Illuminated personal care device

Abstract

A personal care device is proposed, comprising a body and an attachment, the attachment having an optical arrangement or light patterning means for receiving light provided at a light input area and processing or directing the light to generate an illumination pattern on the attachment body defining a 3D geometric shape or structure. The light patterning means or optical arrangement has a plurality of parts, each configured to be optically activated upon the provision of light to a different individual light input area, or upon the provision of light to the same light input area but at different light input angles, each generating a different portion of the overall 3D illumination pattern when optically activated. A set of multiple light sources is provided on the body for respectively providing light to different portions of the optical arrangement or light patterning means, and is dynamically controlled by a controller to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D illumination pattern.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to personal care devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of personal care devices, many devices include a body portion that houses electronic components and one or more attachment portions that releasably couple to the body portion. The attachment portions can be disposable. For example, an electric toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brush head portion that is releasably coupled to the handle portion. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It would be beneficial to be able to provide optical feedback or output to the user within the attachment portion.

[0004] As an example, in some personal care devices, light is used as part of the personal care function, for example, for a light treatment function administered to the teeth or gums, and it would be beneficial to be able to dynamically visualize the flow of the treatment light through the attachment to explain the light treatment process.

[0005] It would be possible to integrate a set of light sources or even a digital display element into the attachment. However, this would complicate power and control. It would also be inefficient, since the attachment may be disposable, which means that the electronic elements would need to be thrown away along with the attachment.

[0006] Alternative means of providing optical feedback would also be advantageous. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present invention there is provided a personal care device comprising: A device body including a plurality of light sources and a controller for controlling the light sources; and an attachment configured to releasably couple to the device body, the attachment comprising: An attachment body; a light patterning means integral with the attachment body and including a plurality of light patterning portions, each light patterning portion configured to receive light from at least one light input area of ​​the attachment body and provide a respective 3D illumination pattern within the attachment body when the respective light input area is illuminated, each light patterning portion being optically fed by a different respective light input area; at least a portion of the attachment body is formed from a light-transmitting material such that each 3D illumination pattern is visible to an observer on an exterior surface of the attachment body; the device body having a respective light source for each light input area of ​​the attachment, each light source configured to optically interface with a respective light input area when the attachment is coupled to the device body, each light source being individually controllable by a controller; The controller implements a lighting strategy that includes dynamically controlling the light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern within the attachment body.

[0009] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention proposes to provide a passive optical arrangement (light patterning means) integrated in the attachment, which has the effect of processing the light received by the device body so as to generate an illumination pattern within the attachment body that defines a particular 3D geometric pattern or structure. Depending on the position where the light is applied to the attachment body, different parts of the optical arrangement (light patterning means) are illuminated, resulting in different parts of the overall 3D illumination pattern being illuminated. At the same time, by providing the body device with an array of illumination elements configured to optically couple different light input areas of the attachment body, a means is provided for dynamically controlling the illumination of different 3D illumination patterns within the attachment body, without the need for active electronic optical elements integrated in the attachment body.

[0010] Thus, dynamic optical visualizations can be created within the attachment by dynamically illuminating the attachment from different positions and / or angles and illuminating different optical structures or textures within the attachment body volume.

[0011] One advantageous area of ​​application is oral care, and the device may be an oral care device, however, the device may alternatively be any other kind of personal care device, such as a shaver or a hair dryer.

[0012] The attachment can be a personal care attachment. It can be a functional attachment. It can be used to perform a personal care function. It can be an oral care attachment. It can be used to perform an oral care function. For example, it can be a brush head for a toothbrush. It can be a cleaning head for an oral irrigator. It can be a flossing head for a powered flossing device. It can be a treatment head for a light treatment device. It can be a head for a shaver device. These exemplary options are of course not exhaustive.

[0013] Such lighting schemes may include dynamically varying the selection of illuminated light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern at the attachment body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the attachment can have at least three light patterning portions, and when illuminated, the distinct 3D light patterns generated by the light patterning portions are spaced apart from one another within the attachment body along at least a first dimension. At least three light patterns allow for the creation of dynamic effects that would not be possible with only two patterns. In particular, this allows for the creation of the illusion of motion using sequential activation of the light sources.

[0015] In this regard, in some embodiments, the illumination scheme can include the controller controlling the light sources to sequentially illuminate the light patterning portions in sequence along at least a first dimension, thereby providing a progressive illumination pattern at the attachment body. This can, for example, create the illusion of movement. For example, in an embodiment of a device providing optical treatment, this can be useful to provide visual feedback or guidance to a user regarding the flow of light through the attachment body.

[0016] The light patterning portions may be illuminated one by one in sequential patterns (ie, when the next illumination pattern is activated, the previous illumination pattern is deactivated).

[0017] In some embodiments, each individual light patterning portion may be configured to generate an individual 3D illumination pattern having a plurality of discrete illumination nodes or spots spaced apart from one another in at least a second dimension, which may be perpendicular to the first dimension.

[0018] For example, an illumination node may generate a light output that is at least brighter than the light output of any interconnected portions (if any) of the light patterning portion.

[0019] In other words, each 3D illumination pattern is composed of a number of visible light spots within the device body, which spots are, for example, apparently floating spots.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first dimension may be perpendicular to the second dimension, and the lighting nodes of adjacent lighting patterns are spaced apart from one another in both the first and second dimensions such that the lighting nodes of multiple lighting patterns together define a set of diagonal rows, the diagonal rows being spaced apart from one another along the second dimension.

[0021] With this arrangement, individual lighting patterns are illuminated in sequence along the first dimension, which creates the optical effect of a virtual spiral pattern, dynamically indicating that the light is traveling along the length of the attachment.

[0022] The attachment can have a proximal end for coupling to the device body and a distal end. The second dimension can extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The first dimension can extend perpendicular to the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a length dimension of the attachment and the first dimension corresponds to a width dimension.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device may be configured to perform a light treatment function in which treatment light is emitted from at least one light output area of ​​the attachment.

[0024] In some embodiments, light guiding means may be provided for coupling treatment light from at least one of the light input regions to at least one light output region of the attachment.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more light sources can be configured to generate treatment light. Alternatively, a separate set of one or more light sources can be provided to generate treatment light. For example, the treatment light can have a different frequency spectrum. For example, the treatment light can be in the non-visible light spectrum.

[0026] With regard to the light patterning means, this can be formed by optical features, structures or formations formed within the attachment body. The light patterning means can for example comprise optical structures with a 3D shape and configured to scatter, deflect or reflect the light incident thereon. In other words, it is a structure that deflects, scatters or reflects light.

[0027] In some examples the light patterning means comprises sub-surface material patterning within the attachment body, for example having a 3D shape, which when illuminated produces an illumination pattern that matches said 3D shape, such that the optical configuration is formed by material modification of the attachment body itself.

[0028] For example, in some embodiments the light patterning means may comprise a 3D laser engraved or etched pattern formed in the attachment body.

[0029] In one set of embodiments, the personal care device is an oral care device.

[0030] In one set of embodiments, the personal care device is a power toothbrush, in which case the attachment may be a brush head.

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of using laser etching to create illumination patterns in transparent materials. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary personal care device according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of elements of an exemplary personal care appliance. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary personal care device attachment according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates a further representation of an exemplary attachment according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a dynamic lighting scheme implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows elements from a prototype device. [Figure 8] 1A-1D illustrate stages in the manufacture of a portion of an exemplary personal care device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to more clearly show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only, in which:

[0034] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0035] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended as limiting the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the devices, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0036] The present invention provides a personal care device comprising a body and an attachment, the attachment having an optical arrangement or light patterning means for receiving light provided at a light input area and processing or directing the light to generate an illumination pattern on the attachment body defining a 3D geometric shape or structure. More specifically, the light patterning means or optical arrangement has a plurality of parts, each configured to be optically activated upon the provision of light to a different individual light input area or upon the provision of light to the same light input area but at different light input angles, each generating a different portion of the overall 3D illumination pattern when optically activated. A set of multiple light sources is provided on the body for respectively providing light to different portions of the optical arrangement or light patterning means and is dynamically controlled by a controller to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D illumination pattern.

[0037] As an example, one advantageous set of embodiments uses the optical functionality described above to illustrate the dynamic behavior of light flow through an attachment (such as the brush head of an electric toothbrush).

[0038] The 3D lighting pattern defines a 3D structure, shape and / or texture in the attachment body that is at least partially optically transmissive, e.g., at least partially transparent, to enable the 3D lighting pattern to be seen by an observer.

[0039] In different technical fields it is known to generate light patterns in glass volumes or polymer sheets using laser etching or engraving patterns in the material volume. When illuminated this creates a visible light structure or texture in the material. When illuminated for example by ambient or directional light the appearance of a visual structure is created. Two examples are shown for example in FIG.

[0040] In particular, a laser is focused into a large array of spots within a volume of material, which together define a particular 3D shape or structure within the volume. Each laser-created spot defines a tiny crack or deformation that deflects or scatters the light that is incident upon it. Thus, the overall creation of the spots has the effect of creating a visible pattern within the volume of an otherwise transparent material.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention propose to apply similar optical principles to create dynamic light shapes within personal care device attachments.

[0042] The objective is to create light structures or textures on the attachment body, where the light structures or textures include portions at multiple different locations within the body, preferably at multiple locations along both the length and width dimensions (length extending from distal end to proximal end) of the attachment, i.e., portions in vertical and horizontal planes. This can be created, for example, by 3D laser engraving in the attachment volume. Some or all of the remaining attachment volume can be optically transparent or translucent. LEDs integrated into the device body dynamically illuminate these optical structures, creating dynamic lighting patterns on the structures. For example, this can mimic the movement of a photon package through a brush head in the case of a light treatment device.

[0043] The concept of the present invention can be advantageously applied to any personal care device having a body part and an attachment part. One advantageous area of ​​application is oral care devices. To illustrate the implementation of the concept, an example related to an electric toothbrush device is described below. It should be understood that the same concept can be applied to any other type of personal care device as well.

[0044] Figure 2 shows an exemplary personal care device according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the electronic elements included in the personal care device. The personal care device in this example is an oral care device.

[0045] The personal care device 10 has a device body 18 and an attachment 16 configured to releasably couple to the device body. In this particular example, the personal care device is in the form of an electric toothbrush. The attachment 16 is a brush head 16 for the toothbrush. The body forms a handle for the device. The body houses the electrical elements. The brush head has a platen 12 from which protrude a plurality of cleaning elements 14, e.g., bristles, for cleaning oral surfaces.

[0046] Although a personal care device in the shape of a toothbrush is shown, this is by way of example only and different types of personal or oral care devices can be used, such as a brushing mouthpiece device, an oral irrigator, or a powered flossing device.

[0047] The device body 18 includes a lighting module 30. The lighting module includes a plurality of light sources 32a, 32b, and 32c. The device body further includes a controller 20 for controlling the light sources.

[0048] With regard to the attachment 16, it has an attachment body 17. The attachment body has a proximal end 19a and a distal end 19b. The attachment body can be understood as extending in a first dimension (X), a second dimension (Z) and a third dimension (Y), where the second (Z) dimension is the length dimension extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the first (X) and third (Y) dimensions are width dimensions, orthogonal to the first (X) dimension and together defining a plane spanning the width of the attachment.

[0049] The attachment 16 comprises an optical patterning means 40 integral with the attachment body 17. This may for example comprise laser etched optical structures.

[0050] As shown in more detail in Figure 4, the light patterning means 40 comprises a plurality of light patterning portions 42a, 42b, 42c, each configured to combine light from at least one light input area 52a, 52b, 52c of the body to provide a respective 3D illumination pattern within the attachment body when the respective light input area is illuminated, each light patterning portion being optically fed by a different respective light input area.

[0051] At least a portion of the attachment body 17 is formed of an optically transmissive material, allowing each 3D light pattern to be visible to a viewer on the exterior surface of the attachment body. The entire remaining volume of the attachment body 17 may in some cases be formed of an optically transmissive (e.g., transparent) material. In other cases, only discrete portions of the remaining body 17 are made optically transmissive, thereby forming discrete windows in the body through which the 3D light patterns are visible.

[0052] 2-4, the device body 18 has at least one individual light source 32a, 32b, 32c for each of the light input areas 52a, 52b, 52c of the attachment, each light source configured to optically interface with the individual light input area when the attachment is coupled to the device body. Each light source is independently controllable by the controller 20.

[0053] The controller is configured to implement a lighting driving scheme that includes dynamically controlling the light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern within the attachment body.

[0054] In other words, by dynamically varying which selection of one or more of the multiple light sources 32 is active at one time, the resulting combined 3D lighting pattern within the attachment body can be controlled to vary dynamically, and this is achieved with only passive optical elements within the attachment.

[0055] Although only three light sources are shown in Figure 3, any number of light sources may be provided. Each light source may comprise one or more lighting elements, for example one or more LEDs. Any other type of lighting element may be used instead.

[0056] Although only the illumination module 30 and the controller 20 are shown in Figures 2 and 3, the device may typically house several other elements related to oral care functions, which are not shown for the sake of simplicity and brevity. For example, these may include a battery, an actuation means, a microprocessor, one or more sensor elements such as an inertial measurement unit, etc.

[0057] 4, the attachment 16 in this example has three light patterning portions 42a, 42b, 42c. The separate 3D illumination patterns produced by the light patterning portions, when illuminated, are spaced apart from one another within the attachment body 17 along the first (X) dimension. The illumination module 30 has an arrangement of light sources 32a, 32b, 32c, in this example three, one providing light to each light patterning portion 42a, 42b, 42c.

[0058] As shown, the arrangement of light sources 32 within lighting module 30 is spatially complementary to the arrangement of light input areas 52a, 52b, 52c included in attachment 16, such that when the attachment is docked with device body 18, each light source 32 is spatially and optically aligned with a corresponding one of the light input areas. Thus, when activated, the light sources each illuminate a respective one of the light input areas 52.

[0059] With respect to the lighting module 30, this may for example comprise a PCB on which one or more lighting elements forming each light source are mounted. Although in Figures 4 and 5 the light sources 32 and corresponding light input areas 52 are shown in a line and spaced apart only along the X dimension, the light sources may be distributed in a 2D spatial pattern, where the light sources are spaced apart from each other in both the X and Y dimensions.

[0060] As described further below, in some embodiments, the controller 20 may be configured to control the light source 32 to sequentially illuminate the light patterning portions 42 a, 42 b, 42 c in sequence along the dimension (X) along which the light patterning portions 42 a, 42 b, 42 c are spaced apart, thereby providing a progressive illumination pattern at the attachment body 17.

[0061] As shown more clearly in the example of FIG. 5, each individual light patterning portion 42a, 42b, 42c may be configured to generate an individual 3D illumination pattern having a plurality of discrete illumination nodes 46 (or light spots) spaced apart from one another in at least the second (Z) dimension. In other words, a linear array or row of light spots is formed by each light patterning portion in this example. By "illumination node" is meant a light spot or a light hot spot. These may be understood as spots that generate a light output that is at least brighter than the light output of any interconnection portions (if any) of the light patterning portion 42, or as floating spots (without interconnection pattern portions).

[0062] The illumination nodes 46 of adjacent illumination patterns 42a, 42b, 42c are spaced apart from each other in both the aforementioned first (X) and second (Z) dimensions. In other words, each illumination pattern forms a line or row of light spots extending at least in the Z direction, the rows formed by adjacent illumination pattern portions being spaced apart from each other in the X dimension and preferably in the Z dimension. In the latter case, as shown in Fig. 5, the result is an arrangement in which the illumination nodes of the three illumination patterns together define a set of diagonal rows, the diagonal rows being spaced apart from each other along the second (Z) dimension. They are for example diagonal to the Z dimension.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, when the controller 20 is adapted to control the light source to sequentially illuminate the light patterning portions 42a, 42b, 42c in sequence along the X dimension (as described above), this generates a progressive illumination pattern in the attachment body 17.

[0064] This is illustrated in Figures 6(a)-(c), which show sequential stages of an exemplary periodic illumination driving scheme. In Figure 6(a), a first light patterning portion 42a is illuminated to generate a first 3D illumination pattern. In Figure 6(b), a second light patterning portion 42b is illuminated to generate a second 3D illumination pattern. In Figure 6(c), a third light patterning portion 42c is illuminated to generate a third 3D illumination pattern. The scheme then returns to step (a) and is repeated cyclically.

[0065] In the particular (but not essential) case shown in Figures 5 and 6, where the illumination pattern is composed of light spots that together form a series of diagonal lines (diagonal to the second, i.e. Z, dimension), as described above, this sequential drive scheme creates an optical effect that has the appearance of a spiral or helical movement.

[0066] For further illustration, FIG. 7 shows a photograph of a prototype attachment of an exemplary device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 also shows an exemplary illumination module 30 that may be utilized in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In this example, the illustrated attachment 16 is in the form of a brush head for a toothbrush. Each of the multiple light patterning portions defines a series of light spots or nodes, as described above. Separate light input areas 52a, 52b, 52c for optically feeding each light patterning portion of the light patterning arrangement 40 are indicated by arrows in FIG. 7.

[0067] The lighting module 30 shown in Figure 7 comprises a PCB on which a number of light sources 32a, 32b, 32c are mounted. In this example, each light source comprises an individual LED. The lighting module further comprises lighting circuitry used to drive each LED independently.

[0068] As mentioned above, in one advantageous set of embodiments, the device may be configured to perform a light treatment function in which treatment light is emitted from at least one light output area of ​​the attachment 16. The optical concepts proposed herein find particularly advantageous application in such devices. In particular, it may be used to optically signal or indicate to a user the optical flow path of the treatment light through the attachment, and further may indicate when treatment light is administered (i.e., the illumination pattern is active when treatment light is administered).

[0069] In some examples, light guiding means can be provided for coupling treatment light from at least one of the light input regions 42a, 42b, 42c to at least one light output region of the attachment 16. In some examples, a separate light input region can be provided for the input light.

[0070] In some instances, one or more of the previously described light sources 32a, 32b, 32c may be configured to generate the treatment light, however, in other cases, a separate light source or light sources may be included in the device for this purpose.

[0071] With regard to the light patterning means, this generally comprises an optical arrangement or structure with a 3D shape and is configured to scatter, deflect or reflect incident light, for example the light patterning means may comprise a 3D laser engraved pattern formed in the attachment body.

[0072] In other cases the light patterning means comprises sub-surface material patterning of the attachment body having a 3D shape which, when illuminated, produces an illumination pattern that matches said 3D shape, In other cases the light patterning means may be formed by an arrangement of one or more optical elements integrated into the device body.

[0073] Next, one exemplary method of manufacturing a device according to at least one embodiment will be outlined.

[0074] To manufacture the exemplary device, the following method steps can be implemented.

[0075] An attachment body 17 is provided which is made of an optically transparent material or has a transparent portion. The material may be a transparent polymer.

[0076] Next, an optical arrangement, such as a light patterning means 40, is introduced into the attachment body 17. This can be achieved, for example, by modifying the material structure within the attachment body volume. For example, this can be achieved by laser etching or engraving a specific 3D pattern, texture or shape into the body volume. The introduced optical arrangement or light patterning means is such that, when light is provided to a specific area or areas on the surface of the attachment body, a 3D illumination pattern is generated within the volume of the attachment body. The introduced optical arrangement or light patterning means has multiple parts, each of which can be illuminated by providing light to a different light input area of ​​the outer surface of the body. When illuminated, each part provides a different and individual 3D illumination pattern.

[0077] Instead of modifying the material of the attachment body to form the optical configuration, one or more sets of optical elements can be integrated into the body volume. This can be done during the fabrication of the attachment body.

[0078] The method further includes providing a device body 18 configured to releasably couple with the attachment. A plurality of light sources are integrated into the housing of the device body and configured to optically couple with the light input regions when the attachment is coupled to the device body. Each light source is configured to optically couple with a respective one of the light input regions to activate the respective one of the light input regions.

[0079] The method also includes providing a controller 20 within the device body housing operatively coupled to a plurality of light sources 32. Each light source is individually controllable by the controller 20. The controller is operable to implement a lighting strategy that includes dynamically controlling the light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern within the attachment body.

[0080] By way of further explanation, FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a selection of elements of a personal care device. The personal care device in this example is an electric toothbrush. The elements in box 64 are elements included in the device body 18 mentioned above, which in this example forms the handle portion of the toothbrush. The body has a body housing that houses the controller 20 (not shown in FIG. 8) and may further include actuation means for driving the vibration of the attachment. The body further includes the lighting module 30 mentioned above, which includes a number of light sources. The elements in box 62 are elements included in the attachment 16, including in particular the stem portion of the toothbrush head.

[0081] This concept is applicable to a wide range of different personal care devices. One advantageous field of application is oral care devices. As non-limiting examples, suitable applications include use in electric toothbrushes, electric flossing devices using fluid jets, teeth whitening devices, or any oral optical treatment devices. This concept can also be applied to other personal care devices, such as electric shavers, hair dryers, optical skin treatment devices, etc.

[0082] As described above, the embodiments utilize a controller. The controller can be implemented in various ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions required. The processor is an example of a controller employing one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the functions required. However, the controller may or may not employ a processor to implement, and may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

[0083] Examples of controller elements that may be employed in various embodiments of the present application include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0084] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed by the one or more processors and / or controllers, perform the required functions. The various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller, or may be transportable such that one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller.

[0085] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0086] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0087] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0088] The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0089] Please note that when the term "adapted for" is used in the claims or specification, the term "adapted for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured for."

[0090] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A personal care device comprising: a device body including a plurality of light sources and a controller for controlling the light sources; and an attachment releasably coupled to the body, the attachment comprising: Attachment body and light patterning means integral with the attachment body, the light patterning means comprising a plurality of light patterning portions, each light patterning portion receiving light from at least one light input area of ​​the attachment body and providing a respective 3D illumination pattern within the attachment body when the respective light input area is illuminated, each light patterning portion being optically fed by a different respective light input area; at least a portion of the attachment body is formed from a light-transmitting material, allowing each 3D illumination pattern to be visible to an observer on an outer surface of the attachment body; the device body has a separate light source for each light input area of ​​the attachment, each light source optically interfacing with a separate light input area when the attachment is coupled to the device body, each light source being individually controllable by the controller; The controller implements a lighting strategy that includes dynamically controlling the light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern within the attachment body.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lighting strategy comprises dynamically varying a selection of the illuminated light sources to generate a dynamically changing overall 3D lighting pattern on the attachment body.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment has at least three light patterning portions, and the individual 3D illumination patterns generated by the light patterning portions are spaced apart from one another within the attachment body along at least a first dimension when illuminated.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller controls the light sources to sequentially illuminate the light-patterning portions in sequence along the at least first dimension to provide a progressive illumination pattern at the attachment body.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein each individual light patterning portion generates an individual 3D illumination pattern having a plurality of discrete illumination nodes spaced apart from one another in at least a second dimension.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension, and wherein lighting nodes of adjacent lighting patterns are spaced apart from one another in both the first and second dimensions such that lighting nodes of the plurality of lighting patterns together define a set of diagonal rows, the diagonal rows being spaced apart from one another along the second dimension.

7. 7. The device of claim 3, wherein the attachment has a proximal end for coupling to the device body and a distal end, a second extension dimension of the attachment extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and the first extension dimension extending perpendicular to the second dimension.

8. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device performs a light treatment function in which treatment light is emitted from at least one light output area of ​​the attachment.

9. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the optical patterning means has a passive optical arrangement which has the effect of processing light received by the attachment body so as to generate an illumination pattern within the attachment body which defines a 3D geometric pattern or structure.

10. An apparatus as described in claim 9, wherein each of the optical patterning portions is a different part of the optical arrangement, and illumination of each optical patterning portion results in illumination of a different part of the entire 3D pattern or structure defined by the optical patterning means.

11. 11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light patterning means comprises an optical structure with a 3D shape, the structure scattering, deflecting or reflecting light incident thereon.

12. 12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light patterning means comprises sub-surface material patterning of the attachment body having a 3D shape, and when illuminated produces an illumination pattern that matches the 3D shape.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the optical patterning means comprises a 3D laser engraved pattern formed in the attachment body.

14. 14. The device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the device is an oral care device.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the device is an electric toothbrush and the attachment is a brush head.

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