Toothbrush disinfection device

Abstract

The toothbrush disinfection device may include a drying element, a disinfection element, and a charging element. When a toothbrush is stored inside the toothbrush disinfection device, the toothbrush disinfection device can at least partially enclose the toothbrush and disinfect and charge the toothbrush. The toothbrush disinfection device may include a removable top, which may be used as a rinsing cup. The toothbrush disinfection device may also include a removable bottom that may be opened to facilitate cleaning of accumulated waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This field relates to toothbrush sterilization devices, and in particular sterilization devices that can sterilize, store, and charge electric toothbrushes. Background Technology

[0002] Although toothbrushes and other oral care devices have been used by humans for centuries, proper maintenance and sterilization of toothbrushes remain a problem for many. Many users do not effectively sterilize their toothbrushes. Furthermore, sterilizing toothbrushes can be inconvenient, especially for electric toothbrushes. Therefore, there is still a need for improved toothbrush sterilization devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure is a toothbrush sterilization device for an electric toothbrush. The device includes a body having a chamber for receiving an electric toothbrush; a bottom cover removably attached to the bottom side of the body; a top cover removably attached to the top side of the body; a charging coil disposed on an inner surface of the body and configured to charge the electric toothbrush; one or more ultraviolet lamps configured to at least partially clean the electric toothbrush; a heater or other drying device configured to remove at least some moisture from the electric toothbrush; and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the electric toothbrush in the toothbrush sterilization device.

[0004] Variations of the above also include a magnetic connector disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to removably couple the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device.

[0005] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is inside the cavity of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned upside down, such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the bottom side of the main body than the top side of the main body.

[0006] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is inside the cavity of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned with its right side up, so that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top side of the main body than the bottom side of the main body.

[0007] A variation of the above is that the bottom cover includes a vent.

[0008] A variation of the above is that, when removed from the body, the cover includes a rinsing cup.

[0009] A variation of the above is that the top cover is transparent to visible light.

[0010] Variations of the above-mentioned aspects also include a switch disposed on the outer surface of the body and configured to indicate the operating status of the toothbrush sterilizer.

[0011] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is disposed in the chamber of the main body, the charging coil is positioned near the handle of the electric toothbrush.

[0012] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is disposed in the chamber of the main body, the charging coil is disposed near the base of the electric toothbrush.

[0013] A variation of the above is that the sensing sensor is a Hall sensor.

[0014] Variations of the above also include a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned close to the brush head of the electric toothbrush.

[0015] A variation of the above is that one or more ultraviolet lamps are mounted on the PCB.

[0016] A variation of the above is that the heater includes a heating resistor disposed on the PCB.

[0017] A variation of the above is that the heater, in addition to the heater itself, also includes a fan or blower located within the main chamber.

[0018] A variation of the above is that the heater includes a fan or blower positioned within the main chamber as an alternative to the heater.

[0019] On the other hand, a toothbrush sterilization device for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The device includes a body having a chamber for receiving an electric toothbrush; a bottom cover removably attached to the bottom side of the body; a top cover removably attached to the top side of the body; one or more ultraviolet lamps configured to at least partially clean the electric toothbrush; a heater configured to remove at least some moisture from the electric toothbrush; and a magnetic connector disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to removably couple the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device.

[0020] Variations of the above also include a charging coil disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to inductively charge the electric toothbrush.

[0021] Variations of the above also include sensors configured to detect the presence of an electric toothbrush in a toothbrush sanitizing device.

[0022] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is inside the cavity of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned upside down, such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the bottom cover than the top cover.

[0023] A variation of the above is that, when the electric toothbrush is inside the cavity of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned with its front facing upwards, so that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top cover than the bottom cover.

[0024] On the other hand, a method for storing and sterilizing an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The method includes inserting the electric toothbrush into a chamber of the main body of a toothbrush sterilizing device, removably attaching a top cover to the top side of the main body of the toothbrush sterilizing device, detecting the presence of the electric toothbrush inside the main body of the toothbrush sterilizing device using a sensor, and activating multiple functions of the toothbrush sterilizing device. The multiple functions include inductively charging the electric toothbrush using a charging coil disposed on the inner surface of the main body of the toothbrush sterilizing device, at least partially sterilizing the electric toothbrush with one or more ultraviolet lamps, and removing at least some moisture from the electric toothbrush using a heater or other drying device.

[0025] A variation of the above is that inserting the electric toothbrush into the chamber of the toothbrush sterilizer body includes inserting the electric toothbrush upside down, such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the bottom side of the toothbrush sterilizer body than the top side of the toothbrush sterilizer body.

[0026] A variation of the above is that inserting the electric toothbrush into the chamber of the toothbrush sterilizer body includes inserting the electric toothbrush face up, such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top side of the toothbrush sterilizer body than the bottom side of the toothbrush sterilizer body.

[0027] Variations of the above also include using a magnetic connector disposed on the inner surface of the body to removably couple the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device.

[0028] Variations of the above also include removing the bottom cover to at least partially clean the bottom side of the toothbrush sanitizing device body.

[0029] On the other hand, a toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a brush head; a handle having a bottom side and a top side, wherein the brush head is connected to the handle at the top side of the handle; a charging unit disposed inside the handle, the charging unit having a charging circuit configured to obtain power inductively from a charging coil of a toothbrush sterilizer and to charge the toothbrush's battery; a magnet disposed in the handle and configured to be coupled to a connector on the toothbrush sterilizer; and a status indicator disposed on the handle and positioned closer to the bottom side of the handle than to the top side of the handle.

[0030] Variations of the above also include portable charging cases configured to be magnetically attached to the toothbrush handle via magnets and to provide power to the toothbrush.

[0031] On the other hand, a toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a brush head; a handle having a bottom side and a top side, wherein the brush head is connected to the handle at the top side of the handle; a charging unit on the handle having a charging circuit configured to obtain power from a charging coil of a toothbrush sterilizer and to charge the toothbrush's battery; and a magnet disposed in the handle and configured to be coupled to a connector on the toothbrush sterilizer.

[0032] A variation of the above is that the charging unit is positioned near the bottom side of the handle.

[0033] A variation of the above is that the charging circuit includes a charging coil.

[0034] Variations of the above also include a status indicator located on the handle.

[0035] On the other hand, a charger for a toothbrush is disclosed. The charger includes a body having a surface whose size and shape are configured to conform to a portion of the outer surface of a toothbrush; a charging circuit inside the body configured to charge the toothbrush's battery; and a magnet within the body configured to removably attach the body to the toothbrush. Attached Figure Description

[0036] This disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein: Figure 1A These are front, bottom, and right perspective views of an embodiment of the toothbrush sterilization device disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A front view of the toothbrush sterilization device.

[0038] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Rear view of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

[0039] Figure 2A This is a rear perspective view of an exemplary electric toothbrush.

[0040] Figure 2B It is configured to be for Figure 2A Rear perspective view of the charger for the electric toothbrush.

[0041] Figure 2C Showing attached to Figure 2A electric toothbrush Figure 2B The charger.

[0042] Figure 3A This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toothbrush sterilization device disclosed herein.

[0043] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The left cross-sectional view of the toothbrush sterilization device along line 3B-3B.

[0044] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A rear cross-sectional view of the toothbrush sterilization device in the image.

[0045] Figure 3D This is a rear cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toothbrush sterilization device with a fan disclosed herein.

[0046] Figure 4 Showing Figure 3A The front cross-sectional view of the toothbrush sterilizer in Figure 2 and the rear view of the electric toothbrush in Figure 2 illustrate how the electric toothbrush can be positioned inside the toothbrush sterilizer.

[0047] Figure 5A Showing Figure 3A A toothbrush sterilization device, wherein the top cover is removed and the electric toothbrush of Figure 2 is inserted.

[0048] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The front side of the PCB on the toothbrush sterilizer faces the chamber of the toothbrush sterilizer.

[0049] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B The back side of the PCB is opposite to the front side.

[0050] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A The charging control panel on the toothbrush sterilizer.

[0051] Figure 6 A children's toothbrush sterilization device for use with children's electric toothbrushes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to toothbrush sterilization devices, such as devices for sterilizing electric toothbrushes. A toothbrush sterilization device may include one or more electrical components to perform various functions, including, for example, charging, drying, and sterilizing the toothbrush. More specifically, the toothbrush sterilization device may also be configured to accommodate and protect the toothbrush between uses while cleaning and charging it. In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device may include a removable bottom cover attached to the underside of the device. The removable bottom cover may be configured to allow removal of accumulated waste and cleaning of the underside of the device. In some embodiments, the removable bottom cover may also include vents for airflow and dripping water from the toothbrush. In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device may also include a removable top cover attached to the top side of the device. The removable top cover can be used as a rinsing cup when removed. In some embodiments, the removable top cover may also be transparent or translucent to work with an electric toothbrush inside the device, which includes a light serving as a nightlight.

[0053] In various embodiments, exemplary embodiments of the toothbrush sterilizing device 100 may include a body 102, a top cover 104, and a bottom cover 106, forming at least a partially enclosed body. In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizing device 100 may have an elongated body that is widest at the top, narrowest at the middle, and has a moderate width at the bottom, such as... Figures 1A-1C As shown. In some embodiments, the chamber of body 102 (see...) Figures 3A-3C This can at least partially enclose the toothbrush. In other embodiments, the chamber of body 102 (see...) Figures 3A-3C It can completely seal the toothbrush.

[0054] In some embodiments, the body 102 of the toothbrush sterilizing device 100 may include a top cover 104, which is removably attached to the top side 140 of the body 102 by means of, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, a bayonet mount, gravity, etc. In some embodiments, the top cover 104 may be configured to be mounted on the top side 140 of the body 102 without a fastening device. In some embodiments, the top cover 104 may be transparent, partially transparent, or translucent to visible light, such that the internal space of the toothbrush sterilizing device 100 is visible from the outside of the device 100. It may be desirable to have a top cover 104 that is at least partially transparent so that, for example, a status indicator on the toothbrush inside the toothbrush sterilizing device 100 can be monitored from the outside of the device 100. The status indicator on the toothbrush may be an indicator showing whether the toothbrush is being charged or has been fully charged. In some embodiments, the status indicator may also be configured to indicate the status of sterilization, for example, the status indicator may display a first color when sterilization is in progress and switch to a second color when sterilization is complete. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5A As shown, the status indicator may include an LED light 280, which may be included on the electric toothbrush 200 and is visible from a transparent or translucent base 208 at the bottom of the electric toothbrush 200. In some embodiments, once the electric toothbrush 200 is fully charged, the LED light 280 may display a specific color to indicate the charging status and may also function as a night light, visible through the top cover 104 of the toothbrush sterilization device 100. In some embodiments, for example, when the electric toothbrush 200 is fully charged, the LED light 280 may display and remain red, as red does not affect a person's melatonin levels and sleep quality. The top cover 104, having at least partial transparency, allows the user to conveniently monitor the toothbrush's status while it is being covered and sterilized. In some embodiments, the top cover 104 may include a chamber (see...) Figures 3A-3C The chamber is configured to hold liquids (such as water, mouthwash, etc.) so that the top cover can be used as a rinsing cup when removed from the toothbrush sterilizer 100. Figures 1B-1CAs shown, the top cover 104 may have a substantially flat top surface 108, such that the top cover 104 can stand upright and / or support the toothbrush sterilizer 100 on the flat surface.

[0055] In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizer 100 may further include a bottom cover 106, which is removably attached to the bottom side 160 of the body 102 by means of, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or a bayonet mounting. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 106 can be easily removed, thereby cleaning the bottom side 160 of the body 102 by removing waste accumulated around the bottom side 160 of the body 102 and at the bottom cover 106 of the toothbrush sterilizer 100. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 106 may further include a vent 108 (see...). Figure 1A This allows for airflow and liquid escape, thereby reducing bacterial growth. For example... Figures 1B-1C As shown, the bottom cover 106 may have a substantially flat bottom surface 109, so that the bottom cover 106 can stand upright and / or support the toothbrush sterilizer 100 standing on the flat surface.

[0056] In various embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device disclosed herein can be used with different types of toothbrushes, including various manual and electric toothbrushes. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use the toothbrush sterilization device with an electric toothbrush to simultaneously store, sterilize, and charge the toothbrush. For example, toothbrush sterilization device 100 can be used with... Figure 2A The electric toothbrush 200 shown is used together. The electric toothbrush 200 may include a brush head 202 attached to a handle 206. The handle 206 of the electric toothbrush 200 may include various mechanical and / or electrical components, such as a magnet 212 that couples the toothbrush 200 to the magnet connector of the toothbrush sterilization device disclosed herein (see [link to document]) when the electric toothbrush 200 is inserted into the toothbrush sterilization device. Figure 5A As further described below, in some embodiments, the magnet 212 of the electric toothbrush 200 may also allow the toothbrush sterilizer to detect the presence of the electric toothbrush 200 within the toothbrush sterilizer via the magnetic field of the magnet 212. In some embodiments, the handle 206 of the electric toothbrush 200 may also include a charging unit having a charging circuit 210. In some embodiments, the charging circuit 210 may include a charging coil corresponding to the charging coil of the charging device on the toothbrush sterilizer 100 / 300 to charge the electric toothbrush by induction when the electric toothbrush 200 is inserted into the toothbrush sterilizer 100 / 300 (see...). Figure 5A ).like Figure 5A As shown, the handle 206 of the electric toothbrush 200 may also include a battery 220 connected to the charging circuit 210 to store power from the charging circuit 210.

[0057] Advantageously, the toothbrush can be placed upside down in the toothbrush sterilizer 100, wherein the brush head is positioned closer to the bottom side 160 than the top side 140 of the main body 102 of the toothbrush sterilizer 100 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5A When the toothbrush head is facing down, residual fluid and waste on the brush head can drip onto the bottom of the toothbrush sterilizer 100 instead of flowing to the toothbrush handle and contaminating it.

[0058] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a charging case 204 removably attached to the handle 206 of the electric toothbrush 200 (see [link]). Figure 2B In some embodiments, the charging case 204 of the electric toothbrush 200 may include a charging unit configured to provide power to the electric toothbrush 200 in correspondence with the charging circuit 210 of the electric toothbrush 200. The electric toothbrush 200 may store the power obtained through the charging circuit 210 in a battery 220. In some embodiments, the charging case 204 may include a magnet, enabling the charging case 204 to be magnetically attached to the handle 206 and to be easily removed when not needed (e.g., when the electric toothbrush 200 is inserted into the toothbrush sterilizer 100 / 300). In some embodiments, the charging case 204 may be portable, allowing it to move freely and be attached to the electric toothbrush 200 when needed. In some embodiments, the charging case 204 may be fixed to, for example, a wall or countertop, so that the electric toothbrush 200 can be magnetically attached to the charging case 204 and can be attached to, for example, a wall or countertop.

[0059] In various aspects, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 disclosed herein may include various mechanical and electrical components for coupling and cleaning a toothbrush. For example... Figures 3A-3C As shown, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may similarly include a body 302 having a chamber 303 for receiving a toothbrush, a top cover 304 removably attached to the top side 340 of the body 302, and a bottom cover 306 removably attached to the bottom side 360 ​​of the body 302.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least some of these mechanical and electrical components may be positioned inside the chamber 303 of the body 302 of the toothbrush sterilizing device 300. For example, in some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizing device 300 may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 312 disposed inside the chamber 303 of the body 302. In some embodiments, the PCB 312 may be positioned near a portion of the chamber 303 that may receive the toothbrush head (see [link to original text]). Figures 3A-3B ).like Figure 1C and Figure 3BAs shown, in various embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizer 100 or 300 may further include a switch 118 or 318 disposed on the outer surface of the body 102 or 302 and configured to switch between on and off or other operating modes of the toothbrush sterilizer 100 or 300. Reference Figure 3B Switch 318 can also be configured to be electrically connected to PCB 312 and to control one or more electrical components on PCB 312 (e.g., a sterilizing lamp, a drying device, etc.). In some embodiments, switch 318 can also function as a status indicator, configured to indicate the operating status of toothbrush sterilization device 100 or 300. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5C As shown, one or more LEDs 319 may be disposed on the back side of the PCB 312 and behind the switch 318. These LEDs 319 are configured to produce different visible light colors or patterns via the switch 318. In some embodiments, the LEDs 319 may be configured to indicate the operating status of the toothbrush sterilizer 300 (e.g., charging, drying, sterilizing, not sterilizing, sterilized, etc.). For example, when the toothbrush sterilizer 300 is sterilizing the electric toothbrush 200, the LEDs 319 may display a first color, and switch to a second color when the toothbrush sterilizer 300 has finished sterilizing the electric toothbrush 200. In some embodiments, the PCB 312 may include a controller mounted on the PCB 312. The PCB 312 may be connected to the switch 318 and configured to send signals to one or more electrical components on the PCB 312 to control the electrical components to turn on, off, be on for a period of time, change between various operating modes, etc.

[0061] In various embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may include one or more sterilizing lamps 316 to sterilize the toothbrush. The one or more sterilizing lamps 316 may be configured to at least partially clean the toothbrush, and in some embodiments, particularly the brush head. In some embodiments, the one or more sterilizing lamps 316 may be positioned on the front side of the PCB 312, near the bottom side 360 ​​of the toothbrush sterilization device 300, to target the brush head, such as... Figure 3A and Figures 4-5B As shown. In some embodiments, one or more disinfection lamps 316 may include ultraviolet LED lamps or any other lamps capable of disinfecting toothbrushes.

[0062] In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may further include a drying device to remove at least some moisture from the toothbrush. In some embodiments, the drying device may include at least one of a heater, a blower, and a fan. In some embodiments, the heater 317 of the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may be a resistance heater, a heating film, or any other suitable drying device. In some embodiments, the heater 317 in the form of a resistance heater may be provided in or on a PCB 312, near the bottom side 360 ​​of the toothbrush sterilization device 300, to dry the toothbrush, including the brush head (see...). Figure 5A and Figure 5B For example, in some embodiments, the resistance heater can be mounted to the PCB 312 using solder balls. In some embodiments, a silicone pad 314 can be disposed on the PCB 312 to isolate and protect the electrical components on the PCB 312 from moisture introduced by the toothbrush. Furthermore, Figures 5A-5B Only one disinfection lamp 316 and multiple heaters 317 are shown. In other embodiments, there may be multiple disinfection lamps 316 and only one heater 317, multiple disinfection lamps 316 and multiple heaters 317, or only one disinfection lamp 316 and one heater 317. Figure 3D As shown, the drying device may include at least one fan 350 as an alternative to or addition to the heater to promote air circulation within the chamber 303 and dry the toothbrush head. Although Figure 3D The drying device is shown as a fan, but it can be one or more blowers or any other device or instrument that promotes air circulation within the toothbrush sterilizer 300 or promotes moisture evaporation within the toothbrush sterilizer 300. In some embodiments, at least one fan 350 may be mounted as part of the chamber 303 that can receive the toothbrush head. For example, at least one fan 350 may be mounted to the chamber 303 by at least one of screws, fasteners, adhesives, and connectors. Alternatively or additionally, at least one fan 350 may be positioned in, on, or near the PCB 312, near the bottom side 360 ​​of the toothbrush sterilizer 300.

[0063] In various embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may further include a charging device 322 disposed inside the chamber 303 of the main body 302, such as... Figure 3C As shown. The charging device 322 can be positioned near the handle of the electric toothbrush inserted into the toothbrush sterilizer 300 for convenient charging of the electric toothbrush. In some embodiments, the charging device 322 may include a charging coil positioned near a portion of the chamber 303 corresponding to a charging unit on the toothbrush (when the toothbrush is positioned inside the toothbrush sterilizer 300) for inductive charging. Figure 3CAs shown, in some embodiments, a charging device 322 including a charging coil can be connected to a charging control panel 326 and a charging female socket 328. The charging female socket 328 can be configured to connect to an external power source that supplies power to the toothbrush sterilizer 300. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the electric toothbrush 200 is placed inside the toothbrush sterilization device 300, the charging device 322 can be positioned close to the charging circuit 210 on the electric toothbrush 200, so that the charging device 322 can provide power to the battery 220 of the electric toothbrush 200 through the charging circuit 210.

[0064] like Figure 1A-Figure 1B and Figures 3B-3C As shown, in various embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizer 100 or 300 may further include a charging port cover 127 or 327. In some embodiments, the charging port cover 327 may include an outer portion 327A and an inner portion 327B, the outer portion 327A being configured to protect the charging female socket 328 from external environmental influences when inserted into the charging female socket 328, and the inner portion 327B being configured to prevent the charging port cover 327 from detaching from the toothbrush sterilizer 300 when the outer portion 327A is removed from the charging female socket 328.

[0065] In other aspects, the toothbrush sterilization device 300 may include a connector 324 configured to removably couple an electric toothbrush to the interior of the toothbrush sterilization device 300. In some embodiments, the connector may be a magnet positioned inside a chamber 303 of the body 302, corresponding to a magnetic component on the electric toothbrush, so that the toothbrush can be easily secured in an ideal position inside the toothbrush sterilization device 300, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0066] Other aspects of the toothbrush sterilization device 300 disclosed herein may include a sensor 329 configured to sense the presence of an object inside the toothbrush sterilization device 300 and to activate one or more functions upon sensing an object. In some embodiments, the sensor 329 may be positioned on a charging control panel 326, near the handle or magnet of an electric toothbrush inserted inside the toothbrush sterilization device 300 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5A and Figure 5D For example, in some embodiments, the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor configured to sense the magnetic field of the toothbrush. In some embodiments, when the presence of at least a portion of the toothbrush is detected inside the toothbrush sterilization device 300, the sensor may activate one or more of the heating, sterilization, and drying functions.

[0067] In another embodiment, another toothbrush sterilization device 400 is disclosed. Unless otherwise stated, the toothbrush sterilization device 400 may include similar elements that operate in a similar manner to the toothbrush sterilization devices 100 or 300 described above. Figure 6 As shown, the toothbrush sterilizer 400 can be used with another embodiment of the electric toothbrush 500, wherein the electric toothbrush 500 is inserted into the toothbrush sterilizer 400 with its front end facing upwards. The electric toothbrush 500 may include a brush head 502 at the top and a base 508 at the bottom. In some embodiments, the base 508 of the electric toothbrush 500 may include a charging unit. Advantageously, including the charging unit in the base 508 of the electric toothbrush 500 rather than inside the handle 506 of the electric toothbrush 500 allows the electric toothbrush 500 to have a smaller size (e.g., shorter and / or thinner) than the electric toothbrush 200 described above, and is therefore suitable for use by children. In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilizer 400 may also be configured to be smaller in size than the toothbrush sterilizers 100 / 300 described above and suitable for use with children's toothbrushes.

[0068] In some embodiments, corresponding to a charging unit located at a base 508 of an electric toothbrush 500, a toothbrush sterilization device 400 may include a charging unit 410 located at a bottom portion 406 of the toothbrush sterilization device 400. In some embodiments, when the electric toothbrush 500 is positioned with the brush head 502 near the top portion 404 of the toothbrush sterilization device 400, the toothbrush sterilization device 400 may include one or more sterilization lamps 416 (e.g., ultraviolet LED lamps) located at the top portion 404 of the toothbrush sterilization device 400. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization lamps 416 may be built into a removable top cover at the top portion 404 of the toothbrush sterilization device 400. In some embodiments, the toothbrush sterilization device 400 may also include a display configured to display a digital timer 418 at the top portion 404 of the toothbrush sterilization device 400. In some embodiments, the digital timer 418 may be located on the removable top cover and configured to start a countdown when one or more sterilization lamps 416 are activated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush 500 may also be equipped with a gyroscope and / or accelerometer configured to track the user's brushing movements. In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush 500 may also include a Bluetooth connection to software implemented on an external smart device, and the software is configured to receive data from the gyroscope and / or accelerometer to track usage and duration, report to the user, the user's parents and / or dentist, and display tutorials to teach the user proper brushing techniques.

[0070] According to the various embodiments disclosed herein, electric toothbrushes 200 and 500 can also be used without a toothbrush sterilization device. Electric toothbrushes 200 and 500 can be used with other charging devices (such as the charging case 204 described above). In some embodiments, electric toothbrushes 200 and 500 can be used with other charging devices (such as wall-mounted, tabletop-mounted, etc.).

[0071] Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” etc., should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of “including but not limited to.” The term “coupled” as commonly used herein refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the term “connected” as commonly used herein refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the terms “this,” “above,” “below,” and similar terms as used herein should refer to the entire application, not any specific part of it. Additionally, as used herein, when a first element is described as “on” or “above” a second element, the first element may be directly on or above the second element such that the first and second elements are in direct contact, or the first element may be indirectly on or above the second element such that one or more elements intervene between the first and second elements. Where the context permits, the singular or plural terms used in the above specific embodiments may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" refers to a list of two or more items, and the word encompasses all of the following interpretations: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0072] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in the context of use, the conditional language used herein (e.g., “can,” “may,” “possibly,” “can,” “for example,” “such as,” “like,” etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states, while other embodiments do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or states in any way.

[0073] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel devices, methods, and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, while the features of a toothbrush sanitizing device are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functions with different arrangements and / or geometries, and some features may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these features can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Any suitable combination of elements and actions of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or modifications falling within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A toothbrush sterilization device for an electric toothbrush, the device comprising: The main body has a chamber for receiving the electric toothbrush. A bottom cover, which is removably attached to the bottom side of the body. The top cover is removably attached to the top side of the main body. A charging coil is disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to charge the electric toothbrush. One or more ultraviolet lamps are configured to at least partially clean the electric toothbrush. A heater, configured to remove at least some moisture from the electric toothbrush, and A sensor is configured to detect the presence of the electric toothbrush in the toothbrush sterilization device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further includes a magnetic connector disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to removably couple the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein when the electric toothbrush is located inside the chamber of the body, the electric toothbrush is positioned inverted such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the bottom side of the body than the top side of the body.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein when the electric toothbrush is located inside the chamber of the body, the electric toothbrush is positioned face up such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top side of the body than the bottom side of the body.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom cover includes a vent.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the top cover includes a rinsing cup when removed from the body.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the top cover is transparent to visible light.

8. The device according to claim 1 further includes a switch disposed on the outer surface of the body and configured to indicate the operating state of the toothbrush sterilization device.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein when the electric toothbrush is disposed in the chamber of the body, the charging coil is positioned near the handle of the electric toothbrush.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein when the electric toothbrush is disposed in the chamber of the body, the charging coil is positioned near the base of the electric toothbrush.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensing sensor is a Hall sensor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed near the brush head of the electric toothbrush.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein one or more ultraviolet lamps are disposed on the PCB.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heater comprises a heating resistor disposed on the PCB.

15. A toothbrush sterilization device for an electric toothbrush, the device comprising: The main body has a chamber for receiving the electric toothbrush. A bottom cover, which is removably attached to the bottom side of the body. The top cover is removably attached to the top side of the main body. One or more ultraviolet lamps are configured to at least partially clean the electric toothbrush. A heater, configured to remove at least some moisture from the electric toothbrush, and A magnetic connector is disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to removably couple the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further includes a charging coil disposed on the inner surface of the body and configured to inductively charge the electric toothbrush.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 further includes a sensor configured to detect the presence of the electric toothbrush in the toothbrush sterilization apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, When the electric toothbrush is located inside the chamber of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned upside down, such that the brush head is closer to the bottom cover than the top cover.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, When the electric toothbrush is located inside the chamber of the main body, the electric toothbrush is positioned with its front facing up, such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top cover than the bottom cover.

20. A method for storing and sterilizing an electric toothbrush, the method comprising: Insert the electric toothbrush into the chamber of the main body of the toothbrush disinfection device. The top cover is removably attached to the top side of the main body of the toothbrush sterilization device. The presence of the electric toothbrush on the inside of the main body of the toothbrush disinfection device is detected by a sensor, and Activating multiple functions of the toothbrush sterilization device, the multiple functions including: The electric toothbrush is inductively charged using a charging coil disposed on the inner surface of the main body of the toothbrush sterilizer. The electric toothbrush is at least partially disinfected using one or more ultraviolet lamps, and Use a heater to remove at least some of the moisture from the electric toothbrush.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein inserting the electric toothbrush into the chamber of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device comprises inserting the electric toothbrush upside down such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the bottom side of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device than the top side of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein inserting the electric toothbrush into the chamber of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device comprises inserting the electric toothbrush face up such that the brush head of the electric toothbrush is closer to the top side of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device than the bottom side of the body of the toothbrush sterilizing device.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising removably coupling the electric toothbrush to the toothbrush sterilization device using a magnetic connector disposed on the inner surface of the body.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising removing the bottom cover to at least partially clean the bottom side of the body of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

25. A toothbrush comprising: Brush head; A handle having a bottom side and a top side, wherein the brush head is connected to the handle at the top side of the handle. A charging unit is disposed on the inside of the handle. The charging unit has a charging circuit configured to inductively obtain power from the charging coil of the toothbrush sterilizer and charge the toothbrush's battery. A magnet, which is disposed in the handle and configured to be coupled to a connector on the toothbrush sterilizer, and A status indicator is disposed on the handle and positioned closer to the bottom side than the top side of the handle.

26. The toothbrush of claim 25 further includes a portable charging case configured to be magnetically attached to the handle of the toothbrush via the magnet and to provide power to the toothbrush.

27. A toothbrush comprising: Brush head; A handle having a bottom side and a top side, wherein the brush head is connected to the handle at the top side of the handle. The charging unit on the handle has a charging circuit configured to inductively obtain power from the charging coil of the toothbrush sterilizer and charge the toothbrush's battery. A magnet, which is disposed in the handle and configured as a connector to be coupled to the toothbrush sanitizing device.

28. The toothbrush of claim 27, wherein the charging unit is positioned near the bottom side of the handle.

29. The toothbrush of claim 27, wherein the charging circuit includes a charging coil.

30. The toothbrush of claim 27 further includes a status indicator disposed on the handle.

31. A charger for a toothbrush, the charger comprising: The body has a surface whose size and shape are configured to conform to a portion of the outer surface of the toothbrush. The charging circuit inside the main body is configured to charge the toothbrush's battery. The body contains a magnet configured to removably attach the body to the toothbrush.

32. The charger of claim 31, wherein the charger is configured to be fixed to a support separate from the toothbrush.

33. The charger of claim 32, wherein the support includes at least one of a wall, a countertop, and a mirror.

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