PATENT ABSTRACT
A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of a beam of light located within the handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the projector of a beam of light. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is activated.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present inventions relate to dental hygiene and, more particularly, to toothbrushes. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     To ensure proper oral care, dentists recommend that we brush our teeth more than once a day for at least two to three minutes each time. Despite this recommendation, the average adult person does not brush his or her teeth for two to three minutes. This problem is worse with children, who have notoriously short attention spans and often view brushing their teeth as a chore. Accordingly, there is a general need for a device that encourages people, especially children, to brush their teeth more often and for longer periods of time. See e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004-0143920, filed Jan. 24, 2003 and published on Jul. 29, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004-0143920 describes a toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body can have a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of a beam of light located within the handle. The toothbrush can have at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush can have a grip attached to the base. An illumination circuit can be positioned within the handle and is operated by pressing an end of the handle. Pressing, the end of the handle can compress a spring which completes the illumination circuit, activating the projector of a light beam within the toothbrush. Applicant has recognized that some children may have trouble activating the illumination circuit. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved activation mechanism. 
     Thus, one aspect of the present invention is a toothbrush comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head comprising a plurality of bristles. A pliant base is coupled to the second end of the handle. A light is positioned in the handle. The tooth brush also include a power source, a first contact member, a second contact member and a flexible member that extends around the first contact member and is coupled to the second contact member such that the second contact member contacts the first contact member as the pliant base is compressed or bent but does not contact the first member when the pliant base is in an unstressed condition. A control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit and initiates illumination of the light for a set period of time. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a toothbrush comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head comprising a plurality of bristles. A pliant base is coupled to the second end of the handle. A light is positioned in the handle. The toothbrush also includes a power source, a first contact member, a second contact member and means for separating the first contact member from the second contact member flexible member and for permitting contact between the first and second contact member when the pliant base means is deflected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit and initiates illumination of the light for a set period of time. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a toothbrush comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head comprising a plurality of bristles. A pliant base is coupled to the second end of the handle. A light is positioned in the handle. The toothbrush also includes a power source, a first contact member that is generally stationary with respect to the power source and a second contact member that moves with respect to the first contact member as the actuation member is moved. A control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit and initiates illumination of the light for a set period of time. 
     The foregoing objects may also be achieved by a toothbrush having a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a chamber therein. A projector of a beam of light within the chamber. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base. 
     The foregoing objects may still further be achieved by a method of using a toothbrush. The method uses a toothbrush having a handle and an illumination circuit. The toothbrush handle having a base, a body, and a head. The toothbrush illumination circuit having a projector of a beam of light connected to a switch. The method including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the switch for completing the illumination circuit. The method still further including the step of activating a projector of a light beam within the toothbrush. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is activated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art toothbrush. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  showing the brush side of the toothbrush. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  showing the non-brush side of the toothbrush. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  showing the chamber preferentially placed near the non-brush side. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the toothbrush with the grip removed exposing the toothbrush base and illumination circuit held within. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded top view of the toothbrush grip, base, and lower section of toothbrush handle showing the placement of the illumination circuit within the toothbrush handle. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the grip of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the base in  FIG. 6  showing the indentations for containing the positive terminal conductors. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the illumination circuit without the power supply. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the illumination circuit. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the illumination circuit. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic drawing of the illumination circuit. 
         FIG. 13  is a brush side perspective view of a toothbrush having certain features and advantages according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is top brush side exploded view of the tooth brush of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a closer view of section  15  of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is another embodiment of an illumination circuit. 
         FIG. 17  is another embodiment of an illumination circuit. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toothbrush with a front-mounted button. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a toothbrush with a front-mounted button. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a toothbrush with a front-mounted button. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art illuminated toothbrush  10 , which comprises a handle  12 , an illumination circuit  14 , a brush  16 , and a grip  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle  12  comprises a base  20 , a body  21 , and a head  26 . The body  21  has a first section  22  and a second section  24 . The handle  12  can be formed of hard, clear plastic. In one arrangement, the handle  12  can be a colored plastic. In another arrangement, the handle  12  can be a translucent plastic. In yet another embodiment, the handle  12  may be fashioned out of a plastic incorporating metallic flake  55 . 
     The toothbrush handle  12  can be formed through an injection molding process. In such an embodiment, plastic in a liquid form can be injected into a mold having two sections. Liquid plastic can be injected into the mold where it is then allowed to solidify. When the mold is opened it creates a handle having a brush side  28  and a non-brush side  30 . At the intersection of these two sides  28 ,  30  can be a ridge  32 . The ridge  32  can be a surface characteristic resulting from the injection molding process. In the illustrated arrangement, the ridge  32  does not extend inside the handle  12  but exists on the surface. The injection molding process in constructing of the toothbrush handle  12  is conventional and does not form a part of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  8 , the handle  12  can include a handle base  20 . The base  20  can be generally cylindrical in shape and can have a circumferential groove or cavity  44  therein. The circumferential groove  44  can have a centerline. The base  20  has an outside surface  34 , an inside surface  36 , a first end  38 , and a second end  40 . In the illustrated arrangement, on the outside surface  34  of the base  20  are three annular rings  42 . The annular rings  42  can provide a ledge upon which the grip  18  holds. 
     The inside surface  36  defines the cavity  44 . The inside surface  36  can have a first indentation  46  and a second indentation  48 . The cavity  44  can serve as a housing for the illumination circuit  14 . The first and second indentation  46 ,  48  can serve as a guide for positioning the illumination circuit  14  within the base  20 . 
     A chamber  50  can extend within the section  22 . The chamber  50  has a first end  52  and a second end  54 . The chamber  50  can be generally cylindrical in shape. The first end  52  can be rounded and can provide a transition between the chamber  50  filled full of air and the first section  22  which is of plastic. The air is inherently present as a result of assembly at a time after the handle was formed. Alternatively, the chamber may be filled full of a material in a process separate from the forming of the handle. 
     The second end  54  of the chamber  50  can be open to the first end  38  of the base  20 . The first section chamber  50  can be in off-center alignment with the base  20 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , the first section chamber  50  is in off-center alignment with the base  20  to allow the projector of a light beam or illuminating member  60  to emit a light beam  56  that travels through the first section  22  and to strike the interface  65  between the second section  24  and atmosphere. At this interface, a light beam  57  can be reflected towards the handle head  26  and a light beam  58  can be refracted towards the atmosphere. 
     The first section chamber  50  can be also positioned in off-center alignment with the base  20  because in the first section  22  is ergometrically designed to accommodate a user&#39;s grip. In the ergometric design, the brush side  28  of the first section  22  is contoured and the non brush side  30  of the first section  22  is flat. In addition, the brush side  28  of the first section  22  arrives at a point of the second section  24  at a greater angle than the non brush side  30 . In other words, the illumination circuit  14  extends within the first section  22  substantially parallel to the center line of the base member  20  but the first section  22  brush side  28  angles toward the inner point where the first section  22  meets the second section  24  and the non brush side  30  portion of the first section  22  also angles toward the point where the first section  22  meets the second section  24 . Thus, for the first section chamber  50  to extend the furthest into the first section  22  of the handle  12 , the first section chamber  50  is preferably positioned closer to the non-brush side  30  of the first section  22 . 
     The illumination circuit  14  can have an illuminating member or projector of a light beam  60 , a resistor  62 , a timing circuit  64 , and a power source  66 . These parts can be joined by the conductor  68 , which provides a support structure extending the illuminating member  60  a distance away from the timing circuit  64 . The negative terminal conductor  70  can be a spring which presses against the power source  66 , which in the illustrated arrangement comprises a series of batteries. The positive terminal conductor  72  can comprise a pair of prongs that extends away from the timing circuit  64  to embrace the power source  66 . The positive terminal conductor  72  can also be sized to stabilize the illumination circuit  14  within the base  20  as the positive terminal conductor  72  is sized to fit within the first indentation  46  and the second indentation  48  of the base  20 . 
     The illumination member  60  in this embodiment is a light emitting diode (LED). In other embodiments, the illumination member  60  could be an incandescent light bulb. In still other embodiments, the illumination member  60  may be any other device known in the art that may provide illumination. 
     The power source  66  in one arrangement can be micro-cell battery model number G3-ACNB. In the illustrated arrangement, three batteries are placed in series within the base  20 . The timing circuit  64  preferably can function to illuminate the illumination member  60  for approximately 60 seconds. The timing circuit  64  also preferably can serve to control the illumination member  60  to blink intermittently for the time period in which it is engaged. In some embodiments, the illumination member  60  may stay on continuously and/or illuminate for a longer or shorter period of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit is activated by closing an electrical switch  74  to complete a circuit. 
     The brush  16  can have a bristle  80 . The bristle  80  can have a first end  82  and a second end  84 . The bristle second end  84  can be embedded in the head  26  of the handle  12 . In one arrangement, the bristle  80  can be made of clear plastic material. Moreover, in such an arrangement, the brush  10  can be configured such that, when the bristle  80  is struck by light traveling from the illumination member  60  through the first section  22  and the second section  24 , a portion of the light striking the bristle  80  may reflect through the bristle  80  and extend out of the bristle  80 . 
     The grip  18  can be made of a flexible material. In the illustrated arrangement, the grip  18  can also serve as a switch. For example, the grip  18  can have an extending piece or switch  74  of flexible material as seen in  FIG. 7 . When the grip is pushed in the direction of arrow A in  FIG. 4 , the piece  74  moves the positive terminal metal conductor  72  to contact the power source  66 . Alternatively, the piece  74  moves the power source  66  to contact the positive terminal metal conductor  72 . In doing so, the piece  74  moves illumination circuit  14  from an un-illuminated position to a illuminated position. The grip  18  can remain in place on the base  20  by engaging the annular rings  42  on the outside surface  34  of the base  20 . An adhesive  88  can be positioned between the first section  22  and the grip  18  to hold the grip  18  in close connection with the first section  22 . 
     The grip  18  can be made of a flexible material. Alternatively, the grip  18  may be of a hard material but have a flexible portion that may be used to engage the positive terminal conductor  72  and press against the power source  66 . 
     In operation, the illuminated toothbrush  10  is used by a user to indicate the duration of an amount of time. The user grips the toothbrush handle  12  in their hand with the bristle  80  surface with the bristle  80  against their teeth and engages the illumination circuit switch  74 . The illumination member  60  begins to blink intermittently in an on/off fashion. The illumination member  60  continues to blink for a period of approximately 60 seconds. The handle is designed to direct light to the user in multiple ways so that the user may be accurately apprised of brushing time. The frequency of blinking can remain constant, or vary in frequency. In some embodiments, the frequency can increase as the time approaches 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the frequency can remain constant through a first period of time, and increase in frequency in a second period of time. In one example, the frequency can remain constant for approximately 45 seconds; then increase for the remaining 15 seconds. In other embodiments, different time intervals can be used, such as, for example, two even periods of thirty seconds each. 
     A light beam  59  travels from the illuminating device  14  through a first section chamber  50 . The light beam  59  strikes an interface  63  between the first section chamber and the first section and a light beam  61  is partially reflected off of the interface and a light beam  56  is refracted enters the first chamber. The light beam  56  travels through the first section  22  to strike upon an interface  65  between the second section  24  and atmosphere. A light beam  57  is reflected from interface  65  toward head  26  and a light beam  58  is refracted towards the atmosphere. The light beam  57  then strikes an interface  116  between the head  26  and bristle  80  where it is partially reflected and refracted. 
     Alternatively, the toothbrush handle may have a metallic piece  55  or flake embedded in the hardened plastic. The angle of reflection upon the flake is equal to the angle of incidence upon the flake. These metallic pieces  55  can be glitter. In operation, light will strike these metallic pieces  55  at an angle of incidence and the reflected light beam  67  directed at an angle of reflection as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     One disadvantage of the arrangement described above is that the mechanism for completing the activation of the illumination is mechanically inefficient and often requires a degree of strength and dexterity not possessed by children. 
       FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15  illustrate a modified embodiment of a toothbrush that advantageously addresses the aforementioned problem. Numerical reference to components is the same as in the previously described arrangement, except that a prime symbol (′) has been added to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to be understood that the components are the same or substantially similar to previously-described components. 
     As can be seen the toothbrush can have an improved light generation mechanism  100 . The mechanism  100  can be disposed in the base  18 ′, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism  100  comprise a power portion  102 , an extension portion  104 , and an activation portion  106 . The illuminating member  60 ′ can be disposed at one end of one or more extension members  120 , which can form the extension portion and can extend toward the base  18 ′ and couple with the power segment  102 . 
     The power segment  102  can comprise one or more power sources (e.g., batteries)  66 ′. The power sources  66 ′ can be positioned between a distal member  105  and a proximal member  109 , which in one embodiment can each comprise a circular disk-like plate. The power sources  66 ′ can be secured in the space between the distal and proximal members  105 ,  109  and can be engaged by one or more generally rigid elongate members  107 . The elongate members  107  can extend along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  10 ′. For additional security, the power sources  66 ′ can be surrounded by a cylindrical member (not shown) that can be made of plastic or other similar material. In this manner, the power sources  66 ′ cannot be easily dislodged from the power segment and swallowed by children if the base  18 ′ is removed. 
     The power sources  66 ′ can be in direct contact with each other or have an intervening electrical connection member (not shown). The power segment  102  can be coupled to an activation segment  106 . The activation segment  106  can have a spring member  108 . The spring member  108  can be a conical, as in the illustrated embodiment, or cylindrical, or any other shape appropriate for the interior or the base  18 ′. The spring member  108  can be composed of metal, though other materials can be used in other embodiments. Advantageously, an electrically-conducting material can be used. The spring member  108  can have an inward-extending protrusion  112  at one end. The protrusion  112  can be of any size or shape sufficient to extend towards the power sources  66 ′ without contacting them. The protrusion  112  can be composed of the same material as the spring member  108 , or can be composed of a different material, preferably an electrically-conductive material. In certain embodiments, the spring member  108  can be composed of a plastic and the protrusion  112  can be a metal. The spring member  108  can have an insulating or conducting coating. 
     The power segment  102  can have a contact member  110  extending toward the protrusion  112 . The contact member  110  can be electrically-connected to the power sources  66 ′ and the illumination circuit  14 ′. The contact member  110  can be connected such that contact with the protrusion  112  activates the illumination circuit  14 ′. Additionally, when electrically-conducting materials are used for the spring member  108 , such as the metal in the illustrated embodiment, contact between the sides of the flexible member  108  and the contact member  110  can also activate the illumination circuit  14 ′. 
     Thus, although the illustrated embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  in an exploded view, when the toothbrush  10 ′ is assembled as in  FIG. 13 , manipulation of the pliable base  18 ′ can cause deflection of the spring member  108  within. If the bottom of the base  18 ′ is pushed toward the power segment  102 , the protrusion  112  can touch the contact member  110 , causing illumination. Alternatively, if the base  18 ′ is deflected towards either side, the interior of the spring member  108  can touch the contact member  110 , also causing illumination. The illumination can be continuous or intermittent. Additionally, the intervals between illuminations during intermittent operation can be regular or have increasing or decreasing frequency. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of an illumination circuit. Numerical reference to components is the same as in previously described arrangements, except that a double prime symbol (″) has been added to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to be understood that the components are the same or substantially similar to previously-described components. 
     As in other embodiments, a contact member  110 ″ can be attached to a power segment  102 ″. The contact member  110 ″ can activate a circuit  14 ″, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The embodiment of a mechanism  100 ″ depicted in  FIG. 16  has a plurality of flexible members  212  which enclose the contact member  110 ″. The flexible members  212  can be composed of metal, an elastomer, or any of a variety of other materials which permit flexibility and have, or can support, an electrically-conductive surface. An inward-extending protrusion  112 ″ can be integrally formed with the flexible members  212 . 
     Unlike the cone-shaped spring member depicted in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the flexible members  212  can extend along a longitudinal axis of the mechanism  100 ″. In some embodiments, the flexible members  212  taper inwardly as they extend away from the contact member  110 ″. In other embodiments, the flexible members  212  do not taper, and maintain an approximately cylindrical shape. In yet other embodiments, the flexible members  212  can have other arrangements, including without limitation, a pyramidal prism, a rectangular prism, a cubic shape, or other geometrical shapes sized appropriately to surround the contact member  110 ″. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of an illumination circuit  100 ′″. Numerical reference to components is the same as in previously described arrangements, except that a triple prime symbol (′″) has been added to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to be understood that the components are the same or substantially similar to previously-described components. 
     The contact member  110 ′″ can be enclosed within a flexible mesh, such as a metal wire mesh  312 . The mesh  312  can have an interior contact surface which activates the illumination circuit  100 ′″, or can structurally support such a surface. The wire mesh  312  can have an inward-extending protrusion  112 ′″, as illustrated. In some embodiments, more than one protrusion is present on the interior of the component disposed around the contact member  110 ′″. These embodiments can include the use of spring members, flexible rods, flexible meshes, or any other contact surface or surface support configured to activate the illumination circuit. 
       FIGS. 18-20  illustrate alternative embodiments of the toothbrush having a front-mounted activation mechanism for activating an illumination circuit  14 . The mechanism can comprise a variety of devices, some examples of which are illustrated and described below. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment of a toothbrush  410  having an illumination member  460  and an activation mechanism  468 . The mechanism  468  can comprise a contact port  470  and a button  472 . The button  472  can comprise a metallic mesh  474  that surrounds the contact post  470 , and activates an illumination circuit  14 , lighting the illumination member  460 , as described above. The mesh  474  can case the illumination circuit  14  to activate through contact with an electrically-conducting inner surface, or support an electrically-conducting surface which activates the circuit  14 . The mesh  474  can be replaced by a spring, flexible rods, or any other suitable device, as described above. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates another embodiment of a toothbrush  510  having a front-mounted activation mechanism. The mechanism can comprise a push-button device  568  having a button  572  and a switch device  574 , as are well-known in the art. The push-button device  568  can cause the illumination member  560  to blink by activating an illumination circuit  14 . The switch device  574  can be activated by manipulation of the button  572 , whether the button  572  is flexible or a rigid connection to the switch device  574 . The push-button device  568  can activate the circuit  14  once manipulated, and future manipulations can be ignored by the circuit  14  until the timer has completed a cycle. This operation can occur in any embodiment described herein. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of a toothbrush  610 , wherein an illumination member  660  is set to blink by an illumination circuit  14 . The circuit  14  can start a timed cycle upon receiving a signal from an activation device  668 . In the illustrated embodiment, the activation device  668  comprises a base  670  and two contact terminals  672 . The contact terminals  672  can activate the circuit  14  when electrical conduction occurs between the terminals  672 . In one embodiment, the circuit  14  and terminals  672  can be constructed to allow contact with human skin to both terminals  672  to cause conduction to occur, thereby activating the circuit  14 . In non-limiting examples, the palm of a human hand gripping the toothbrush can activate the circuit or, a finger or thumb pressed to touch both terminals  672  can activate the circuit  14 . Water disposed in continuous contact with both terminals  672  can also activate the circuit  14 . 
     Although certain embodiments, features, and examples have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of the methods and devices shown and described in the present disclosure may be differently combined and/or modified to form still further embodiments. For example, any one component of the infusion sets shown and described above can be used alone or with other components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Additionally, it will be recognized that the methods described herein may be practiced in different sequences, and/or with additional devices as desired. Such alternative embodiments and/or uses of the methods and devices described above and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.