Tooth Brushing Timer Device

The invention relates to a tooth brushing timer device to assist in the correct brushing by a person of their teeth. The invention is particularly directed to a device adapted to assist in teaching a child how to brush their teeth.

Instilling a habit of good dental hygiene in children from a young age helps to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives. It is important that people, particularly children, do not neglect to brush their teeth thoroughly and correctly, to prevent the build up of plaque and tartar. Furthermore, some parents permit their children to eat excessive amounts of sugary foods which of course are not good for teeth, in which case it is highly important that those teeth are cleaned properly.

The benefits of good dental hygiene are well known, but most young children and indeed adults fail to brush their teeth properly. This may be because the process is boring and so they avoid brushing their teeth, or they become distracted and the process is curtailed which results in the neglect of some or all teeth. Conversely, it is not uncommon for some children and adults to brush their teeth excessively, which can thin the enamel on the teeth or cause gum disease. These problems are caused by over vigorous brushing or brushing teeth for too long. Again, these problems are also experienced by adults, often as a result of bad habits developed during their childhood. Parents therefore need to supervise their children while they brush their teeth to ensure that they are developing a good technique and that they are brushing them for a reasonable length of time. This is not always possible. It is a principle aim of this invention to provide a device that will greatly assist in the process of tooth brushing and particularly in establishing a good brushing technique. It is a further aim to reduce or obviate the need for parents to supervise their children brushing their teeth by making the process interesting and providing instructions and encouragement. According to the present invention, there is provided a tooth brush timer device comprising: an electronic timer adapted to count a predetermined time frame appropriate for the duration of brushing; a switch for initiating the timer to count the predetermined time;

a visual display showing the time elapsed since initiation and/or the time remaining of the predetermined period; an audio output; and a voice module adapted to generate, through the audio output spoken instructions to a person brushing their teeth, the spoken instructions being generated at predetermined intervals within the time period to assist in correct brushing.

Preferably, when brushing is about to commence, the switch is manually operated to start the timer. The switch could be in the form of a simple push button located on the device. The tooth brushing timer device could include a toothbrush holder, and this holder might incorporate the switch or associated sensor adapted to sense the removal or return of the brush from that holder, such that as the toothbrush is removed from the holder the switch is operated. The return of the brush to the holder might also be sensed to stop the timer or otherwise affect the device. The switch could be in the form of a pressure switch or a photosensitive switch positioned on the base of the holder, such that removal of the toothbrush causes the pressure or the light falling on the switch to change, which in turns triggers the timer to start.

It is possible that in the case where the switch is incorporated in a holder, or is otherwise operated automatically by the removal of the brush the timer might start too soon, as it takes time to prepare the brush for use. This can be overcome by providing an additional pre-brushing stage before the time period is counted, during which stage the toothbrush is prepared for use.

Also, even when an automatic switch is provided to sense brush removal, a further manual switch can be provided to be triggered by the person when the brush is ready to start the counting of the main time period.

The device may be adapted such that the timer can be reset at any time by operating the switch or other mechanism. For example should the switch be activated before the person is ready to brush their teeth, the timer can be restarted from the beginning. Also pausing of the count may be possible if brushing is interrupted.

Furthermore, the tooth brushing timer device includes a visual display which might include or take the form of a digital or an analogue counter. The counter could take any suitable form that provides a visible record or

representation of the time elapsed or the time remaining. Digital counters including liquid crystal displays (LCD), analogue counters such as clock faces, as well as graphical representations of the time period are all possible.

The visual display may include informative images. Such images might include a set of teeth, wherein groups of teeth therein are sequentially illuminated during the time period to indicate those to be brushed. The images may highlight groups of teeth at predetermined time intervals according to the recommended sequence of brushing teeth. The visual display may also include means to provide written or graphic instructions. Preferably, the audio output device of the present invention is a speaker connected to the voice module. The speaker outputs audible instructions generated by the voice module at predetermined time intervals. The instructions could prompt the person brushing their teeth to commence brushing the upper row of teeth or could be words of encouragement commending the person that they are half way through the predetermined time or that they have almost finished. The voice module would be preprogrammed to output the voice commands and commendations at appropriate predetermined times. Once the whole predetermined time has lapsed, the user is notified visually, audibly or both that they should stop brushing their teeth. The tooth brushing timer device may be provided with a mute switch provided on the housing by which the speaker can be selectively silenced.

The components of the tooth brushing timer device may be located in a suitable housing or other container. Preferably, particularly when the intended use is for children, the housing is shaped to represent a character or animal figure, but the housing could be shaped in any aesthetically pleasing way. Furthermore, the tooth brushing timer device has a base portion which is suitably formed to allow the device to be free standing. Alternatively, the device could include suitable means to enable it to be mounted on a wall. In an alternative arrangement, the tooth brushing timer device is incorporated in a toothbrush. In such an arrangement the tooth brushing timer device could include a further switch adapted to sense movement of the toothbrush and commence operation of the timer. The device could also be

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adapted to output voice signals in the event that the toothbrush stops moving before the predefined time elapses.

A further sensor could be provided on the toothbrush to detect removal of the toothbrush from its holder or to detect when the toothbrush is being grasped by the person.

The tooth brushing timer device may be electrically powered and preferably battery operated.

Many other modifications to the design may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. For example a microphone and memory may be associated with the voice module to permit a user or parent to record suitable messages in their own voice.

By way of example only, one specific embodiment of a tooth brush timer device of this invention, and certain modifications thereof, will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the essential features of an embodiment of the invention; and,

Figure 2 is a front view of that embodiment of tooth brushing timer device. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the constituents of one embodiment of the present invention. Reference below will be made simultaneously to this Figure and to Figure 2 which shows the external appearance of a simple embodiment. The tooth brushing timing device, generally indicated 10, includes a housing 11 into which the remaining parts are built. A switch 12 in the form of a simple push button is located for manual operation on the top of the housing. Alternatively the housing could include a toothbrush holder (not shown) having a pressure or photosensitive switch provided therein to detect removal of the brush, or indeed replacement thereof. The switch 12 is electrically connected to an electronic controller 13 which along with the other components is powered by a power source 9, usually in the form of a battery or electrical cell. A timer module 14 is connected to the controller 13 and is adapted to count a preset, or user adjustable, time period. The time remaining or time elapsed from this period

is shown on the display 16. As can be seen in Figure 2 the display takes the form of a digital counter.

A voice module 17 is operatively connected to the control 13 and may be controlled thereby in response to the passage of time. Under that control the voice module generates an audible signal that is played through the speaker 18 to a user.

The controller 13 is programmed to send a command signal to the voice module 17 at appropriate points during the passage of the preset period of time. The voice module 17 responds to the signal by playing an audible command or commendation to the person through a speaker 18. A mute button 19 is provided so that the speaker and/or voice module can be selectively deactivated. This would allow the visible timing feature to continue without voice commands if desired. This might be useful for adults who need only an indication of how long to brush for. Suitable spoken commands and commendations may be generated from automatically synthesised speech or may simply be recordings stored in the voice module and selected and played as appropriate. The spoken phrases could take any suitable form and can be tailored to the intended user. Those phrases might include: "Start brushing!"

"Now brush your upper teeth" "Now brush your back teeth" "Well done, you should now stop brushing."

As can be seen in Figure 2, the housing 11 is of a simple shape. Advantageously, as the primary use of this product is for assisting the teaching of children how to brush their teeth properly, the housing may be formed in a pleasing aesthetic shape. For example it may represent a character, creature or any geometrical shape. The display 16 is located on the front face of the housing so that it is clearly viewable by the child or other user. The switch 12 is positioned on the upper surface of the housing so that it can be pressed without causing the tooth brushing timer device to fall over. The speaker 18 is mounted inside the housing 11 behind a grill 22 (or a waterproof covering) formed in the front face of the housing to allow the sound from the speaker 18 to project outwardly.

The underside of the housing is adapted to allow the device to stand on a shelf, windowsill or other flat surface. A bracket (not shown) may also be provided on a rear face of the housing for attaching the housing to a wall or other vertical surface. In use the device is located near a sink. The switch 12 is pressed to initiate the timer once the user has prepared their toothbrush, including applying toothpaste, and is ready to commence brushing.

Once the switch 12 is pressed the control unit will activate the timer to start counting, the time period. Current advice recommends a brushing period of 2 minutes - but this may vary dependent on the user. The controller 13 or timer 14 also initialises the visual display counter to show the time elapsed or the time remaining, for example 0.00 or 2.00. The user may be able to select which they prefer. As the timer 14 records the passage of time, it will be displayed on the visual display 16. At suitable points within the time frame the controller 13 will send a signal to the voice module 17 to output a suitable audible greeting. It might start with a welcome and instructions to begin to brush the top row of teeth, starting with those at the back of the mouth. Then, once sufficient time has been spent on this area of teeth, the controller would then send another signal to the voice controller to output another spoken command, to remind the user to alter brushing to a different group of teeth. Finally, when the controller has counted the preset time period (in this example 2 minutes), a signal is sent to the voice module to issue a final announcement and commendation. At this point, the timer will cease and the controller will deactivate the other components to await next use. The switch may be adapted to control the device in further ways. For example, at any time during operation of the device, the switch 12 may be used to reinitialise the timer 14 and restart the brushing stage. Also by different pressing patterns, such as holding down for several seconds, the switch 13 may be used to alter various control parameters such as: count up/count down display, type and style of vocal reminders, and the nature of the information displayed on devices with complex visual displays.

In an alternative embodiment where the device has an automatic switch sensing removal of the brush from a toothbrush holder, initiation of the main 2 minute countdown may delayed to enable the child to prepare the

toothpaste. The period could also be extended by a suitable period to accommodate this. Alternatively the controller may be programmed to include a pre-brushing stage started by removal of the brush, during which the child is prompted to apply the toothpaste. A switch equivalent to that labelled 12 above may also be included to start the brushing stage once the user is ready.

In a further aspect of the invention (not shown), the tooth brushing timer device is housed in a cavity formed in the handle of a toothbrush. The switch is suitably mounted on the exterior of the handle so as to be operable by the user's thumb. The switch has a waterproof covering and is selectively triggered to commence operation of the timer which causes the voice commands to be activated at predetermined time intervals. The visual display is also mounted on the exterior of the handle, but on the opposite side to the switch so that it faces away from the user. The image shown in the visual display is arranged in reverse so that it is comprehensible when viewed in a mirror. A rechargeable power source is also concealed in the cavity and arranged for powering the tooth brushing timer device. The rechargeable power source may include a socket provided on the body of the toothbrush for receiving a power supply. Alternatively, the rechargeable power source is adapted to be inductance charged. In this way, the body of the toothbrush is arranged for location on a charging unit connected to a power source. The charging unit includes a primary coil and the body of the toothbrush includes a secondary coil such that the magnetic field generated by the primary coil generates a current in the secondary coil which is used to recharge the power source. Such a toothbrush with a timer device may include a movement sensor for detecting when the toothbrush has stopped moving. If, before the predefined time elapses, the movement sensor detects that the toothbrush has stopped moving (therefore indicating that the user is not brushing his or her teeth), a signal will be sent to the voice module which outputs a suitably phrased comment such as "do not stop brushing your teeth".

The constituents of the present invention may be combined in many suitable ways without departing from the scope of the invention, and separately identified components may in fact be formed from single multi-

function parts. For example the controller may in fact include the timer module and the voice module.