Patent · US Expired

Light emitting electric toothbrush

US6202242A · kind A · utility

259Cited by
12References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 4, 1999
Grant dateMar 20, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 4, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29L2031/425
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A light emitting electric toothbrush and method therefore is disclosed which is intended for use by children, is comprised of a robust high-strength, plastic construction, and employs both light and vibration to assist in the development of suitable dental hygiene skills. In its most fundamental embodiment, the light emitting electric toothbrush comprises a construction including a handle having a bottom end and a top end and a toothbrush shaft mounted to the top end of the handle. The brush shaft is comprised of a plastic resin including a fluorescent colored light refractive additive for optimizing light transmission through the brush shaft. A high intensity light source is mounted within the top end of the handle for generating light and a domed-shaped optical lens is positioned over the high intensity light source for directing the generated light into the brush shaft. Finally, a switched electrical source is included for energizing the light source and the generated light therefrom creates a glowing illumination in the brush shaft for illuminating a dental cavity of a person during brushing of the teeth. In a preferred embodiment, the toothbrush also includes a vibrating motor…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.