Classifications

• • 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
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/222—Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
  • A46B13/02—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
• • 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
  • A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
  • A46B15/0032—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with protrusion for polishing teeth
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
  • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
  • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
• • 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
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
  • A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
  • A61C17/349—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor with multiple brush bodies
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
  • A46B13/008—Disc-shaped brush bodies
• • 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
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
  • A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
  • A61C17/3409—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor characterized by the movement of the brush body
  • A61C17/3436—Rotation around the axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the bristle holder
• • 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
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
  • A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
  • A61C17/3409—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor characterized by the movement of the brush body
  • A61C17/3472—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor characterized by the movement of the brush body with combined movements of the brush body

Definitions

• the present invention relates to powered toothbrushes, and more particularly, to a toothbrush having a head with two distinct moving sections with each section providing oral health benefits to the user.
• Toothbrushes provide many oral hygiene benefits. For example, toothbrushes remove plaque and food debris to help avoid tooth decay and disease. They remove stained pellicle from the surface of each tooth to help whiten the teeth. Also, the bristles combined with the brushing motion massage the gingival tissue for stimulation and increased health of the tissue.
• Powered toothbrushes have been available for some time. Powered toothbrushes have advantages over manual (non-powered) toothbrushes in that they impart movement to the bristles at much higher speeds than possible manually. They also may impart different types and directions of motion. These motions, generally in combination with manual movement of the toothbrush by the user, provide superior cleaning than manual toothbrushes.
• powered toothbrushes are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that in turn drives the toothbrush head.
• Known powered toothbrushes include a brush head with a bristle carrier portion that rotates, oscillates or vibrates in some manner so as to clean the teeth.
• the bristles which typically comprise bristle tufts, are generally uniform with one end fixed into the bristle carrier portion and the other end free to contact the surface of the teeth while brushing.
• the free ends of the various tufts present a surface envelope that is capable of some deformation when the bristles bend.
• the bristles When in contact with the surface to be brushed, the bristles may deform so that the surface envelope tends to conform to the complex surface of the teeth.
• Human teeth generally lie in a "C" shaped curve within the upper and lower jaws, and each row of teeth consequently has a convex outer curve and a concave inner curve. Individual teeth often have extremely complex surfaces, with areas that may be flat, concave, or convex.
• Powered toothbrushes typically arrange the bristles in a compact conical or cylindrical pattern on a generally circular, disk-shaped bristle carrier.
• the powered toothbrush heads are traditionally compact, generally oval in shape and the heads are produced with a flat trimmed bristle pattern. Alternatively, other head shapes and bristle patterns are available.
• a powered toothbrush is depicted in U.S. Patent 5,625,916 to McDougall, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• the toothbrush shown in McDougall has a disc-shaped bristle carrier.
• the bristle carrier, and thus the bristles, are driven in a vibrating or oscillating manner.
• This type of toothbrush is described herein with reference to Figures lA-lC.
• a toothbrush 5 includes a handle portion 10 at a proximal end of the toothbrush 5 and a head 11 at a distal end of toothbrush 5.
• Handle portion 10 has compartments for containing a powered motor 14 and batteries 15 and 16.
• Head 11 includes a generally circular bristle holder (carrier) 13.
• a rotatable shaft 12 extends from motor 14 to head 11.
• a shaft coupling 17 may be located along shaft 12 and configured to provide for shaft 12 to be separated at a point between motor 14 and head 11. This permits the shaft to be removed from toothbrush 5, e.g., for cleaning,
• Head 11 includes a post 18 that provides a rotational pivot axis for bristle holder 13 containing bristle tufts 19.
• the distal end of shaft 12 has a journal or offset 20 that is radially displaced from the longitudinal axis of shaft 12, which may be integrally formed therewith.
• Bristle holder 13 has a slot 22 that receives offset 20.
• Offset 20 and slot 22 are configured so as to be oriented toward the intersection of shaft 12 axis and the longitudinal axis of post 18.
• motor 14 rotates shaft 12
• the motion of offset 20 defines a circle about shaft 12 axis and drivingly engages slot 22 such that bristle holder 13 vibrates or oscillates about post 18 axis through a rotational angle A.
• the rotational angle A is defined by the displacement of offset 20 from shaft 12 axis relative to the diameter of bristle holder 13.
• powered toothbrushes such as those described immediately above provide advantages over manual toothbrushes, they are subject to various limitations.
• the bristles are placed in contact with the teeth during brushing, there is less bristle contact with adjacent areas, such as the gums.
• adjacent areas such as the gums.
• Each bristle part can have a different range and/or type of motion. However, only one bristle part is powered. The other unpowered bristle part moves due to a resonance effect imparted by the frequency of the movement of the first bristle part. This free resonance causes a number of difficulties. First, because any contact between the bristle parts will dampen or cancel any resonance of the unpowered bristle part, the unpowered bristle part "floats" separately from the powered bristle part. This necessitates separation or gaps between them. These gaps expose the internal workings of the head to foreign matter such as water, saliva, toothpaste, and food particles. This foreign matter may interfere with the workings of the unpowered bristle head.
• the unpowered bristle part is spring-loaded to assist its resonance. Foreign matter may accumulate on or around the spring, interfering with its function. In addition, food particles may remain in the head and may fester and host microorganisms, which are undesirable if not potentially harmful when introduced directly into the mouth.
• Another limitation of such a design is that movement of the unpowered bristle part may be damped by contact with the teeth, or lessened when the frequency of the powered part shifts from the resonance frequency. This can occur due to pressure imparted against the powered bristle part by the teeth or gums during brushing.
• the energy imparted to the unpowered bristle part is only a portion of the energy input into the powered part. Therefore, the unpowered bristle part is less effective in cleaning than the powered part, limiting the overall effectiveness of the toothbrush.
• a powered toothbrush which includes a powered, rotationally-oscillating first bristle section and a second movable bristle section that includes an elastomeric platform that is operatively fixedly mounted on at least one portion thereof to the head and is selectively engaged by the first carrier to provide movement.
• a powered toothbrush which includes a powered, rotationally-oscillating first bristle section and a second movable bristle section in the form of an elastomeric shock-absorbing member that is operatively mounted to the head and includes a number of bristle tufts, elastomeric cleaning members, or combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom.
• a powered toothbrush which includes a powered, rotationally-oscillating first bristle section and a second movable bristle section pivotally connected to the first bristle section and pivotally connected to the brush section.
• a powered toothbrush which includes a powered, rotationally-oscillating first bristle section and a second movable bristle section that is pivotally connected to the first bristle section and pivotally connected to the brush section, and that is capable of movement in a second a second degree of motion.
• a powered toothbrush includes a handle portion at a proximal end and a head at a distal end with a neck being formed between the handle portion and the head.
• the head has two distinct movable parts that provide oral health benefits since each part is adapted to have a number of bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending therefrom to contact surfaces of the teeth and surrounding areas.
• the toothbrush has a drive mechanism that imparts movement to one of the movable parts to deliver a cleaning, polishing, whitening action that supplements the cleaning efficiency of a typical powered toothbrush.
• the first movable head part is a first bristle carrier that supports a number of bristle tufts, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof.
• the first bristle carrier is operatively mounted to the head and is coupled to the drive mechanism such that the first bristle carrier oscillates back and forth in a direction about a center point of the first bristle carrier.
• the oscillating first bristle carrier is moved back and forth in a rotational direction.
• the second movable part is a second bristle carrier in the form of an elastomeric "shock-absorbing" member that is operatively mounted to the head and includes a number of bristle tufts, elastomeric cleaning members, or combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom.
• a brushing action forces are applied against the second carrier and the elastomeric nature of the second bristle carrier causes the carrier to move in a substantially up and down manner to deliver additional oral health benefits including enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and/or tooth whitening.
• the head includes two distinct movable parts that each and together provide oral health benefits, each being adapted to have a number of bristles or elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending therefrom adapted to contact surfaces of one or more teeth and surrounding areas.
• the powered toothbrush is further formed with a drive mechanism that imparts movement to the first movable part to deliver a cleaning, polishing, whitening action that supplements the cleaning efficiency of a typical powered toothbrush.
• the first movable part in turn imparts movement to the second movable part.
• the first movable head part is a first bristle carrier that supports a number of bristle tufts, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof.
• the first bristle carrier is operatively mounted to the head and is coupled to the drive mechanism such that the first bristle carrier oscillates back and forth in a direction parallel to toothbrush head.
• the oscillating first bristle carrier is moved back and forth in a rotational direction.
• the second movable part is formed as a second carrier that includes an elastomeric platform that is operatively fixedly mounted at at least one portion thereof to the head and is selectively engaged by the first carrier to provide movement.
• the present invention includes a powered toothbrush having at least two moving bristle fields in a brush section to provide increased moving bristle area and improved cleaning, polishing, whitening, massaging and stimulating of teeth and gums.
• the first bristle field includes a plurality of bristles attached to a first bristle carrier that is powered and driven in an oscillating rotational manner through a prescribed angle.
• the second bristle field includes a plurality of bristles attached to a second bristle carrier.
• the second bristle carrier is pivotally connected to the first bristle carrier and also pivotally connected to the brush section.
• the second bristle carrier is otherwise free from the brush section.
• the bristles in both the first and second bristle field may by any type of elastomeric or non-elastomeric bristles or any combination thereof.
• the oscillating motion of the first bristle carrier imparts an according oscillating motion to the second bristle carrier such that the first and second bristle fields oscillate in a sectorial motion.
• the connections between the second bristle carrier and the first bristle carrier and the brush section may be sufficiently flexible or otherwise configured so that they permit adequate pivoting of the second bristle carrier relative thereto.
• the second bristle carrier may be suspended from the brush section to avoid frictional contact therewith. Curtains or walls extending from the brush section to the second bristle carrier may be included to help prevent any debris, toothpaste or other objects from entering any gap therebetween.
• the second bristle carrier may also be oscillatingly driven in a second degree of motion in addition to sectorial motion to provide additional bristle movement and effectiveness. This motion may be equal to, or a multiple of, the frequency of oscillation of the first bristle carrier and the sectorial motion of the second bristle carrier, or may comprise a complex oscillatory motion.
• the invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features of construction, combination(s) of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
• Figure 1A is a front cross-sectional view of a conventional powered toothbrush including a head
• Figure IB is a partial side cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1A
• Figure 1C is a partial front cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure
• FIG 2 is a front and side perspective view of a powered toothbrush according to embodiment of the invention showing a toothbrush head having distinct first and second movable carrier sections constructed in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 2 according to one embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 2 according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3;
• Figure 6 is a front and side perspective view of a powered toothbrush head according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention showing a toothbrush head having distinct first and second movable carrier sections constructed in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 7 is front elevational view of a toothbrush head according to another exemplary embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 7;
• Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 7 with parts broken away to illustrate an elastomeric carrier in a relaxed condition
• Figure 10 is a side elevational view with parts broken away to illustrate the elastomeric carrier of Figure 9 in a depressed condition
• Figure 11 is a front elevational view of the elastomeric carrier of Figure 10 in the depressed condition
• Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of Figure 10;
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a first configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention
• Figure 14 is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a second configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention
• Figure 15 is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a third configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention
• Figure 16 is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a fourth configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 17 is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a fifth configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 18 is a front and side perspective view of a powered toothbrush head according to another embodiment of a powered toothbrush constructed in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 19 is a front and side perspective exploded view of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 18;
• Figure 20 is a front and side perspective cutaway view of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 18;
• Figures 21 A-21C are front views of the powered toothbrush head of Figure 18 in various positions generated when in motion;
• Figure 22 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 23 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 24 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 25 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 26 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 27 is a front and side perspective exploded view of the embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of Figure 26 of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figures 28A-28C are front views of the powered toothbrush head of Figure 26 in various positions generated when in motion;
• Figure 29 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 30 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figures 31A-31C are front views of the powered toothbrush head of Figure 30 in various positions generated when in motion;
• Figure 32 is a front and side exploded cut-away perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 33 is a front and side perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of Figure 2;
• Figure 34 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a toothbrush head to be used in conjunction with the toothbrush of Fig. 2;
• Figure 35 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 34;
• Figure 36 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 34 during an operational mode thereof;
• Figure 37 is a side partially broken away view of another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush head in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
• Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of Figure 37;
• Figure 39 is a side partially broken away view of the toothbrush head of Figure 37 to illustrate the toothbrush head during an operational mode thereof;
• Figure 40 is a front elevational view of yet another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush head in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
• Figure 41 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 40.
• Figure 42 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 40 during an operational mode thereof.
• Toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102 at a proximal end thereof that defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housing various toothbrush components, and a brush section 104 that is defined by a neck 106 that terminates in a head 120 at a distal end of toothbrush 100.
• Handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite end 110.
• Neck 106 generally extends from a first end 112 to a second end 114 with the first end 112 being located at end 110 of handle 102 and second end 114 being located at head 120.
• neck 106 is the portion of toothbrush 100 that extends between handle 102 and head 120. Neck 106 also defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housing various working components of toothbrush 100. Head 120 is preferably generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 100.
• neck 106 and handle 102 may be constructed as a unitary member by forming neck 106 integral to handle 102 at the end 110 of handle 102.
• neck 106 is detachable from handle 102 at end 110.
• combined neck 106 and head 120 can be removed from handle 102 to permit cleaning, servicing and/or interchanging of either handle 102 or combined neck 106 and head 120 (brush section 104).
• brush section 104 may be detachably connected to the handle 102 at a location along the toothbrush.
• first neck end 112 preferably includes a connector linkage (not illustrated) that is adapted to be detachably joined to handle 102 using traditional techniques. It will also be appreciated that the point of detachment can also be between head 120 and neck 106 such that head 120 is of a refill head type.
• handle 102, neck 106 and brush section 104 are merely exemplary in nature and handle 102, neck 106 and/or brush section 104 can be formed to have any number of shapes.
• the shapes of handle 102, brush section 104 and neck 106 may be of an aesthetic and/or ergonomic design such that toothbrush 100 may be easily and comfortably gripped and manipulated by the user.
• the handle 102 may include slightly recessed finger sections 118a, 118b that are formed on opposite sides of the handle 102.
• One recessed finger section 118a may be designed to generally accommodate a thumb of one hand and other recessed finger sections 118b may be designed to generally accommodate one or more other fingers of the same hand, thereby assist the user in proper placement and secure grip of toothbrush 100 in the user's hand.
• One or more of the recessed finger sections 118 may include ribs or other types of roughened surfaces to further assist gripping by the user. Such surfaces having acceptable frictional characteristics, e.g., rubber, are generally known in the art.
• the toothbrush 100 can be made from any number of materials that are suitable for use in oral care products.
• many of the components that are included in toothbrush 100 are preferably formed from plastic materials.
• the handle 102, brush section 104 and/or head 120 may be molded from polyolefins such as polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyamids such as nylons, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
• suitable materials include polymethylmetllacrylate, styrene acroylonitrate and cellulose esters, for example cellulose propionate, natural rubber and synthetic rubbers, and other materials known in the art.
• the head 120 of the toothbrush 100 includes a head base 160 that at least partially defines an inner compartment 121 of the head 120.
• Head base 160 may be configured so that the distal end of the toothbrush 100 has a generally rounded shape for the comfort of the user during brushing.
• the head 120 also includes a first movable bristle carrier 180, which in a preferred embodiment is located at or near the outer most distal portion of head 120 as illustrated. Alternatively, the first bristle carrier 180 may be located at any location on the head 120. First bristle carrier 180 is preferably configured such that it may be at least partially rotatable around an axis. In such embodiments, the first bristle carrier 180 may move in an oscillating or vibrating rotational manner.
• the first bristle carrier 180 may have an identical or similar construction to the bristle holder 13 illustrated in Figures 1 A-IC. In such embodiments, the first movable bristle carrier 180 may be a circular disk.
• first movable bristle carrier 180 is not limited to having a disk shape and may have any number of different shapes, e.g., oval, regular or irregular shapes, so long as the first bristle carrier 180 may oscillate in a rotational or vibrating manner.
• a circular disk shape is preferable since it requires the least amount of clearance to accommodate the oscillating movement.
• tooth care elements 152 are coupled to and extend outwardly from first movable bristle carrier 180 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a face of first movable bristle carrier 180.
• tooth care elements includes any type of structure that is commonly used or is suitable for use in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, etc.) by making intimate contact with surfaces of the teeth and surrounding areas.
• Such tooth care elements include but are not limited to tufts of bristles that can be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes, and/or various elastomeric members (see Figures 13- 17) that can be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes, or a combination of both.
• Bristle tufts arranged on first bristle carrier 180 are only one exemplary configuration and it will be understood that other bristle configurations (such as stapled, IMT, etc.) can be used.
• Bristle tufts may all be formed of the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Moreover, while the tooth care elements can be arranged so that they are generally perpendicular to the face of first bristle carrier 180 (as noted above), some or all of the tooth care elements can be angled at various angles with respect to first bristle carrier 180 as desired. When first bristle carrier 180 includes bristle tufts, it is thereby possible to select the combination of bristles configurations, bristle lengths, bristle materials and bristle orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as to create as much movement from the moving tuft heads to deliver additional oral health benefits such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and/or tooth whitening.
• bristle carrier 180 includes bristle tufts
• first bristle carrier 180 has been defined as a movable bristle carrier 180, it will be understood that first movable carrier 180 is not limited to having only tufts of bristles as a part thereof. Instead, first movable carrier 180 is to be broadly considered as being a carrier for any number of suitable tooth care elements 152 or any number of combinations of different types of tooth care elements 152.
• first movable carrier 180 may include a number of elastomeric members to provide the desired oral health benefits. The elastomeric members may be attached to first movable carrier 180 using conventional techniques, including integrally forming the elastomeric members with an upper surface of carrier 180.
• Tooth care elements 152 provided as part of first movable carrier 180 can thus be entirely of one type (e.g., bristle tufts or elastomeric members) or can be formed according to a mixed arrangement.
• the first bristle carrier 180 preferably includes a first plurality of bristles, as tooth care elements 152, coupled to and extending generally outwardly from the first bristle carrier 180.
• the term "bristle” or “bristles” includes any type of structure that is suitable for providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulating, etc.) during contact with surfaces of the teeth and gums.
• the bristles preferably have a degree of flexibility so as to bend during brushing thus allowing the bristles to conform to the surface and contours of the teeth and gums, thereby increasing bristle contact with the teeth and gum for improved effectiveness.
• the bristles may be composed of various materials including non-elastomeric materials or elastomeric materials.
• elastomeric means that the material undergoes a relatively greater elongation under tensile force or stress, wherein the term “non-elastomeric” means that the material has a relatively lesser elongation under tensile force or stress.
• suitable generally non-elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyamides such as nylon or polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate.
• Suitable generally elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, rubbers (synthetic or natural) and block copolymers such as, e.g., styrenes (for example styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, or styrene butadiene styrene), polyolefins (for example polypropylene/ethylene propylene diamine modified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)), polyamides (for example polyamide (2 or polyamide 6), polyesters (for example polyester ester or polyether ester), polyurethanes (for example polyesterurethane, polyetherurethane or polyesteretherurethane).
• styrenes for example styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, or styrene butadiene styrene
• polyolefins for example polypropylene/ethylene propylene diamine modified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)
• polyamides
• Non-elastomeric bristles may be coupled to the head 120, e.g., the first bristle carrier 180, in the form of tufts.
• the bristles and/or tufts may be coupled by various means, such as stapling, may be molded (IMT) onto the head 120 during fabrication, or by other known means.
• Elastomeric bristles may be fabricated by known processes, such as molding, and coupled to the head by known means.
• tooth care elements 152 have particular sizes, shapes, amounts, lengths, configurations, materials and/or combinations thereof, it should be appreciated that this is merely illustrative and that the tooth care element, e.g., bristles, may be of any size, shape, amount, length, configuration, material and/or combination thereof suitable for oral hygiene to achieve specific results or operational characteristics of the bristles.
• the bristles may be of different (non-uniform) lengths to form a particular surface envelope shape for improved effectiveness.
• first movable carrier 180 may include bristle tufts having a first height as well as bristle tufts having a different height. This may also be done to accommodate differences between toothbrush users, including mouth size, teeth shape and contour, tooth and gum sensitivity, eating and other oral habits (e. g., smoking), and personal preferences.
• Figures 13-17 illustrate various exemplary elastomeric members that may serve as tooth care elements 152.
• Figure 13 shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a thin spike
• Figure 14 shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a barrel spike
• Figure 15 shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a squeegee point
• Figure 16 shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of an angled point
• Figure 17 shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a section of an elastomeric wall.
• the elastomeric wall of Figure 17 may be formed with a linear, planar shape, a zigzag shape, a serpentine shape, etc.
• the elastomeric tooth care elements e.g. bristles
• the wall sections of the elastomeric tooth care elements may be vertically straight, taper inward toward one end or expand toward one end.
• the tops of the elastomeric tooth care walls may have a planar surface or have a protrusion (i.e., hump) or the like formed thereat. While the above describes various configurations of elastomeric tooth care elements, those skilled in the at will recognize virtually any configuration may be achieved.
• first movable carrier 180 will be described as containing a predetermined number of bristle tufts; however the following features apply equally to the situation where first movable carrier 180 is formed entirely or partly of elastomeric members.
• First movable bristle carrier 180 is constructed so as to pivotally rotate about a center point thereof, thereby effectuating movement of the bristle tufts and/or elastomeric members that extend outwardly from first movable bristle carrier 180, or from the plane defined by the face positioned perpendicular to the direction of the oscillation of first movable bristle carrier 180.
• the movement of first movable bristle carrier 180 is preferably an oscillation type movement as first movable bristle carrier 180 pivots about a post at a center point thereof (see Figure 1).
• First movable bristle carrier 180 is formed with a slot or opening (not illustrated). This slot is preferably identical to or substantially similar to slot 22 illustrated in figures lA-lC.
• slot 22 is formed at a peripheral edge of first movable bristle carrier 180 and extends along a substantial height of first movable bristle carrier 180.
• slot 22 preferably does not extend to the upper surface of first bristle carrier 180 where the tooth care elements formed or are positioned. Instead, slot 22 preferably has a closed upper end to prevent foreign matter, such as saliva, toothpaste, foreign particles, etc., from entering slot 22 when the operator is performing a brushing operation.
• the opposite end of slot 22 that is located within the inner compartment 121 of head 120 can be open.
• Toothbrush 100 includes a drive mechanism to effectuate movement of certain parts of toothbrush 100 and more specifically, for causing movement of at least first movable bristle carrier 180.
• a drive mechanism to effectuate movement of certain parts of toothbrush 100 and more specifically, for causing movement of at least first movable bristle carrier 180.
• One suitable drive mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent
• Drive shaft 200 preferably has a construction identical to or similar to drive shaft 12 illustrated in Figures lA-lC.
• Drive shaft 200 has one end (not illustrated) that is operatively connected to a drive member (not illustrated), such as a motor or any other type of drive device, for imparting movement to first movable bristle carrier 180.
• Drive shaft 200 is formed with an opposing distal end (not illustrated) that is bent such that the end is not axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of drive shaft 200.
• This distal bent may be formed with a shape similar to end 20 illustrated in Figures 1A-1C or may be formed differently so long as it performs the intended function.
• the end is an offset crank end of drive shaft 200 and is configured to be received in slot 22 so that the 360° rotational movement of shaft 200 is transmitted into an oscillating back and forth rotational movement of first movable bristle carrier 180.
• the drive mechanism for the powered toothbrush 100 may be any type of drive, e.g., a rotating drive, an oscillating drive, an eccentric drive, an unbalanced-generated drive, a drive having one more gearing mechanisms, or any other type of drive mechanism that is capable of performing the intended function.
• the drive mechanism may be realized in the form of an electric motor or other type of motor and the movement generated by the drive may be imparted to one or more sections of the head 120 or to other elements that may be present at the brush section 104.
• the movement may be imparted directly or indirectly.
• the movement can be imparted directly through a driving axle, such as drive shaft 200 or it can be imparted through a driving post attached to the driving axle.
• toothbrush 100 includes an oscillating drive mechanism either identical to or similar to the exemplary drive mechanism illustrated in Figures 1A through 1C
• the interior compartment of handle 102 houses a motor operatively connected to drive shaft 200 and a source to power the motor, such as one or more batteries.
• the drive mechanism When the drive mechanism is actuated and drive shaft 200 is rotated, the movement of the crank end imparts an oscillating back and forth movement of first movable bristle carrier 180 through an angle between about 10° to about 120° and in a preferred exemplary embodiment, the movement is through an angle between about 10° to about 30° and in a most preferred embodiment is through an angle between about 10° to about 15°.
• toothbrush 100 further includes a second movable bristle carrier 210 that is operatively mounted on head 120.
• Second movable bristle carrier 210 may be formed of an elastomeric material and is generally formed in the form of a head section that has a range of movement when forces are applied to it during normal operation and/or normal use of toothbrush 100.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 has a first end 212 that is disposed in close proximate relation to the first bristle carrier 180 and an opposing second end 214 that is disposed at or near the proximal end of head 120.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 further includes a first side 216 and a second side 218 with a recessed section 220 being defined thereby between first and second ends 212, 214 and first and second sides 218, 220.
• Recessed section 220 defines a recessed compartment that has a floor 222.
• elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 is supported only at first side 216 and second side 218, respectively, by head base 160 such that elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 extends across inner compartment 121 of head 120 and is formed as a substantially "floating" elastomeric platform.
• the attachment of elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 to head base 160 can be accomplished using conventional techniques, such as using an adhesive, providing a mechanical bond, or integrally attaching the two members during a molding operation.
• the side walls of the head base 160 may be formed with cut-away portions (i.e., U-shaped in the illustrated embodiment) that receive the first and second sides 216, 218, which are formed as side walls that are received in the cut-away portions of head base 160, as best shown in Figure 4.
• first bristle carrier 180 is preferably formed in the shape of a disk
• first end 212 is preferably formed with an arcuate shape to accommodate the oscillating back and forth rotational movement of first bristle carrier 180.
• Second end 214 may also be formed with an arcuate shape, as illustrated, or it may be formed with any other shape.
• Second end 214 preferably forms a butt joint with the distal end of neck 106, or second end 214 may be adapted to extend slightly over the distal end of neck 106 if additional support of second end 214 is desired.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 is also formed with a lower surface 215 that extends across inner compartment 121 of head 120. Lower surface 215 is therefore coupled to upper edges of the side walls of head base 160 in this region of head 120, thereby permitting shaft 200 to extend underneath lower surface 215 through inner compartment 121 to the slot in first carrier 180.
• a bristle holder 230 is securely disposed within recessed section 220 defined by elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 and is designed to hold a number of tooth care elements 152, such as bristle tufts, elastomeric members or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the shapes of bristle holder 230 and the recessed section 220 must be complementary to one another.
• each of the bristle holder 230 and the recessed section 220 has an annular shape; however, each can have any regular shape or irregular shape (e.g., square, oval, diamond, rectangle, etc.)
• Bristle holder 230 supports one or more, and preferably a plurality of, tooth care elements, generally illustrated at 250, which extend outwardly from a plane parallel to a face thereof.
• bristle holder 230 can hold any number of different types of tooth care elements and is not limited to merely support bristle tufts, since elastomeric members can equally be held by bristle holder 230 or be formed at part thereof.
• Bristle holder 230 is preferably a relatively rigid member that is formed of a suitable material, such as a plastic, that will provide the desired structural characteristics.
• bristle holder 230 may be formed of an elastomeric material that can have a rigidity less than, equal to, or greater than the rigidity of the elastomeric material forming elastomeric second bristle carrier 210.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210, including the bristle holder 230, can be formed using conventional manufacturing methods.
• elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 is formed around bristle holder 230 in a conventional molding process where bristle holder 230 is first positioned and properly located within a mold and then elastomeric material is injected around bristle holder 230 to thereby form the elastomeric portion of bristle carrier 210 around bristle holder 230.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 is preferably formed such that bristle holder 230 lies in a plane that is above head base 160, and more preferably above an upper surface of neck 106.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 therefore includes a built-up section (raised section) 225 above the upper surface of neck 106 which leads to an upper face 231 of bristle holder 230.
• the built-up section includes a radial shoulder 237 that extends around bristle holder 230.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 thus ramps upwardly from the upper surface of neck 106 to upper face 231 and then carrier 210 ramps downwardly toward first bristle carrier 180.
• the recess 220 is preferably defined by raised section 225.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 also defines a cavity or a hollow channel
• cavity 240 extending from first side 216 to the second side 218 thereof.
• cavity 240 is defined underneath bristle holder 230, a top boundary of the cavity being defined by an amount of elastomeric material disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the bristle holder 230.
• Cavity 240 is also preferably positioned above the side walls of the head base 160 to permit cavity 240 to be free of all obstructions and permit the operator to see clearly through cavity 240.
• cavity 240 does not have open ends; but rather, its sides are defined by an enclosed pocket underneath bristle holder 230; or it can be formed so that only one end is open.
• a second cavity or hollow channel (e.g., through hole) 240 is defined and extends longitudinally from first end 212 to the second end 214.
• the two channels intersect in a central portion of second bristle carrier 210.
• the cavity 240 does not have to extend completely through second bristle carrier 210.
• Cavity 240 acts as a shock absorbing pocket and permits the elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 to move substantially vertically (up and down) when a force is applied to elastomeric second bristle carrier 210. More specifically, when a force is applied to an upper surface of carrier 210 (e.g., to upper face 231), elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 is compressed downward due to the deformation or partial collapse of carrier 210 about cavity 240.
• second bristle carrier 210 Because of its elastomeric nature, second bristle carrier 210 is restored to its relaxed condition when the applied force is removed. In other words, once the applied force is removed, cavity 240 assumes its initial shape, thereby imparting shock absorbing characteristics to second bristle carrier 210. It will be appreciated that by altering the dimensions of cavity 240, the shock absorbing characteristics of second bristle carrier 210 can be varied. For example, as the dimensions of cavity 240 are increased, carrier 210 will deform more easily upon application of a force.
• second bristle carrier 210 can be further altered by the definition of one or more apertures 250 in second bristle carrier 210 by bristle holder 230.
• the apertures serve to increase the resiliency of second bristle carrier 210 since the definition of apertures 250 results in removal of elastomeric material.
• an upper section of second bristle carrier 210 defines a hollow, deformable dome-like structure.
• Bristle holder 230 defines an upper surface of the dome-like structure, and also defines at least one aperture therein to let air in and out of the cavity defined by bristle holder 230.
• the elastic motion of elastomeric second bristle carrier 210 delivers additional oral health care benefits such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, and/or tooth cleaning since second bristle carrier 210 has a number of tooth care elements extending therefrom for contacting the gingival surfaces during a brushing action.
• tooth care elements can be located in other areas besides bristle holder 230.
• some tooth care elements can be attached to and extend upwardly from the top face of carrier 210 sunounding bristle holder 230.
• elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 does not include a bristle holder (such as bristle holder 230 of Figure 5). Rather, elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 is generally formed as a "floating" head section that has a range of movement when forces are applied to it during normal operation and/or normal use of toothbrush 100. Elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 is formed with a first end 302 that is disposed in close proximate relation to first bristle carrier 180 and an opposing second end 304 that is disposed at or near the proximal end of head 120.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 further includes a first side 306, an opposing second side 308, an upper surface 310 and a lower surface 312 that faces inner compartment 121.
• Upper surface 310 is preferably not a planar surface but rather is an arcuate surface (e.g., a convex shaped surface).
• elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 is only supported at first side 306 and second side 308, respectively, by head base 160 such that elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 extends across and therefore defines an upper limit of inner compartment 121 of head 120 and is therefore formed substantially as a "floating" elastomeric platform.
• the attachment of elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 to head base 160 can be accomplished using conventional techniques, such as using an adhesive, providing a mechanical bond, or integrally attaching the two members during a molding operation.
• first bristle carrier 180 is formed preferably in the shape of a disk, first end 302 preferably is formed with an arcuate shape to accommodate the oscillating back and forth rotational movement of first bristle carrier 180.
• Second end 304 can also be formed with an arcuate shape, as illustrated, or it can be formed with any other shape. Second end 304 preferably forms a butt joint with the distal end of neck 106 or second end 304 can extend slightly over the distal end of neck 106 if additional support of second end 304 is desired. Lower surface 312 is therefore coupled to upper edges of the side walls of head base 160 in this region of head 120, thereby permitting shaft 200 to extend underneath lower surface 312 and through the inner compartment 121 to the slot in first bristle carrier 180.
• Second bristle carrier 300 defines an enlarged cavity, hollow channel (e.g., through hole) or pocket 320 that extends not only from side 306 to side 308 but it is also defined so that it extends substantially from the first end 302 to the second end 304.
• Cavity 320 is defined above the upper side edges of head base 160 that serve as points for attachment between head 120 and second bristle carrier 300.
• Second bristle carrier 300 is further formed with a weakened section incorporated therein to facilitate movement of second bristle carrier 300 upon application of a force to upper surface 310.
• a longitudinal or transverse groove (i.e., a score) 330 may be defined in at least one of upper surface 310 and a surface 317 defining an upper limit of cavity 320.
• a single groove 330 is formed across surface 317.
• Groove 330 forms a weakened section longitudinally within second bristle carrier 300 (a so called "living hinge" is formed). It will be appreciated that groove 330 can equally be formed longitudinal from first end 302 to second end 304.
• FIG. 9 illustrates second bristle carrier 300 in a relaxed condition prior to application of a force to upper surface 310.
• Figures 10-12 illustrate the second bristle carrier 300 in deformed condition after a force is applied to upper surface 310.
• upper surface 310 deforms about the living hinge created by one or more grooves 330. This results in upper surface 310 at least partially collapsing along the living hinge section.
• Tooth care elements 340 formed on upper surface 310 flex inwardly toward one another as a result of such deformation, as illustrated in Figure 10.
• Elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 can thus be thought of as a hinged block that has shock absorbing characteristics.
• tooth care elements 340 that extend upwardly from upper surface 310 are a plurality of elastomeric members (such as those shown in Figures 13-17) that are formed integrally with elastomeric second bristle carrier 300.
• tooth care elements 340 can be formed in the same molding operation that forms elastomeric second bristle carrier 300.
• elastomeric second bristle carrier 300 is described as a bristle carrier, it will be understood that the carrier 300 does not necessarily include any bristle tufts.
• the toothbrush head can have a number of static tooth care elements disposed thereat in a number of different locations.
• toothbrush 100 (and head 140) includes a head base 161 that partially defines an inner compartment 125 of head 140, and a second movable bristle carrier 132 that is operatively mounted on head 140.
• Second movable bristle carrier 132 comprises a platform 134 having at first end 136, a second end 138, a first end midpoint 141, a second end midpoint 142, a midpoint 144, and a bottom 146.
• a protrusion 148 extends outwardly from platform 134 at first end 136 thereof and is received into recess 130 of first movable bristle carrier 181, thereby providing a link between first carrier 181 and second carrier 132.
• a feature, such as at least one leg 150 is formed integral with platform 134 and is adapted to be received by head base 161 to support platform 134. It will be understood that the at least one leg 150 can have a number of different shapes and broadly, any member that can act as a support member can be used to couple platform 134 to head base 161.
• first movable bristle carrier 181 The movement of first movable bristle carrier 181 is outlined above and can be altered by varying the drive or transmission of the motion of that drive to first movable bristle carrier 181. These variations are well known in the art. Because movement of first movable bristle carrier 181 directly imparts movement to the platform 134 changes to the movement of first movable bristle carrier 181 will also change the movement of second movable bristle carrier 132. Additionally, changes in the structure and anchoring of second movable bristle carrier 132 can vary its movement as well. Various embodiments may be designed so that protrusion 148 of platform 134 is rigidly received in recess 130, or protrusion 148 may be frictionally received in recess 130.
• second movable bristle carrier may include that legs 150 and platform 134 may be formed from either a rigid or an elastomeric material. Different combinations of rigid or elastomeric legs 150 and platforms 134 will result in varied types and ranges of motion of platform 134. Another factor that will affect the type and range of the motion of platform 134 is the placement and number of the legs 150. In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrated in Figures 21A-21C, is included one leg 150 formed integral platform 134 at about the second end midpoint 142 thereof.
• first movable bristle carrier 181 imparts a torsional movement on leg 150, as shown by arrow B and rotates platform 134 as well as imparts a lateral shift of first end 136 of second movable bristle carrier 132 parallel to the first end 136.
• a first leg 150 is formed integral with platform 134 at the first end midpoint 141 thereof and/or a second leg 150 is formed integral with platform 134 at second end midpoint 142, as illustrated in Figures 18 through 20.
• a leg 150 may also be formed integral with platform 134 at midpoint 144 thereof, alone or in combination with other legs 150, as illustrated in Figures 22 through 25.
• Figures 18-25 also illustrate differing variations and combinations of tooth care elements 152 including bristles and elastomeric tooth care elements.
• Figures 18-20 illustrate second movable bristle carrier being formed with short elastomeric walls in varying sizes and placement.
• Figure 22 illustrates second movable bristle carrier 132 being formed with short elastomeric walls having a top surface thereof being cupped.
• Figure 23 illustrates second movable bristle carrier 132 being formed with short elastomeric walls being formed with an overhang.
• Figure 24 illustrates second movable bristle carrier 132 being formed with short elastomeric walls that are not all erected parallel, but lean or curve to one side.
• the second movable bristle carrier 132 contains a combination of short elastomeric walls with humps and a lower bristle section.
• the above variations are for illustration purposes only and it is realized that any combination of tooth care elements may be employed.
• Figures 26 through 28 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention utilizing head construction.
• Handle 102, neck 106, drive, and head base 161 may be formed similarly as described above.
• first movable bristle carrier 181 is formed with one or more protrusions 202 directed toward platform 134 of second movable bristle carrier 132.
• Platform 134 is formed similarly as described above, and further includes one or more protrusion contact points 204. The movement of first movable bristle carrier 181 imparts movement of platform 134 through contact of protrusions 202 with protrusion contact points 204.
• FIGS 28A through 28C illustrate an example of the movement first movable bristle carrier 181 may impart on platform 134.
• first movable bristle carrier 181 rotates along arrow C
• platform 134 is imparted a lateral shift of first end 136 parallel to first end 136 as well as a rotational shift in the direction of arrow C.
• Figures 26-28 illustrate protrusions 202 not being connected to platform 134, it is also contemplated that protrusions 202 may be connected to platform 134 at protrusion contact points 204.
• Figures 29 through 31 illustrate additional embodiments generating various movements.
• Figure 29 illustrates the movement of platform 134 when the leg 150 is located solely at the midpoint 144 of platform 134. Platform 134 will therefore rotate along arrow D, this will impart greater movement to second end 138 of platform.
• Figure 30 illustrates an embodiment where leg 150 is pivotally connected to base 161. This will again allow greater movement of second end 138. The above movements will be generated regardless of how the motion from first movable bristle carrier 181 is imparted to platform 134.
• Figures 31A-31C illustrate various positions generated during movement of the constructions illustrated in Figures 29 and 30.
• Both of these constructions include second movable bristle carriers that may rotate about the midpoint 144 thereof, resulting in an increase in the lateral movement of second end 138 of platform 134, as illustrated by arrow E, when first movable bristle carrier 181 oscillates across arrow F.
• Figure 32 illustrates another exemplary head embodiment.
• Handle 102, neck 106, drive, and head base 161 may be the same as described above.
• a second movable bristle carrier 232 may be operatively connected to a second drive mechanism that will move second movable bristle carrier 232 in a third direction.
• the second drive feature may include at least one cam surface 400 that selectively contacts second movable bristle carrier 232 or platform 234 to cause movement, in one preferred embodiment, perpendicular to first movable bristle carrier 180 (in the direction indicated by arrow G).
• Figure 33 illustrates yet another embodiment wherein leg 150 may span from approximately second end 138 to approximately first end 136 of platform 134. This positioning of leg 150 may cause platform 134 to 'rock' back and forth across the longitudinal axis of toothbrush 100, in the directions indicated by arrows H.
• Leg 150 may also be attached to second movable bristle carrier 132 via a receiving groove 410.
• Figures 36 and 37 illustrates yet another embodiment where first bristle carrier 183 may be adapted to be pivotally rotatable around an axis, thereby effectuating a rotational or circular movement of the bristles 185.
• the first bristle carrier 183 may rotate around a post 190, although any suitable configuration that permits such movement may be used.
• the movement of the first bristle carrier 183 may be an oscillating or vibrational movement such that the first bristle carrier 183 first pivots about the post 190 in one direction through a range of motion and then pivots about the post 190 in the opposite direction through a range of motion.
• toothbrush 100 further includes a second movable bristle carrier 133, which may be formed from any suitable material or materials, e.g., elastomeric and/or non-elastomeric as described above.
• the second bristle carrier 133 has a first pivot 205 that is pivotally connected to the first bristle carrier 183 at a first pivot mount 207 and a second pivot 209 that is pivotally connected to the brush section 104 at a second pivot mount 211.
• the second bristle carrier 133 is freely movable from the brush section 104 other than at the first pivot 205 and the second pivot 209.
• the oscillation of the first bristle carrier 183 preferably causes second bristle carrier 133 to similarly oscillate, with second bristle carrier 133 pivoting about first pivot 205 relative to first bristle carrier 183 and also pivoting about second pivot 209 relative to the brush section 104.
• second bristle carrier 133 moves through an angular range of motion similar to that of first bristle carrier 183.
• the center of rotation of the second bristle carrier is the second pivot 209, the second bristle carrier 133 moves in a sectorial fashion.
• the second bristle carrier 133 may reside in an indent 217 formed in the brush section 104 so that the second bristle carrier 133 is generally flush with or does not extend outwardly from the surface of the brush section 104 and/or the first bristle carrier 183.
• the second bristle carrier 133 and the brush section 104 may be configured or shaped so that the second bristle carrier 133 does not impact the brush section 104 during oscillation.
• the first and second pivot mounts 207, 211 comprise a notch in the first bristle carrier 183 and brush holder 104, respectively.
• the first and second pivots 205, 209 are adapted to engage into the first and second pivot mounts 207, 211 respectively, and preferably in a sufficiently secure manner so that the second bristle carrier 133 does not readily disengage from toothbrush 100 during brushing. This may be accomplished by various methods, for example, by force fit, friction fit, snap fit, etc. Although in the illustrated embodiment the pivots 205, 209 fit into notches 207, 211, respectively, it should be recognized that the pivots and pivot mounts may be of any engaging configuration. For example, the pivots may be connected to the pivot mounts by pins (not illustrated) or other connectors.
• the pivots 205, 209 are preferably adapted so that the second bristle carrier 133 may pivot relative to the first bristle carrier 183 and the brush section 104. This may be accomplished by various constructions.
• the pivots 205, 209 may be sufficiently flexible, e.g., an elastomeric or flexible non-elastomeric material, so that it flexes or bends relative to the first bristle carrier 180 or brush section 104. In such embodiments, each pivot acts as a "living hinge.”
• the pivot itself need not be flexible if the pivot may rotate relative its respective pivot mount, such as in a "ball and socket" configuration.
• the pivot may be mounted to the pivot mount via a pin as discussed above.
• the second bristle carrier 133 includes a second plurality of bristles 186.
• the bristles 186 may be of any size, shape, amount, length, configuration, material and combinations thereof, as described previously regarding the first plurality of bristles 185. Accordingly, the written description above regarding the first plurality of bristles 185 is equally applicable to the second plurality of bristles 186, and is incorporated therefrom.
• the sectorial oscillation of the second bristle carrier 133 moves the second plurality of bristles 186 in an accordingly sectorial oscillation.
• This oscillation which in addition to the oscillation of the first plurality of bristles 185, provides additional powered bristle area and movement to clean, whiten and/or massage.
• the movement of the second plurality of bristles 186 differs from the movement of the first plurality of bristles 185, further enhancing the effectiveness of toothbrush 100 through the combination of movement.
• the bristles may be incorporated into the second bristle carrier 133 in any number of manners regardless of the material from which the second bristle carrier 133 is formed.
• the second bristle carrier 133 is formed from elastomeric material
• elastomeric bristles may be incorporated during molding thereof.
• non-elastomeric bristles may be incorporated by including one or more inserts (not illustrated) having such bristles as previously described.
• the inserts may, for example, include plastic inserts having tufts of non-elastomeric bristles attached thereto.
• non-elastomeric bristles may be attached thereto as described above.
• elastomeric bristles may be incorporated by including one or more inserts having elastomeric bristles in the second bristle carrier 133.
• the second bristle carrier 133 may include elastomeric bristles, non-elastomeric bristles, or any combination thereof.
• the second bristle carrier 133 may additionally move in a generally vertical direction, i.e., radially inward and outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
• Driveshaft 330 which may be similar to shaft 12 shown in Figures 1A-1C, preferably has at least one cam, detent, journal or offset 340 integral therewith that is generally longitudinally aligned with the second bristle carrier.
• the offset 340 preferably extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft 330 such that during rotation of the driveshaft 330 the offset 340 contacts the second bristle carrier 133. The contact between the offset 340 and the second bristle carrier 133 exerts a radial force against it, thereby moving the second bristle carrier
• the offset 340 ceases its contact with the second bristle carrier 133, thereby permitting the second bristle carrier 133 to return to its original position. In this manner, the second bristle carrier 133 oscillates vertically during powered operation of the toothbrush.
• the amplitude of the second bristle carrier's vertical oscillation is dependent upon the radial distance that the offset 340 extends from the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft 330.
• the second bristle carrier 133 may have a lobe or tab 350 extending radially inwardly from the second bristle carrier 133.
• the vertical amplitude of the second bristle carrier 133 depends additionally upon the distance that the tab 350 extends radially inwardly from second bristle carrier 133.
• the second bristle carrier 133 should preferably possess sufficient flexibility such that it will move vertically when acted upon by the offset 340 and return to its original position when the vertical force is removed.
• the embodiment depicted in Figures 37-39 illustrates one cam or offset.
• the second bristle carrier 133 undergoes one vertical oscillation for every one revolution of the driveshaft 330.
• the second bristle carrier 133 may undergo additional oscillations per revolution of the driveshaft 330 by configuring the driveshaft 330 with additional cams (not illustrated).
• additional cams not illustrated.
• any number of cams may be placed on the driveshaft 330 to obtain any desired number of oscillations per driveshaft revolution and how the toothbrush may be configured to achieve such function.
• the vertical movement of the second bristle carrier 133 may further be varied by configuring the cams with an uneven pitch around the circumference of the driveshaft 330 and/or by varying the radial offset of the cams from the longitudinal axis of driveshaft 330. For example, if the cams are equally spaced, the second bristle carrier 133 will oscillate at a constant frequency. However, if the cams are not equally spaced, the second bristle carrier 133 will not oscillate at a constant frequency, but rather will oscillate in a complex manner. Similarly, if the radial offset of the cams is varied from one to another, the amplitude of vertical movement of the second bristle carrier 133 may be varied from one oscillation to another.
• Variations in the vertical movement of the second bristle carrier 133 serve to further vary the movement of the bristles against the teeth and gums.
• a second bristle carrier 133 that may be suspended from the brush section 104 so as to form a gap 360 between the second bristle carrier 133 and the brush section 104. This may be accomplished by including an indent 217 that is deeper than the thickness of the second bristle carrier 133.
• the toothbrush components may be adapted to achieve this function.
• the suspension of the second bristle carrier 133 from the brush section 104 may reduce friction between the two, increasing the smoothness of the toothbrush operation, reducing wear on the components, and reducing power consumption, thereby increasing battery life and/or permitting use of smaller and less expensive drive components.
• the toothbrush 100 may further include curtains or walls 370 extending from the brush section 104 to the second bristle carrier 133 to generally form a seal over the gap 360.
• the curtains 370 may alternatively be attached to the second bristle carrier 133.
• the curtains 370 are preferably sufficiently flexible so as to flex with the sectorial movement of the second bristle carrier 133 and not unduly interfere with its movement.
• the curtains 370 may be made of elastomeric or non-elastomeric material.
• a powered toothbrush made in accordance with the present invention provides a number of advantages over known powered toothbrushes that are presently available.
• the oscillating, tooth care elements e.g. bristles (i.e., elastomeric and/or non- elastomeric) contact the surfaces of the teeth and the surrounding areas to deliver enhanced cleaning, stimulation, and tooth polishing and/or whitening.
• embodiments having a second carrier may provide additional tooth care elements that may be disposed in various patterns and combinations different from those of the first carrier such that as the operator brushes his or her teeth, the oscillating tooth care elements contact the surfaces of the teeth and the surrounding areas to deliver enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and or tooth whitening.
• These tooth care elements may move in a different manner than those of the first carrier, which along with the additional number and area of moving tooth care elements, provide increased contact with teeth and gingival tissues for enhanced cleaning, and massaging thereof, and stimulating over known powered toothbrushes.
• An oscillating motion has advantages over known toothbrushes that continuously rotate in one direction in that the variation of direction and speed of the bristles during oscillation provides improved cleaning and stimulation.
• the bristles may rotate through any range of motion, it has been found that ranges of motion from approximately 10° to 120° are effective in cleaning, whitening and stimulating. It has further been found that ranges of motion from approximately 10° to 30° are also effective, and further provide the benefits of reduced cost and complexity of the toothbrush drive mechanism.

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• 2003
  • 2003-09-26 KR KR1020057005337A patent/KR20050057599A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-09-26 WO PCT/US2003/030635 patent/WO2004028293A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-09-26 AU AU2003279042A patent/AU2003279042A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-09-26 BR BR0314712-6A patent/BR0314712A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-09-26 EP EP03770550A patent/EP1555908A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-09-26 CA CA002499941A patent/CA2499941A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-09-26 MX MXPA05003306A patent/MXPA05003306A/es not_active Application Discontinuation

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