EP0199158A2 - Tooth-brush - Google Patents

Tooth-brush Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0199158A2
EP0199158A2 EP86104579A EP86104579A EP0199158A2 EP 0199158 A2 EP0199158 A2 EP 0199158A2 EP 86104579 A EP86104579 A EP 86104579A EP 86104579 A EP86104579 A EP 86104579A EP 0199158 A2 EP0199158 A2 EP 0199158A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toothbrush
toothbrush according
battery
switch
bristle part
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP86104579A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0199158A3 (en
Inventor
Gerfried Bauer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0199158A2 publication Critical patent/EP0199158A2/en
Publication of EP0199158A3 publication Critical patent/EP0199158A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0006—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with a controlling brush technique device, e.g. stroke movement measuring device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0008—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with means for controlling duration, e.g. time of brushing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • A46B15/004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with an acoustic signalling means, e.g. noise
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • A46B15/004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with an acoustic signalling means, e.g. noise
    • A46B15/0042—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with an acoustic signalling means, e.g. noise with musical signalling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of claims 1 and 2.
  • Periodontitis is the gradual destruction of the tooth structure. Both diseases are caused in particular by bacteria that nest between the teeth, which form acids and toxins in the long chain of their decomposition. Therefore prophylaxis, which is accessible to everyone and easy to use, is given in and of itself.
  • a tooth-specific healthy diet is certainly the first prophylactic measure: By reducing the sugar supply, the bacterial growth and consequently the formation of acids and toxins can be minimized. Now it is hardly possible to completely dispense with sugar intake in everyday life. If you wear them Taking this fact into account, oral hygiene is the most important factor in combating caries and periodontitis. The regular removal of food residues prevents the proliferation of bacteria and thus on the one hand the formation of acids and on the other hand the gum irritation due to dead bacteria, which is dangerous for periodontitis. A tooth brushing of at least two minutes after each main meal is to be considered optimal.
  • the invention seeks to remedy this.
  • the invention is based on the object of proposing a toothbrush, the use of which makes it considerably easier for the toothbrushing to comply with the minimum period of time recommended prophylactically against caries and periodontitis. On the one hand through a time objectification, on the other hand through the fact that this period of time is made sensitive and pleasant.
  • the main advantages of the invention can be seen in the fact that the desired goal can be achieved without the aid of external aids.
  • actuating a capacitive or inductive switch placed in the handle part of the toothbrush which according to a preferred embodiment of the invention lies at the thumb level of a conventional toothbrush handle, the means housed there and preferably combined into a single module are activated, that a melody and / or linguistic texts of any kind Be emitted.
  • the emission duration corresponds to the period of time that is considered by dental science as the optimal period for brushing teeth after each main meal, namely two minutes each.
  • visual signals can be generated, which could be particularly advantageous for the hearing impaired.
  • a further advantage of the invention can be seen in the fact that the time of the change of the toothbrush, which is necessary for hygienic reasons, and which is not so much to be seen with the consumption of the bristles, but primarily with the risk of transmission of bacteria growing on the bristle part, is unmistakably through Failure to signal the emission is signaled.
  • the battery has three months of autonomy when used twice for two minutes each day, i.e. the lifespan that dental science expects to replace the toothbrush.
  • the agents are commercially available elements, so that from an economic point of view, the toothbrush is easily disposable.
  • toothbrushes can be programmed with various melodies and / or linguistic texts, such as instructions, messages, entertainment, etc.
  • the purchase of a new toothbrush offers the opportunity to choose a new melody or type of emission.
  • the toothbrush can easily be designed so that the bristle part can be replaced.
  • the clip-on and disposable bristle part contains the battery.
  • the bristle part can also be driven electrically, which facilitates and intensifies tooth brushing.
  • toothbrush which consists essentially of bristle part 1 and handle part 2, is supplemented with means which emit acoustic signals in the listening area of the human ear.
  • the issue can be a melody or linguistic texts, such as accompanying instructions about brushing your teeth, mini language courses, etc.
  • the emitting means of the example shown here are chip 3, battery 4, sound generator 5, sound amplifier 6 and switch 7.
  • the chip 3 By actuating the capacitive or inductive switch 7, the chip 3 is supplied by the battery 4.
  • the chip 3 programmed for a specific emission feeds its signals to the sound generator 5. If it is a piezo sounder, it consumes a current of 1.5 V 0.1 mmA.
  • the pulses from the chip 3 are in the - converted sound generator 5 into signals which produce a melody or language texts in their sequence.
  • the sound generator 5 is connected to a sound amplifier 6.
  • the handle part 2 of the toothbrush can also serve as a sound amplifier.
  • He NATURALLY l i ch is easy to expand to an adjustable element, in particular so-appears when the bristle part 1 is electrically driven. In such a case, the setting could be carried out, for example, via a now rotatable switch 7.
  • a "timer" is installed in chip 3, which is preferably set to a pulse duration of two minutes. Of course, an individually adjustable pulse duration can also be provided here.
  • the battery 4 has an autonomy of three months when the toothbrush is used twice for two minutes each day. This lifespan corresponds to the use of a toothbrush recommended by dental science. This clearly signals when the time has come to replace the toothbrush.
  • the means 3,4,5,6,7 are commercially available elements. It is possible to assemble them into a single modular building block in the form of a rondelle, the overall dimension of which according to the current state of the art is approximately 15 mm in diameter and approximately 2-4 mm in thickness. Such a rondelle can thus be easily accommodated or attached to the handle part 2, be it with the manufacture of the toothbrush or afterwards.
  • the switch 7 is placed at the thumb level of a conventional toothbrush handle; a practical switch-on can already be achieved by gripping the toothbrush.
  • the bristle part 1 can be designed interchangeably. This will always be indicated if it is part of an electrically powered toothbrush. Then it's obvious enough that the bristle part 1 is supplemented with the battery 4 when the toothbrush is not electrically driven, thus optimizing the disposability of the two consumable parts.
  • Fig. 2 shows a toothbrush similar to that of Fig. 1. The difference is that this toothbrush is designed for visual signals.
  • the means here are a battery 4, a timer 3a, a switch 7 and a light source 8 integrated in the switch 7.
  • the mode of operation and the advantages are the same as those described in FIG. 1.
  • the switch 7 When the switch 7 is actuated, the light source 9 lights up and emits light as long as the set or adjustable time period lasts.

Abstract

Im Griffteil (2) einer Zahnbürste sind Mittel untergebracht, welche akustische Signale im Hörbereich des menschlichen Ohrs emittieren. Die Mitel sind ein Chip (3), eine Batterie (4), ein Schallgeber (5), ein Schallverstärker (6) und ein Einschalter (7). Mit dem Einbau anderer ähnlicher Mittel wird die Ausstrahlung visueller Signale erzeugt. Die Mittel (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), welche zu einem modularen Baustein zusammengefasst sind, sind dazu geeignet, eine Melodie und/oder sprachliche Texte zu emittieren. Der Chip (3) ist mit einem 'Timer' ergänzt, dessen Zyklus eingestellt oder einstellbar ist und pro Betätigung vorzugsweise zwei Minuten andauert. Die Batterie (4) hat, bei zweimaligem Gebrauch von jeweils zwei Minuten pro Tag, eine Lebensdauer von drei Monaten.Means are housed in the handle part (2) of a toothbrush, which emit acoustic signals in the hearing range of the human ear. The devices are a chip (3), a battery (4), a sound generator (5), a sound amplifier (6) and a switch (7). With the installation of other similar means, the emission of visual signals is generated. The means (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), which are combined to form a modular component, are suitable for emitting a melody and / or linguistic texts. The chip (3) is supplemented with a 'timer', the cycle of which is set or adjustable and preferably lasts two minutes per actuation. The battery (4) has a service life of three months when used twice for two minutes each day.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zahnbürste gemäss Oberbegriff der Ansprüche 1 und 2.The present invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of claims 1 and 2.

Die am meisten verbreiteten Zahnerkrankungen sind Karies und Parodontitis. Unter Parodontitis versteht man die allmähliche Zerstörung des Zahnhalteapparates. Beide Erkrankungen werden durch sich insbesondere zwischen den Zähnen einnistende Bakterien verursacht, welche in der langen Kette ihrer Zersetzung Säuren und Giftstoffe bilden. Von daher ist die Prophylaxe hiegegen, die jedermann zugänglich und leicht anwendbar ist, an und für sich gegeben.The most common dental diseases are tooth decay and periodontitis. Periodontitis is the gradual destruction of the tooth structure. Both diseases are caused in particular by bacteria that nest between the teeth, which form acids and toxins in the long chain of their decomposition. Therefore prophylaxis, which is accessible to everyone and easy to use, is given in and of itself.

Erste prophylaktische Massnahmen bildet sicher eine zahnspezifische gesunde Ernährung: Durch Drosselung der Zuckerzuführung kann das Bakterienwachstum, und demzufolge auch die Bildung von Säuren und Giftstoffen minimiert werden. Nun ist im Alltag ein vollständiger Verzicht auf Zuckerzuführung kaum möglich. Trägt man dieser Tatsache Rechnung, so ist die Mundhygiene demnach der wichtigste Faktor der Karies- und Parodontitisbekämpfung schlechthin. Die regelmässige Entfernung von Speiseresten verhindert die starke Vermehrung von Bakterien und dadurch einerseits die Bildung von Säuren und andererseits die für die Parodontitis gefährliche Zahnfleischreizung durch abgestorbene Bakterien. Als optimal ist ein mindestens zweiminutiges Zähnebürsten nach jeder Hauptmahlzeit zu betrachten..A tooth-specific healthy diet is certainly the first prophylactic measure: By reducing the sugar supply, the bacterial growth and consequently the formation of acids and toxins can be minimized. Now it is hardly possible to completely dispense with sugar intake in everyday life. If you wear them Taking this fact into account, oral hygiene is the most important factor in combating caries and periodontitis. The regular removal of food residues prevents the proliferation of bacteria and thus on the one hand the formation of acids and on the other hand the gum irritation due to dead bacteria, which is dangerous for periodontitis. A tooth brushing of at least two minutes after each main meal is to be considered optimal.

Gerade diese einfache Prophylaxe bietet im täglichen Leben anscheinend die grössten Probleme, dies nicht nur bei Kindern, deren Abneigung gegen Zähneputzen wohlbekannt ist, sondern auch bei Erwachsenen, die grosse Mühe bei der Einhaltung eines minimalen Zeitaufwandes beim Zähnebürsten bekunden.This simple prophylaxis apparently presents the greatest problems in everyday life, not only in children, whose aversion to brushing their teeth is well known, but also in adults, who show great difficulty in keeping the toothbrushing process to a minimum.

Man hat verschiedentlich versucht, durch Anbieten von akustischen und/oder visuellen Hilfsmitteln die Zeiteinhaltung zu erleichtern. Die bis anhin unternommenen Versuche lassen - so Marktbeobachtungen und Umfragen - den Schluss zu, dass eine attraktive Lösung noch nicht gefunden worden ist.Various attempts have been made to make it easier to keep time by offering acoustic and / or visual aids. According to market observations and surveys, the attempts made so far allow the conclusion that an attractive solution has not yet been found.

Hier will die Erfindung Abhilfe schaffen.The invention seeks to remedy this.

Der Erfindung, wie sie in den Ansprüchen gekennzeichnet ist, liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zahnbürste vorzuschlagen, deren Benützung die Einhaltung der gegen Karies und Parodontitis prophylaktisch empfohlenen minimalen Zeitdauer für das Zähnebürsten wesentlich erleichtert. Einerseits durch eine Zeitobjektivierung, andererseits dadurch, dass ebendiese Zeitspanne sensitiv angenehm gestaltet wird.The invention, as characterized in the claims, is based on the object of proposing a toothbrush, the use of which makes it considerably easier for the toothbrushing to comply with the minimum period of time recommended prophylactically against caries and periodontitis. On the one hand through a time objectification, on the other hand through the fact that this period of time is made sensitive and pleasant.

Die wesentlichen Vorteile der Erfindung sind darin zu sehen, dass das angestrebte Ziel ohne Zuhilfenahme fremder Hilfsmittel erreicht werden kann. Durch Betätigung eines im Griffteil der Zahnbürste plazierten kapazitiven oder induktiven Einschalters, der nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung auf Daumenhöhe eines üblichen Zahnbürstenhandgriffes liegt, werden die dort untergebrachten und vorzugsweise zu einem einzigen Baustein zusammengefassten Mittel aktiviert, dass eine Melodie und/oder sprachliche Texte irgendwelcher Art emittiert werden. Dabei entspricht die Emissionsdauer jener Zeitspanne, die von der zahnmedizinischen Wissenschaft als optimale Zeitdauer für das Zähnebürsten nach jeder Hauptmahlzeit betrachtet wird, nämlich jeweils zwei Minuten.The main advantages of the invention can be seen in the fact that the desired goal can be achieved without the aid of external aids. By actuating a capacitive or inductive switch placed in the handle part of the toothbrush, which according to a preferred embodiment of the invention lies at the thumb level of a conventional toothbrush handle, the means housed there and preferably combined into a single module are activated, that a melody and / or linguistic texts of any kind Be emitted. The emission duration corresponds to the period of time that is considered by dental science as the optimal period for brushing teeth after each main meal, namely two minutes each.

Damit wird eine sensitive angenehme Komponente geboten, welche so insbesondere bei Kindern, eine Verlokkung und einen Anreiz bildet, das Zähneputzen regelmässig vorzunehmen und jeweils so lange auszudehnen, als die akustischen Signale andauern.This provides a sensitive, pleasant component which, particularly in children, creates a temptation and an incentive to brush your teeth regularly and to extend them as long as the acoustic signals last.

Bei Erwachsenen dürfte die damit gebotene Zeitobjektivierung, die durch Beendigung der Emission signalisiert wird, sicher im Vordergrund stehen. Indessen darf nicht unerwähnt bleiben, dass das Erklingen beispielsweise einer persönlich beliebten Melodie sicher auch für Personen, die dem Kindesalter.entwachsen sind, einen Anreiz bildet, Zeitdauer und Wiederholbarkeit des Vorganges einzuhalten.In adults, the time objectification that this provides, which is signaled by the end of the emission, should certainly be in the foreground. However, it should not go unmentioned that the sound of a personally popular melody, for example, is certainly an incentive for people who are out of childhood to adhere to the duration and repeatability of the process.

Bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung können visuelle Signale erzeugt werden, was insbesondere für Schwerhörige vorteilhaft sein könnte.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, visual signals can be generated, which could be particularly advantageous for the hearing impaired.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung ist darin zu sehen, dass der Zeitpunkt des aus hygienischen Ueberlegungen gebotenen Wechsels der Zahnbürste, der nicht so sehr mit dem Verbrauch der Borsten, sondern primär mit der Uebertragungsgefahr von auf dem Borstenteil sich vermehrenden Bakterien zu sehen ist, unmissverständlich durch Ausbleiben der Emission signalisiert wird. Die Batterie hat nämlich, bei zweimaligem Gebrauch von jeweils zwei Minuten pro Tag, eine Autonomie von drei Monaten, jene Lebensdauer also, von der die zahnmedizinische Wissenschaft das Auswechseln der Zahnbürste erwartet.A further advantage of the invention can be seen in the fact that the time of the change of the toothbrush, which is necessary for hygienic reasons, and which is not so much to be seen with the consumption of the bristles, but primarily with the risk of transmission of bacteria growing on the bristle part, is unmistakably through Failure to signal the emission is signaled. The battery has three months of autonomy when used twice for two minutes each day, i.e. the lifespan that dental science expects to replace the toothbrush.

Die Mittel sind handelsübliche Elemente, so dass von den wirtschaftlichen Aspekten her betrachtet, die Wegwerfbarkeit der Zahnbürste ohne weiteres gegeben ist.The agents are commercially available elements, so that from an economic point of view, the toothbrush is easily disposable.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung ist darin zu sehen, dass die Zahnbürsten sich mit verschiedenen Melodien und/oder sprachlichen Texten, wie zum Beispiel Anweisungen, Mitteilungen, Unterhaltung etc., programmieren lassen. Der Neuerwerb einer Zahnbürste bietet somit die Möglichkeit, sich für eine neue Melodie oder Emissionsart zu entscheiden.Another advantage of the invention is that the toothbrushes can be programmed with various melodies and / or linguistic texts, such as instructions, messages, entertainment, etc. The purchase of a new toothbrush offers the opportunity to choose a new melody or type of emission.

Darüber hinaus kann die Zahnbürste ohne weiteres so ausgelegt werden, dass der Borstenteil auswechselbar ist. Bei einer solchen Ausführungsart ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der aufsteckbare und wegwerfbare Borstenteil die Batterie beinhaltet. Ferner kann der Borstenteil auch elektrisch angetrieben werden, wodurch das Zähnebürsten erleichtert und intensiviert wird.In addition, the toothbrush can easily be designed so that the bristle part can be replaced. In such an embodiment, it is advantageous if the clip-on and disposable bristle part contains the battery. Furthermore, the bristle part can also be driven electrically, which facilitates and intensifies tooth brushing.

In der Zeichnung sind Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung schematisch dargestellt und näher erläutert. Alle für das unmittelbare Verständnis der Erfindung unwesentlichen Elemente sind fortgelassen.In the drawing, embodiments of the invention are shown schematically and explained in more detail. All elements which are not essential for the direct understanding of the invention have been omitted.

Es zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 eine Zahnbürste, bei der die Mittel zur Emittierung akustischer Signale zu einem einzigen modularen Baustein integriert sind und
  • Fig. 2 eine ähnliche Zahnbürste, wobei hier die Mittel visuelle Signale ausstrahlen.
It shows:
  • Fig. 1 is a toothbrush in which the means for emitting acoustic signals are integrated into a single modular component and
  • Fig. 2 shows a similar toothbrush, here the means emit visual signals.

Die nach.Fig. 1 gezeigte Zahnbürste, welche im wesentlichen aus Borstenteil 1 und Griffteil 2 besteht, ist mit Mitteln ergänzt, welche akustische Signale im Hörbereich des menschlichen Ohrs emittieren.The after. 1 shown toothbrush, which consists essentially of bristle part 1 and handle part 2, is supplemented with means which emit acoustic signals in the listening area of the human ear.

Bei der Emission kann es sich um eine Melodie oder sprachliche Texte, wie zum Beispiel begleitende Anweisungen über das Zähneputzen, Minisprachkurse etc., handeln. Die emittierenden Mittel des hier gezeigten Beispiels sind Chip 3, Batterie 4, Schallgeber 5, Schallverstärker 6 und Einschalter 7. Durch Betätigung des kapazitiven oder induktiven Einschalters 7 wird der Chip 3 von der Batterie 4 gespiesen. Der für eine bestimmte Emission programmierte Chip 3 leitet seine Signale dem Schallgeber 5 zu. Handelt es sich um einen Piezo-Schallgeber, so nimmt dieser bei 1,5 V 0,1 mmA Strom auf. Die Impulse aus dem Chip 3 werden im-Schallgeber 5 in Signale umgewandelt, welche in ihrer Abfolge eine Melodie oder sprachliche Texte ergeben. Um die Tonqualität und Tonstärke zu verbessern, ist der Schallgeber 5 mit einem Schallverstärker 6 verbunden. Der Griffteil 2 der Zahnbürste kann gleichzeitig als Schallverstärker dienen. Dieser ist auf eine mittlere Tonstärke eingestellt. Selbstverständ- lich lässt er sich leicht zu einem einstellbaren Element erweitern, so insbesondere-dann angezeigt, wenn der Borstenteil 1 elektrisch angetrieben ist. In einem solchen Fall könnte die Einstellung beispielsweise über einen nun drehbaren Einschalter 7 vorgenommen werden. Im Chip 3 ist ein "Timer" eingebaut, der vorzugsweise auf zwei Minuten Impulsdauer eingestellt ist. Selbstverständlich kann auch hier eine individuell einstellbare Impulsdauer vorgesehen werden. Die Batterie 4 hat, bei zweimaligem Gebrauch der Zahnbürste von jeweils zwei Minuten pro Tag, eine Autonomie von drei Monaten. Diese Lebensdauer stimmt mit der von der zahnmedizinischen Wissenschaft empfohlenen Verwendungsdauer einer Zahnbürste überein. Mithin wird unmissverständlich signalisiert, wenn die Zeit gekommen ist, die Zahnbürste auszuwechseln. Dies bildet eine zusätzliche Prophylaxe zur Verhinderung von Zahnerkrankungen, welche von den mit der Zeit auf dem Borstenteil 1 sich vermehrenden Bakterien eingeleitet werden können. Die Mittel 3,4,5,6,7 sind handelsübliche Elemente. Es ist möglich, diese zu einem einzigen modularen Baustein von der Form einer Rondelle zusammenzufügen, deren Gesamtdimension nach heutigem Stand der Technik ca. 15 mm im Durchmesser und ca. 2-4 mm in der Dicke beträgt. Somit lässt sich eine solche Rondelle problemlos in den Griffteil 2, sei es mit der Herstellung der Zahnbürste oder danach, unterzubringen oder anzubringen. Der Einschalter 7 ist auf Daumenhöhe eines üblichen Zahnbürstenhandgriffes plaziert; damit lässt sich eine praktische Einschaltung schon mit dem Fassen der Zahnbürste erreichen. Der Borstenteil 1 kann auswechselbar konzipiert werden. Dies wird immer dann angezeigt sein, wenn er Bestandteil einer elektrisch angetriebenen Zahnbürste ist. Dann ist es auch nahelie- gend, dass bei nicht elektrisch angetriebener Zahnbürste der Borstenteil 1 mit der Batterie 4 ergänzt wird, womit die Wegwerfbarkeit der zwei Verbrauchsteile optimiert wird.The issue can be a melody or linguistic texts, such as accompanying instructions about brushing your teeth, mini language courses, etc. The emitting means of the example shown here are chip 3, battery 4, sound generator 5, sound amplifier 6 and switch 7. By actuating the capacitive or inductive switch 7, the chip 3 is supplied by the battery 4. The chip 3 programmed for a specific emission feeds its signals to the sound generator 5. If it is a piezo sounder, it consumes a current of 1.5 V 0.1 mmA. The pulses from the chip 3 are in the - converted sound generator 5 into signals which produce a melody or language texts in their sequence. In order to improve the sound quality and tone strength, the sound generator 5 is connected to a sound amplifier 6. The handle part 2 of the toothbrush can also serve as a sound amplifier. This is set to a medium level. He NATURALLY l i ch is easy to expand to an adjustable element, in particular so-appears when the bristle part 1 is electrically driven. In such a case, the setting could be carried out, for example, via a now rotatable switch 7. A "timer" is installed in chip 3, which is preferably set to a pulse duration of two minutes. Of course, an individually adjustable pulse duration can also be provided here. The battery 4 has an autonomy of three months when the toothbrush is used twice for two minutes each day. This lifespan corresponds to the use of a toothbrush recommended by dental science. This clearly signals when the time has come to replace the toothbrush. This forms an additional prophylaxis for the prevention of dental diseases, which can be initiated by the bacteria that multiply over time on the bristle part 1. The means 3,4,5,6,7 are commercially available elements. It is possible to assemble them into a single modular building block in the form of a rondelle, the overall dimension of which according to the current state of the art is approximately 15 mm in diameter and approximately 2-4 mm in thickness. Such a rondelle can thus be easily accommodated or attached to the handle part 2, be it with the manufacture of the toothbrush or afterwards. The switch 7 is placed at the thumb level of a conventional toothbrush handle; a practical switch-on can already be achieved by gripping the toothbrush. The bristle part 1 can be designed interchangeably. This will always be indicated if it is part of an electrically powered toothbrush. Then it's obvious enough that the bristle part 1 is supplemented with the battery 4 when the toothbrush is not electrically driven, thus optimizing the disposability of the two consumable parts.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine ähnliche Zahnbürste wie unter Fig. 1. Der Unterschied besteht darin, dass diese Zahnbürste für visuelle Signale konzipiert ist. Die Mittel sind hier eine Batterie 4, ein Zeitgeber 3a, ein Einschalter 7 und eine in den Einschalter 7 integrierte Lichtquelle 8. Die Funktionsweise und die Vorzüge sind die gleichen wie sie unter Fig. 1 beschrieben worden sind. Bei Betätigung des Einschalters 7 leuchtet die Lichtquelle 9 auf und strahlt so lange Licht aus, als die eingestellte oder einstellbare Zeitspanne dauert.Fig. 2 shows a toothbrush similar to that of Fig. 1. The difference is that this toothbrush is designed for visual signals. The means here are a battery 4, a timer 3a, a switch 7 and a light source 8 integrated in the switch 7. The mode of operation and the advantages are the same as those described in FIG. 1. When the switch 7 is actuated, the light source 9 lights up and emits light as long as the set or adjustable time period lasts.

BezeichnungslisteLabel list

  • 1 Borstenteil1 bristle part
  • 2 Griffteil2 handle part
  • 3 Chip3 chip
  • 3a Zeitgeber3a timer
  • 4 Batterie4 battery
  • 5 Schallgeber5 sounders
  • 6 Schallverstärker6 sound amplifiers
  • 7 Einschalter7 switch
  • 8 Lichtquelle8 light source

Claims (13)

1. Zahnbürste, im wesentlichen bestehend aus Borstenteil und Griffteil, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Griffteil (2) und/oder im Borstenteil (1) Mittel (3, 4,5,6,7) untergebracht sind, welche akustische Signale im Hörbereich des menschlichen Ohrs emittieren.1. Toothbrush, consisting essentially of bristle part and handle part, characterized in that in the handle part (2) and / or in the bristle part (1) means (3, 4,5,6,7) are housed, which acoustic signals in the listening area of emit human ear. 2. Zahnbürste im wesentlichen bestehend aus Borstenteil und Griffteil, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Griffteil (2) und/oder im Borstenteil (1) Mittel (3a,4,7,8) untergebracht sind, welche visuelle Signale ausstrahlen.2. Toothbrush consisting essentially of bristle part and handle part, characterized in that in the handle part (2) and / or in the bristle part (1) means (3a, 4,7,8) are housed, which emit visual signals. 3. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Borstenteil (1) auf den Griffteil (2) aufsteckbar ist.3. Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristle part (1) on the handle part (2) can be plugged. 4. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel (3,4,5,6,7) eine Melodie und/oder sprachliche Texte emittiere.4. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (3,4,5,6,7) emit a melody and / or linguistic texts. 5. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel ein Chip (3), eine Batterie (4), ein Schallgeber (5), ein Schallverstärker (6) ein Einschalter (7) sind.5. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the means are a chip (3), a battery (4), a sound generator (5), a sound amplifier (6) an on switch (7). 6. Zahnbürste nach Ansprüchen 3 und 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Batterie (4) im Borstenteil (1) untergebracht ist.6. Toothbrush according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the battery (4) in the bristle part (1) is housed. 7. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einschalter (7) induktiv oder kapazitiv ist.7. Toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the switch (7) is inductive or capacitive. 8. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel (3,4,5,6,7) zu einem modularen Baustein integriert sind.8. Toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the means (3,4,5,6,7) are integrated into a modular component. 9. Zahnbürste nach Ansrpuch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Chip (3) mit einem "Timer" ergänzt ist, dessen Zyklus eingestellt oder einstellbar ist und pro Betätigung jeweils mehrere, vorzugsweise zwei Minuten andauert.9. Toothbrush according to Ansrpuch 5, characterized in that the chip (3) is supplemented with a "timer" whose cycle is set or adjustable and lasts several, preferably two minutes per operation. 10. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schallgeber (5) vorzugsweise ein Piezo-Schallgeber ist.10. Toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the sound generator (5) is preferably a piezo sound generator. 11. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Batterie (4), bei zweimaligem Gebrauch von jeweils zwei Minuten pro Tag, eine Autonomie von drei Monaten hat.11. Toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the battery (4), when used twice for two minutes each day, has an autonomy of three months. 12. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einschalter (7) auf Daumenhöhe des Zahnbürstenhandgriffes plaziert ist.12. Toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the switch (7) is placed at the thumb level of the toothbrush handle. 13. Zahnbürste nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 - 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Borstenteil (1) elektrisch angetrieben ist.13. Toothbrush according to one or more of claims 1-12, characterized in that the bristle part (1) is electrically driven.
EP86104579A 1985-04-20 1986-04-04 Tooth-brush Withdrawn EP0199158A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1686/85A CH661645A5 (en) 1985-04-20 1985-04-20 TOOTHBRUSH.
CH1686/85 1985-04-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0199158A2 true EP0199158A2 (en) 1986-10-29
EP0199158A3 EP0199158A3 (en) 1987-02-25

Family

ID=4216231

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86104579A Withdrawn EP0199158A3 (en) 1985-04-20 1986-04-04 Tooth-brush

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4788734A (en)
EP (1) EP0199158A3 (en)
JP (1) JPS62306A (en)
CH (1) CH661645A5 (en)

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US6154912A (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-12-05 Li; Hun-Pien Water-proof electronic sound and light toothbrush

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EP0249576A1 (en) * 1986-06-09 1987-12-16 Erwin Kreit Tooth brush
EP0324120A1 (en) * 1988-01-05 1989-07-19 Taihei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic toothbrush
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EP0787469A1 (en) * 1996-02-02 1997-08-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Sangi Electronic tooth device
US6154912A (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-12-05 Li; Hun-Pien Water-proof electronic sound and light toothbrush

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0199158A3 (en) 1987-02-25
JPS62306A (en) 1987-01-06
CH661645A5 (en) 1987-08-14
US4788734A (en) 1988-12-06

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