• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    oral care instrument and method of manufacturing an oral care instrument a method of manufacturing an oral care instrument, comprising: (a) providing a head and a first part of a cable connected to the head, the first part having a first surface; (b) providing the head with at least one cleaning element; and (c) attaching a second part of the cable with the first part of the cable, this second part has a second surface and houses an assembly comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state. of the timer, such that the first portion is connected to the head at a distal end of the cable, the second portion defines a proximal end of the cable, and the first and second surfaces together define an outer surface of the cable.
    公开号:BR112015014731B1
    申请号:R112015014731-3
    申请日:2013-03-18
    公开日:2021-08-10
    发明作者:Brian Bloch；Lars Ralf Rainer Lieberwirth
    申请人:Colgate-Palmolive Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION
    [001] Oral care instruments, especially toothbrushes, are used by many people on a daily basis. Typical oral care instruments comprise an elongated handle and a head attached to one end of the handle. The handle provides a structure through which a user grasps and manipulates the oral care instrument during use. The head typically comprises one or more elements designed to perform its intended function, such as tooth cleaning elements, soft tissue cleaning elements, and/or oral care agents.
    [002] The effectiveness of an oral care instrument in cleaning teeth, soft tissue surfaces, or performing its other intended function(s) typically depends on the duration for which it is used during an oral care session. A user of an oral care instrument may not record how long they have been using the oral care instrument during an oral care session, or they may not know an advisable, recommended, or appropriate duration for what the oral care instrument should be. used during an oral care session in order to achieve a desired effect or result.
    [003] Over the years, efforts have been made to provide oral care instruments with systems to indicate to a user how long he has been using the instrument during an oral care session or how long he should continue to use the instrument during an oral care session. These efforts include the development of a toothbrush having a clear handle with an inner chamber that houses a lighting member, the lighting of which is controlled by a timing circuit. A flexible grip houses the timing circuit, a switch to activate the timing circuit, and a power source for the timing circuit and lighting member is connected to one end of the cable.
    [004] Despite these efforts, there is still a need for an oral care instrument having a system to indicate lapse of time to a user, this system allows for a portion of the instrument handle that is intended to be gripped to be more compact and/ or economically better designed to be grabbed. A need also still exists for an oral care instrument having a more robust system for indicating elapsed time to a user. There is a further need for an oral care instrument having a system to indicate elapsed time to a user, this instrument is more easily manufactured or assembled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an oral care instrument, comprising: (a) providing a head, and a first part of a handle connected to the head, the first part having a first surface; (b) providing the head with at least one cleaning element; and (c) attaching a second part of the cable with the first part of the cable, the second part having a second surface and housing an assembly comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer such that the first part is connected to the head at a distal end of the cable, the second part defines a proximal end of the cable, and the first and second surfaces together define an outer surface of the cable.
    [006] Optionally, step (b) precedes step (c). Alternatively, step (c) precedes step (b), or steps (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously.
    [007] Preferably, the method comprises, before step (c), a step of inserting at least a part of the assembly into a cavity of the second part of the cable.
    [008] The assembly may comprise a printed circuit board on which the timer and user notification device are mounted. The step of inserting may comprise inserting the printed circuit board into the cavity of the second part of the cable so that the printed circuit board lies in a plane that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument.
    [009] Optionally, the assembly and the cavity of the second part are molded to prevent rotation of the assembly in relation to the second part about a longitudinal axis of the instrument.
    [0010] Optionally, the assembly comprises one or more elements that prevent movement of the assembly relative to the second part in a direction with a component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The method may comprise, after the step of locating the assembly in the cavity and before step (c), a step of providing one or more elements for the assembly. The step of providing the one or more elements may comprise soldering or adhering the one or more elements to a portion of the assembly.
    [0011] Preferably, step (c) comprises bringing one or more electrically conductive contacts of the assembly into surface contact with one or more respective electrically conductive contacts comprised in the first part.
    [0012] As used herein, the term "surface contact" means that the two or more contact elements are not adhered or otherwise fixed to each other, but rather are merely touching each other.
    [0013] The method may comprise providing a power source and a motor that can be connected to the power source. Optionally, the method comprises arranging at least one of the power sources and the motor in the first part. The method may comprise arranging the power source between the motor and the assembly. The method may comprise electrically connecting the motor and assembly to the power source. The method may comprise electrically connecting the motor and assembly in parallel with the power source. The power source can consist of one, two or a plurality of batteries or cells.
    [0014] Preferably, step (c) comprises bringing an electrically conductive contact of the assembly into surface contact with a power source disposed in a chamber of the first part.
    [0015] Step (c) may comprise attaching the second part to the first part by one or more of the following: adhering, welding, and engaging respective mechanical elements of the first and second parts.
    [0016] Step (e) may comprise detachable coupling of the second part to the first part. Optionally, step (c) comprises providing a seal or gasket at an interface between the first and second parts.
    [0017] Preferably, the second part is transparent or translucent. Optionally, the first part is opaque.
    [0018] Optionally, the oral care instrument comprises a toothbrush.
    [0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides an oral care instrument, comprising: a head carrying at least one cleaning element, and a handle having a distal end, a proximal end, a first part and a second part attached to the first part, wherein a first surface of the first part and a second surface of the second part together define an outer surface of the cable, wherein the first part is connected to the head at a distal end of the cable and the second part defines the proximal end. of the cable; and wherein the second part houses a set comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer.
    [0020] Optionally, the assembly comprises a printed circuit board on which the timer and user notification device are mounted. Optionally, the printed circuit board lies in a plane that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument.
    [0021] Preferably, at least part of the assembly is located in a cavity of the second part. Still preferably, the assembly and the cavity of the second part are molded to prevent rotation of the assembly relative to the second part about a longitudinal axis of the instrument. At least a part of the assembly may be located in a cavity of the second part, and the assembly may comprise one or more elements disposed with respect to the cavity to prevent movement of the assembly relative to the second part in a direction with a component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument.
    [0022] Preferably, the set comprises one or more electrically conductive contacts in contact with the surface with one or more respective electrically conductive contacts comprised in the first part.
    [0023] Optionally, the instrument includes a power source and motor that is connectable to the power source. At least one of the power sources and the motor can be arranged in the first part. The power source can be arranged between the motor and the assembly. Motor and assembly can be electrically connected to the power source. Motor and assembly can be electrically connected in parallel to the power source. The power source can consist of one, two or a plurality of batteries or cells.
    [0024] Optionally, the assembly comprises an electrically conductive contact in surface contact with a power source disposed in a chamber of the first part.
    [0025] The second part can be connected to the first part by one or more of: an adhesive, a welded joint, and respective mechanical elements engaged in the first and second parts.
    [0026] The second part can be detachably coupled to the first part. A seal or gasket can be provided at an interface between the first and second parts.
    [0027] Preferably, the second part is transparent or translucent. Optionally, the second part is made from styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN). Optionally, the first part is opaque.
    [0028] Optionally, the assembly comprises a controller, such as a microcontroller. The controller may have an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, make the apparatus to control the time.
    [0029] The timer can be configured such that a state of the timer changes over time, and the user notification device can be configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in a first state and issue a second default notification when the timer is in a second state. Preferably, the second predetermined notification is of a different form to the first predetermined notification. The second preset notification can have a default, different duration or frequency to the first preset notification.
    [0030] Preferably, the user notification device comprises a device configured to issue a notification, or notifications, by emitting visible light. The device may comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED).
    [0031] Optionally, the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification in dependence on a state of the power source.
    [0032] Preferably, a majority of the outer surface of the cable is defined by the first surface of the first part. The second part may comprise a lid connected to the first part.
    [0033] Optionally, the oral care instrument comprises a toothbrush.
    [0034] A third aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for an oral care instrument, the kit of parts comprising: a head carrying at least one cleaning element; a first part of a cable, this first part is connected to the head and has a first surface; and a second part of the cable, this second part having a second surface and housing an assembly comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer; wherein the second part is connectable to the first part such that the first part is connected to the head at a distal end of the cable, the second part defines a proximal end of the cable, and the first and second surfaces together define an outer surface. of the cable.
    [0035] The second part may be detachably attachable to the first part.
    [0036] The kit components may have any of the above-described optional features of the oral care instrument of the second aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral care instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention;
    [0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board of the oral care instrument of Figure 1 during instrument fabrication;
    [0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second part of a handle of the oral care instrument of Figure 1 during instrument fabrication;
    [0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the printed circuit board of Figure 2 inserted into the second part of the cable of Figure 3 during fabrication of the instrument of Figure 1;
    [0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pair of electrically conductive contacts for attachment to the printed circuit board;
    [0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the components shown in Figure 4 with the pair of electrically conductive contacts of Figure 5 attached to the printed circuit board;
    [0043] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first component of a first material, this first component forms a head and a first portion of the first part of the handle of the oral care instrument of Figure 1 during instrument manufacture;
    [0044] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the components shown in Figure 7 after overmolding a second component of a second material to the first component;
    [0045] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plate carrying cleaning elements; and
    [0046] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the components shown in Figure 8 with the plate of Figure 9 attached to the head of the first component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES
    [0047] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or uses. The description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, a reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for the convenience of description, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "bottom", "top", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "above", "below", "top" and "bottom" as well as their derivatives (eg "horizontally", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be understood to refer to the orientation as described below, or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These terms are for convenience of description only and do not require the apparatus to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached", "attached", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures , as well as both mobile or rigid attachments or relationships, unless otherwise expressly described. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention are illustrated by reference to preferred embodiments. Therefore, the invention is expressly not to be limited to those preferred embodiments which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.
    [0048] In the description that follows, the invention is embodied in a vibrating oral care instrument, more specifically, a vibrating toothbrush. However, in another embodiment, the invention is incorporated into a non-vibrating manually operated toothbrush, and in another embodiment the invention is incorporated into a powered toothbrush in which one or more cleaning elements are provided for the instrument head. they are operable so as to be moved relative to the instrument handle. In still other embodiments, the invention may be embodied in other forms of oral care instruments, such as a soft tissue cleaning instrument, an interproximal peak, a dental floss instrument, a plate scraper, or other handle instrument designed to oral care. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used, and that structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
    [0049] Figure 1 illustrates an oral care instrument, in this case a toothbrush, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated with the reference numeral 100. The toothbrush 100 has a holder 110 including a cable 120 and a head 140. A neck 130 of the cable 120 connects the cable 120 to the head 140, and at least one cleaning element 200 is carried by the head 140. The head 140 is an end portion of the holder 110 provided with the at least one cleaning element 200. In this embodiment, the head 140 carries a plurality of cleaning elements 200.
    [0050] In this embodiment, the cleaning elements 200 comprise a plurality of teeth cleaning elements, more specifically, a plurality of flexible nylon bristles arranged in tufts. However, in variations to this embodiment, the cleaning elements 200 may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one of any one or more of the following, without limitation: bristles, rigid bristles, flexible bristles, filament bristles, fiber bristles, bristles nylon, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, elastomeric elements, flexible polymer protrusions, co-extrusion filaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles, antibacterial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations .
    The head 140 has a first proximal end 141 and a second distal end 142. The handle 120 has a first proximal end 121 and a second distal end 122. The neck 130 is located at the distal end portion 122 of the handle 120. The distal end 122 of the handle 120 is connected to the proximal end 141 of the head 140. The neck 130 is generally of a narrower cross-sectional area than the head 140 and the rest of the handle 120.
    [0052] The 120 handle provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can easily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100, includes ergonomic features that provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort, and can be formed in diverse shapes and with a variety of constructions.
    [0053] Generally speaking, toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 101 (which is also the proximal end 121 of the handle 120) to a distal end 102 (which is also the distal end 142 of the head 140) along of a longitudinal axis AA. Although handle 120 is a non-linear structure in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A of instrument 100 is linear in the illustrated embodiment. However, the invention is not so limited, and in certain embodiments, instrument 100 may have a simple linear cable 120 that is longitudinally aligned along the longitudinal axis A-A of instrument 100.
    [0054] The head 140 is connected to the cable 120 through the neck 130 of the cable 120. In this embodiment, the head 140 and a first part 123 of the cable 120 (including the neck 130) are formed as an integral structure using a molding process. by injection. The head 140 and the first portion 123 of the handle 120 together comprise a unitary structure. However, in other embodiments, head 140 and first portion 123 of cable 120 may be formed as separate components that are operably connected at a later stage in the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including, without limitation, welding. thermal, sonic welding, a tight fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners, and a press fit connection. Whether the head 140 and the first portion 123 of the handle 120 are constructed as a single piece or a multi-piece assembly (including the connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention in all embodiments. Furthermore, other fabrication techniques can be used in place of/or in addition to injection molding to create the first part 123 of the handle 120 and/or the head 140 (or its components), such as milling and/or machining.
    [0055] In this embodiment, the head 140 and the first portion 123 of the cable 120 are constructed together of a first component 10 of polypropylene (PP) and a second component 20 of an elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which was overmolded onto the first component 10, as discussed in more detail below. However, in variations to this embodiment, the first component 10 may instead of or additionally comprise one or more of the following materials: polyethylene, polyamide, polyesters, cellulosics, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and a thermoplastic. In variations of the present embodiment, second component 20 may instead or additionally comprise styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) or one or more of the materials enumerated in the preceding sentence.
    [0056] The head 140 generally comprises a front surface, on a front side 143 of the head 140, and a rear surface, on a rear side 144 of the head 140 opposite the front side 143. The front surface and the rear surface of the head head 140 can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, the front and back surfaces can be planar, contoured, or combinations thereof. The front surface and the rear surface are joined by a peripheral or side surface 145 of the head 140. Cleaning elements are provided on, and extend outwardly from, the front side 143 of the head 140 for cleaning contact with a surface. oral, preferably teeth.
    [0057] While the plural cleaning elements 200 are particularly suitable for cleaning teeth, the cleaning elements 200 can be used to clean soft tissue from the mouth, such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to. teeth. As used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in a generic sense to refer to a structure that can be used to clean, massage or polish an oral surface, such as teeth or soft tissue, through contact with relative surface.
    [0058] Indeed, in a variation to the modality shown in Figure 1, instead of a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 200, it is instead provided that at least one soft tissue cleaning element, such as a tooth scraper. tongue comprising at least one blade. Preferably, the or each blade has its longitudinal length arranged to extend across the front side 143 of the head 140 in a direction not parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A.
    [0059] On the back side 144 of the head 140, the head 140 comprises a soft tissue cleaning element 170. The soft tissue cleaning element 170 comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions 172. The protrusions 172 and the rest of the cleaning element of soft fabric 170 are a unitary component. The soft tissue cleaning element 170 and the protrusions 172 are formed by the second component 20.
    [0060] The handle 120 is formed of the first part 123 and a second part 124, which is a separate component in the form of a cap that has been attached to the first part 123. While the first part 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second portion 124 defines the proximal end 121 of the handle 120, in fact the proximal end 101 of the instrument 100. A first surface 123a of the first portion 3 and a second surface 124a of the second portion 124 together define a surface. exterior 125 of the handle 20. At least the first surface 123 must be gripped by a user's hand during an oral care session so that the user can manipulate the toothbrush 100. As will be appreciated in light of Figure 1, the majority of the outer surface 125 of the cable 120 is defined by the first surface 123a of the first portion 123. In particular, the second surface 124a of the second portion 124 defines less than 20%, perhaps less than 10%, of the surface. outer cable 120.
    [0061] The first and second components 10, 20 are molded to provide the cable 120 with ergonomic features that provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. In addition, the second component 20 forms gripping regions of the outer surface 125 of the cable 120 which have a greater coefficient of friction than the regions of the outer surface 125 formed by the first component 10.
    [0062] The first part 123 is opaque. However, the second part is transparent 124, i.e. it is formed of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the second part 124 is made from styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN) and is connected to the first part 123 of the handle 120 by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the first and second portions 123, 124 of the cable 120 may be connected together by other mechanisms, such as a soldered joint or respective interlocking mechanical elements of the first and second portions 123, 124. In variations for these embodiments, the second part 124 is translucent, that is, it is formed of a translucent material.
    [0063] In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the second part 124 is detachably coupled to the first part 123, as described in more detail below.
    The second part 124 houses an assembly 300 comprising a printed circuit board 302 on which a controller 304, such as a microcontroller, and a light emitting diode (LED) 306 are mounted. user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of a timer comprised in controller 304. In this mode, the user notification device comprises LED 306, which is capable of emitting light that is visible to the user via the second transparent part 124 of the cable 120. However, in variations to this embodiment, the user notification device may comprise an element, other than an LED, which is configured to emit notifications by emitting visible light. In still other variations, the user notification device may comprise an element that is configured to issue a notification by means other than visible light emission, such as a horn or loudspeaker configured to issue notification by emitting sound, or a vibrator set to issue vibration notification.
    [0065] The printed circuit board 302 is located in an internal cavity 324b of the second part 324 and lies in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the instrument 100. The assembly 300 and the cavity 124b of the second part 124 are each one shaped to prevent rotation of the assembly 300 relative to the second part 124 about the longitudinal axis AA of the instrument 100. That is, in this embodiment, the cavity 124b comprises a slot, and the printed circuit board 302 has a cross-sectional area. rectangular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA which is coincident with a rectangular cross-sectional area of the slit in the same plane.
    [0066] In addition, the assembly comprises first and second electrically conductive contacts 310, 320 having respective proximal terminals 314, 324 soldered to the respective electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b mounted on the printed circuit board 302. The electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b are electrically coupled to microprocessor 304. Contacts 310, 320 are disposed with respect to cavity 124b to prevent movement of assembly 300 relative to second part in a direction 124 with a component parallel to longitudinal axis AA of instrument 100. More particularly, as shown in Figure 6, the respective main bodies 312, 322 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA and through respective holes 124c in a wall 124d of the second part 124. Wall portions 124d are disposed of each side of the holes 124c in the longitudinal direction of the instrument 100, so as to prevent movement. then of the assembly 300 with respect to the second part 124 in the longitudinal direction.
    [0067] In the assembled instrument 100, respective distal terminals 316, 326 of contacts 310, 320 are in surface contact with the respective electrically conductive contacts (of which only one is shown in Figure 7 and indicated by reference number 408) comprised in the first part 123. Furthermore, in the assembled instrument 100, a more resilient terminal 318 of the first contact 310 of the assembly 300 is in contact with the surface with a battery or other energy source disposed in the chamber 123b of the first part 123, such as as described in detail below.
    [0068] Figure 6 illustrates the second part 124 that houses the assembly 300, although when the second part 124 is not attached to the first part 23 of the cable 120. As shown in Figure 6, the assembly 300 comprises the controller 304. controller 304 has an apparatus comprising at least one processor (not expressly shown) and at least one memory (not expressly shown) including the computer program code, and the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, make the device control the time. In other words, controller 304 comprises a timer, since software residing in controller 304 controls the time. Furthermore, the controller 304 comprises a part of the user notification device, in order that the user notification device is configured to issue one or more notifications in dependence on the state of the timer. The user notification device also comprises LED 306.
    [0069] The timer is user activated by a user closing a switch comprised in the first part 123 of the cable 120. More specifically, the user presses on a first defined region 126 of the first surface 123a of the first part 123 which is formed from the second component 20 The defined region 126 is resilient, so the user's application of a force on the defined region 126 causes the defined region 126 to deform. In turn, this deformation causes the switch on one side of the inner defined region 126 for the first portion 123 of the cable 120 to be closed, which completes an electrical circuit that includes a motor 500 (discussed below), controller 304, battery or another power source disposed in inner chamber 123b of first portion 123 and wires 501-504, as described in more detail below. Thus, as a result of the switch being closed, the motor and controller 304 receive electrical energy, which causes motor 500 to rotate and the timer incorporated in controller 304 to activate to control the time.
    [0070] Although not expressly shown in the figures, a mechanical vibrating device, such as an eccentric, is mounted on an output rod of the motor 500 whereby, when the motor 500 rotates, the mechanical vibrating device rotates around the shaft. of the motor output rod 500, causing the head 140 of the instrument 100 to vibrate, which increases the efficiency with which the cleaning element 200 cleans the oral surface during use of the instrument 100.
    [0071] Since the timer controls the time, the state of the timer changes over time. In several different embodiments, the user notification device is configured to emit one or more notifications (such as causing LED 306 to emit light) in dependence on the state of the timer. For example, in the present embodiment, controller 304 controls the time and, according to commands included in the computer program code, causes LED 306 to adopt a different lighting pattern depending on the length of time that has elapsed since the timer was activated. In this mode, for a first period of 30 seconds from when the timer was activated, controller 304 causes LED 306 to emit individual flashes of light with pauses of equal duration between individual flashes. For a second period of 30 seconds after the first period, controller 304 causes LED 306 to emit successive pairs of single flashes of light with first pauses of equal duration between the pairs and second pauses of equal duration between the individual flashes of each pair, wherein each of the first pauses is longer, preferably at least two or three times longer, than each of the second pauses. In other modalities, the first period may have the same or a different duration as the second period. The first and/or second period can have, for example, any of the following durations: 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. In other modalities, still other lighting patterns can be employed. In any case, preferably the user notification device is configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in a first state and issue a second predetermined notification when the timer is in a second state, this second predetermined notification is in a different way for the first default notification. The second preset notification may have a different duration, pattern and/or frequency than the first preset notification.
    [0072] Thus, while using the oral care instrument 100, the user is notified of a time elapsed, specifically a time elapsed since the first switch was closed. When the user has completed his oral care session, he opens the switch comprised in the first part 123 of the cable 120. More specifically, the user presses on a second defined region 127 of the first surface 123a of the first part 123 which is formed from the second component 20. The second defined region 127 is also resilient, so that the user's application of a force on the second defined region 127 causes the second defined region 127 to deform. In turn, this deformation causes the commutator to open, which interrupts the electrical circuit. In this mode, the controller 304 is not capable of recording conditions of use of the instrument 100 during the completed oral care session, so the software residing in the controller 304 returns to a default initial state once the electrical circuit has been broken. Therefore, when the switch is subsequently closed again, controller 304 will perform the same process as described above.
    [0073] The motor 500 and power source (not shown) discussed above are composed in the first part 123 of the cable 120, as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, the motor 500 is located in the neck 130 of the cable 120 of the instrument 100. In the assembled instrument 100, the power source is disposed between the motor 500 and the assembly 300. As discussed above, the motor 500 may be connectable to the power source by a user closing the switch. It should be noted that, in this mode, motor 500 and assembly 300 are electrically connected in parallel with the power source. In particular, motor 500 is connected to the power source via a first pair of wires 501, 502, and assembly 300 is connected to the power source via a second parallel pair of wires 503, 504.
    [0074] In this mode, the engine 500 and the assembly 300 (including the timer and the user notification device, and therefore including the controller 304 and the light emitting diode 306) are connected, in parallel, to the same source of shared power, so that the motor 500 and the assembly 300 are capable of being electrically powered by the power source. The power source may consist of one, two or a plurality of batteries or cells, arranged in chamber 123b of first part 123. In another embodiment, motor 500 and assembly 300 (including timer and user notification device , and therefore including controller 304 and LED 306) are connected, in series, to the same shared power source, so that motor 500 and assembly 300 are capable of being electrically driven by the power source.
    [0075] In the aforementioned variations for the illustrated embodiment, in which the second part 124 is detachably connected to the first part 123, the second part 124 can be removably coupled to the first part 123 by any of a tight fit, twist -and-lock, snap fit and threaded connection. It may be considered that an interface is provided between the first and second parts 123, 124 where the first and second parts 123, 24 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, a resilient or compressible gasket or seal is provided at the interface. The gasket or seal may be formed from TPE and/or may be part of the second component 20. Preferably, the gasket or seal surrounds the interface. Preferably, the gasket or gasket becomes compressed during coupling of the second part 124 to the first part 123 whereby, in the assembled instrument 100, the gasket or gasket is in a compressed state and prevents or minimizes fluid flow from from the outside of the first and second parts 123, 124 to the chamber 123b and/or the cavity 124b. Thus, the seal or gasket seals the assembly 300, motor 500 and power source from water during use of the assembled instrument 100, but the ability to remove the second part 124 from the first part 123 allows replacement of the power source and / or maintenance of set 300, if required.
    [0076] In this mode, the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification depending on a state of the power source. In this mode, the controller 304 monitors the state of the power source, such as the remaining load on the power source, and when the remaining load drops below a predetermined load threshold, the user notification device causes the 306 LED to emit light. in a predetermined lighting pattern. The predetermined lighting pattern may comprise LED 306 being caused to emit light for a relatively long duration, such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds, or it may comprise LED 306 being caused to emit a rapid burst of light flashes such as 5 or 10 distinct flashes per second. Other predetermined lighting patterns will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
    [0077] Fabrication of the toothbrush 100 shown in Figure 1 will now be described with further reference to Figures 2 to 10.
    [0078] In a first process of the method of manufacturing the oral care instrument 100, the second part 124 of the handle 120, including wall 124d, internal cavity 124b and holes 124c in wall 124d, is formed, in the present embodiment from of transparent material by molding the transparent material. The second part 124 thus formed is shown in Figure 3.
    [0079] In a second process, which can be performed before, during or after the first process, the assembly 300 is assembled. More specifically, the printed circuit board 302 is provided and the controller 304 (eg a microcontroller), LED 306 and electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b are mounted on the printed circuit board 302, as shown in Figure 2.
    [0080] After each of the first and second processes have been completed, a third process is carried out in which at least a part of the assembly 300 is inserted into the cavity 124b of the second part 124 of the cable 120, such that the plate circuit board 302 lies in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the completed instrument 100, as shown in Figure 4. As discussed above, assembly 300 and cavity 124b of second portion 124 are molded to prevent rotation. of the assembly 300 with respect to the second part 124 about the longitudinal axis A-A of the instrument 100.
    [0081] Following the third process, a fourth process is performed in which the first and second contacts 310, 320 (shown in Figure 5) are provided, and the respective proximal terminals 314, 324 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 are soldered to the respective of the electrically conductive elements 308a, 308b mounted on the printed circuit board 302, so that the respective main bodies 312, 322 of the first and second contacts 310, 320 extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA and through respective holes 124c on the wall 124d of the second part 124, as shown in Figure 6. Accordingly, the first and second contacts 310, 320 act as elements that prevent movement of the assembly 300 relative to the second part 124 in a direction with a component parallel to the axis. longitudinal AA of the completed instrument 100.
    [0082] A fifth process, which can be performed during, before or after any or all of the first to four processes, comprises providing the head 140 and the first portion 123 of the cable 120 that is connected to the head 140. This fifth process involves first form the first material to form the first component 10 (as shown in Figure 7). This can be done in accordance with any method known in the art, such as by injection molding the first material into a suitable mold in a molten state and then allowing the first material to cool and harden. Thereafter, the motor 500 is disposed on the neck 130 of the first portion 123 of the cable 120, and the first pair of wires 501, 502 having respective first ends connected to the respective terminals of the motor 500 are positioned such that the respective second ends, opposite. the first ends, are located within the chamber 123b of the first part 123, through a hole 129 in the first component 10, for future connection to a power source that is to be located in the chamber 123b. Furthermore, the second pair of wires 503, 504 having respective first ends connected to respective electrically conductive contacts 408 within chamber 123b are positioned such that their respective second ends, opposite the first ends, are located within chamber 123b of the first part 23, through hole 129 in the first component 10, for future connection to the power source. Finally, the second material that forms the second component 20 is overmolded onto the first component 10 to enclose the motor 500 and most of the two pairs of wires 501, 502, 503, 504. The resulting device is shown in Figure 8. It should be It is noted that, in this embodiment, each of the first and second components 10, 20 is opaque.
    [0083] Optionally, at this stage, the power source may be arranged in chamber 123b between motor 500 and one end of chamber 123b to which the second part 124 of cable 120 is then attached.
    [0084] A sixth process, which can be performed before, during or after the first to fifth processes, involves providing a cleaning element subassembly 600, as shown in Figure 9. The subassembly 600 comprises a base plate 601 and the at least one cleaning element 200 extending from base plate 601. The one or more cleaning elements 200 may be attached to base plate 601 by any mechanism known in the art, such as AFT, IMT, or clipping.
    [0085] A seventh process, which can be performed after the sixth process, involves attaching the cleaning element subassembly 600 to the head 140 in order to provide the head 140 with the at least one cleaning element 200, as shown in Figure 10. This attachment may involve, for example, adhering the sub-assembly 600 to the head 140 or sonic welding a portion of the sub-assembly 600 to the head 140.
    [0086] An eighth process, which can be performed before, during or after the seventh process, comprises arranging the power source in chamber 123b (if not already done), and then attaching the second part 124 of the cable 120 to the first portion 123 of the handle 120, such that the first portion 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second portion 124 defines the proximal end 121 of the handle 120, and the first and second surfaces 123a, 124a of the first and second portions 123, 124 together define the outer surface 125 of the cable 120. The attachment may comprise attaching the second portion 124 to the first portion 123 by one or more of the following: adhering, welding, and engaging respective mechanical elements of the first and second portions 123, 124. Alternatively, the attachment may comprise releasably coupling the second portion 124 to the first portion 123, and may optionally also comprise providing or compressing a seal or gasket between the first and second parts. gears 123, 124 during coupling of the second part 124 to the first part 123 whereby, in the assembled instrument 100, the gasket or seal is in a compressed state and prevents or minimizes fluid flow from an exterior of the first and second parts. 123, 124 to chamber 123b and/or cavity 124b.
    [0087] During the eighth process, the power source is disposed between the motor 500 and the set 300. In addition, the distal terminals 316, 326 of the contacts 310, 320 are brought into surface contact with the respective electrically conductive contacts ( of which, one is shown in Figure 7 and indicated by reference numeral 408) comprised in the first part 123, and the more resilient terminal 318 of the first contact 310 of the assembly 300 is brought into surface contact with the power source disposed in the chamber. 123b of the first part 123, whereby the motor 500 and the assembly 300 become electrically connected in parallel with the power source.
    [0088] In the present invention, since the assembly 300 is housed in the second part 124 of the cable 120, the first part 123 of the cable 120, this first part 123 is intended to be grasped by a user during use of the instrument 100, it is able to be made compact and/or better ergonomically designed to be gripped by the user. The first part 123 can also be made from a wide variety of materials, including opaque materials. Furthermore, since the assembly 300 including the user notification device is housed in the second portion 124 of the cable, protrusion of portions of the assembly 300 from the second portion 124 to the first portion 123 of the cable 120 can be minimized or avoided. , which provides a system for indicating elapse of time to a user that is more robust, since the parts of the assembly 300 are not susceptible to being knocked or damaged during manufacture of the instrument 100.
    [0089] Furthermore, instrument 100 is more easily fabricated than known prior art devices, including systems to indicate lapse of time to a user, as most instrument 100 is manufacturable independently of the system to indicate lapse of time to a user. time for a user and the provision of the system to indicate elapse of time for a user requires significant modifications only to the second part 124 of the cable 120. The assembly of the instrument 100 is also relatively simple: the first part 123 of the cable 120 can be mounted separately of the second part 124 of the handle 120, and the first and second parts 123, 124 only need to be connected together in the direction or at the end of the assembly process.
    [0090] The present invention may be embodied as a kit of parts for an oral care instrument 100, the kit of parts comprising: the head 140 carrying the at least one cleaning element 200; the first part 123 of the handle 120, this first part 123 is connected to the head 140 and has the first surface 123a; and the second part 124 of the handle 120, this second part 124 has a second surface 124a and houses the timer and the user notification device which is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer; wherein, the second portion 124 can be attached to the first portion 123 such that the first portion 123 is connected to the head 140 at the distal end 122 of the handle 120, the second portion 124 defines the proximal end 121 of the handle 120, and the first and second surfaces 123a, 124a together define outer surface 125 of handle 120.
    While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above-described instruments and techniques. It should be understood that other modalities can be used, and structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted broadly as set out in the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. Method of manufacturing an oral care instrument (100), characterized in that it comprises: (a) providing a head (140) and a first part (123) of a handle (120) connected to the head, the first part having a first surface (123a) and a power source disposed in a chamber (123b) of the first part; (b) providing the head with at least one cleaning element (200); and (c) attaching a second portion (124) of the cable with the first portion of the cable, this second portion has a second surface (124a) and houses an assembly (300) comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer, so that the first part is connected to the head at a distal end (122) of the cable, the second part defines a proximal end (121) of the cable, and the first and second surfaces together define an outer surface (125) of the cable, and attaching the second portion of the cable comprises bringing an electrically conductive contact (310, 320) of the assembly into surface contact with the power source.
    [0002]
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises inserting at least part of the assembly (300) into a cavity (124b) of the second part (124) of the cable wherein the assembly comprises a plate of printed circuit (302) on which the timer and user notification device are mounted, and the insertion step comprises inserting the printed circuit board into the cavity of the second part of the cable so that the printed circuit board fits. locate in a plane that is parallel to a longitudinal axis (A-A) of the instrument (100).
    [0003]
    3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the assembly (300) and the cavity (124b) of the second part (124) are molded to prevent rotation of the assembly relative to the second part on a longitudinal axis (AA) of the instrument (100).
    [0004]
    4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the assembly (300) comprises one or more elements (310, 320) that prevent the movement of the assembly in relation to the second part (124) in a direction with a component parallel to a longitudinal axis (AA) of the instrument (100).
    [0005]
    5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises, after the step of locating the assembly (300) in the cavity (124b) and before step (c), a step of providing one or more elements ( 310, 320) for the set.
    [0006]
    6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises providing a motor (500) that can be connected to the power source and arrange the motor in the first part (123).
    [0007]
    7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises disposing the power source between the motor (500) and the assembly (300).
    [0008]
    8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises electrically connecting the motor (500) and the assembly (300) to the power source, optionally comprising connecting the motor and the assembly in parallel to the power source. energy.
    [0009]
    9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second part (124) is transparent or translucent.
    [0010]
    10. An oral care instrument (100), comprising: a head (140) carrying at least one cleaning element (200); and a handle (120) having a distal end (122), a proximal end (121), a first portion (123) and a second portion (124) connected to the first portion, wherein a first surface (123a) of the first portion and a second surface (124a) of the second portion together define an outer surface (125) of the handle; wherein the first portion is connected to the head at a distal end of the handle and the second portion defines the proximal end of the handle; and characterized in that the second part houses an assembly (300) comprising a timer and a user notification device that is configured to issue a notification in dependence on a state of the timer; and wherein the assembly comprises an electrically conductive contact (310, 320) in surface contact with a power source disposed in a chamber (123b) of the first part.
    [0011]
    11. Oral care instrument (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second part (124) is made from styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN).
    [0012]
    12. Oral care instrument (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the timer is configured in such a way that a state of the timer changes over time, and in which the notification device of user is configured to issue a first predetermined notification when the timer is in a first state and to issue a second predetermined notification when the timer is in a second state, this second predetermined notification is in a different way from the first predetermined notification and in which the second preset notification has a different duration, pattern, or frequency than the first preset notification.
    [0013]
    13. Oral care instrument (100), according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the user notification device comprises a device configured to issue a notification, or notifications, through the emission of visible light .
    [0014]
    14. Oral care instrument (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the device comprises at least one light-emitting diode (306).
    [0015]
    15. Oral care instrument according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the user notification device is configured to issue a predetermined notification in dependence on a state of the power source.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    KR20150100786A|2015-09-02|
    BR112015014731A2|2017-07-11|
    RU2620741C2|2017-05-29|
    JP2016501617A|2016-01-21|
    PH12015501261A1|2015-08-17|
    TW201446218A|2014-12-16|
    CN103876850B|2017-04-12|
    AU2013364409B2|2016-01-14|
    AU2013364409A1|2015-06-11|
    MX2015007982A|2015-10-22|
    EP2934233B1|2017-02-08|
    CA2892425A1|2014-06-26|
    CA2892425C|2020-09-15|
    MX359487B|2018-09-07|
    RU2015124065A|2017-02-01|
    WO2014098949A1|2014-06-26|
    US20150335145A1|2015-11-26|
    CN103876850A|2014-06-25|
    EP2934233A1|2015-10-28|
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    法律状态:
    2019-12-31| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-15| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 18/03/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CN201210599108.8|2012-12-21|
    CN201210599108.8A|CN103876850B|2012-12-21|2012-12-21|Oral care implement and method for manufacturing the same|
    PCT/US2013/032763|WO2014098949A1|2012-12-21|2013-03-18|Oral care implement and method of manufacturing an oral care implement|
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