US20110061779A1 - Power guard - Google Patents
Power guard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110061779A1 US20110061779A1 US12/807,904 US80790410A US2011061779A1 US 20110061779 A1 US20110061779 A1 US 20110061779A1 US 80790410 A US80790410 A US 80790410A US 2011061779 A1 US2011061779 A1 US 2011061779A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- guard
- switch
- recited
- electric device
- flexible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
- A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0087—Brushes with decoration on or in the handle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
- B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
- B26B19/3806—Accessories
- B26B19/3813—Attachments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
- B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
- B26B19/3853—Housing or handle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
- B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
- B26B19/3886—Actuating members, e.g. switches or control knobs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B26B21/00—Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
- B26B21/40—Details or accessories
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B26B21/00—Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
- B26B21/40—Details or accessories
- B26B21/4062—Actuating members, e.g. switches or control knobs; Adjustments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
A guard for preventing activation of an on/off switch that provides a source of power to operate a personal electric device, such as an electric toothbrush, an electric razor, a trimmer, and the like. The guard includes a flexible cylindrical body having a thickness defined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The guard includes a flexible opening having a first edge and a second edge that substantially face each other along an axial direction of the guard. Peripheral ends of the cylindrical body terminate into a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are aligned concentrically, and substantially perpendicular, to an axis centrally disposed through the cylindrical body of the guard. In use, the guard is adapted to snugly fit over an off/on switch and a portion of the handle of the electric device. The cylindrical body of the guard is sufficiently rigid to prevent an inadvertent activation of the on/off switch of the electric device.
Description
- This application is a Non-Provisional Application which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/276,878, entitled “Power Guard” filed Sep. 17, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a power guard for an electric powered personal device, and in particular to providing a flexible guard adapted to fit snugly over an on/off switch on an electric toothbrush.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- An electric toothbrush contains several basic components. The toothbrush shown in
FIG. 8 illustrates a conventionalelectric toothbrush 100. Theelectric toothbrush 100 includes aremovable brush 110 with asemi-rotating head 120 at the top. Theelectric toothbrush 100 also includes a mechanism inside thebrush handle 130 that rotates back and forth and causes thesemi-rotating head 120 to reciprocate and the turn from side to side. A cam and gear unit (not shown) is disposed under thesemi-rotating head 120. The cam and gear unit convert the high-speed rotary (spinning) motion of the electric toothbrush'selectric motor 140 into a reciprocating (back-and-forth) brushing motion that causes thesemi-rotating head 120 to clean a person's teeth effectively while in use. The cam and gear unit are connected to a gear (not shown) built into the top of theelectric motor 140, and theelectric motor 140 drives the gear directly. Various batteries 150 (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) are electrically connected to, and located under theelectric motor 140. A circuit board (not shown) is attached within theelectric toothbrush 100 that receives an activation input from an on/offswitch 160 disposed on theouter case 170 of theelectric toothbrush 100. Theouter case 170 of theelectric toothbrush 100 may be made of a durable plastic. The on-offswitch 160 is set into, and sealed by, a piece of thin flexible rubber. Theouter case 170 keeps moisture, toothpaste and other contaminates away from the circuit board,electric motor 140, andbatteries 150, which would otherwise cause damage to theelectric toothbrush 100. - Although an electric toothbrush is fairly simple in design, one of the on-going problems with electric toothbrushes occurs unavoidably while in transit. All too often an on/off switch of a stored electric toothbrush is activated when a force is applied by an adjacent packed object, and/or by compressing the luggage area around the on/off switch of the electric toothbrush thereby inadvertently turning the on/off switch to the active position. Unfortunately, activation of the electric toothbrush may go unnoticed and the battery will drain.
- Even more embarrassing is the instance where the electric toothbrush begins to vibrate in a person's luggage while in the vicinity of others only to be mistaken by the bystanders as a different more personal electronic device. Consequently, when the user attempts to activate the on/off switch for use, to their surprise, there is no charge in the battery and the electric toothbrush is unusable.
- In the past, electric toothbrush carrying cases have been marketed and sold with the electric toothbrush. The problem with these carrying cases is that they are large and cumbersome and often take up substantial space in a compact carrying case thereby occupying room at the expense of leaving behind other necessary travel items. Consequently, there is a need for a compact portable device that prevents inadvertent activation of the on/off switch of the electric toothbrush.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a guard for a personal electric device comprising a semi-rigid flexible cylindrical body having an inner surface and an outer surface bounded by a first end and a second end. The ends are aligned substantially perpendicular to an axis, and around which the cylindrical body of the guard is aligned. In use, the guard is adapted to snugly fit over an off/on switch on the electric device. The cylindrical body is sufficiently rigid to prevent an inadvertent activation of the on/off switch of the electric device.
- The cylindrical body of the guard includes a flexible opening defining a first edge and a second edge substantially facing each other, and edges are aligned substantially parallel to the axis. In a stored position, the flexible opening is positioned, and axially aligned, toward a back of the electric device so that the on/off switch is protected from activation. And, in a use position, the flexible opening is positioned, and axially aligned, forward so that the on/off switch is aligned within the flexible opening to permit access to the on/off switch through the flexible opening.
- The guard is composed of a resilient flexible material adapted to stretch and contract to snugly fit over a variety of different size and shapes of handles for various electronic devices. Likewise, the guard is rigid suitable for providing sufficient rigidity to prevent the on/off switch of the electric device from being activated when the guard is positioned over the on/off switch.
- In another embodiment, the guard may be constructed as an extended guard that covers the entire handle and the on/off switch of the electric device. Alternatively, the guard may be constructed to cover the head of the electric device and the on/off switch.
- Various ribs may be disposed on the guard to enhance the strength of the guard and to prevent activation of the on/off switch.
- Another aspect is to integrate a power level meter into the guard that indicates the amount of charge residing in the battery and to provide on a display therefore.
- These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below.
- Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary power guard for a personal electric device in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective front view of the guard secured in place over an on/off switch of an electric toothbrush in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective rear view of the guard secured over the on/off switch and the handle of the electric toothbrush in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the guard secured over the on/off switch and the handle of the electric toothbrush, and the flexible opening of the guard in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the guard secured over the on/off switch and the handle of the electric toothbrush in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of an extended guard secured over the on/off switch and the lower end of the handle of the electric toothbrush in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an extended guard secured over the head of the electric toothbrush and the on/off switch of the handle in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 8 shows a conventional electric toothbrush. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective front view of the guard including various ribs in accordance with this invention. -
FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which the guard includes a battery power meter in accordance with this invention. - Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates anexemplary power guard 10 constructed to cover and prevent the on/offswitch 160 from activating a source of power that operates the personal electric device. In particular, theguard 10 is shown herein cylindrical in shape. Theguard 10 may be made of a semi-rigid flexible material and may be placed over the on/offswitch 160 disposed on thehandle 140 of an electric powered device, such as anelectric toothbrush 100 shown and described in these exemplary embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the electric powered device may be selected from a variety of different electric powered devices, such as an electric razor, an electric trimmer, an intimate personal device, and/or any other electric device. - The
guard 10 may be made of a resilient flexible material adapted to stretch and contract and snugly fit over any number of handles for various commercially available electronic devices which come in various sizes and shape. It is to be understood that the various features and functionality among theguards - Various materials may be used to construct the
guard 10. Theguard 10 may be composed from a variety of different materials including but not limited to, for example, rubber, a flexible composite or polymeric material and/or any other semi-rigid elastic material suitable to install theguard 10 onto theelectric toothbrush 100 as well as to provide sufficient rigidity to prevent the on/offswitch 160 of theelectric toothbrush 100 from being activated when theguard 10 is affixed over the on/offswitch 160 disposed on thehandle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100. Although the on/offswitch 160 shown in these FIGS is embodied central to thehandle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100, it is to be understood that the on/offswitch 160 may be configured as a twisting rotational switch and/or any other type of actuating switch which may be used in combination with theguard 10 described herein. - It is also to be understood that the
guard 10 may constructed from a semi-rigid and/or more rigid material which is substantially tailored to fit over the on/off switch of thehandle 130 and to prevent activation of the on/off switch when theelectric toothbrush 100 is stored. In both instances, the material of theguard 10 is sufficiently rigid to prevent a user and/or an inadvertent activation of the on/offswitch 160 of theelectric toothbrush 100. - Referring back to
FIG. 1 , theguard 10 is shown constructed cylindrical in shape and includes aflexible opening 12. At rest theguard 10 is biased to close theflexible opening 12. Theflexible opening 12 is provided to allow theguard 10 to expand open to fit over electric toothbrush handles 130 of various shapes and sizes. Theflexible opening 12 is defined at its edges by afirst edge 13 and asecond edge 14. Since theguard 10 is biased into a closed configuration, thefirst edge 13 and asecond edge 14 substantially face each other at theflexible opening 12. - At the peripheral ends of the cylindrical shaped
guard 10 are disposed afirst end 15 and asecond end 16. The ends are aligned substantially perpendicular to an axis running through the cylindrical shapedguard 10. Theguard 10 further defines aninner surface 17 and anouter surface 18. - Although the
guard 10 shown inFIG. 1 includes aflexible opening 12, it is to be understood that theguard 10 can be a closed continuous cylindrical shape without aflexible opening 12. As such, theentire guard 10 can be allowed to stretch over thehandle 130 of anelectric toothbrush 100. Furthermore, although theguard 10 is depicted as a cylindrical member, it is to be understood that theguard 10 may take a variety of different sizes and shapes. -
FIGS. 1-5 depict an exemplary illustration of theguard 10 attached to theelectric toothbrush 100. In use, theflexible guard 10 may be slipped over thehandle 130 from above, below or from the side. Theguard 10 is positioned over the on/offswitch 160 to prevent access to the on/offswitch 160. As shown inFIGS. 1 , 3 and 4 in more detail, theinner surface 17 of theguard 10 lies against, and over thehandle 130 and on/offswitch 160. Theouter surface 18 of theguard 10 faces outward and surrounds the outside of theguard 10. Theouter surface 18 of theguard 10 will come into contact with various items while in a stored position, such as in a travel carrying bag, or the like. An object of theguard 10 in the stored position is to prevent the on/offswitch 160 from accidentally being activated when disposed in place over the on/offswitch 160. - Traditionally, and all too often, the on/off
switch 160 of a stored electric toothbrush is activated by contact and/or force applied by an adjacent packed object and/or by an inadvertent compression of the luggage area around the on/offswitch 160. Unfortunately, activation of theelectric toothbrush 100 may go unnoticed and thebatteries 150 will drain. When the user attempts turn on theirelectric toothbrush 100 for use, to their surprise there is no charge in thebatteries 150 and theelectric toothbrush 100 is unusable until it can be recharged. - In a stored position (such as shown in
FIGS. 2-3 ), theflexible opening 12 is rotated and axially aligned toward the back of theelectric toothbrush 100 so that the on/offswitch 160 is protected from inadvertent activation. In use, the extendedflexible opening 12 may be rotated forward so that the on/offswitch 160 is aligned within theflexible opening 12, and theflexible opening 12 is suitable opened to permit a user to access the on/offswitch 160 through theflexible opening 12 in order to activate theelectric toothbrush 100. - When the user has finished brushing her teeth, she may then rotate the
flexible opening 12 back into the storage position in which theflexible opening 12 is again facing the rear of theelectric toothbrush 100 thereby covering the on/offswitch 160 to prevent inadvertent activation. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show a perspective and a rear view of theguard 10 secured over the on/offswitch 160 and thehandle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100 in accordance with this invention. From this view, theflexible opening 12 is shown defined at its edged by afirst edge 13 and asecond edge 14. The exemplaryelectric toothbrush 100 shown has an ergonomic contour that theguard 10 flexibly adapts to in use as a result of the elastic properties of the flexible material of theflexible guard 10. -
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of theguard 10 secured over the on/offswitch 160 and thehandle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100 in accordance with this invention. As shown, theguard 10 flexibly stretches over thehandle 130 and covers the on/offswitch 160 of theelectric toothbrush 100. Theflexible opening 12 is adapted to fit over and tightly snug against an irregular shapedergonomic handle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100 such as shown in these figures. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of anextended guard 30 secured over the on/offswitch 160 as well as the lower end of thehandle 130 of theelectric toothbrush 100 in accordance with another aspect of this invention. Theflexible opening 12 may be extended as shown to facilitate the ease of installation of theextended guard 30. As shown, thepower guard 30 may comprise an extended construction that covers the lower end ofelectric toothbrush 100 and/or other electric powered device. The advantage being that theextended guard 30 can account for the on/offswitch 160 disposed anywhere under the cover of theextended guard 30. - As mentioned before, when the electric powered device is in a stored position, the
flexible opening 12 may be rotated toward the back of theelectric toothbrush 100 so that the on/offswitch 160 is protected from inadvertent activation. In use, the extendedflexible opening 12 may be rotated forward so that the on/offswitch 160 is aligned within theflexible opening 12. The user may then access the on/offswitch 160 through theflexible opening 12 and activate theelectric toothbrush 100 for use. - When the user has finished brushing her teeth, she may then rotate the
flexible opening 12 into the storage position in which theflexible opening 12 is again facing the rear of theelectric toothbrush 100 and covering the on/offswitch 160 to preventing inadvertent activation. The same method of rotating and aligning theflexible opening 12 to access the on/offswitch 160 applies for use with thevarious guards flexible opening 12 forward and back to access the on/offswitch 160 is convenient in that thevarious guards electric toothbrush 100. - In another aspect, the
various guards switch 160 is inaccessible, and a second storage position in which the on/offswitch 160 is accessible. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of anextended guard 40 secured over thehead 120 of theelectric toothbrush 100 and the on/offswitch 160 of thehandle 130 in accordance with this invention. Aflexible opening 12 may also be disposed along theextended guard 40 to facilitate the ease of installation of theextended guard 40. Likewise, theflexible opening 12 may be moved from a first closed position in which the on/offswitch 160 is inaccessible through theflexible opening 12, and a second storage position in which the on/offswitch 160 is accessible through theflexible opening 12. - When stored, the
open end 42 of theextended guard 40 is placed over thehead 120 of theelectric toothbrush 100 and slid down along thehandle 130 until theextended guard 40 completely covers the on/offswitch 160 in order to prevent inadvertent activation of theelectric toothbrush 100 as shown inFIG. 7 . - Various other “personal” electronic devices can benefit from the configuration of the
extended guard 30 where the on/off switch is a twisting on/off switch disposed at the bottom of the personal electronic device. It is to be understood that thevarious guards switch 160, a twisting on/off switch and/or any other commercially available on/off switch for various portable electronic devices. - The
extended guard 40 also serves a hygienic purpose in that in the stored position, thehead 120 of theelectric toothbrush 100 is protected against unsanitary contaminants that would normally come into contact with an uncoveredhead 120 of theelectric toothbrush 100 and/or personal electric powered device. Although thetop end 44 of theextended cover 40 is shown closed, it is to be understood that thetop end 44 of theextended cover 40 may be open. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective front view of theguard 10 includingvarious ribs 19 in accordance with this invention. Theribs 19 may be disposed about theguard 10 in order to enhance the strength of theguard 10 at various locations. As shown, theribs 19 surround theinside surface 17 of theguard 10. The advantage of providing theribs 19 is to provide rigidity to the guard and to prevent the inadvertent activation of the on/offswitch 160 when the guard is positioned over the on/offswitch 160. As a result, the rigidity of theribs 19 will allow the guard to slide onto theelectric toothbrush 100 with ease. - The
guards various guards guards -
FIG. 10 illustrates anotherexemplary power guard 20 including abattery power meter 22 in accordance with this invention. In use, theguard 20 is adapted to determine the amount of remaining charge available in the power source (e.g., batteries 150) of theelectric toothbrush 100. Thepower meter 22 may include avisual display 24 to indicate to a user the amount of charge remaining in thebatteries 150 of theelectric toothbrush 100. Since there are generally no metal electrical contacts inelectric toothbrushes 100, theguard 20 will measure the amount of charge in the batteries though induction detection of the electromagnetic field in theguard 10 and/or the area surrounding thebatteries 150. - As such, the
guard 20 may be constructed with a circuit including a material composition capable of induction and detection thereof. When detecting the amount of charge in thebatteries 150, theguard 20 will substantially mimic the characteristics of a transformer in which theelectric toothbrush 100 and theguard 20 form a two-part transformer, with theguard 20 having one part of the transformer and theelectric toothbrush 100 having the other. - When the
guard 20 is placed on to theelectric toothbrush 100 and a current is induced, a complete transformer is created and the residual charge in the batteries can flow through theguard 20 by induction. The amount of charge in the electric magnetic field flowing though theguard 20 can be detected and visually displayed 24 by indicia on thepower meter 22 in a suitable range, such as between a range of “LOW” and “FULL.” - The
guard 20 may be embedded with an inductive material property capable of detecting and determining the strength of the induction within the field adjacent to thebattery 150 power source. That is, the strength of the electromagnetic field generated by thebatteries 150 through theguard 20 can be detected and measured and the result displayed 24 on thepower meter 22. - Although an
electric toothbrush 10 was used to describe an exemplary use for this invention, it is to be understood that various types of electric toothbrushes are available and may be implemented in accordance with this invention, e.g., an ordinary electric toothbrush to sonic toothbrushes. Likewise, it is to be understood that theguard 10 may be used on a variety of different devices, such as an electric razor, an electric trimmer, an intimate personal device, and/or any other electric device. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , variousaesthetic logos 46 and or designs may printed on theguards - The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A guard for a personal electric device comprising:
a semi-rigid flexible cylindrical body having an inner surface and an outer surface bounded by a first end and a second end whose ends are aligned substantially perpendicular to an axis, and around which the cylindrical body of the guard is aligned,
where in use, the guard is adapted to snugly fit over an off/on switch on the electric device, and
wherein the cylindrical body is sufficiently rigid to prevent an inadvertent activation of the on/off switch of the electric device.
2. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body of the guard includes a flexible opening defining a first edge and a second edge substantially facing each other, and wherein each edge is aligned substantially parallel to the axis.
3. The guard as recited in claim 2 , where in:
a stored position, the flexible opening is positioned and axially aligned toward a back of the electric device so that the on/off switch is protected from activation; and
a use position, the flexible opening is positioned and axially aligned forward so that the on/off switch is aligned within the flexible opening to permit access to the on/off switch through the flexible opening.
4. The guard as recited in claim 2 , wherein the flexible opening is constructed to expand open to fit over a handle of the electric device, and when at rest, the guard is biased to close the flexible opening against the handle of the electric device.
5. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guard is composed of a resilient flexible material adapted to stretch and contract to snugly fit over a variety of different size and shapes of handles for various electronic devices, and being suitable for providing sufficient rigidity to prevent the on/off switch of the electric device from being activated when the guard is positioned over the on/off switch.
6. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the guard contacts and snugly covers the on/off switch, and the outer surface faces outward away from the on/off switch to prevent the on/off switch from being activated when the on/off switch is covered.
7. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guard is an extended guard that comprises an extended construction that covers the entire handle and the on/off switch of the electric device.
8. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guard is an extended guard that comprises an extended construction that covers the head of the electric device and the on/off switch.
9. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the on/off switch is a rotating switch.
10. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein ribs are disposed on the guard to enhance the strength of the guard and to prevent activation of the on/off switch.
11. The guard as recited in claim 10 , wherein the ribs surround the inside surface of the guard.
12. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guard includes a power meter that indicates an amount of remaining charge available in the electric device.
13. The guard as recited in claim 12 , wherein the power meter includes a display that indicates the amount of charge remaining in the electric device.
14. The guard as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electric device may be selected from at least one of: an electric toothbrush; an electric razor; an electric trimmer; and an intimate personal device.
15. A guard for an electric toothbrush comprising:
a flexible cylindrical body further comprising:
an inner surface and an outer surface bounded by a first end and a second end whose ends are aligned substantially perpendicular to an axis, around which the cylindrical body of the guard is aligned; and
a flexible opening disposed in the flexible cylindrical body having a first edge and a second edge substantially facing each other, wherein each edge is aligned substantially parallel to the axis,
where in use, the guard is adapted to snugly fit over an off/on switch and a portion of the handle of the electric toothbrush, and
wherein the cylindrical body is sufficiently rigid to prevent an activation of the on/off switch of the electric toothbrush.
16. The guard as recited in claim 15 , where in:
a stored position, the flexible opening is positioned and axially aligned toward a back of the electric toothbrush so that the on/off switch is protected from activation; and
a use position, the flexible opening is positioned and axially aligned forward so that the on/off switch is aligned within the flexible opening to permit access to the on/off switch through the flexible opening.
17. A power guard for a personal electric device comprising:
a flexible cylindrical body further comprising:
an inner surface and an outer surface bounded by a first end and a second end whose ends are aligned substantially perpendicular to an axis, around which the cylindrical body of the power guard is aligned;
a flexible opening disposed in the flexible cylindrical body having a first edge and a second edge substantially facing each other, wherein each edge is aligned substantially parallel to the axis; and
ribs disposed on the guard to enhance the strength of the guard and to prevent activation of the on/off switch,
where in use, the guard is adapted to snugly fit over an off/on switch and a portion of the handle of the electric device.
18. The power guard as recited in claim 17 , wherein the power guard includes a battery power meter that displays an amount of remaining charge available in the electric device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/807,904 US20110061779A1 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2010-09-15 | Power guard |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27687809P | 2009-09-17 | 2009-09-17 | |
US12/807,904 US20110061779A1 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2010-09-15 | Power guard |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110061779A1 true US20110061779A1 (en) | 2011-03-17 |
Family
ID=43729306
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/807,904 Abandoned US20110061779A1 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2010-09-15 | Power guard |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110061779A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL2008325C2 (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2013-08-26 | Sahiba Yagub Imanova | Detachable protective cover for a switch. |
USD747105S1 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2016-01-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement accessory |
US9731882B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2017-08-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care kit for displaying a portion of a toothbrush |
US10463462B2 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2019-11-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Electric toothbrush apparatus |
US20230381989A1 (en) * | 2021-06-17 | 2023-11-30 | Sincerely Ltd. B.V. | Personal care devices and components |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4743831A (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1988-05-10 | Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus and method for indicating remaining battery life in a battery powered device |
US5038400A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1991-08-06 | Motorola, Inc. | Carry holder for an electronic device |
US5309591A (en) * | 1992-01-17 | 1994-05-10 | Braun Aktiengesellschaft | Electric toothbrush with push-on protective cover |
US5530234A (en) * | 1994-12-23 | 1996-06-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Hand held calculator having a retractable cover |
US5678204A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1997-10-14 | Naylor; Richard C. | Protective cover for an electronic device |
US5896277A (en) * | 1996-12-12 | 1999-04-20 | Motorola, Inc. | Slidable cover for a battery housing |
US6311837B1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2001-11-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Packaging arrangement having recesses for preventing a switch from being placed in a continuously-on position |
US6465750B1 (en) * | 2001-07-29 | 2002-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Cover for nonfunctional buttons |
US6705787B2 (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2004-03-16 | Speedskin Llc | Protective keyboard cover |
US6779216B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2004-08-24 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, A Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Toothbrush cover |
US7600284B2 (en) * | 2002-05-14 | 2009-10-13 | Colgate-Palmolive | Powered toothbrush having a decorative facade |
-
2010
- 2010-09-15 US US12/807,904 patent/US20110061779A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4743831A (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1988-05-10 | Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus and method for indicating remaining battery life in a battery powered device |
US5038400A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1991-08-06 | Motorola, Inc. | Carry holder for an electronic device |
US5309591A (en) * | 1992-01-17 | 1994-05-10 | Braun Aktiengesellschaft | Electric toothbrush with push-on protective cover |
US5678204A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1997-10-14 | Naylor; Richard C. | Protective cover for an electronic device |
US5530234A (en) * | 1994-12-23 | 1996-06-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Hand held calculator having a retractable cover |
US5896277A (en) * | 1996-12-12 | 1999-04-20 | Motorola, Inc. | Slidable cover for a battery housing |
US6311837B1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2001-11-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Packaging arrangement having recesses for preventing a switch from being placed in a continuously-on position |
US6779216B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2004-08-24 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, A Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Toothbrush cover |
US6705787B2 (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2004-03-16 | Speedskin Llc | Protective keyboard cover |
US6465750B1 (en) * | 2001-07-29 | 2002-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Cover for nonfunctional buttons |
US7600284B2 (en) * | 2002-05-14 | 2009-10-13 | Colgate-Palmolive | Powered toothbrush having a decorative facade |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9731882B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2017-08-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care kit for displaying a portion of a toothbrush |
NL2008325C2 (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2013-08-26 | Sahiba Yagub Imanova | Detachable protective cover for a switch. |
USD747105S1 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2016-01-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement accessory |
US10463462B2 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2019-11-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Electric toothbrush apparatus |
US20230381989A1 (en) * | 2021-06-17 | 2023-11-30 | Sincerely Ltd. B.V. | Personal care devices and components |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110061779A1 (en) | Power guard | |
US7721371B2 (en) | Toothbrush and process for producing the same | |
US6401289B1 (en) | Skin cleaning device | |
CA2999722C (en) | Magnetic closure system for a container with a wand-type applicator and wiper | |
US8025236B2 (en) | Cover for a portable device having grip portions | |
US8769754B2 (en) | Electric toothbrush | |
US20230028280A1 (en) | Magnetic bottle brush | |
US20200121054A1 (en) | Flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging and method of manufacture thereof | |
WO2020079626A1 (en) | Flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging and method of manufacture thereof | |
US7086156B2 (en) | Magnetic knife sheath | |
US20100243493A1 (en) | Apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover | |
US8707970B2 (en) | Portable oral hygiene system | |
JP2016016879A (en) | Wide-mouthed container with auxiliary tool | |
JP4532158B2 (en) | Various battery equipment with power switch | |
CN109123961B (en) | Portable protective housing of perfume bottle | |
US20090229627A1 (en) | Oral hygiene and cosmetic enhancing apparatus with slideably-positionable member for protecting, concealing and revealing a mouth-area reflecting surface | |
CN208891801U (en) | A kind of electronic Nail beautifying apparatus | |
CN209032372U (en) | Magnaglo brush shows device | |
CN204028199U (en) | Portable loss prevention reometer | |
CN212939598U (en) | Water tank cover and water tank of floor mopping machine | |
US10285555B2 (en) | Electric shock guard for appliance | |
GB2325400A (en) | Reservoir toothbrush | |
KR200494531Y1 (en) | Cosmetic vessel | |
KR100728884B1 (en) | Cosmetic container | |
WO2023174749A1 (en) | Aerosol-generating device with a sliding mechanism |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |