The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 06, 2009
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2005
Andrew S. Filo, Cupertino, CA (US);
David G. Capper, Novato, CA (US);
Andrew S. Filo, Cupertino, CA (US);
David G. Capper, Novato, CA (US);
Hasbro, Inc., Pawtucket, RI (US);
Abstract
A device and method for transmitting sound waves between a signal source and a user's ears, wherein the sound waves bypass the air. The sound waves are conducted by the user's teeth and bones to the user's ears, where they are perceived as sound. Sound-transmitting toothbrushes and the like are described to transmit and/or conduct sound to the user's ear, while the user is brushing his or her teeth. The toothbrush head and a signal source are configured to produce sound waves for transmission through the toothbrush head to the user's mouth, and a tension controller is configured to control the volume of the sound waves based on the pressure applied by the toothbrush head. The signal source may produce sound waves directly or with the assistance of a transducer. The signal source may be replaceable, connect to a replaceable cartridge, or connect to an adaptor capable of downloading data to allow the signal source data to be replaceable. The tension controller may include gap spacing between the transducer coil and transducer plate. The tension controller may also include a boost switch configured as a bypass switch, activation signal, or force sensor.