Abstract:
In some embodiments, a method of controlling an oral care implement having an audio output device and a movable oral cleaning element driven by a motor includes receiving a user instruction to commence a cleaning sequence; playing, via the audio output device, an audio instruction relating to oral cleaning; after completion of playing the audio instruction relating to oral cleaning, controlling the motor to drive the oral cleaning element; a predetermined time after operating the motor to drive the oral cleaning element, controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element; and at least in part in response to controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element, playing, via the audio output device, a recording containing praise.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Powered oral care implements, such as powered toothbrushes, are conventionally known. These implements generally include a power source disposed in a cavity in the toothbrush. The power source may be used to power an actuator or other electronic elements in the toothbrush. In some instances, the power source may be used to power a speaker or other audio transmission device, e.g., to play music or other audio while the user brushes her teeth. The audio may be used to promote proper use of the toothbrush. For example, some conventional toothbrushes provide an audible cue after a predetermined time. The cue may be a signal that some amount of time has elapsed. The user may react to the cue to brush the teeth in a different section of her mouth, for example. However, it may be beneficial to use a toothbrush with audio capabilities to promote proper brushing techniques. 
         [0002]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved oral care devices having audio capability that may be used for training a user of the toothbrush. This disclosure is directed at providing such improved devices and/or overcoming one or more problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In aspects of this disclosure, an oral care implement may be embodied as a toothbrush that includes an elongate body; a head disposed at a distal end of the body; one or more tooth cleaning elements at the head, movable relative to the body; a motor operably connected to the one or more tooth cleaning elements to move the one or more tooth cleaning elements; a controller for controlling the motor; a speaker disposed in the elongate body; a power source disposed in the elongate body; a speaker; and memory storing a plurality of tooth brushing instructions and a plurality of sound recordings containing praise. The controller is configured to perform acts including causing a first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions to play, via the speaker, at least in part in response to a signal to commence a brushing sequence, upon completion of playing of the first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions, causing movement, via driving the motor, of the one or more tooth cleaning elements for a first predetermined duration of time, causing cessation of movement of the one or more tooth cleaning elements after the first predetermined time, causing a first of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise to play, via the speaker, after the first predetermined time, causing a second of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions to play, via the speaker, after the causing the first of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise to play, causing movement of the one or more tooth cleaning elements for a second predetermined duration of time, after causing the second of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions to play, causing cessation of movement of the one or more tooth cleaning elements after the second predetermined time, and causing a second of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise to play, via the speaker, after the second predetermined time. 
         [0004]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in the preceding paragraph, a manual switch is operable between a first position closing an electrical circuit to provide power to the controller from the power source and a second position opening the electrical circuit such that power from the power source is not supplied to the controller, and all of the acts are performed while the manual switch is placed in the first position. 
         [0005]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the controller may be configured to perform acts further comprising causing an end recording to play, via the speaker, after the second predetermined time. 
         [0006]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in the preceding paragraph, the end recording may include an instruction to place the switch in the second position. 
         [0007]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in either of the preceding two paragraphs, the controller may be configured to perform acts further comprising causing the end recording to repeat until the switch is placed in the second position. 
         [0008]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the controller may be configured to perform acts further comprising selecting the first of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise before causing the first of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise to play. 
         [0009]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in the preceding paragraph, the selecting the first of the plurality of sound recordings containing praise may include randomly selecting the first of the plurality of sound recordings. 
         [0010]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the controller may be configured to perform acts further comprising selecting the first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions from the plurality of tooth brushing instructions and selecting the second of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions from the plurality of tooth brushing instructions not including the first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions. 
         [0011]    In one or more additional aspects, in a toothbrush as described in the preceding paragraph, the selecting the first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions from the plurality of tooth brushing instructions may include randomly selecting the first of the plurality of tooth brushing instructions. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of this disclosure, a method of controlling an oral care implement having an audio output device and a movable cleaning element driven by a motor, includes (a) receiving an instruction to commence a cleaning sequence; (b) playing, via the audio output device, an audio instruction relating to oral cleaning; (c) after completion of playing the audio instruction relating to oral cleaning, controlling the motor to drive the oral cleaning element; (d) a predetermined time after operating the motor to drive the oral cleaning element, controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element; and (e) at least in part in response to controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element, playing, via the audio output device, a recording containing praise. 
         [0013]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, repeating steps (b)-(e). 
         [0014]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding two paragraphs, steps (b)-(e) may be repeated a number of times corresponding to a number of audio instructions relating to oral cleaning. 
         [0015]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in either of the preceding two paragraphs, the audio instruction relating to oral cleaning may be different for each repetition of step (b). 
         [0016]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the recording containing praise is different for each repetition of step (e). 
         [0017]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in any of the preceding five paragraphs, the receiving the instruction to commence a brushing sequence may comprise activation of a switch by the user. 
         [0018]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the switch may be a mechanical switch that completes a circuit to provide power to the motor. 
         [0019]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in any of the preceding seven paragraphs, a user may receive and instruction to end the cleaning sequence; and the transmission of power to the motor may be disconnected. 
         [0020]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the receiving the user instruction to end the cleaning sequence may include activation of a switch by the user, and the activation of the switch opens a circuit that provides power to the motor. 
         [0021]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in any of the preceding nine paragraphs, the recording containing praise may be one of a plurality of recordings containing praise. 
         [0022]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the recording containing praise may be selected from among the plurality of recordings containing praise. 
         [0023]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the selecting the recording containing praise from among the plurality of recordings containing praise may include randomly selecting the recording containing praise. 
         [0024]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the selecting the recording containing praise from among the plurality of recordings containing praise may include selecting the recording containing praise in accordance with a predetermined order. 
         [0025]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in any of the preceding thirteen paragraphs, via the audio output device, an end recording may be played instructing the user to power off the toothbrush. 
         [0026]    In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in the preceding paragraph, the end recording may be repeated until the toothbrush is powered off. 
         [0027]    In one or more additional aspects, a toothbrush may include an elongate body; a head disposed at a distal end of the body; one or more tooth cleaning elements at the head, movable relative to the body; a motor operably connected to the one or more tooth cleaning elements to move the one or more tooth cleaning elements; a controller for controlling the motor; a speaker disposed in the elongate body; a power source providing power to the motor and the controller; a speaker; and memory storing a plurality of tooth brushing instructions and a plurality of sound recordings containing praise, wherein the controller is configured to execute the method of any one of preceding fifteen paragraphs. 
         [0028]    Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1A  is a top, front perspective view of an oral care device according to an example implementation of this disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 1B  is a bottom, rear perspective view of the oral care device depicted in  FIG. 1A ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a section view of the oral care device illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , taken along section line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a controller for use in an oral care device, such as the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an oral care device, which may be the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. 
         [0036]    As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls. 
         [0037]    Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer to percentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weight of the material. 
         [0038]    This disclosure relates generally to oral care implements, and more particularly to powered oral care implements embodied as toothbrushes or other elongate tooth cleaning members. Although certain embodiments and benefits will be described, other implementations, modifications, and/or benefits will be appreciated those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an oral care device according to implementations of this disclosure. More specifically, those figures are perspective views of an electric-powered toothbrush  100 . The toothbrush  100  includes an elongate body  102  extending from a proximal end  104  to a distal end. The body  102  includes a handle  106  and a neck  108 . A head  110  is disposed at the distal end of the elongate body  102 , at the neck  108 . The head  110  supports a plurality of tooth cleaning elements  112 . The tooth cleaning elements  112  may be bristles, rubber or polymeric protrusions, or the like. As used herein, the term “tooth cleaning elements” is used in a broad generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish, scrape, whiten, or otherwise interact with the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g., the tongue, the cheek, the gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Examples of tooth cleaning elements that may be used include, but are not limited to, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, and combinations thereof. Suitable elastomeric materials may include biocompatible resilient materials suitable for use in an oral hygiene apparatus. The tooth cleaning elements  112  may be attached to the head  110  using any suitable method. For example, and without limitation, in-mold tufting or anchor-free tufting may be used to mount the cleaning elements. This disclosure is not limited by the types of tooth cleaning elements  112  or any method of anchoring such tooth cleaning elements  112  to the head  110 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the head  110  may be detachably mounted to the elongate body  102 , for example, to form a replaceable unit or refill such that the user may replace the head after the tooth cleaning elements  112  have been worn. Removal of the head  110  from the elongate body  102  may also allow for the use of different types of tooth cleaning elements  112  with the body  102  or for use of the same body  102  by multiple people. As will be described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the head  110  may include movable features which may allow for relative movement of the tooth cleaning elements  112 . For example, some or all of the tooth cleaning elements  112  may move relative to portions of the head  110 . 
         [0041]    The toothbrush  100  also includes a base  114  at the proximal end  104 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the base  114  may be removable from the body  102 . For example, the base  114  may comprise a cartridge that is selectively removable from a cavity formed as a receptacle in the proximal end of the handle  106 . In some embodiments, the base  114  may be removable to access batteries, e.g., for recharging or replacing. As best seen in  FIG. 1B , a fastener  116 , such as a screw, retains the base  114  in the handle  106 . Additional or alternative features also may be provided to promote retention and removal of the base  114  in and from the base  114 . Several such features are conventional in the art. 
         [0042]    One or more lateral openings  118  also are provided in the base  114 . As will be described in more detail below, the openings  118  may be audio openings communicating with an audio chamber that may direct and/or amplify sound emitted from a speaker (not shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) disposed in the toothbrush  100 . Axial openings  120  also are provided, as best shown in  FIG. 1B . The axial openings extend through the base  114  to communicate with the audio chamber, as will be described in more detail, below. 
         [0043]    The toothbrush  100  also is illustrated as including a user interface  122 . A user interacts with the user interface  122  to control the toothbrush. The user interface  122  may include switches, buttons, actuators, or other interface mechanisms through which the user may control functions of the toothbrush  100 . For instance, the user interface  122  is illustrated as including a first button  124  and a second button  126 . In some implementations, the first button  124  or the second button  126  may be used to power the toothbrush on and off, e.g., by providing power to a motor to drive the tooth cleaning elements  112 . One of the buttons  124 ,  126  may also be used to power on and off audio functionality associated with the device. Other uses for the buttons  124 ,  126 , as well as other or additional buttons, switches, actuators, and the like also will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure. For example, but without limitation, one or more of the buttons  124 ,  126  may be used to cycle through or otherwise select a brushing mode for the toothbrush  100 . The toothbrush  100  may be preprogrammed with a number of oscillation patterns or other movement patterns, each of which may promote oral care. In still other embodiments, the buttons  124 ,  126  may be used to adjust the volume of an audio output or otherwise control audio capabilities. The user interface  122  also is illustrated as including a visual indicator  128 . The visual indicator  128  may be an LED or other light emitting device that may convey information. For example, the visual indicator may inform the user of a battery state of the device. In some implementations, the indicator  128  may be green when the battery is sufficiently charged, yellow as battery level begins to deplete in the device, and red when the battery is beyond its usable life. Similar or other indications may also be provided via the visual indicator  128  using other visual cues. For example, the visual indicator  128  may blink to convey information. 
         [0044]    The toothbrush  100  may be constructed of a number of known materials or combinations of materials having suitable rigidity for conventional toothbrush use. For example, materials may be chosen for their rigidity for grasping and/or handling of the toothbrush and supporting the tooth cleaning elements  112 . Suitable exemplary materials may be used in a toothbrush include, but are not limited to, hard plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene cone, polyimide, polyester, cellulosic, SAN, acrylic, ABS, and other thermoplastics suitable for toothbrush manufacture. The various portions and features the toothbrush  100  may be made of the same or different materials in various embodiments. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1A . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the body  102  including the handle  106  and the neck  108 , as well as the head  110  are hollow, defining a plurality of cavities adapted to contain additional elements of the powered toothbrush  100 . For example, an oscillator arm  202  is disposed in the neck and attaches at a distal end to an oscillating plate  204  on which a plurality of the tooth cleaning elements  112  are disposed. An opposite, proximal end of the oscillator arm  202  is coupled to an output arm of a motor  206 , disposed in the body  102 . Driving the motor  206  oscillates the oscillator arm  202 , which in turn oscillates the oscillating plate  204 . The result is movement of the tooth cleaning elements  112 . As illustrated, the motor  206  may be powered by a power source, such as a battery  228  disposed in the handle  106 . 
         [0046]    A speaker  208  also is disposed in the body  102 , spaced from the proximal end  104  of the body  102 . In the illustration, the speaker  208  is mounted to a support  210 , and the support  210  is fixed relative to a sidewall of the handle  106 . The speaker is arranged to project sound waves generally along the axial direction, toward the proximal end  104 . 
         [0047]    An audio chamber  212  is provided between the speaker  208  and the proximal end  104  of the body  102 . The audio chamber  212  generally is an elongate opening that directs sounds waves emitted from the speaker  208 . In the configuration of  FIG. 2 , the speaker is disposed to emit sound in a direction generally along a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  100 , toward the proximal end  104 . The audio chamber  212  is bounded by one or more sidewalls  214  extending between a first opening  216  proximate the speaker  208  and a second opening  218  proximate the proximal end  104  of the body  102 . The first and second openings  216 ,  218  are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  100 . In other embodiments, the audio chamber may be tipped, tilted, rotated, or otherwise configured. Moreover, interior surfaces of the sidewall  214  may be tapered or otherwise contoured such that the audio chamber  212  has relatively narrower and wider segments along the longitudinal direction. For example, in some implementations and without limitation, the audio chamber may be relatively narrower proximate the first opening  216  and relatively wider proximate the second opening  218 , e.g., such that the chamber  212  is substantially frusto-conical. In preferred embodiments, however, the audio chamber  212  is arranged to direct sound waves emitted from the speaker  208  toward the proximal end  104 . 
         [0048]    Also illustrated more clearly in  FIG. 2 , the lateral openings  118  are formed through the sidewall of the base  114  near the proximal end  104 . The openings  118  extend from an outer surface of the base  114  into the audio chamber  212 . Accordingly, the openings  118  provide a passageway from inside the audio chamber to outside the toothbrush  100 . The axial openings  120  provide a similar passageway. More specifically, the axial openings  120  extend from an exterior surface of an end  220  covering the second opening  218  of the audio chamber  212  into the audio chamber. In this arrangement, sound emitted from the speaker  208  is directed into the audio chamber  212  and out the lateral openings  118  and axial openings  120  at the proximal end  104 . The audio chamber  212  may act as a mechanical amplifier, e.g., a resonance chamber, to amplify the sound emitted from the speaker. In other embodiments, the lateral openings  118  and/or the axial openings  120  may not be provided, and the sound may exit the body  102  through the second opening  218 , e.g., out the bottom of the handle. In such an embodiment, the base  114  may not include the end  220 , or the end  220  may include a larger aperture than the axial openings, e.g., the same size as or bigger than the second opening  218 . 
         [0049]    In addition to amplifying the sound, the audio chamber  212  also allows placement of the sound outlet at a location spaced from the speaker. This may beneficially allow sound to exit the toothbrush at locations less likely to be covered or muffled during brushing. For example, it is unlikely that a user would hold the toothbrush  100  during use in a manner that covers either the lateral openings  118  or the axial openings  120 , and it is even less likely that a user would cover both the lateral openings  118  and the axial openings  120 . In alternative embodiments, the audio chamber  212  could be shorter, or the holes could be provided nearer the user interface  120 . In that location, however, a user may be more likely to grip the toothbrush in a manner that covers the speaker  208 . 
         [0050]    The audio chamber  212  also may protect the speaker and/or other electronics also allows for placement of the speaker  208  farther from any opening through which water, toothpaste, or other elements that may have a negative effect on the speaker may enter the toothbrush. In some embodiments, the lateral openings  118  and/or the axial openings  120  may be through holes, and water or other foreign substances may enter the audio channel  212  via those openings. However, the length of the audio chamber  212  will provide some deterrent to foreign substances reaching the speaker. 
         [0051]    Although not required, in some embodiments, a physical barrier may also be provided in the audio chamber, e.g., to prevent contamination. For instance,  FIG. 2  illustrates a membrane  222  provided in the audio chamber  212 . The membrane  222  extends across the opening of the audio chamber  212 , e.g., to occlude the audio chamber  212 . The membrane  222  preferably allows sound to pass, but inhibits contaminants such as water, toothpaste, and the like from traversing the audio chamber  212  and contacting the speaker or other elements disposed in the toothbrush  100 . In some implementations, the membrane  222  may be formed of a liquid-impermeable, but sound-permeable material. The membrane  222  may also be vapor or gas-permeable, e.g., to allow off gasses, such as hydrogen, from the electronic components to exhaust to the atmosphere. For example, the membrane  222  may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene, although other materials, including but not limited to micro-perforated materials or woven materials may also be used. In still other embodiments, the membrane  222  may be a more rigid material, with holes formed therethrough. For example, holes may be axially formed through the membrane  222 . 
         [0052]    The membrane  222  may be disposed at any position between the first opening  216  and the second opening  218  of the audio chamber. Moreover, more than one membrane may be provided. The membrane  222  may be attached to the audio chamber using any number of conventional methods. For example, but without limitation, the membrane  222  may be fixed by adhesion, welding, e.g., ultrasonic welding, or mechanical means. As noted above, the membrane  222  is optional, and may not be provided in some implementations. 
         [0053]    As noted above, the base  114  may be separable from the handle  106 . In the illustrations, the base  114  is formed as a cartridge that is selectively receivable in a receptacle formed in the proximal end of the handle  106 . The base  114  generally includes the end  220  formed as a substantially planar cap, a battery compartment  224 , and a proximal portion  226  of the audio chamber  212 . The base  114  may be completely separable from the handle  106 , or it may be slidable, pivotable, or otherwise movable relative to the handle. The base and the handle may also have complementary features that prevent complete removal of the base  114  from the handle  106 . Such features may include a catch, a stop, of the like. An arrangement that is not completely separable may be desirable when elements connect to features on both the base  114  and in the body  102 . For example, electrical leads may contact the battery in the base  114  and extend to the speaker  208  in the handle  106 . 
         [0054]    The battery compartment  224  is sized to receive one or more batteries  228  for powering the toothbrush  100 . Battery contacts may also be provided in the battery compartment  224 . The batteries  228  may be any conventional power source, including but not limited to dry cell batteries, rechargeable batteries, or the like. 
         [0055]    The proximal portion  226  of the audio chamber  212  is aligned with a distal portion  230  of the audio chamber  212  to form the complete audio chamber  212  when the base  114  is disposed in the handle  106 . In alternative embodiments, the proximal portion  226  and the distal portion  230  of the audio chamber  212  may be relatively longer and/or shorter. The membrane  222 , when present, may be disposed over an open end of the proximal portion  226  or over an open end of the distal portion  230  of the audio chamber  212 . Alternatively, the membrane  222  may be disposed at any distance spaced along either the proximal portion  226  or the distal portion  230 . When the membrane  222  is disposed to cover one of the proximate portion  226  or the distal portion  230 , the membrane  222  may also act as a seal between the proximal portion  226  and the distal portion  230 . For example, an open edge of the proximal portion  226  or the distal portion  230  that does not include the membrane  222  may contact the membrane when the base  114  is received in the handle  106 . Additionally or alternatively, a seal, such as an O-ring or the like, including a foam O-ring, may be arranged between the proximate portion  226  and the distal portion  230  to prevent flow of contaminants and/or sound loss at the junction of the two portions  226 ,  230 . 
         [0056]    Additional seals also may be provided between the base  114  and the handle  106 . For example, a seal  232 , which may be an O-ring, may be retained in a circumferential slot  234  formed around the base  114 . In alternative embodiments, the seal may be a sliding seal, a gasket, or any other seal between the base  114  and an internal surface of the body  102 . 
         [0057]    The toothbrush  100  may include additional features. For example, controls  236  may also be included, which may be in communication with the user interface  120 . The controls  236  may include a printed circuit board, electronics, one or more processors, memory, a CPU, and/or hardware and/or other electronics, and may perform myriad functions. For example, the controls may include timing circuitry or programming that turns off the motor  206  after a certain amount of time. The controller may also or alternatively include one or more routines or programs that drive the motor, e.g., to move the tooth cleaning elements in a predetermined manner. The controls  236  may also include an audio source, which may include one or more audio files or recordings. The user may be able to choose an audio file in some embodiments from among audio stored in memory associated with the controller. 
         [0058]    The controls  236  generally include computer, electrical, electromechanical and/or other devices and components that may be used to control functionality of the toothbrush  100 . Examples of the controls  236  and methods of controlling a toothbrush, which may be the toothbrush  100  or any other toothbrush, will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a toothbrush  300 , which may be the toothbrush  100 , described above. However, the toothbrush  100  need not include all of the elements and/or functionality illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and methods described herein may be applied to oral care implements other than the toothbrush  100 , as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure.  FIG. 3 . generally illustrates the electronic and electro-mechanical elements of the toothbrush  300 , although it is understood that the toothbrush  300  also may include additional elements, including those that are conventional in oral care implements. By way of non-limiting example, the toothbrush  300  may include tooth cleaning elements, a grip, and the like, but those elements are not illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The toothbrush  300  is illustrated as including a controller  302 , memory  304 , an instructional tooth brushing framework  306 , a power source  308 , a motor  310 , and a speaker  312 . 
         [0060]    The controller  302  may be any controller or controllers capable of executing steps or routines for controlling the toothbrush  300 . By way of example and not limitation, the controller may include a microcontroller, logic circuitry, integrated circuits, a processor or microprocessor, hardware logic components, including but not limited to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like, as well as additional or alternative components. The controller preferably controls power from the power source  308 , the motor  310 , and/or the speaker  312 , for example, as described below with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0061]    The memory  304  may be any non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access. For example, the memory  304  may be embodied as read-only memory, although other types of storage media are known and may be used in some implementations. The memory  304  may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable implemented in any method or technology. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the memory  304  may include a brushing instructions repository  314  and a praise recordings repository  316 . 
         [0062]    The brushing instructions repository  314  preferably stores a number of pre-recorded audio instructions for brushing one&#39;s teeth. In some embodiments, the instructions may include specific directions to use the toothbrush to clean a certain section or feature of the mouth. For example, the brushing instructions may include directions including “brush the teeth in the top right section of your mouth” or “brush your tongue” or the like. In some embodiments, the directions may be more targeted to youth, such as, “brush your two front teeth, don&#39;t forget the backs.” The instructions preferably are sufficient in number and content to instruct brushing of the entire oral cavity. Thus, a plurality of instructions may together from a complete set of instructions for brushing the entire oral cavity. In use, the set of brushing instructions may be played to the user, e.g., via the speaker  312 . The brushing instructions comprising the set of instructions may be played in a pre-determined sequence to guide the user around the mouth with the toothbrush. In other implementations, the sequence of the instructions may vary, for example, the sequence may be randomized, although in preferred embodiments the complete set of instructions will be played, to ensure the user is instructed to brush everywhere in the oral cavity. More than one complete set of instructions may also be stored in the memory brushing instructions. Moreover, or a complete set may be generated by the controller during use, e.g., by selecting one of a plurality of instructions telling a user to brush her front teeth, one of a plurality of instructions telling the user to brush her top right molars, and so forth. By providing additional instructions, sets of instructions, and allowing for selection of instructions, the toothbrush  300  may be able to vary the user experience from brushing-to-brushing. 
         [0063]    The memory brushing instructions repository  314  also may store an end recording, such as “brushing complete.” The end recording may also instruct the user to interact with the toothbrush, e.g., to power the toothbrush  300  off and/or place the toothbrush in a dock. The end recording may also instruct the user to perform additional oral health acts. For instance, the end recording may instruct the user to floss, to rinse, to spit, to limit sugar intake, or the like. 
         [0064]    The praise recording repository  316  includes a number of recordings that include praise. The “praise recordings” may generally include any audio that congratulates, encourages, or otherwise praises the user. Praise phrases may include, but are not limited to “way to go,” “those are sparkly,” “you&#39;ve done this before,” “great job,” and the like. In some embodiments, the praise phrases and/or the brushing instructions may be associated with a character or a theme. For example, all praise phrases may be done in the voice of a character or characters depicted on the toothbrush. The praise phrases may also include catch phrases of a character. 
         [0065]    The brushing instructions and/or the praise recordings may be pre-selected and stored in the memory  304  prior to fabrication of the toothbrush  300 . In other implementations, a user may be able to upload additional recordings. Although not illustrated, the toothbrush  300  may also include an interface, which may be wired or wireless, for receiving recordings from a source. The source may be a user&#39;s computing device or may be a manufacturer of the toothbrush  300 . 
         [0066]    The toothbrush  300  also includes an instructional tooth brushing framework  306  which may be used to instruct a user how to effectively brush his teeth using the toothbrush  300 . The framework  306  includes functionality configured as one or more “modules.” The term “module” is intended to represent example divisions of the functionality for purposes of discussion, and is not intended to represent any type of requirement or required method, manner or organization. Accordingly, while various “modules” are discussed, their functionality and/or similar functionality could be arranged differently (e.g., combined into a fewer number of modules, broken into a larger number of modules, etc.). Further, certain functions and modules may be implemented in whole or in part as hardware components, as software and/or firmware. Software and/or firmware modules may be stored in memory, such as the memory  304 , and executable by a processor, which may be included in the controller  302  or otherwise provided. Modules, even when characterized as software, firmware or otherwise, are ultimately implemented in hardware, for example, within a programmed processor, FPGA, or other circuit, and this hardware may be located in the toothbrush  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the instructional tooth brushing framework  306  may include an audio instruction selection module  318 , a praise recording selection module  320 , an audio output module, and a motor drive module  324 . 
         [0067]    The brushing instruction selection module  318  may select a brushing instruction from the brushing instructions repository for playing to a user. As discussed above, brushing instructions may be stored in the brushing instructions repository  314  as one or more sets of discrete recordings, with each recording instructing the user to take a specific action. The set of recordings includes all instructions for complete care of the oral cavity. The brushing instructions selection module  318  may be configured to select a set from among a plurality of sets or to select specific recordings, whether or not associated with a set. In some embodiments, the brushing instructions selection module  318  may select recordings based on a predetermined order, e.g., such that the user is always instructed to first brush the top left section of her mouth, then the top right, and so forth. Alternatively, the brushing instructions selection module  318  may randomize the order of the instructions. For example, the user may be instructed at one brushing to follow a first pattern around the oral cavity and a second pattern at a next brushing. In one example, five brushing instructions may be stored, each associated with a different section of the oral cavity, and the brushing instruction selection module may, for a brushing sequence, select a first of the five instructions at random, then a second at random from among the four not-yet played during the sequence, and so forth. 
         [0068]    The praise recording selection module  320  may select a praise recording from the praise recordings repository  316  for playing through the speaker  312 . The praise recording selection module may select a praise recording based on a predetermined sequence of praise recordings, at random, or according to some other methodology. 
         [0069]    The audio output module  322  may cooperate with the brushing instruction selection module  318 , the praise recording selection module, the power source  308 , and/or the speaker  312 , to play the brushing instructions and/or the praise recordings via the speaker  312 . 
         [0070]    The motor drive module  324  may control functioning of the motor  310 . For example, the motor drive module may instruct rotation of the motor after a user presses a switch on the toothbrush  300 , e.g., to power on the toothbrush  300 . In some embodiments, when the user turns on the toothbrush  300 , e.g., by pushing a mechanical switch, a circuit is closed that supplies power automatically to the motor  310 . The motor drive module  324  operates with this circuit to control the motor, even when the circuit is closed by the switch. The motor drive module may control the speed of the motor, for example. 
         [0071]    The power source  308  may be any conventional power source that powers components of the toothbrush. Without limitation, the power source  308  may include batteries, including replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The power source  308  may be the power source  208 , for example. 
         [0072]    The motor  310  may be any conventional actuator used in oral care or other electro-mechanical devices. The speakers may be any conventional speaker  312 . Moreover, the speaker  312  may be disposed in the toothbrush  300  as the speaker  208  described above, or in any other manner. 
         [0073]    Components of the toothbrush  300  preferably are connected via electrical connections generally designated by numeral  326 . The electrical connections  326  may include a bus, electrical leads, or any other wired or wireless transmission device that may provide operable communication between components of the toothbrush  300 . In some implementations, the electrical connections  326  may be embodied as conductive tracks, vias, and the like, on a printed circuit board. 
         [0074]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a process  400  of controlling a toothbrush according to embodiments of this disclosure. The process  400  may be implemented using the toothbrush  100  or the toothbrush  300  or some other oral care device altogether. The operations of the example process  400  are illustrated in individual blocks and summarized with reference to those blocks. The process is illustrated as logical flows of blocks, each block of which can represent one or more operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be executed in any order, combined in any order, subdivided into multiple sub-operations, and/or executed in parallel to implement the described processes. 
         [0075]    At  402 , the process  400  includes receiving a user input to commence a brushing sequence. The user input may include user operation of a switch, such as a mechanical toggle or push button switch. In some implementations, a circuit may be provided to power a motor of the toothbrush, and actuation of a switch by the user closes that circuit, thereby supplying power to the motor. The user may be required to actuate the switch again, to open the circuit, and turn off the toothbrush at the conclusion of the brushing sequence. The switch may be disposed on the body of the toothbrush, for example. In other embodiments, the user input may be by other than a switch. For example, the user input may be removal of the toothbrush from a docking station. 
         [0076]    At  404 , the process  400  plays a brushing instruction. For example, the brushing instruction may be one of a plurality of brushing instructions stored in memory, e.g., in the brushing instructions repository  314  and may be played by the speaker  312  via the audio output module  322 . In some embodiments, the process  404  may also include selecting the brushing instruction from a plurality of brushing instructions. Algorithms and methods for selecting the brushing instruction may be carried out by the brushing instruction selection module  318 , described above. The brushing instruction may be chosen at random, or according to a predetermined order. 
         [0077]    At  406 , the process  400  commences brushing for a pre-determined time. For example, the process  400  may instruct the motor drive module  324  to drive the motor to actuate the tooth cleaning elements for the predetermined time. As noted above, a user may commence a brushing sequence by closing a circuit that supplies power to the motor. However, it may be desirable to delay actuation of the toothbrush. For example, delaying actuation of the toothbrush may allow a user time to prepare to follow the instruction played at  404 . By way of non-limiting example, the instruction played at  404  may be to “brush the top teeth in the back right of your mouth.” A delay may allow the user to hear the instructions, comprehend the instructions, and place the toothbrush in the proper location and orientation before the bristles are actuated. In conventional powered toothbrushes, turning the power on immediately starts the actuation, which may lead to loss of toothpaste as the user places the actuating toothbrush in her mouth. 
         [0078]    At  408 , the process  400  pauses brushing. For example, the motor may be controlled again to stop actuation of the tooth cleaning elements. As noted with respect to  406 , the brushing is for a predetermined time and the pausing at  408  is after that predetermined time. The predetermined time may be a set time, or it may be dependent upon the instruction played at  404 . For example, if the user is instructed at  404  to brush all of her top teeth, the predetermined time may be longer than if she is instructed to brush only her two front teeth. Similarly, the time provided to brush one&#39;s tongue may be less than a time to brush several teeth. 
         [0079]    At  410 , a praise recording is played, e.g., to congratulate or encourage reaching the end of the predetermined time. For example, the praise recording may be played through the speaker, via the audio output module  322 . The praise recording may be selected, e.g., using the praise recording selection module  320 , from a memory storing praise recordings, e.g., the praise recordings repository  316 . The praise recording may be randomly selected, e.g., such that the user has a unique experience each time he brushes his teeth. 
         [0080]      404 ,  406 ,  408 , and  410  may be repeated one or more times. With each iteration, the brushing instruction played at  404  will vary. The praise recording played at  410  also may vary for each iteration. In one example, the user may be instructed at a first iteration of  404  to brush the teeth in the bottom right section of her mouth, at a second iteration the bottom left, at a third iteration the top left, at a fourth iteration the top right, and at a fifth iteration her tongue. More or fewer iterations may be used, for example, depending upon the brushing instructions. In preferred embodiments, sufficient iterations are performed that the entire oral cavity is cleaned. 
         [0081]    At  412 , after one or more iterations of  404 ,  406 ,  408 , and  410 , the process  400  may play an end recording. The end recording may be played through the speaker, via the audio output module. The end recording may include a praise phrase. In some embodiments, the end recording may remind a user to perform additional oral hygiene-related tasks, e.g., “don&#39;t forget to rinse,” or the like. The end recording also may instruct the user to turn off the toothbrush. As described above, in some instances power may continue to be provided to the motor until a switch is actuated to open a power circuit. The end recording may remind the user to actuate the switch, to stop this flow of power. 
         [0082]    At  414 , the process  400  receives a user input to end the brushing sequence. As described above, the user input may be activation of a switch. In other implementations, the user input may include the user placing the toothbrush on a docking station or the like. In still other embodiments, process step  414  may not be necessary, as the toothbrush may automatically end the sequence, e.g., by powering down. In implementations in which a switch must be actuated to power off the toothbrush, process step  412  may be repeated until the user input to end the brushing sequence is received at  414 . 
         [0083]    The toothbrush  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2  and the toothbrush  300  may be manufactured as a number of pieces and then assembled. As noted above, the base may be separable from the body  102 . In addition, a chassis or other mounting structure may carry or support several features of the toothbrush, including but not limited to the motor  206 , the controller  236 , switches operable via the user interface  120 , the speaker  208 , and/or the audio chamber  212 . For example, the support  210  may be part of a larger chassis that is pre-assembled for subsequent placement in the toothbrush  100  cavity. Forming the electronic and control elements as a separate assembly may allow for easier manufacturing, assembly, and/or testing. 
         [0084]    Modifications to the toothbrush  100  also are anticipated, and the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments in the Figures. For example, although the speaker is illustrated as being fixed in the body  102 , such is not required. The speaker may be mounted on the base  104 . As required, electrical contacts or the like may be provided to promote electrical connection of the speaker to the controller. 
         [0085]    In other implementations, the base  114  may include fewer components. For example, the base may include only one, or neither, of the battery compartment or the proximal portion of the  226  of the audio chamber. In some embodiments, the base  114  may only include the end  220 . Removal of the base  114  may allow a user to insert batteries into the handle  106 , for example. Moreover, the entirety of the audio chamber may be fixed in the body  102 . 
         [0086]    In other implementations, one or more sensing devices, including but not limited to position or movement sensors, e.g., accelerometers, moisture sensors, or the like, may be provided on the toothbrush. By way of non-limiting example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,091, issued Sep. 25, 2012, for an “electric toothbrush and method for controlling thereof,” and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes methods for detecting orientation of bristles on a toothbrush. In some implementation, the position or movement sensors may be able to provide feedback about whether the tooth brushing instructions are being followed appropriately. In some instances, a feedback loop may be used to send information from the sensing devices to the controller, for example, to provide real-time correction to the user. Instructions may be replayed, such that the user will be prompted to brush an area of the oral cavity again, for example. In some implementations, the position or moisture sensor may be used, e.g., in place of or in connection with, a manual switch, to commence the brushing sequence, e.g., by detecting that the toothbrush is in the oral cavity and ready for use. 
         [0087]    Although example embodiments have been described in language specific to the structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the example embodiments.