WO2007123831A2

WO2007123831A2 - Toothbrush

Info

Publication number: WO2007123831A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/008813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kendall Peter Rycroft
Original assignee: Kendall Peter Rycroft
Priority date: 2006-04-11
Filing date: 2007-04-11
Publication date: 2007-11-01
Also published as: WO2007123831A3

Abstract

A toothbrush for projecting an image onto a surface includes a body having a head assembly, and a base assembly including a cavity disposed therein; a stand having a vertical base integral therewith, the vertical base which is disposed within the cavity of the base assembly; a light source disposed within the base assembly; and a lens portion disposed at a base of said base assembly, the lens portion having an image disposed thereon; wherein when the toothbrush is removed from the vertical base, the light source is activated to project a beam of light through the lens portion at the base of the base assembly, to project an image. A timer activates the light source for a predetermined period of time.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush which projects an image from its base, for predetermined periods of time, and which provides entertainment for a user. The toothbrush may be used as a flashlight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electric toothbrushes are well known in the art. Further, it is well known that persons

— particularly children - do not spend as much time as they should, in brushing their teeth. In addition, adults often do not spend the recommended time either, due to time constraints or inattention.

|0003] Although enticements have been used to entice individuals to brush their teeth (i.e., flavored toothpastes, etc.), these enticements have not been as beneficial as hoped.

[0004] Accordingly, a toothbrush which provides some entertainment for the user as they brush their teeth, encouraging them to brush for longer periods, would be of assistance in preventing oral hygiene problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a toothbrush which can project an image onto a surface and includes a body having a head assembly and a base assembly, the base assembly including a cavity disposed therein; a stand having a vertical base integral therewith, the vertical base which is disposed within the cavity of the base assembly of the toothbrush; a light source disposed within the base assembly; and a lens portion disposed at a base of said base assembly, the lens portion having an image disposed thereon; wherein when the toothbrush is removed from the vertical base, a first switch in the cavity activates the light source to project a beam of light through the lens portion at the base of the base assembly, to project an image. A timer activates the light source for a predetermined period of time.

[0006J In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the toothbrush includes a battery holder disposed in the base assembly, the battery holder which holds at least one battery.

In one embodiment, a cap disposed on said battery.

[0007] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the lens portion is transparent, or it may have a color, in addition to an image thereon.

[0008] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, an aperture is disposed in the base assembly, in which a second switch is disposed, A thin cover is disposed in the aperture, which allows the user to access/depress the second switch, which allows the toothbrush to be activated and used as an electric toothbrush.

[0009] In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, a sound, or music is activated by the second switch when the toothbrush is removed from the stand.

[00010] Thus has been outlined, some features consistent with the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features consistent with the present invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[00011 ] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment consistent with the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract included below, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush according to one embodiment consistent with the present invention.

[00014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in the process of removal from the stand, according to one embodiment consistent with the present invention.

[00015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the toothbrush, showing its internal configuration, according to one embodiment consistent with the present invention.

|00016] FIG. 4 is a top view of a lens portion of the toothbrush according to one embodiment consistent with the present invention.

[00017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly of the toothbrush according to one embodiment consistent with the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00018] The present invention relates to a toothbrush 100 as shown in FIG. 1, which contains an illumination device and which can serve as entertainment for the user by projecting images onto a base surface, or a remote surface, for predetermined periods of time. The illumination may be used as a flashlight. Music or sounds may also be played from the toothbrush when in use.

[00019] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the toothbrush 100 (see FIG.

1) is similar in shape to a regular toothbrush, and includes a head assembly 101 and a base assembly 102. The head assembly 101 includes bristles 103, and may be slightly thinner in outer circumference than the base assembly 102. The head assembly 101 may be removed from the body 104 of the toothbrush 100 such that it can be replaced from time to time, and allow new bristles 103 to preserve the hygienic quality of the toothbrush 100 (see FIG. 3).

(00020] The base assembly 102 may include a relatively larger outer circumference than the head assembly 101, and a stand 105 on which the base assembly 102 is situated. The stand 105 may be circular in shape, but can be of any shape which can accommodate a vertical base 107 which is disposed within a cavity 108 of the base assembly 102.

(00021] In order for the image 106 to be projected, the toothbrush 100 is grasped by the user, and is removed from a vertical base 107 of the toothbrush 100. Although the vertical base 107 in one embodiment is circular in shape, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that the shape may be any desired shape which would allow easy removal of the toothbrush 100.

(00022] When the toothbrush 100 is removed from the vertical base 107, the vertical base 107 releases a switch 109 inside the cavity 108, which activates the light source 120 and turns on a light, so that an image 106 is projected from the base 1 1 1 of the toothbrush 100. In FIG. 2, the toothbrush 100 is in the process of being removed from the stand 105, and the image 106 is shown as being projected onto the base surface 1 10 of the stand 105. The image 106 may be of any desired image, in any color, or black and white.

[00023] With the toothbrush 100 removed, the image 106 may be projected from the base of the toothbrush 100, and used as a flashlight. The image 106 is projected from the base 111 for a maximum predetermined period of time, such as two minutes, in order to preserve battery function. In addition, when the light turns on to project the image 106, a sound or music may also be played for a predetermined period of time.

(00024J In order to turn off the light and stop projecting the image 106 from the base 111 of the toothbrush 100, and stop the sound/music (if this feature is included), the toothbrush 100 is placed back on the vertical base 107, and the switch 109 is depressed by the top of the vertical base 107.

[00025] An on/off switch 112 is also disposed on the body 104 of the toothbrush body 100, in order to power the toothbrush's bristles 103, in the function of a typical electric toothbrush.

[00026] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment consistent with the present invention, when the head assembly 101 is removed from the toothbrush body 104, it can be shown that the internal diameter of the head assembly 101, which has an opening, may be grooved 113 such that the head assembly 101 may be screwed onto the body 104 of the toothbrush 100 at a connector 126.

[00027] In another embodiment, the head assembly 101 may also be press-fitted to the body

104 of the toothbrush 100. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that other means may be used to fit the head assembly 101 to the toothbrush body 104. [00028] Within the base assembly 102, a battery and light assembly 114 includes a battery holder 1 15 which houses at least one battery 116 (such as a Lithium battery) of an appropriate size and capacity to ensure powering of the toothbrush 100 for at least a few hours before replacement is required.

[00029 J A cap 1 17 fits over the battery holder 115 in a press-fit, and protects the batteries 116 when the head assembly 101 is removed or replaced. The cap 117 is inserted into the internal recess of the connector 126 of the head assembly 101, also using a press-fit, or other connection means. In this manner, the toothbrush bristles 103 can be replaced by unscrewing the toothbrush

100 at the connector 126, without having to open up the toothbrush 100 to expose the batteries

1 16.

[00030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery and light assembly 114 is inserted into an internal recess of the base assembly 102, and a switch 118 is connected and disposed proximate thereto. An aperture 1 19 is disposed in the base assembly 102 and allows access to the switch 1 18 therethrough. A switch cover 1 12 is disposed in the aperture 1 19, and is made of a thin rubber-like material, which allows the user to easily access and depress the switch

1 18 through the cover 1 12. However, in an alternative embodiment, the switch cover 112 can be eliminated and the switch 120 can protrude through the base assembly 102 for direct external access by the user. As stated above, the switch 112 turns the power On/Off to the toothbrush

100, and can also allow any sound/music to be turned on/off.

[00031] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the light source 119 is at least one light bulb 120. Preferably, two light bulbs 120 may be used (see FIG. 5).

[00032] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, a timing assembly (i.e., a timer 121 connected to the batteries 1 16, light source 120, and switch 1 18) is included in the base assembly 102, and thus, an "Off switch for the light source 120 is not required, since the light source 120 will be turned "Off by the timer after a predetermined period of time (i.e., two minutes), to preserve the batteries 116.

{00033] The switch 109 is connected to the battery and light assembly 114, by a connecting wire, and is like a pressure sensor and is used to turn the light source 120 On/Off. The switch is disposed in the recess at the top of the cavity 108, and when depressed by the top of the vertical base 107, turns "Off the light source 120, and when released by removal of the vertical base

107, turns "On" the light source.

[00034] In order to project an image 106, a transparent lens portion 122 is disposed at the base

1 1 1 of the base assembly 102, such that light from the light source 120 can shine through the lens portion 122 — such, as the base surface 110 of the stand 105. The lens portion 122 may be made of plastic and may also be of different colors as well as being clear. The image 106 is disposed on the lens portion 122 as shown in FIG. 4.

J00035] The transparent lens portion 122 is a structure which can be press-fitted, screwed onto, or integral with the base 111 of the base assembly 102. If the lens portion 122 is removable, different images 106 may used and thus, projected through the lens portion 122. The lens portion 122 has an opening 123 through which the vertical base 107 is inserted into/out from the toothbrush 100. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would know whether the lens portion

122 should be included at the base or internally to the base assembly 102.

|00036] In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, music can be played when the light source 120 is turned On/Off by the activation/nonactivation of the switch 109. The music is recorded in memory which is part of a chip 124 disposed proximate to the battery holder 1 15, and connected to a speaker 125 by a wire, and powered by the battery 116. The musical apparatus can be in addition to the light projection mechanism such as the switch 109, light source 120, and lens portion 122, discussed earlier.

[00037] Finally, the materials used in the toothbrush 100 would primarily include a plastic or composite material for the base assembly 102 and head assembly 101, cap 116, battery holder and cover. A plastic or man-made fiber may be used for the bristles. The materials that would be most suitable for the present invention would be well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. [00038] Although the above embodiments are described, it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other structural designs are possible (i.e., complete or only partial extension of the toothbrush 100 from the stand 105), including any combination of the above embodiments, to achieve the spirit and principles of the present invention. [00039] Thus, it should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the invention are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toothbrush comprising: a body having head assembly, and a base assembly including a cavity disposed therein; and a stand having a vertical base integral therewith, said vertical base which is disposed entirely within said cavity; wherein said body is removable from said vertical base.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery holder disposed in said base assembly, said battery holder which holds at least one battery.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 2, further comprising: a first switch disposed in said cavity, which activates a light source.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 3, further comprising: a timer connected to said at least one battery, said light source, and said first switch, said timer which activates said first switch for a predetermined period of time.

5. The toothbrush according to claim 4, further comprising: a cap disposed on said battery.

6. The toothbrush according to claim 3, further comprising: a lens portion disposed at a base of said base assembly.

7. The toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein said lens portion has an image disposed thereon.

8. The toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein said lens portion is at least one of transparent or has a color.

9. The toothbrush according to claim 2, further comprising: an aperture disposed in said base assembly, through which an on/off switch protrudes.

10. The toothbrush according to claim 9, further comprising: a cover disposed in said aperture, which covers said on/off switch.

1 1. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said timer activates said light source for at least 2 minutes.

12. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein a sound is activated by one of said first or said second switch.

13. The toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising: a connector to which the head assembly and base assembly are attached.

14. A toothbrush comprising: a body having a head assembly, and a base assembly including a cavity disposed therein; a stand having a vertical base integral therewith, said vertical base which is disposed within said cavity; and a light source disposed within said base assembly; wherein when said body is removed from said vertical base, said light source is activated to project a beam of light from a base of said base assembly.

15. The toothbrush according to claim 14, further comprising: a battery holder disposed in said base assembly, said battery holder which holds at least one battery.

16. The toothbrush according to claim 14, further comprising: a first switch disposed in said cavity, which activates said light source.

17. The toothbrush according to claim 16, further comprising: a timer connected to said at least one battery, said light source, and said first switch, said timer which activates said first switch for a predetermined period of time.

18. The toothbrush according to claim 17, further comprising: a cap disposed on said battery.

19. The toothbrush according to claim 17, further comprising: a lens portion disposed at a base of said base assembly.

20. The toothbrush according to claim 19, wherein said lens portion has an image disposed thereon.

21. The toothbrush according to claim 20, wherein said lens portion is at least one of transparent or has a color.

22. The toothbrush according to claim 17, further comprising: an aperture disposed in said base assembly, through which an on/off switch protrudes.

23. The toothbrush according to claim 22, further comprising: a cover disposed in said aperture, which covers said second switch.

24. The toothbrush according to claim 17, wherein said timer activates said light source for at least 2 minutes.

25. The toothbrush according to claim 22, wherein a sound is activated by one of said first or said second switch.

26. The toothbrush according to claim 14, further comprising: a connector to which the head assembly and base assembly are attached.

7. A toothbrush comprising: a cylindrical body containing a light source therein; a stand disposed internal to said cylindrical body; and means for activating said light source to project an image from a base of said body.