LIGHT INTERACTIVE TOOTHBRUSH

摘要

The toothbrush (10) has light interactive features and has a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) (40) moulded within its handle (14). In an embodiment the toothbrush is moulded from a transparent or translucent plastic material and is covered with an opaque covering (16), except at a plurality of discrete light emitting points. A reflective layer (26) may also be provided over the moulded body. Light is internally reflected along the length of the body to the light-emitting points. The surface of the toothbrush at these points is roughened to emit a softened, diffused light. In another embodiment, a plurality of optic fibres (44) or light pipes are moulded in the body of the toothbrush with their input ends positioned near the light source and their output ends terminating at the light-emitting areas or sectors. The body may be moulded of an opaque elastomer or rubberized plastic material. A battery (51) and switch may be moulded together with the light-emitting diode. The switch can be formed as a flexible membrane (53) and contact electrode (54) which is depressed when the user grips the grip end of the toothbrush. 12 claims, 7 figures