Illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use

1. A toothbrush comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end;

a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head comprising a plurality of bristles;

a light positioned in the handle;

a power source;

a first contact member comprising a rod extending from a center of a base member;

a second contact member;

a flexible member that extends around the first contact member and is coupled to the second contact member such that the second contact member contacts the first contact member as the flexible member is compressed or bent but does not contact the first contact member when the flexible member is in an unstressed condition; and

a control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit and initiates illumination of the light for a set period of time;

wherein the flexible member comprises a helical spring;

wherein the first contact member and the helical spring both extend from the base member;

wherein the first contact member is positioned within the helical spring; and

wherein the helical spring has a first end coupled to the base member and a second, opposite end and wherein the second contact member is coupled to the second end of the helical spring.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the handle defines a first cavity and an inner surface of a pliant base defines a second cavity and wherein the power source is positioned within the first cavity and the second contact member is positioned, at least partially, in the second cavity, and the pliant base is coupled to the second end of the handle.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the toothbrush has a longitudinal axis and with respect to the longitudinal axis, the base member is positioned between the power source and the first and second contact members.

4. The toothbrush of claim 3 , wherein with respect to the longitudinal axis, the power source is positioned between the base member and the control circuit.

5. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is made of a conductive material such that the flexible member forms, at least in part, the second contact.

6. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the set period of time is about 60 seconds.

7. A toothbrush comprising:

a handle extending along a longitudinal axis;

a pliant base coupled to a base end of the handle;

a brush coupled to a brush end of the handle;

an illumination element;

a power source;

a first contact member extending from a base member;

a second contact member;

a control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit and initiates illumination of the illumination element for a set period of time; and

means for separating the first contact member from the second contact member and for permitting contact between the first and second contact members when the pliant base is deflected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the means comprising a helical spring;

wherein the first contact member and the helical spring both extend from the base member;

wherein the first contact member is positioned within the helical spring;

wherein the helical spring has a first end coupled to the base member and a second, opposite end, the second contact member being coupled to the second end of the helical spring.

8. The toothbrush of claim 7 , wherein the illumination element comprises an LED.

9. The toothbrush of claim 7 , wherein an inner surface of the handle defines a first cavity and an inner surface of the pliant base defines a second cavity and wherein the power source is positioned within the first cavity and the second contact member is position, at least partially, in the second cavity.

10. The toothbrush of claim 7 , wherein with respect to the longitudinal axis, the base member is positioned between the power source and the first and second contact members.

11. The toothbrush of claim 10 , wherein with respect to the longitudinal axis the power source is positioned between the base member and the control circuit.

12. A toothbrush comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;

a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head comprising a plurality of bristles;

a helical spring extending from a base member;

a light;

a power source that is positioned generally stationary within the handle;

a first contact member that is generally stationary with respect to the power source, positioned within the helical spring and extending from the base member;

a second contact member that moves with respect to the first contact member as the helical spring is moved; and

a control circuit configured such that contact between the first contact member and the second contact member completes a circuit to initiate illumination of the light for a set period of time;

wherein the helical spring has a first end coupled to the base member and a second, opposite end and wherein the second contact member is coupled to the second end of the helical spring.

13. The toothbrush of claim 12 , wherein an inner surface of the handle defines a first cavity and an inner surface of the actuation member defines a second cavity and wherein the power source is positioned within the first cavity and the second contact member is positioned, at least partially, in the second cavity.

14. The toothbrush of claim 12 , wherein with respect to the longitudinal axis, the base member is positioned between the power source and the first and second contact members.

15. The toothbrush of claim 14 , wherein with respect to the longitudinal axis, the power source is positioned between the base member and the control circuit.

16. The toothbrush of claim 12 , wherein the set period of time is about 60 seconds.