Electric toothbrush

US6564940B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Lawrence A. Blaustein · Moreland Hills, US
• John R. Nottingham · Bratenahl, US
• John Osher · Moreland Hills, US
• John W. Spirk · Moreland Hills, US
• Douglas A. Gall · Strongsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 2001
• Grant date: May 20, 2003
• Expiry date: May 21, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/425
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electric toothbrush includes a head having a moving portion, a handle, and shaft between the head and the handle. A body portion is hollow and further includes a motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A first switch, operatively connected to the motor provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. Optionally, a second switch provides for continuous operation of the toothbrush. The first switch can be operated while the toothbrush is in a toothbrush package, such as, for example, a plastic blister pack. A consumer can momentarily observe the operation of the toothbrush before purchasing the toothbrush. The consumer cannot operate the second switch and is thereby prevented from leaving the toothbrush in a battery draining operational mode for extended periods of time.