Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush

a technology of electric toothbrushes and luminous bulbs, which is applied in the field of illumination electric toothbrushes, can solve the problems of high heat generation, low light intensity and flux density of fiber optic light, and inability of devices to deliver light having sufficient luminous intensity and/or flux density to provide oral care benefits

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-12-27
PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a safe and effective illumination for oral care, achieving the desired luminous intensity and flux density while minimizing heat generation, thus preventing damage to oral tissues.

Problems solved by technology

However, light that is transmitted by fiber optics often diminishes in luminous intensity and / or flux density as it is transmitted.
A standard light emitting diode may be of the proper size; however such a device may not be able to deliver light having sufficient luminous intensity and / or flux density to provide an oral care benefit.
However, the high power diodes use a high current level, and thus generate a high level of heat.
Generating a high level of heat in the oral cavity can overheat the pulp chamber, which can result in pulpitis or other damage to oral tissues.

Method used

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  • Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush
  • Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush
  • Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0029] All printed publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush having one or more light-emitting diodes (“LED”) disposed on or in the head of the electric toothbrush. More specifically, the electric toothbrushes are used in personal hygiene to clean one's teeth and gums using a motorized movement, while the LEDs illuminate the region of brushing, including the teeth and / or gums. Additionally, the LEDs can provide an oral care benefit, such as whitening.

[0030] As used herein, the term “light” is intended to encompass the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and infra-red) light. There are two systems for measuring light: radiometry and photometry, wherein radiometry is measurement of electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range between 3×1011 and 3×1016 Hz and photometry is the measurement of electromagnetic radiation that is de...

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Abstract

An electric toothbrush has a handle, a neck attached to the handle, and a head attached to the neck. The head has a movable bristle holder having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The toothbrush further includes a light emitting element disposed in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 390 nm to about 770 nm and having a radiometric power of between about 5 mW / cm2 to about 200 mW / cm2.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 832,168 filed on Apr. 4, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 501,266 filed Sep. 9, 2003, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to illuminated electric toothbrushes that utilize a light emitting diode, particularly a light emitting diode that illuminates the brushing area. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Lighted toothbrushes have traditionally been manual brushes having a light disposed on or in the handle of the toothbrush with fiber optics carrying the light from the handle to the head of the toothbrush. However, light that is transmitted by fiber optics often diminishes in luminous intensity and / or flux density as it is transmitted. Therefore, it was desired to have a light disposed in or on the head of the toothbrush such that no fiber optic material...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61C3/00A61C17/22A61C17/26A61C17/34A61C19/06A61N5/06
CPCA61C17/22A61C17/221A61C17/222A61C17/225A61C17/26A61C17/34A61N2005/0644A61C17/349A61C19/066A61N2005/0651A61N5/0624A61N2005/0606A61C17/3427H01L2924/181H01L2224/48091H01L2224/48247H01L2924/00014H01L2924/00012
InventorPINYAYEV, ALEKSEY MIKHAILOVICHGHOSH, CHANCHAL KUMARCHAN, JOHN GEOFFREYWANG, PING
OwnerPROCTER & GAMBLE CO