US 4,716,614 AGranted

Device for monitoring the process of toothbrushing

OwnerArthur R. Jones, John D. Jonesinventors

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Abstract

A device for monitoring the process of toothbrushing has a handle that is electrically connected to signalling means. The handle has a neck and the neck is designed to consecutively receive various heads of toothbrushes. Removable and replaceable heads, with numerous bristles thereon, can be consecutively mounted on said handle. There are sensing means on the neck to continuously measure a bending moment of the area to which said sensing means is attached. As pressure is exerted on bristles of the head, that pressure is transmitted to said neck and the signalling means can be activated. The device is useful in teaching appropriate methods of brushing, thereby reducing or eliminating abrasion of the teeth. In addition to pressure, the device is able to monitor frequency, duration and direction of brushing.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A device for monitoring the process of toothbrushing, said device comprising a toothbrush having a handle with a neck and a removable and replaceable head, said neck being located between said head and a remainder of said handle, said neck having means to consecutively receive various heads so that when pressure is exerted on said head it will be transmitted to said neck, said head having numerous bristles thereon and said bristles having a free end, said handle having at least two sets of sensing means affixed thereto in an area of said neck to linearly measure a bending moment of the area to which each set of sensing means is attached, said handle having two non-parallel planes with one set of sensing means on each plane, each plane being parallel to a longitudinal axis of said handle, each set of sensing means being electrically connected to different signalling means so that a two dimensional signal can be activated as pressure is exerted on said bristles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/852,564Filed 16 Apr 1986
Priority: CA 4947957 Nov 1985
Granted: 5 Jan 1988
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

A46B 5/0095
Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware: removable or interchangeable brush heads
A46B 15/0002
Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements: arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
A46B 15/0006
With a controlling means: with a controlling brush technique device, e.g. stroke movement measuring device
A46B 15/0012
With a controlling means: with a pressure controlling device