Force sensing oral care instrument

US8769758B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Gillette Company LLC · US

Inventors

• Uwe Jungnickel · Königstein, DE
• Soeren Wasow · Langenselbold, DE
• Bert Schrempel · Hanau, DE
• Niclas Altmann · Oberstdorf, DE
• René Guebler · Friedberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 8, 2014
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A46B2200/1066
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An insert for an oral hygiene handle having a cavity is described. The insert has a load member capable of pivoting with respect to the housing and an output source disposed in electromagnetic communication with the load member, a power source in electrical communication with the output source having first and second contact areas, and an indication element forming an outer facing surface. When the load member pivots a predetermined amount, a first contact arm makes contact with a first contact area and/or a second contact arm makes contact with the second contact area thereby causing the power source to deliver power to the output source, wherein the output source provides electromagnetic energy to the load member, wherein the load member transmits the electromagnetic energy from the output source to the indication element, and wherein load member, the indication element, and the engagement section are integral with one another.