TOOTHBRUSH INCORPORATING TRAINING AID
First Claim
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1. A toothbrush comprising:
- a body with a head at one end;
a plurality of bristles provided on the head and extending outwardly away therefrom;
a power source;
a microprocessor operationally linked to the power source;
a timer operationally linked to the microprocessor, said timer being configured to track an actual brushing time for a brushing event;
an off/on switch operationally connected to the timer for indicating the actual runtime;
software carried by the microprocessor; and
wherein said software tracks the actual brushing times for a plurality of successive brushing events over a pre-set period of time.
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Abstract
A toothbrush and method of use for improving oral health habits. A plurality of light assemblies and an overlay including appealing graphics are provided on the toothbrush with some of the graphics disposed adjacent the assemblies. A microprocessor carries software that tracks actual brushing time over a plurality of brushing events in a pre-set time period. The total brushing time during that time period is compared with a preferred brushing time and a proportionate number of the light assemblies are illuminated to indicate the degree of brushing compliance.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A toothbrush comprising:
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a body with a head at one end; a plurality of bristles provided on the head and extending outwardly away therefrom; a power source; a microprocessor operationally linked to the power source; a timer operationally linked to the microprocessor, said timer being configured to track an actual brushing time for a brushing event; an off/on switch operationally connected to the timer for indicating the actual runtime; software carried by the microprocessor; and
wherein said software tracks the actual brushing times for a plurality of successive brushing events over a pre-set period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of increasing tooth brushing compliance comprising:
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a) providing a toothbrush having a body including a head with bristles extending outwardly therefrom, a microprocessor, a timer and a power source; b) determining a pre-set period of time; c) timing a first actual brushing time for a first brushing event during the pre-set period of time; d) storing the first actual brushing time; e) timing a second actual brushing time for a second brushing event successive to the first brushing event during the pre-set period of time; f) adding the second actual brushing time to the first brushing time to obtain a total actual brushing time; g) storing the total actual brushing time; h) comparing the total actual brushing time for all of the brushing events over the pre-set time period with a predetermined preferred brushing time so as to obtain a degree of brushing compliance. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification