Patent Application
20080060154
Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
With reference to the drawings, the disclosure relates to a toothbrush 10 which includes one or more illumination sources 12 configured to direct illuminating light to locations adjacent the bristles 14 of the toothbrush to illuminate the sites being brushed. An associated electrical circuit 16 operated by a switch 18 enables a user to selectively activate the illumination sources 12.
The toothbrush 10 includes a one-piece body of molded plastic construction and may be constructed by molding a handle portion 20 thereof around the circuit 16, leaving the switch 18 exposed, and a head portion 22 thereof around bases of the bristles 14 and the illumination sources 12 and associated circuit components, leaving the illumination sources partially exposed to emit light in the direction of the bristles 14. The bristles 14 are made of nylon or other conventional toothbrush bristle material.
The illumination sources 12 are preferably light emitting diodes capable of producing white (visible) light.
With reference to
The circuit 16 may include a microprocessor controller 24 that enables use of the switch 18. The controller 24 activates the illumination sources 12 when the switch 18 is pressed and automatically shuts off the illumination sources 12 after a predetermined time to conserve battery power and to indicate when the desired brushing interval has elapsed. Positive and negative battery terminals 26 and 28 are provided for connection of one or more small batteries also located within the handle 20. In a preferred embodiment of the circuit 16. the resistor R1 has a value of 50 KΩ, and the resistor R2 has a value of 50Ω.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
