Oral care implement and method of manufacturing an oral care implement

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an oral care implement, comprises: (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 handle to the first part of the handle, which second part has a second surface and houses an assembly comprising a timer and a user-notification device that is configured to output a notification in dependence on a state of the timer, so that the first part is connected to the head at a distal end of the handle, the second part defines a proximal end of the handle, and the first and second surfaces together define an exterior surface of the handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Oral care implements, especially toothbrushes, are used by many people on a daily basis. Typical oral care implements comprise an elongate handle and a head connected to one end of the handle. The handle provides a structure by which a user grips and manipulates the oral care implement during use. The head typically comprises one or more elements designed to perform their intended function, such as teeth cleaning elements, soft tissue cleaning elements, and / or oral care agents.[0002]The effectiveness of an oral care implement at cleaning teeth, soft tissue surfaces, or performing its other intended function(s) typically depends upon the duration for which it is used during an oral care session. A user of an oral care implements may not register for how long they have been using the oral care implement during an oral care session, or they may not know an advisable, recommended or suitable duration for which the oral care implement should be used durin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an oral care implement with a handle and a head connected at a distal end of the handle. The handle has a cavity in which an assembly comprising a timer and a user-notification device is located. The assembly is connected to the handle at a proximal end of the handle. The handle and the first part of the handle have surfaces that define an exterior surface of the handle. The assembly may include one or more electrically-conductive contacts that make surface contact with the handle. The method of manufacturing the oral care implement involves attaching the assembly to the handle and optionally inserting the assembly into the cavity of the handle. The method may also involve shaping the handle and the assembly to prevent rotation of the assembly about a longitudinal axis of the implement. The oral care implement may also comprise a power source and a motor that is connectable to the power source. The assembly may be detachably coupled to the handle. The technical effects of the invention include improved user experience and more efficient manufacturing process.

Problems solved by technology

A user of an oral care implements may not register for how long they have been using the oral care implement during an oral care session, or they may not know an advisable, recommended or suitable duration for which the oral care implement should be used during any one oral care session in order to achieve a desired result or effect.

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