TOOTHBRUSH

Abstract

 A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body; a cleaning element that projects from the toothbrush body; a light emitter and/or a loudspeaker; and a power source configured to supply power to the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker. The toothbrush body comprises a touch switch configured to actuate the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker. The touch switch is immovable relative to the toothbrush body.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The disclosure relates to a toothbrush, particularly to a touch-control toothbrush triggered by touch to emit flashing light and/or sound.

Background

[0002] It is known to provide a toothbrush having one or more features intended to encourage a user to brush their teeth for an appropriate period of time. Such features may include visual and/or audio features. For example, a toothbrush may comprise an electric circuit including a light that is configured, when actuated, to emit light for a period of time equivalent to a recommended period for brushing teeth. The light emitted may also assist the user in viewing the teeth. Alternatively, a toothbrush may comprise an electric circuit including a light that is configured, when actuated, to turn on only once the recommended period has elapsed. In a further example, a toothbrush may comprise an electric circuit including a speaker that is configured, when actuated, to play music for a period of time equivalent to an appropriate period for brushing teeth. Alternatively, a toothbrush may comprise an electric circuit including a speaker that is configured, when actuated, to emit an appropriate sound only once the appropriate period for brushing teeth has elapsed. In these ways, the user of the toothbrush is encouraged to brush their teeth for the appropriate period.

[0003] It is known to provide a toothbrush having one or more of the features described above with a sprung push-switch in the electric circuit by which a user may initiate the brushing period. The sprung push-switch may be accessible through an aperture in a rigid handle portion of the toothbrush. The aperture may be sealed by a flexible membrane to prevent ingress of water to internal components including the electrical circuit.

[0004] Having a flexible membrane to prevent ingress of water requires that a toothbrush body has a two-part manufacturing process, such as a two-part moulding process. A first moulding step may produce a rigid portion that provides structural support and includes the aperture through which the switch may be accessible. A second moulding step may produce a flexible portion that provides a fluid tight cover over the aperture.

[0005] A two-part moulding process is more costly than a one-part moulding process in terms of manufacturing cost and material cost. Furthermore, use of a two-part moulding may involve more scope for water ingress in the event that the first and second moulding steps are not aligned with sufficient precision.

[0006] There exists a need to provide an improved toothbrush which can encourage a user to brush their teeth for an appropriate period of time but is also simpler to manufacture.

Summary of the disclosure

[0007] Against this background there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body; a cleaning element that projects from the toothbrush body; a light emitter and/or a loudspeaker; and a power source configured to supply power to the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker;
wherein the toothbrush body comprises a touch switch configured to actuate the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker, and
wherein the touch switch is immovable relative to the toothbrush body.

[0008] Advantageously, this permits manufacture of the toothbrush using a single-part moulding process. This reduces cost of manufacture, reduces likelihood of ingress of water and reduces likelihood of dismantling the toothbrush to access internal components such as a battery. Further, there are no moving parts which results in increased ease of operation (for example for a child or an elderly user) since there is no force to be overcome. Also, no moving parts results in reduced wear.

[0009] The toothbrush may comprise control circuitry that is triggered by actuation of the switch to cause the light emitter and or the loudspeaker to produce an output for a first predetermined period of time.

[0010] In this way, the light emitter and/or a loudspeaker may be actuated for a period, such as an appropriate period for brushing teeth.

[0011] The toothbrush body may comprise a first electrode and the touch switch may be a capacitive switch that actuates in response to a change in capacitance of the first electrode.

[0012] The first electrode may comprise a first electrically conductive stud located on an external surface of the toothbrush body.

[0013] The touch switch comprises: a first electrode comprising a first electrically conductive stud; and a second electrode comprising a second electrically conductive stud, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive studs may be located on an external surface of the toothbrush body.

[0014] The toothbrush may be a resistive switch that actuates in response to a change in resistance between the first and second electrically conductive studs.

[0015] Advantageously, providing a capacitive or resistive switch means that the switch may be actuated by placing the contact point in contact with water or skin. This is advantageous for operation of the product by a young child or by a person who is visually impaired, since they do not need to find the location of the switch but can simply place it in a basin of water or somewhere on their skin to activate the toothbrush. Furthermore, the means of actuation may increase interest in the user brushing their teeth.

[0016] The light emitter may be configured to emit light in a flashing pattern.

[0017] The flashing pattern may be regular.

[0018] The light emitter may be capable of producing light in more than one colour and the control circuitry may be configured to control the light emitter to produce light of a first colour for a first portion of the first predetermined period of time, light of a second colour for a second portion of the first predetermined period of time and light of a third colour for a third portion of the first predetermined period of time.

[0019] Advantageously, this means that the user is provided with an indication as to how long they have spent brushing their teeth and what proportion of the recommended time period they have fulfilled.

[0020] The light of the first colour may be red light, the light of the second colour may be yellow light and the light of the third colour may be green light.

[0021] The control circuitry may be configured to actuate the loudspeaker for a second predetermined period of time.

[0022] The second predetermined period of time may be concurrent with the first predetermined period of time.

[0023] Alternatively, the second predetermined period of time may follow the first predetermined period of time.

[0024] Advantageously, this enables the provision of an audible indication that the user has brushed their teeth for a sufficient period of time. This may be particularly advantageous to a visually impaired user.

[0025] At least a portion of the toothbrush body may be transparent or translucent.

[0026] At least a portion of the toothbrush may be translucent and may comprise a random copolymer.

Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a toothbrush of a first embodiment, viewed from a first side;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of the first embodiment;

Figure 3 shows the toothbrush of the first embodiment, viewed from a second side;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush of a second embodiment;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a circuit exemplifying the switch of a toothbrush in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a circuit exemplifying an alternative switch of a toothbrush in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a touch-control flashing toothbrush according to a third embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 8 is an exploded view schematically showing the touch-control flashing toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 9 is a sectional view schematically showing the touch-control flashing toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a cap of the touch-control flashing toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a touch-control flashing toothbrush according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure; and

Figure 12 is a sectional view schematically showing the touch-control flashing toothbrush according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed description

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a toothbrush 100 in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the invention viewed from a first side. The toothbrush 100 comprises a body 110 having a handle 115 intended to be gripped by a user, a head 120 from which brush elements 124 project, and a neck 122 between the handle 115 and the head 120.

[0029] The toothbrush also comprises a light emitter 130 positioned within the body 110 along a central axis of the toothbrush 100 towards the end of the handle proximal to the brush head 120. The body 110 has an external surface that is waterproof so as to prevent the ingress of water to components contained within the body 110. The body 110 comprises a translucent or transparent thermoset or thermoplastic to ensure that the light emitted by the light emitter 130 is visible to the user. The toothbrush body 110 may be formed in whole or in part from a copolymer, such as a random copolymer polypropylene or a copolymer polyester, that may be transparent. Optionally, the toothbrush body 110 may further comprise a thermoplastic elastomer at an exterior of the handle to assist a user in gripping the handle 115. The combination of copolymer (e.g. random copolymer polypropylene) and thermoplastic elastomer grip may contribute to an appropriate combination of properties including mechanical resistance, ergonomic grip and translucency to allow transmission of light. The handle 115 is of a cross-sectional shape intended to be comfortable for gripping by the user. The toothbrush comprises a suction cup 126 formed as part of or appended to the body 110 of the toothbrush at an end distal from the brush elements 124. The suction cup 126 is configured so that a concave surface of the cup faces away from the head 120. The suction cup 126 may be formed from the same or a different thermoplastic elastomer material as the grip.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush 100 in accordance with the first specific embodiment of the invention. Internally, the toothbrush 100 comprises an electrical circuit that comprises the light emitter 130, a power source 140 and control circuitry 160. The control circuitry 160 is actuated by operation of the switch 150 to cause the light emitter 130 to emit light in accordance with a certain timing schedule and/or pattern.

[0031] The switch 150 is a resistive switch that comprises first and second electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b located on an external surface of the toothbrush 100. As shown in Figure 2, the electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b may be positioned at an end of the toothbrush body 110 that is distal from the brush elements 124 within the centre of the suction cup 126, as visible in Figure 3.

[0032] By locating the electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b within the concave suction cup 126, this may assist in preventing accidental actuation of the switch.

[0033] The two electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b may be formed of an electrically conductive material. On bridging the two electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b with an electrically conductive material, such as skin or water, a change in resistance between the two electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b occurs and the circuit between the power supply 140, control circuitry 160 and the light emitter 130 is completed. This is described in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, actuation of the switch 150 causes the control circuitry 160 to switch on the light emitter 130 for a predetermined period.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a toothbrush 100 in accordance with a second specific embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of Figure 4 is similar to that of Figure 3 and additionally includes a loudspeaker 170. The loudspeaker 170 is positioned within the body 110 along the central axis of the toothbrush 100 and is configured to provide audio indications to the user regarding the duration of time spent brushing their teeth. The control circuitry 160 is configured to control both the light emitter 130 and the loudspeaker 170. The control circuitry 160 (not visible in Figure 4) may be configured to control the light emitter 130 and the loudspeaker 170 to operate concurrently or at different times. For example, the controller circuitry may control the light emitter 130 to emit light for a first predetermined period and may subsequently control the loudspeaker 170 to emit audible signals for a second predetermined period once the first predetermined period has elapsed. Alternatively, there may be some overlap between the first and second predetermined periods.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a circuit 200 that supports the switching functionality of the switch 150 illustrated in Figure 1. The switch 150 comprises a resistive switch having first and second electrically conductive studs 150a and 150b and transistor 150d having base (B), collector (C) and emitter (E). For clarity, the control circuitry 160 (that provides the timing controls) is not shown in Figure 5. Also for clarity, resistors are not shown in Figure 5 though may be required, as would be understood by the skilled person. In use, on bridging the electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b, for example, with a finger, the change in resistance across the electrically conductive studs 150a, 150b causes current to flow from the power supply 140 through electrically conductive studs 150a and 150b into the base of the transistor (B). Once current flows into the base of the transistor (B), the transistor turns on allowing current to flow from the collector (C) to the emitter (E) thereby completing the circuit between the light emitter 130 and the power supply 140. On completion of the circuit between the light emitter 130 and the power supply 140, the light emitter 130 is actuated.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a circuit 200' that supports the switching functionality of a switch 150' that operates differently from the switch 150 of Figure 5 and that requires only a single electrically conductive stud 150a'. The circuit 200' comprises the switch 150', the power supply 140 and the light emitter 130. The power supply 140 comprises a battery. The light emitter 130 comprises an LED. The switch 150' comprises a capacitive switch. The switch 150' includes an electrically conductive stud 150a', which is formed of a conductive material, a transistor 150d', which comprises a base (B'), collector (C') and emitter (E'), a resistor 150e', an RC oscillator 150f', a capacitor 150g' and a frequency comparator 150h'. Again, similarly to Figure 5, for clarity, control circuitry 160 (that provides the timing controls) has been omitted from Figure 6.

[0038] In use, the resistor 150e' and the capacitor 150g' determine the frequency at which the RC oscillator 150f' oscillates. On contacting the electrically conductive stud 150a', for example with a finger, the capacitance detected by the RC oscillator 150f' is altered and therefore the frequency of oscillation of the RC oscillator 150f' is also altered. The change in frequency oscillation is detected by the frequency comparator 150h' and, on detecting the change, outputs a current into the base (B) of the transistor. Once current flows into the base of the transistor (B') the transistor turns on allowing current to flow from the collector (C') to the emitter (E') thereby completing the circuit between the light emitter 130 and the power supply 140.

[0039] Whilst a number of embodiments have been described, it will be understood that these are for the purposes of illustration only and that the invention is not so limited. The skilled reader will envisage various modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0040] For example, other types of immovable switch 150 are contemplated by the present invention. For example, the switch could be a piezoelectric switch comprising a piezoelectric material that generates a voltage upon deformation. Alternatively, the switch could be a capacitance touch switch that operates with a capacitive voltage divider or an AC Hum touch switch.

[0041] It will also be immediately apparent to the skilled person that a variety of locations for the contact(s) on the body 110, regardless of the type of switch, fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the contact(s) may be of various shapes and configurations and may or may not be flush-mounted within the body.

[0042] The embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 show the light emitter 130 to be located within the body along the central axis of the toothbrush towards the end of the body 110 proximal to the brush head 120. As will be immediately apparent to the skilled person, however, other locations for the light emitter 130 fall within the scope of the appended claims. The light emitter 130 is also not limited to a certain type or number of light sources. For example, the light emitter 130 may comprise one or a plurality of LEDs. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the light emitter 130 comprises a red LED, a blue LED and a green LED. Actuation and brightness of each LED is controlled by the control circuitry 160 of the switch 150. On changing the brightness of each LED, the overall colour emitted by the light emitter 130 is alterable. The light emitter 130 may produce red light for a first period, orange light for a second period and green light for a third period. The effect produced may be reminiscent of traffic lights.

[0043] Although the loudspeaker 170 described in relation to Figure 4 provides an audio indication once a predetermined time period has elapsed, the loudspeaker 170 could instead produce announcement at various time intervals regarding how much of the desired time period for teeth brushing has been fulfilled. Alternatively, the loudspeaker 170 may play music for the predetermined time period. Furthermore, the location of the loudspeaker 170 within the toothbrush body is not restricted to that illustrated.

[0044] The nature, shape and material of the body of the toothbrush may also vary widely while still falling within the scope of the claims. A portion of the body is translucent or transparent so as to permit the emission of light from the light emitter contained within the body. The toothbrush body 110 may be fabricated from any appropriate material. Where the body is fabricated from random copolymer, it may be with or without the inclusion of nucleation. Nucleation, where used, may improve transparency and stiffness properties. For the purposes of this document, a random copolymer is a polymer comprising two or more different mer units attached in random order. An mer is a group of atoms that constitutes a polymer chain repeating unit.

[0045] The handle and brush head may be formed as a single unit by a single-part moulding process. Alternatively, the body and brush head may be removably connected.

Further aspects of the disclosure

[0046] An additional aspect of the disclosure includes a touch-control flashing toothbrush, which comprises a hollow brush handle and a control circuit board. The front end of the hollow brush handle has a brush head. Another end of the hollow brush handle, which is opposite the brush head, has a light-permeable handle member. The control circuit board is arranged inside the light-permeable handle member. The control circuit board includes a control circuit. The control circuit board further includes a light emitting element, two electric-conduction contacts, and a battery assembly, which are all electrically connected with the control circuit. The battery assembly supplies power to the control circuit, the light emitting element and the electric-conduction contacts. The electric-conduction contacts are exposed on the surface of the hollow brush handle. Once the two electric-conduction contacts are touched simultaneously, the voltage of the battery assembly is conducted to the control circuit. Then, the control circuit controls the light emitting element to emit light projecting to the exterior through the light-permeable handle member.

[0047] Further aspects of the disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses:

1. A touch-control flashing toothbrush comprising
a hollow brush handle whose front end has a brush head and whose another end, which is opposite said brush head, has a light-permeable handle member; and
a control circuit board arranged inside said hollow brush handle, including a control circuit, said control circuit electrically connected with a light emitting element, two electric-conduction contacts and a battery assembly, wherein said two electric-conduction contacts are exposed on a surface of said hollow brush handle, and wherein while said two electric-conduction contacts are touched simultaneously, said battery assembly transmits voltage to said control circuit, whereafter said control circuit controls said light emitting element to emit light projecting to exterior through said light-permeable handle member.

2. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said control circuit board further includes an audio element electrically connected with said control circuit, and wherein while said two electric-conduction contacts are touched simultaneously, said battery assembly is electrically connected with said control circuit and transmits voltage to said control circuit, whereafter said control circuit controls said audio element to provide music.

3. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said light emitting element is a light emitting diode.

4. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein a suction disc is disposed at a rear end of said hollow brush handle for attaching said touch-control flashing toothbrush onto a plane.

5. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein a suction disc is disposed at a lateral surface of said hollow brush handle for attaching said touch-control flashing toothbrush onto a plane.

6. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein a rear end of said hollow brush handle has an opening, and wherein a cap is installed in said opening.

7. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 6, wherein said cap has an inner thread and a positioning recess, and wherein said opening of said hollow brush handle has an outer thread, and wherein said outer thread has a positioning block, and wherein said cap is engaged with said hollow brush handle via screwing said outer thread into said inner thread until said positioning block is press-fit to said positioning recess.

8. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said hollow brush handle has a side opening, and wherein a cover is installed in said side opening.

9. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 8, wherein said cover has a press-fit member, and said side opening of said hollow brush handle has an assembly member, and wherein said cover is secured to said hollow brush handle through engagement of said press-fit member and said assembly member.

10. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 8, wherein said cover is joined with said hollow brush handle by ultrasonic welding.

11. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said battery assembly further includes a battery accommodation bay and at least one battery, and wherein said battery accommodation bay has a positive contact and a negative contact respectively at two ends thereof, and wherein said positive contact and said negative contact are respectively electrically connected with a positive electrode and a negative electrode of said battery to form a loop.

12. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said light-permeable brush handle has a plurality of light-permeable patterns.

13. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 12, wherein said light-permeable patterns are light-permeable patterned bumps, and wherein said hollow brush handle is sleeved by a brush handle protection shell having a plurality of patterned holes corresponding to said light-permeable patterned bumps, and wherein said light-permeable patterned bumps are exposed to said patterned holes.

14. The touch-control flashing toothbrush according to clause 1, wherein said two electric-conduction contacts are arranged at a rear end or a lateral surface of said hollow brush handle.

[0048] Fourth and fifth embodiments of the disclosure are now described in more detail.

[0049] Refer to Figures 7 to 9 for a third embodiment. The touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the third embodiment comprises a hollow brush handle 10 and a control circuit board 20. The front end of the hollow brush handle 10 has a brush head 12. Another end of the hollow brush handle 10, which is opposite the brush head 12, has a light-permeable handle member 14. The light-permeable handle member 14 has a plurality of light-permeable patterns 142. In one embodiment, the light-permeable patterns 142 are light-permeable patterned bumps. In one embodiment, the hollow brush handle 10 is sleeved by a brush handle protection shell 16 having a plurality of patterned holes 162 corresponding to the light-permeable patterned bumps; the light-permeable patterned bumps are exposed to the patterned holes 162, and the hollow brush handle 10 set on brush handle protection shell 16, that was made by injection-moulding. The control circuit board 20 is arranged inside the hollow brush handle 10. The control circuit board 20 includes a control circuit 22. The control circuit board 20 further includes a light emitting element 24, an audio element 26, two electric-conduction contacts 28, and a battery assembly 29, which are all electrically connected with the control circuit 22. The battery assembly 29 further includes a battery accommodation bay 292 and at least one battery 294. The battery accommodation bay 292 has a positive contact and a negative contact respectively at two ends thereof. The positive contact and the negative contact are respectively electrically connected with the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery 294 to form a loop, whereby the battery assembly 29 can supply power to the control circuit 22, the light emitting element 24, the audio element 26, and two electric-conduction contacts 28.

[0050] The two electric-conduction contacts 28 are exposed on the surface of the hollow brush handle 10 and located at the rear end or lateral surface of the hollow brush handle 10. In one embodiment, the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10 has an opening 19; a cap 30 is used to cover the opening 19 and seal the hollow brush handle 10; the two electric-conduction contacts 28 are disposed at the cap 30. While the two electric-conduction contacts 28 are touched simultaneously, the battery assembly 29 transmits voltage to the control circuit 22. Then, the control circuit 22 controls the light emitting element 24 to emit light and controls the audio element 26 to emit music. In one embodiment, the light emitting element is a light emitting diode. Thereby, the light emitting element 24 provides light projecting to the exterior through the light-permeable handle member 14, and the audio element 26 provides music. Thus, the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present invention simultaneously generates light and music to interest children. In one embodiment, the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10 or at a lateral surface of hollow brush handle has a suction disc 18, whereby the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present invention can be stuck onto a plane. In one embodiment, the suction disc 18 is disposed at the cap 30, which is at the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10. Therefore, the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present invention would not be laid on a plane horizontally but can be stuck onto the plane vertically by the suction disc 18. Thus, the brush head 12 would not be polluted by the dirt on the plane.

[0051] Refer to Figure 10 for the detailed structure of the cap 30 disposed at the opening 19 of the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10 as shown in Figures 7 to 9. The cap 30 includes an inner thread 32 and a positioning recess 34. The opening 19 of the hollow brush handle 10 has an outer thread 192, and the outer thread 192 has a positioning block 194. The cap 30 is engaged with the hollow brush handle 10 via screwing the outer thread 192 of the opening 19 into the inner thread 32 of the cap 30 until the positioning block 194 is press-fit into the positioning recess 34. After the description of the overall structural design of the present invention, refer to Figure 8 again for how the electric-conduction contacts 28 trigger the light emitting element 24 and the audio element 26. The electric-conduction contacts 28 are made of a conductive metallic material. While the two electric-conduction contacts 28 are touched by a human body or water simultaneously, the battery 294 and a control chip 222 of the control circuit 22 are electrically connected. Then, the control chip 222 controls the light emitting element 24 and the audio element 26 to operate. Thus, light and music is emitted out through the light-permeable handle member 14 of the hollow brush handle 10. Thereby, music and lighting patterns/flashing patterns are generated to attract the attention of children. In the present invention, the light-emitting element 24 may emit light in various modes. For example, the light-emitting element 24 emits light continuously for N seconds, or emits light intermittently (flashes). The lighting modes of the light-emitting element 24 can be programmed in the control circuit 22 according to the requirements of users. The present invention does not particularly limit the lighting modes of the light-emitting element 24.

[0052] A fourth embodiment of the disclosure is shown in Figures 11 and 12. In addition to the opening 19 formed at the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10, the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present invention further comprises a side opening 15 on the lateral surface of the hollow brush handle 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, a cover 40 covers the side opening 15. The cover 40 has a press-fit member 42, and the side opening 15 of the hollow brush handle 10 has an assembly member 152. Through the engagement of the press-fit member 42 and the assembly member 152, the cover 40 is secured to the hollow brush handle 10. Alternatively, the cover 40 may be joined with the hollow brush handle 10 by ultrasonic welding. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, the light-permeable patterns 142 are formed on the cover 40. Different from the third embodiment where the two electric-conduction contacts 28 and the suction disc 18 are disposed at the cap 30, the fourth embodiment disposes the two electric-conduction contacts 28 and the suction disc 18 at the rear end of the hollow brush handle 10. While the two electric-conduction contacts 28 are touched simultaneously, the light emitting element 24 and the audio element 26 respectively provide light and music at the same time. Thereby, music and lighting patterns/flashing patterns are generated to attract the attention of children to the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present invention. The structure of the fourth embodiment is basically similar to that of the third embodiment except the installation of the cover 40 and the positions of the electric-conduction contacts 28, the suction disc 18 and the light-permeable patterns 142. Therefore, it will not repeat herein.

[0053] In conclusion, the present disclosure uses touch to trigger a flashing toothbrush to emit light and music, whereby lighting variation and music will interest children and encourage them to brush teeth daily and keep oral health persistently. Further, the touch-control flashing toothbrush 1 of the present disclosure is free of any press button and exempted from the conventional problem that repeated operations cause the press button to malfunction. Therefore, the present invention can decrease the maintenance cost of the flashing toothbrush and promote the durability of the flashing toothbrush.

[0054] The embodiments described above are only to exemplify the present disclosure but not to limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modification or variation according to the characteristic or spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body; a cleaning element that projects from the toothbrush body; a light emitter and/or a loudspeaker; and a power source configured to supply power to the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker;
wherein the toothbrush body comprises a touch switch configured to actuate the light emitter and/or the loudspeaker, and
wherein the touch switch is immovable relative to the toothbrush body.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the toothbrush further comprises control circuitry that is triggered by actuation of the switch to cause the light emitter and or the loudspeaker to produce an output for a first predetermined period of time.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the toothbrush body comprises a first electrode and wherein the touch switch is a capacitive switch that actuates in response to a change in capacitance of the first electrode.

4. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein the first electrode comprises a first electrically conductive stud located on an external surface of the toothbrush body.

5. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the touch switch comprises: a first electrode comprising a first electrically conductive stud; and a second electrode comprising a second electrically conductive stud, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive studs is located on an external surface of the toothbrush body.

6. The toothbrush of claim 5 wherein the touch switch is a resistive switch that actuates in response to a change in resistance between the first and second electrically conductive studs.

7. The toothbrush of any preceding claim wherein the light emitter is configured to emit light in a flashing pattern.

8. The toothbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the light emitter is capable of producing light in more than one colour and wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the light emitter to produce light of a first colour for a first portion of the first predetermined period of time, light of a second colour for a second portion of the first predetermined period of time and light of a third colour for a third portion of the first predetermined period of time.

9. The toothbrush of claim 8 wherein the light of the first colour is red light, the light of the second colour is orange light and the light of the third colour is green light.

10. The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein the control circuitry is configured to actuate the loudspeaker for a second predetermined period of time.

11. The toothbrush of claim 10 wherein the second predetermined period of time is concurrent with the first predetermined period of time.

12. The toothbrush of claim 10 wherein the second predetermined period of time follows the first predetermined period of time.

13. The toothbrush of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the toothbrush body is transparent or translucent.

14. The toothbrush of any of claims 1 to 12 wherein at least a portion of the toothbrush is translucent and comprises a random copolymer.

15. A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body; a cleaning element that projects from the toothbrush body; a primary transducer; control circuitry including a timer; a power source arranged to provide power to the control circuitry; and a switch;
wherein the control circuitry is configured:

(i) to respond to actuation of the switch by:

(a) generating a first output; and

(b) causing the timer to initiate a first predetermined period of time; and, at the conclusion of the first predetermined period of time:

(ii) to generate a second output;

wherein the first and second outputs of the control circuitry are configured to control behaviour of the primary transducer;
wherein the primary transducer is either a light emitter or a loudspeaker; and
wherein the switch is a touch switch that is immovable relative to the toothbrush body.

Drawing