GB2517219A

GB2517219A - An electric toothbrush

Info

Publication number: GB2517219A
Application number: GB1314766.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sian Ellingworth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-17
Filing date: 2013-08-17
Publication date: 2015-02-18
Also published as: GB201314766D0; GB201604375D0; WO2015025118A1; GB2532693B; GB2532693A

Abstract

An electric toothbrush comprises an elongate body 6 with a dentifrice chamber 5 and a cleaning head 2. The body is arranged to receive a battery 7. The head comprises plural bristles 3 mounted on a neck 1. The neck is coaxial with the body. The bristles are arranged to define a lacuna 10. The lacuna is arranged to extend into the neck. The neck is moveable axially, preferably within the body. The axial movement of the neck causes dentifrice to exit the chamber and pass through the lacuna to contact the bristles. Preferably the body or chamber comprises a ratchet member. Preferably, measured amounts of toothpaste may be dispensed. The ratchet mechanism may include top and bottom plates mounted on a serrated elongate member.

Description

AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, more particularly but not exclusively an electric toothbrush for use by children.

Background

Dental hygiene is essential to maintains strong and healthy teeth and gums. Most commonly a user will utilise a toothbrush and dentrifice such as toothpaste to clean their teeth.

A good dental routine is particularly essential for youngsters and children to ensure healthily teeth and gums in later life, however it can be difficult to teach children how to brush correctly, and to use correct amounts of toothpaste. Therefore children often have to be observed when cleaning their teeth, to ensure it is done correctly.

In addition or the alternative children often struggle to dispense dentrifice from its container, and particularly control quantity thereof.

Often a child may be shown the desired amount of toothpaste to use but may struggle with the dexterity required to accurately dispense toothpaste onto a brush or may wish to dispense more than required. Dispensing of too much toothpaste may lead to waste and potentially harmful levels of product, and dispensing too little may mean that teeth are not correctly cleaned. A parent or carer may be required to oversee this to ensure optimal dental care, with consequent logistical problems.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 8 087 643 (OTTAVIANI et al) discloses a liquid dentifrice dispensing toothbrush comprising: A housing, the housing having a pump in communication with a holding chamber, a first scheck valve between said pump and said holding chamber, said pump having a pump nipple with a liquid dentrifice reservoir attached thereon, the liquid dentrifice reservoir is a collapsible bag, a check valve positioned between said collapsible bag and said pump, the housing having a removable cap to access said liquid dentrifice reservoir; A head portion removeably attached to said housing, the head portion having bristles thereon, the head portion having a conduit in communication with said holding chamber, said conduit in communication with at least one opening in said bristles, a check valve positioned between said portion and said holding chamber; and A pump actuator extending through a side of said housing.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 430 146 (BINNS) discloses an electric toothbrush with a replaceable toothpaste cartridge in which toothpaste may be conveyed from the reservoir through a capillary tube to the brush head. The cartridge may have a protective seal which is punctured by the capillary tube as it is inserted into the toothbrush handle through a trapdoor. The toothbrush may have a replaceable head.

Granted European patent EP 1 143 876 (HALL et al) discloses a power toothbrush comprising a fluid delivery system, the power toothbrush including a head portion and a handle portion, the head portion including a brushheah part, the head portion being removable from the handle portion, the fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid reservoir adapted to be located within the head portion of the power toothbrush; a pump member and associated fluid line for moving fluid from said reservoir to the brushhead part of the head portion of the toothbrush; and a dispensing member adapted to be located in the brushhead, connected to said fluid line, permitting exit of fluid to the vicinity of bristles located on the brushhead, under pressure provided by the pump member (66), characterized in that the pump member is located in the brushhead part.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an electric toothbrush comprising an elongate body with a dentrifice chamber and a cleaning head; said body arranged to receive a battery, and said head comprising plural bristles mounted on a neck, which neck is coaxial with the body; said bristles are arranged to define a lacuna, which lacuna is arranged to extend into the neck, and said neck is moveable axially; wherein said axial movement of the neck causes dentrifice to exit the chamber pass through the lacuna and approximate or cover the bristles.

In this way in preferred embodiments the head is moved into the body to dispense dentrifice onto the bristles.

Accordingly the neck and/or body comprises a mechanism for pumping dentrifice from the chamber to the bristles. For example wherein displacement of the neck into the body comprises insertion of a plug into the chamber, and wherein said plug forces dentrifice through the lacuna.

In preferred embodiments the body or chamber comprises a ratchet mechanism whereby displacement of the neck into the body acts against a spring, which pushes the mechanism up at least one notch or tooth, and wherein said mechanism ensures a fixed quantity of dentrifice exits the lacuna.

Typically the chamber comprises a cartridge of dentrifice, wherein said cartridge is inserted into the body in use. Further embodiments may have a cartridge that is inserted or clipped onto body, with an internal path leading to the lacuna.

In typical embodiments therefore there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a displaceable head with a plurality of bristles and a lacuna for ejection of dentrifice or toothpaste, in which the head is connected by a neck to a body with an internal chamber arranged to receive a cartridge, and in which the cartridge is linked by a channel to the lacuna on the head to enable dispensing of toothpaste therethrough, the cartridge including a ratchet mechanism to allow a predetermined amount of toothpaste to be dispensed from the cartridge through the channel and lacuna, for optimal teeth cleaning. Preferably the toothbrush is arranged for children.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush is an electric toothbrush with vibrating, rotating or sonic means to agitate the bristles to effect cleaning. Ideally the means are powered by at least one battery, which battery is rechargeable, wherein the toothbrush in use is provided with a charging or docking base.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush is for use by children and therefore is dimensiohed for use by a child.

Preferably the body is dimensioned to receive the cartridge internally for example with a displaceable flap covering. In this way the toothpaste is concealed within the toothbrush and ideally the cartridge is replaceable, in order that the toothbrush can be refilled when empty or the flavour changed if undesirable.

In some embodiments an outer face of the body may be shaped to enhance grip. For example the body may taper to a waist so as to provide a location for the user's hand or the body may include recessed portions for locating the hand.

In some embodiments the outer face of the body may be textured, for example having raised and lowered portions, being ridged, pimpled or knurled. In other embodiments the outer face of the body may include portions of resiliently deformable material such as silicone so as to enhance grip.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush may be decorated to appeal to children, for example the toothbrush may be coloured and may include text or images. It may be envisaged that the toothbrush may be printed, painted, etched or embossed.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for use in a toothbrush comprising: a ratchet mechanism which enables measured amounts of toothpaste to be dispensed, the ratchet mechanism including a top plate and a bottom plate or plug, positioned either end of a cylinder with an internal chamber in which dentrifice or toothpaste is situated. The cartridge typically has a circular cross sectional profile.

Preferably the top and bottom plates are joined by or mounted on an elongate member which when engaged moves the plates closer together, compressing the dentrifice. Ideally the bottom plate is moved closer to the top plate along the elongate member, squeezing the dentrifice against the top plate wherein the top plate includes an aperture that links to the channel so as to allow passage of the dentrifice from the chamber along the channel to the lacuna.

Ideally at least one of the plates are linked to said member so that movement of a plate or member or component causes movement of another component. In preferred embodiments the top plate is secured to the member wherein movement of the top plate is driven and the member accompanies said movement, and typically wherein the bottom plate or plug is fixed in relation thereto, for example wherein the bottom plate is tight against a part of the body.

In other words the member may be fixed in position on the upper plate and moveable past the bottom plate on application of force, typically to the top plate.

In preferred embodiments the member is serrated so that the plates can be displaced incrementally in relation to one another, corresponding to the serrations.

The member may be pushed downwards so as to move the member past the bottom plate. This in turn means that the bottom plate is moved along the member to a higher position.

In preferred embodiments the part of the body that acts to prevent downwards movement of the bottom plate under pressure on the top plate and member may be sprung.

In this way the dentrifice is compressed between the plates squeezing dentrifice from the cartridge, through the aperture along the channel to the lacuna and consequently onto the bristles.

Preferably the plate is moved along the member one serration at a time.

Advantageously the serration size corresponds to the amount of dentrifice that is dispensed with each incremental adjustment from one serration to the next.

Therefore the amount of dentrifice dispensed can be controlled by the serrations and furthermore may be best set at a predetermined and optimal volumetric quantity for use for children by the number of serrations.

The ratchet mechanism may prevent movement of more than one serration at a time or under a single compression.

In preferred embodiments the serrations are dimensioned so as to release the recommended amount of dentrifice for the user. For example the recommended amount of dentrifuce is often given as a pea sized amount. The ratchet mechanism enables the correct amount to be dispensed each time, therefore ensuring optimal cleaning and maximal longevity of the cartridge. The ratchet mechanism may include resiliently defomiable parts which deform under urging of the head into the body.

Preferably the head and neck are permanently fixed together so as to be one part.

The neck may be sprung mounted on the body by at least one spring so that the head and neck are moveable axially in relation to the body. In this way the head and neck can be displaced from a first position to a second position by urging force but will return to the first position driven by the spring when the force is removed.

The head and neck may be fixed to the body by a collar and the head and neck can be displaced downwards into the body through the collar by application of force on the head or neck.

It may be envisaged that in use displacement of the head and neck applies pressure to the top plate, wherein for example by pressing down on the head a base section of the neck engages with the top plate causing the top plate to be depressed and therefore the member to be urged downwards. Therefore the member pushes past the bottom plate and such action causes the bottom plate to move at least one ridge up the elongate member, In further embodiments for reduced manufacture costs of the cartridge the elongate member is situate on the body and drives a displaceable cartridge bottom plate, wherein for example the bottom plate is in movement via a nub extending through a wall of the cartridge, and the top plate is fixed, to include a displaceable seal.

In this way the dentrifice is compressed and is consequently driven out of the cartridge through the aperture in the top plate, along the channel to the lacuna.

When head and neck are released the top plate reverts or is released which may pull the member and to a degree bottom plate upwards.

Advantageously the head and neck can be locked so as to prevent erroneous dispensing of dentrifice. In any event ideally in order to dispense a first quantity the head must be depressed once, and to dispense a second the head must be depressed again. A lock mechanism advantageously acts to prevent secondary depressions after a first controlled depression.

In this way the child can also be prevented from using excess dentrifice. Typically the head and neck may be locked by a twist mechanism wherefore twisting of the head and neck aligns part of the neck with stoppers so that it can no longer be depressed.

In other embodiments the toothbrush may include a pin and hole arrangement so that pushing of the pin into the hole locks the head and neck in place.

In preferred embodiments the head is removable to gain access into the body. The cartridge and/or the head may be replaced or exchanged in such manner in some embodiments.

Typically the body also houses the means to cause agitation of the bristles for tooth cleaning. Ideally the means are powered by at least one battery housed within the body. Preferably the means comprises a vibrator linked to a printed circuit board and the battery.

In preferred embodiments the means are located below the cartridge in the body so as not to interfere with dispensing dentrifice. Preferably the body includes a removable base that can be detached so as to access the means and battery, in use positioned below the cartridge. For example so as to enable repair of parts or to replace the battery.

Typically the means are activated by button or switch control, located on an outer face of the body, with single touch on-off capability. In this way the means can be readily activated and deactivated.

Ideally the base is fixed to the body by a waterproof seal so as to prevent ingress of water that may interfere with or damage the means.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush is adapted to be accepted on to a charging station so that the batteries can be charged without requirement for removable of the base. Preferably the charger is mains powered.

It may be envisaged that the dentrifice is provided in various flavours and in particular flavours that may appeal to children. For example there may be standard mint flavour but also fruit flavours. Additionally the cartridge may be advertised as a secret flavour' so as to be more appealing for children.

In some embodiments the lacuna, channel or aperture includes a one-way valve to prevent backflow of water, saliva and dentrifice into the channel or cartridge, thereby improving hygiene.

Brief Description of FiQures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the toothbrush, with a charging station; Figures 2 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show views from below and above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows an exploded side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a transparent frontal view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 And Figure 8 shows a transparent side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the head 2 is supported on a neck 1, which neck is fixed into a body 6 at a collar. Said body 6 includes a battery 7 and is inserted for charging into a base 8, which is connected via wire 9 to an electrical supply.

The neck includes or fits into a channel 4 which leads to a cartridge 5 in the body.

The body 6 is provided in two screwthreaded parts for disassembly.

The head 2 comprises a plurality of bristles 3 surrounding a lacuna 10, through which dentrifice exits in use.

The body includes a single touch on-off switch 11 and the base includes child branding.

In preferred embodiments the cartridge is capable of holding 25m1 of dentrifice, typically being enough for 40 uses. In other embodiments, such as an adult toothbrush, a 50ml or lOOmI cartridge may be provided.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An electric toothbrush comprising an elongate body with a dentrifice chamber and a cleaning head; said body arranged to receive a battery, and said head comprising plural bristles mounted on a neck, wherein the neck is coaxial with the body; said bristles are arranged to define a lacuna, which lacuna is arranged to extend into the neck, and said neck is moveable axially; wherein said axial movement of the neck causes dentrifice to exit the chamber pass through the lacuna to contact the bristles.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the head is arranged to be movable into the body to dispense dentrifice onto the bristles.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body or chamber comprises a ratchet mechanism whereby displacement of the neck into the body acts against a spring.
4. A toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims comprising a displaceable cartridge of dentrifice, wherein said cartridge is inserted into the body in use.
5. A cartridge for use in a toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims comprising: a ratchet mechanism which enables measured amounts of toothpaste to be dispensed, the ratchet mechanism including a top plate and a bottom plate, positioned at either end of a chamber in which dentrifice or toothpaste is situated.
6. A cartridge according to claim wherein the top and bottom plates are joined by or mounted on an elongate member which when engaged is arranged to move the plates closer together.
7. A cartridge according to claim 6 the member is serrated enabling incremental displacement of the plates relative to each other.
8. A toothbrush comprising in use a cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7.
9. A toothbrush with reference to the figures and substantially as described herein.