IES85177Y1 - A toothbrush - Google Patents
A toothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- IES85177Y1 IES85177Y1 IE2008/0277A IE20080277A IES85177Y1 IE S85177 Y1 IES85177 Y1 IE S85177Y1 IE 2008/0277 A IE2008/0277 A IE 2008/0277A IE 20080277 A IE20080277 A IE 20080277A IE S85177 Y1 IES85177 Y1 IE S85177Y1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- head
- toothbrush
- drive
- brushing
- drive shaft
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001680 brushing Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 210000003128 Head Anatomy 0.000 description 99
- 210000000515 Tooth Anatomy 0.000 description 24
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 14
- 229920000591 gum Polymers 0.000 description 11
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000003245 working Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229940084430 Four-Way Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001058 adult Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003534 oscillatory Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- 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
-
- 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
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present invention provides a toothbrush, in particular a mechanical toothbrush more commonly known as an electric toothbrush, which includes a spherical brush head which is capable of undergoing at least first and second independent brushing motions in order to improve the overall brushing effectiveness.
Description
A Toothbrush
Field ofthe invention
This invention relates to a toothbrush, and in particular a toothbrush having a spherical head
and which is adapted to impart a wide range of different movements to the head in order to
give the user the facility to choose the preferred and most suitable direction of brushing
action for each part of the mouth and tongue.
Background of the invention
Toothbrushes, and in particular mechanised or electric toothbrushes, are well known and are
available with a number of different modes of operation.
Mechanised toothbrushes having brush heads capable of rotational, oscillatory and pulsating
motion are known in the art. The motion of the brush head is driven mechanically so that
the user need only position the toothbrush at a particular location in the mouth. The brushing
action is provided by a mechanical drive in order to brush teeth, tongue, gums and any other
parts ofthe mouth. This reduces the manual force required to clean the teeth using the
mechanical toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush where the user provides the
brushing motion and also provides brushing which could not conveniently be replicated
manually.
Some current mechanised toothbrushes exhibit a brushing motion which brushes oft‘ the gum
rather than laterally across the teeth or towards the gum. Brushing toward the gum can
cause material to be forced undemeath the leading edge of the gum or may strip the leading
edge of the gum from the teeth. Current mechanised toothbrushes provide various means to
brush off the gum in only certain parts of the mouth. These brushes are not capable of
providing brushing off the gum action in parts of the mouth.
A method of effectively cleaning the surface of the tongue is to brush the tongue in a
forward direction only.
In order to effectively clean the longitudinal indentations on the inner surfaces of the upper
and lower front teeth it is necessary to exercise brushing motion parallel to their length and
offthe gum.
Known toothbrushes provide dual, multi directional or scatter brushing motion. The
direction of the brushing motion produced by inechanised toothbrushes is generally the same
irrespective of the part of the mouth or teeth with which they are in contact. However. this
single non-variable motion is not effective or efficient in cleaning every the part ofthe teeth,
gums and tongue.
It is one object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush which can implement the
modified bass method for brushing teeth. The modified bass method is known and
recommended by many dentists. This method involves making small circular motions with
a toothbrush to clean plaque from the gum line and from the indented ridge in a tooth which
runs along the gum line at the base ofthe tooth.
The bass modified method fails to provide fully effective brushing to parts of the teeth. For
example, it does not reach certain areas between the teeth with sufficient effectiveness.
However the modified bass method effectively addresses cleaning the indented ridge which
is one of the most problematic areas of the teeth in terms of plaque accumulation and debris
accumulation.
The modified bass method can be difficult to manually exercise and the toothbrush can
mechanically simulate the brushing method. However it is a most effective and safe method
of brushing teeth as the brush movements can be oriented in different directions to afford the
most suitable brushing direction in each of the different parts of the mouth.
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Summary of the invention
The present invention therefore provides a toothbrush comprising a brush head; and drive
means adapted to impart at least first and second independent brushing motions to the head.
Preferably, the head is substantially spherical.
Pref erably, the head comprises two substantially hemispherical sections.
Preferably, the head is rotatable about a first axis when undergoing the first brushing motion
and independently about a second axis when undergoing the second brushing motion.
Preferably, the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular.
Preferably. the first and second axes pass through the centre of the head.
Preferably, the head is continuously rotatable in a given direction about the first aiid/or
second axis.
Preferably, the head comprises an array of bristles extending outwardly therefrom.
Preferably, the bristles on the first and second hemispherical sections, at or adjacent the
interface between the sections, are oriented to converge in order to create a protective
covering substantially surrounding the interface.
Preferably, the drive means comprises at least one drive shaft arranged to impart one or both
brushing motions to the head.
Preferably, the at least one drive shaft is arranged to reciprocate in order to impart the first
brushing motion to the head, and to rotate substantially about a longitudinal axis of the drive
shaft in order to impart the second brushing motion to the head.
Preferably, the drive means comprises means for translating the reciprocating motion of the
at least one drive shaft into rotary motion of the head about a first axis.
Preferably, the translating means comprises a crankshaft.
Preferably, the translating means comprises at least one cam connected to the head and a
corresponding follower connected to the drive shaft.
Preferably, the follower comprises a bushing surrounding the cam.
Preferably, the drive means comprises first and second drive shafts, the first shaft being
arranged to impart the first brushing motion to the head and the second shaft being arranged
to impart the second brushing motion to the head.
Preferably, the first and second drive shafts are concentric.
Preferably, the drive means comprises at least one motor arranged to drive the first and
second shafts.
Preferably, the drive means comprises a clutch displaceable between an engaged and a
disengaged state, in the engaged state enabling synchronous rotation of the first and second
shafts, and in the disengaged state enabling independent rotation of the first shaft.
Preferably, the toothbrush comprises means for iminobilising the second shaft, in a
predetermined orientation, when the clutch is in the disengaged state.
Preferably, the drive means comprises a pair of bevel gears located within the head, a first
gear fixed to the first shaft and a second gear meshing with the first gear and mounted on an
axle to which the pair of hemispherical head sections are mounted.
Preferably, the second shaft is connected to a support which carries the axle.
Pi‘efei‘ably, the second shaft is connected to a support on which the head is retained.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure l is a cross sectional front view of a tooth brush head according to an aspect of a first
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional front view of a toothbrush according to an aspect ofa second
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a head of the toothbrush illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the toothbrush illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a cross sectional side View of a head of a toothbrush according to a third
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional front view ofthe head of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of portion of a toothbrush according to the third
embodiment, showing the head of Figure 6;
Figure 9 is the view of Figure 8 without the head of the toothbrush;
Figure 10 is a side view of the toothbrush of Figures 8 and 9;
Figure l l is a cross sectional front view ofa toothbrush head according to a fourth
embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the head of Figures 6 and 7;
Figure 12 illustrates part of a drive means for use with the heads of Figures 6, 7 and 1 1;
Figure 13 illustrates a cross sectional front view of a toothbrush head according to a fifth
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the internal workings of a toothbrush according to
a sixth embodiment ofthe invention, with a clutch thereofin a disengaged position;
Figure 15 illustrates the toothbrush of Figure 14 with the clutch in an engaged position;
Figure 16 illustrates an exploded view of the toothbrush of Figures 14 and 15;
Figure 17 illustrates an exploded View of a head of a toothbrush according to a seventh
embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 18 illustrates a partially cut away View of the head of Figure 17.
Detailed description of the drawings
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated part ofa
toothbrush 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 10
has a brush head 12, which in the embodiment illustrated is comprised of a first
hemispherical head section 14 and a second hemispherical head section 16. The
hemispherical head sections 14, 16 are substantially hemispherical in shape and mounted
closely to one another giving the brush head 12 an overall substantially spherical shape. The
hemispherical head sections 14, 16 are each less than the full 180 degree hemispheres by a
number of degrees to allow a channel 18 between the hemispherical head sections 14, 16
while maintaining the overall substantially spherical shape of the brush head 12. It will be
appreciated that the hemispherical head sections 14, 16 can be any other shape, including
semi ovoid, which affords the requisite properties.
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The toothbrush 10 further comprise drive means in the form of a first or inner drive shaft
which is housed within a support sleeve 24 which in use will extend from or form part
of a handle portion (not shown) of the toothbrush 10. The support sleeve 24 also ensures
that the moving parts of the drive means, in particular the first drive shaft 20. are not
contactable by a user of the toothbrush for safety reasons, and in addition provides a
protective cover for the drive means in order to ensure the longevity of same. The drive
shaft 20 extends up through the sleeve 24 and exits same to pass through the channel 18
where it terminates within the brush head 12. The drive shaft 20 is attached to the brush
head 12 internally thereof to partially support its weight and, as described hereinafter, to
impart at least first and second independent brushing motions to the head 12.
The tirst drive shaft 20, in use, is imparted a reciprocating motion by a further aspect (not
shown) of the drive means, which may be any one of a number of known arrangements for
generating reciprocating motion, and for example may be a Variant of the arrangement
shown in either Figure 3 or 12, but adapted for use with the single drive shaft 20. The drive
means further comprises translating means in the form of a crank shaped axle or cranksliaft
26 located within the brush head 12, the ends of which are connected to the first and second
lieniisplierical head sections 14, 16. The crankshaft 26 is driven by the reciprocating tirst
drive shaft 20 in order to effect the simultaneous rotation of the head sections 14, 16 about a
first axis, thereby effecting a first brushing motion of the head 12. The crankshaft 26 is
pref erably mounted on a support collar (not shown) or the like, providing support thereto.
The connecting rod 26 is also rotatable substantially about its longitudinal axis by means of
the above mentioned further aspect (not shown) of the drive means, or by any other suitable
means, in order to rotate the brush head 12 about a second axis, thereby effecting a second
brushing motion of the head 12. The internal diameter of the shaft support sleeve 24 is
reduced near its longitudinal centre and is progressively widened towards each end. The
internal profile of the shaft support sleeve 24 provides support for the drive shaft 20 to
enable it to rotate on its longitudinal axis.
In the embodiment illustrates the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to one
another. The axes also preferably extend through the centre of the spherical head 12. It
will be appreciated that one or more electric motors may be used to provide the requisite
drive to effect these first and second brushing motions.
The brush head 12 can be rotated clockwise or anti clockwise by switching the direction of
current flow in the or each motor providing the drive. It will be appreciated from the above
description that the brush head 12 may be continuously rotated in a single direction about
the first and/or second axes, which provides a beneficial mode of operation. In addition, by
stopping and starting and/or varying the voltage being supplied to the or each electric motor
running the drive means, the brush head 12 can be made to move continuously in any
direction, to reciprocate between two points or for any point on the surface ofthe head 12 to
move through an are continuously or to reciprocate through an arc.
Bristles 28 are fixed to the outer surface of each of the hemispherical head sections 14, 16
and placed at suitable positions on the hemispherical head sections 14, 16 to present a
generally contiguous array of bristles 28 over the entire brush head 12. It will be
appreciated that the bristles 28 could be arranged in any other suitable array, and could also
be replaced with any other suitable functional equivalent.
The bristles 28 immediately proximate to the dividing channel 18 between the hemispherical
head sections 14, 16 are inclined from the perpendicular to project over the channel 18. The
bristles 28 on each hemispherical head section 14, 16, adjacent the channel 18, are therefore
oriented to converge over the channel 18 in order to create a protective covering
substantially surrounding the channel 18. This prevents the ingress of any foreign matter
into the interior of the head 12. This also results in a substantially uniform concentration of
bristles 28 across the surface of the brush head 12. In this way, a uniform concentration of
bristles 28 is presented to the area of mouth being brushed irrespective of the orientation of
the brush head 12.
When the hemispherical head sections 14, 16 rotate, the inclined bristles 28 flex as they pass
the support sleeve 24 causing the bristles 28 to separate apart at that point. This enables the
hemispherical head sections 14, 16 to rotate substantially unimpeded by the support sleeve
Referring now to Figure 3, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a toothbrush.
generally indicated as 110, and in this second embodiment like components have been
accorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated, perform a like function.
The toothbrush 110 again comprises a substantially spherical head 1 12 mounted adjacent the
end of a sleeve 124 (which is in figure 3 represented by a schematically as a sectioned ring,
in order to reveal the internal workings of the toothbrush 110). The head 1 12 comprises first
and second hemispherical head sections 114, 116, with a channel 118 therebetween. An
enlarged view of the head is shown in Figure 4. As with the previous embodiment, the head
1 12 is provided with an array of bristles 128 thereon. lntemally of the head 112. the first
and second hemispherical head sections 1 14, 1 16 are joined by translating means in the form
ofa crank shaped axle or crankshaft 126, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
The toothbrush 110 further comprises drive means in the form of first and second motors
130, 132 which drive first and second motor shafts 134, 136 respectively. The first and
second motor shafts 134, 136 are housed concentrically and are both connected to a
transducer 138, which is adapted, as will be described, to convert the rotary motion of the
motor shafts 134, 136 into both reciprocating and rotary motion. The transducer 138
comprises a frame 140 which is mounted to the second motor shaft 136, and is thus rotatable
about a longitudinal axis of the motor shaft 136. The first motor shaft 134 passes through
the frame 140, and is connected to, and therefore drives, a first bevel gear 142 which is
mounted within the frame 140. The transducer 138 further comprises a second bevel gear
144 mounted orthogonally and in meshing engagement with the first bevel gear 142.
Extending across the frame 140 from the second bevel gear 144 is a crankshaft 146. It will
thus be appreciated that the first motor shaft 134 is capable of driving the second bevel gear
via the first bevel gear 142, and can thus drive the crankshaft 146.
Extending from the crankshaft 146, in side by side alignment, and forming a further part of
the drive means, is a first drive shaft 120 and a second drive shaft 122, which together
extend through the sleeve 124 and into the head 112. One end of each of the drive shafts
, 122 is connected to the crankshaft 146, while the other end of each of the drive shafts
, 122 is connected to the crankshaft 126 located within the head 112. It will thus be
appreciated that the first motor 130 may be used to drive the crankshaft 146, causing the
drive shafts 120, 122 to reciprocate relative to one another, and therefore causing the first
and second hemispherical head sections 1 14, 1 16 to rotate. Referring to Figure 5, in order to
provide stability to the drive shafts 120, 122 when reciprocating, each of the shafts 120, 122
is provided with a flat inner surface 148. The drive shafts 120, 122 are also flattened on the
outside as they enter the head 112, in order to minimize the dimensions of the channel 1 18
that is required. Each of the shafts 120, 122 also include an outer rounded portion 150
which are held between a pair of slide and rotate bearings 152, as will be described
hereinafter.
Thus the first motor 130 can be used to rotate the first and second hemispherical head
section 114, 116 about a first axis as described above, in order to generate a first brushing
motion. When it is desired to rotate the head 112 about a second axis, preferably
perpendicular to the first axis, in order to generate a second independent brushing motion.
the second motor 132 is employed. The second motor 132, when activated, rotates the
second motor shaft 136, which is connected to the frame 140. This effects rotation of the
entire frame 140, which rotates the drive shafts 120, 122 within the sleeve 124. The rotation
is transmitted directly to the head 1 12, to effect the rotation thereof.
As the frame 140 rotates, the second bevel gear 144 will be drawn around the first bevel
gear 142, which would act to rotate the first bevel gear 142, which is however mounted on
the end of the first motor shaft 134. The first bevel gear 142 will experience resistance to
rotation as a result of being connected to the second motor 132. For this reason, the rotation
of the second bevel gear 144 about the first bevel gear 142 would result in rotation of the
second bevel gear 144. This in turn would have the consequence of reciprocating the drive
shafts 120. 122, and so effecting a combination of the first and second brushing motions at
the same instance. While such a mode of operation is envisaged in the present invention, it
is less preferred than having the first and second brushing motions independent of one
another. Thus in order to allow rotation of the frame 140 without this result, it is preferable
that a clutch (not shown) is provided between tl1e first bevel gear 142 and the second motor
shaft 136. in order to selectively break the drive train when rotation by the first motor 130
only is required. However, the two motors 130, 132 may be driven at the same time,
effecting rotation of the head 112 about both axes simultaneously. When such a situation
arises, the clutch need not be employed to break the drive train.
Turning to Figures 6-10, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a toothbrush, which is
generally indicated as 210, and in this third embodiment like components have been
accorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated, perform a like function.
The toothbrush 210 comprises a substantially spherical head 212 having first and second
hemispherical head sections 214, 216 mounted on a central axle 254, as illustrated in Figures
6 and 7. Translating means in the form of a circular cam protrusion 256 is provided on the
first head section 214 and a similar cam protrusion 258 on the second head section 216.
These protrusions 256, 258 are positioned eccentrically with respect to the axle 254.
Referring to Figures 8-10, the toothbrush 210 further comprises a flrst drive shaft 220 and a
second drive shaft 222, which operate in similar fashion to the drive shafts of the second
embodiment described above. Each is provided with a ring like follower or coupling 260,
which is seated about the respective cam protrusion 256, 258. At the opposed end of each
drive shaft 220, 222, is provided an identical coupling 262, which is again ring like in shape,
and is fitted, as will be described with respect to Figure 12, to a further portion of the drive
means. for effecting rotation of the head 212. Each ofthe drive shafts 220, 222 liave a tlat
inner surface 248 and a curved portion 250, again as described with reference to the second
einbodiinent. A guide 264 is preferably provided, having an elongate slot 268 through
which the drive shafts 220, 222 pass. The slot 268 is shaped to allow the drive shafts 220,
272 to move in scissors like fashion relative to one another while preventing deflection of
same in a direction normal to this movement, and with reference to Figures 8 and 9, in a
direction into or out of the page. The guide 264 is circular in shape and is preferably
rotatably mounted within an annular channel (not shown) at or adjacent the top of the tube
(not shown) in which the drive shafts 220, 222 are housed. The guide 264 is therefore fiec
to rotate when the drive shafts 220, 222 rotate to effect rotation of the brush head 212.
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Referring now to Figure 1 1 there is illustrated a toothbrush according to a fourth
embodiment of the invention, generally indicated as 310, and in this fourth embodiment
like components have been accorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated
perform a like function. The brush 310 comprises a brush head 312 which is very similar in
configuration and operation to the head 210. The head comprises first and second head
sections 314, 316, respectively having first and second cam protrusion 356, 358 internally
thereof, and onto which first and second drive shafts 320, 322 are mounted as hereinbefore
described with respect to the third embodiment. However, the head 310 is provided with a
shoulder 370 on the exterior side of the first and second cam protrusion 356, 358, which
prevent the ends of the drive shafts 320, 322 from being inadvertently disengaged from the
cam protrusions 356, 358.
Referring now to Figures 12, there is illustrated a transducer 438 which is adapted to convert
the drive from a pair of motors (not shown) into first and second brushing motions of the
brush head (not shown). This transducer 438 could be used with the toothbrush of the first
second and third embodiments of the invention, although some basic modifications may be
required, but which would be within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art. The
transducer 438 comprises a frame 440 carrying a first bevel gear 442 and a second bevel
gear 444, the second bevel gear 444 driving a crankshaft 446. Mounted on the crankshaft
446 are a pair of cams 472, 474 off—set relative to one another, to which in use the drive
shaftts) 20; 120, 122; 220, 222; 320, 322 ofthe toothbrush are connected. In this way, if the
crankshaft 446 is driven by the second bevel gear 444, the pair of drive shafts will be forced
to reciprocate relative to one another, thereby driving the two hemispherical head sections of
the brush as hereinbefore described in order to effect the first brushing motion. 1-lowever, if
the frame 440 is driven about its longitudinal axis, the pair of drive shafts will rotate
together in unison, in order to effect the simultaneous rotation of the two head sections about
a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in order to effect the second brushing motion.
Referring now to Figure 13 there is illustrated part of a toothbrush according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 510. In this fourth embodiment
like components have been accorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated
perform a like function. The toothbrush 510 again comprises a brush head 512, which is
comprised of first and second hemispherical sections 514, 516 located at the end of a
support sleeve 524 which may form part of an exterior handle or body of the toothbrush
. The brush head 510, as with previous embodiments, is preferably covered with an
array of bristles (not shown) or any other suitable functional equivalent. The first and
second head sections 514, 516 are slightly separated from one another, thereby defining a
channel 518 which provides access to first and second drive shafts 520, 522 to the interior of
the head. In this fourth embodiment, the first and second drive shafts 520, 522 are located
concentrically within one another, and in addition concentrically within the support sleeve
524. The first and second drive shafts 520, 522 form part of drive means of the toothbrush
510. The drive means further comprises translating means in the form of first bevel gear
542 fixed to the first drive shaft 520 and a meshing second bevel gear 544, which is
mounted on an axle 546. Either end of the axle is then fixed to the respective lieniisplierical
head section 5 l4, 516. The axle 546 is retained within a support 576 which is secured at the
free end of the second drive shaft 522, which passes upwardly through the first drive shaft
and through the centre of the first bevel gear 542.
It will thus be appreciated that by driving the first drive shaft 520 independently of the
second drive shaft 522, the hemispherical head sections 514, 516 will be continuously
rotated about a first axis corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the axle 546, thereby
effecting a first brushing motion ofthe head 512. If the first drive shaft 520 is then stopped
and the second drive shaft 522 driven independently thereof, the entire axle 546. by virtue of
being mounted within the support 576, will be rotated about a second axis corresponding to
a longitudinal axis ofthe first and second drive shafts 520, 522. This rotation ofthe axle
546 will therefore effect a simultaneous rotation oftlie pair ofhemispherical head sections
-1. 516, thereby effecting a second brushing motion. The first and second axes, about
which the head 512 rotates, are substantially perpendicular to one another.
Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that the first and second drive shafts 520, 522
could be driven by any suitable means, for example, one or two electric motors (not shown)
or the like. It will also be appreciated that other than driving one and/or the other first and
second drive shaft 520, 522 continuously in a single direction, either drive shaft could be
oscillated in order to impart a similar oscillating motion to the brush head 512 as part of
either the first or second brushing motion.
Turning now to Figures 14 to 16 there is illustrated a fifth embodiment ofa toothbrush
according to the present invention, generally indicated as 610. In this fifth enibodimeiit like
components have been accorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated
perform a like function.
The toothbrush 610 again comprises a substantially spherical head 612 although only the
interior workings thereof are illustrated in figures 14 and 16, and is entirely omitted from
Figure 15. Figures 14 to 16 show the basic internal workings of the toothbrush 610, and it
will be appreciated that in use this would be surrounded by a suitable casing, preferably
defining a handle portion, a section in which to locate a battery or the like, and any circuitry
associated with the operation of the toothbrush 610.
The toothbrush 610 comprises a first drive shaft 620 and a second drive shaft 622 located
concentrically thereabout. The toothbrush 610 does however only comprise a single motor
630 which, as will be described hereinafter, is operable to drive both drive shafts 620, 622.
In order to achieve this the toothbrush 610 comprises a clutch 680 which is mounted to a
shaft 634 of the first motor 630 and is therefore rotatable therewith. The clutch 680 may be
ofany suitable form, for example a friction based clutch, a magnetic clutch, or any other
functional equivalent. In the present embodiment, the clutch 680 is a friction based clutch
and comprises a first clutch plate 682 which is fixed to and therefore rotates with the motor
shaft 634 and the first drive shaft 620. The clutch 680 further comprises a second clutch
plate 684 which is formed at the fiee end ofa sleeve 686 which is displaced longitudinally
over the second drive shaft 622 in order to engage and disengage the first and second clutch
plate 682, 684. In Figure 14 the clutch 680 is shown in the disengaged state, while in Figure
the clutch 680 is shown in the engaged state. In the disengaged state the motor 630 will
drive only the first drive shaft 620, while when in the engaged state the motor 630 will, via
the clutch 680, synchronously drive both the first and second drive shafts 620, 622, as will
be described in greater detail hereinafter.
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Referring in particular to Figure 16. it can be seen that the first drive shaft 620 is fixed to the
first clutch plate 682 and therefore rotates therewith. The second drive shaft 622 is hollow
and when the toothbrush 610 is assembled is located around the first drive shaft 620. The
second drive shaft 622 comprises a lirst section 687 and a second section 688 which are
divided by a shoulder 689. The second section 688 is provided with an elongate slot 690
therein, while the first section 687 has a threaded end 691.
Ref crring to the clutch sleeve 686, an annular shoulder 692 is provided internally thereof
adjacent a tapered end 693, in which there is provided a notch 694 at the inner most point of
the tapered end 693. The annular shoulder 692 is dimensioned to permit the passage of the
first section 687 of the second drive shaft 622 therethrough while preventing passage of the
shoulder 689. The toothbrush 610 further comprises a spring 695 which is dimensioned to
be located over the second section 688 ofthe second drive shaft 622, but is arrested by the
shoulder 689. thereby allowing the spring to be compressed against the shoulder 689.
During assembly, the second drive shaft 622 is slid into the sleeve 686, such that the first
section 687 projects through the annular shoulder 692 and out of the tapered end 693. The
spring 695 is then advanced into the sleeve 686 and around the second section 688 to abut
against the shoulder 689. The spring is then compressed until the end thereof opposite the
shoulder 689 passes a grub screw 696 located in the sleeve 686. The grub screw 696 can
then be advanced through the side wall of the sleeve 686 and into the elongated slot 690.
The grub screw 696 will therefore prevent extension of the spring 695 , thereby maintaining
tension therein. This entire assembly is then positioned over the first drive shaft 622 as
illustrated in Figure 15, and the head 612 is then mounted onto the drive shafts 620. 622 as
illustrated in Figure 14. The interior of the head 612 comprises a first bevel gear 642 which
is threaded onto the free end of the first drive shaft 620, and a second bevel gear 644 which
is mounted on an axle 646 which is itselfcontained on a support 676. The support 676 is
threaded onto the threaded end 691 of the second drive shaft 622. The second drive shaft
is therefore fixed longitudinally between the first clutch plate 682 and the support 676.
Turning then to the operation of the toothbrush 610, and referring initially to Figure 15, a
first brushing motion may be affected with the clutch 680 engaged. In this mode of
operation, the motor 630 is driving the first drive shaft 620, which therefore drives the clutch
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, resulting in the synchronised rotation ofthe outer drive shaft 622. This is as a result of
the location ofthe grub screw 696 within the elongated slot 690, which lixes the sleeve 686
to the second drive shaft 622 in the rotational sense, but allows longitudinal displacement
ofthe sleeve 686 relative to the second drive shaft 622, as the grub screw 696 can slide up
and down within the elongated slot 690. although against the action of the compressed
spring 695. It is the compressed spring 695 that forces the sleeve 686, and in particular the
second clutch plate 684, against the first clutch plate 682 in order to maintain the clutch 680
in the engaged position. With the two drive shafts 620, 622 rotating in unison, both the
support 676 carrying the axle 646, and the first bevel gear 642 mounted on the first drive
shaft 620, will rotate together. This results in the brush head 612 rotating about an axis
corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shafts 620, 622, in order to
effect the first brushing motion. By rotating the first bevel gear 642 with the support 676,
and at the same speed, rotation of the second bevel gear 644 on the axle 646 is prevented. If
the first bevel gear 642 were stationary then rotation ofthe support 676 would draw the
second bevel gear 644 around the stationary first bevel 642, thus causing the second bevel
gear 644 to rotate on the axle 646. This allows the first and second brushing motions to be
achieved independently of one another.
Turning then to Figure 14, in order to disengage the clutch 680 the sleeve 686 is drawn away
from the clutch plate 680, against the action of the spring 695. Suitable retaining means (not
shown) may be provided in order to retain the sleeve 686 out of engagement with the clutch
plate 682. These retaining means may be of any suitable form, for example one or more
detent balls (not shown) acting on the exterior of the sleeve 686, or any other suitable
functional equivalent. The retaining means are preferably disengagable manually from an
exterior of the toothbrush 610 although it will be appreciated that an electronic means of
release may be employed. Similarly, a switch/lever or the like (not shown) operable to slide
the sleeve 686 between the engaged and disengaged positions, is preferably accessible from
the exterior of the toothbrush 610, although again an electronic equivalent may be
employed.
Once the clutch 680 has been disengaged, the motor 630 will drive only the first drive shaft
and therefore will drive the first bevel gear 642 while the support 676 remains
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stationary. This will thus drive the second bevel gear 644 which will then rotate the two
hemispherical head sections (not shown), which in use are mounted on either end of the
axle 646, about an axis that corresponds with a longitudinal axis of the axle 646. This
simultaneous rotation of the hemispherical head sections results in the second brushing
motion, whose direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first brushing
motion.
It will be appreciated that while the first and second brushing motions are substantially
perpendicular to one another, and will always remain so, it will often be desirable to
correctly orient these brushing motions with respect to the user’s teeth. For the first
brushing motion, the user will always know the directional rotation of the brush head 612 as
it is about an axis which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the first and second drive
shafts 620, 622, which will be located internally of a handle or shaft portion of the
toothbrush which can then be used as a point of reference. However, the angular orientation
of the axle 646 on which the hemispherical head sections rotate during the second brushing
motion will not be apparent to the user when initiating the second brushing motion, as it is
located intemally ofthe brush head 612. It is, for example, desirable to have the axle 646
substantially parallel to the surface ofthe user’s teeth when utilising the second brushing
motion, in particular when brushing the front or rear surface of the front teeth. Thus it is
desirable to ensure that the axle 646 is in a pre—determined location once the clutch 680 is
disengaged such as to initiate the second brushing motion. To this end the toothbrush 610 is
provided with positioning means which are partially defined by the tapered end 693 and the
notch 694. The positioning means further comprises a pin 697 which in use is fixed to the
inner surface of the exterior body or casing (not shown) of the toothbrush 610 within which
the first and second drive shafts 620, 622 will be housed during use. The pin 697 is located
slightly upstream ofthe tapered end 693 ofthe sleeve 686 when the clutch 680 is in the
engaged position. It will then be appreciated that as the sleeve 686 is drawn away from the
clutch plate 682 into the disengaged position, the tapered end 693 will contact the pin 697,
the two then acting like a cam and follower. Thus the sleeve 686 will be forced to rotate
around the pin 697 thus resulting in the corresponding rotation of the second drive shaft 622.
and thus the support 676 and the axle 646. The sleeve 686 will eventually rotate until the
notch 694 comes into register with and then receives the pin 697. This corresponds to the
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fully disengaged position ofthe clutch 680, which is then held in this position by the above-
mentioned retaining means (not shown). As the pin 697 is fixed relative to the exterior of
the toothbrush 610, once the clutch 680 has been fully disengaged, regardless of the initial
position ofthe second drive shaft 622 when the clutch 680 is first moved from the engaged
towards the disengaged position, the final position of the sleeve 686, and thus by association
the axle 646. will always be the same. This then provides the user with a point of reference
which indicates the direction in which the second brushing motion occurs. thereby allowing
the direction of the second brushing motion to be oriented as desired relative to the user’s
teeth. A simple indicia or the like may be provided on the exterior of the toothbrush body in
order to indicate this point of reference, or it may be oriented relative to a particular portion
ofthe toothbrush, for example a handle or switch (not shown) thereof.
It will be appreciated that, if necessary, a similar or functionally equivalent positioning
means may be employed with any ofthe other embodiments of the invention as described
herein.
Referring now to Figures 17 and 18 there is illustrated a sixth embodiment of a toothbrush
according to the present invention, generally indicated as 710. In this sixth embodiment like
components have been recorded like reference numerals, and unless otherwise stated will
perform a like function.
Only a portion of the toothbrush 710 is illustrated, showing a head 712 and drive means in
the form of drive shafts 720,722 housed within a support sleeve 724, which is not however
illustrated in Figure 17. The brush head 712 comprises first and second hemispherical head
sections 714, 716 which are provided with an array of bristles 728 thereon. The first drive
shaft 720 is located concentrically within the second drive shaft 722, which is itself located
concentrically within the support sleeve 724. Extending from the free end of the second
drive shaft 722 is an annular support 776 which corresponds in shape and dimension to the
edges of the hemispherical head sections 714, 716 and against which in use the edges ofthe
hemispherical head sections 714, 716 are engaged and rotatable on.
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Mounted to the free end of the first drive shaft 722 is a first bevel gear 742, while a meshing
second bevel gear 744 is mounted on an axle 746 on either free end of which is mounted
one ofthe hemispherical head sections 714, 716. In this way independent rotation of the
first drive shaft 722 will effect rotation of the hemispherical head sections 714. 716 about a
first axis corresponding to a longitudinal axis ofthe axle 746, with the annular support 776
acting as a bearing or bushing, in order to effect a first brushing motion. Similarly,
independent rotation of the second drive shaft 722 will effect rotation of the support 776
thus simultaneously rotating the hemispherical head sections 7l4, 716 about a second axis
corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the first and second drive shafts 720, 722, in order to
effect the second brushing motion. Unlike in the previous embodiments, the annular support
closes the channel between the hemispherical head sections 714, 716, thereby
preventing the ingress of any foreign material to the interior of the head 7l2.
The operation ofthe toothbrush 10,] I0, 210, 310, 510, 610, 7l0 may be controlled by any
suitable means. It can be fully manually controlled by having a four or eight point toggle
switch. The toothbrush 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 can also be semi automatically
controlled by having combined automatic and manual controls.
Nlanual four way switching provides convenient brushing directly off the gum in all
locations in the mouth. This may also provide convenient forward only tongue brushing.
The following is a table ofa sample switch actions model to rotate the brush head in a
particular plane and direction:
Direction Big
North clockwise vertical
South anticlockwise vertical
East clockwise horizontal
West anti clockwise horizontal
Manual eight way switching provides the same control as manual four way switching and in
addition can enable the modified bass method brushing action to be replicated. The
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following table shows a sample switch action model to rotate the brush head simultaneously
in particular planes and directions:
Switch Brush rotation action
l\'orthwest Clockwise in vertical plane and anticlockwise in horizontal plane
Northeast Clockwise in vertical plane and
clockwise in horizontal plane
Southwest Anti clockwise in vertical plane and
clockwise in horizontal plane
Southeast Anti clockwise in vertical plane and clockwise in hori7.ontal plane
Gravity switches can be used as the above mentioned positioning means to ensure the
direction of rotation in the vertical plane is selected automatically. This facilitates brushing
in the rearward face of the upper and lower front teeth as the brush head automatically
rotates in the appropriate direction when the device is oriented in suitable direction for
cleaning the rearward face of the upper or lower front teeth.
Manual or automatic switching can be selected by the user. For example, a switch can be
used to select automatic mode to disable a manual toggle switch. The user can then only
manually control clockwise or anti clockwise motion of the brush head in the horizontal
plane. This simplifies the use of the toothbrush 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 7l() for the
operator.
The brushing motion ofthe toothbrush 10,110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 can also be fully
automatically controllable. For example, brushing motion sequences can be stored in a
memory chip in the toothbrush 10.1 10, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710 and can be automatically
selected or manually selected by the user before brushing commences. For example, there
can be predetermined brushing sequences for brushing a child’s teeth, gums and tongue or
for brushing an adult’s teeth gums and tongue.
It will be appreciated that the driving mechanism can be any suitable mechanical layout
which affords the requisite properties and not necessarily as herein described.
It will be appreciated the toothbrush may be used for cleaning human, animals or other
creatures teeth, gums, tongue or any other part of the mouth. It will also be appreciated the
toothbrush may be employed for cleaning any other surface having the requisite properties.
The vertical plane is the plane through which the longitudinal axis of the brush axis passes
and horizontal planes lies perpendicular to this vertical plane. It will be appreciated that the
vertical and horizontal planes can be any other planes which are substantially perpendicular
to one another in which the toothbrush head may rotate.
It will also be appreciated that a drive to the head may be provided by any suitable means.
for example by using some form of hydraulic arrangement. In addition, the sleeve
connecting the body of the toothbrush to the head may be provided with a flexible or
deformable joint therein, in order to allow the head to be bent at an angle to the body of the
toothbrush.
Claims (5)
1. A toothbrush comprising a brush head; and drive means adapted to impart at least first and second independent brushing motions to the head.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 1 in which the head is substantially spherical.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 in which the head comprises two substantially hemispherical sections.
4. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim in which the head is rotatable about a first axis when undergoing the first brushing motion and independently about a second axis when undergoing the second brushing motion.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 4 in which the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IEIRELAND11/04/2007S2007/0256 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
IE20080277U1 IE20080277U1 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
IES85177Y1 true IES85177Y1 (en) | 2009-03-18 |
Family
ID=
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