Patent classifications
A46B15/0046
Personal hygiene device with treatment force measurement unit
A toothbrush has a handle and a treatment head mounted for movement relative to the handle against a spring force when a treatment force is applied in at least one treatment direction onto the treatment head. A treatment force measurement unit for determining the applied treatment force includes a capacitive force senor having a first electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the handle and a second electrode mounted at a distance from the first electrode. The second electrode is movably mounted with respect to the handle. A spring unit is arranged between the first and the second electrode. A control circuit determines at least one parameter indicative of the capacitance between the first and second electrodes, wherein the second electrode is mechanically coupled with the treatment head and is arranged to be moved relative to the first electrode when the treatment force is applied at the treatment head.
Powered oral care implement
An oral care implement including a handle and an oral care refill head. The handle has a gripping portion, an engagement component coupled to a distal end of the gripping portion, and a stem. The engagement component includes a plate portion and a first engagement feature. The stem extends through an opening in the engagement component and protrudes from the plate portion. The oral care refill head includes an oral care treatment portion and a sleeve portion. The sleeve portion has an inner surface that defines a sleeve cavity having a cavity axis and a second engagement feature. When the oral care refill head is detachably coupled to the handle, the first and second engagement features mate with one another to at least one of: (1) position the oral care refill head and the handle in an operational alignment; and (2) lock the oral care refill head to the handle.
Systems, methods, and devices for providing guidance and feedback based on location and performance
Systems, methods, and devices for providing feedback to an individual based on brushing performance, and providing guidance for the individual's brushing, are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, after an oral hygiene device is orientated, a determination is made as to a segment within the individual's mouth that a brush head of the oral hygiene device is located. Upon this determination being made, a sub-segment within the individual's mouth where the brush head is located is also determined. A brushing performance within the sub-segment is calculated and displayed to the user. A level of compliance for the particular segment is determined based on the brushing performance of the various sub-segments within the particular segment. If the level of compliance exceeds a pre-set compliance level for that segment, the individual is guided to a different segment within their mouth for brushing.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIFFERENTIATING PRESSURE
A personal care appliance having a brush head assembly, the brush head assembly including a neck having a first end and a second end, a brush head arranged proximate the first end of the neck. The brush head including a first face fixedly secured to a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles arranged to extend from the first face in a first direction, and a second face arranged to create a first frictional force between the second face and an oral environment in a second direction, and create a second frictional force between the second face and the oral environment in a third direction.
Pressure sensing system and method for an electric toothbrush
A pressure feedback system continuously monitors the level of pressure or force on a brush head and is programmed to provide a feedback signal to a user based on the amount of pressure. The pressure level is monitored as a function of the change in the speed of the drive shaft. The system includes a housing, a motor, a drive shaft for attachment to a brush head, a feedback device, a sensor capable of detecting a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed activate the feedback device as a function of the measured change in rotational speed. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor, or another sensor that is responsive to a magnetic field. A magnet may be positioned on the drive shaft, or another portion of the system that moves as a function of the drive shaft.
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH CONDUCTIVE BRISTLES
This invention relates to an electric toothbrush including: a toothbrush head having a plurality of conductive bristles and at least one electrode supplied with a driving signal; a handle part connected to the toothbrush head and having a user-grippable shape; a battery disposed inside the handle part; and a signal supply located inside the handle part and configured to receive a voltage from the battery to generate an AC signal and a DC signal, and to generate the driving signal comprising a mixture of the AC signal and the DC signal to supply the electrode.
Magnetic Personal Care Guide And System
A magnetic personal guide for guiding a user through a personal care routine is adapted for releasably holding a personal care implement. The personal care implement includes a section at least partially made from a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic personal guide includes: a guidance tool, the guidance tool being activated by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic personal care guide; and an electro-chrome display providing a signal guiding the user through the personal care routine when the guidance tool is activated. A personal care guidance system for guiding a user through a personal care routine that includes such magnetic personal care guide and a personal care implement comprising a section at least partially made from a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material.
System For Tracking And Storing Data Associated With A Personal Care Routine
A system for tracking and storing data associated with a personal care routine, the system including: a personal care implement having a section at least partially made from a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material, and a magnetic guide to which the personal care implement is magnetically attachable and detachable, wherein the magnetic guide includes a guidance tool, the guidance tool being activated to track and store data by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic guide.
Kit For Supporting An Environmentally Sustainable Personal Care Routine
A kit for supporting an environmentally sustainable personal care routine, the kit including: a personal care implement that includes a section at least partially made from a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material, and a magnetic personal care guide to which the personal care implement is magnetically attachable and detachable, the magnetic personal care guide including a guidance tool, the guidance tool being activated and providing guidance on environmentally sustainable behavior by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic personal care guide.
MAGNETIC HOLDER AND KIT COMPRISING A PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT AND A MAGNETIC HOLDER
A kit that includes a personal care implement having a section at least partially made from a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic material, and a magnetic holder to which the personal care implement is magnetically attachable and detachable, the magnetic holder having a timer, the timer being activated by detaching the personal care implement from the magnetic holder.