System for operating modes for an electric toothbrush
US9648945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C2203/00
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period. In another embodiment, a toothbrush (120) includes a capability of adjusting the performance/operating characteristics in accordance with the age of a child user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.