Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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FORCE SENSING ORAL CARE INSTRUMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a personal hygiene device, more particularly
to a
personal hygiene device including a force indication system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The utilization of toothbrushes to clean one's teeth has long been known.
During the
brushing process, a user generally applies a force to the brush which is
applied against the teeth
and gums by the cleaning elements of the toothbrush. A minimum level of force
must be applied
to remove plaque and debris; however, high levels of force may have negative
health
consequences for an individual. For example, issues such as gum irritation, or
over periods of
time, gum recession or tooth enamel abrasion may occur. Unfortunately, the
presence of these
issues may exacerbate a contributing factor to the issues, i.e. high brushing
force. Because some
users may feel that these issues stem from poor cleaning, in an effort to
correct the issues the
users may apply even more force during brushing which in turn may cause more
gum irritation
and/or gum recession or tooth enamel abrasion.
In order to avoid or mitigate these issues, dental professionals may recommend
the use of
a soft bristled toothbrush. However, the use of a soft bristled toothbrush
does not preclude the
application of high brushing forces to the oral cavity. Furthermore, it is
extremely difficult for an
individual, when brushing, to determine the optimal force required for
cleaning. While a user
may apply a minimum level of force to enable cleaning, feeling the level at
which the force is too
high is difficult. In addition, studies have shown that the cleaning ability
of a toothbrush may in
fact be reduced if brushing force is increased to too high a level.
Other recommended solutions may be to apply less force while brushing.
However, if too
little force is applied during brushing, the cleaning efficacy of the
toothbrush often can be
reduced. Furthermore, similar to high brushing forces, the individual may find
it difficult to
determine when brushing forces are too low.
Accordingly, a need exists for a personal hygiene implement which signals to
the user
when too high a brushing force is being applied.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An oral hygiene handle having a cavity therein and an insert disposed within
the cavity is
described herein. The insert comprises a load member capable of pivoting with
respect to the
housing; an output source disposed in electromagnetic communication with the
load member, the
output source having a first contact arm and a second contact arm; a power
source in electrical
communication with the output source, the power source having a first contact
area and a second
contact area; an engagement section capable of receiving an oral care
attachment; and an
indication element forming an outer facing surface of the oral hygiene
implement. Wherein
when the load member pivots a predetermined amount, the first contact arm
makes contact with a
first contact area and/or the second contact arm makes contact with the second
contact area
thereby causing the power source to deliver power to the output source,
wherein the output
source provides electromagnetic energy to the load member, wherein the load
member transmits
the electromagnetic energy from the output source to the indication element,
and wherein load
member, the indication element, and the engagement section are integral with
one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevational view showing a left side of an oral hygiene
implement, e.g. a
toothbrush, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Figures 2A is a plan view showing an insert of the toothbrush for Figure 1.
Figures 2B is a plan view of the insert of Figure 1 with an optional removable
head /
neck.
Figure 3A is a close up view showing a proximal portion of the insert of
Figure 2B.
Figure 3B, is a close up view showing the proximal portion of the insert of
Figure 2B
with a load member removed for ease of explanation.
Figure 3C is a close up view showing the proximal portion of the insert of
Figure 2B with
support removed for ease of explanation.
Figure 4A is a close up view showing a first face of a distal portion of the
insert of Figure
2B.
Figure 4B is a close up view showing a second face of the distal portion of
the insert of
Figure 2B.
Figure 4C is a close up view showing a cross section of the distal portion of
the insert of
Figure 2B taken along line 4C-4C.
Figures 5A-5D are close up views showing various embodiments for receptacles
of the
load member for an electromagnetic source.
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Figure 5E is a close up view showing another embodiment of the load member
where the
electromagnetic source is not disposed within a receptacle.
Figure 6A is a close up view showing the proximal end of the insert of Figure
2B with
some features removed for ease of explanation.
Figure 6B is partial cross sectional view of the proximal end of the insert
shown in Figure
6A taken along line 6B-6B.
Figure 6C is a close up view showing the proximal end of the insert of Figure
6A with
some features removed for ease of explanation.
Figures 7A-7E are cross sectional views showing various embodiments of an
indication
element and reflective core shown in Figure 6C, each being taken along line 7-
7.
Figure 8A is a close up view of a proximal end showing another embodiment for
an
insert.
Figure 8B is a close up view of a distal end of the insert of Figure 8A.
Figure 9 is a partial cross sectional view showing another embodiment for an
insert of the
present invention.
Figures 10A-10C show a neck and head for use with the present invention.
Figures 11A-11D are cross sectional views of exemplary LEDs which are suitable
for use
with the oral hygiene implement of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a side view showing a toothbrush constructed in accordance with
the present
invention.
Figure 13 shows a sample toothbrush fixed in a frame for testing.
Figure 14 is a cross sectional view showing the sample toothbrush of Figure 13
and a pull
block on a toothbrush head of the sample toothbrush.
Figure 15 is a close up view showing the sample toothbrush of Figure 13 and
the pull
block on the toothbrush head of the sample toothbrush.
Figure 16 is a close up view showing a force gauge attached to the pull block
of Figures
14 and 15.
Figure 17A is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of an oral
hygiene
implement constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 17B is a close up view showing the cross section of the oral hygiene
implement of
Figure 17A.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions:
The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different
embodiments of
the present invention. The description is to be construed as exemplary only
and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment
would be
impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature,
characteristic,
component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be
deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other
feature, characteristic,
component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology
or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within
the scope of the claims.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this
patent using
the sentence "As used herein, the term ' ' is hereby defined to mean..." or a
similar
sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either
expressly or by implication,
beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted
to be limited in
scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than
the language of the
claims). No term is intended to be essential to the present invention unless
so stated. To the
extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a
manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only
so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by
implication or otherwise, to
that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting
the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the
scope of any claim
element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth
paragraph.
As used herein "personal hygiene implement" refers to any implement which can
be
utilized for the purposes of personal hygiene. Some suitable examples include
toothbrushes,
either manual or powered; razors, either manual or powered; shavers, either
manual or powered;
trimmers, etc.
As used herein, "oral hygiene implement" refers to any device which can be
utilized for
the purposes of oral hygiene. Some suitable examples of such devices include
toothbrushes (both
manual and power), flossers (both manual and power), water picks, and the
like.
Description:
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For ease of explanation, the oral hygiene implement described hereafter shall
be a manual
toothbrush; however, as stated above, an oral hygiene implement constructed in
accordance with
the present invention is not limited to a manual toothbrush construction.
Additionally, the
embodiments described hereafter are equally applicable to blades, razors,
other personal hygiene
implements, or the like.
As shown in Figure 1, a toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 12, a head 14, and a
neck 16
extending between the handle 12 and the head 14. A contact element field 20
extends from a
first surface 14A of the head 14. The handle 12 may comprise a distal end 80
and a proximal end
90. A tongue cleaner, soft tissue cleanser, massaging element, or the like,
may be disposed on a
second surface 14B of the head 14. The contact element field 20, the tongue
cleaners, soft tissue
cleansers, massaging elements, or the like, are discussed hereafter.
An indication element 30 may be disposed between the handle 12 and the neck 16
adjacent the proximal end 90. The indication element 30 may provide a visible
signal to a user
for at least one of a plurality of conditions. For example, the visible signal
may be provided
when a user has brushed for an adequate amount of time, e.g. two minutes, when
the toothbrush
needs to be replaced, and/or when the user is applying too much force when
brushing.
Additional conditions for which a signal may be provided are discussed
hereafter.
The indication element 30 may be placed in any suitable location on the
toothbrush 10.
For example, in some embodiments, the indication element 30 may surround the
neck 16 or may
surround the handle 12. As another example, the indication element 30 may
surround a portion
of the handle 12 and/or a portion of the neck 16. As yet another example, the
indication element
may be disposed on a back-facing surface 40B of the handle 12 and/or the neck
16. As yet
another example, the indication element 30 may be disposed on a front-facing
surface 40A of the
handle 12 and/or the neck 16.
25 Referring to Figures 1-2B, as shown, the indication element 30 may be
positioned
between a first sealing element 70 and a second sealing element 75. The first
sealing element 70
may be configured to preclude or reduce the likelihood of moisture entering
into the handle 12.
For example, the first sealing element 70 may have a first portion 70A which
sealingly engages
an interior surface of the handle 12. Additionally, the first sealing element
70 may have a second
30 portion 70B which sealingly engages a proximal surface 30A of the
indication element 30 and
sealingly engages an interface between the handle 12 and the first sealing
element 70. As an
additional example, the second sealing element 75 may sealingly engages a
distal surface 30B of
the indication element 30 and sealingly engage the neck 16.
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Embodiments are contemplated where the head 14 is replaceable, e.g. removably
attached
to the neck 16. In such embodiments, after the head 14 has been used for a
particular period of
time, e.g. three months, the head 14 may be replaced by a another new head.
Similarly,
embodiments are contemplated where the head 14 and neck 16 are integrally
formed, e.g. unitary.
In such embodiments, the neck 16 may be removably attached to the handle 12
and can be
replaced after a period of time, e.g. three months. Additionally, in such
embodiments, the neck
16 may have receiving section which is configured to receive an engagement
section 316. As is
shown in Figure 3, the engagement section 316 may comprise detents which act
as snap features
which preclude or reduce the likelihood that the neck 16 can be removed during
normal brushing
by a user.
Regarding Figures 2A and 2B, an insert 200 may be disposed within the handle
12
(shown in Figure 1). The insert 200 may comprise a first support 215 and a
second support 216.
The insert 200 may further comprise a load member 230, a power source 240, and
an
electromagnetic source 250, e.g. LED. The first support 215 and the second
support 216 may
provide support for the load member 230, power source 240, and electromagnetic
source 250
within the handle 12 (shown in Figure 1). For example, the first support 215
and the second
support 216 may be configured to engage structures within the handle 12 (shown
in Figure 1) in
order to lock the insert 200 in place during use. Additionally, the first
support 215, the second
support 216, and the structure within the handle 12 (shown in Figure 1) may
comprise detents to
lock the insert 200 within the handle 12 (shown in Figure 1). In some
embodiments, in addition
to the supports and/or detents, or independently thereof, a fastening element,
e.g. screw may be
utilized in the distal end 80 (shown in Figure 1) to attach the insert 200 to
the handle 12 (shown
in Figure 1). Other suitable fastening elements are contemplated, for example,
adhesive,
VelcroTM, the like, or combinations thereof.
As shown, in some embodiments, the load member 230 may be pivotally attached
to the
first support 216 and/or the second support 215 via springs 280 and/or 290.
Referring to Figures
3A-3C, the springs 280 and 290 may comprise torsion bars. The springs 280 and
290 should be
constructed such that pivoting of the load member 230 does not cause plastic
deformation in the
springs 280 and 290. Instead, the pivoting motion of the load member 230
should only cause
elastic deformation of the springs 280 and 290.
The springs 280 and 290 should be designed to avoid fatigue failure. Variables
which can
impact fatigue failure and elastic deformation are material selection, sizing
of the springs, and
angular displacement of the springs 280 and 290.
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The springs 280 and 290 may comprise any suitable size. For example, in some
embodiments, the springs 280 and 290 may comprise a cross section area which
is greater than
about 3 mm2 to about 50 mm2, or any individual number within the range. In
some
embodiments, the springs may comprise a cross sectional area of between about
10 mm2 to about
20mm2. Still in other embodiments, the springs may comprise a cross sectional
area which is
greater than about 3 mm2, greater than about 5 mm2, greater than about 7 mm2,
greater than about
mm2, greater than about 15 mm2, greater than about 17 mm2, greater than about
20 mm2,
greater than about 25 mm2, greater than about 30 mm2, greater than about 35
mm2, greater than
about 40 mm2, greater than about 45 mm2, and/or less than about 50 mm2, less
than about
10 45mm2, less than about 40 mm2, less than about 35 mm2, less than about 30
mm2, less than about
25 mm2, less than about 20 mm2, less than about 15 mm2, less than about 12mm2,
less than about
10 mm2, less than about 7 mm2, less than about 5mm2, or any ranges within the
disclosed
numbers. However, it is worth noting that if the cross sectional area of the
springs 280 and 290
is too great, then the load member 230 will tend to bend as opposed to
pivoting.
The springs 280 and 290 can be configured to influence the response force. One
example
of influencing the response force, is to change the cross sectional area of
the springs 280 and/or
290. Other examples of influencing the response force include material
selection, length of the
spring.
In some embodiments, the load member 230 may be created separately from the
springs
280 and/or 290 and later attached thereto. In such embodiments, the spring 280
may be
configured such that a first surface 230A of the load member 230 engages a
first engaging
surface 280A of the spring 280 such that the first surface 230A does not
rotate with respect to the
first engaging surface 280A. Similarly, the spring 290 may be configured such
that a second
surface 230B does not rotate with respect to a first engaging surface 290A of
the spring 290.
As an example, the first engaging surface 280A may comprise a detent which
engages
with a complimentary depression in the first surface 230A. As another example,
the first
engaging surface 280A may comprise a complimentary depression which engages a
detent which
is comprised by the first surface 230A. As yet another example, both the first
engaging surface
280A and the first surface 230A may comprise a detent and a depression and be
configured such
that the detent of the first surface 230A engages the depression of the first
engaging surface 280A
and such that the detent of the first engaging surface 280A engages the
depression of the first
surface 230A. The second surface 230B and the first engagement surface 290A
may be
configured similarly. Embodiments are contemplated where a plurality of
detents and
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complimentary depressions may be utilized on the first surface 230A, the
second surface 230B,
and/or the first engaging surfaces 280A and 290A.
In some embodiments, the load member 230 may be integrally formed with the
springs
280 and/or 290. In such embodiments, the springs 280 and/or 290, may be
configured such that a
first inner-facing surface 215A of the first support 215 engages a second
engaging surface 280B
of the spring 280 such that the first inner-facing surface 215A does not
rotate with respect to the
second engaging surface 280B. Similarly, the spring 290 may be configured such
that a second
inner-facing surface 216A does not rotate with respect to a second engaging
surface 290B of the
spring 290. The detents and depressions described heretofore may be utilized
in order to
preclude or at least reduce the likelihood of rotation.
As mentioned heretofore, the length of the springs 280 and/or 290 can impact
the
response force provided by the springs 280 and/or 290. A length 1580 of spring
280 is defined
by the distance between the first engaging surface 280A and the second
engaging surface 280B.
The length 1580 of the spring 280 may be impacted by the material selected for
the spring.
Additional factors include aesthetics as well as gripability by a user. The
length 1580 may be
any suitable length. In some embodiments, the length 1580 may be greater than
about 1 mm,
greater than about 1.5 mm, greater than about 2.0 mm, greater than about 2.5
mm, greater than
about 3.0 mm, greater than about 3.5 mm, greater than about 4.0 mm, greater
than about 4.5 mm,
greater than about 5.0 mm, greater than about 5.5 mm, greater than about 6 mm,
greater than
about 6.5 mm, greater than about 7 mm, greater than about 7.5 mm, and/or equal
to about 8.0
mm, less than about 7.5 mm, less than about 7.0 mm, less than about 6.5 mm,
less than about 6.0
mm, less than about 5.5 mm, less than about 5.0 mm, less than about 4.5 mm,
less than about 4.0
mm, less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3.0 mm, less than about 2.5 mm,
less than about 2.0
mm, less than about 1.5 mm, or any numbers or ranges within or including the
values above.
Spring 290 may be constructed similarly.
For ease of assembly embodiments are contemplated where the load member 230 is
integrally formed with the first support 215, the second support 216, and/or
springs 280 and 290.
In some embodiments, the load member 230 may be integrally formed with the
first support 215,
the second support 216, springs 280 and 290, and/or engagement portion 316.
Referring to Figure 4A, a second portion of the insert 200 is shown. The load
member
230 may comprise a first contact arm 265A and a second contact arm 265 B which
can provide
electrical communication between the electromagnetic source 250 and the power
source(s) 240.
Embodiments are contemplated where only a single power source is utilized. In
such
embodiments, only one contact arm may be required.
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Referring to Figures 4A through 4C, the load member 230 may comprise a stop
280
which is configured to engage an inner surface of the handle 12 (shown in
Figure 1). In
operation, when a sufficient force is applied to the cleaning element field 20
(shown in Figure 1)
the load member 230 pivots with respect to the first support 215 and/or second
support 216. If
the applied force is too high, then the load member 230 pivots such that the
first contact arm
265A and the second contact arm 265B establish electrical communication
between the power
source(s) 240 and the electromagnetic source 250. Because the contact arms
265A and 265B are
in contact with their respective power source(s) 240, additional applied force
tends to cause
deflection in the load member 230. This deflection in the load member 230 may
lead to plastic
deformation in the load member 230 and/or the contact arms 265A and/or 265B.
In an effort to
reduce the likelihood of plastic deformation, the stop 280 may be disposed on
the load member
230. The stop 280 may be integrally formed with the load member 230, or the
stop 280 may be a
discrete element which is attached to the load member 230.
The stop 280 may be positioned in any suitable location along the load member
230.
Additional embodiments are contemplated where the load member 230 comprises a
plurality of
stops. Furthermore, embodiments are contemplated where the handle comprises a
stop
protruding toward the load member 230 from an inner surface of the handle.
Embodiments are
contemplated where a plurality of stops protrude from an inner surface of the
handle. Also,
embodiments are contemplated where a plurality of stops are utilized and at
least one protrudes
from the load member 230 and at least one protrudes from the inner surface of
the handle.
Referring to Figure 4C, the stop 280 may be any suitable size. For example,
the stop 280
may have a height 281 which is greater than about 1 mm, greater than about 2
mm, greater than
about 3 mm or any number or range including or within these values. The stop
280 should be
designed to withstand applied brushing forces as well as forces which exceed
the threshold high
value force. For example, the stop 280 may be designed to withstand greater
than about greater
than about 4 Newtons, greater than about 5 Newtons of applied load, greater
than about 6
Newtons, greater than about 7 Newtons, greater than about 8 Newtons, greater
than about 9
Newtons, less than about 9 Newtons, less than about 8 Newtons, less than about
7 Newtons, less
than about 6 Newtons, less than about 5 Newtons, or any number or range
including or within
these values.
Referring to Figures 2A and 4C, as shown, the electromagnetic source 250 may
be
disposed on the load member 230. When too high of a force is applied, the
electromagnetic
source 250 may be powered on, thereby supplying electromagnetic energy to the
load member
230. In some embodiments, the load member 230 may transmit the electromagnetic
energy from
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the electromagnetic source 250 to the indication element 30. In such
embodiments, the load
member 230 may be a light pipe, light guide, fiber optic, or the like. The
material selected for
the load member 230 may be clear, transparent, translucent or combinations
thereof. Some
suitable examples for the load member 230 include glass,
polymethylmethacrylate,
polycarbonate, copolyester, polypropylene, polyethyleneteraphthalate,
combinations thereof, e.g.
polyester and polycarbonate, or the like.
In some embodiments, the indication element 30 and the load member 230 may be
unitary. For example, the load member 230 and the indication element 30 may be
integrally
constructed out of a first material during an injection molding process. In
some embodiments,
load member 230 may be a discrete part which is later connected to the
indication element 30. In
some embodiments, the indication element 30, the load member 230, the
engagement section
316, first support 215, and/or second support 216 may be integrally formed. In
some
embodiments, the indication element 30, load member 230, and/or engagement
section 316, may
be integrally formed and subsequently attached to the first support 215 and/or
second support
216. A benefit of such embodiments is that a reduced number of components are
required for the
brush which can reduce the cost and/or time of assembly.
The load member 230 may transmit electromagnetic energy, e.g. visible light,
to the
indication element 30 via internal reflection or external reflection. External
reflections are
reflections where the light originates in a material of low refractive index
(such as air) and
reflects off of a material with a higher refractive index (such as aluminum or
silver). A common
household mirror operates on external reflection.
Internal reflections are reflections where the light originates in a material
of higher
refractive index (such as polycarbonate) and reflects off of a material with
lower refractive index
(such as air or vacuum or water). Fiber optic technology operates on the
principle of internal
reflections.
Refractive index is an optic attribute of any material which measures the
tendency of light
to refract, or bend, when passing through the material. Even materials that do
not conduct light
(such as aluminum) have indices of refraction.
Typically, external reflections are most efficient when the angle of incidence
of the light
is near-normal (i.e., light approaches perpendicular to the surface) and
degrade as the angle of
incidence increases (approaches the surface at a steep angle). Conversely,
internal reflections are
most efficient at high angles of incidence and fail to reflect at shallow
angles, e.g. normal to the
surface. In order to achieve internal reflection, the angle of incidence
should be greater than the
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critical angle. The critical angle is the angle below which light no longer
reflects between a pair
of materials.
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2A, for those embodiments of the present
invention that
utilize external reflection, a foil or some other highly reflective material
can be utilized within the
handle 12. The highly reflective material, e.g. foil, can be disposed on the
interior surface of the
handle 12. In other embodiments, the highly reflective material, e.g. foil can
be wrapped around
the load member 230. One downside to such embodiments is that additional
manufacturing steps
may be required in order to provide the highly reflective material to the
appropriate location(s).
For those embodiments utilizing internal reflection, a material may be
selected having
high refractive index, e.g. above 1Ø For example, the material selected for
the load member 230
may comprise a refractive index of greater than about 1.4, greater than about
1.5, greater than
about 1.6, and/or less than about 1.7, less than about 1.6, less than about
1.5, or any number or
ranges within or including the values provided. In some embodiments, the
material selected for
the load member 230 has a refractive index of between about 1.4 to about 1.6.
Referring to Figures 2A through 2B, in such embodiments, an outer surface 429
of the
load member 230 may be polished. The polished outer surface 429 of the load
member 230 can
reduce the amount of leakage of light from the load member 230.
Referring to Figures 2A and 5A-5E, in some embodiments, the load member 230
may
comprise a receptacle 553A, 553B, 553C, 553D for receiving the electromagnetic
source 250.
The receptacle 553A, 553B, 553C, 553D may be disposed on an end 555A, 555B,
555C, 555D of
the load member 230. One benefit of implementing the receptacle 553A, 553B,
553C, 553D on
the end 555A, 555B, 555C, 555D of the load member 230 is that during
manufacturing, the
electromagnetic source 250 may be inserted into the receptacle 553A, 553B,
553C, 553D thereby
reducing the chance for misalignment of the electromagnetic source 250 with
respect to the load
member 230. This can help reduce the amount of leakage of light between the
electromagnetic
source 250 and the load member 230.
As stated previously, to achieve internal reflection, impinging light should
be above the
critical angle. The angle at which light impinges upon the load member 230 can
be impacted by
the distribution angle (discussed hereafter) of the electromagnetic source
250. For those output
sources having a small distribution angle, the design of the receptacle 553A
e.g. sides 557A and
557B perpendicular to face 557C, may be sufficient to capture the majority of
light emitted from
the electromagnetic source 250 for internal reflection. However, any light
which is not above the
critical angle will generally not be internally reflected. Accordingly, the
receptacle 553B sides
559A, 559B and/or the face 559C may be configured to increase the amount of
light which is
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above the critical angle. As shown, the face 559C may comprise an angle for
increasing the
angle of incidence of electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic source
450. As another
example, the receptacle 553C may comprise sides 551A, 551B and a face 551C
which has an
arcuate shape, e.g. lens. As yet another example, the receptacle 553D may
comprise sides 549A,
549B, and a face 549C. The sides 549A and/or 549B may taper toward the face
549C.
Combinations of these features are also contemplated. For example, a
receptacle may comprise
tapered sides tapered either toward the face or away therefrom and/or may
comprise an angled
face, an arcuate face, e.g. lens, or the like.
Referring to Figure 5E, in some embodiments, a load member 230 may be
configured
with a flat surface on an end 555. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic
source 250, e.g.
LED, may be positioned a distance 560 away from the end 555. In an effort to
reduce the
amount of light leaked from the output source 250, distance B (560) should
generally be within
the following guidelines.
B< tan(a)A
Where a is the half angle a available from a manufacturer's specifications for
an
electromagnetic source, and where A (567) is a leg of projection on the load
member 230. The
leg of projection 567 is the straight line distance from the midpoint of the
output source 250
projected onto the load member 230 to an edge 569 of the load member 230.
For those embodiments utilizing internal reflection, the distribution angle of
the
electromagnetic source 250, e.g. LED, should be considered. If the
distribution angle is too
broad, a portion of the light provided to the load member 230 may not be
internally reflected and
instead will be leaked out of the load member 230. Any suitable distribution
angle may be
utilized. Some examples of suitable distribution angles include greater than
about 0 degrees,
greater than about 1 degrees, greater than about 2 degrees, greater than about
5 degrees, greater
than about 6 degrees, greater than about 8 degrees, greater than about 10
degrees, greater than
about 12 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 16
degrees, greater than about
18 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees,
and/or less than about
22 degrees, less than about 20 degrees, less than about 18 degrees, less than
about 16 degrees,
less than about 14 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 10
degrees, less than about
8 degrees, or any number or any ranges within or including the values
provided.
As stated previously, the load member 230 can transmit electromagnetic energy
from the
electromagnetic source 250, to the indication element 30. In an effort to
reduce the amount of
energy leaked through the engagement section 316, a reflective core 661 (shown
in Figure 6)
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may be utilized. For those embodiments where the neck 16 (shown in Figure 1)
and/or head 14
(shown in Figure 1) are not detachable, a reflective core may be utilized in
the neck 16 and/or
head 14.
Referring to Figures 1 and 6A-6C, as shown, the reflective core 661 may be
disposed in
the indication element 30 and extend to the engagement section 316. The
reflective core 661 can
reduce the amount of light which is lost through the engagement section 316
and into the neck
and/or head of the brush. Additionally, the reflective core 661 can assist in
distributing light
through the indication element 30 to a periphery 630 of the indication element
30. Also, in some
embodiments, the reflective core 661 may be configured to assist in providing
light to the first
sealing element 70 and/or the second sealing element 75. In the embodiments
where the first
sealing element 70 and/or the second sealing element 75 are transparent or
translucent, a unique
visual effect may be created.
The reflective core 661 may comprise a polished area 667 having a face 668.
The
polished area 667 of the reflective core 661 is that portion of the reflective
core 661 disposed
within the indication element 30. The remainder of the reflective core 461 may
be polished but it
does not need to be. The polished area 667 can be configured to redirect light
transmitted
through the load member 230 to the indication element 30, the first sealing
element 70 and/or the
second sealing element 75.
Where the indication element 30 is a ring, e.g. the outer periphery 630 is
circular the
polished area 667 may be configured in the form of a cone (see Figure 7A). As
shown in Figure
7B, where the indication element 30 comprises a ring, e.g. outer periphery 630
is circular, a
polished area 667B may comprise a face 668B having multiple sides. As shown in
Figure 7C, an
indication element 30C may comprise an outer periphery 630C having multiple
sides. And, a
polished area 667C may be configured in the form of a cone. As shown in Figure
7D, an
indication element 30D may comprise a periphery 630D having multiple sides.
And, a polished
area 667D may comprise a face 668D having multiple sides. The sides of the
face 668D may be
substantially parallel to the sides of the sides of the periphery 630D of the
indication element
30D. As shown in Figure 7E, an indication element 30E may comprise a periphery
630D having
multiple sides, and a polished area 667E may comprise a face 668E having
multiple sides. As
shown, the sides of the face 668E may be arranged in a non-parallel fashion
with the side of the
outer periphery 630E of the indication element 30E. It is believed that such
arrangements may
produce a different visual effect than that of a polished area 667, 667C which
is conical.
In some embodiments where the indication element does not extend to 360
degrees
around the brush to form an outer surface of the brush, the polished area may
be configured to
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distribute transmitted light to a portion of the indication element that is
visible to the user. For
example, where the indication element extends around the brush 90 degrees, the
polished area
may be configured as a portion of a cone which distributes light to the
indication element.
Referring back to Figure 6C, the reflective core 661 as shown can be a recess
which
remains empty in the final product. In some embodiments, the reflective core
661 may be
partially filled with a material. Where the reflective core 661 is partially
filled, an air gap
between the filling material and the polished area 667 may be provided. The
existence of this air
gap can ensure that internal reflection is maintained within the indication
element. In some
embodiments, the reflective core 661 may be completely filled with material
which has a lower
refractive index than that of the material which forms the reflective core
661.
It is believed that without the reflective core 661 less than about 10 percent
of the light
provided by the electromagnetic source would be emitted by the indication
element. And, it is
believed that with the reflective core 661 about 90 percent or more of the
light provided by the
electromagnetic source would be emitted by the indication element, the first
sealing element 70
and/or the second sealing element 75. In some embodiments, the light emitted
by the indication
element is greater than about 10 percent of the light provided by the
electromagnetic source,
greater than about 20 percent, greater than about 30 percent, greater than
about 40 percent,
greater than about 50 percent, greater than about 60 percent, greater than
about 70 percent,
greater than about 80 percent, greater than about 90 percent, less than about
100 percent, less
than about 90 percent, less than about 80 percent, less than about 70 percent,
less than about 60
percent, less than about 50 percent, less than about 40 percent, less than
about 30 percent, less
than about 20 percent, or any number or any ranges including and/or within the
values above. A
test method for measuring the light emission efficiency is discussed
hereafter.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8A, an insert 800 may comprise a load
member 830 may be pivotally attached to a first support 815 and/or second
support 816 similar to
the insert 200. The insert 800 may further comprise an indication element, a
power source, and
an electromagnetic source as described herein and may be constructed similarly
to the insert 200
except as described below.
The load member 830 may be pivotally attached to the first support 815 and/or
second
support 816 via a pivot support 870 instead of springs, e.g. 280 and 290 as
discussed heretofore.
The pivot support 870 can be fixedly attached to the first support 815 and/or
the second support
816 such that the pivot support 870 cannot rotate with respect to the first
support 815 and/or the
second support 816. In such embodiments, the pivot support 870 may be
rotationally fixed to the
load member 830 such that the load member 830 may rotate with respect to the
pivot support
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870. Other configurations are contemplated. For example, the pivot support 870
may be fixed to
the load member 830 such that the pivot support 870 cannot rotate with respect
to the load
member 830. In such embodiments, the pivot support 870 may be rotationally
fixed with respect
to the first support 815 and the second support 816.
For the embodiments where the pivot support 870 is rotationally coupled to the
first
support 815 and the second support 816, the pivot support 870 may be
integrally formed with the
load member 830. For the embodiments where the pivot support 870 is
rotationally coupled to
the load member 830, the pivot support 870 may be integrally formed with the
first support 815
and/or the second support 816.
For such embodiments, the pivot support 870 may be configured to offer little
to no
resistance to the rotation of the load member 830. Accordingly, a resistance
element may be
utilized. As shown in Figure 8B, the load member 830 may comprise a stop 880
similar to the
stop 280 discussed heretofore with regard to insert 200. Additionally, the
load member 830 may
comprise a resilient member 890, e.g. spring. The resilient member 890 may be
configured such
that an applied load to the contact element field causes the resilient member
290 is compressed.
Alternatively, the resilient member 890 may be configured such that an applied
load to the
contact element field causes the resilient member 290 to be elongated. Still
in other
embodiments, more than one resilient member may be utilized such that an
applied load causes
one resilient member to elongate and one to compress.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, an insert 900 may comprise a load
member
930 which is pivotally attached to a handle 912. The insert 900 may further
comprise a first
sealing element 970 and a second sealing element 975 which may be configured
as discussed
with regard to the first sealing element 70 and the second sealing element 75.
Additionally, the
insert 900 may comprise an engagement portion 916 which can be configured
similarly to the
engagement portion 316. The insert 900 may further comprise an indication
element 1930 for
providing visible signals to a user. In some embodiments, the engagement
portion 916, the
indication element 1930, and/or the load member 930 may be integrally formed.
The load member 930 may comprise a receptacle as described heretofore which
can
accommodate an electromagnetic source 950, e.g. LED. The electromagnetic
source 950 may
comprise contacts 965A and 965B which can provide electrical communication
between the
electromagnetic source 950 and power supply 940 when too much force is applied
by a user.
Similar to the configuration shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the load member 930
may be
pivotally mounted via pivot support which provides little to no resistance to
the rotation of the
load member 930. As shown, a contact, e.g. 965B may be utilized as the spring
which provides
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resistance to the movement of the load member 930. For example, as shown, when
a force is
applied to the contact element field which causes the load member 930 to pivot
with respect to
the handle 912, the contact 965B may tend to move toward a contact base 967.
In some
embodiments, a support base 981 integral with the load member 930 may be
utilized to effect the
appropriate bending of the contact 965B when too high of a force is applied.
The load members 830 and 930 may be configured similar to the load member 230
described heretofore. For example, the load members 830 and 930 may transmit
electromagnetic
energy to their respective indication elements via internal reflection or
external reflection.
Additionally, the inserts 800 and 900 may be constructed similar to the insert
200. For example,
their respective indication elements may comprise a reflective core as
described herein.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17A, a toothbrush may comprise an
insert
1700 having a load member 1730 which is pivotally attached to a support 1715.
The pivot
connection between the load member 1730 and the support 1715 may be configured
such that
little resistance to motion, if any, exists. The load member 1730 may be
constructed similarly to
the load members 230, 830, and 930. As shown, the load member 1730 may
comprise an
indication element 2730. The indication element 2730 may comprise an
elastomeric material
which is injection overmolded onto the load member 1730. Additionally, a
sealing element 1770
may be integrally formed with the indication element 2730. The sealing element
1770 may
engage an inner surface of a handle to prevent or reduce the likelihood of
water and/or other
contaminants from entering the cavity of the handle.
In such embodiments, the indication element 2730 may comprise a translucent or
transparent material to allow electromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic
source 1750 to be
provided to the user. Additionally, unique color combinations may be created
by utilizing a
colored material for the indication element 2730. For example, the
electromagnetic source 1750
may provide an electromagnetic output of a first color while the indication
element 2730 may
comprise a second color. The first color may be different from the second
color, e.g. blue and
yellow, respectively. As another example, the indication element 2730 may
comprise a
complimentary color. The indication element 2730 may be a first color and the
electromagnetic
source may emit electromagnetic energy comprising primarily the first color,
e.g. red and red.
In operation, the load member 1730 pivots with respect to the support 1715
when an
applied load 1751 exceeds a certain threshold limit. As shown, a resilient
element 1790 may be
positioned between a first contact 1765A and the load member 1730. The
resilient element 1790
may be appropriately sized such that the load member 1730 does not pivot with
respect to the
support until a first threshold force is applied. For example, in some
embodiments, the resilient
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member 1790 may be applied to provide a pre-stress on the load member of about
3.2 Newtons.
In such embodiments, the load member 1730 would not pivot with respect to the
support 1715
until the applied force 1751 exceeded about 3.2 Newtons. When the applied
force 1751 exceeds
the first threshold force, the load member 1730 pivots with respect to the
support 1715. As an
example, if the applied force 1751 meets or exceeds about 5 Newtons, then the
load member
1730 moves a second contact 1765B into contact with the first contact 1765A.
The first contact
1765A and the second contact 1765B may be in electrical communication with a
power supply
1740 such that when the first contact 1765A and the second contact 1765B are
in contact, a
circuit powering the electromagnetic output 1750 is energized.
The second contact 1765B may be configured to provide little to no resistance
to the
motion of the load member 1730. Alternatively, the second contact 1765B may be
configured to
provide some resistance to this motion in addition to the resilient element
1790.
Similar to the load members discussed heretofore, the load member 1730 may
comprise a
reflective core 1761. The reflective core 1761 may be constructed similar to
the reflective cores
discussed herein. Similarly, the load member 1730 may comprise a stop as
described heretofore
with regard to Figures 8A and 8B.
Referring to Figures 17A and 17B, a distance 1741 between a first surface
1730A of the
load member 1730 and an inner surface 1766 of the first contact 1765A can be
any suitable
distance. For example, the distance 1741 can be greater than about 0.3 mm to
about 1.3 mm. In
some embodiments, the distance 1741 may be greater than about 0.3 mm, greater
than about 0.4
mm, greater than about 0.5 mm, greater than about 0.6 mm, greater than about
0.7 mm, greater
than about 0.8 mm, greater than about 0.9 mm, greater than about 1.0 mm,
greater than about 1.1
mm, greater than about 1.2 mm, less than about 1.3 mm, less than about 1.2 mm,
less than about
1.1 mm, less than about 1.0 mm, less than about 0.9 mm, less than about 0.8
mm, less than about
0.7 mm, less than about 0.6 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, less than about 0.4 mm
or any number
or range including or within the values provided. In some embodiments, the
distance 1741 is
about 0.8 mm.
The pre-stressing of the load member 1730 such that the pivot motion does not
begin until
after an applied force 1751 of about 3.2 Newtons is important from a tolerance
based perspective
in addition to the distance 1741. As an example, if indication of too high of
an applied force is to
be provided to the user at the applied force 1751 of about 5 Newtons, the load
member 1730 may
be pre-stressed by about 3.2 Newtons, and the distance 1741 between the first
surface 1730A and
the inner surface 1766 may be about 0.7 mm. In such embodiments, the 0.7 mm
distance 1741
corresponds to 1.8 Newtons or 2.5 N/mm. In contrast, with no pre-loading, the
0.7 mm distance
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1741 corresponds to 5 Newtons or 7.1 N/mm. For both examples, a tolerance of
plus / minus 0.2
mm can lead force indication variances. However, for the first example, a plus
0.2 mm to the
distance 1741 means an indication of too high of an applied force at about 5.5
Newtons. For the
second example, a plus 0.2 mm means an indication at about 6.4 Newtons. For a
tolerance of
minus 0.2 mm to the distance 1741 in the first example with pre-loading of 3.2
N, indication of
too high of an applied force would occur at an applied force of about 4.5
Newtons. In the second
example, a tolerance of minus 0.2 mm to distance 1741 in the second example
with no pre-
loading the indication of too high of an applied force would occur at about
3.55 Newtons. So,
pre-loading can be beneficial when trying to reduce tolerance based variances
in force indication.
The amount of pre-loading can be any suitable force. For example, in some
embodiments, pre-loading can be greater than about 2 Newtons, greater than
about 3 N, greater
than about 3.2 N, greater than about 3.4 N, greater than about 3.6 N, greater
than about 3.8 N,
greater than about 4.0 N, greater than about 4.2 N, greater than about 4.4 N,
greater than about
4.6 N, greater than about 4.8 N, less than about 5 N, less than about 4.8 N,
less than about 4.6 N,
less than about 4.4 N, less than about 4.2 N, less than about 4.0 N, less than
about 3.8 N, less
than about 3.6 N, less than about 3.4 N, or any number or range including or
within these values.
In some embodiments, the pre-loading is about 4 N.
In some embodiments, the tolerance based variance is less than about 20
percent of the
indication value. For example, if the indication value is about 5 Newtons, the
tolerance based
variance is less than about 1 Newton. In some embodiments, the tolerance based
variance is less
than about 15 percent of the indication value, less than about 10 percent of
the indication value,
less than about 5 percent of the indication value or any number or range
including or within these
values.
At least one benefit of the embodiments Figures 8A, 8B, 9, and 17A-17B is the
customizability of the inserts 800, 900, and 1700. Since a resilient member,
e.g. spring 890,
1790 and contact 965B, are utilized as the main sources or resistance to the
motion of the
respective load members 830, 930, 1730 the inserts may be utilized
ubiquitously with little
modification. For example, a first brush head may require that a force
threshold of 2.5 Newtons
is exceeded before a signal is provided to the user that the applied brushing
force is too high. In
contrast a second brush head may require that a force threshold of 3.5 Newtons
is exceeded
before a signal is provided to the user that the applied brushing force is too
high. Because of the
modular nature of the inserts 800, 900, and 1700, modification of the
resilient member 890, 1790
and contact 965B, between the first brush head and the second brush head can
provide the correct
force thresholds for the two brushes. Accordingly, during manufacturing of the
brushes, one can
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customize the inserts as required for a given brush head such that the
appropriate force threshold
is supplied by the insert.
In order to increase reliability during the manufacture of the brushes of the
present
invention, consideration should be given to the materials on the brush which
can create an
opposing force to the applied brushing force. For example, the first sealing
element 70, the
second sealing element 75, and/or the sealing element 1770 can provide some
resistance to the
movement of the load member. As such, in some embodiments, the material for
the sealing
elements is selected to be of a shore A hardness of the less than about 50.
Similarly, the sealing
element 1770 may have a reduced cross sectional area adjacent to the
indication element 2730
thereby reducing the impact that the sealing element 1770 has on any opposing
force to the
applied brushing force.
It has been discovered that with regard to toothbrushes, consumers tend to
dislike a
substantial amount of movement in the area of the toothbrush head.
Specifically, consumers tend
to dislike too much movement of the toothbrush head in a plane which is
generally perpendicular
to a pivot axis 1010 (shown in Figure 10A). Referring to Figures 10A through
10C, the
movement of the head 1014 in this plane can be determined by measuring a
straight line distance
1089 between an at rest plane 1061 and an applied force plane 1063 where the
straight line 1089
is orthogonal to the at rest plane 1061 and is tangent to the toothbrush head
1014 at an
intersection 1071.
The at rest plane 1061 extends through the pivot axis 1010 and extends through
the
intersection 1071 between a side 1073 and a first face 1075 of the toothbrush
head 14. Where the
intersection 1071 includes a rounded edge, the point of intersection between
the side 1073 and
the first surface 1075 shall be the bisection of the rounded edge. The at rest
plane 1061 is
referenced while there is no load on the contact element field 20.
The applied force plane 1063, similar to the at rest plane 1061, extends
through the pivot
axis 1010 and extends through the intersection 1071. The applied force plane
1063 is referenced
while there is a predetermined applied load 1090 applied to the cleaning
element field 20. The
predetermined applied load 1090 is 5 Newtons.
In some embodiments, the straight line distance 1089 may be less than about 6
mm, less
than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2
mm, less than
about 1 mm and/or greater than about 1 mm, greater than about 2 mm, or any
number or range
including or within the values provided.
While heretofore, the condition for which a signal is provided to the user is
with regard to
a too high of an applied brushing force, signals for other conditions or
additional conditions may
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be provided to the user. For example, a signal can be provided to the user
regarding the
application of too high of a brushing force being utilized; however, in
addition, at least one of the
following conditions may similarly be indicated to the user: (1) too little
force is being applied;
(2) a sufficient force is being applied; (3) too much force is being applied,
within a range just
above sufficient force; (4) a much higher force is being applied (much higher
than suitable
force); (5) an upper limit for too high of a force being applied has been
reached; (6) a lower limit
for too low of a force being applied has been reached.
In some embodiments, combinations of signals can be utilized for any
combination of
conditions. For example, to signal the user that too little force is being
applied a first signal may
be audible while a second signal signifying too much force may be visual. Any
suitable
combinations of signals can be utilized. As yet another example, to signal the
user that too little
force is being applied a first signal may be visual and comprise a first color
while a second signal
signifying too much force may similarly be visual but comprise a second color
which contrasts
with the first color. Any suitable colors may be utilized, e.g. red, green,
yellow, blue, purple, the
like, or combinations thereof. Such combinations of signals may also be
applied where the
electromagnetic source is configured to provide a signal for a sufficient
force and/or upper and
lower values thereof.
Several considerations can be taken into account when trying to evaluate the
above
conditions. For example, mouth feel, cleaning efficacy, etc. With regard to
mouth feel, for
example, oral care implements comprising cleaning elements which are very soft
can generally
provide a comfortable mouth feel to a user at forces which are higher than
those oral care
implements having more stiff cleaning elements. As another example, cleaning
elements which
comprise elastomeric materials may be more comfortable for a user and
therefore may allow a
higher force to be applied during brushing while still being within the user's
comfort level. With
regard to efficacy, cleaning elements having surface features, as described in
U.S. Patent Nos.
5,722,106; 5,836,769; 6,058,541; 6,018,840; U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos.
2006/0080794; 2006/0272112; and 2007/0251040; and PCT Publication No.
W02011/093874
may require a lower force during brushing to provide sufficient cleaning /
plaque removal when
compared to /cleaning elements having smooth surface features.
Another consideration which can be taken into account includes clinical
safety. For
example, a force which provides good mouth feel to consumer may cause gum
irritation, gum
recession, and/or tooth enamel abrasion.
Several variables can affect the considerations above, e.g. mouth feel,
cleaning efficacy,
clinical safety. For example, users may apply a specific brushing force while
utilizing a powered
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toothbrush and a different force while utilizing a manual toothbrush. As
another example, length
of the cleaning elements, cross sectional shape of the cleaning elements, e.g.
diameter, bending
properties, etc. Because of the numerous variables which can impact the above
considerations,
consumer testing, clinical testing, and/or robot testing may be utilized to
empirically determine
values for: (1) too little force being applied; (2) too much force being
applied; and/or (3)
sufficient force being applied; (4) a low end of the sufficient force range
being applied; and/or (5)
a high end of the sufficient force range being applied, which can still
provide comfortable mouth
feel, cleaning efficacy, and clinical safety.
User testing and/or clinical testing may provide some insight as to an
appropriate value
for the upper end of the tolerance of a sufficient force for a particular
brush and/or an appropriate
value for the lower end of the tolerance of the sufficient force for the
particular brush. In general,
users can try a particular toothbrush and apply a prescribed force while
brushing. For example,
brushes of the present invention may be utilized to signal to the user when
the prescribed force
was reached, exceeded, and/or not met. After brushing, the users may be asked
to provide
feedback with regard to the feel of the brush in the oral cavity.
Additionally, plaque scans can be
taken of the oral cavities of consumers prior to brushing and then post
brushing. Comparison can
be made of the before and after in order to determine efficacy at a particular
force. Moreover,
clinical testing can be performed on the upper end of the range of the
sufficient force to
determine whether gum irritation, gum recession, and/or tooth enamel abrasion
occurs at this
value. Via iterative testing, the appropriate values for force thresholds
during brushing for a
variety of brush heads.
Similarly, robot testing may be utilized to determine efficacy of a particular
brush at a
given force. In robot testing, generally, a toothbrush is operated by a robot
arm which moves the
toothbrush in a brushing motion across teeth of a model of an oral cavity.
Generally, the teeth of
the model are covered by a synthetic plaque which is well known in the art.
The robot arm can
apply a predetermined force to the toothbrush during the simulation. After the
simulation, plaque
analysis before brushing and after brushing can be compared. From the before
and after plaque
analysis, a cleaning / efficacy determination can be made. Through iteration,
the lower level of
sufficient force range may be determined for any cleaning element / massaging
element
configuration.
Each of consumer testing, clinical testing, and robot testing can provide
useful
information on the values of force associated with the conditions: (1) too
little force being
applied; (2) too much force being applied; and/or (3) a sufficient force being
applied; (4) a lower
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end of the sufficient force range being applied; and/or (5) an upper end of
the sufficient force
range being applied, which can still provide comfortable mouth feel as well as
cleaning efficacy.
In some embodiments, a value of too much applied brushing force may be greater
than or
equal to about 1 Newton, 1.25 Newtons, 1.5 Newtons, 1.75 Newtons, 2.00
Newtons, 2.10
Newtons, 2.20 Newtons, 2.30 Newtons, 2.40 Newtons, 2.50 Newtons, 2.60 Newtons,
2.75
Newtons, 2.85 Newtons, greater than or equal to about 3.00 Newtons, greater
than or equal to
about 3.50 Newtons, greater than or equal to about 3.75 Newtons, greater than
or equal to about
4.00 Newtons, greater than or equal to about 4.25 Newtons, greater than or
equal to about 4.50
Newtons, greater than or equal to about 4.75 Newtons, greater than or equal to
about 5.00
Newtons, greater than or equal to about 5.25 Newtons, greater than or equal to
about 5.50
Newtons, greater than or equal to about 5.75 Newtons, or greater than or equal
to about 6.00
Newtons. In some embodiments, a value of too little force being applied may be
less than or
equal to about 5.00 Newtons, about 4.75 Newtons, about 4.5 Newtons, about 4.25
Newtons,
about 4.00 Newtons, about 3.75 Newtons, about 3.5 Newtons, about 3.25 Newtons,
about 3.00
Newtons, about 2.75 Newtons, about 2.50 Newtons, about 2.25 Newtons, about
2.00 Newtons,
about 1.75 Newtons, about 1.50 Newtons, about 1.25 Newtons, about 1.00
Newtons, about 0.75
Newtons, or about 0.50 Newtons. In some embodiments, values for a low end of a
sufficient
force range, an upper end of the sufficient force range, and/or the sufficient
force range may be
selected from any of the values provided above with regard to the too much
force and/or too little
force conditions.
The signal provided to the user may be constant, e.g. provide a signal to the
user in real
time during the entire brushing routine. Alternatively, the signal provided to
the user can be
provided at the end of the brushing routine. For example, where the user
applied too high of a
force during the majority of brushing routine, the signal provided to the user
may flash a first
color or show the first color for a predetermined time period. As another
example, where the
user applied too low of a force during the majority of the brushing routine,
the signal provided to
the user may flash a second color or show the second color for a predetermined
period of time.
As yet another example, where the user applied a sufficient force during the
majority of the
brushing routine, the signal provided to the user may flash a third color or
show the third color
for a predetermined period of time. As described heretofore, combinations of
various signals
may be utilized.
In other embodiments, the signal can be provided to the user intermittently
during the
brushing routine. For example, the signal can be provided to the user on
predetermined time
intervals. For example, a signal may be provided to the user every 20 seconds.
Any suitable
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time interval can be selected. For example, the time interval between signals
can be greater than
about 0.1 second, greater than about 0.2 seconds, greater than about 0.3
seconds, greater than
about 0.4 seconds, greater than about 0.5 seconds, greater than about 0.6
seconds, greater than
about 0.7 seconds, greater than about 0.8 seconds, greater than about 0.9
seconds, greater than
about 1 second, greater than about 2 seconds, greater than about 3 seconds,
greater than about 4
seconds, greater than about 5 seconds, greater than about 6 seconds, greater
than about 10
seconds, greater than about 15 seconds, greater than about 20 seconds, greater
than about 25
seconds, greater than about 30 seconds, greater than about 40 seconds, greater
than about 50
seconds, greater than about 60 seconds, and/or less than about 60 seconds,
less than about 50
seconds, less than about 40 seconds, less than about 30 seconds, less than
about 25 seconds, less
than about 20 seconds, less than about 15 seconds, less than about 10 seconds,
less than about 5
seconds, less than about 4 seconds, less than about 3 seconds, less than about
2 seconds, less than
about 1.5 seconds, less than about 1, less than about 0.9 seconds, less than
about 0.8 seconds, less
than about 0.7 seconds, less than about 0.6 seconds, less than about 0.5
seconds, less than about
0.4 seconds, less than about 0.2 seconds, or less than about 0.1 seconds or
any number or any
range within or including these values.
Toothbrushes of the present invention may further comprise a processor. The
processor
may be in signal communication with the load member and the electromagnetic
source. The
processor may be utilized to log the performance of the user for the duration
of the brushing
regimen. For example, the user may brush for a predetermined time period,
.e.g. two minutes,
after such time period the processor may cause the electromagnetic source to
provide the user
with a signal that a sufficient force was applied for the duration of the two
minute period. As
another example, the processor may cause the electromagnetic source to provide
the user with a
signal that a sufficient force was applied for about half of the two minute
period. As yet another
example, the processor may cause the electromagnetic source to provide the
user with a signal
that a high force was applied for all and/or more than fifty percent of the
two minute period. As
yet another example, the processor may cause the electromagnetic source to
provide the user with
a signal that a low force was applied for all and/or more than fifty percent
of the two minute
period. The signals provided to the user may include those signals previously
described herein.
Additionally, the processor may be useful in eliminating force spikes from
indication. In
such embodiments, the processor may serve as a buffer for the electromagnetic
source by
building in a time delay between occurrence of the condition and the provided
signal by the
electromagnetic source. For example, the processor may be configured to
include a five second
time delay such that an applied brushing force which is too high must remain
too high for at least
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five seconds before the processor causes the electromagnetic source to provide
a signal to the
user. Configured as such, the processor may filter the input from the load
member such that the
electromagnetic source does not cause a plurality of flashing signals to the
user. The time delay
may be any suitable delay. For example, in some embodiments, the time delay
may be less than
about 10 seconds, less than about 9 second, less than about 8 second, less
than about 7 second,
less than about 6 second, less than about 5 seconds, less than about 4
seconds, less than about 3
seconds, less than about 2 seconds, less than about 1 second, less than about
0.75 seconds, less
than about 0.5 seconds, less than about 0.25 seconds, less than about 0.10
seconds.
Other suitable mechanisms to reduce and/or eliminate force spikes may be
utilized. For
example, in some embodiments a low pass filter of at least the first order may
be utilized. In
such embodiments, the low pass filter may preclude a force spike from causing
the
electromagnetic source to provide an output because of the high frequency of
the force spike. As
another example, the processor may be programmed to include a digital filter
which can
eliminate force spikes from causing the electromagnetic source to provide an
output. Force spike
filtration is further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,120,960.
Previously, a time interval between signals was discussed. In some
embodiments, the
processor may be configured to modify the time interval between the signals
provided to the user
either during a particular brushing routine or over a series of brushing
routines. For example,
during a first brushing routine, if the user alternates between utilizing too
much force and/or too
little force, the interval between signals to the user may be at a first time
interval. However, if in
the first brushing routine, the user also utilizes a force which is within the
sufficient force range,
the signals to the user may be at a second time interval. In such an
embodiment, the first time
interval may be less than the second time interval thereby providing more
feedback to the user.
In some embodiments, the time intervals may be switched such that the user if
provided more
feedback for forces which are within the predetermined sufficient force range.
As stated previously, the processor may similarly modify the time interval
between
signals provided to the user over a series of brushing routines. For example,
during a first
brushing routine, the user may apply too much force and/or too little force
for a majority of a
time period of the first brushing routine. During the first brushing routine,
the time interval
between signals may be at a first time interval. The processor may be
configured to process data
regarding applied force during the first brushing routine and modify the time
interval for the next
brushing routine. For example, for a second brushing routine, based upon the
data of the first
brushing routine, the processor may modify the time interval between signals
during the second
brushing routine to a second time interval. The second time interval may be
less than the first
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time interval such that the user may be provided more feedback during the
second brushing
routine. If during the second brushing routine, the user, for a majority of
the time period of the
second brushing routine, applies a force within a range of sufficient force,
then the processor may
modify the time interval between signals for a third brushing routine. For
example, the time
interval between signals for the third brushing routine may be less than the
second time interval.
However, if during the second time interval, the user applies, for a majority
of the second
brushing routine a force which is too high and/or too low for a majority of
the time period of the
second brushing routine, then the processor may adjust the time interval
between signals for the
third brushing routine to be less than the second time interval such that the
user may be provided
with even more feedback than in the second brushing routine. In some
embodiments, the
processor may be configured to provide more feedback with regard to a force
within the range of
sufficient force at increasing and/or decreasing time intervals.
The electromagnetic source may comprise a plurality of visual components, e.g.
LEDs.
The use of at least one light source and/or a plurality of light sources to
provide feedback to the
user is discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,120,960 and PCT
application serial number
IB2010/051194, entitled "Electric Toothbrush and Method of Manufacturing an
Electric
Toothbrush", filed on March 18, 2010. As discussed previously, the
toothbrushes of the present
invention may comprise a processor. In such embodiments, the processor may be
in electrical
communication with the electromagnetic output source such that the processor
may control the
output of the electromagnetic output source.
In some embodiments, a receptacle (discussed heretofore) of a load member may
be
configured such that two LEDs may be positioned therein. A first LED may
provide a first
output signal for one condition, e.g. brushing time, while a second LED may
provide a second
output signal for a second condition, e.g. time for brush replacement, wherein
the first output
signal and the second output signal are different. Similarly, in embodiments
where the
transmission element does not include a receptacle, a plurality of output
sources, e.g. LEDs, may
be utilized.
Instead of a plurality of LEDs, embodiments are also contemplated where the
output
source comprises an LED having multiple dices as described in U.S. Patent
Application
Publication No. 2005/0053896A1. As shown in Figure 11A, an LED 1115 may
include a lens
1130, and one positive lead 1121 and one negative lead 1109. The LED 1115 may
comprise
more than one light emitter and more than one semi-conductor substrate, and
can have more than
two leads. Embodiments are contemplated where the LED comprises two dices.
Additionally,
embodiments are contemplated where the LED comprises more than two dices.
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For example, the LED 1115 may comprise multiple light emitting dices 1105 and
1117
and a wire bonding 1107 and 1118. The wire bonding 1118 may serve as the
connection between
the dices 1105 and 1117. This connection can be either a parallel connection
or a serial
connection.
As shown in Figure 11B, an LED 1115B (two wire LED) may comprise multiple
dices
1105 and 1117 connected in series. The LED 1115B may include one positive lead
1109 and one
negative lead 1127. As shown, each dice 1105 and 1117 may have an individual
pedestal 1137
and 1139. The dices have a serial connection 1111 connecting the top of dices
1105 to the
bottom of dices 1117, and wire bonding 1113 connects the top of dices 1117 to
the negative lead
1127. All light from the light emitting sources may be combined to result in a
single light output
at lens 1130 of LED 1115B.
As shown in Figure 11C, an LED 1115C may include multiple dices 1105 and 1117
connected in parallel. The LED 1115C may comprise a single light output, the
lens 1130, and
one positive lead 1109, and one negative lead 1127. The dices may have a
parallel connection,
wire bonding 1137 connecting the top of dices 1105 to the top of dices 1117,
and wire bonding
1107 connecting the top of dices 1117 to the top of the common negative lead
1127. All light
from the light emitting sources can be combined to result in a single light
output at lens 1130 of
LED 815C.
As shown in Figure 11D, an LED 1115D (three wire LED) may include multiple
dices
1105 and 1117. The LED 1115D may comprise a lens 1130, two semiconductor
substrates, dices
1105 and 1117 shown connected in parallel, wire bondings 1119 and 1121, one
positive lead
1133, and two negative leads 1131 and 1135. This LED 1115D also emits light
from a single
light output, the lens 1130. Each dice may have an individual pedestal 1137
and 1139. It is also
contemplated that the LED 1115D can comprise two positive leads, and one
negative lead; and
the dices 1105 and 1117 can be connected in series.
Additionally, the LED can comprise more than two semi-conductor substrates
having
light emitting properties, and the LED can comprise more than two leads. The
LED can have a
common or shared lead, or can have individual leads for each semi-conductor
substrate having
light emitting properties. Further, each semi-conductor substrate having light
emitting properties
can be individually powered by a separate power source, such as a battery.
One advantage of a three wire LED, e.g. LED 1115D, is that the dices 1105 and
1117
may be independently operated. For example, where the LED 1115D comprises two
positive
leads, the dices may be independently controlled. So, the first dice 1105 may
be operated at
eighty percent capacity while the second dice 1107 is operated at twenty
percent capacity. As
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another example, the first dice 1105 may be operated at fifty percent while
the second dice 1117
is operated at 100 percent. There are countless combinations for operating
levels of the first dice
1105 and the second dice 1117. It is believed that such combinations can
achieve color blends
which create a unique visual effect for the user.
For two wire LEDs light blends are also possible. For example, the polarity of
the supply
voltage can be switched at a high enough rate, e.g. higher than 70 Hz, such
that the dices can be
driven and create a blended color effect. When the polarity of the supply
voltage is in a first
state, a first dice may be energized. When the polarity of the supply voltage
is in a second state,
a second dice may be energized. If the polarity of the supply voltage is
switched fast enough, a
user may perceive a color blend. The switching rate of the polarity of the
supply voltage may be
greater than about 70 Hz, greater than about 80 Hz, greater than about 90 Hz,
greater than about
100 Hz, greater than about 110 Hz, greater than about 120 Hz, greater than
about 130 Hz, less
than about 130 Hz, less than about 120 Hz, less than about 110 Hz, less than
about 100 Hz, less
than about 90 Hz, or any number within the values provided or any ranges
within the values
provided.
As stated above, these dices can be electrically connected in parallel or in
series. When
they are connected in series, all current considerations are the same as for
one single dice. The
total voltage can be approximated by the equation below:
V = Vfi Vf2 Vfn
where n is equal to the number of dices and Vf = forward voltage for a
particular dice. If
the dices are connected in parallel, the total voltage is approximately that
of a single dice.
Serial connection works well because it adjusts for differences between the
dices. When
the dices are connected in series, they automatically adjust their forward
voltages and their
luminous intensity become very close. In either arrangement the two dices have
approximately
the luminous intensity of 1.6 x Põ where P, is luminous intensity of a single
dice. A three dices
LED will likely have the luminous intensity of about 2.26 x P,. (Interference
between the dices
can prevent the luminous intensity calculation from being a multiplier by the
number of dice.)
These dices can deliver the same color of light, or they can have different
colors of light.
However, if each individual light emitter emits the same light, the luminous
intensity of that
color light from that one single LED is greater than a single standard LED
emitting light of one
color.
A single LED could also contain two dices emitting different colors of light,
for example
a wavelength selected from the range of greater than about 370, 380, 390, 400,
425, 440, 450,
475, 480 and/or less than about 500 nanometers. The dices could also be
selected such that the
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dices emit light of a different wavelength within the same color range; for
example the dices
could emit light having different wavelengths that result in the color blue.
Some colors are
difficult to achieve by a single wavelength of light; this invention can be
used to produce light of
one of these unique colors. Thus the combination of different colors at the
single optical output
may result in a color that cannot be achieved by one dice alone.
For those embodiments comprising multiple LEDs or an LED with multiple dices,
the
oral hygiene implement of the present invention may provide the user with
multiple signals. For
example, a first dice may be energized providing the user with a first visual
signal. The first
visual signal may correlate to a predetermined amount of time brushed by the
user, for example.
A second dice may be energized providing the user with a second visual signal.
The second
visual signal may indicate to the user that it is time to replace the oral
care device. In such
embodiments, the first visual indication may comprise first color while the
second visual
indication comprises a second color which is different than the first color.
Any suitable colors
may be utilized.
For output signals which comprise a visible signal, placement of a light
source, e.g. may
be in any suitable location. While the light source may be placed on the
handle, there is a
tendency for the light source to be blocked from the view of the user by the
user's hand. To
facilitate viewing by the user, an area overlapping the neck and the handle
can be particularly
beneficial for the location of the light source. The area may be disposed on a
backside surface of
the toothbrush.
Additionally, the light source can be selected such that the light source has
a wide
dispersion angle. The light source can be positioned on the toothbrush such
that the light emitted
from the light source is in the line of sight of the user. In some
embodiments, the light source
can be positioned such that the light emitted from the light source shines on
the face of the user.
For example, the light from the light source can light up the user's face when
activated. This
shining of the light on the user's face can facilitate the viewing by the user
even in the absence of
a mirror. In such embodiments, the light source can be positioned
asymmetrically with respect to
a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. In such embodiments, the light source
may be positioned at
an angle towards the face of the user.
The toothbrush of the present invention may further comprise a timer. The
timer may be
positioned inside the toothbrush or may be disposed in a remote display. The
timer may be
configured to begin automatically such as with the application of a brushing
force.
Independently, or in conjunction with the application of brushing force, the
timer may be
activated by motion of the toothbrush. In such embodiments, the toothbrush may
comprise
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accelerometers or other suitable device for measuring / monitoring the motion
of the toothbrush.
Such devices for monitoring / measuring the motion of the toothbrush are
described in U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 61/116,327, entitled, "PERSONAL CARE SYSTEMS,
PRODUCTS, AND METHODS", filed on November 20, 2008. An example of a suitable
timer
is a 555 timer integrated circuit available from many electronics stores where
integrated circuits
are sold.
The toothbrush of the present invention may further comprise a power source as
discussed previously. The power source may be any suitable element which can
provide power
to the toothbrush. A suitable example includes batteries. The battery may be
sized in order to
minimize the amount of real estate required inside the toothbrush. For
example, where the
electromagnetic source consists of a light emitting element or vibratory motor
(used for signaling
the user and not vibrating the cleaning elements of the head and/or movement
of the head) the
power source may be sized relatively small, e.g. smaller than a triple A
battery. In such
embodiments, the vibratory device may be relatively small. The battery may be
rechargeable or
may be disposable. Additionally, a plurality of batteries may be utilized. In
some embodiments,
the power source may include alternating current power as provided by a
utility company to a
residence. Other suitable power sources are described in U.S. Patent
Application Serial No.
12/102881, filed on April 15, 2008, and entitled, "Personal Care Products and
Methods".
In some embodiments, a user operated switch may be provided which can allow
the user
to control when pressure indication begins as well as when the timer begins.
The switch may be
in electrical communication with the power source and the electromagnetic
source and/or the
timer.
In some embodiments, the toothbrush of the present invention may be comprised
by an
oral care system which further comprises an external display which is in
signal communication
with the toothbrush. In such embodiments, the external display and the
toothbrush may
communicate with one another via any suitable manner. Some suitable examples
of
communication between a personal hygiene device, e.g. toothbrush, and an
external display are
described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 61/176,618, entitled,
"PERSONAL CARE
SYSTEMS, PRODUCTS, AND METHODS", filed on May 8, 2009; 61/180,617, entitled,
"PERSONAL CARE SYSTEMS, PRODUCTS, AND METHODS", filed on May 22, 2009; and
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0109973. In such embodiments, the
signal
discussed herein may be provided to the user via the external display and/or
via the indication
element.
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Any suitable material may be utilized for the first and second sealing
elements. Some
examples of suitable material include thermoplastic elastomers, silicone,
nitrile butadiene rubber,
ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, or the like. Other suitable examples
include
thermoplastic elastomers, silicone based materials, NBR (nitrile butadiene
rubber), EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene monomer), VitonTM, etc.Additionally, the sealing
elements may be
fixed to the handle in any suitable manner, for example, overmolding. In some
embodiments, the
handle and the sealing elements may overlap to some extent to help reduce the
likelihood of
contaminants entering between the seam of the sealing elements and the handle.
In some
embodiments, the material of the sealing elements may also extend along a
portion or portions of
the handle, to provide a gripping surface, e.g elastomer grip features.
In some embodiments, the sealing elements and/or elastomer grip feature(s) may
include
visual texture or features which provide a visual signal indicating the
flexibility of the
toothbrush. For example, as shown in Figures 12, a toothbrush 1410 may
comprise a handle
1412 having a first sealing element 1270 and a second sealing element 1275.
The first sealing
element 1270 and/or the second sealing element 1275 may comprise rugosities
1480. The
rugosities 1480 may provide visual communication to the consumer regarding the
flexibility of
the toothbrush. As shown, an indication element 1230 may be positioned between
the first
sealing element 1270 and the second sealing element 1275 which may allow the
indication
element 1230 to provide a visual signal to the consumer.
As stated previously, the first sealing element and/or second sealing elements
as
described herein, may be transparent and/or translucent. In such embodiments,
the sealing
elements may enhance a visual signal be displaying light distributed by the
reflective core.
The handle may be any suitable material. Some examples of suitable materials
include
polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ASA
(acrylonitrile-styrene-
acrylate), copolyester, POM (polyaformaldeyde), combinations thereof, and the
like. Additional
suitable materials include polypropylene, nylon, high density polyethylene,
other moldable stable
polymers, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
handle, the neck,
and/or the head, may be formed from a first material and include recesses,
channels, grooves, for
receiving a second material which is different from the first. For example,
the handle may
include an elastomeric grip feature or a plurality of elastomeric grip
features. The elastomers
among the plurality of elastomeric grip features may be similar materials or
may be different
materials, e.g. color, hardness, combinations thereof or the like.
The elastomeric grip features of the handle may be utilized to overmold, at
least in part, a
portion of the timer, electromagnetic source, processor, indication element,
and/or power source.
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In such embodiments, these components may be in electrical communication via
wiring which
can similarly be overmolded. The elastomeric grip features may include
portions which are
positioned for gripping by the palm of the user and/or portions which are
positioned for gripping
by the thumb and index finger of the user. These elastomeric grip features may
be composed of
the same material or may be different, e.g. color, shape, composition,
hardness, the like, and/or
combinations thereof.
The elastomeric grip features of the handle may be in communication with a
channel,
groove, and/or recess, in the neck via an external channel, groove, recess
and/or via an internal
channel, groove, recess. In some embodiments, the elastomeric grip features
may be in
communication with a channel, groove, and/or recess in the head via an
internal channel, groove,
and/or recess, and/or an external channel, groove, and/or recess.
Alternatively, the grip features
of the handle may be discrete elements from the features of the head and/or
neck.
In some embodiments, recycled and/or plant derived plastics may be utilized.
For
example, PET may be utilized in some embodiments. The PET may be bio based.
For example,
the PET may comprise from about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a
terephthalate component
and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent of a diol component, wherein at
least about one
weight percent of at least one of the terephthalate and/or the diol component
is derived from at
least one bio-based material. Similarly, the terephthalate component may be
derived from a bio
based material. Some examples of suitable bio based materials include but are
not limited to
corn, sugarcane, beet, potato, starch, citrus fruit, woody plant, cellulosic
lignin, plant oil, natural
fiber, oily wood feedstock, and a combination thereof.
Some of the specific components of the PET may be bio based. For example,
monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid may be formed from bio based
materials. The
formation of bio based PET and its manufacture are described in United States
Patent
Application Publication Nos. 20090246430A1 and 20100028512A1.
Additionally, as used herein, the term "contact elements" is used to refer to
any suitable
element which can be inserted into the oral cavity. Some suitable elements
include bristle tufts,
elastomeric massage elements, elastomeric cleaning elements, massage elements,
tongue
cleaners, soft tissue cleaners, hard surface cleaners, combinations thereof,
and the like. The head
may comprise a variety of contact elements. For example, the head may comprise
bristles,
abrasive elastomeric elements, elastomeric elements in a particular
orientation or arrangement,
e.g. pivoting fins, prophy cups, or the like. Some suitable examples of
elastomeric cleaning
elements and/or massaging elements are described in U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos.
2007/0251040; 2004/0154112; 2006/0272112; and in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,553,604;
6,151,745.
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The cleaning elements may be tapered, notched, crimped, dimpled, or the like.
Some suitable
examples of these cleaning elements and/or massaging elements are described in
U.S. Patent
Nos. 6,151,745; 6,058,541; 5,268,005; 5,313,909; 4,802,255; 6,018,840;
5,836,769; 5,722,106;
6,475,553; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0080794.
The contact elements may be attached to the head in any suitable manner.
Conventional
methods include stapling, anchor free tufting, and injection mold tufting. For
those contact
elements that comprise an elastomer, these elements may be formed integral
with one another,
e.g. having an integral base portion and extending outward therefrom.
The head may comprise a soft tissue cleanser constructed of any suitable
material. Some
examples of suitable material include elastomeric materials; polypropylene,
polyethylene, etc; the
like, and/or combinations thereof. The soft tissue cleanser may comprise any
suitable soft tissue
cleansing elements. Some examples of such elements as well as configurations
of soft tissues
cleansers on a toothbrush are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos.
2006/0010628;
2005/0166344; 2005/0210612; 2006/0195995; 2008/0189888; 2006/0052806;
2004/0255416;
2005/0000049; 2005/0038461; 2004/0134007; 2006/0026784; 20070049956;
2008/0244849;
2005/0000043; 2007/140959; and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,980,542; 6,402,768; and
6,102,923.
For those embodiments which include an elastomeric element on a first side of
the head
and an elastomeric element on a second side of the head (opposite the first),
the elastomeric
elements may be integrally formed via channels or gaps which extend through
the material of the
head. These channels or gaps can allow elastomeric material to flow through
the head during an
injection molding process such that both the elastomeric elements of the first
side and the second
side may be formed in one injection molding step.
In such embodiments including a soft tissue cleanser, consumer testing, robot
testing,
and/or clinical testing may be performed such that an upper threshold of force
and a lower
threshold of force can be established to provide feedback to the user with
regard to the applied
force to soft tissue, e.g. tongue. For those embodiments, including a soft
tissue cleanser, the
toothbrush may comprise an accelerometer or other suitable device for
monitoring the orientation
of the toothbrush. In combination with the applied force, e.g. brushing force,
the processor can
determine whether the soft tissue cleanser is being engaged or the cleaning
elements are being
engaged. The signal or a plurality of signals may be provided to the user as
described herein.
Providing feedback to the user regarding the applied force to soft tissue can
assist the user in
preventing damage to the soft tissue, e.g. papillae, while still achieving
efficacious cleaning.
Test Method for determining applied force for which indication occurs
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The test for determining an applied force for which indication occurs requires
an
adjutable frame and a force gauge 1697 (Shown in Figure 16). The force gauge
used should be
capable of providing force readouts to at least two places to the right of a
decimal (hundredths of
a Newton). A suitable force gauge is available from Lutron Electronic
Enterprise Co., Ltd. and
available under model number FG-20KG. Prior to testing, the force gauge should
be calibrated
according to the manufacturer's recommendations or should be sent to the
manufacturer for
calibration.
As shown in Figure 13, place a sample toothbrush 1300 into a three point
fixture 1050 on
the adjustable frame. The three point fixture 1350 will hold a handle region
1312 of the
toothbrush 1300 via a first point 1302, a second point 1304, and a third point
1306. The points
1302, 1304, 1306, should be adjusted to preclude movement of the handle region
1312 during
testing. Additionally, the toothbrush 1300 should be fixed in the fixture
1350, such that the head
1314 (shown in Figure 14) is substantially parallel to a horizontal surface.
A pull block 1320 is attached to a head 1314 (Shown in Figure 14 and covered
by the pull
block 1320 in Figure 13) of the toothbrush 1300. The pull block 1320 should be
made of a rigid
material which can allow a force of 10 Newtons to 15 Newtons to be applied to
the head 1314 of
the toothbrush 1300. As shown in Figure 14, the pull block 1340 should engage
a top surface
1475 of the head. No cleaning elements 1421 should be positioned between the
top surface 1475
and the pull block 1420. If required, cleaning elements 1421 or a portion
thereof, may be
removed in order to allow the pull block 1420 to properly engage the top
surface 1475 of the
head 1314.
The pull block 1420 should be constructed such that a hook 1440 can extend
from an
underside 1490 of the pull block 1420. The hook 1440 can be attached in any
suitable manner to
the pull block 1420. The hook 1440 should be rigidly fixed to the pull block
1420, such that the
hook 1440 does not move relative to the pull block 1420 during testing. The
hook 1440 should
be positioned on the pull block 1420 such that a centerline 1441 of the hook
1440 bisects a
distance 1460 of the cleaning elements 1421. The distance 1460 is the maximum
straight line
distance between cleaning elements which are furthest apart from one another
along a lateral
direction.
As shown in Figure 15, the hook 1440 should be positioned on the pull block
1420 such
that the centerline 1441 bisects a distance 1470 of the cleaning elements
1421. The distance
1470 is the maximum straight line distance between cleaning elements which are
furthest apart
from one another along a longitudinal direction.
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Hang the force gauge 1697 from the hook 1440 of the pull block 1420. A lower
end (not
shown) of the force gauge 1697 should be fixed to the horizontal surface to
which the head 1314
(shown in Figure 13) of the toothbrush is substantially parallel. The force
gauge 1697 is fixed to
the horizontal surface such that the force gauge is plumb with the horizontal
surface. Raise the
adjustable frame until indication of a predetermined force is provided by the
toothbrush 1300.
Record the reading on the force gauge 1397. Repeat the test five times on
additional samples of
the toothbrush 1300.
Test method for determining light emission efficiency
Obtain three samples of the brush to be tested and three samples of the output
source
utilized in the brush. The samples of the output source should be identical to
that utilized in the
brush. Take all samples, i.e. three brush samples and three samples of the
output source, to an
independent testing facility. The testing facility will test each of the three
samples of the brush
and each of the samples of the output source in an appropriately sized
integrating sphere. For
example, a 12 inch integrating sphere may be suitable to fit the brush
samples.
The testing facility will calibrate all equipment prior to measurement of any
samples.
The samples of the output source will be tested prior to the testing of the
brushes. The testing
facility will place one sample of the output source in the integrating sphere
in accordance with
standard testing procedures. The output source will be powered by the same
voltage as that
provided in the brush. Specifically, if the brush utilizes two 1.5 volt watch
batteries, then the
output source shall similarly be powered by two 1.5 volt watch batteries.
The output source shall be powered on, the integrating sphere closed, and the
total light
radiated from the output source shall be measured. Each of the remaining
samples of output
source shall be measured similarly. The total light output of each of the
samples of output source
will be recorded and noted by each sample.
Remove the sample output source from the integrating sphere prior to testing a
sample
brush. Place a sample brush in the integrating sphere configured in such a
manner as to activate
the output source of the brush without blocking the light emitted from the
indication element of
the brush. For example, where the indication element provides a visual
indication of too much
pressure being applied, a harness may be utilized to move the head/neck of the
brush to ensure
that the indication element / output source is activated. Measure the total
light radiated from the
sample brush. Repeat for the remaining samples of brush.
The total light radiated from sample output source one will be divided by the
total light
radiated from sample brush one. The quotient is then multiplied by 100 to
determine percent
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one. The total light radiated from sample output source two will be divided by
the total light
radiated from sample brush two. The quotient is then multiplied by 100 to
deteimine percentage
two. The total light radiated from sample output source three will be divided
by the total light
radiated from sample brush three. The quotient is then multiplied by 100 to
determined
percentage three. The percentages one, two, and three, are averaged to obtain
the percent
efficiency.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being
strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise
specified, each such
dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range
surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is
intended to mean
"about 40 mm."
