Toothbrush with variable touch selection system and method of operation thereof
US10226314B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/349
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An oral cavity apparatus includes a body portion having first and second ends and a grip portion situated between the first and second ends; an oral cleaning tool coupled to the first end and including a toothbrush head having a first and second groups of bristles of different firmness. The second group of bristles has an adjustable extension. An actuator is coupled to the second group of bristle and is configured to control an extension of the second group of bristles relative to the first group of bristles. At least one touch-sensitive (TS) sensor is mounted upon the body portion and outputs a sensor value indicative of a force applied thereto. In addition, a controller may be configured to compare the sensor value with a threshold value and actuate the actuator to extend the second group of bristles relative to the first group of bristles based upon the results of the determination.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.