Oral care implement and handle therefor

Abstract

An oral care implement handle (200) having a grip portion (210) and an oral care refill head (300) detachably coupled thereto. The oral care implement handle (200) can include the grip portion (210) and a wobble unit (400) including a stem (250), a motor (224), and a motor chassis (410). The wobble unit (400) can be pivotably mounted within the grip portion (210) such that upon application of pressure to the oral care refill head (300) coupled to the stem (250) that exceeds a pressure threshold, the wobble unit (400) can change from a normal position to an excessive pressure position. When in the excessive pressure position, the wobble unit (400) can actuate an actuator element (265) of a control unit (260) to initiate generation of a user-perceptible signal.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Toothbrushes generally include a handle for grasping by a user and a head having cleaning elements thereon that engage surfaces of a user's oral cavity for cleaning. In manual toothbrushes, the cleaning elements wear out after a few months of use, which requires replacement of the entire toothbrush. In powered toothbrushes, the cleaning elements wear out after a few months of use, which requires replacement of a refill head configured to couple to a particular handle. Moreover, when brushing, it is important to ensure that a user does not apply excessive pressure to the teeth and gums, as doing so not only causes the cleaning elements to wear out more quickly, but can also cause damage to the user's teeth and gums. Thus, there is a need for an oral care implement having a pressure detection and indication system to quickly notify a user when the user is applying excessive pressure to the teeth and gums. SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention can relate to an oral care implement having a grasping portion and an oral care refill detachably coupled to the grasping portion. The present invention can relate to an oral care implement handle including a grasping portion but not including an oral care refill. The oral care implement handle can include the grasping portion and a wobble unit including a stem, a motor, and a motor chassis. The wobble unit can be pivotably mounted within the grasping portion such that upon application of pressure to an oral care refill coupled to the stem that exceeds a pressure threshold, the wobble unit can change from a normal position to an excessive pressure position. When in the excessive pressure position, the wobble unit can actuate an actuator element of a control unit to initiate generation of a user-perceptible signal.

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention can be an oral care implement handle comprising: a grasping portion having a housing defining an interior chamber and a distal surface; a wobble unit including a stem extending from the distal surface of the grasping portion and configured to detachably couple to an oral care refill, a motor operably coupled to the stem to impart movement to the stem, the motor having a motor axis, and a motor chassis supporting the motor and including a contact element; and a power source positioned within the interior chamber; a control unit operably coupled to the motor and the power source, the control unit including an actuator element, the control unit configured to initiate generation of a user-perceptible signal upon actuation of the actuator element; and a first resilient element operably coupled to the motor chassis, the first resilient element biasing the wobble unit to a normal position; the wobble unit pivotably mounted in the interior chamber so as to be pivotable about a fixed pivot axis relative to the housing such that upon application of pressure to the oral care refill that exceeds a pressure threshold, the bias of the first resilient element is overcome and the wobble unit changes from the normal position to an excessive pressure position in which the contact element actuates the actuator element.

[0004] In another aspect, the present application can be an oral care implement comprising an oral care implement handle as mentioned in the above paragraph, and an oral care refill head comprising a head portion having an oral care treatment tool and a sleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled to the stem of the oral care implement handle.

[0005] Other suitable applications of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care implement, wherein the oral care implement handle and the oral care refill head are in an assembled state;

[0008] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the oral care implement of Figure 1 , wherein the oral care implement handle and the oral care refill head are in a disassembled state;

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the oral care implement of Figure 1 ;

[0010] Figure 4 is a close-up view of region IV of Figure 3 ;

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rocking unit of the oral care implement of Figure 1 , in an assembled state;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rocking unit of the oral care implement of Figure 1 , in a disassembled or exploded state;

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 1 , wherein its rocking unit is in a normal position;

[0015] Figure 9 is a close-up view of region IX of Figure 8 ;

[0016] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 1 , wherein its swing unit is in an overpressure position; and

[0017] Figure 11 is a close-up view of the area XI of Figure 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the application, its application, or uses.

[0019] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present application is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Any reference to direction or orientation in the description of embodiments disclosed herein is merely intended for clarity and is not intended to limit the scope of the application, unless otherwise specified. Relative terms, such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Terms such as "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly, through intervening structures, and that the securing or attachment can be removable or fixed, either movable or rigid, unless explicitly described otherwise. Moreover, descriptions of features or benefits of the present application are intended to be illustrative, rather than limiting. Accordingly, it should be understood that features and benefits of the present application can be

[0020] Reference is first made to Figure 1 and 2 ​An oral care implement 100 according to one embodiment of the application will be described. In example embodiments, the oral care implement 100 is a powered or electric toothbrush. In other embodiments, the oral care implement 100 can be a manual toothbrush. In yet other embodiments, the oral care implement 100 can be other hygiene tools for treating the oral cavity, such as a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleaner, an oral irrigator, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, a specialized handle implement with tooth engaging elements, or any other type of implement commonly used in oral care. In yet other embodiments, the oral care implement 100 can be a personal care implement other than an oral care implement. Examples of such personal care implements include a hairbrush, a shaver, a body washer, a skin treatment device, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of oral care implement or personal care implement, unless a specific type of implement is indicated in the claims. Structural and functional details of the oral care implement 100 will be provided below according to example embodiments of the application.

[0021] The oral care implement 100 generally includes a handle (also referred to herein as an oral care implement handle) 200 and an oral care refill head 300. The handle 200 is the portion of the oral care implement 100 that is grasped by the user during use. The oral care refill head 300 is the portion of the oral care implement 100 that performs the cleaning or other hygiene functions. As shown, the oral care refill head 300 can be detached from the handle 200, and thus the oral care refill head 300 is detachably coupled to the handle 200 when they are coupled together. Thus, when the cleaning elements on the oral care refill head 300 wear out over time, the oral care refill head 300 can be detached from the handle 200 and replaced with a new oral care refill head 300. This allows the handle 200 to continue to be used when the oral care refill head 300 is replaced, which is important because expensive electronic circuitry is located within the handle 200. Multiple users can also use the same handle 200, while placing their respective oral care refill heads on the handle prior to use. Figure 2

[0022] ​The oral care refill 300 includes a head portion 310 and a sleeve portion 320. The head portion 310 includes an oral treatment implement (or head structure) 311 having a front surface 312 and a rear surface 313. Further, in the example embodiment, the head portion 310 includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 314 extending from the front surface 312 of the oral treatment implement 311. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements 314 can include bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymeric protrusions, lamellae, combinations thereof, and / or structures containing such materials or combinations. Thus, in some embodiments, any combination of these elements can be used to form one or more of the tooth cleaning elements 314. Further, where bristles are used for one or more of the tooth cleaning elements 314, such bristles can be tapered, round tipped, spiral, etc. The tooth cleaning elements 314 can be coupled to the head portion 310 using any known technique such as staking, anchor free implantation, in-mold implantation, PTT, etc. In the example embodiment, the tooth cleaning elements 314 include a plurality of bristle tufts arranged in a particular pattern on the head portion 310. Of course, the particular pattern of tooth cleaning elements 314 is not limiting of the present application unless specifically stated as such.

[0023] Further, in the example embodiment, there is a soft tissue cleanser 315 positioned on the rear surface 313 of the head portion 310 of the oral care refill 300. The soft tissue cleanser 315 can be formed from an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer that is injection molded onto the rear surface 313 of the head portion 310. The soft tissue cleanser 315 can include a pad portion and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the pad portion, or the soft tissue cleanser 315 can take other configurations. In some alternative embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser 315 can include ridges, depressions, bumps, or any desired feature for cleaning and / or scraping the tongue and its papillae. The soft tissue cleanser 315 can also be omitted in some embodiments.

[0024] The sleeve portion 320 of the oral care refill 300 is the portion of the oral care refill 300 that is configured to be attached to the oral care implement handle 200. In particular, the sleeve portion 320 of the oral care refill 300 can sleeve over and interact with the stem 250 of the oral care implement handle 200 to facilitate coupling of the oral care refill 300 to the oral care implement handle 200. Thus, the sleeve portion 320 of the oral care refill 300 can include coupling features that interact with features of the stem 250 to detachably couple the oral care refill 300 to the oral care implement handle 200. These features are shown in Figure 7 and 8The figures will be discussed in more detail below in the discussion of the figures.

[0025] The oral care implement handle 200 includes a grip portion 210 that terminates at a distal end surface 211 and a stem 250 that protrudes from the distal end surface 211 of the grip portion 210. The distal end surface 211 of the grip portion 210 forms a shoulder against which a bottom end of the sleeve portion 320 of the oral care refill head 300 rests when the oral care refill head 300 is coupled to the handle 200. As will be discussed below, the stem 250 forms part of a wobble unit 400 of the oral care implement handle 200 that works in cooperation with a control unit to notify the user when excessive pressure is applied by the user during an oral hygiene session.

[0026] The grip portion 210 of the handle 200 is the portion of the handle 200 that is gripped by the user during an oral hygiene session, and it can include various buttons, switches, indicators, lights, user controls, etc. to allow the user to control the functions and operation of the oral care implement 100 and also to provide information to the user. In particular, the grip portion 210 of the oral care implement handle 200 can include a power button 201 that can power on and off the oral care implement 100 (and provide power to its motor, as described in more detail below). The handle 200 can also include a strength button 202 that allows the user to modify the speed or strength of the motor or allows the user to change the mode of operation of the motor. The handle 200 can also include various indicators 203 that can be activated (e.g., lights that can light up) to notify the user when the battery is low, when the user is brushing with excessive pressure, when the oral care implement 100 is powered on, and various other information that can be useful to the user. The handle 200 can have any desired shape designed for user comfort, and can include elastomeric grips thereon for user comfort and to ensure that the user can achieve a sufficient grip during use even in a wet environment.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3 , 4The oral care implement handle 200 will be further described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The grip portion 210 of the oral care implement handle 200 comprises a housing 212 defining an internal chamber 213 in which the electronic assembly of the oral care implement 100 is located. In particular, the oral care implement handle 200 comprises an electronic assembly chassis 220 nested within the internal chamber 213 of the housing 212 formed by the grip portion 210. The electronic assembly chassis 220 comprises a power cell compartment 221 and a motor compartment 222. A power source 223, for example a battery, is disposed within the power cell compartment 221 of the electronic assembly chassis 220. A motor 224 is disposed within the motor compartment 222. The motor 224 and the power source 223 are operably coupled together such that upon activation of the oral care implement 100 by a user, for example by pressing the power button 201, power is supplied from the power source 223 to the motor 224 and the motor 224 is activated. The motor 224 comprises a motor axis C-C (depicted in Figure 8 Figure 7).

[0028] Although the illustrated embodiment comprises an electronic assembly chassis 220, the present application is not so limited in all embodiments. In particular, in some embodiments, the grip portion 210 of the handle 200 can comprise a pocket or chamber or cavity configured to hold the power source 223 and the motor 224 therein without the need for a separate electronic assembly chassis 220. Accordingly, variations in the manner in which the various electronic assemblies of the oral care implement 100 are held within the handle 200 can be possible within the scope of the present application described herein.

[0029] When the oral care implement 100 is assembled, the electronic assembly chassis 220 having the power source 223 and the motor 224 coupled thereto is positioned within the internal chamber 213 of the housing 212 defined by the grip portion 210 of the oral care implement handle 200. Accordingly, the motor 224 and the power source 223 are disposed within the internal chamber 213 of the housing 212. Furthermore, the oral care implement handle 200 comprises an end cap structure 225 which holds the electronic assembly chassis 220 in place within the internal chamber 213 and also closes / seals the opening in the bottom end of the housing 212.

[0030] Furthermore, the previously mentioned stem 250 is coupled to the motor 224 such that upon actuation of the motor 224 by powering on the oral care implement 100, the motor 130 will impart movement to the stem 250, thereby causing the stem 250 to rotate, oscillate, etc. In particular, the stem 250 protrudes from the distal surface 211 of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200. Furthermore, as Figure 7 and 8As shown, when the oral care refill head 300 is coupled to the handle 200, the sleeve portion 320 of the oral care refill head 300 is positioned around (i.e., about) a distal end portion of the stem 250, which is the portion of the stem 250 that protrudes beyond the distal end surface 211 of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200. Because the oral care refill head 300 is positioned about the distal end portion of the stem 250, movement of the stem 250 due to the motor creates vibrations on the oral care refill head 300 that cause the tooth cleaning elements 314 to vibrate, which optimizes cleaning performance. In exemplary embodiments, the stem 250 forms a feature of the handle 200 that couples to the oral care refill head 300 and also imparts movement to the cleaning elements of the oral care refill head 300.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the oral care refill head 300 includes a coupling assembly 330 disposed within the sleeve portion 320. The coupling assembly 330 can be fixedly disposed in the interior of the sleeve portion 320 such that the coupling assembly 330 is fixed relative to the rest of the oral care refill head 300 (as opposed to a detachable assembly). The coupling assembly 330 includes various coupling features that facilitate coupling of the oral care refill head 300 to the oral care implement handle 200, and more particularly to the stem 250 thereof. In particular, the coupling features of the coupling assembly 330 can be protrusions that mate with recesses in the stem 250, or vice versa, to facilitate a snap-type coupling between the oral care refill head 300 and the oral care implement handle 200. Of course, other types of couplings can be used in various different embodiments, including frictional fits, mechanical engagements, threaded engagements, etc. Moreover, in other embodiments, the coupling features can be formed as an integral part of the oral care refill head 300, rather than requiring a separate coupling assembly 330 as in the exemplary embodiment.

[0032] The oral care implement handle 200 also includes a control unit 260 that is operably coupled to the power source 223 and the motor 224. Thus, in some embodiments, the power source 223 provides power to the control unit 260, and the control unit 260 is configured to control operation of the motor 224 (on / off, speed of operation, etc.). The control unit 260 can also control operation of other features of the oral care implement 100, such as energizing the light source during certain conditions (i.e., excessive pressure being applied), which will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The control unit 260 is located within the interior cavity 213 of the housing 212 of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200. In example embodiments, the control unit 150 includes a printed circuit board 261 and a number of electronic components in electrical communication with one another thereon. For example, the control unit 260 can include a power actuator 262. The power button 201 can be operably coupled with the power actuator 262 of the control unit 260 to control the power on and power off functions of the motor 224 (and more generally the oral care implement 100). Thus, pressing the power button 201 will cause the power button 201 to engage and actuate the power actuator 262 (which can be a trigger switch or the like), which will cause the control unit 260 to power on and / or power off the motor 224. The intensity button 202 can be operably coupled with an intensity actuator 263 of the control unit 260 such that pressing the upward or downward arrows of the intensity button 202 will cause the intensity button 202 to engage and actuate the intensity actuator 263, and in response, the control unit 260 can change the mode of operation or increase or decrease the motor intensity or motor speed. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same side of the handle 200, and in some embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same face of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different faces of the handle 200. In some embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same side of the handle 200, but on different faces of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different sides of the handle 200, but on the same face of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different sides of the handle 200 and on different faces of the handle 200. Figure 3 and 4 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same side of the handle 200, and in some embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same face of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different faces of the handle 200. In some embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on the same side of the handle 200, but on different faces of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different sides of the handle 200, but on the same face of the handle 200. In other embodiments, the power button 201 and the intensity button 202 can be located on different sides of the handle 200 and on different faces of the handle 200.

[0034] The indicator 203 can be formed by a transparent portion of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200 that is aligned with a light source 264 on the printed circuit board 261 of the control unit 260 that illuminates when different thresholds are met. For example, a low battery light can illuminate and be visible through the transparent portion of the handle 200 (e.g., an icon easily recognized as a battery level indicator) when the battery level is below a threshold. Further, a high pressure light can illuminate when excessive pressure is felt during brushing. Of course, other indicators 203 can be used to provide different indications to the user as desired. The control unit 260 can include a controller or processor that receives input from the various actuators and transmits instructions to the power source 223, the motor 224, and the various light sources to activate and deactivate accordingly. However, a processor or controller is not required in all embodiments, and in other embodiments, activation and deactivation of the various actuators is such that switches are opened and closed, which causes power to be supplied to the various components or prevents power from being supplied to the various components to activate and deactivate them. The various actuators described herein as part of the control unit 260 can be various switches, including trigger switches, contact switches, conductive switches, flip switches, button switches, pressure switches, toggle switches, or other mechanical-type switches. In other embodiments, electronic switches can be used in place of mechanical-type switches.

[0035] In addition to the above features, the control unit 260 also includes an actuator element 265 (shown in Figure 8 In the example embodiment, the printed circuit board 261 includes a front surface 266 and a back surface 267 opposite the front surface 266. The power actuator 262 and the intensity actuator 263, as well as the light source 264, can be positioned on the front surface 266 of the printed circuit board 261, while the actuator element 264 can be positioned on the back surface 267 of the printed circuit board 261. The power actuator 262 and the intensity actuator 263, as well as the light source 264, can face outward away from the interior chamber 213, while the actuator element 264 can face inward toward the interior chamber 213. Thus, while the power actuator 262 and the intensity actuator 263 can be actuated by a user pressing a button from the outside of the handle 200, the actuator element 264 can be actuated by movement of a contact element located inside the interior chamber 213, as discussed in more detail below.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator element 265 can be a trigger switch positioned on the printed circuit board 261. Thus, as described herein, pressing the trigger switch with sufficient force to contact the actuator element 264 will actuate the actuator element 265 and cause the control unit 260 to initiate the production of a user-perceptible signal. Further, as described in greater detail below, the control unit 260 can be configured to initiate the production of a user-perceptible signal upon the actuator element 265 being actuated. The user-perceptible signal can be illumination of a light source, activation of an audible signal or alarm, a haptic signal such as a particular vibration pattern, a combination thereof, or the like. The actuator element 265 can be actuated by the wobble unit 400 mentioned above and described in greater detail above, particularly in response to a user applying excessive pressure to the oral care refill head 300 during use of the oral care implement 100.

[0037] Referring to Figures 3 to 8 The wobble unit 400 will be described. The wobble unit 400 generally includes the stem 250, the motor 224, a motor chassis 410, and a second resilient element 450. The wobble unit 400 includes the aforementioned components coupled together in such a way that when excessive pressure is applied to the tooth cleaning elements 314 of the oral care refill head 300, the wobble unit 400 wobbles or pivots within the interior chamber 213 of the handle 200. The wobble or pivot of the wobble unit 400 within the interior chamber 213 of the handle 200 causes activation of the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260 so that a user-perceptible signal can be produced to inform the user that he / she is applying too much pressure during an oral hygiene activity.

[0038] The motor chassis 410 is positioned around at least a portion of the motor 224 and supports the motor 224 within the interior chamber 213 of the housing 212. Further, the motor chassis 410 includes an upper portion 420 and a lower portion 430. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper portion 420 and the lower portion 430 are separate, distinct components. However, the present application is not so limited in all embodiments, and in some alternative embodiments, the upper portion 420 and the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 can be a single, unitary component (i.e., the upper portion 420 and the lower portion 430 can be connected). As will be discussed in greater detail below, the oral care implement handle 200 includes a first resilient element 280 operably coupled to the motor chassis 410. In particular, the first resilient element 280 is coupled to the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 and it biases the wobble unit 400 into a normal position (shown in Figure 8 and 9 Excessive pressure applied by a user to the oral care refill head 300 in excess of the bias of the first resilient element 280 can cause the wobble unit 400 to change from the normal position to an excessive pressure position (shown in Figure 10 and 11The function will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 includes an upper sleeve section 421 and an upper hub section 422. As shown in Figure 5 、 7 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 8, when the motor chassis 410 is coupled to the motor 224, the top portion 226 of the motor 224 nests within the upper sleeve section 421, and the stem 250 extends through the upper hub section 422. Thus, the upper sleeve section 421 of the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 defines a cavity in which the top portion 226 of the motor 224 nests. Further, there is an opening in the upper hub section 422 through which the stem 250 protrudes when the stem 250 extends from the motor 224 to the distal end 251 thereof. Further, when the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 is coupled to the motor 224, a portion of the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410, including the upper hub section 422, extends beyond the top end 227 of the motor 224. In exemplary embodiments, the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 slides around the motor 224, but is not fixedly coupled to the motor 224 other than by a friction fit. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 can be attached to the motor 224 using fasteners, mechanical engagement features, etc.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4 、 5 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 8, when the motor chassis 410 is coupled to the motor 224, the top portion 226 of the motor 224 nests within the upper sleeve section 421, and the stem 250 extends through the upper hub section 422. Thus, the upper sleeve section 421 of the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 defines a cavity in which the top portion 226 of the motor 224 nests. Further, there is an opening in the upper hub section 422 through which the stem 250 protrudes when the stem 250 extends from the motor 224 to the distal end 251 thereof. Further, when the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 is coupled to the motor 224, a portion of the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410, including the upper hub section 422, extends beyond the top end 227 of the motor 224. In exemplary embodiments, the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 slides around the motor 224, but is not fixedly coupled to the motor 224 other than by a friction fit. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 can be attached to the motor 224 using fasteners, mechanical engagement features, etc.

[0041] In the example embodiment, the boss or pin 157 of the second pivot device 156 extends through an opening 228 in the electronics chassis 220 and into a recess or blind hole 424 of the first pivot mounting device 423 of the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410. Thus, in the example embodiment, the swing unit 400 (via the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410) is pivotably coupled to the electronics chassis 220, which in turn is fixedly coupled to the grip portion 210 of the handle 200 within the interior cavity 213. Thus, due to this coupling, the swing unit 400 is also pivotable relative to the handle 200. However, the present application is not limited in all embodiments to the exact manner of coupling shown in the drawings, and in some embodiments, the boss or pin 157 can extend directly from the housing 212 of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200. Further, in other embodiments, the boss or pin 157 can be integrally formed with the housing 212 to protrude from an interior surface 212 of the housing 212, thereby forming the second pivot mounting device 156.

[0042] The swing unit 400 is pivotably mounted within the interior cavity 213 so as to be pivotable relative to the housing 212 about a fixed pivot axis A-A. Thus, regardless of the exact structure of the first pivot mounting device 423 and the second pivot mounting device 156, the swing unit 411 is configured to pivot relative to the housing 212 about the fixed pivot axis A-A. In the example embodiment, the fixed pivot axis A-A is orthogonal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the oral care implement 100, as shown. Figure 7 In the example embodiment, the first pivot mounting device 423 and the second pivot mounting device 156, and thus the pivot axis A-A, are located at a first distance D1 above the top end 227 of the motor 223. Thus, the first pivot axis A-A is located between the top end 227 of the motor 223 and the distal end surface 211 of the grip portion 210 of the handle 200.

[0043] The lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 includes a lower sleeve section 431 and a body section 432. The lower sleeve section 431 defines a cavity, and the bottom portion 230 of the motor 224 nests within the cavity of the lower sleeve section 431. That is, the lower sleeve section 431 is positioned around the bottom portion 230 of the motor 224. As shown, Figure 5 When the upper portion 420 and the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 are positioned around the motor 224, there is still a middle portion 231 of the motor 224 that is not covered or enclosed by the motor chassis 410. Of course, in other embodiments, the motor chassis 410 can cover more of the motor 224, including up to the entire motor 224.

[0044] The body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 extends downward from the lower sleeve section 431 and protrudes from the bottom end 233 of the motor 224. Thus, the body section 432 is axially positioned between the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 and the power source 223. In fact, in the exemplary embodiment, the second resilient element 450, the body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410, and the first resilient element 280 are all axially positioned between the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 and the power source 223.

[0045] The body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 includes a top portion 433 defining a cavity 434 and a post 435 protruding downward from the top portion 433. When the swing unit 400 is assembled, the second resilient element 450 is disposed within the cavity 434 of the top portion 433 of the body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410. Moreover, the bottom portion 230 of the motor 224 is nested within a cavity defined by the lower sleeve section 431 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410. In the exemplary embodiment, the second resilient element 450 is a compression spring, and more particularly, a coil compression spring. That is, the second resilient element 450 is compressed between the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 and the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410. More particularly, the second resilient element 450 is compressed between the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 and the floor of the top portion 433 of the body section 431 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410.

[0046] The second resilient element 450 exerts a spring force on the motor 224 in the direction of the motor axis C-C, and more particularly, in an upward direction toward the oral care refill head 300. The second resilient element 450 is aligned along the motor axis C-C when the swing unit 400 is in both the normal position and the over- pressure position, as further described below. Thus, the second resilient element 450 functions to maintain the proper alignment of the swing unit 400 within the interior chamber 213 of the housing 212.

[0047] The lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 further includes a contact element 436. In particular, the contact element 436 protrudes from the post 435 of the body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410. The post 435 extends along the motor axis C-C and terminates at a free distal end 437. Moreover, the contact element 436 includes a tab protruding from the post 435 in a direction transverse to the motor axis C-C. The contact element 436 is a feature of the motor chassis 410 and the swing unit 400, and more generally, actuates the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260 when the pressure applied to the oral care refill head 300 exceeds a pressure threshold, as further described below.

[0048] The contact element 436 of the motor chassis 410 is axially spaced from the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 by a second distance D2. In particular, the contact element 436 of the motor chassis 410 is located between the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 and the power source 223. The second distance D2 measured between the contact element 436 and the bottom end 233 of the motor 224 is greater than the first distance D1 measured between the pivot axis A-A (which is the location of the first pivot mounting 156 and the second pivot mounting 423) and the top end 227 of the motor 224. Furthermore, the contact element 436 is axially aligned with the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260 (which can be a trigger switch located on the printed circuit board 261). This ensures that the contact element 436 is able to contact and actuate the actuator element 265 during an over-pressure situation.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8 Figure 6, the contact element 436 protrudes from the post 435 in the same direction that the tooth cleaning elements 314 protrude from the head portion 310 of the oral care refill head 300. Thus, the contact element 436 protrudes from the post 435 in a direction towards the front surface 204 of the handle 200 of the oral care device 100. This is done because any over-pressure or force applied during brushing will be applied on the tooth cleaning elements 314 in a direction towards the rear surface 313 of the head portion 310. Furthermore, due to the configuration of the first pivot mounting 156 and the second pivot mounting 423, such force applied on the head portion 310 of the oral care refill head 300 will cause the swing unit 400 to pivot / swing in such a way that the contact element 436 located on the bottom portion of the swing unit 400 is moved in the opposite direction of the force applied to the head portion 310 of the oral care refill head 300. This function will be described in more detail below. Figures 8 to 11

[0050] The first resilient element 280 forming part of the swing unit 400 is operably coupled to the motor chassis 410 to bias the swing unit 400 into a normal position (which is the position shown in Figure 8 Figure 6). The normal position is the position of the swing unit 400 when any pressure applied to the oral care refill head 300 is below a pressure threshold (which can be a zero pressure situation when the oral care implement 100 is not in use, or a low pressure situation when the oral care implement 100 is in use but the user is brushing with an appropriate pressure and has not exceeded the pressure threshold).

[0051] ​In particular, the first resilient element 280 is coupled to the main body section 432 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 and more specifically to its post 435. Thus, the first resilient element 280 at least partially surrounds the post 435 to effectuate the coupling between the first resilient element 280 and the motor chassis 410. There is a stop protrusion 449 protruding from the post 435 directly below the contact element 436 to prevent the first resilient element 280 from extending beyond the stop protrusion 449. Thus, the stop protrusion 449 holds the first resilient element 280 in a desired position and prevents the first resilient element 280 from sliding up the post 435 beyond the stop protrusion 449. In addition, the opposite end of the first resilient element 280 is fixed relative to the housing 212. In the exemplary embodiment, the first resilient element 280 is fixedly coupled to the electronics assembly chassis 220, although in other embodiments it can be fixed directly to the housing 212. Thus, the lower portion of the post 435 is nested inside the first resilient element 280 and one end of the first resilient element 280 abuts the lower surface of the stop protrusion 449.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, the first resilient element 280 is a compression spring and more specifically a conical spring, a conical compression spring, a conical coil spring, etc. The first resilient element 280 has one end that is fixed relative to the housing 212 and an opposite end that is fixed to the post 435 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410. Thus, the first resilient element 280 controls the pivotal movement of the rocking unit 400 as described in more detail below. In particular, the force applied to the head portion 310 during use of the oral care implement 100 must overcome the force of the first resilient element 280 in order for the rocking unit 400 to pivot a sufficient amount for the contact element 436 of the motor chassis 410 to contact and actuate the actuator element 265 on the printed circuit board 261 of the control unit 260. When the rocking unit 400 is in the normal position as shown in FIG. 1, the first resilient element 280 is aligned along the motor axis C-C. When the rocking unit 400 is moved to the over-pressure position as shown in FIG. 2, the first resilient element 280 is moved out of alignment with the motor axis C-C as described in more detail below. Figure 8 Figure 10 When the rocking unit 400 is moved to the over-pressure position as shown in FIG. 2, the first resilient element 280 is moved out of alignment with the motor axis C-C as described in more detail below.

[0053] Referring to Figures 8 to 11 The function and operation of the oral care implement 100, and in particular its rocking unit 400 and control unit 260, will be described.

[0054] First, Figure 8 and 9 ​The oral care implement 100 is shown with the rocking unit 400 in the normal position. The rocking unit 400 is in the normal position when no pressure is applied to the head portion 310 or the tooth cleaning elements 314 of the oral care refill head 300 (more generally in the direction of the arrow Z). The rocking unit 400 is also in the normal position when pressure is applied to the head portion 310 or the tooth cleaning elements 314 of the oral care refill head 300 in the direction of the arrow Z, but the pressure is at or below the pressure threshold. In particular, the pressure threshold is determined by the spring offset of the first resilient element 280. Thus, when the force Z applied to the tooth cleaning elements 314 is at or below the spring offset of the first resilient element 280, the first resilient element 280 holds the rocking unit 400 in the normal position and prevents the rocking unit 400 from pivoting about the pivot axis A-A.

[0055] As mentioned above, the first resilient element 280 biases the rocking unit 400 into Figure 8 and 9 the normal position. That is, because the first resilient element 280 is fixed at one end (the first end 281) relative to the housing 212 and coupled at its opposite end (the second end 282) to the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410, the first resilient element 280 biases the rocking unit 400 in the normal position. In the normal position, the first resilient element 280 extends along an axis that is coaxial with the motor axis C-C from the first end 281 to the second end 282. Thus, when the rocking unit 400 is moved from the normal position to the over-pressure position, the rocking unit 400, and in particular its lower end, is moved in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the axis of the first resilient element 280. In other words, the first resilient element 280 is oriented such that its spring force is oriented in the direction of the motor axis C-C.

[0056] Figure 10 and 11 The oral care implement 100 is shown with the rocking unit 400 having changed from the normal position to the over-pressure position. In particular, the force Z applied to the tooth cleaning elements 314 exceeds the pressure threshold and overcomes the offset of the first resilient element 280. Thus, when a force Z that exceeds the pressure threshold is applied to the tooth cleaning elements 314 (or generally to the head portion 310 in the direction shown by the arrow labeled “Z”), the rocking unit 400 changes from the normal position to the over-pressure position, which is Figure 10 and 11 the position of the rocking unit 400.

[0057] As can be seen by comparing Figure 9 and 11As can be seen, the first resilient element 280 extends from the first end to the second end in the direction of the motor axis C-C. However, when the swing unit 400 is changed from the normal position to the over-pressure position, the lower portion of the swing unit 400 pivots in a direction that is generally transverse to the direction of the motor axis C-C. Thus, in the example embodiment, the swing unit 400 does not pull the first resilient element 280 in the direction of its spring force. Rather, as described herein, the swing unit 400 pulls the first resilient element 280 in a direction that is transverse to the direction of its spring force during the over-pressure situation.

[0058] In particular, when the swing unit 400 is changed to the over-pressure position, the swing unit 400 pivots about the fixed pivot axis A-A defined by the first pivot mounting 423 and the second pivot mounting 156. In particular, the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 pivots relative to the pin 157 (see Figure 7 ) which is fixed relative to the housing 212. As the upper portion 420 of the motor chassis 410 pivots, the motor 224 and the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 also pivot. In particular, the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 pivots a sufficient amount such that the contact element 436 of the lower portion 430 of the motor chassis 410 contacts the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260 with sufficient force to actuate the actuator element 265. As described above, the actuator element 265 can be a trigger switch such that when the actuator element 265 is pressed by the contact element 436, the actuator element 265 is actuated. In Figure 10 and 11 , the contact element 436 is shown in contact with the actuator element 265.

[0059] Further, as Figure 10 best shown, after the contact element 436 actuates the actuator element 265 as a result of the pressure applied to the oral care refill head 300 exceeding the pressure threshold, the control unit 260 initiates the production of a user-perceptible signal. In the example embodiment, the user-perceptible signal is the activation of the light source 380 to produce and emit light. In the example embodiment, the light source 380 is located within the interior chamber 213 of the housing 212 along the bottom portion thereof adjacent to the end cap 225. Further, in some embodiments, the lower annular ring portion 290 of the handle 200 (which can be formed by the end cap 225) is transparent or translucent or otherwise light-transmissive such that the light emitted by the light source 380 is emitted through the lower annular ring portion 290 of the handle 200 where it can be seen by the user of the oral care implement. Thus, upon seeing the light emitted through the lower annular ring portion 290 of the handle 200, the user will know that he / she is brushing with excessive force and that he / she should adjust his / her brushing technique. The light emitted from the light source 380 can be white light, yellow light, red light, or any other color of light.

[0060] In other embodiments, the light source can be positioned at other locations within the handle 200. For example, activation of the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260 can cause the control unit 260 to activate a light source positioned along the rear portion of the handle 200 to emit light through the rear portion of the handle 200. In other embodiments, activation of the actuator element 265 can cause the control unit 260 to activate a light source positioned along the front portion of the handle 200 or at any other location along the oral care implement 100 to emit light from the location that the user can see. Activation of the light source 380 provides an indication of excessive brushing pressure to the user, who can then correct the excessive brushing pressure.

[0061] Although in the example embodiment, activation of the actuator element 265 causes the control unit 260 to activate the light source, in other embodiments, a different user-perceptible signal can be generated upon activation of the actuator element 265. For example, the oral care implement can include a sound emitting device (e.g., a speaker), and activation of the actuator element 265 can cause the control unit 260 to activate the sound emitting device to produce a sound that the user can hear. In yet other embodiments, upon activation of the actuator element 265, the control unit 260 can change the operating characteristics of the motor 224 by suddenly stopping operation of the motor 224, slowing the speed of the motor 224, increasing the speed of the motor 224, pulsing the motor 224, etc. Thus, this can form a tactile user-perceptible indication or signal. In some embodiments, activation of the pressure actuator element 265 can cause the control unit 260 to both activate the light source 380 and change the operating characteristics of the motor 224. In one embodiment, activation of the pressure actuator element 265 can cause the control unit 260 to both activate the light source 380 and decrease the speed of the motor 224, thereby reducing the vibrations generated by the motor 224. As described above, in some embodiments, the light source 380 can be configured to pulse. Further, in some embodiments, the light source 380 can pulse or otherwise illuminate in red.

[0062] After the user reduces the force Z applied to the tooth cleaning element 314 below the magnitude of the predetermined threshold, the rocking unit 400 will change from the overpressure position back to the normal position. This is because, as described above, the rocking unit 400 is biased into the normal position by the first resilient element 280. Therefore, the force of the user is required to change the rocking unit 400 from the normal position to the overpressure position, and after the force stops, the rocking unit 400 will automatically change from the overpressure position back to the normal position. When changing from the overpressure position to the normal position, the rocking unit 400 will no longer actuate the actuator element 265, and the control unit 260 will stop generating the user perceptible signal. The bias or strength of the first resilient element 280 will determine the pressure threshold required to actuate the actuator element 265 of the control unit 260.

[0063] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value and sub-range within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure takes precedence.

[0064] While the application has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the application, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the application should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oral care implement handle comprising: a grip portion having a housing defining an interior chamber and a distal surface; a wobble unit comprising: a stem extending from the distal surface of the grip portion and configured to be detachably coupled to an oral care replacement head; a motor operably coupled to the stem to impart movement thereto, the motor having a motor axis; and a motor chassis supporting the motor and including a contact element; and a power source positioned within the interior chamber; a control unit operably coupled to the motor and the power source, the control unit including an actuator element, the control unit configured to initiate generation of a user-perceptible signal when the actuator element is actuated; and a first resilient element operably coupled to the motor chassis, the first resilient element biasing the wobble unit to a normal position; the wobble unit being pivotably mounted in the interior chamber so as to be pivotable relative to the housing about a fixed pivot axis, such that upon application of pressure to the oral care replacement head in excess of a pressure threshold, biasing of the first resilient element is overcome and the wobble unit changes from the normal position to an overpressure position in which the contact element actuates the actuator element.

2. The oral care implement handle of claim 1, wherein the motor chassis comprises: an upper portion extending beyond a top end of the motor and including a first pivot mounting arrangement that cooperates with a second pivot mounting arrangement that is fixed relative to the housing to complete the pivotable mounting of the wobble unit within the interior chamber; and a lower portion extending beyond a bottom end of the motor and including the contact element.

3. The oral care implement handle of claim 2, further comprising: wherein the first pivot mounting arrangement is axially spaced a first distance above the top end of the motor; and wherein the contact element is axially spaced a second distance below the bottom end of the motor.

4. The oral care implement handle of claim 3, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

5. The oral care implement handle of any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: the upper portion of the motor chassis including an upper sleeve section in which a top portion of the motor is nested, and an upper hub section through which the stem extends, the upper hub section including the first pivot mounting arrangement; and the lower portion of the motor chassis including a lower sleeve section in which a bottom portion of the motor is nested, and a body section that projects below the bottom end of the motor, the first resilient element being operably coupled to the body section. ​ ​ 6. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein one of the first and second pivot mounting means comprises a pair of bosses aligned along the pivot axis and the other of the first and second pivot mounting means comprises a pair of recesses aligned along the pivot axis and configured to cooperate with the pair of bosses.

7. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the upper portion of the motor chassis is a first component and the lower portion of the motor chassis is a second component separate and distinct from the first component.

8. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the rocking unit further comprises a second resilient element compressed between the base end of the motor and the lower portion of the motor chassis, the second resilient element aligned along the motor axis in both the normal position and the over-press position.

9. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first resilient element has a first end coupled to the motor chassis and a second end fixed relative to the housing.

10. The oral care implement handle according to claim 9 wherein the motor chassis comprises a post extending along the motor axis and terminating in a free distal end, the first end of the first resilient element coupled to the post.

11. The oral care implement handle according to claim 10, wherein the first resilient element comprises a coil spring; and wherein, The helical spring is aligned along the motor axis when the rocking unit is in the normal position.

12. The oral care implement handle according to claim 11 wherein the helical spring is a conical helical spring.

13. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the contact element comprises a tab projecting transverse to the motor axis.

14. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the control unit comprises a printed circuit board and the actuation element is a trigger switch on the printed circuit board.

15. The oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a light source operably coupled to the control unit and wherein upon actuation of the actuator element, the control unit is configured to: (1) cause the light source to illuminate; and (2) change an operating characteristic of the motor.

16. An oral care implement comprising: an oral care implement handle according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and an oral care refill head comprising a head portion having an oral care treatment tool and a sleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled to the stem of the oral care implement handle.

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