upwardly. The additional mass resulting from the balancing weight 22 may also generally make the brush feel of higher quality that a lighter brush may feel.

The head portion 10 comprises a hollow head 48 and hollow neck 49, a brush portion and a rubber section 26.

The brush portion comprises a planar surface part 28 that has a plurality of recesses therein, and a bunch of the bristles 30 mounted in each of the recesses. The planar surface part 28 includes first and second spaced transparent portions 32a, 32b through which light from an interior of the head 48 may pass. The first and second transparent portions 32a, 32b are formed of separate pieces of plastics material and are located each through a respective aperture through the rest of the planar surface part 28. The spaced transparent portions 32a, 32b are located amongst the recesses. Other than the first and second transparent portions 32a, 32b, the bristles 24 and the rubber section 26, the head 20 and neck 22 are formed of a single piece of opaque plastic. The head portion is approximately 7.5cm long, that is, sufficiently long that, should it become detaches in the mouth of a user, choking is very unlikely or impossible.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited to where a length of the head portion is 7.5cm. Embodiments relate to any length where likelihood of choking is reduced in view of the replaceable bristle portion described in CN204337073. The length of the detachable head portion is at least 2cm, preferably still at least 3cm or at least 4cm in length, preferably still at least 6cm in length, for example. A length of the detachable head portion between the brush portion and the end thereof remote from the brush portion is at least 2cm, preferably at least 3cm, preferably still at least 4cm.

The head 48 has a hole therein and a resilient member 26, for example formed of rubber. The resilient member 26 is overmoulded onto the head 20 to seal the hole, although the resilient member 26 may be otherwise attached, for example with an adhesive. The head 48 and neck 49, other than the bristles 30 and the resilient member 26, are formed of a hard material, for example a hard plastic. The resilient member 26 projects relative to the interior surface of the hard material to provide a frictional grip against the LED housing 38. This prevents impact of the LED housing 38 (described below) on the hard material and thus noise when the toothbrush is vibrating, since the LED housing 38 is prevented from vibrating against the hard plastic.

Also, friction between the rubber section 26 and the LED housing 38 advantageously acts against separation of the head portion 10 from the operational assembly. This reduces likelihood of the head portion 10 detaching in use, and also could allow the head portion 10 to be removed in a smooth action rather than in a snap action.

In variant embodiments, the resilient member 26 may be otherwise provided and the hole may be absent. For example, an alternative resilient member may be provided in a recess in the interior of the head 48 rather than through the hole in the head 48. The resilient portion may be provided as a piece or strip of resilient material that locates on the interior surface of the head 48 between the interior surface and the LED housing 38.

In alternative embodiments, the resilient member 26 is absent and no hole is provided in the head. In this case, there may be one or more projections, for example in the formed of one or more ridges or a knurled surface feature, formed in the interior surface of the head to press against the LED housing 38. While the projections may be formed of the same hard material as the rest of the head 38 (excluding the bristles 30 and the first and second transparent portions), vibrating movement of the LED housing 38 against the interior surface of the head 48 may be reduced or eliminated.

In variant embodiments, the head 48, including the planar surface part, and/or the neck 49 may be formed of transparent material. In this case, the first and second transparent portions 32a, 32b are absent. The head 48 (excluding the bristles 30 and the resilient member 26 is present) and neck 49 may be formed of a single piece of transparent material. In embodiments where the resilient member 26 is present, the resilient member 26 may also be formed of a transparent resilient material.

Where the head 48 and the neck 49 are transparent, optionally the head 48 (excluding the bristles and where appropriate the resilient member 26) and the neck 49 may be painted, other than where light is to pass through the planar surface part. The vibration unit housing 34 may be transparent or translucent and in this case transparent or translucent, paint or surface texture may be used to hide the vibration unit and/or wires.

In variant embodiments, the brush head may have a detachably attachable marking element so that different brush heads can be differentiated. This is useful where two users each having a respective brush head both use the same operational assembly and wish to ensure that they each use their own brush head for hygiene reasons. For example, at the bottom of the neck 49 there may be a cut away circumferential groove to allow a ring of coloured plastic to be clipped on to differentiate between the heads.

The illumination and vibration assembly comprises a vibration unit housing 34, a vibration unit 36, a support for the vibration unit 36 in the form of a cradle 37, and a spacer strip 35. The illumination and vibration assembly also comprises a second PCB 42, first and second light emitting diodes (LEDs) 44a, 44b, and an LED housing 48.

The cradle 37 has first, second opposing sides bridged by a third side, which together provide a concave surface. The concave surface and a side of the vibration unit 36 are shaped so that the side of the vibration unit 36 fits flush against the surface. The cradle 37 also has a planar base portion 39 extending perpendicularly to the first, second and third sides against which an end of the vibration unit 36 also fits flush. The cradle 37 includes two clips 33a, 33b respectively projecting from the first and second sides of the cradle 37. The vibration unit 36 is shaped so that the two clips 33a, 33b mechanically engage the vibration unit 36 and thereby retain it against the concave surface. The vibration unit 36 may be further secured to the cradle 37 by adhesive tape (not shown) wrapped around the cradle 37 and the vibration unit 36 transversely with respect to the length of the toothbrush.

The vibration unit housing 34 houses the cradle 37 and the vibration unit 36. The base portion 39 of the cradle 37 has an aperture 41 therein through which wires (not shown) extend from the vibration unit 36 to electrically couple to the first PCB 24. The cradle 37 also includes a pair of pins 43, which project from a surface of the planar base portion 39 opposite to the surface against which the vibration unit 36 is located.

The vibration unit 36 is mounted inside the head portion 10 near the bristles as possible. To allow this, the vibration unit 36 comprises a small electric motor. Furthermore, to ensure that a high proportion of vibration passes from the head 48 and neck 49 to the bristles 30, the head 48 is connected to the handle portion 12 by a rubber or grippy interface fit, to be described further, at the bristle end and by a clip fit to the LED housing. . The vibration unit housing 34 has a hole 53 in a portion thereof remote from the head 48. The second PCB 42 is elongate, is attached to the cradle 37 on a side opposite to the concave surface, and extends through the hole 53 away from the handle portion 12. A spacer strip 35 is located between second PCB 42 and the cradle 3. The second PCB 42 has first and second LEDs 44a, 44b mounted thereon. The second PCB 42 is electrically coupled to the first PCB 24 by wires 46 that extend through the aperture 41, and is electrically coupled to the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b to supply power to the LEDs.

The second PCB 42 may be made from thin or flexible PCB material so that the head 48 may be correspondingly thin.

The LEDs emit blue light, but in variant embodiments other colours of light may be emitted. For example, the LEDs may be emitters of red light; red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses red low-level wavelengths of light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds, among other conditions, including those within the mouth.

Alternatively, the LEDs may be emitters of UV light. UV light may be a more powerful whitening accelerator than blue light and thus use of such LEDs may be advantageous. In such embodiments, the toothbrush may be configured to limit the amount of time over which UV light is emitted per use, per week or per month. This is to avoid detrimental effect that excessive UV light may have on tissue. The toothbrush may be so configured by programming of a microcontroller described below.

In some embodiments, the resilient member 26 may be partially transparent or translucent to light emitted from the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b, to enable communication of a word or image. For example, the resilient section 26 may be less transparent (such as opaque), or more transparent in regions to display a word or image when the first and second LEDs are on. Such a word or image may be configured in such a way as to be appear correctly orientate when viewed in a mirror.

In a variant embodiment, one or more further LEDs (not shown) are provided on a side of the second PCB 42 opposite to the side on which the first and second LEDs are located. In this case, light may be projected away from the bristles 30 through the resilient member 26, such that the appearance of the word or image is brighter.

Further, where the resilient member 26 and/or a portion of the head is transparent to light emitted from the one or more further LEDs, a greater amount of light may be emitted into a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the head portion 10 may be modified so that the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b are absent, together with the first and second transparent portions. Operation of the toothbrush would in this case be unchanged, save that the one or more further LEDs would be turned on and off rather than the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b.

Embodiments are not limited to where light is emitted through the bristles 30 into the mouth of a user. Rather, embodiments may relate to where light is emitted from the head 48 irrespective of part of the head 48 through which the light passes.

In variant embodiments, a single LED may be provided, or greater than two LEDs may be provided. Where at least two LEDs are provided, they may emit light of the same or different colours as one another.

The LED housing 48 is attached at a first end thereof into the hole 53 of the vibration unit housing 34 in a press-fit manner, extending over part of the second PCB 42 and over the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b. In variant embodiments (not shown), the LED housing 48 also extends over the vibration unit housing 34 to attach to a connector piece (described in detail below). The LED housing 38 is formed at least partially of transparent plastics material, so that light emitted from the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b can pass through it and then through the first and second transparent portions 32a, 32b. The LED housing 38and the vibration unit housing 34 may in variant embodiments be formed of a single piece of material, such as a hard transparent plastic.

The LED housing 38 has an exterior surface that is shaped to generally match the interior surface of the head 48. The resilient member 26 extends through the hole in the head 48 to contact the LED housing 38.The interior surface of the neck 49 fits flush against a portion of the exterior surface of the LED housing 38 and also the exterior surface of the vibration unit housing 34. The head 48 locates relative to the LED housing 38 and the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b, such that the first LED 44a is located behind the first transparent portion 32a in the planar surface 28 of the head 20 and the second LED 44a is located behind the second transparent portion 32b.Thus, light emitted by the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b passes through the first and second transparent portions 32a, 32b and may be incident on teeth during cleaning.

As best seen in Figure 4, an interior surface of the neck 49 has a lug 43 projecting therefrom. The LED housing has a recess matching the lug 43. In replacement of the head portion, the head portion can be manually pulled from the LED housing 38 such that the lug disengages from the recess. A replacement head portion can be pushed onto the LED housing 38, so that a lug 43 of the replacement engages in the recess to secure the head portion in place. In some embodiments, an end of the head portion 10 does not abut against the handle casing, but instead the head portion has a length such that a gap, for example of 1mm, is provided. This prevents vibration being transmitted from the head portion to the casing.

The vibration unit 36 comprises an electric motor 46 and a weight 48. The weight 48 is electrically mounted on a drive shaft of the electric motor 46 so as to cause the toothbrush to vibrate when the electric motor 46 is in operation.. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular way in which vibration of the toothbrush is achieved. For example, an ultrasonic unit, a linear motor or other vibrations means may be used.

The damping arrangement is located between the illumination and vibration assembly and the handle portion. The damping arrangement provide vibration absorption, separation and/or waterproofing between the vibration unit 36 and parts coupled to the vibration unit that transmit vibration, and the handle portion 10, to reduce transfer of vibration passed to the handle casing 14. Such parts include those of the illumination and vibration assembly and the head portion.

The damping arrangement comprises absorption pieces, which may be made of rubber, but in variant embodiments may be made of other materials with good vibration absorbing properties. The damping arrangement is configured to provide the toothbrush with strength, so that the user can push and brush against their teeth, whilst also enabling transfer of the vibration from the vibration unit 36 to the bristles 30 and whilst preventing transferring of vibration to the handle casing 14. The damping arrangement is also configured to provide a water-tight seal to prevent ingress of liquid into the handle portion and damaging of electrical component therein.

A first of the absorption pieces is indicated at 52. The first absorption piece 52 is formed of a single piece of material, although in variant embodiments it may be formed of multiple pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the single piece is formed of injection moulded silicon, TPE or rubber, although alternative components may be used. The first absorption piece 52 comprises first and second absorption portions 52a, 52b, which face each other, as seen in Figures 6 and 7. The first and second absorption portions 52a, 52b locate against the end of the structural component 18. The structural component 18 has a projection between the second clips 27a, 27b shaped to prevent rotational movement of the first absorption piece 52 relative to the handle casing 14 about the line A-A.

The first absorption piece also comprises a third absorption portion 52c. The third absorption portion 52c has a pair of holes therein arranged to receive the pins 43 that project from the cradle 37. Thus, the vibration unit housing 34 and the vibration unit that is mounted on the housing are mounted on the first absorption piece 52a-c. This facilitates absorption of lengthwise vibration, as well as transverse vibration. The first absorption piece 52 is shaped to provide a gap between the piece and the outer casing, to allow the wires to pass from the second PCB 42 and the vibration unit to the first PCB 24.

As can be seen in Figures 4, 8 and 9, the vibration unit housing 34 has first and second annular recessed portions 54a, 54b extending therearound separated by a wall 56 projecting from the vibration unit housing 34. A second end of the handle casing 10 has an annular flange 58 extending inwardly. A second of the absorption pieces in the form of an annulus 60 is located in the first recessed portion 54a and extends from that portion 54a behind the annular flange 58. Thus, lengthwise vibration of the vibration housing 34 is cushioned by the second absorption piece 60 against the annular flange 58. The second absorption piece 60 is also shaped to fit flush against the interior side of the handle casing so that transverse vibration is not transferred. The second absorption piece 60 also aids in preventing ingress of liquid into the handle casing 12.

A third absorption piece in the form of an annular seal 62 is located in the second recessed portion 54b. The seal 62 is located tightly between the vibration housing and the interior side of the handle casing to prevent ingress of liquid, as well as to aid in absorption.

The end of the neck 49 remote from the head 48 locates against a side of the annular flange 58 opposite to the side against which the second absorption piece 60 is located. The end of the neck 49 meets the annular flange 58 at a join, where it is known that dirt may accumulate.

A user control in the form of a button 29 located in an aperture in the outer handle casing 14.

Although not shown in the Figures, the button 29 is electrically coupled to the first PCB 24. The button 29] is operable to provide signals to a microcontroller (not shown) on the first PCB 24. In alternative embodiments, different types of user control may be used in place of the button.

The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory. The memory has computer program code stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, causes the microcontroller perform as described herein. The microcontroller is configured to respond to signals received from the button 29 in a manner prescribed by the code. The microcontroller may be configured to cause flashing of the LEDs or the electric motor to cause vibration at different speeds. The microcontroller may be configured to automatically turn off the LEDs and the electric motor after a predetermined period of operation, for example three minutes or to cause the motor to pulse after 30 seconds so as to indicate to the user to move to a different area of teeth. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular way that the microcontroller is configured to control the LEDs and/or the vibration unit. Embodiments are also not limited to particular user input instructions that the microcontroller is configured to respond to. For example, the microcontroller may be configured to response to two presses of the button 29 to provide pulses vibration, or flashing lights, whereas the microcontroller may provide constant vibration and lighting of the LEDs when pressed a single time. In variant embodiments, the toothbrush may have at least one further user control coupled to the microcontroller, for example in the form of a second button.

In embodiments, the microcontroller may be configured to cause the LEDs could flash when the toothbrush is turned on. It is known that flashing high intensity lights can paradoxically have a greater effect than lights that constantly shine.

As shown in Figure 4, a head cap 50 may be provided to protect the head end 10. The head cap has a plurality of holes 52 therein for ventilation. The head 48 and the neck 49 are shaped in such a way as to allow the exterior surface of the head cap 50 to be the same diameter as the handle casing 14 so that when the head cap 50 is applied the toothbrush has a uniform circumference. . This is for aesthetic reasons. In a variant embodiment the cap 50 may be sized to fit over the bristle portion 30 but not to extend over the neck 49 of the head portion 10.

In operation, further to operation of the button 29 by the user, the microcontroller receives a start signal and causes the electric motor of the vibration unit 36 to spin the weight 48, thus causing the toothbrush to vibrate. In response to the start signal, the microcontroller also causes supply of power to the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b, thus causing them to emit light. The light passes through the first and second transparent portion 32a, 32b, into the mouth of a person brushing their teeth.

Although not essential to all embodiments, advantageously the operational assembly has two sections which cannot be removed from each other but have been designed to allow one part to vibrate and the other to vibrate as little as possible, without the ingress of liquid. Furthermore the vibrating unit 36 and handle portion 10 are connected in such a way as to reduce vibration carried from one to the other whilst still providing a water proof seal and a mechanical connection so as to allow the user to apply force from their hand through to the bristles 30.

The toothbrush may be used together with a paste that includes a substance that is activatable by the light emitted from the first and second LEDs 44a, 44b. For example, the toothpaste may include a formulation that whitens teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide or phthalimido peroxy caproic acid commonly know as PAP. The formulation may be activatable by incidence of the light from the LEDs The toothbrush may be provided as part of a kit, for example including such toothpaste and/or a blue light whitening mouth tray.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited to a toothbrush that includes the vibration unit. Vibrating functionality may be completely absent. Embodiments of the invention are also not limited to a toothbrush that includes the vibration unit and within the neck of the head portion; the vibration may alternatively be located within the handle portion.

In embodiments, the handle casing 10 may be otherwise shaped. For example, the outer surface of the handle casing may have a square, pentagonal, hexagonal or heptagonal cross-section rather than a circular one. The structural component 18 and other parts of the toothbrush may be modified accordingly.

In variant embodiments, the vibration unit housing 34 and the LED housing 38 are formed of a single piece of material. In other variant embodiments, the vibration unit housing 34 and the LED housing 38 and the handle casing 10 are formed of a single piece of material. In this case, the damping assembly is absent and other appropriate modifications may be made so that other parts can be inserted through the first end of the handle casing 10.

Embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration of the bristles. The bristles may be round, square, rectangular, cross, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal. The bristles mayalso have colour changing properties to indicate that the head portion should be replaced. The bristles may also collectively have rough surface features to improve cleaning.

In variant embodiments, the button 29 may be any shape or position on the in the handle portion, including on the end cap 16. The button may be provided as other forms of user control; for example the button may also be located within the handle casing 14. The toothbrush may also include a digital display coupled to the microcontroller and configured to display text or images in accordance with instructions programmed into the microcontroller.

Advantageously, the button 29 may be located and the head cap 50 otherwise configured so that the head cap 50 covers the button 29 when attached. This prevents the toothbrush accidentally turning on during travel.

In variant embodiments the brush head may be configured to allow attachment of features other than a brush head, such as but not limited to dental floss, dental sticks, tongue cleaner small bristle configurations. In these cases the user may perform other dental procedures whilst also getting the benefit of blue light.

The toothbrush described above including parts thereof and modifications and variants thereon can be made in accordance with manufacturing methods known to persons skilled in the art.

The term "transparent" as used herein in relation to materials should be understood to include translucent materials and any material through which light can pass.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components Unless otherwise stated, all individual features and/or steps of all embodiments described herein are disclosed in isolation and any combination of two or more such features is also disclosed, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle casing; a detachable head portion, vibration means located within the head portion and coupled to the head portion for transfer of vibration thereto; a structural portion within the handle casing fixedly disposed relative to the handle casing; a vibration absorption piece, wherein a first side thereof is mounted on the structural portion, and wherein the vibration means is mounted on a second side of the vibration absorption piece, such that the vibration absorption piece at least partially absorbs lengthwise vibration caused by the vibration means.
2 The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a support for the vibration absorption piece, wherein the support is mounted on the second side of the vibration absorption piece and the vibration unit is mounted on the support.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the structural portion extends transversely across an interior of the casing, wherein electrical connecting means extends from the vibration means to a power supply on a side of the structural portion remote from the vibration means through a gap allowed by the structural portion
4. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical connecting means extends from the first side of the vibration absorption piece to the second side thereof.
5. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural portion includes anti-rotation means, wherein the vibration absorption piece and the anti-rotation means are configured to cooperate to prevent rotational movement of the vibration absorption piece within the casing.
6. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further vibration absorption piece located between a housing for the vibration unit and an interior surface of the handle casing.
7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the head portion is detachably attached to the housing.
8. The toothbrush of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the further vibration absorption piece extends partially or wholly circumferentially around the interior surface of the handle casing.
9. The toothbrush of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the further vibration absorption piece is mounted on the housing.
10. The toothbrush of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the handle casing includes an annular flange at an end thereof, wherein the further vibration absorption piece is located against the flange on one side thereof and against a projecting portion of the housing at the other end thereof, so as to at least partially absorb lengthwise vibration.
11. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one light source located in the head portion; mounting means, mounted directly or indirectly on the vibration absorption piece, on which the at least one light source is mounted, wherein the at least one light source remains mounted on the mounting means when the head portion is detached and attached, wherein at least a portion of the head is transparent or translucent to allow passage of light therethough from the at least one light source.
12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the brush portion is configured to permit passage of light therethough from the at least one light source.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12, wherein the brush portion includes bristles, a part providing a surface in which the bristles are attached, wherein the part includes at least one transparent or translucent portion for light from the at least one light source to pass through.
14. The toothbrush of any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the housing extends over the at least one light source and the vibration unit, wherein at least a portion of the housing between the at least one light source and the brush portion is transparent such that light emitted from the at least one light source can pass through the brush portion.
15. The toothbrush of claim 14, wherein a head of the head portion includes a brush portion, wherein the at least one light source is located adjacent the brush portion.
16. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a neck of the head portion attaches to the handle portion to form a join, wherein the join is at least 2cm from the brush portion, preferably at least 4cm.