ILLUMINATED FLASHING TOOTHBRUSH AND METHOD OF USE

• US 20130139333A1
• Filed: 09/15/2012
• Published: 06/06/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ranir LLC (Perrigo Company PLC)
• Original Assignee: Dr Fresh Incorporated
• Inventors: Nanda, Puneet
• Granted Patent: US 8,561,244 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/105
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0002 Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0008 with means for controlling duration, e.g. time of brushing
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0036 with a lighting means, e.g. laser, bulb A46B15/0034 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0044 with light signalling means A46B15/0034, A46B15/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/1066 Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures A61C17/16 takes precedence; bristles arrangements for toothbrushes A46B9/04
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 9/04 Arranged like in or for toothbrushes

Abstract

A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.

Claims

1. A toothbrush comprising:

a handle with an internal cavity, the internal cavity being sealed in a substantially fluid tight manner;

a light generation mechanism configured to be fully assembled prior to insertion into the internal cavity comprising;

one or more elongate members;

a battery connected to and fixed in position with respect to the one or more elongate members;

a switch electrically coupled to the battery;

a light electrically coupled to the switch, wherein the switch and the light are connected to the one or more elongate members such that the light generation mechanism is configured to be fully assembled in a self-contained manner prior to insertion into the internal cavity;

a head having a plurality of bristles, the head connected to the handle; and

a pliant material of a material different from the handle and connected to the handle, wherein the pliant material covers the switch such that a force applied on the pliant material is configured to flex the pliant material and cause the switch to activate the light.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a post extending from a base.

3. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the switch further comprises a helical spring surrounding the post.

4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the pliant material is connected to the handle at an end of the handle opposite the head.

5. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises at least one of a metal mesh, a truncated cone, or a helical spring.

6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongate members surround the battery.

7. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the switch and the light are positioned on opposite sides of the one or more elongate members.

8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the switch extends outwardly past the one or more elongate members.

9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the switch extends outwardly away from the one or more elongate members.

10. A toothbrush comprising:

a handle with an internal cavity that is sealed in a fluid tight manner;

a light generation mechanism positioned within the internal cavity of the handle, the light generation mechanism comprising;

one or more elongate members;

a battery connected to and fixed in position with respect to the one or more elongate members;

a switch electrically coupled to the battery;

a light electrically coupled to the switch, wherein the switch and the light are connected to the one or more elongate members such that the light generation mechanism is configured to be fully assembled in a self-contained manner prior to insertion into the internal cavity;

a head having a plurality of bristles, the head connected to the handle; and

a pliant material of a material different from the handle and connected to the handle, wherein the pliant material covers the switch such that a force applied on the pliant material flexes the pliant material and causes the switch to activate the light.

11. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the switch comprises a post extending from a base.

12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the switch further comprises a helical spring surrounding the post.

13. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the pliant material is connected to the handle at an end of the handle opposite the head.

14. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the switch comprises at least one of a metal mesh, a truncated cone, or a helical spring.

15. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the one or more elongate members surround the battery.

16. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the switch and the light are positioned on opposite sides of the one or more elongate members.

17. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the switch extends outwardly past the one or more elongate members.

18. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the switch extends outwardly away from the one or more elongate members.