US20090083924A1

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Publication number: US20090083924A1
Application number: US12/252,876
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin Gregory Shepherd; Charlene Adele Barnes
Original assignee: Techlight Systems LLC
Current assignee: ORALUCENT LLC
Priority date: 2006-12-04
Filing date: 2008-10-16
Publication date: 2009-04-02

Abstract

A photocatalysis process manual light emitting toothbrush comprising a handle with a grip at a proximal end and a replaceable brush head at a distal end thereof. The replaceable brush head has at least one group of bristles permanently affixed to the replaceable brush head and at least one blue light emitter is provided on an upper surface of the replaceable brush head for emitting blue light in a direction generally parallel to the bristles permanently affixed to the replaceable brush head. At least one blue light source is provided for radiating blue light, in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm, and a power source is provided for energizing the at least one blue light source. The blue light is at least one of modulated emission with an average optical output power level of less than 5 watts.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,263 filed on Nov. 28, 2007 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/872,761 filed on Dec. 4, 2006 and such teachings and disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dental hygiene and, in particular, to a manual light emitting toothbrush which emits radiation, near ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, in order to oxidize and destroy potentially harmful bacteria and/or other contaminants or compounds contained within the mouth without harming or destroying human cells and also activate a photo catalyst that may be deposited on the teeth and the gums of the person utilizing the toothbrush during normal brushing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of photocatalysis in dental hygiene processes is well established and stems from processes for purifying gases and liquids and for controlling bacteria and other microorganisms in gases and liquids and on the surfaces of solid objects. In general, photocatalysis methods involve the photoexcitation of photocatalytic compounds, for example, catalytic n-type semiconductor particles such as TiO₂particles, with ultraviolet (UV) light to activate the photocatalyst, which then participates in reduction/oxidation reactions with matter adsorbed to or in the near vicinity of the surface of the particles. The reduction/oxidation reactions produce highly reactive hydroxyl radicals which oxidize and destroy bacteria and organic compounds in the gas or liquid or on the surface(s) being treated, such as bacteria and other organic substances associated with, for example, tooth decay, gum disease, denture stomatitis and halitosis/malodor.

In the past, photocatalysis methods have generally only been performed in a dentist's offices by either a dentist or a dental hygienist using a specialized UV laser(s) or some other optical device(s) which emits a controllable, directed beam of UV light. More recently, however, there have been proposals to manufacture and sell UV photocatalysis devices to the general public, e.g., a toothbrush containing a UV light radiating device, together with toothpastes and/or mouthwashes containing photocatalytic particles, such as TiO₂. In such toothbrushes, the UV light emitted by a UV laser diode, for example, passes through a light guide to the end of the toothbrush which brushes the teeth where this light is emitted into the user's mouth by, for example, lenses implanted among the bristles or through fiber optic bristles that form at least part of the brush bristles. The bristles mechanically facilitate removal of plaque and/or other organic materials from the teeth and the gums during brushing, similar to brushing with a conventional toothbrush, while the UV light is emitted directly to illuminate photocatalytic particles distributed on the surfaces of the teeth and the gums, thereby providing both a conventional cleaning mechanism as well as a photocatalytic cleaning mechanism.

The currently UV photocatalytic toothbrushes which are marketed to consumers, however, have a number of significant problems, not the least being the potential hazards associated with such devices. For example, in the generally preferred wavelength range of 280 mm to 400 mm, UV light at any power level is typically capable of damaging human skin including the tissue of human eyes. Compounding this problem is the fact that UV light within this wavelength range is nearly invisible to a user or patient, so that it is difficult to determine where the emitted UV beam is directed or aimed. In addition, the duration of irradiation of the catalytic particles, at any particular location within the mouth, is typically very short during the normal toothbrushing process, thus requiring higher power levels of UV radiation in order to obtain effective catalytic reactions. This problem is further compounded by the normal deterioration of the light transmission capability of the brush end elements, such as the lenses and the fiber optic elements, over time. Higher emitted power levels are generally called for in order to achieve satisfactory performance.

Up until now it is in fact the potential hazards of UV radiation that has limited the use of the UV dental hygiene processes to dentists and oral hygienists and the practical application of these methods to consumer toothbrushes and devices accordingly faces significant hurdles. For example, all medical or dental devices emitting ultraviolet light, and in particular within the wavelength range of 280 mm to 400 mm, are under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) control and licensing. In addition, all laser devices emitting coherent radiation of 1 milliwatt or more in the visible wavelengths, and all devices emitting laser radiation at any power level in the non-visible wavelengths, such as the UV and IR wavelengths, are presently prohibited from being sold to the general public.

Still a further problem with light emitting toothbrushes and other devices employing high power light emitting diodes was that these high power light emitting diodes require very special electronically controlled constant current circuitry. Such control circuitry has only recently been available in the form of an economical integrated circuit. Failure to use electronically controlled constant current circuitry to drive a high power light emitting diodes, will result in uncontrolled light output, degraded high power light emitting diode performance, and possible catastrophic failure.

A further problem with the proposed light emitting electric toothbrushes employing movable bristle segments, while this seems to be a logically sound idea, the electro mechanical requirements necessary to completely seal the light emitting diode and control electronics from any moisture intrusion, make this electric toothbrush idea with movable bristles impossible to economically manufacture and sell as a commercially viable product.

The present invention, however, provides a solution to the above described as well as other related problems associated with the prior art products and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a manual light emitting toothbrush which emits radiation, near ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, to oxidize and destroy potentially harmful bacteria and/or other contaminants or compounds contained within the mouth.

Another object of the invention is to provide a manual light emitting toothbrush that will activate a photo catalyst deposited on the teeth and the gums of the person utilizing the manual light emitting toothbrush during normal brushing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a manual light emitting toothbrush which emits blue light within the 420 nm to 480 nm wavelength band, of the electromagnetic spectrum, to avoid the normal hazards associated with using UV radiation as well as the corresponding FDA restrictions.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a manual light emitting toothbrush in which the radiated blue light emissions may be amplitude modulated from 0% to 100% at a frequency of between about two (2) and about two hundred (200) Hertz, more preferably between about 6 and about 60 Hertz and most preferably between about 10 and about 30 Hertz, with an average optical output power level of less than 5 watts.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a manual light emitting toothbrush which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture which has a power source that is light weight and can be readily recharged or replaced as needed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush having a handle with a neck permanently affixed thereto with a light source embedded in an upwardly facing surface of the neck of the toothbrush with a replaceable brush head having an aperture formed therein which is aligned with the light emitting diode once the replaceable brush head is installed on the remote end of the neck.

A further object of the present invention is to ensure that the lighting emitting diode, as well as all the remaining electrical components of the toothbrush, are permanently sealed with respect to the external environment so as to prevent any water, moisture, toothpaste and/or other contaminants from entering into an interior compartment or area of the neck or the toothbrush and causing a malfunction of the toothbrush.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable brush head which has an aperture provided therein with the aperture being designed so that it is slightly larger than the emitting surface of the light emitting source so that, when the replaceable brush head is installed on the remote end of the neck, the aperture is concentric with and aligned with the light emitting diode to allow all of the light to pass through the brush head and interact with the teeth end or gums of the patient during brushing.

As used herein, the term “average optical output power level” means that the optical output power may briefly exceed 5 watts on modulation peeks how ever the total integrated power level over a time period of 1 second will not exceed 5 watts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a toothbrush according with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side view of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of a brush head with the blue light source extending further away from the base of the head, then the embodiments ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, so that the light is emitted adjacent the free ends of the bristles of the toothbrush;

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a toothbrush which comprises a handle having a removal brush head;

FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic transverse cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a toothbrush in which the handle is integral with the brush head;

FIG. 3D is a diagrammatic enlarged view of the brush head ofFIG. 3C;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the brush head in which each individual blue light source is associated with a group of bristles attached to the brush head to supply the blue light along the length of the bristles;

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic enlarged view of a further embodiment of a brush head having each blue light source associated with a group of bristles attached to the brush head;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic exploded view showing assembly of a completely manual toothbrush which has a replaceable brush head;

FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic side elevational view showing the assembled completely manual toothbrush with the replaceable brush head;

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the assembled completely manual toothbrush ofFIG. 6A prior to installation of the replaceable brush head;

FIG. 6 is a partial diagrammatic exploded perspective view showing the assembly the neck to the handle and assembly of the circuit driver within a base section of the handle;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing of the neck of the completely manual toothbrush prior to installation of the replaceable brush head;

FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the neck ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the replaceable brush head for attachment to the neck;

FIG. 8A is a diagrammatic left end elevational view of the replaceable brush head ofFIG. 8; and

FIG. 8B is a diagrammatic bottom plan view of the replaceable brush head ofFIG. 8,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now toFIG. 1, a diagrammatic representation of atoothbrush10, according to the present invention, is shown. As illustrated therein, thetoothbrush10 includes ahandle12 having agrip14 at its proximal end to be held in the user's hand while using thetoothbrush10 and abrush head16, typically including one or more groups ofbristles18, located at the distal or working end of thehandle12. As also illustrated inFIG. 1, thehead16 further includes one or more bluelight emitters20 that emit blue light22 in the 450 nm+/−30 nm (nanometer) wavelength band, that is, in the wavelengths between 420 nm and 480 nm and at an average power level of less than 5 watts. Preferably the blue light has an average power level of between about 0.25 and about 1 watt and more preferably an average power level of between about 0.5 and about 0.95 watts.

An important aspect is to always have thebristles18 affixed to the brush head of the toothbrush. In addition, the light emitting source ordiode26A can be either fixed and sealed to thebrush head16 adjacent thebristles18, alternatively, the light emitting source or diode can be fixed and sealed with respect to the neck26 of thehandle12.

In some applications, the blue light output from theemitters20 may comprise solely a continuous emission of blue light having a combined power level of less than 5 watts, while in other applications the blue light output from theemitters20 may comprise a modulated blue light emission having a frequency of between about two (2) and about two hundred (200) Hertz, more preferably between about 6 and about 60 Hertz and most preferably between about 10 and about 30 Hertz, having an average combined power level of less than 5 watts. For other applications, the blue light output from theemitters20 may comprise a first blue light component which is a continuous emission of blue light and a second blue light component which is a pulsed blue light emission at a frequency typically between two (2) and two hundred (200) Hertz a few Hertz and a few hundred Hertz, more preferably between about 6 and about 60 Hertz and most preferably between about 10 and about 30 Hertz. For such combined continuous and pulsed blue light emission, the combined total emission must not exceed an average output which is greater that 5 watts. It is to be appreciated that the 420 nm to 480 nm wavelength band is within the visible “blue light” portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and is, therefore, above the UV light spectrum normally employed during conventional dental hygiene processes conventionally carried out by dentists and dental hygienist, thereby avoiding the normal hazards associated with using UV radiation as well as the corresponding FDA restrictions.

The presently preferred photocatalytic agents, for use with radiation within the 420 nm to 480 nm “blue light” band include, for example, modified TiO₂semiconductor type materials and possibly other catalytic n-type semiconductor particles as well as various organic dyes already known in the art as being photocatalytically responsive to blue light radiation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1,2A,3A and3B and as will be described further in the following description, theblue light emitters20 emit blue light22 in a direction generally perpendicular to anupper surface24 of thehead16 thereby to radiate theblue light22 into the mouth cavity of the person brushing his or her teeth, that is, the blue light is generally directed toward the teeth, the gums, and the tongue, being contacted by thebristles18 as the toothbrush is used to brush the teeth. Theblue light emitters20 may comprise one or more bluelight sources26A, such as blue light emitting diodes or blue light emitting organic light emitting diodes, or any other type of blue light emitting device located either on, within or partially recessed within theupper surface24 of thehead16 to facilitate directly emitting theblue light22. Alternatively, the blue light source(s)26A may be located within the body of thehead16 or withinhandle12 with theblue light22 being conducted along the handle and/or body to theblue light emitters20 where the blue light is finally emitted. One or more internal passages or light conductive elements, such as reflective surfaces, blue conductive fiber optics, lenses and/or any combination thereof are provided in the handle and/or body to facilitate transmission of the blue light to theblue light emitters20. In such embodiments of atoothbrush10, the blue light source orsources26A will be described or defined as being located contiguous to thehead16, such as at thetop surface19 ofhead16 or within the body ofhead16, and it should be noted that for purposes of the present descriptions, the term “contiguous” is taken as meaning “in physical contact with” or “near, next to, or adjacent”.

In other embodiments, such as is illustrated inFIGS. 2B,3C and3D, the blue light source orsources26A may be located non-contiguously withhead16, such as inhandle12, with theblue light22 being conducted along the handle to bluelight emitters20 located within thehead16 by means of blue lightoptical conductors26B comprising, for example, of blue conductive fiber optic elements or lenses, reflective surfaces, passages or conductive “pipes” comprising blue conductive materials, and/or any combination thereof, which form a one or more paths that conduct the blue light22 from the blue light source orsources26A to theblue light emitters20 where the light is emitted.

For example, one or more bluelight sources26A may be located inhandle12 at a position just below aneck28, formed at a junction between thehandle12 and thehead16. According to one exemplary embodiment, such as illustrated inFIGS. 3C and 3D, theneck28, thehead16 and possibly portions of thehandle12 are constructed, for example, of a blue transparent material or with one or more blue transparent passage(s) or blue light conductive “pipe” which facilitate passage of theblue light22 through theneck28 to thehead16 and thereafter radiated from theblue light emitters20. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3C and 3D, the portions of theneck28 through whichblue light22 is transmitted comprises a suitable blue transparent material, as does the body of thehead16. The interior ofhead16 includes a bluereflective surface30 formed asfacets30F wherein the blue light reflective properties ofreflective surface30 is formed, for example, by a coating applied at least between the surfaces offacets30F and anover-mold300 of a different material forming the back regions of thehead16. Thereflective surface30 may also be formed, for example, by the optical interface of thebody16 and the over-mold300 materials in the region offacets30F.

As indicated inFIGS. 3C and 3D, theblue light22 passing throughneck28 is reflected byfacets30F and redirected by thefacets30F from an arrival path, supplied along and co-linear with theneck28, to a direction generally parallel to thebristles18, that is, to and through theupper surface24 of thehead16. It should be noted with regard to this embodiment that other scattering of theblue light22 in other directions, such as through the distal end ofhead16, would provide catalytic activity in other areas of the mouth, but would require attention during design to avoid unwanted emissions of blue light from toothbrush.

It will be recognized that the reflection of the blue light from its arrival path fromhandle12 to the direction parallel with thebristles18 may also be accomplished by curved or flat surfaces, rather than by faceted surfaces.

In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the blue light source orsources26A are again located in thehandle12 which illuminate theblue light emitters20 provided in thehead16, via a blue light conductive path, wherein the blue light conductive path comprises blue lightoptical conductors26B including, for example, blue conductive fiber optic elements or lenses, tunnel-like passages or conductive “pipes” comprising blue conductive materials and/or any combination thereof.

Turning now to thebristles18, it has been described above that thebristles18 may comprise eitherconventional bristles18, such as found in conventional toothbrushes, and theblue light22 may be radiated the from bluelight emitters20 located on or in thetop surface24 of thehead16, as was discussed above. In other embodiments, however, theblue light emitters20 in or on thetop surface24 of thehead16 may comprise wholly, or in part, bluelight emitting bristles18E containing a blue light conductive material. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the blue light source ofsources26A may be located either in thehead16, at the bases of emitting bristles18E, to illuminate emittingbristles18E directly, or, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, may be located inhandle12 with theblue light22 being conducted to the bases of the emittingbristles18E by blue lightoptical conductors26B. In the latter case, the emittingbristles18E may comprise the same material as the blue lightoptical conductors26B or may be continuations of the blue lightoptical conductors26B. It should also be noted that the emittingbristles18E may be coated or otherwise provided with a reflecting outer surface to prevent or minimize the loss or escape of theblue light22 out through the sides of the emitting bristles18E, and thehead16 may likewise be provided with a reflective blue light containment surface to prevent or minimize leakage or loss of theblue light22.

It will be noted from the above descriptions of the manuallight emitting toothbrush10 that while theblue light emitters20 are located in or on thehead16, the blue light source orsources26A may be located either in thehead16 or in thehandle12. In one instance, therefore,blue light22 must be conducted from the blue light source orsources26A located within thehandle12 to thehead16 and, in the other instance, electrical power, such as from abattery32, must be conducted from thehandle12 to thehead16 for supplying electrical power to the blue light source orsources26A. It must also be noted, however, that in certain implementations, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 2B,3C and3D for example, theneck28 which is formed between thehead16 and thehandle12 may form a disconnectable junction orconnection34 between thehead16 and thehandle12 to allow thehead16 to be removed from thehandle16. This is a common feature in many conventional toothbrushes, particularly in conventional battery powered toothbrushes wherein abattery32 and an electric motor vibrate or rotate the toothbrush head. This design facilitates replacement of a worn orold head16 with anew head16 or adifferent head16 having, for example, a different function, a different arrangement, a different type ofbristles18, etc.

In those instances wherein the blue light source orsources26A are located inhandle12, the path between the blue light source orsources26A and thehead16 will include the appropriate blue lightoptical connectors34L, atjunction34, to allow the optical path to be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected in a reliable manner.Connectors34L may, for example, comprise lenses, fiber optic connectors or appropriately shaped ends in those implementations wherein the optical light path comprises the material of thehandle12 and thehead16 or a tunnel passage therethrough.

In those instances wherein the blue light source orsources26A are located in thehead16, the blue light source(s)26A will typically be provided with electrical power from one ormore batteries32 located within aninternal cavity36 of thehandle12 and the supply of electrical power to the blue light source orsources26A will typically be controlled by aswitch38, e.g., a “on/off” switch or an a “on” switch with the toothbrush being turned “off” by thecontrol circuitry42, located at an appropriate position on thehandle12. The circuitry will further includeleads32L running from thehandle12 and through the neck to thehead16 and theleads32L will typically include appropriateelectrical connectors34L atjunction34 which facilitate repeated disconnection and reconnection in a reliable manner.

In this regard, it should be noted thatbatteries32 may be of any type meeting the power, storage and/or size requirements while still being small enough to reside in within thehandle12 and to provide the necessary levels of current to the bluelight sources20 for the required duration, such a NiCad, NiMiH, lithium ion, or lithium polymer batteries which typically may be rechargeable by electrical current supplied from a wall socket. For this reason, thehandle12 may also include a charging circuit32C that can be connected to a direct or indirect source of electrical current supplied from a conventional wall socket, such as by a connector or by an induction coupling device. An active and passive interlock system will be employed to prevent normal operation during battery recharge. This interlock system may consist of mechanical keying of electrical connections and or electronic control of the toothbrush electronics by the charging circuit. It should also be noted that advances in battery technology may allow one ormore batteries32 to be located within thehandle12 to facilitate the use ofinterchangeable heads16, with the corresponding connections for theswitch38 and the recharging circuits32C passing through theneck28 to thehandle12. As an alternative source, the power source or batteries may be AA or AAA alkaline, lithium, or carbon zinc batteries which are commercially available and readily replaceable by the user of the toothbrush.

Turning now toFIG. 5 throughFIG. 8B, a further embodiment of a solely manual toothbrush, except for the electricallypower light source26A, is shown and will be now described. According to this embodiment, the toothbrush generally comprises ahandle12 which has aneck28 securely affixed to one end thereof, e.g., by a snap in self-locking engagement or connection, an adhesive, etc. Typically at least oneseal29, such as a silicon O-ring, is located at the interface (seeFIG. 6) of theneck28 with thehandle12 for preventing any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from entering therebetween. An interior area or compartment of thehandle12 contains thecontrol circuitry42, which is carried by a removal circuit board43 (seeFIGS. 5B and 6), which generates a desired intensity and duration of theblue light22, e.g., a timed “on/off” operation of the light source for two (2) minutes for example, as well as a power source such as a pair ofAA batteries32 for powering thecontrol circuitry42 for powering the bluelight source26A. A further detailed discussion concerning the attributes of thecontrol circuitry42 will follow below.

To facilitate turning thecontrol circuitry42 “on” for a timed duration, the exterior surface of thehandle12 is provided with anactivation switch38. The end of thehandle12, opposite from theneck28, has aremovable cover44 which facilitates both replacing thebatteries32, when necessary, as well as installation of theboard43 within a base section of thehandle12 by afastener49, such as a screw. One ormore seals45, such as a silicon O-ring, is located on a leading end of theremovable cover44 for preventing any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from entering between thehandle12 and theremovable cover44.

As can be seen inFIGS. 5,5B,7 and7A, the free end of theneck28 has a planar brushhead receiving surface46 which mates with thereplaceable brush head16 and a further description concerning the same will follow below. Anopening48 is formed in this receivingsurface46 and a “blue light”source26A, such as blue light emitting diode or blue light emitting organic light emitting diode, is located within and completely fills theopening48 in the receivingsurface46. A fluid tight seal is formed between the outer perimeter of exterior surface of the light emitting source ordiode26A and the inner perimeter surface of theopening48 in the receivingsurface46 to prevent any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from entering, between the interface between those components, into an interior area of theneck28. For example, the outer perimeter of exterior surface of the light emitting source or diode can be welded, glue, etc. to the inner perimeter surface of theopening48 to form the fluid tight seal therebetween. To further assist with preventing any water, moisture, toothpaste or any other contaminant from hindering operation of thecontrol circuitry42, thecontrol circuitry42 is spaced from theopening48 in the receivingsurface46 by a remainder of theneck28, e.g., between about 1 and 3 inches for example, and completely accommodated within thehandle12.

As can be seen inFIGS. 5,5B and7A, thelight emitting surface50 of thelight emitting source26A is preferably slightly recessed below the planar receivingsurface46 of theneck28 so as not hinder sliding movement of thereplaceable brush head16 relative to theneck28 and thereby facilitate replacement of thereplaceable brush head16 when required, as will be discussed below in further detail.

To facilitate secure attachment as well as replacement of thereplaceable brush head16, a U-shapedannular groove52 is formed in a sidewall of the receivingsurface46 and this U-shapedannular groove52 extends around three (3) adjacent sides of the receivingsurface46 of the neck28 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6A). A bottom surface of thereplaceable brush head16 is provided with a downwardly facing mating flat surface54 (seeFIGS. 8A and 8B) which mates with and slides along the upwardly facing receivingsurface46 of theneck28. AU-shaped protrusion56 is formed in a sidewall extending normal to the matingflat surface54 and thisU-shaped protrusion56 extends around three (3) adjacent sides of the matingflat surface54 of thereplaceable brush head16. When thereplaceable brush head16 is placed on the receivingsurface46 such that the matingflat surface54 engages with the receivingsurface46 and thereplaceable brush head16 is slide toward thehandle12, theU-shaped protrusion56 is received by and mates with the U-shapedannular groove52 of theneck28 to secure thereplaceable brush head16 to theneck28. That is, as the flat bottom surface of thereplaceable brush head16 slides along the upwardly facing flat face of theneck28, theU-shaped protrusion56 of thereplaceable brush head16 is received within the U-shapedannular groove52 of theneck28 and this facilitates a locking engagement between thereplaceable brush head16 and theneck28.

In order to retain the relative locked position, between thereplaceable brush head16 and theneck28, anend wall31 of theneck28 has apassageway58 which opens to the external environment while a leading end of thereplaceable brush head16 has aspring clip60 which is positioned to be aligned with and sized to readily pass through thepassageway58 and latch onto a latchingsurface62 of thepassageway58 which is formed where thepassageway58 opens to the external environment and, once theclip60 latches with the latchingsurface62 of thepassageway58, such latching engagement captively retains thereplaceable brush head16 on theneck28 during normal use of the toothbrush. In order to remove thereplaceable brush head16 from theneck28, the user must bias the remote end of theclip60 out of engagement with the latchingsurface62 while, at the same time, sliding or moving thereplaceable brush head16 away from the end wall of theneck28 until theclip60 is clear of the latchingsurface62. Once this occurs, the user then continues sliding thereplaceable brush head16 away from the end wall until theU-shaped protrusion56 completely disengages from the U-shapedannular groove52. Thereafter, a newreplaceable brush head16 is then secured to theneck28 by reversing the above procedure.

Eachreplaceable brush head16 has anaperture64 formed in a base surface thereof and thisaperture64, once thereplaceable brush head16 is securely attached to theneck28 such that theclip60 engages with the latchingsurface62, is properly aligned with thelight emitting source26A secured within theopening48 in the receivingsurface46 of theneck28 so that theaperture64 in thereplaceable brush head16 precisely overlies and is concentric with thelight emitting source26A. Preferably, theaperture64 is slightly larger in size than thelight emitting source26A so as to permit all of theblue light22, emitted from thelight emitting source26A, to pass readily through theaperture64 and treat the teeth, gums and mouth of the individual utilizing the toothbrush during brushing.

The exterior upwardly facing surface of thereplaceable brush head16, which is opposite to the matingflat surface54, is provided with a plurality ofbristles18 and the base of each of the plurality ofbristles18 is securely embedded and permanently affixed to thereplaceable brush head16 so that thebristles18 remain permanently attached to thereplaceable brush head16. Preferably, a plurality ofbristles18 are grouped together in a clump and each clump ofbristles18 is spaced from one another and located about theaperture64 provided in thereplaceable brush head16. As is well known in the art, some or all of thebristles18 may be coated with a wear indicator which indicates to the end user when it is time to replace thereplaceable brush head16.

Once thebristles18 of thereplaceable brush head16 become sufficiently worn, the user removes thereplaceable brush head16 by dislodging theclip60 from its engagement with the latchingsurface62 and sliding thereplaceable brush head16 away from the end wall and thehandle12 until thereplaceable brush head16 becomes completely separated from theneck28. Thereafter, the user inserts a newreplaceable brush head16 onto theneck28 so that theclip60 passes through thepassageway58 and engages with the latchingsurface62 of theneck28 and theaperture64 of thereplaceable brush head16 is aligned with thelight emitting source26A.

It will be noted in the above embodiment of the manuallight emitting toothbrush10 that theblue light emitter20 is located in the remote end of theneck28. As a result of this, the electrical power from the power source, such as thebatteries32 and theelectrical circuitry42, to theblue light emitter20 must be conducted from thehandle12 and through theneck28 to theblue light emitter20 located within theneck28. To facilitate such conduction, a pair ofelectrical leads66 are embedded within theneck28 and each electrical lead is connected to theblue light emitter20 in a conventional manner. The opposite end of each electrical lead terminates in arespective pin68. Thecontrol circuitry42 is support by the plug-inboard43 which is accommodated within thehandle12 such that a pair of pin apertures (not shown in detail) are located at the leading end of theboard43 and arranged to receive and mate with a respective one of thepins68 connected to theblue light emitter20 when theneck28 is attached to thehandle12 and thereby complete the electrical circuit for powering theblue light emitter20. As can be seen inFIG. 6, the trailing end of the plug inboard43 has a pair of spaced apart “+” and “−”contacts33 which are located to mate with the respective “+” and “−” contacts of thebatteries32.

The manuallight emitting toothbrush10, according to the present invention, will typically further include acontrol circuitry42 which will typically be located in thehandle12 and normally include functions such as a timer circuitry, which times the duration(s) of use of thetoothbrush10 while brushing, an on/off duty cycle of the blue light source orsources26A, a replace battery indicator, and so on. Preferably the driver, for driving the bluelight source26A, is equipped with constant electrical current control electronics and a suitable driver is supplied by Linear Technology, of San Jose Calif., as part no. LTC3454 which is an integrated circuit high current LED driver. Thecontrol circuitry42 may also include bluelight source26A control circuitry, which may be connected with one or more sensors40S (seeFIG. 5B), located in theneck28, for detecting when theneck28 is actually located within a user's mouth, thereby reducing the possibility of the blue light being inadvertently emitted except when the toothbrush is actually located within the mouth of the user. The sensor(s)40S could include, for example, sensors for measuring or detecting conductivity, temperature, ambient light, or some other parameter indicating that thehead16 is in the mouth of a user, and thehandle12 may include a sensor for sensing the warmth or pressure of the user's hand before the blue light source orsources20 can be activated.

It should also be noted that thetoothbrush10 may further include a motor (not shown) which moves, vibrates and/or rotates thehead16 in the manner of conventional powered toothbrushes, which may, in turn. effect the arrangements for supplying theblue light22 to theblue light emitters20 in as much as the mechanical structure between thehandle12 and thehead16 in such toothbrushes includes a moving mechanical joint. In such implementations, therefore, it may be preferable to place the blue light source orsources26A in thehandle12 and communicate theblue light22 to theblue light emitters20 in thehead16 by optical paths that are typically less affected by moving mechanical joints than are electrical conductors.

Lastly, it should be noted that the provision of thereplaceable head16 permits the use of other forms of bluelight emitting heads16 containing bluelight emitters20 as described herein above, but shaped for other purposes than specifically as a toothbrush, such as a wand specifically designed and/or intended for blue light irradiation of a photocatalytic agent distributed on the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. In a further example of an alternate arrangement of thehead16, thehead16 may be designed to hold and manipulate flossing thread or string, thereby allowing flossing to be carried out at the same time as a blue light photocatalytic process.

It will be appreciated that various changes and/or modifications to the present invention may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention which is set out in more particular detail in the appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is supplied by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manual toothbrush having a light source which facilitates a photocatalysis process while brushing, the manual toothbrush comprising:

a handle having a grip at a proximal end and a neck at a distal end thereof, the distal end of the neck having an opening therein, and a blue light emitting source being located within the opening for emitting blue light in a direction generally normal to the neck and the handle;

a completely manual and replaceable brush head having an aperture formed therein and at least one group of bristles being permanently secured to the replaceable brush head, and the aperture of the replaceable brush head, once the replaceable brush head is installed on neck, overlies and is concentric with the blue light emitting source to permit the blue light to pass though the aperture and be emitted generally parallel to the bristles;

a power source for energizing the blue light emitting source and for radiating blue light in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm; and

a perimeter of a blue light emitting surface of the blue light emitting source being sealed with respect to the opening to form a fluid tight seal therewith to prevent any water, moisture, toothpaste or other contaminant from entering therebetween.

2. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the neck has a planar brush head receiving surface and the opening is formed therein, and the emitting surface of the blue light source completely fills the opening and is recessed below receiving surface so as not hinder sliding movement of the replaceable brush head relative to the neck and thereby facilitate replacement of the replaceable brush head.

3. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein a U-shaped annular groove is formed in a sidewall of the receiving surface and the U-shaped annular groove extends around three adjacent sides of the receiving surface of the neck, and the replaceable brush head has a mating flat surface which mates with and slides along the receiving surface of the neck, and the replaceable brush head has a mating U-shaped protrusion which is received by the U-shaped annular groove to secure the replaceable brush head to the neck.

4. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 3, wherein the neck has a passageway while a leading end of the replaceable brush head has a clip which is aligned with and sized to readily pass through the passageway, and the clip latches with a latching surface of the passageway to captively retain the replaceable brush head on the neck during use of the toothbrush.

5. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 4, wherein the aperture of the replaceable brush head is larger in size than the blue light emitting source.

6. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the replaceable brush head supports a plurality of bristles and a base of each of the plurality of bristles is embedded within the replaceable brush head so that the bristles remain permanently attached to the replaceable brush head.

7. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 6, a plurality of bristles are grouped together into a plurality of clumps of bristles and the plurality of clumps of bristles are spaced from one another and located about the aperture of the replaceable brush head.

8. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source has an average power level of less than 1 watt.

9. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 8, wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source is a continuous blue light emission.

10. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 8, wherein the blue light radiated by the blue light source is a modulated blue light emission.

11. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 10, wherein the modulated blue light emission is at a frequency of between about 6 and about 60 Hertz.

12. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the blue light radiated by the at least one blue light source comprises a combination of a continuous blue light emission and a modulated blue light emission and the combination blue light emission has an average power level of less than 5 watts.

13. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the photocatalytic agent is one of a modified TiO₂semiconductor type materials, a catalytic n-type semiconductor material, and an organic dye which photocatalytically responsive to blue light radiation.

14. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 1, wherein the power source is one of a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery.

15. A manual toothbrush having a light source which facilitates a photocatalysis process while brushing, the manual toothbrush comprising:

a handle having a grip at a proximal end and a neck at a distal end thereof, the distal end of the neck having opening therein, and a blue light emitting source being located within the opening for emitting blue light in a direction generally normal to the neck and the handle;

a power source equipped with constant electrical current control electronics for energizing the blue light source and for radiating blue light with the blue light being modulated from 0% to 100% at a frequency of between a two (2) and two hundred (200) Hertz with an average optical output power level of less than 5 watts for radiating blue light in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm;

a perimeter surface of the blue light emitting source being sealed with respect to the opening to form a fluid tight seal therewith; and

the handle at least partially accommodating at least one of control circuitry and a power source for the blue light source.

16. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 15, wherein the neck has a planar brush head receiving surface and the opening is formed therein, and the emitting surface of the blue light source completely fills the opening and is recessed below receiving surface so as not hinder sliding movement of the replaceable brush head relative to the neck and thereby facilitate replacement of the replaceable brush head.

17. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 16, wherein a U-shaped annular groove is formed in a sidewall of the receiving surface and the U-shaped annular groove extends around three adjacent sides of the receiving surface of the neck, and the replaceable brush head has a mating flat surface which mates with and slides along the receiving surface of the neck, and the replaceable brush head has a mating U-shaped protrusion which is received by the U-shaped annular groove to secure the replaceable brush head to the neck.

18. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 15, wherein the neck has a passageway while a leading end of the replaceable brush head has a clip which is aligned with and sized to readily pass through the passageway, and the clip latches with a latching surface of the passageway to captively retain the replaceable brush head on the neck during use of the toothbrush; and

the aperture of the replaceable brush head is larger in size than the blue light emitting source and the replaceable brush head supports a plurality of bristles and a base of each of the plurality of bristles is embedded within the replaceable brush head so that the bristles remain permanently attached to the replaceable brush head.

19. The manual toothbrush having the light source which facilitates the photocatalysis process while brushing according toclaim 15, wherein the blue light radiated by the at blue light source comprises a blue light emission wherein the modulated blue light emission is modulated at a frequency of between about 6 and about 60 Hertz.

20. A method of forming a manual toothbrush having a light source which facilitates a photocatalysis process while brushing, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a handle having a grip at a proximal end and a neck at a distal end thereof, forming an opening in the distal end of the neck, and locating a blue light emitting source within the opening for emitting blue light in a direction generally normal to the neck and the handle;

forming an aperture in a completely manual and replaceable brush head and permanently securing at least one group of bristles to the replaceable brush head, and installing the replaceable brush head on the neck so that the aperture overlies and is concentric with the blue light emitting source to permit the blue light to pass though the aperture and be emitted generally parallel to the bristles;

energizing the blue light source with a power source for radiating blue light which is modulated from 0% to 100% at a frequency of between a two (2) and two hundred (200) Hertz with an average optical output power level of less than 5 watts for radiating blue light in a wavelength band between 420 nm to 480 nm;

sealing a perimeter surface of the blue light emitting source with respect to the opening to form a fluid tight seal therewith; and

at least partially accommodating, within the handle, at least one of control circuitry and a power source for the blue light source.