MXPA06006627A - Modular electric toothbrushes - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric toothbrush having movable and static carriers which independently slidingly engage the receiving member of the toothbrush head within channels defined by the surfaces of the receiving member. Such carriers can be releasably removable to replace or exchange the carriers. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a receiving member located at the distal end of the toothbrush, and a static carrier such as a brush head tip which is secured thereto. The unitary housing reduces the number of components of the toothbrush and decreases manufacturing costs. The static and movable carriers may be replaced with other carriers and allows a consumer to individually tailor the brush to provide a particular brushing configuration. An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed. The assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism are such that operation of the brush is highly efficient and more economical than currently known toothbrushes. Specifically, an electric toothbrush is disclosed comprising a body, a head, and a neck extending therebetween. The head comprises a receiving member and several unique and preferred arrangements of static and movable carriers. The carriers can comprise bristles, and the static bristle carrier(s) can at least partially surround the collection of movable bristle carrier(s). A motor and drive train impart motion to the movable carrier(s).

Description

MODULAR ELECTRICAL DENTAL BRUSHES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electric toothbrushes, and more particularly to modular electric toothbrushes having interchangeable or replaceable components and high efficiency electric brushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrushes. More particularly, it relates to an improved electric brush with carriers of mobile and / or static, replaceable or interchangeable bristles. Although there are many different electric toothbrushes that offer different advantages and features, these features can increase the costs associated with the toothbrush and can be reflected in higher retail prices for the product. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an electric toothbrush that is relatively inexpensive to assemble and manufacture, but that provides the cleaning performance and toothbrush characteristics desired by the consumer. Electric toothbrushes are also known in which certain components of the brush can be exchanged or replaced with similar components of other toothbrushes or components sold separately. For example, toothbrushes having replaceable head and neck assemblies are known and at least a portion of the neck can be removed from the body of the toothbrush or its housing, and replaced with another head and neck assembly. The U.S. patent application no. 09 / 850,662 describes an electric toothbrush having a replaceable brush head. Although significant advantages can be gained by means of this modular system, the total dental brush head and neck assemblies are relatively expensive. In addition, sometimes a replacement of the total head and neck assembly is unnecessary when the bristles are only worn. Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative modular design for a toothbrush that can be designed for the particular needs of a consumer. For example, a consumer may change and / or replace a portion of the toothbrush head for a particular job, or if a portion of the toothbrush head has worn out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush comprising a handle at a first end of the toothbrush having a motor disposed therein; a neck extending from the handle comprising a receiving member at a second end of the toothbrush, wherein a plurality of carriers are coupled to the receiving element, and wherein the carriers comprise one or more static carrier (s) and one or more mobile carrier (s), and wherein one or more of the static carrier (s) and one or more mobile carrier (s) are independently slidably coupled to the receiving member of the toothbrush; and a drive shaft operatively connecting one or more mobile carrier (s) to the motor. The invention also relates to cases comprising the aforementioned electric toothbrush and one or more static carriers and one or more mobile carriers selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, brush head tip holders, carriers for toothbrush compositions, and oral care, and / or carriers of dental tools, and / or combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to an electric toothbrush with low energy consumption, comprising: a housing assembly including a brush head, a handle, and a neck extending between the brush head and the handle, the housing defines a hollow interior cavity; a mobile carrier of bristles disposed on the brush head; an engine that provides a driven rotary shaft, a drive gear attached to the shaft, and a power source in electrical communication with the motor and disposed in the hollow interior cavity, a crown gear rotatably supported in the hollow interior cavity and oriented so that the axis of rotation of the crown gear is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the motor and the driving gear, the crown gear is configured and engages the motor drive gear so that the crown gear completes one revolution for a number of one to three engine revolutions, the crown gear includes (i) a first cam member extending from a face of the crown gear, the first cam has a center offset from the axis of rotation of the crown gear and (ii) a second cam member extending from one face of the first cam member, the second cam member has a rotation axis coextensive with the axis of rotation of the crown gear; a drive shaft having a first end and a second opposite end, the first end engaging with the first cam member and the second cam member of the crown gear, and the second end engaging on the mobile bristle carrier; a first plurality of bristles retained on the mobile bristle carrier; a second plurality of stationary bristles retained on the brush head; wherein in operation of the motor, the crown gear rotates thereby imparting an alternative motion to the drive shaft and the mobile bristle carrier disposed on the brush head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention can be developed in various component and component arrangements, in various techniques, methods, or procedures and step arrangements. The reference figures are presented only for purposes of illustrating the embodiments, are not necessarily to scale, and should not be construed as limitations of the present invention.

The present invention is considered to be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of various types of bristles according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is another bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is another bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is yet another bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements according to the present invention. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a brush head according to the present invention. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another brush head according to the present invention. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another brush head according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another brush head according to the present invention. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a cam assembly according to the present invention. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another cam array according to the present invention. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a partial set of a toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 13 is a bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements according to the present invention. Fig. 14 is another bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements and illustrates a way of designating the locations of certain bristles according to the present invention. Fig. 15 is another bottom view of a toothbrush head showing a configuration of bristle arrangements according to the present invention. Fig. 16 is a bottom view of a brush head according to the present invention. Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the brush head shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a bottom view of another brush head according to the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a side view of the brush head shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 21 is a partial schematic perspective view of the dental brush illustrated in Fig. 20, which illustrates certain components and their assembly. Fig. 21a is a partial schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the toothbrush, made according to the present invention, which illustrates certain components and their assembly. Fig. 22 is a partial schematic perspective view illustrating the assembly of a brush toothbrush head shown in Figs. 21 and 22. Fig. 22a is a partial schematic perspective view illustrating the assembly of another embodiment of the toothbrush head. Fig. 23 is another schematic partial perspective view of the dental brush head of Fig. 22 illustrating further assembly of the components therein. Fig. 23a is another schematic partial perspective view of the toothbrush head of Fig. 22a illustrating further assembly of the components therein.

Fig. 24 is another schematic partial perspective view of the dental brush head of Figs. 22 and 23, which again illustrates the additional assembly of the components therein. Fig. 24a is another schematic partial perspective view of the dental brush head of Figs. 22a and 23a, which again illustrates the additional assembly of the components therein. Fig. 25 is a partial side elevational view of the brush toothbrush head illustrating a possible configuration of bristles according to the present invention. Fig. 25a is an end view of the static bristle carrier 1403. Fig. 26 is a view from the end of the toothbrush head taken along line 26-26 in Fig. 25. Fig. 26a is a view from the end of the mobile bristle carrier 1405. FIG. 27 is a partial side elevational view of a toothbrush head of the toothbrush illustrating another configuration of bristles in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 27a is a view from the end of the toothbrush of Fig. 21 prior to coupling the static and mobile bristle carriers. Fig. 28 is a view from the end of the toothbrush head shown in Fig. 27 taken along line 28-28.

Fig. 29 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush illustrating yet another preferred configuration of the bristles according to the present invention. Fig. 30 is an end view of the toothbrush head shown in Fig. 29 taken along line 30-30. Fig. 31 is an end view of the toothbrush head illustrating another configuration of bristles according to the present invention. Fig. 32 is an end view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention illustrating yet another configuration of bristles. Fig. 33 is an end view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 34 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 35 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 36 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles.

Fig. 37 is a partial side elevation view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 38 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 39 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 40 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 41 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 42 is a partial side elevation view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 43 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles.

Fig. 44 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 45 is a partial side elevational view of the toothbrush head according to the present invention, illustrating another configuration of bristles. Fig. 46 is a bottom plan view of a toothbrush head (without bristles) of the toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head illustrated in Fig. 46, taken through line 47-47. Fig. 48 is a partial schematic view of the toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 49 is a partial schematic view of the toothbrush according to the present invention. Fig. 50 is a perspective view of a portion of the drive mechanism according to the present invention. Fig. 51 is a side elevational view of the portion of the drive mechanism illustrated in Fig. 50. Fig. 52 is a perspective view of the brush head and neck of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 53 is a plan view of another brush head and the neck of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 54 is a plan view of yet another brush head and the neck of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 55 is a partially schematic view of a coupling assembly for converting rotational movement to reciprocating movement, preferably used in toothbrushes of the present invention. Fig. 56 is a planar top view of the gear of the assembly shown in Fig. 55. Fig. 57 is a side elevational view of the gear shown in Fig. 56. Fig. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly. of Fig. 55 illustrating the coupling between a drive shaft and the gear. Fig. 59 illustrates the underside of one end of the drive shaft of the assembly of Fig. 55. Fig. 60 is a planar top view of the assembly of Fig. 55 illustrating the operation of that assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on a finding that a significant cleaning efficiency results from a toothbrush using a combination of static bristles, and moving bristles that are driven. Preferably, the movable bristles move alternately when operated, and more preferably, the movable bristles move alternately in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. It is contemplated that the movable bristles may also move alternately in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Although reciprocation is the preferred type of movement for the mobile bristle carrier, the present invention encompasses other types of movement for the mobile bristle carrier. In all preferred embodiments described herein, the various moving bristles are all driven or transported by a single moving component. This is described in more detail in the present. The present invention is also based on the discovery of particular patterns or configurations for static bristles, in particular when used in conjunction with the set of mobile and driven bristles. In addition, the toothbrush of the present invention, which incorporates an alternately moving bristle mobile carrier and which is at least partially surrounded by a series of static bristles, is particularly suitable for large-scale manufacture. That is, the bristles of the various preferred embodiments described herein are relatively expensive to manufacture as a result of their simplicity and original structure. These and other aspects are described herein. The present invention is also based on a unique design for a unitary body or drive shaft for an electric toothbrush that incorporates an integral brush head and neck assembly. The one-piece body or housing considerably simplifies the assembly of the toothbrush and reduces manufacturing costs associated with the brush. The present invention also provides an original modular design for the brush head that allows the user to choose the bristles and / or elements for the brush head. This original modular design can be achieved by coupling one or more static carrier (s) and one or more mobile carriers (s) with a receiving member extending from the distal end of the toothbrush neck. A carrier is an element that is coupled to the recipient member and which may contain structures or compositions that interact with the tissue of the oral cavity and / or the teeth. The plurality of static and / or movable carriers may include, but are not limited to, bristle carriers, tip carriers of the brush head, elastomeric element carriers, carriers for oral care compositions, and carriers for dental tools, or any combination of these. The plurality of static and / or mobile carriers can be of many shapes and sizes, provided that the carriers can be coupled to the toothbrush receiving member. In one embodiment, the static carrier (s) may be a carrier for static bristles, and / or the mobile carrier (s) may be a carrier for moving bristles. The plurality of the carriers can be brush head tips. Holders of brush head tips may be located in the most distal portion of the toothbrush head. These brush head tips may constitute a relatively large portion of the brush head. Certain embodiments of the invention include these aforementioned elastomeric elements or flexible outwardly extending members that are disposed in the brush head. The static carrier and the movable carrier of the toothbrush head can also include elastomeric elements together with the bristles. The static portion and the movable portion may each include bristles and elastomeric elements, which are used to gently massage the user's gums during brushing. The elastomeric elements may be located at the perimeter of the static and movable portions or between the bristles of the static and movable portions of the brush head, and may be formed of any elastomeric material including, but not limited to, rubber. Elastomeric elements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in U.S. Pat. num. 5,987,688, and 5,735,011 which are incorporated herein by reference. The dental tool supported and / or transported by the carriers includes, but is not limited to, tools for massaging the gums, tools for cleaning with dental floss, polishing cups, toothpicks and rubber applicators. For example, elements and / or tools specifically designed to apply whitening agents to teeth can be used. An example of polishing cups includes, but is not limited to, those discussed in U.S. Pat. no. 5,930,860 incorporated herein by reference. In addition, arrangements of bristles that provide gum stimulation and interdental, as discussed in U.S. Pat. no. 5,926,897 incorporated herein by reference. Compositions for oral care include, but are not limited to, compositions arranged on / within a carrier or delivered by a carrier for the care or treatment of teeth or oral tissue, and / or compositions placed on / within a carrier that facilitates the treatment and / or care of teeth and oral tissue. Examples of oral care compositions include, but are not limited to, compositions for the control of dental tartar, dental bleaching compositions, abrasives, fluoride, and compositions for mouth feel such as flavoring. Examples of carriers for the composition for oral care include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,851, 551, and applications WO09413870A1, WO9804167A1, incorporated herein by reference. Before describing the various embodiments of the toothbrush of the invention, it is instructive to define the various types of movements that can be experienced by moving bristles. As used herein, the term "angular movement" refers to any angular displacement. "Linear motion" is a movement along a straight or substantially straight line or direction. "Mainly linear movement" is described below. "Curvilinear movement" is a movement that is not totally linear or totally angular but a combination of both (eg curvilinear). These movements can be constant or periodic. Constant movement refers to a movement that does not change in direction or trajectory (that is, it is unidirectional). Periodic movement refers to a movement that reverses direction or trajectory. The constant angular movement (ie a movement that extends through 360 degrees or more) that is substantially in the shape of a circle is referred to as a rotary motion. Periodic angular movement is a movement that extends through less than 360 degrees and is referred to as an oscillating movement. The curvilinear movements can also be constant (ie unidirectional) or periodic (that is, they reverse the direction). The periodic linear movement is known as "alternating". The movements described above may also occur along one or more axes of the bristle carrier. In addition, it is useful to define the term "static" bristles and the term "mobile" bristles. The term "static bristles" refers to bristles that are fixed or are static to the brush head or toothbrush body or other component thereof so that the bristles, and specifically the base of the bristles, do not move with respect to the bristle. toothbrush during its use. In other words, the static bristles refer to the bristles that are fixed to the brush so that its base or attachment point does not move with respect to the toothbrush, and the static bristles are not functionally connected to the drive shaft. The static bristles can be fixed to a static carrier. One or more carriers of static bristles can then be coupled to the toothbrush receiving member to form the toothbrush head. Although these carriers and the bristles disposed therein are static, it is recognized that the ends of the bristles or the distal regions from the basis of a sow or group of bristles can move as a result of the bending of the sow, but the base of the Static bristle does not move with respect to the toothbrush. In addition, the static carrier on which the bristles can be disposed can be slid off from the toothbrush. In this way the user can replace and / or exchange the static carriers as required. Any movement of the bristles does not result from a functional connection to the drive shaft and / or the motor, unlike the moving bristles, which do not move as a result of a functional connection to the drive shaft. The term "mobile bristle" refers to a bristle in which the base of the bristle moves with respect to the toothbrush, and preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis of the brush. In general, this configuration is achieved by fixing or supporting the base of the bristle to a mounting component, such as a carrier that is movable with respect to the brush. The one or more carrier (s) of movable bristles can then be coupled to the toothbrush receiving member to complete the formation of the toothbrush head. In other words, a movable bristle is a bristle that is movable, and preferably moves in a sliding manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the brush as a result of a functional connection with the drive shaft. The original modular design of the toothbrush of the invention can be achieved by the unique structure of the brush head. As used herein, the phrase "toothbrush head" comprises one or more mobile carrier (s), and the receiving member. The one or more static carrier (s) and the one or more mobile carrier (s) are coupled to the toothbrush via a receiving member. The receiving member is located at the distal end of the neck of the toothbrush and retains the carriers. The recipient member may be provided with bristles, or the receiving member may be devoid of bristles. In any case, the toothbrush head can be formed by slidably coupling the one or more static carrier (s) and the one or more mobile carrier (s) to the receiving member. In one embodiment the static carrier engages the receiver member, and can substantially surround the mobile carrier. In another embodiment a plurality of static carriers is coupled to the receiver member, so that when the plurality is coupled, the static carriers can substantially surround the mobile carrier. Embodiments of the modular design of the present invention include toothbrushes wherein the one or more static carrier (s) and the one or more mobile carrier (s) comprise bristles. The one or more static carrier (s) of bristles and the one or more mobile carrier (s) of bristles independently, slidably engage the receptor member, located at the distal end of the neck of the toothbrush. . This receiver member can provide support for the one or more static carrier (s) of bristles and the one or more mobile carrier (s) of bristles. In addition, other carriers can be coupled to the toothbrush-receiving member including, but not limited to, dental tool carriers, elastomeric element carriers, carriers for oral care compositions, and / or combinations thereof.

With reference to Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of toothbrush 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 10 comprises a body 30, a head 20 and a neck 40 that extends between the body 30 and the head 20. The head 20 defines a more distal end 22. The head 20 and the neck 40 extend generally to along a longitudinal axis illustrated in Figure 1 as the axis L. Arranged along the head 20 is a plurality of static bristles 60 and a collection of internally arranged bristles 50 which are movable as described herein. The mobile bristles 50 are supported on and retained by a mobile bristle carrier. The mobile bristle carrier can undergo a variety of movements as described above. Figures 2-5 and 13 illustrate various configurations for the arrangement of the static bristles and the mobile bristles according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the toothbrush 10 shown in Fig. 1 and its head 20. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the static bristles 60 generally extend completely around the collection of the mobile bristles 50. The mobile bristles 50 are arranged and located on a mobile bristle carrier 52. The bristle carrier 52 is preferably movable between two positions shown in Fig. 2 as the position A and the position B. Preferably, the bristle carrier 52 can be moved back and forth between the position A, in which the bristle carrier 52 is near the most distal end 22 of the brush head 20, and the position B shown in Fig. 2 by interrupted lines. More preferably, the direction of movement of the bristle carrier 52 as it alternates between the positions A and B is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head 20 and the neck (not shown in Fig. 2) as indicated in Fig. 1 as the axis L. Fig. 3 illustrates another arrangement of bristles along the brush head 120 of a toothbrush 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of static bristles 160 extends substantially around the periphery or the perimeter of a collection of moving bristles 150. The mobile bristles 150 are supported and retained along a mobile bristle carrier 152. The carrier of bristles 152 is movable between the two positions A and B shown in Fig. 3. In this preferred configuration, the region 125 along the brush head 120 does not contain bristles, or static bristles or moving bristles of any kind. As described above with respect to Fig. 2, the bristle carrier 152, and thus the movable bristles 150, can preferably move alternately between the positions A and B. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the position A it is proximate the most distal end 122 of the brush head 120. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush head 220 of a toothbrush 200 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a collection of static bristles 260 are located in opposite regions of the brush head 220 around a collection of moving bristles 250. The mobile bristles 250 are supported and retained along a mobile bristle carrier 252. The carrier Bristle mobile 252 is movable between position A and position B as shown in Fig. 4. It will be noted that two regions are defined between the collection of static bristles 260, which do not contain bristles of any kind. These regions are referred to in Fig. 4 regions 227, 229. As noted above with respect to Fig. 2, the bristle carrier 252, and thus the mobile bristles 250, can preferably move alternately between positions A and B The position A is near the most distal end 222 of the brush head 220. FIG. 5 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush head 320 of a toothbrush 300 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a collection of static bristles 360 extends only partially around a collection of mobile bristles 350 supported and retained on a mobile bristle carrier 352. The bristle mobile carrier 352 is movable between two positions shown in FIG. 5 as the positions A and B. It will be noted that the regions 329, 327, 325 are defined around the periphery of the collection of moving bristles 350. These regions do not contain bristles of any kind, and particularly do not contain static bristles 360 of any kind. As noted above with respect to Fig. 2, the bristle carrier 352 and thus, the movable bristles 350, preferably can move alternately between the positions A and B. The position A is near the most distal end 322 of the head of brush 320. Fig. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush head 920 of a toothbrush 900 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a collection of static bristles 960 are located in the opposite regions of the brush head 220 around a collection of mobile bristles 950. Specifically, the static bristles 960 are located along the sides of the brush head 920. The regions 925 and 927 are defined between the groups of static bristles, and preferably as shown in Fig. 13. The mobile bristles 950 are supported and retained along a mobile bristle carrier 952. The mobile bristle carrier 952 it is movable between the position A and the position B, as shown in Fig. 13. As indicated above with respect to Fig. 2, the bristle carrier 952 and thus, the mobile bristles 950, can preferably be moved alternately between the positions A and B. The position A is near the most distal end 922 of the brush head 920. It may be noted that the preferred configurations of the bristles are based on the mobile bridges generally located within an intermediate region or the interior of the brush head, and static bristles that at least partially surround the mobile bristles arranged in an intermediate manner. This is explained in more detail in the present. For certain applications, it is preferred that the static bristles surround 100% of the perimeter or the periphery of the collection of mobile bristles. In other applications, it is preferred that the static bristles surround or extend along between about 75% and 100% of the perimeter of the mobile bristles. In still other applications, it is preferred that the static bristles extend over between about 50% and 75% of the perimeter of the mobile bristles. In other applications, it is preferred that the static bristles extend over between about 25% and 50% of the perimeter of the mobile bristles. Further in other applications, it may be preferred that the static bristles extend less than 25% around the perimeter of the moving bristles. As noted above, the static bristles preferably extend along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the collection of moving bristles. It is not necessary for certain embodiments that the static bristles extend continuously around the periphery of the assembly of the movable bristles. That is, the present invention encompasses configurations of bristles in which the static bristles extend intermittently along or around the outer periphery of the collection of moving bristles. The terms "surrounding (or encircling) completely", "substantially encircling (or encircling)", and "partially surrounding (or encircling)" as used herein refer to particular configurations of static bristles and their location relative with respect to the mobile bristles. The term "completely encircle" refers to a configuration in which the static bristles completely surround, or are located completely around, the perimeter of the mobile bristles. It will be understood that when it is described that the static bristles surround or extend along the perimeter or portion thereof of the mobile bristles, there may be tiny or very small spaces between the individual bristles or groups of bristles. These spaces are around only 1 to 10 diameters of a typical sow. The term "substantially encircle" refers to a configuration in which the static bristles extend along at least 80% of the perimeter of the mobile bristles. Specifically, substantially encircling includes configurations in which the static bristles extend over 80% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the perimeter of the mobile bristles. The term "partially encircling" refers to a configuration in which the static bristles extend along a portion of the perimeter of the mobile bristles, and preferably, extend along a portion that is less than 80% the distance along the perimeter. The term "partially encircle" refers to a configuration in which static bristles partially surround, and do not completely or completely surround the mobile bristles. As mentioned above, the mobile bristle carrier can experience a wide variety of movements. For example, the mobile bristle carrier may experience angular movement, linear movement, or curvilinear movement. The movement of the bristle carrier can be constant or periodic. In general, the preferred movement for the mobile bristle carrier is a period or alternating linear movement. The mobile bristle carrier can be in a variety of shapes and dimensions. The preferred form for the mobile bristle carrier is oval, as generally shown in the figures mentioned, as in Figs. 2-5.

It is generally preferred that the mobile bristle carrier be of elongated shape, more preferably oval, and more preferably, have proportions according to certain length-to-width ratio ranges of dimensions. More preferably, the mobile bristle carrier is in the shape of an oval and has a length (as measured along a major axis of its oval shape) to width (as measured along a minor axis of its oval shape) from about 4: 1 to about 1.2: 1. The width of the mobile bristle carrier (again, as measured along a minor axis of its oval shape) reaches the width of the brush head, at that point along the brush head. For those embodiments of the present invention in which the bristle carrier is oval in shape, and in which the bristle carrier moves in reciprocating motion, the carrier is oriented so that the movement occurs generally parallel to the main axis of the bristle. the oval shape. Preferably, the width of the mobile bristle carrier is from about 50% to about 90% of the width of the brush head, and more preferably from about 60% to about 80%. Referring to Figure 6, another preferred embodiment of a head 420 for a toothbrush 400 will now be described. The head 420 includes an inner bristle carrier 452 that is slidably mounted in defined slots along the head 420. The inner bristle carrier 452 supports and retains a plurality of the movable bristles 450. The inner bristle carrier 452 is driven in an alternating motion in the same general longitudinal direction as the longitudinal axis of the head 420. The inner bristle carrier 452 and the bristles 450 are preferably at least partially surrounded by a series of static bristles as shown in Fig. 6 by interrupted lines. The toothbrush 400 includes an electric motor (not shown) and a drive mechanism, the drive shaft of which is illustrated in FIG. 6 as the shaft 460. A cam 470 coupled with the shaft 460 functionally interconnects the shaft 460 with the carrier inner of bristles 452. Optionally, shaft 460 may be supported by shaft supports 465. Shaft supports 465 may include C-shaped or U-shaped portions (not shown) receiving shaft 460. Other means for retaining the shaft 460 on a stand are known in the industry. Cam 470 may comprise a bead or shaped element, with an appropriate eccentric configuration, placed or molded on top of and firmly fixed to shaft 460. In one arrangement, cam 470 is cylindrical in shape with a pair of acute angled surfaces 472, 473 which are in the same direction and at the same angle of inclination, but which are arranged at opposite ends of the cam 470. In other words, the angled surfaces 472, 473 are the surfaces resulting from a diagonal cut through the cylinder of cam 470. The inclination direction and the angle of inclination can be varied as desired to change the frequency and stroke of the inner bristle carrier 452. First and second cam followers 454, 456 are provided which are fixed to or extend from the bottom 453 of the bristle carrier 452. The bristle rollers 454, 456 are offset or spaced from one another so that the cam 470 is disposed between the bristle rollers 454, 456 which ride and / or capture the cam 470. The angled surfaces 472, 473 of the cam 470 are slidably coupled to the free ends of the bristle rollers 454, 456. As the 460 rotates, the first acute angled surface 472 of the cam 470 comes into contact with a surface of the first cam roller 454 and drives the cam roller, and thus the inner bristle carrier 452, away from the end 422 in one direction generally the same as the direction of the longitudinal axis of the head 420. The inner bristle carrier 452 is guided by the longitudinally extending slots. As the 460 axis continues to rotate, the cam 470 is uncoupled from the first cam roller 454. The second acute angled surface 473 of the cam 470 then comes into contact with a surface of the second cam roller 456 and drives the second cam roller 456 and hence the inner bristle carrier 452 back toward end 422 of head 420. With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, another embodiment of a toothbrush head 520 suitable for use with an electric toothbrush 500 will now be described. The head 520 includes an inner bristle carrier 552 that is slidably mounted in grooves (not shown) defined in FIG. the head 520. The inner bristle carrier 552 supports and retains a plurality of bristles 550. The inner bristle carrier 552 is reciprocated in the same general longitudinal direction as the longitudinal axis of the head 520. The toothbrush 500 includes a motor (not shown) and a drive including a rotating drive shaft 560. The head 520 extends from a neck 540 and has a distal end 522. A cam 570 included on the shaft 560 functionally interconnects the shaft 560 with the carrier inner of bristles 552. Optionally, shaft 560 may be supported by shaft supports 565. Shaft supports 565 may include C- or U-shaped portions (not shown) receiving the shaft 560. Other means for retaining the shaft 560 on a support are known in the industry. Cam 570 is provided in the form of a plurality of bends 572, 573 on shaft 560. The bends are of nature are sinusoidal or curvilinear in that each bend has one or more adjacent arcuate portions. The turns each have an apex and the apexes are disposed on opposite sides of the shaft 560. A hemispherically formed cam roller 554 is dependent on a lower surface 553 of the inner bristle carrier 552 and is disposed between the apices of the cam 570. A As the shaft 560 rotates, a surface 576 of the cam 570 comes into contact with a first surface 555 of the cam roller 554 and drives the cam roller 554 and hence the inner carrier of bristles 552, away from the end 522 in a longitudinal direction generally equal to the longitudinal axis of the head 520. As the shaft 560 continues to rotate, the cam surface 576 disengages from the first surface of the cam roller 555. As shown in Fig. 8, the surface of cam 576 then comes into contact with a second surface 556 of cam roller 554 and drives cam roller 554, and therefore inner carrier of bristles 552 back toward end 522. The movement The length of the bristle carrier 552 can be varied by changing the spacing between the apices 572, 573 and / or the amplitude, shape, or height of the apices 572, 573, the length and inclination of the cam surface 576, and the inclination of the surfaces 555, 556 of the cam roller 554. With reference to Fig. 9, another embodiment of a toothbrush head 620 for an electric toothbrush 600 will now be described. The head 620 includes an inner bristle carrier 652 which is slidably mounted in slots (not shown) defined in the head 620. The head 620 includes a distal end 622. The inner bristle carrier 652 supports and retains a plurality of bristles 650. The inner bristle carrier 652 is driven in an alternating motion in the same general longitudinal direction as the longitudinal axis of the head 620. The toothbrush 600 includes a motor (not shown) and a drive mechanism that includes a rotary drive shaft 660. A cam 670 included on shaft 660 functionally interconnects shaft 660 with inner bristle carrier 652. Optionally, shaft 660 may be supported by shaft holders 665. Shaft holders 665 may include C- or U-shaped portions ( not shown) receiving the shaft 660. Other means for retaining the shaft 660 on a support are known in the industry. The cam 670 is provided in the form of a cylindrical component 674 positioned or molded on and fixed firmly to the shaft 660. As shown in Fig. 10, the cam 670 includes a spiral groove or propeller 672 defined along the outer surface of the cylindrical component 674. The spiral groove or propeller 672 preferably extends around the circumference of the component 674 and spirals about an axis of the component 674 which can, for example, coincide with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 660. The stroke and frequency of the movement imparted to a cam roller 654 (shown in Figs 9 and 10) by the cam 670 can be vary by changing the shape and dimensions of the slot 672. For example the slot 672 defined in the component 674 would provide a full stroke of the inner bristle carrier 652 (ie a cycle away from and back towards the end of the head 622) to a revolution of the 660 axis.

Fig. 11 illustrates an alternating cam 770 having a helical groove 772 which is provided in the form of an eight. This would provide only half a stroke (ie a translation only towards or away from the end of the brush head) for a revolution of the shaft 760. A cam roller 754 is disposed in the slot 772 and is coupled to a mobile carrier sows Returning to Figures 9 and 10, a cam roller 654 is dependent on a lower surface 653 of the inner bristle carrier 652. The cam roller 654 is slidably received within the slot 672. As the shaft 660 rotates, a first surface 675 of the spiral groove 672, such as a side wall thereof, comes into contact with a first surface of the cam roller 654 and drives the cam roller 654 and hence the inner bristle carrier 652, away from the end 622 of the brush head 620, in a longitudinal direction generally equal to the longitudinal axis of the head 620. As the shaft 660 continues to rotate, the cam roller 654 reaches an apex of the spiral slot 672 and the first surface 675 of the The spiral groove 672 is disengaged from the cam roller 654. A second surface 676 of the groove 672, such as the opposite side wall of the groove 672, then comes into contact with the cam roller 654 and drives the cam roller. cam 674, and therefore, the inner bristle carrier 652, back toward the end 622 of the brush head 620. The various reciprocating bristle carriers described herein may also use a drive mechanism that provides a rotating shaft . In addition, it will be understood that other reciprocating or rotating motion motor and shaft arrangements can be substituted. For example, U.S. Pat. num. 5,226,206; 5,524,312; 5,383,242; 5,465,444; 5,504,959; 5,836,030; 4,845,795; 5,404,608; 5,359,747; and 5,617,601, the essence of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe other alternate motion motor and shaft arrangements that could be suitable. In addition, the electric toothbrush of Fig. 9 could be replaced with a replaceable head. A suitable arrangement which can be adapted to the present invention is described in U.S. patent application Ser. no. series 09 / 850,662, filed on May 7, 2001, the essence of which is incorporated herein by reference. Likewise, the driving mechanisms described in the U.S. patent applications. num. of series 10 / 114,780 filed on April 3, 2002; and 10 / 128,018 filed on April 22, 2002, which are incorporated by reference herein, are also contemplated for use in conjunction with the present invention. Another preferred embodiment of a toothbrush using a reciprocating drive shaft is illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 illustrates an electric toothbrush 800 comprising a toothbrush head 820, a body or handle 830, and a toothbrush. elongated neck 840 extended between them. The transmission, which includes several axes and gears that transmit movement from an engine to an inner bristle carrier 852, is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,178,579, the essence of which is incorporated herein by reference. Handle 830 is hollow and includes a motor 802 and batteries (not shown) to activate the motor. In an embodiment of the invention the toothbrush comprises a power source of a battery. In another embodiment of the invention the toothbrush comprises a power source of two batteries. A rechargeable power source can be replaced by batteries. The batteries can be connected to the motor via a wire, a metal strip, a direct contact, and / or any combination of these. The head 820 has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The longitudinal axis extends in the same general longitudinal direction as a longitudinal axis of the shaft 860. The inner bristle carrier 852 is disposed along the head 820, wherein the end 822 is at the most distal point of the head 820. Although the inner bristle carrier 852 is preferably oval in shape, other shapes may be used. Further, although the inner bristle carrier 852 is disposed proximate the end 822 of the head 820, it will be understood that the carrier 852 can be disposed away from the end 822 and other features such as static bristles can be disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner bristle carrier 852. In this embodiment, the inner bristle carrier 852 only moves alternately and does not oscillate, or perform any other rotational or oscillating movement. A first gear 804 is functionally connected to and driven by the motor 802. A second gear 806 is functionally connected to the first gear 804. The rotary axis of the second gear 806 is approximately normal to the rotary axis of the first gear 804 so that the teeth of the first gear 804 engage the teeth of the second gear 806, thereby causing the second gear 806 to rotate as the first gear 804 rotates. A first arm 808 is connected eccentrically and pivotally to the second gear 806 by means of a pin 810 or other fastening device. Due to the eccentric connection, the rotational movement of the second gear 806 becomes an alternate movement of the first arm 808. A second arm 812 is rotatably connected to the first arm 808 via a pin 814 or other fastening device. The shaft 860 is fixed, as by a snap fit, to the second arm 812. The shaft 860 is housed at least partially within the neck 840. The shaft 860 is also coupled with a third arm 816. The third arm 816 is connected in its terminal end to the inner bristle carrier 852 via a pin 818 or other fastening device. The terminal end of the third arm 816 is displaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft 860 so that it is clamped adjacent the outer periphery of the inner bristle carrier 852. This displacement arrangement converts the reciprocating movement of the third arm 816 into an reciprocating movement of the third arm 816. inner bristle carrier 852, wherein the inner bristle carrier 852 oscillates about an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of shaft 860. Although various brush head embodiments of the present invention with tufts or groups of bristles have been illustrated for simplicity. extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head from which they extend, it is contemplated that the bristles could be arranged differently to supplement or further improve the static bristles or the movement of the moving bristles. Some or all of the bristles may extend in a direction that forms an acute angle with an upper surface of a bristle carrier, and may extend in a forward or backward direction. In another embodiment, some of the bristles could extend outwardly away from the head, in another direction, again forming an acute angle in relation to the upper surface of the bristle carrier. Elastomeric elements or massaging bristles or bristles of variable heights could also be used, as described in U.S. Pat. num. Des. 330.286, and Des. 434,563, the content of which is considered incorporated herein by reference. Other preferred sow arrangements suitable for use include those arrangements described in whole or in part in U.S. Pat. num. 6,006,394; 4.081, 876; 5,046,213; 5,335,389; 5,392,483; 5,446,940; 4,894,880; and International Publication No., WO99 / 23910; the essence of which are incorporated herein as a reference. The electric toothbrushes of the present invention can be provided with any combination of types of elastomeric bristles or tips, dimensions, combinations, angles and arrangements. The tufts of bristles can alternate in height. By "tuft" in the present invention, it is meant a set of one or more bristles attached to the brush at a common point. In one embodiment a plurality of tall tufts and a plurality of short tufts are disposed along the brush head. The difference in length between the tall tufts and the short tufts is from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm in one embodiment and from about 1 mm to about 2 mm in other embodiments. The tufts of tall and short bristles can be provided with different characteristics. For example, high bristle tufts may be relatively soft for gentle cleaning and massaging of a user's gums while shorter bristle tufts may be a little firmer for interdental cleaning (or vice versa). This arrangement allows the longer (and usually softer) bristles to be pressed, bent and deflected against the user's gums before the shorter (and usually firmer) bristles contact the user's teeth and gums. Therefore, for example, soft bristles can be applied with more force while stiffer (and perhaps less comfortable) bristles are applied with less force. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a configuration of bristles in which the mobile bristles, ie those supported and fixed to the mobile bristle carrier, have a total length of bristles that is less than the length of the static bristles that they surround at least partially or extend to the side of the mobile carrier of bristles and the bristles fixed thereto. Another variation of this preferred configuration of bristles has a mobile bristle carrier that is slightly raised above the outer surface of the bristle so that the distal ends of the movable bristles are approximately at the same height as the longer statically bristles that are extend from the outer surface of the head. In general, using mobile bristles having a relatively short length, the distance or the stroke of the mobile bristle carrier (when undergoing reciprocating movement) is less than if longer bristles were used. A shorter blow usually results in a reduction in energy requirements. This is beneficial since then the energy demand is reduced, which can further promote the ease of manufacturing and marketing the resulting toothbrush. In addition, using relatively short bristles for the mobile bristles, and longer bristles for the static bristles, a greater proportion of the brushing load is assumed by the static bristles. This also reduces the energy demands on the motor and transmission mechanism of the toothbrush. The stiffness of the bristles is also a parameter that has been found to affect the brushing efficiency, the energy requirements of the preferred toothbrushes described herein, and the overall performance of the toothbrush. It is particularly important to consider this parameter with respect to the length or height of the bristles. For example for certain applications, it is preferred to use relatively stiffer and shorter bristles in the movable component of the brush head to reduce the amount of displacement by the toothbrush component. The sows, collectively, have a stiffness of the sow which can be characterized numerically by the following equation: D2E N Rigidity of Sows = X2 1 x 10 * where: D = diameter of the bristle, in inches E = modulus of elasticity of the bristle material when wet, eg for nylon, this is a constant, 3171 MPa (460,000 psi) X = average length of bristle along the brush head in cm (inches) N = total number of bristles in the brush head The stiffness of the bristles for the brushes of the present invention, as determined by the aforementioned equation, preferably ranges from about 0.2 to about 0.8. However, the electric toothbrushes of the present invention can utilize bristles having stiffness values outside this preferred scale. Initial calculation of stiffness D2E X2 for an individual sow is a measure of the pressure produced by the minimum force required to deflect a single sow according to the publication The Stiffness of Toothbrushes (The rigidity of toothbrushes), D.W. MacFarlane, Brit. Dent. Jour., October 5, 1945, which is incorporated herein by reference. The rigidity of the bristles is obtained by multiplying this individual value of the stiffness of the bristle by the total number of bristles on the brush head. The 1x106 factor used in the denominator of the above equation is an arbitrarily selected constant which reduces the total value of the stiffness of the sow to reasonably small numbers to facilitate comparison. A detailed discussion of the rigidity of the bristles is presented in U.S. Pat. no. 5.511, 275, incorporated by reference herein. It can be seen from the equation noted above that in general, stiffness can be increased by increasing the number of sows. Applying this equation to this individual tuft of bristles suggests that the stiffness of an individual tuft of bristles can be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of bristles within the tuft, i.e. the density of the tuft. This technique can be used to easily provide a brush configuration of the brush head that has original features and selectively adjusted brushing. Another aspect of the toothbrushes of the preferred embodiment described herein relates to the density of the bristles or tufts and in particular, in combination with the size and material of the bristles. The bristles for use herein can be made by any of the materials well known in the industry. Suitable materials of the bristles herein include polyester and nylon such as Dupont Tynex7 612 and StyIon7 612 from STP. Suitable types of nylon include, but are not limited to, Nylon 6/6, Nylon 10/10, and Nylon 12/12. The bristles are preferably of a circular cross section, but may also be other cross sections including, but not limited to, rectangular, hexagonal and trilocular. In addition, the diameter and length of the bristles can vary within the usual dimensions known to a person experienced in the industry. In particular embodiments the bristles have a cross section with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.25 mm and a length of 7 to 15 mm, preferably 9 to 12 mm, with each strand comprising from about 10 to about 50 bristles. The total number of bristles in the head portion of the brushes of the present invention is preferably from about 1200 to about 5000, and even more preferably from about 1600 to about 3500. In these embodiments, each tuft is generally circular with a diameter from about 1 to about 2 mm. It is also contemplated to use bristles and / or tufts of bristles having different diameters or spaces together in a brush head. The attachment of the bristle tufts to the brush head can be done using any method known in the industry, such as melting, stapling and injection molding. The preferred processes herein are stapling and melting. Each strand has a base and a free end; the free ends of the tufts form the work surface which is used to clean the teeth. As used herein, the "base" of the tuft is that part of the tuft that joins the face of the brush head or the mobile bristle carrier. It will be understood that a portion of the tuft extends below the base into the brush head or carrier, for the purpose of anchoring the tuft within the head or carrier. It is preferred that the head comprises pre-molded tuft holes for the purpose of accommodating that portion of the tuft in this manner. The holes of the tufts may be of any cross section including square and rectangular, but preferably circular. Its depth and diameter will be chosen by a person with ordinary experience in the industry to adapt to the tufts to be inserted in them. The bristles that are introduced into a common tuft hole are considered to be fixed at a common point and are part of the same tuft. The length of the brush head is measured along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush and, in general, from the distal end of the brush head to a location on the head, touching exactly the bundle or row of closest bunches to the handle at the points of its base closest to the handle. In general, this length of the brush head varies from about 15 to about 35 mm, and preferably from about 20 to about 30 mm. The total length of the toothbrush is measured along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush and generally from the distal end of the toothbrush head to the proximal end of the toothbrush handle, including the end cap. In general this toothbrush length is greater than about 10 cm, about 12 cm, about 14 cm, about 16 cm, about 18 cm, and / or less than about 20 cm, about 22 cm, about 24 cm, about 26 cm . It is preferred that the density of the bristles or the tuft in the mobile bristle carrier be greater than the density of the bristles of the groups or regions of the static bristles. The present invention also provides several particularly preferred configurations of static bristles. Preferred configurations use a specific number of rows in designated regions of the brush head. It has been found that these preferred configurations provide a reduced load and wear on the bristles that are disposed within the interior of the brush head, and in particular, the bristles that are not supported on and by a mobile bristle carrier. FIG. 14 illustrates a preferred configuration for a group of static bristles disposed on a brush head 1020 of a toothbrush 1000. In this particular configuration, at least a single row of bristles surrounds or substantially surrounds the interior region of the brush head. , that is, the place where the brush head is placed. Specifically, the various preferred configurations for the static bristles 1060 can be conveniently described by referring to various regions of the brush head as sectors, and describing the preferred arrangements of static bristles in each of these sectors. Fig. 14 illustrates a brush head 1020 having a sector located at the center C (within which resides a mobile bristle carrier), i.e. surrounded by sectors D, E, F, and G. Sectors D and E are defined along the lateral and opposite sides of the brush head. Specifically, the sector D is located between a first side 1031 of the brush head and the sector C. The sector E is located between a second side 1033 of the brush head and sector C. The sector F is located between the first and the second side 1031 and 1033 of the brush head 1020, and a more distal tip or end 1022 of the brush head 1020 and sector C. The sector G is defined between the first and second side 1031 and 1033 of the brush head 1020, and sector C and a neck 1040. Each sector in which the bristles may be located may contain a number of rows of static bristles, as follows. Before dealing with the number of rows that each sector preferably contains, it is instructive to define what a "row" of static bristles means. A row of bristles is defined herein as a series or group of bristles that extends generally along a line or in a certain direction. The rows in sector D preferably extend in a direction that is generally parallel with side 1031. Likewise, the rows in sector E preferably extend in a direction that is generally parallel with side 1033. The rows in sector F They can be extended in several ways as follows. The rows in sector F may extend along an arc or other curved line that generally follows the curvature of sides 1031 and 1033, as the sides approach the distal end 1022 of brush head 1020. As an alternative, the rows in the sector F can extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush head 1020 and the neck 1040. This last preferred configuration of rows is shown in Fig. 14. The rows in sector G can be extended along an arch or other curved line; such as extending along a line that follows the outer periphery of sector C. Alternatively, the rows in sector G may extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of brush head 1020 and neck 1040. The last preferred configuration of the rows in sector G is shown in Fig. 14, and these rows are preferably parallel to the rows in sector F. The preferred number of rows of static bristles in sectors D, E, F, and G varies from 0 to 4 or more. However, certain preferred combinations of rows are particularly preferred according to the present invention. These particularly preferred combinations are set forth in Table 1: TABLE 1 Preferred configurations for rows of static bristles Fig. 13, as noted above, illustrates a preferred configuration for static and mobile bristles. In this configuration, the rows of static bristles are located along opposite sides of the mobile bristle carrier. Within each row there are groups or tufts of bristles. Preferably, the number of rows of bristles along each side of the bristle carrier varies from 1 to 6. More preferably, the number of rows on each side of the bristle mobile carrier is 1 or 2-6. Figure 15 illustrates one of the preferred static bristle configurations observed in Table 1 (bristle configuration identifier A). Specifically, Fig. 15 depicts a bristle head 1120 of a toothbrush 1100 having a plurality of static bristles 1160 disposed in a predetermined number and combination of rows. It will be understood that although the rows shown in Fig. 15 are shown generally straight or linear, particularly in sectors F and G, the rows may follow the shape or curvature of the outer periphery of the brush head 1120, such as extending to along a portion of the sides 1131 and 1133. Within each bundle sector, the distance between the bases of neighboring bundles is less than 1.3 mm, preferably 0.6 to 1.2 mm and more preferably 0.8 to 1.1 mm. The distances between the bases of the tufts, as mentioned herein, are measured from the edge of the tuft to the tuft edge along a straight line drawn between the tuft centers along the face carrying the bristles. The distances between the free ends of the tufts, as mentioned herein, are measured from a tuft edge to a tuft edge along a straight line drawn between the centers of the tufts, parallel to the surface that carries the bristles, from the free end of the shorter strand. Unless specifically defined otherwise, the distances between locks refers to the distances between neighboring tufts. By "neighbor lock" we mean the closest nearby lock. The distance between the bases of neighboring tufts in adjacent groups, ie measured along the space between the groups, ranges from about 1.3 mm to about 5 mm, preferably from about 1.5 to about 3.5 mm, more preferably from about 1.7. to approximately 3 mm. There may be some variation along individual pairs of tufts, but all pairs, where the members of each pair are in different groups, will be at least 1.3 mm apart at their bases. By having a relatively large distance between the bundles in adjacent groups, bundle groups can function independently of one another. That is, the tufts of a group do not substantially obstruct the tufts of an adjacent group. This allows the fists on the margins of the groups, in particular, to penetrate better into the interproximal spaces and other crevices. However, a relatively high total density of the tufts on the brush head is maintained by the relatively small distance between the tufts within the groups. This, in particular, provides good coverage of the bristles on the individual surfaces of the tooth. The parameters and additional aspects of the bristles and bunches are described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,314,605 which is incorporated herein by reference. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 16 and 17, which uses one or more elastomeric elements. The head of an electric toothbrush is illustrated as described herein. The remaining portion of the brush, including the handle, the motor, etc. it is the same as described for any of the embodiments described above. As shown in Fig. 16, a head 1216 includes a longitudinal axis L, a circular or movable portion of the brush head 1220 and a static portion or region 1222. The head 1216 is located adjacent the first end 1228 of an elongated portion of the body. The static portion or portions 1222 are located on opposite sides of the movable portion 1220. The movable portion 1220 is located in the center of the brush head 1216. The circular portion 1220 rotates, rocks, swings or moves alternately about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis L of the brush head. The circular portion 1220 can rotate 360 degrees or it can rotate partially or oscillate or alternately move forward and backward. The mobile portion 1220 includes the bristles 1224 and the elastomeric elements 1225. The static portion 1222 includes the bristles 1226 and the elastomeric elements 1227. The elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 massage the gums while the user brushes their teeth simultaneously. The elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 can be made of rubber, soft plastic or a similar material. The elastomeric elements are preferably formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 extend essentially perpendicular from the head 1216, as measured along the longitudinal axis L. In the preferred embodiment the elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 are located around the perimeter of the circular portion 1220 and the static portion 1222, however it should be understood that the elastomeric elements may be located anywhere between the bristles of the movable portion 1220 and the static portion 1222. The length of the elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 is approximately equal to the length of the bristles 1224 , 1226. The elastomeric elements 1225, 1227 may extend slightly above, slightly below or at the same height of the bristles 1224, 1226. In another preferred embodiment of the electric toothbrush having elastomeric elements as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, a head 1386 includes a longitudinal axis L, a circular or movable portion of the brush head 1306, a static portion of the brush head 1302, a first end 1304 and a second end 1300. The first end 1304 is located adjacent to the first end 1382 of the elongate body. The second end 1300 is located opposite the first end 1304. The movable portion 1306 is preferably located at the second end 1300 of the brush head 1386. The static portion 1302 is preferably located at the first end 1304 of the brush head 1386 adjacent to the brush head 1386. movable portion 1306. However, it should be understood that the movable portion 1306 and the static portion 1302 may be arranged in different orientations. The movable portion 1306 can rotate, rock, oscillate or move alternately about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis L of the brush head 1386. The movable portion 1306 includes the bristles 1310 and the elastomeric elements 1311. The static portion 1302 includes the bristles 1312 and the elastomeric elements 1313. The elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 massage the gums while the user brushes his teeth. The elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 can be made of rubber, soft plastic or a similar material. The elastomeric elements are preferably formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 extend essentially perpendicular from the head 1386, as measured along the longitudinal axis L. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 are located around the perimeter of the movable portion 1306 and the portion static 1302, however it should be understood that the elastomeric elements may be located anywhere between the bristles of the movable portion 1306 and the static portion 1302. The length of the elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 is approximately equal to the length of the bristles 1310, 1312. The elastomeric elements 1311, 1313 may extend slightly above, slightly below or at the same height of the bristles 1310, 1312.

The present invention is also based on an original design for a body or housing unit for an electric toothbrush that incorporates an integral set of neck and brush head. The one-piece body or housing considerably simplifies the assembly of the toothbrush and reduces manufacturing costs associated with the brush. The present invention also provides an original modular design for the brush head that allows a wide variety of bristle assemblies to be used in conjunction with the toothbrush. With reference to Fig. 20, an embodiment of the toothbrush of the invention 1400 is illustrated. The toothbrush 1400 comprises a body 1480, a head 1433 and an intermediate portion or neck 1440, which extends between, and is formed integrally with, the body 1480 and the head 1433. Movably held on the head 1433 there is a collection of bristles 1450 that are supported on a mobile bristle carrier, which is described in more detail herein. A collection of static bristles 1460 is also disposed on the head 1433. Preferably, the static bristles 1460 extend around the periphery of the head 1433. The static bristles 1460 are supported and retained by the toothbrush head 1433, as described in FIG. illustrated in more detail in the present. Fig. 21 is a partial schematic view of an embodiment of the toothbrush 1400 shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 21 illustrates a set and configuration of the components used in the toothbrush 1400, wherein the separate static and mobile carriers. of the bristles are independently coupled to the receiving member to form the toothbrush head. The static and mobile bristle carriers can be coupled to the receiving member independently on the same channel or within separate channels. FIG. 21 illustrates the toothbrush 1400 which further comprises an end cap or base 1482 that is pressure engaged or releasably attached to the end of the body 1480. The end cap or base 1482 may be provided in a variety of ways. different shapes and configurations including, but not limited to, round, oval, square, and / or rectangular. The body 1480 also includes a region adapted to retain a switch or other actuator assembly 1486 for controlling the operation of an engine, battery, and transmission or mechanism (not shown), preferably disposed in the body 1480 of the toothbrush 1400. This switch region is illustrated in Fig. 21 as the region 1484. The switch or actuator 1486 is received and retained in the region 1484. The body 1480 provides a hollow interior cavity or chamber in which the motor and the mechanism are placed. driving. In operation, the drive preferably provides a drive shaft that reciprocates in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 1400. With reference to the receiving member 1420 of the toothbrush 1400 in FIG. 21, it will be noted that the member receiver is shown without any bristle 1450, 1460 (as shown in Fig. 20). This is to more clearly illustrate the mounting of the toothbrush 1400. It can be seen that one face of the receiving member 1420 is configured to include a generally planar surface 1422 which defines a plurality of mounting points or openings 1424 for the static bristles. 1460. Preferably this planar region 1422 and its plurality of openings 1424 extend around the outer periphery of the receiver member 1420 as shown in Fig. 21. More preferably, this planar region 22 extends in a U-shape as shown in Fig. 21. Defined along the interior or middle region of the receiver member 1420, there is a receiving surface or channel 1425 that generally extends between two inwardly oriented receiving channels or surfaces 1426 and 1427. These channels are generally in pairs and are defined by surfaces 1425, 1426, and 1427 and are generally sized to receive the components 1452 and 1430 as follows. The toothbrush embodiment 1400 comprises a mobile bristle carrier 1452 which, when engaged with the receiver member, is retained along the receiver member 1420 and preferably within a pair of channels defined by the surfaces 1425, 1426, and 1427 of the receiving member. The mobile bristle carriers 1452 define a plurality of openings 1454 as shown in Fig. 21. The bristle carrier 1452 also defines an opening 1453 that is dimensioned and adapted to receive a pin or other member to engage with the drive mechanism ( not shown) disposed in the body 1480 and the neck 1440 of the toothbrush 1400. The present invention includes other couplings between the mobile bristle carrier 1452 and a drive shaft such as, but not limited to, a snap-type coupling. The toothbrush 1400 also comprises a static carrier such as a tip of the brush head 1430 which, after assembly of the mobile bristle carrier 1452 on the head 1433, can also be received and secured along the head 1433. The tip of the brush head 1430 also defines a plurality of openings 1434 adapted to retain a plurality of static bristles 1460 as shown in Fig. 20. Figures 22 to 24 illustrate a mounting sequence of the bristle mobile carriers 1452 and the tip of the brush head 1430 with the receiving member 1420 to form the head 1433 of the embodiment of the toothbrush 1400. Specifically, FIG. 22 illustrates the receiving member 1420 and the neck 1440 of the embodiment of the toothbrush 1400. The receiving member 1420 is oriented to receive the mobile carrier of bristles 1452. Specifically, the bristle carrier 1452 can preferably be slidably coupled to the at the head of the toothbrush within the channel defined by the surfaces 1425, 1426, and 1427 on the receiving member 1420. The toothbrush head 1433 includes a passage 1428. The passageway 1428 provides access between the toothbrush head 1433 and the interior of body 1480 and neck 1440. This passage 1428 can be adapted to enclose and retain an axle or other component of a drive mechanism. The distal end of the drive shaft (not shown) can be secured to the mobile bristle carrier 1452 such as by fastening in the opening 1453 of the carriers 1452. Accordingly, the bristle carrier 1452 can be oriented within the channel pairs. defined on the receiving member 1420 so that the opening 1453 is close to the passageway 1428. As noted above, a pressure adjustment connection can be used between the bristle carrier 1452 and the distal end of the drive shaft. Fig. 23 illustrates the mobile bristle carriers 1452 slidably coupled within the head 1433 of the brush embodiment 1400. After engagement of the bristle mobile carrier 1452 to the receiver member 1420, the tip of the brush head 1430 can be secured along the distal end of the receiver member 1420. The tip of the brush head 1430 preferably also slidably engages within the receiver member 1420, and specifically within the channel defined by the surfaces 1425, 1426, and 1427. One or more grooves or retention channels are preferably defined along the outer surfaces of the tip 1430 or the channel defined by the surfaces 1425, 1426, and 1427 within which outwardly extending protrusions defined on an opposite surface, reside to ensure the tip 1430 within the receiver member 1420. A wide variety of channel configurations can be used in accordance with n the present invention. Although a channel and the corresponding channel components are used to help retain the mobile carriers of bristles to the brush head, it is contemplated that other sets or retention configurations may be used. As noted above, the toothbrushes of the present invention are not limited to a particular movement or direction of movement for the mobile bristle carrier. Fig. 24 illustrates the final assembly of the tip 1430 along the distal end of the receiving member 1420. It will be appreciated that the various components described in these figures include the bristles 1450, 1460. The bristles have been omitted from these figures to illustrate more clearly the assembly of the main components of the toothbrush 1400 and specifically along the receiving member 1420 and the head of the toothbrush 1433. It will also be understood that the tip of the brush head can be formed in a variety of shapes and configurations. In some cases it may be preferred to provide a brush head tip having an arcuate or U-shaped shape, the tip may be formed so as to constitute a relatively large portion of the brush head. Or, the arcuate or U-shape may substantially surround the mobile bristle carrier. Fig. 21a is a partially schematic view of another embodiment of the toothbrush made according to the present invention. Fig. 21a illustrates an assembly and configuration of the components used in the embodiment of the toothbrush 1401. It can be seen that the toothbrush head comprises a receiving member, and bristle carriers. The plurality of the bristle carriers are shown without bristles to more clearly illustrate the assembly of the toothbrush 1401. FIG. 22a shows that one face of the bristle carrier is configured such that it includes a generally planar surface 1435 which defines a plurality of which defines a plurality of mounting points or openings 1437 for the bristles to be inserted. The receiver member 1431 as shown in Figs. 21a-24a of the toothbrush is an extension from the neck, which provides surfaces that the bristle carriers can attach.

In this embodiment of the toothbrush the head comprises the receiving member 1431, the mobile bristle carrier 1405, and the static bristle carrier 1403. The receiving member 1431 is configured such that it includes a generally planar surface 1439 shown in FIG. 21a. This generally flat region preferably contains guiding elements, which couple and retain the bristle carrier. Examples of guide elements include, but are not limited to, channel pairs 1411 and 1413 as shown in Figs. 21a and 27a, and rails 1407 and 1419 as shown in Figs. 25a and 26a. The static bristle carriers and the mobile bristle carriers can independently be slidably coupled to the channel pairs 1411 and 1413 with the rails 1407 and 1419 respectively. Although the static and mobile bristle carriers are illustrated herein that independently couple separate channels, it is contemplated that the static and mobile bristle carriers can independently couple the same channel (s). The channels are defined by the surface of the receiver member 1421 and are generally sized to receive the rails 1407 and 1419, as shown in Figs. 22a to 24a. In addition, in another embodiment of the toothbrush, the brush head comprises areas for clamping (not shown) or otherwise removably attaching the mobile carriers 1405 and static carriers 1403 of bristles. The toothbrush embodiment 1401 comprises one or more mobile bristle carriers 1405, which engage the receiving member 1431, preferably within a pair of channels 1411 defined by the surfaces of the receiving member. The surfaces of the mobile bristle carriers can serve as a guide for directing and coupling the mobile bristle carriers within the channels defined by the surfaces of the receiver member 1411. Preferably these guides are the rails 1407 sized to fit the channels 1411. The guide may be of any shape sized to conform to the channels defined by the surfaces of the receiving member, including but not limited to I-shaped, T-shaped, C-shaped, and / or U-shaped. The guide shown in FIG. Fig. 26a is a T-shaped rail 1407. Preferably, the movable bristles are substantially surrounded by the static bristles disposed on the static bristle carrier 1403. To form this preferred toothbrush head the one or more static carrier (s) (s) of bristles 1405 are coupled to the receiving member, preferably within a pair of channels 1413. The surfaces of the static bristle carrier may comprise guides such as rails 1419 sized to fit the pair of channels 1413. Rails 1419 direct and couple the static bristle carriers within channel pair 1413 to form the toothbrush head. In addition, the coupling of the static and / or mobile bristle carriers to the receiving member to form the toothbrush head can be removably removed, so that the bristle carrier can be replaced or exchanged by new or different bristle carriers . In the embodiment shown in Figs. 21a-27a the toothbrush head can be formed by the bristle carrier by engaging the receiver member within the pairs of channels such as the pair 1411 and the pair 1413 defined by the surfaces of the receiving member 1431, which extends from the toothbrush neck The receiving member is devoid of bristles before coupling the bristle carrier. Preferably, the static carriers 1403 and movable carriers 1405 of bristles are independently slidably coupled to the receiver member within separate channels, while in an array in nested form. This arrangement in nested form can be formed by capturing the mobile bristle carrier within the opening of the static bristle carrier 1451 (Figs 22a-24a). Preferably the static bristles substantially surround the moving bristles. Although the bristle carrier is in an array in nested form 1423, the bristle carriers remain separated, since the bristle carriers lack permanent association with one another. In one embodiment the nested shape arrangement 1423 is achieved by slidably engaging the one or more mobile bristle carrier (s) within an opening 1451 of the one or more static bristle carrier (s), and then the carriers of nested bristles are slidably coupled with the receiving member extending from the neck of the toothbrush (Figs 22a-24a). Although the bristle carrier is coupled to the receiving member simultaneously, the mobile and static bristle carriers are coupled to the receiving member independently of each other. The head of this embodiment of the toothbrush is formed as soon as the bristle carrier, in an arrangement in nested form, is coupled to the receiving member (Fig.23a). This independent coupling (shown in Figs 22a-27a) is achieved by the static carrier coupling the receiver member within the channel pair 1413 defined by the surfaces of the receiver member via rail 1419 defined by the surfaces of the static bristle carrier 1403 and the mobile bristle carrier is coupled to the receiver member within the pair of channels 1411 defined by the surfaces of the receiver member via rail 1407 defined by the surfaces of the bristle carrier 1405. The possibility of separating the pieces from the bristles remains. carriers of nested bristles until connecting to the receiving member, due to the lack of permanent association. This facilitates the reciprocating movement of the mobile bristle carrier, when the mobile bristle carriers are functionally connected to the drive shaft 3205. This nested arrangement allows the mobile bristle carrier to be substantially surrounded by the static bristles, but remain mobile in the operation of the toothbrush. More than one mobile bristle carrier can be nested within the static bristle carriers. In addition, more than one static bristle carrier can be used to substantially surround the mobile bristle carrier. Each of the bristle carriers can be attached to the toothbrush receiving member in a separate channel, or more than one of the bristle carriers can be coupled to the receiving member within the same channel. Fig. 24a illustrates the movable and static carriers of bristles slidably coupled with the receiving member of this embodiment of the toothbrush 1401. The movable and static bristle carriers can be coupled to the receiving member in the same channel. In another embodiment the mobile and static bristle carriers are snapped onto the receiving member. The mobile bristle carrier can be retained on the receiving member by a functional coupling with the drive shaft. Preferably both the static bristle carriers and the mobile bristle carriers can be coupled to the receiving member in a longitudinal direction. However, the carriers can also be coupled to the receiving member in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the receiving member. A wide variety of channel configurations can be used to slidably engage the nested bristle carriers 1423 with the receiver member 1431 of the toothbrush 1401. These channels must be dimensioned as necessary to direct and / or guide a rail, or other guide member, located on the sow carrier. The channels can be of different shapes and sizes than those shown. In addition, the channels may have three sides, two sides, or even one side, provided that the channel is dimensioned to receive or guide the rail, or another guide member located on the bristle carrier. The receiving member may comprise as many channels as carriers of bristles to be coupled. The channels can be configured so that the mobile bristle carriers are coupled to an inner set of channels, defined by the surfaces located toward the center of the receiving member, and an outer set of channels, defined by the surfaces located toward the outer edges of the receiving member. Each of the bristle carriers may have a single channel, or the bristle carriers may be coupled to the receiving member in the same channel. Alternatively the surface of the receiving member can be formed on a rail to guide the bristle carrier into its proper place. In addition to the channel and rail assembly used to guide the bristle carriers on the receiving member, sets may be used to retain the bristle carriers on the receiving member. In one embodiment the bristle holders are retained on the toothbrush receiving member by means of connectors defined by the outer surface, which can be matched with the connectors defined by the inner surface of the static bristle carrier. These connectors include, but are not limited to, ridges and teeth, cuts and tabs, and grooves and protuberances. In one embodiment of the toothbrush, the connectors have one or more retaining grooves defined along the interior surfaces of the static bristle carrier, and protrusions defined along the outer surface of the receiving member 1417 where the protuberances reside in the slots for securing the static carriers of bristles on the receiving member. In another embodiment, (not shown), the protuberances are defined along the inner surface of the static bristle carriers, and the grooves are defined along the outer surface of the receiving member, wherein the protuberances reside in the Slots to secure the static carriers of bristles. The bristle carrier can also be coupled to the receiving member with a snap-type coupling (not shown). In another embodiment the one or more static carrier (s) and / or the one or more mobile carrier (s) connect the receiver member with a flexible tab having a latch type hook and a cut or recess corresponding closure in the opposite fixing part as described in the U.S. patent application. no. 10/361, 653. When the one or more mobile carrier (s) of bristles are nested within the static bristle carrier (s), the rail of the bristle carrier (s) is they can extend below the static bristle carrier (s), so that the rail of the bristling carrier (s) can be coupled to the toothbrush receiving member. When the nested bristle carrier (s) is coupled to the receiving member, the mobile bristle carrier (s) can be arranged in the middle and / or center of the brush head dental. In another embodiment of the invention the arrangement in nested form occurs only when all the bristle carriers are coupled to the receiving member (not shown). In this embodiment a portion of the receiving member comprises permanently static bristles fixed directly on the surface of the receiving member. The mobile carrier (s) of bristles can be substantially surrounded by static bristles when a receiving member provided with bristles receives one or more mobile carrier (s) of bristles and then one or more carrier (s). ) static (s) of bristles. The mobile bristle carriers are also functionally coupled to the motor. This functional coupling can be achieved by connecting the (Ios) bristle carrier (s) to an impeller shaft that extends through a passageway 1428 defined within a portion of the neck 1440 and the receiver member 1431. The drive shaft can be disposed of. rotating or slidable manner within passageway 1428. Once the brush head is formed by the coupling of the bristle carrier to the receiving member, passage 1428 provides access between brush head 1421, neck 1440, and the interior of the body 1480. The distal end of the drive shaft is preferably secured to the mobile carrier (s) of bristles by the pin 1409, located in (the) the mobile carrier (s) of bristles 1405, engaging the opening located on the tip of the drive shaft (not shown). The tip of the shaft may be flexible, and deflected to facilitate receiving the pin on the moving carrier (s) of bristles within the opening in the tip of the drive shaft. The present invention includes coupling assemblies using pins, protuberances or other fasteners that secure the drive shaft to the mobile carrier (s) of bristles. A pressure adjustment connection can be used between the mobile bristle carriers and the distal end of the drive shaft. Examples of pressure adjustment connections include, but are not limited to, toothing on teeth, and a pressure adjustment coupling. The present invention also includes all types of motor and gear arrangements suitable for operating an electric toothbrush including, but not limited to, the inventive high efficiency motor discussed herein. These motors can move the drive shaft. The functional connection between the drive shaft and the mobile carrier (s) facilitates the movement of the mobile carriers. The drive shaft, and therefore the mobile carrier (s), can undergo any of the aforementioned movements. However, in one embodiment the drive shaft and the movable carrier (s) move alternately. It will be understood that the present invention includes assemblies that highlight a removably adjustable static carrier (s) such as a brush head tip, similar to the tip 1430 shown in the figures shown, and / or a carrier (is) movable (is) removably adjustable. A static carrier (s) and / or removable static carrier (s) allows the user to selectively adjust and design a brush as desired. For example various combinations of static and / or mobile carriers include, but are not limited to, bristle carriers, tip carriers of the brush head, elastomeric element carriers, carriers for oral care compositions, and carriers for dental tools, or any combination of these. For example, carriers containing elements that are specifically designed to apply bleaching agents to teeth can be used. It is also contemplated that elastomeric elements or "shock absorbing" elements may be provided and / or utilized with the toothbrushes of the present invention. These elastomeric elements are formed wholly or partially of thermoplastic elastomers. The elastomeric elements are particularly preferred for incorporating into toothbrushes using one or more other regions or components that are formed of elastomers. For example the present invention includes toothbrushes as described herein with elastomeric elements and which employ one or more elastomers in grip regions along the handle, or as "bumpers" or cushion regions along the head of the head. brush. These elastomers can be co-injected when the brush is formed, or they can be coated thereon. The detachable aspect of the carrier (s) can be provided by incorporating a release member along the bottom of the brush head which, when pressed or otherwise engaged, allows the carrier to be removed and another carrier placed in its place. It is also envisioned that the peelable appearance could be achieved by the use of a tool or other component to selectively detach the carrier from the receiving member. This tool could be sold or otherwise marketed with the toothbrush. Alternatively or in addition, this tool could be sold or otherwise marketed with one or more carriers that are sold as a case for use with the toothbrushes of the present invention. More specifically, these kits may include one or more of the following and thus, incorporate a combination of any of the following components: (i) bristle carriers, brush head tips, carriers of elastomeric elements, carriers for oral care compositions, and carriers of dental tools, (i) one or more toothbrush, (iii) a package or other housing for storing all components, (iv) one or more tools that may be useful when replacing or replacing or otherwise changing the carrier (s) ), and (v) one or more dentifrices or other compositions for use with the carrier (s) and the toothbrush. It is also provided that these cases may include batteries for use with the toothbrush, bases or other "pedestals" to retain the toothbrush when not in use, replaceable handle components that are used to change the appearance of the toothbrush, and labels decorative stickers or other types of labels that can be placed on the toothbrush, its pedestal, and / or the housing of the case. Figures 25a through 27a also illustrate embodiments of the static bristle carrier Fig. 25a, the mobile bristle carrier Fig. 26a, and the receiving member Fig. 27a. Fig. 25a illustrates an end view of the rails 1419 defined by the surfaces of the static carriers 1403. This embodiment of the invention also has openings 1435 for receiving the bristles. In addition, this embodiment has a cavity 1441 where the receiving member 1431 is coupled to the static carriers. Fig. 26a illustrates an end view of the mobile carriers 1405, as well as the rails 1407 defined by the surfaces of the mobile carriers. Fig. 27a illustrates an end view of the toothbrush of the invention, and in particular the receiver member 1431. The static carriers 1403 are coupled to the receiving member via channels 1413. The mobile carriers 1405 are coupled to the receiving member by channel path 1411. Static carriers can be retained on the receiving member by protrusion 1417, received within a groove on the inner surface of static carriers 1403. A wide variety of bristle configurations can be used in conjunction with toothbrushes of the present invention, and particularly those embodiments using a detachable or separately formed brush head tip. For example, static bristles having a height or length that is equal to that of the moving bristles can be used. Any of the previously noted configurations of the static bristles and the mobile bristles shown in the aforementioned figures, described herein, or indicated in Table 1 can be used. Specifically, Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate the toothbrush head 1433 and the neck 1440 of one embodiment of the brush 1400 with a collection of static bristles 1460 disposed on a tip 1430 at the distal end of the toothbrush head 1433 and a collection of moveable bristles 1450 arranged on a mobile carrier of bristles 1452 (carriers 1452 are shown in interrupted lines). Preferably, the height of the movable bristles 1450 along the toothbrush head 1433, referred to in FIG. 25 as the dimension C, ranges from about 3 mm to about 14 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm . In general, the height of the bristle is the distance of a bristle as measured from a surface directly outwardly, i.e. typically the surface of its base or mounting component, to the end or tip of the bristle. The pointed outwardly directed surface of a bristle mounting component is generally referred to herein as a surface facing the brush. Although not shown in Fig. 25, it will be understood that a plurality of static bristles, supported and retained directly on the toothbrush head 1433, is preferably disposed around the movable bristles 1450. It will be understood that these bristles are not shown in these figures (not in Figs 27-30) for clarity. The preferred height of the static bristles (those arranged around the mobile bristles 1450 and those disposed over the tip 1430) also varies from about 3 mm to about 14 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. It is also contemplated to provide static bristles having varying lengths, and particularly arranged in a manner that provides a sloping brushing surface. This is shown in Figs. 27 to 33. The term "brushing surface" as used herein refers to the distal ends of bristles or elastomeric elements that contact the user's teeth or gums during brushing. Specifically, Figs. 27 and 28 illustrate a toothbrush head 1520 and a neck 1540 of another embodiment of toothbrush 1500 according to the present invention. The brush head 1520 includes a mobile bristle carrier 1552 having a plurality of the movable bristles 1550 (the carriers 1552 shown in broken lines) supported or retained therein. The brush head 1520 also includes a tip 1530 having a collection of static or stationary bristles 1560 supported or retained thereon. It will be understood that a plurality of stationary bristles 1560 preferably surround, at least partially, movable bristles 1550. For purposes of clarity, the portion of bristles supported directly on brush head 1520 is not shown in Fig. 27. Tip 1530 it preferably includes stationary bristles 1560 having different lengths and arranged so as to provide a sloping brushing surface. When a slanted brushing surface is provided, as specifically shown in Fig. 27, the angle A, which is the angle of the surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the neck 1540 and the head 1520, can vary from about 5 degrees at about 85 degrees, and preferably from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. More preferably, the longer bristles are disposed adjacent the distal end of the head 1520. The height of the mobile bristles 1550, referred to in Fig. 27 as the dimension D, ranges from about 3 mm to about 14 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. The height of the static bristles 1560 ranges from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. The maximum height of the static bristles 1560 and particularly those disposed at the distal end of the head 1520 is approximately 18 mm. That dimension is shown as the dimension E in Fig. 27. Figures 29 and 30 illustrate yet another preferred configuration for the bristle configurations. These figures illustrate an embodiment of the toothbrush 1600 having a neck 1640, a toothbrush head 1620, a mobile bristle carrier 1652 (shown in interrupted lines) having movable bristles 1650, a toothbrush head tip 1630, and a collection of static bristles 1660 located at the end tip 1630 disposed at the end of the toothbrush head 1620. In this embodiment, the collection of the static bristles 1660 on the tip 1630 are arranged in such a way as to provide an inclined brushing surface . The height of the movable bristles 1650, referred to in Fig. 29 as the dimension F, varies from about 3 mm to about 14 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. The height of the static bristles 1660 varies from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, and preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. The maximum height of the static bristles 1660 and particularly those disposed at the distal end of the head 1620 is approximately 18 mm. That dimension is shown as dimension G in Fig. 29. The realization illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30 differs from those represented in Figs. 27 and 28 mainly in that the static bristles 1660 disposed on the tip of the brush head 1630 do not vary linearly in height from one end of the tip 230 to the other, as do the bristles 150 in FIG. 27. In other words, the resultant surface defined by the distal ends of the bristles 150 in FIG. 27 is generally straight, while the resultant surface defined by the distal ends of the bristles. bristles 1660 in Fig. 29 is generally arched. It is also contemplated to use various configurations of bristles at the tip of the toothbrush head which provides varying inclinations and changing heights of the bristles along the width of the brush head as shown in Figs. 31 to 33. Specifically, FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment of the toothbrush 1700 having a brush head 1720 and a plurality of static bristles 1760. The bristles 1760 provide an inclined brushing surface that forms an angled valley, when it is viewed along a line in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the brush head 1720 and the neck (not shown in Fig. 31). Preferably, each side of the valley formed by the distal ends of the bristles 1760 is symmetrical and extends to form an angle B with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brush head 1720 and the neck (not shown). The angle B may vary from about 10 ° to about 80 °, and preferably from about 30 ° to about 60 ° Fig. 32 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 1800 having a brush head 1820 with a plurality of static bristles 1860 that extends from it. The contoured or contoured brushing surface provided by the distal ends of the bristles 1860 may be in the form of a concave region or surface, as shown in Fig. 32. Fig. 33 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 1900 which it has a brush head 1920 and a plurality of static bristles 1960 extending therefrom. The 1960 bristles can provide an uneven brushing surface as shown. Fig. 34 illustrates a portion of another embodiment of the toothbrush 2000. This toothbrush comprises a brush head 2020, a neck or intermediate portion 2040, a mobile bristle carrier 2052 (shown in broken lines), a tip of the head brush 2030 (shown in interrupted lines), and a plurality of bristles 2050 and a plurality of elastomeric elements 2060. Bristles 2050 may include movable bristles, static bristles, or both, as described herein. The elastomeric elements 2060 massage the gums while the user simultaneously brushes their teeth. The elastomeric elements can be made of rubber, soft plastic or a similar material. The elastomeric elements are preferably formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric elements extend substantially perpendicularly from the head of the toothbrush 2020 as measured along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 600. In one of the embodiments of the toothbrush 2000, the elastomeric elements 2060 are located close to the distal end of the dental brush head 2020, and more preferably along the tip of the brush head 2030 as described herein. However, it should be understood that the elastomeric elements can be located anywhere between the mobile and static bristles. The height of the elastomeric elements 2060 is approximately the same height as the bristles 2050. The elastomeric elements 2060 may extend slightly above, slightly below or at the same height as the bristles 2050. Fig. 35 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 2100 comprising a toothbrush head 2120, a bristle holder 2152 (shown in interrupted lines), and a neck or intermediate portion 2140. The toothbrush 700 includes a plurality of bristles 2150 and a second bristle assembly 2160 disposed on a toothbrush. Brush head tip 2130 (shown partially in interrupted lines). In this embodiment, the bristles 2150 are arranged in groups of tufts where each strand contains bristles of various lengths or heights. The bristles of variable height are disposed within each tuft so that the distal ends of the bristles form a sloping surface with respect to the generally planar surface or the brush-facing surface of the brush head 2120. Preferably, this sloping surface forms an angle H with respect to the flat face of the brush head 2120. The angle H ranges from about 10 ° to about 90 ° and preferably from about 20 ° to about 45 °. The second set of bristles 2160 disposed on the tip of the brush head 2130 are also preferably arranged in groups or tufts. The preferred height of the bristles 2160 is approximately equal to the maximum height of the bristles 2150. FIG. 35 illustrates a particularly preferred feature of the toothbrushes of the present invention, and refers to the configuration of the tip of the brush head. 2130. The tip of the brush head 2130 is provided with a region 2132 having a relatively large thickness such that its planar surface facing the brush generally extends above the surface facing the brush of the carriers 2152. This difference in height between brush facing surfaces of bristle regions 2150 and bristles 2160 is illustrated in Fig. 35 as dimension P. Preferably, P is from about 1 to about 5 mm. Fig. 36 is another illustration of an embodiment of the toothbrush 2200 having a head 2220, a mobile bristle carrier 2252 (shown in interrupted lines), and a neck 2240. Arranged on the brush head 2220 are a plurality of bristles which extend upwards 2250. The toothbrush 2200 also includes a brush head tip 2230 (shown partially in broken lines) disposed at the distal end of the brush, which has a region 2232 extending above the flat oriented surface made to brush brush head 2220 and carriers 2252. The plurality of bristles 2250 are preferably configured such that their outermost ends, when viewed in a flat manner as shown in Fig. 36, define an arched brushing surface. which preferably has a common radius as shown in Fig. 36, designated as I. The tip of the brush head 2230 includes the raised region 2232 which is preferably formed to define an inclined surface with respect to the flat surface facing the brush of the brush head 2220 and the carriers 2252. This angle of inclination is shown in Fig. 36 as the angle N. The angle N can vary from about 10 ° to about 80 °, with 15 ° to 45 ° being preferred. The height of the bristles 2260 may be greater than or less than any of the heights of the bristles 2250. The bristle configuration shown in Fig. 36 is illustrative.

Fig. 37 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 2300 according to the present invention. The toothbrush 2300 comprises a brush head 2320, a mobile bristle carrier 2352 (shown in interrupted lines), and a neck 2340. The toothbrush 2300 includes a plurality of bristles 2350 and another set of bristles 2360 disposed on a tip of brush head 2330 (shown partially in interrupted lines). The tip of the brush head includes a raised region 2332 that extends above the brush-facing surface of the brush head 2320 and the carriers 2352. The outermost surface of the raised region 2332 of the tip of the brush head 2330 preferably it is inclined at an angle K as shown in Fig. 37. The angle K can vary from about 10 ° to about 80 °, with 15 ° to 45 ° being preferred. The bristles 2350 are also particularly configured so that their outermost or distal ends define a concave brushing surface, which preferably has a common radius J as shown in Fig. 37. The height of the bristles 2360 may be greater or less than any of the heights of the bristles 950. However, in some applications it may be preferred to arrange the bristles 2360 so that their distal ends extend generally within a plane that is parallel with the inclined surface of the raised region 2332 of the tip of the brush head 2330. This angle M corresponds preferably to the angle K and thus varies from about 10 ° to about 80 °, with 15 ° to 45 ° being preferred.

Fig. 38 is another embodiment of toothbrush 2400 having a brush head 2420, a bristle carrier 2452 (shown in interrupted lines), a brush head tip 2430 (also shown in broken lines), and a neck 2440. The toothbrush 2400 includes a plurality of bristles 2450, a second set of bristles 2460 disposed on the tip of the brush head 2430, and a plurality of elastomeric elements 2454. The arrangement, height, and configuration of the bristles 2450, 2460 , and the elastomeric elements 2454 may be as described herein with respect to any of the other embodiments. The Fig. 39 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 2500 having a brush head 2520, a mobile bristle carrier 2552 (shown in broken lines), and a neck 2540. The toothbrush 2500 includes a plurality of bristles 2550 and a plurality of elastomeric elements 2554 preferably arranged at opposite angles to one another. That is, the elastomeric elements 2554 preferably extend at an angle O as shown in Fig. 39. The collection of bristles 2550 preferably extends in the opposite direction but at a similar angle. The toothbrush 2500 also includes a plurality of bristles 2560 extending from a tip of the brush head 2530 (shown partially in broken lines). The tip of the brush head may also include a region 2532 extending above the plane surface facing the brush head 2520. This raised region 2532 may also provide an arcuate outer surface that can be defined by a common radius, such as the radius Q shown in Fig. 39. The arrangement, height, and configuration of the bristles 2550, 2560, and the elastomeric elements 2554 may be as described herein with respect to any of the other embodiments. Fig. 40 illustrates still another embodiment of the toothbrush 2600 having a brush head 2620, a bristle carrier 2652 (shown in broken lines), and a neck 2640. The toothbrush 2600 includes a brush head tip 2630 (also shown in interrupted lines) having a plurality of bristles 2660 extending therefrom. Another set of bristles 2650 is provided on the brush head 2620, and specifically on the mobile bristle carrier 2652. In this embodiment, the height of the bristles 2660 is considerably greater than the height of the bristles 2650. As described hereinabove, the bristles 2650, 2660 can be arranged in groups or tufts where the bristles inside a particular tuft may have different lengths. Fig. 41 illustrates yet another embodiment of the toothbrush 2700 having a brush head 2720, a neck 2740, a mobile bristle carrier 2752 (shown partially in broken lines), a plurality of bristles 2750 extending from the bristle carrier 2752, and another set of bristles 2760 extending from a tip of the brush head 2730 (shown in interrupted lines). In this embodiment, the bristle carrier 2752 has a relatively large thickness, so that its flat surface facing the brush is generally above or disposed closer to the user during brushing, than the surface facing the brush of the tip of the brush. brush head 2730 and other portions of brush head 2720. The raised portion of bristle carrier 2752 extending beyond the adjacent regions of brush head 2720 and tip of brush head 2730 is referred to in Fig. 41 as 2745. For bristle configurations in which the distal ends or brushing surfaces of the bristles 2750 and 2760 extend generally along a common plane, the resultant shorter length bristles 2750 impart an increased stiffness to these sows The degree of elevation of the region 2745 of increased thickness is shown in Fig. 41 as the dimension R. R may vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. Fig. 42 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 2800 having a brush head 2820 and a neck 2840. A plurality of bristles 2850 are provided on the brush head and extends from a bristle carrier 2852 (shown partially in broken lines ) which is preferably movable with respect to the head 2820. The toothbrush 2800 also comprises another plurality of bristles 2860 extending from a tip of the brush head 2830 (shown partially in broken lines). In this embodiment, the brush-facing surface of the bristle carrier 2852 is preferably inclined, more preferably arcuate, and more preferably convex, as shown in FIG. 42. In the event that this surface is convex, it is further defined by a radius S, as shown in Fig. 42. The brush-facing surface directed upwardly of the bristle carrier 2852 is also preferably elevated above the relatively flat brush-facing surface of the brush head 2820, preferably by the dimension T, shown in Fig. 42. The dimension T can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The raised portion of the bristle carrier 2852 extending beyond the adjacent regions of the brush head 2820 is designated 2845. The brush-facing surface of the brush head 2830 is preferably arcuate and more preferably concave. The raised portion of the bristle carrier 2830 extending beyond the adjacent regions of the brush head 2820 is referred to as 2832. The arrangement, height, and configuration of the bristles 2850 and 2860 can be as described herein with respect to any of the other embodiments. Fig. 43 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 2900 having a brush head 2920, a bristle carrier 2952 (shown partially broken lines), a brush head tip 2930 (shown by interrupted lines), and a neck 2940. A collection of bristles 2950 extending from the bristle carrier 2952. In addition, another collection of bristles 2960 extending from the tip of the brush head 2930. The bristles 2950 are preferably arranged and retained on the mobile carrier bristles 2952. The bristle carrier 2952 provides an upwardly directed brush facing surface which is depicted in FIG. 43 as concave. Preferably, this concave surface is defined by a common radius U. The elevated portion of the bristle carrier 2952 extending beyond the adjacent regions of the brush head 2920 is shown in region 2945. The arrangement, height, and configuration of the bristles 2950 and 2960 may be as described herein with respect to any of the other embodiments. Fig. 44 illustrates yet another embodiment of the toothbrush 3000 according to the present invention. The toothbrush 3000 comprises a brush head 3020 and a neck 3040. The toothbrush 3000 includes a plurality of bristles 3050 extending from a bristle carrier 3052 (shown partially in broken lines) which is movably arranged on the head of brush 3020. In addition, toothbrush 3000 includes another set of bristles 3060 extending from a tip of brush head 3030 (shown partially in broken lines). The outermost surface of the bristle carrier 3052 may be provided so that it has one or more inclined surfaces defined along an elevated region 3045 as shown in Fig. 44. These inclinations may be carried out so that the ends more distal of the 3050 sows reflect this same or another slope, or a different slope. Similarly, the outermost end of the bristles 3060 may also reflect the sloping surface of an elevated region 3032 of the end of the brush head 3030. Preferably, the bristle carrier 3052 provides at least one region having a sloping surface facing the brush. This inclination preferably extends along an angle V as shown in Fig. 44. The angle V is preferably from about 10 ° to about 60 °, and more preferably from about 20 ° to about 30 °. Similarly, the tip of the brush head 3030 preferably provides an inclined surface facing the brush that extends along an angle W. The angle W preferably varies from about 10 ° to about 45 °. Fig. 45 is another embodiment of the toothbrush 3100 having a brush head 3120 and a neck 3140. The toothbrush 3100 includes a plurality of elastomeric elements 3162 extending from a tip of the brush head 3130 (shown partially in lines interrupted). The toothbrush 3100 also comprises a plurality of bristles 3150 extending from a mobile bristle carrier 3152. The bristle carrier 3152 contains a region 3145 that is elevated relative to the adjacent regions of the brush head 3120. Likewise, the tip of the brush head 3130 contains a region 3132 that is elevated relative to the adjacent regions of the brush head 3120. Any or both of the surfaces facing the brush, directed outwardly of the bristle carrier 3152 and the tip of the brush head 3130 can be flat, inclined, arched, convex or concave. In addition, the arrangement, height, and configuration of the bristles 3150 and the elastomeric elements 3162 may be as described herein with respect to any of the other embodiments. Another preferred configuration of bristles is similar to the configurations shown in Figs. 36 and 45, that is to say that they have an inner group of bristles that extend "above" or have a greater height than the adjacent bristles; however, it has a stepped or plateau configuration. In this configuration, the change in the height of the bristle is not gradual or variable as shown in Figs. 36 and 45, but it is stepped. That is, the change in height from the shorter bristles arranged around the higher bristles arranged in the middle is quite abrupt. The difference in height between these two groups of bristles is between about 0.5 mm and 3 mm, and more preferably between about 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm. With reference to the various bristle carriers illustrated and described herein, it can be seen that the profile or configuration of the outwardly facing surface of the carrier, generally referred to herein as a surface facing the brush, can be be in a variety of shapes and dimensions. A particularly preferred form is a concave shape (when the bristle carrier is observed from its side, and its side extending generally along the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush). A concave shape promotes the retention of toothpaste or the polishing material that can be used during brushing. Likewise, a convex surface promotes the dissipation of the dentifrice in the region of the bristles along the brush head. More preferably, the bristle carriers according to the present invention use a non-planar surface facing the brush. Another aspect of interest in the design of a brush head is the selection, placement, and configuration of bristles along the bristle carrier, the tip of the brush head, and the brush head. In general, the stiffness of a sow or tuft of sows increases as the length of the sow (s) decreases. Therefore, changes in the stiffness of the sow can be achieved by altering the length of the present sows. It is important to consider this feature when providing a bristle carrier having a surface facing the brush that is not flat. It will be understood that the stiffness of the bristles will vary at different points along the bristle carrier, since the length or height of the bristles extending therefrom varies. As an alternative, the stiffness of bristles that have the same height will generally be the same. The present invention includes a wide variety of different combinations of shapes and configurations of bristle carriers; and bristle lengths, materials, and configuration. Many of these preferred configurations have been exemplified in the figures mentioned. In addition, in some embodiments, it is preferred to use bristle diameters and / or diameters of bristle tufts on the mobile bristle carrier that are larger than the corresponding diameters of bristles or bristle tufts that are disposed on the tip of the bristle head. brush. In still other embodiments, it may be desired to use bristle / tuft diameters on the carrier that are smaller than the corresponding bristles / tufts on the tip. Figures 46 and 47 illustrate in more detail a preferred brush head 3220 of one embodiment of toothbrush 3200 according to the present invention. The toothbrush 3200 comprises a brush head 3220 and a neck 3240 integrally formed with and extending therefrom. The toothbrush 3200 further comprises a mobile bristle carrier 3245 which defines a plurality of holes or openings 3254 adapted to receive and retain the bristles or tufts of bristles (not shown). The bristle carrier 3245 provides an outwardly directed brush-facing surface 3252. Defined along a directly opposite face there is a lower surface 3253. A receiving aperture 3254 is also defined along the bottom surface 3253 and is dimensioned and adapted to receive a distal end 3206 of a mobile drive shaft 3205. As will be understood, the drive shaft 3205 reciprocates within the neck 3240 and imparts a similar reciprocating type movement to the bristle carrier 3245. The toothbrush 3200 also comprises a tip of the brush head 3230 defining a surface facing the brush, directed outwardly 3232 and one or more openings 3234 adapted to receive and retain bristles or tufts of bristles (not shown). The brush head 3220 may also define one or more openings located along the brush face of the head 3220, such as the openings 3224 defined in the region 3222 of the head 3220. Although the assembly shown in FIG. 47 for coupling the bristle carrier 3245 with the shaft 3205, ie the use of a notched distal end 3206 that is received in the opening 3254, other assemblies may be used to couple a moving bristle carrier with a drive shaft. For example, the present invention includes coupling assemblies using pins or other fasteners that secure the drive shaft to the carrier. As an alternative, other assemblies, snap-fit connections, detachable coupling assemblies, and non-detachable assemblies may be used. The materials used for the components of the coupling assemblies can be polymeric, metallic, or any other material that has adequate strength and durability properties. Fig. 48 is a partial schematic view of an embodiment of the toothbrush 3300 according to the present invention. This embodiment of the toothbrush of the invention 3300 comprises a body or housing 3312 and an end cap 3320. The body 3312 is substantially a one-piece body having a larger portion that includes a neck 3316 and an end 3318, and a head of brush 3314 extending from neck 3316. Preferably, brush head 3314, neck 3316, and body 3312 are generally continuous and form part of an assembly with one another. The body 3312 and the neck portions 3316 and the head 3314 define a hollow interior region, which houses a drive mechanism. The larger portion of the body 3312 also defines a recessed region or one or more openings along its outer surface which receives an electrical switch (not shown) for operating the drive mechanism of the electric toothbrush described in more detail herein. . A protective cover 3313 preferably fits into this recessed region. The end cap 3320 includes a closed end 3322 and an opposite open end 3324. The open end 3324 is dimensioned to engage and generally seal the end 3318 of the housing 3312. A seal or other sealing member 3319 may be used at the point of contact of the 3318 and 3324 ends of the housing components. One of the embodiments of the toothbrush also comprises a driving motor 3350 having a driving shaft 3352. The motor 3350 is a direct current motor similar to engines known to those experienced in the industry and includes various switching circuits and a battery or other power source (not shown). These components are housed within the hollow interior region defined in the body 3312 and optionally within the end cap 3320. A drive gear 3354 is coupled to the drive shaft 3352. A lower support of the motor 3330 is provided. A top support is also provided. of the motor 3340 which, together with the lower support of the motor 3330, generally holds, holds, and secures the motor 3350 within the interior of the housing 3312 and the bushing 3320. The lower support of the motor 3330 includes internal and external shaft supports impeller 3332 and 3334, respectively. The lower support of the motor 3330 also includes a base or opening 3336 for receiving a support or a shaft 3358 for a driving gear described in more detail herein. The upper support of the motor 3340 includes an internal support of the driving shaft 3342 and a driving shaft housing 3344, which preferably is coupled to the inner support 3342 and optionally to the external support 3334 of the lower support of the motor 3330. The upper support of the motor 3340 further includes a plurality of coupling feet 3346 which preferably are coupled to the lower support of the motor 3330 for retain the 3350 motor, arranged between the two mounts.

It will be understood that instead of using an upper and lower engine assembly, a one piece mounting or retaining structure can be used. The drive gear 3354 is coupled with a crown gear 3356. The crown gear 3356 is rotatably supported at its center 3357 by the shaft or pivot member 3358. The crown gear 3356 includes a displacement member 3355 engaging the which is attached to a pinion end 3362 of a drive shaft 3360. The drive shaft 3360 includes the pinion end 3362 designated including a receiving opening or other coupling member for engaging the displaced member 3355. The driving shaft 3360 further includes a distal end 3364 which is used to couple and thus urge a mobile carrier of sows described in more detail herein. The drive shaft 3360 extends into the hollow interior cavity of the housing 3312 and preferably through at least a portion of the neck 3316. The distal end 3364 of the drive shaft 3360 engages a bristle carrier 3370, described below. The end 3364 is accessible through an opening in the brush head 3314. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3300 further includes a movable bristle carrier 3370, which when assembling the toothbrush 3300, alternately moves along the toothbrush head. brush 3314. Preferably, the mobile bristle carrier 3370 alternately moves within a channel 3311 defined along the brush head 3314, and more preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 3300. Arranged along on the underside of the bristle carrier 3370 is a flanged member 3372. This flanged member 3372 is configured to move within, and still be retained by, the channel 3311. The bristle carrier 3370 defines a plurality of openings 3374 within the which are arranged a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles (not shown). The bristle carrier 3370 includes a first end 3375 which when assembled with the brush head 3314, is preferably disposed adjacent a region or edge 3315 defined between the neck 3316 and the brush head 3314 of the body or housing 3312. The end opposite of the mobile bristle carrier 3370 is the end 3376 and is preferably curvilinear as shown in Fig. 48. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3300 also comprises a tip of the stationary bristle carrier 3380, which defines a plurality of openings 3384 for retaining the bristles or the tufts of bristles (not shown), a first end 3385 which engages or is arranged adjacent to the end 3376 of the mobile bristle carrier 3370, and a flanged member 3382 disposed along the underside of the tip 3380. By "stationary" it is meant that the tip of the carrier 3380, once assembled and coupled with the brush head 3314, is generally fixed to brush head 3314 and does not move with bristle carrier 3370. Preferably, flange member 3382 is sized in a similar manner and configuration as rim member 3372 of bristle carrier 3370 Both members with flanges 3372 and 3382 are preferably retained within the channel 3311 defined in the brush head 3314.

One or more threaded fasteners 3390 and 3392 may be used to secure the body 3312 to the end cap 3320. It will be understood that other techniques or components may be used to assemble the housing together. As this embodiment of the toothbrush 3300 operates, an electrical circuit is completed between a power source such as a battery and the motor 3350. Details on the power source and electrical operating characteristics of the motor are provided herein. The rotation of the driving gear 3354 causes rotation of the crown gear 3356. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the crown gear 3356 is perpendicular or transverse to the axis of rotation of the driving gear 3354. The rotation of the crown gear 3356 imparts an reciprocating motion to the drive shaft 3360 extending within the hollow interior region defined within the body 3312, the neck 3316, and optionally the head 3314. The distal end 3364 of the drive shaft engages the mobile bristle carrier 3370, and thus imparts an altemative movement corresponding to the carrier 3370. FIG. 49 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush 3400 according to the present invention. The toothbrush 3400 includes a body portion 3412, a brush portion 3416, and an end cap 3420. The body portion 3412 defines a first end 3418 and an opposite end 3404 which preferably includes a screw member or threaded region. . The end cap 3420 defines a closed end 3422 and an opposing open end 3424. The open end 3424 is dimensioned and configured to releasably engage the end 3418 of the body portion 3412. An o-ring or other sealing member 3419 is preferably used The neck 3416 includes an end 3417 and a brush head 3414 preferably integrally formed at the end of the neck 3416 opposite the end 3417. The end 3417 preferably includes provisions for the detachable coupling of the head 3414. a screw member defined at the end 3404 of the body member 3412. The brush head 3414 preferably includes a first channel member 3411 and an opening 3403 which provides access to a hollow region extending within the brush head 3414 and neck region 3416. A second optional channel 3402 can be defined along the brush head or 3414 which further provides a guide for a mobile bristle carrier described in more detail herein. A guide wall 3415 is preferably defined along the brush head 3414 and may extend around a portion of the periphery of the surface of the brush head. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3400 further includes a motor 3450 which provides a driven driving shaft 3452. An electrical switch circuit and a power source, although not shown, are preferably retained within the hollow region defined within the body 3412 and the bushing 3420. A lower support of the motor 3430 and an upper support of the motor 3440 preferably holds and holds the motor 3450 within the hollow interior region defined within the body 3412 and the end cap 3420. The hollow interior region extends within the neck 3416 and optionally within a portion of brush head 3414. Lower motor support 3430 includes a base or opening 3436 for receiving a pivot or shaft member 3458 for a driving gear described in more detail herein. The lower support of the engine 3430 includes an inner support of the transmission 3432 and an outer support of the transmission 3434 as shown. The upper support of the engine 3440 includes a transmission support 3442 which preferably engages the inner and / or outer supports of the transmission 3432 and 3434 of the lower support of the engine 3430. A transmission housing 3444 is also provided which preferably it is coupled to the motor support 3440. A plurality of coupling feet 3446 are preferably formed from the upper support of the motor 3440 which is coupled to the lower support 3430. As noted above with respect to FIG. 48, it will be understood that it can be used. a one-piece engine support component. A driving gear 3454 which is secured to the driving shaft 3452 of the motor 3450 is preferably in engagement with a ring gear 3456. The ring gear is rotatably supported by the shaft or pivot member 3458 which in turn is received at the base 3436 of the lower support of the motor 3430. The crown gear 3456 includes a centrally located guide member 3457 and a displaced member 3455. The displaced member 3455 engages with one end of pinion 3462 of a drive shaft component 3461. Drive shaft component 3461 includes an opposite end 3463 defined from pinion member 3462. Another drive shaft member 3466 is also provided which includes an end 3465 and an opposite end 3464. The end 3465 is preferably coupled to the end 3463 of the drive shaft component 3461. The opposite end 3464 of the drive shaft component 3466 is preferably coupled to a mobile bristle carrier described in more detail herein. The drive shaft components 3466 and 3461 preferably reside within the hollow interior region of the body 3412 and the neck 3416. A removable protective cover 3413 is preferably attached along a recessed region or one or more defined openings within the body 3412. The cover 3413 serves as a housing or protective cover for a switch, the position of which can be changed through the cover 3413. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3400 also comprises a mobile bristle carrier 3470 and a tip or end of the stationary bristle carrier 3480. The bristle mobile carrier 3470 defines a plurality of openings 3474 for receiving and retaining a plurality of bristles and bristle tufts (not shown). The bristle carrier 3470 includes a first end 3475 and a second opposing end 3472. The end 3475 is preferably formed and sized to fit within the channel 3411 defined along the brush head 3414 and preferably having a similar configuration as the wall. 3415. The mobile bristle carrier 3470 also includes a flanged member 3476 along its bottom portion, dimensioned to engage the channel 3411 defined along the brush head 3414. The distal end 3464 of the drive shaft component 3466 engages with the bristle carrier 3470. Preferably, the end 3464 is accessible through the opening 3403 defined in the brush head 3414. The tip of the bristle carrier 3480 includes a plurality of openings 3484 adapted to receive and retain the bristles 3484. bristles or bristle tufts (not shown). The tip of the bristle carrier 3480 also includes a first end 3485 adapted to be oriented towards the end 3472 of the bristle carrier 3470 and the portions of the brush head wall 3415 3414. The tip of the bristle carrier 3480 also includes an opposite end 3482 and further may include a flanged member 183 along its bottom portion, for engaging and residing within the channel 3411 defined within the brush head 3414. The flanged member 3483 is preferably configured similarly to the member with flanges 3476 of the bristle carrier 3470. In assembly, the tip of the bristle carrier 3480 is secured to the distal end of the brush head 3414. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3400 operates in a manner similar to the previously described embodiment of the toothbrush 3300 When completing or closing an electrical circuit between the 3450 motor and a power source, the drive shaft 3452 and the drive gear or 3454 rotate. This rotation causes the rotation of the crown gear 3456 and imparts reciprocating movement to the members or components of the drive shaft 3461 and 3466. The coupling between the drive shaft component 3466 and the bristle carrier 3470 imparts a translational or alternating movement to the carrier 3470.

The toothbrushes of the present invention, and in particular the embodiments of the toothbrush 3300 and 3400, have been found to function using extraordinarily small amounts of energy. And surprisingly, these electric toothbrushes provide comparable efficiency and performance of brushing than other commercially available toothbrushes. It is believed that these dramatic benefits result from a combination of one or more of the following factors: (1) the use of a reciprocating or reciprocating movement for the mobile sow carrier during the operation of the toothbrushes of the present invention; (2) the selection of the degree or magnitude of movement of the bristle carrier, ie its "stroke"; (3) the particular type of motor used in toothbrushes; (4) the operating speed used by the engine; (5) I gear ratio between the drive gear of the motor and a crown gear used in the drive mechanism of the toothbrushes of the present invention; (6) the particular assembly of the components used in the drive and the relatively small number of components; (7) the use of static bristles together with mobile bristles; and (8) the particular configuration of the bristles used along the brush head. It has been found that the approach of the present invention to use a translation plate to impart movement to a plurality of bristles provides an important improvement in reducing the current and voltage requirements of operation and energy consumption, compared to currently known electric toothbrush units. For example, the comparative tests between (i) the relatively energy-efficient and enormously popular brush of the proxy, Crest7 Spin Brush7 using an oscillating rotating head and (ii) a bristle carrier of translation or reciprocating movement according to the present invention, reveals what following: TABLE 2 The data presented in Table 2 illustrate that an embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention, using a translation plate or bristle carrier, requires considerably less voltage (approximately 28%) and less amperage (approximately 37%) than a prominent brush commercially successful dental device that uses an oscillating or rotating head configuration. Another aspect of the high efficiency drive mechanisms according to the present invention relates to the stroke length of the mobile bristle carrier, such as the bristle carriers 3370 and 3470. The preferred parameters of the movement of the reciprocating bristle carrier are the following . Preferably, the reciprocating carrier has a striking length of at least about 0.5 mm, more preferably at least about 1.0 mm, more preferably at least about 1.25 mm, and most preferably at least approximately 1.5 mm; and less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than 3.5 mm, more preferably less than 2.5 mm, and more preferably less than 1.7 mm. It will be understood that the driving mechanisms of the present invention may use greater or lesser stroke lengths than the various preferred values. Although without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that excessive amounts of energy are consumed, ie battery energy, when the stroke length is excessively long. Also, if the stroke length is very short, the brushing efficiency is considerably reduced. As noted above, the direction of movement of the bristle carrier is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The motor used in the embodiments of the toothbrush described herein is preferably adapted in particular to provide a high efficiency energy source for the drive mechanism. A standard motor can be modified using less winding and reducing voltage requirements to approximately 1.5 volts. The typical standard motors exhibit general current consumption characteristics as follows: no load, a current consumption of approximately 1.06 amps is required, and with load, a current consumption of at least 1.0 amps is required.

The motors of the preferred embodiment used in the embodiments of the electric toothbrush described herein have a current consumption of less than 0.3 amps without a load, and from about 0.4 to about 0.6 amps under a load. The "loads" mentioned are the typical operating loads placed on the engine when the embodiments of the toothbrushes described herein are used during routine brushing. the preferred operating speed for the motors used in the toothbrush embodiments described herein ranges from about 157 rad / s (1500 rpm) to about 366.5 rad / s (3500 rpm), and more preferably is about 267 rad / s (2500 rpm). A speed of 267 rad / s (2500 rpm) provides approximately 1250 punch cycles per minute as measured in the alternating bristle carrier when using the traction mechanism of the preferred embodiment described herein. . These operating speeds are provided with respect to the motor by coupling the drive, however, no brushing load is placed on the bristle carrier. It will be understood that by applying a load to the motor, the operating speed of the motor can be reduced by approximately 30% to 35%. These values are estimated and the degree of reduction in the speed of operation will depend on a large number of factors. This ratio of the motor operating speed and the travel speed of the bristle carrier is an indication of the transmission ratio between the driving gear geared to the drive shaft of the motor (such as the drive gear 3354 of FIG. 48 or the drive gear 3454 of Figure 49) and the bevel gear (such as bevel gear 3356 of Figure 48 or bevel gear 3456 of Figure 49) to which the drive shaft is engaged in the displacement member. The preferred ratio is from about 1: 1 to about 3: 1, and more preferably about 2: 1. Therefore, in this most preferred ratio, for every two revolutions of the motor drive shaft, the crown gear rotates once. It has been found that the designated preferred gear ratio of 2: 1 provides a desirable combination of range of motion and speed as measured in the bristle carrier to provide excellent brushing characteristics together with an acceptable level of energy consumption. The use of the designated crown gear in the driving mechanisms of the preferred embodiment described herein is especially desirable since the type of driving component and its orientation shown in the mentioned figures requires relatively few components and allows a small housing to be used already. that the total volume resulting from the drive mechanism is small. The preferred crown gear used in the drive described herein uses from about 8 or 10 to about 40 gear teeth. More preferably, the crown gear has approximately 20 gear teeth. This is a relatively small number of teeth for the determined size and application of the crown gear. This results in a relatively high profile for the crown gear teeth. Accordingly, the preferred crown gears of the present invention utilize an off-center member that must extend above the height of the gear teeth. This is necessary to provide sufficient space for the gear teeth of the crown gear. The crown gear is rotatably supported by an axle having a height so that the transmission shaft coupled with the off-center member is aligned on the bristle carrier. This particular arrangement and combination of components provides a drive mechanism that uses an extraordinarily small number of components. The fewer components, more efficient is the transfer of movement and greater ease in assembly and production. With reference to Fig. 50, a portion of a drive of the preferred embodiment is shown. A motor 3550 which provides a driven driving shaft 3552 and a driving gear 3554 secured to the shaft 3552 is coupled with a ring gear 3556. The ring gear 3556 is rotatably supported at its center 3557 by an axle 3558. An offset member that is Outwardly extending 3555 is provided along an outer face 3551 of the crown gear 3556. The member 3555 is disposed radially outward from the center 3557 of the crown gear 3556. A drive shaft 3560 is coupled at its end 3562 with the decentered member 3555. By rotating the drive shaft 3552 and the gear 3554, the crown gear 3556 rotates about the shaft 3558. That movement in turn imparts a reciprocating movement to the drive shaft 3560. FIG. 51 is a side elevation view of the drive portion of the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 50. Fig. 51 illustrates a characteristic of the drive mechanisms of the embodiment preferred, that of the elevated orientation of the reciprocating drive shaft relative to the crown gear. Specifically, it can be seen that the gear teeth of the crown gear 3556 have a profile or a total height that is shown as the height G. The offset member 3555 engages the drive shaft 3560 so that a distance S between the 3560 shaft and the gear teeth. More preferably, the distance S is also the distance necessary to maintain alignment between the offset member 3555 and the bristle carrier disposed on the brush head. More preferably, the drive shaft 3560 is the only drive component that extends between and engages those components. As noted above, another aspect of the embodiments of the toothbrush according to the invention, and in particular, of the drive mechanisms described herein, is that a relatively small number of drive components are used. This is readily apparent from the exploded views in Figs. 48 and 49. This design strategy reduces the number of interconnections and therefore a more direct assembly of the drive components is achieved. This method considerably simplifies assembly, reduces total manufacturing costs, and leads to a more commercially viable consumer product. In addition, the use of static bristles in combination with a plurality of the mobile bristles, helps to reduce the total load on the reciprocating bristle carrier. Figures 52-54 illustrate this feature in more detail. The Flg. 52 illustrates a portion of an embodiment of the toothbrush according to the invention 3600 comprising a brush head 3614, a neck 3616, a mobile bristle carrier 3670, and an end component 3680. The mobile bristle carrier 3670 supports and retains a plurality of sows 3650, referred to herein as "mobile sows". These are shown in interrupted lines for clarity purposes. The end component 3680 supports and retains a plurality of bristles 3662 referred to herein as stationary bristles. In addition, the brush head 3614 supports and retains a plurality of bristles 3660, also referred to herein as stationary bristles, which are preferably disposed along the periphery of the bristle mobile carrier 3670 and the bristles 3650 disposed thereon. The stationary bristles 3662 and 3660 are also shown in interrupted lines. The bristle configuration shown in Fig. 52 is important in that the plurality of bristles that are stationary, ie the bristles 3660 and 3662 essentially or partially surround the mobile bristles 3650 retained on the mobile bristle carrier 3670. It has been found that this configuration reduces the load that the rest is applied to the bristles 3650 and the mobile bristle carrier 3670 during the brushing and operation of the toothbrush 3600. It is believed that this feature results from the stationary bristles 3660 and 3662 that accommodate a portion of the brushing load., otherwise placed on the bristles 3650 and the carrier 3670. The distribution of the brush load between the stationary bristles 3660 and 3662 and the mobile bristles 3650 is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the relative heights of the stationary and moving bristles, (ii) the materials that form the stationary and moving bristles, (iii) the profile of the brushing surface resulting from the distal ends of the stationary and moving bristles, (iv) the respective densities (or bristles per unit area) of the stationary and mobile bristles, and (v) the arrangement of the stationary bristles and the mobile bristles. By adjusting one or more of these factors, the load applied to the mobile bristle carrier during brushing can be reduced, for example by increasing the relative height of the stationary bristles or by reducing the height of the moving bristles. The load applied to the mobile bristle carrier can also be reduced by increasing the density of the stationary bristles arranged around the mobile carrier. The load can also be reduced by selecting the particular materials that exhibit a high degree of rigidity for the stationary bristles compared to the mobile bristles. Fig. 53 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the invention 3700 comprising a brush head 3714, a neck 3716, a mobile bristle carrier 3770, a plurality of the movable bristles 3750 supported and retained on the 3770 carrier, a first plurality of stationary bristles 3760 disposed on the brush head 3714, and a second plurality of stationary bristles 3762 disposed on the end of the brush head 3714. This embodiment of the toothbrush 3700 uses a bristle configuration in which a large number of bristles stationary such as 3760 and 3762, are arranged around the mobile bristles 3750, or practically so. It can be mentioned that the group of stationary bristles 3762 are arranged mainly along the end of the brush head 3714. Furthermore, the other group of stationary bristles 3760 extend generally around the remaining periphery of the mobile bristle carrier 3770. It has been found that this arrangement offers good brushing efficiency and significantly reduces brushing loads that would otherwise apply to bristles 3750 and thus to bristle carrier 3770. Fig. 54 illustrates another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the invention. 3800 comprising a brush head 3814, a neck 3816, a mobile bristle carrier 3870, a plurality of the movable bristles 3850 supported and retained thereon, and a plurality of stationary bristles 3860 extending generally around the periphery of the bristle carrier 3870. In this embodiment, the stationary bristles 3860 extend around at least one greater of the outer periphery of the bristle carrier 3870. Preferably, the bristles 3860 extend continuously, or practically so, around the mobile bristle carrier 3870 and the mobile bristles 3850 disposed therein. It is not necessary that the stationary bristles 3860 be arranged in a region adjacent to the mobile bristle carrier that is opposite the distal end of the brush head 3814. This region is shown in Fig. 54 as region 3864. It has been found to be Particular configuration of bristles offers good brushing performance and significant reductions in brushing loads that would otherwise apply to 3850 bristles and thus to 3870 bristle bearer. Figures 53 and 54 also illustrate the brush heads that they use different densities of bristles along their distal ends, such as in the region of a bristle carrier tip such as tip 3380 in Fig. 48. These regions are shown in broken lines. The shaded region of Fig. 53 contains six tufts of bristles per unit area while Fig. 52 contains five tufts of bristles per unit area. Another important aspect is that the present invention provides an original coupling assembly comprising a gear that is driven by the electric motor of the toothbrush and a drive shaft that drives one or more of the mobile bristle carriers. This coupling assembly efficiently converts the rotary movement of the gear to the reciprocating movement of the drive shaft. The set works and performs the indicated conversion in a surprisingly quiet and smooth manner. This coupling unit is illustrated in Figures 55-60. Fig. 55 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the assembly 4000 comprising a drive shaft 4100 and a gear 4200. The drive shaft 4100 includes a shaft portion 4110 and a distal end having an elongated partially enclosed end 4120 which, as described below, provides an original set of surfaces for engaging the cam surfaces of the gear 4200. More specifically, Fig. 55 illustrates an oval-shaped aperture 4125 defined within a central region of the partially enclosed elongated end 4120 The partially enclosed end 4120 includes an end cover 4122 defining the opening 4125. Arranged around the periphery of the end cover 4122 is an end wall 4126. The cover 4122 and the wall 4126 together provide a partial enclosure (no shown in Fig. 55) that receives certain components of the driving gear 4200. Figure 55 also illustrates the preferred gear 4200 of the unit 4000. The gear 4200 is similar to the gear 806 shown in Fig. 12, the gear 3356 shown in FIG. Fig. 48, gear 3456 shown in Fig. 49, and gear 3556 shown in Figs. 50 and 51. In other words, the assembly and operation of the gear 4200 is similar to the assembly and function of these designated gears. However, the 4200 gear uses an original collection of cam surfaces. Specifically, the gear 4200 includes a plurality of gear teeth 4210 disposed about its periphery. A driving gear, such as that which is attached to an electric motor, is preferably coupled or otherwise attached to the gear 4200, and specifically to the gear teeth 4210. An average circular base 4220 extends along an outer face of the gear 4200 and between opposing regions of the gear teeth 4210. Positioned on the base 4220 and extending outwardly therefrom, there is a first cam 4230 that provides a circular cam surface 4232 that extends around the periphery of the cam 4230 Extending from the first cam 4230 there is a second cam 4240. The second cam 4240 provides circular cam surface 4242 that extends around the periphery of the second cam 4240. It will be understood that the center of the second cam 4240 matches the center of the base 4220, and the center of the gear 4200. In this way, by rotating the gear, 4200, such as around the axis of rotation A shown in Fig. 55, the second the cam 4240 and the base 4220 rotate about the same axis, ie the axis A. The center of the first cam 4230, which is shown in Fig. 55 as the axis B, is separated from, and even preferably parallel to, the , the axis A. Fig. 56 is a planar top view of the gear 4200. Fig. 56 illustrates the arrangement of the first cam 4230 and the second cam 4240 relative to each other, and the center of rotation A of the gear 4200. Again, it may be noted that the center of the first circular cam referred to as the center B in Fig. 56 is separated from the center (or axis of rotation) A. Fig. 57 is a side elevation view of gear 4200.

Fig. 57 further illustrates the configuration and arrangement of the gear teeth 4210, the base 4220, the first cam 4230 and its cam surface 4232, the second cam 4240 and its cam surface 4242. Fig. 58 is a view partial lateral cross section of the assembly 4000 illustrating the elongate end 4120 of the drive shaft 4100 coupled with the gear 4200. Specifically, it can be seen that the second cam 4240 is disposed within the opening 4125 defined at the end 4120. In addition, the first cam 4230 is enclosed by and received within the end 4120. Preferably, the cam surface 4242 of the second cam 4240 engages and contacts portions of the elongated end surface 4120 defining the aperture 4125. In addition, preferably, the cam surface 4232 of the first cam 4230 engages and contacts portions of the interior and specifically, portions of an interior wall 4122 defined along the interior of the elongate end 4 120. Fig. 59 illustrates the underside, i.e. the side of the elongate end 4120 of the drive shaft 4100 that faces the base 4220 of the gear 4200. Fig. 59 further illustrates the inner wall 4122 whose cam surface 4232 the first cam 4230 engages when the gear 4200 and the drive shaft 4100 engage to form the assembly 4000. Fig. 59 also illustrates the orientation of the opening 4125. Fig. 59 further illustrates two dimensions S and T as follows. The dimension S is the minimum entry length or dimension of the opening 4125. Since the second cam 4240 is received within the opening 4125, the diameter of the cam 4240 must be slightly less than the dimension S. As an alternative, the dimension S should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cam 4240. The dimension T is the section or the minimum input dimension of the oval-shaped inner wall 4122. Since the first cam 4230 is received within the region generally limited by the inner wall 4122, the diameter of the cam 4230 should be slightly less than the dimension T. Alternatively, the dimension T should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cam 4230. Fig. 59 also illustrates a preferred orientation of the opening 4125 inside the end 4120. As can be seen, the major axis of the oval-shaped opening 4125 represented as the axis D is preferably parallel and more preferably coextensive with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 4110 of the drive shaft 4100, shown as the axis C. FIG. 59 further illustrates that the opening 4125 is preferably oval in shape and oriented at right angles to the oval-shaped interior region defined by the interior wall 4122. That is, the major axis of the opening of oval shape 4125 is preferably perpendicular to the major axis of the oval-shaped interior region defined by wall 4122. Fig. 60 is a top plan view of assembly 4000 further illustrating the arrangement, orientation, and configuration of the drive shaft 4100 and the gear 4200. By rotating the gear 4200 about the axis A, as in the direction of the arrow E, the center of the first cam 4230 rotates about its axis A generally at along the circular path G. The circular path G results from the first cam 4230 being displaced about the axis A as the gear 4200 rotates. It will be understood that the radius of the circular path G corresponds to the amount of deviation or space between the central points A and B shown in Fig. 55. As the gear 4200 rotates, thereby causing the first cam 4230 to be displaced about the axis A, along the circular path G, a portion of the cam surface 4232 of the first cam 4230 couples several regions of the inner wall 4122. This results in which the end 4120 is translated linearly back and forth with respect to the center point of the gear 4200 and the axis A. In other words, this has the effect of causing the second cam 4240 to be linearly moved back and forth within the aperture 4125. However, it will be understood that in view of the gear 4200 being fixed essentially at its point of rotation, ie the axis A is the end 4120 and thus the drive shaft 4100 moving back and forth. The rotation of the gear 4200 in the direction of the arrow E causes the reciprocating movement of the drive shaft 4100 in the direction of the arrows F shown in Fig. 60. The assembly of the preferred embodiment 4000 efficiently converts the rotation movement of the gear 4200 in 100% or practically so, of reciprocating motion of the drive shaft 4100. That is, there is no or only extremely minor movement in a different direction along the longitudinal axis C of the drive shaft 4100. This feature is beneficial in that that at high operating speeds, the vibration set is minimal, or at least maintained at acceptable levels. In addition to its high performance efficiency characteristics, the toothbrush embodiments described herein also provide relatively high brushing forces. An indication of this is that the toothbrush embodiments described herein provide a powerful and relatively constant alternative stroke on their brush head even when applying heavy loads. Accordingly, the toothbrushes of the present invention can operate under loads as high as 13.6k (30 pounds) applied to their brush heads and alternating bristle carriers. An example of the relatively high efficiency and low power consumption of the driving mechanisms of the preferred embodiment described herein relates to the use of batteries. Almost all comparable electric toothbrushes currently available require two (2) AA batteries for operation. The embodiments of the electric toothbrushes described herein preferably require only one (1) AA battery. It is extraordinary and surprising that the toothbrushes of the present invention provide the same, or practically the same strength and energy characteristics in their brush heads, ie measured at the ends of the bristles, as compared to the commercially available brushes.; and yet they require only about half of the energy or battery requirements of those same brushes. It will be understood that the toothbrushes of the present invention are in no way limited to using only one battery (AA). The toothbrushes of the present invention can utilize a wide variety of batteries, battery configurations, and energy sources. References to the batteries (AA) are provided to facilitate understanding and further description of the toothbrushes of the present invention and their characteristics of low energy consumption. In general, the toothbrushes of the present invention preferably operate from a voltage source of about 0.5 volts to about 2.5 volts. More preferably, the toothbrushes of the present invention operate from a power source that provides 1.5 volts. More preferably, this power source is rechargeable. Of course, the toothbrushes of the present invention can use disposable batteries. This "low energy consumption" feature is one aspect of toothbrushes of the present invention which is particularly attractive from a commercial point of view. An indication of this low energy consumption characteristic of the toothbrushes of the present invention is illustrated in the total operating time of the toothbrushes. A test apparatus is mounted in which an element and a weight of 0.45 k (1 pound) are placed inside a housing. A toothbrush to be tested is fixed on the appliance, with the bristles directed upwards. The weight of a free weight is then placed on the brushing surface of the brush, ie the distal ends directed upwards of the bristles. The surface of the weights corresponds to that of a typical dental surface. Then the toothbrush is activated and the total time elapsed until the toothbrush stops working is measured. Preferably, the toothbrushes according to the present invention generally operate at least about 100 minutes, more preferably at least 120 minutes, more preferably at least 140 minutes, more preferably at least 160 minutes, and more preferably at least 160 minutes. at least 180 minutes. It is contemplated that the toothbrushes of the present invention can operate under the described conditions for as long as 210 to 220 minutes, and even longer. The test conditions indicated above use a single battery (AA). In general, these total operating times are measured using a voltage source of at least about 0.9 volts to about 2.5 volts, and using a reciprocating bristle carrier having the indicated stroke length and speed. As noted above, an additional benefit of the toothbrush described herein is a relatively simple assembly. This results in reduced manufacturing costs. In addition, it is contemplated that the drive assemblies of the preferred embodiment described herein will provide improved reliability due to its simple and direct design. In addition, the relatively small number of components used in these drives further reduces the potential for faults in their interconnections. In case of using a pin coupling assembly, it is preferred that the mobile bristle carrier defines an opening accessible from its bottom, similar to the opening 3254 illustrated in FIG. 47. This opening may extend only partially through the opening. thickness of the bristle carrier (as shown in Fig. 47), or it may extend fully through the thickness to the other, the upper side of the carrier. The drive shaft, and specifically the distal end, such as end 3206 shown in FIG. 47, is formed to have a pin or pin-like extension from its distal end., or to be adapted to attach a separate pin component. The pin (or a separate component or formed as part of the shaft) fits within the defined opening in the bristle carrier. Other coupling assemblies are contemplated for use in conjunction with the present invention including, but not limited to, multi-pin coupling assemblies, latch mechanism, screwing fasteners, and sets that are secured together as adhesive or sonic weld. It is contemplated that the various carriers described herein can be easily replaced, and preferably, can be exchanged with other carriers. In this way, a user can select a particular carrier for a variety of different types and configurations. When selected, the user can easily attach that carrier to a desired toothbrush. In addition, it is contemplated that so-called various packages or sample containers, each containing various types of carriers that can be provided separately or together with an electric toothbrush. For example, if the mobile bristle carriers described herein use an easily detachable coupling mechanism for connecting to the drive mechanism, a collection or variety of movable carriers could be promoted separately or in conjunction with the electric toothbrush. It will be understood that any of the features and aspects of any of the embodiments of the toothbrush described herein may be combined with one or more of the features and aspects of other embodiments described herein.

The present invention may utilize the attributes, aspects, components, materials, and features of one or more of the following of published patent applications or granted patents: WO 01/29128; the U.S. patent no. 6,000,083; the U.S. patent Des. no. 432,312; the U.S. patent Des. no. 433,814; the U.S. patent no. 6,178,579; the U.S. patent no. 6,189,693; the U.S. patent no. 6.311, 837; US patent application published núm.2002 / 0032941; the U.S. patent no. 6,360,395; and U.S. Pat. no. 6,371, 294; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition to the particular materials noted or described herein, the various embodiments of the toothbrush and any components may be formed of conventional materials commonly used to make electric toothbrushes. In general, the handle, the neck, the brush head, and other structural parts or components are formed of polypropylene. Polymeric blends can be used for these parts or components, for example mixtures of ABS and one or more of Celcon ™, Acetal ™, and / or Deirin ™. Particularly preferred is a wide array of self-lubricating materials to form the components of the drive train. The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others when reading and understanding this specification. Although certain arrangements of static and mobile bristles have been shown and described, the present invention includes a variety of other configurations. It is intended that these modifications and alterations be included to the extent that they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. The relevant parts of all the cited documents are incorporated herein by reference; the mention of any document should not be construed as an admission that it constitutes a prior industry with respect to the present invention. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all these changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

1. An electric toothbrush comprising a handle, a neck, and a drive shaft; the brush is characterized in that: (a) The handle is at a first end of the toothbrush having a motor disposed therein; (b) the neck extends from the handle, and characterized in that the handle also comprises a receiving member at a second end of the toothbrush, characterized in that a plurality of carriers are coupled to the receiving member, characterized in that the plurality of carriers comprises one or more static carriers and one or more mobile carriers, and characterized in that one or more static carriers and one or more mobile carriers are independently slidably coupled to the receiving member; and (c) the drive shaft functionally connects one or more mobile carriers to the motor.

2. An electric toothbrush comprising a handle, a neck, and a drive shaft; The electric toothbrush is characterized in that: (a) The handle is at a first end of the toothbrush having a motor disposed therein; (b) the neck extends from the handle and further comprises a bristle-free receiving member at a second end of the toothbrush, further characterized in that the receiving member receives a plurality of bristle carriers to form a toothbrush head, further characterized because the plurality of bristle carriers comprises one or more static bristle carriers and one or more mobile bristle carriers, and further characterized in that one or more mobile bristle carriers are nested within one or more static bristle carriers, and further characterized because one or more static bristle carriers and one or more mobile bristle carriers independently engage slidably to the neck receiving member; and (c) the drive shaft operatively connects one or more mobile carriers of bristles to the motor.

3. An electric toothbrush comprising a handle, a neck, and a drive shaft, the electric toothbrush is characterized in that: (a) The handle is at a first end of the toothbrush having a motor disposed therein; (b) the neck extends from the handle and further comprises a receiving member having bristles disposed thereon at a second end of the toothbrush, further characterized in that the receiving member receives a plurality of carriers to form a toothbrush head, further characterized because the plurality of carriers comprises one or more static carriers and one or more mobile carriers of bristles, and further characterized in that one or more static carriers and one or more mobile carriers of bristles are independently slidably coupled to the receiving member; and (c) the drive shaft functionally connects one or more mobile bristle carriers to the motor.

The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the carriers are selected from the group comprising static and mobile carriers comprising: brush head tips, static bristle carriers, mobile bristle carriers, elements elastomers, therapeutic elements, dental tartar control elements, and dental instruments, and any combination thereof.

The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the bristle carriers are coupled to the receiving member within channels defined by a surface of the receiving member, preferably the carriers are coupled to the receiving member within separate channels. .

6. The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that one or more mobile carriers are nested within one or more static carriers.

The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that one or more static carriers are retained on the receiver member by connectors defined by an outer surface of the paired receiver member with connectors defined by an inner surface of one or more static carriers, preferably the matching connectors further comprise serrated teeth.

The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that one or more mobile bristle carriers are coupled to the drive shaft receiving a protrusion within an opening.

The electric toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that one or more mobile carriers move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush receiving member.; preferably the mobile carrier moves alternately.

10. A kit comprising: (a) The toothbrush according to any of the preceding claims, and (b) one or more carriers selected from the group comprising tip carriers of the brush head, static carriers of bristles, movable carriers. of sows, carriers of eiastomeric elements, carriers of compositions for oral care, and carriers of dental instruments, and any combination thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electric toothbrush having movable and static carriers, which independently slidably engage the toothbrush head receiving member within channels defined by the surfaces of the recipient member. These carriers can be removably removed to replace or exchange the carriers. There is further described a toothbrush having an original assembly using a one-piece housing in combination with a mobile bristle carrier that is coupled on a receiving member located at the distal toothbrush end, and a static carrier, such as a toothbrush. tip of brush head that is fixed to it. The unitary housing reduces the number of toothbrush components and decreases manufacturing costs. The static and movable carriers can be replaced with other carriers and allow a consumer to individually adjust the brush to provide a particular brushing configuration. An electric toothbrush having a particular set, bristle configuration, and drive is disclosed. The assembly, the bristle configuration, and the drive mechanism are such that brush operation is very efficient and more economical than currently known toothbrushes. Specifically, an electric toothbrush comprising a body, a head, and a neck extending therebetween is described. The head comprises a receiving member and several original and preferred arrangements of the static and mobile carriers. The carriers may comprise bristles, and the static carrier (s) may at least partially surround the collection of mobile carrier (s) of bristles. An engine and a transmission impart movement to the mobile carrier (s).