NZ554252A

NZ554252A - Brush with pivoting bristle plaform via live hinge connection to brush body

Info

Publication number: NZ554252A
Application number: NZ55425207A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Gary Craig Prowse
Original assignee: Gary Craig Prowse
Priority date: 2007-04-02
Filing date: 2007-04-02
Publication date: 2009-09-25
Also published as: GB201013642D0; WO2008121010A1; GB2470846A; AU2008233408A1

Abstract

A brush (100) comprising a body member (110), and at least one bristle platform (120) including a plurality of bristles (130), the bristle platform (120) being pivotally mounted relative to the body member (110) via a living hinge (not shown) so as to cause reciprocating pivoting motion of the platform as teeth are brushed.

Description

18/07/2006 19:16 5328770 Forrnff Patents Act 1953 PAGE 04/07 Page 1 of 1 ~ Received' at lPO'N 11 August20(B You can view IP c Complete Specification f iiis of registered Inie'lsctual; Prupei ^y ;-n wvvw.iponz.govt.nz: Where priority as provided by subsection (2) or subsection (3) of section 11 of the Patents Act .1953 is wanted in respect of one or more provisional specifications, please quote the number(s) below Patent Number(s) Date(s) ;SS>i SZ ©2- c>~3-.

Title ot invention: (or We) (State full n&me, address, and nationality of applicant'($) sts in application form) . C&A:1<V PHoKAlfr Q>( lot-RHP AvX- <7 ?.A^VL_A-Ki&ife, hereby declare the invention, for which I (or we) pray that a patent may be granted to rue (or us), and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement (On the next page begin full description of invention, The . continuation of the specification'should be upon p$per. of the same size as-this form, on one Aide only, with the lines well sp^Ced'-and- with a margin of £.5 tith on the left hand part of the paper. The completion of the description should be fniiowad by the claim or cl&ims numbered ' consecutively. (See note, below,) The specification must be signed 'at the end), NOTE -The claim must rei&t&to '£ single invention^. must be clear $nd succinct, and must b& . . fairly based on the matter disclosed, in the specification,. they should form in brief-a clear • statement o> that which constitutes the Invention, Applicants should be careful that .their claims :! include neither more nor lass than they desire to protect by their patent Any unnecessary mifltiplicity of claims or prolixity df'Mtigtmgs should be Avoided Claims shouid'n&t be mads for the efficiency or advantages of the invention. . »i'.»w>/Econornic u , :5f)vt»1opmerkt V! ■. • V!-" $; I: h—m For assistance completing this form please call 0508 4 IPONZ (0508 447 669) www.ipanz.govt.nz I Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 BRUSH AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a brush. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a toothbrush configured for improved brushing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Brushes, and in particular toothbrushes, are used widely around the world. A 10 wide variety of brush shapes and sizes exist, even within the particular field of toothbrushes. The field of dental hygiene in particular offers challenges to be overcome, due to the variety of mouth sizes, the restricted access to teeth, the shape of teeth, the nature of the matter to be cleaned from teeth, the fact that toothbrushes should be effective in cleaning between individual teeth, and so forth. 15 These varying requirements have influenced the design of toothbrushes, so that there are a wide variety of brush designs currently available.

As an example, toothbrushes have been provided that have flexible necks to ensure that excessive force is not exerted on teeth, thereby damaging the enamel. 20 Further, toothbrush bristles are provided in a wide range of thicknesses, strengths, lengths and combined configurations. For example they may have their combined free ends cropped into serrated patterns. Differing materials or combinations of materials have also been contemplated for use in achieving the wide variety of desiderata. Even more recently, electrically driven toothbrushes have become 25 popular. These comprise of a brush head movable in a wide range of movement. Such may include rotational movement, reciprocating rotational movement and linear reciprocating movement. These moveable brush heads are usually driven by an electric motor coupled to the brush head by a coupling mechanism.

One of the problems associated with toothbrushes is that characteristics which positively influence the toothbrushes performance in one area may negatively influence the toothbrushes performance in another area. For example, according to 2 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 some studies, the bristles should not be too rigid, as this may injure a user's gums, or damage the teeth enamel- however the bristles must be rigid enough to be effective in brushing plaque off the teeth. Where less rigid material is used, the toothbrush bristles will tend to become deformed and bent, and may lose their resiliency over a 5 shorter period of time than if more rigid materials were used. In such a case, the lifespan of the toothbrush may be negatively influenced, and the tooth brush would need to be replaced more often.

Further, longer bristles may be preferred, as they will reach further between the teeth, thereby allowing the toothbrush to clean more effectively. However, such longer bristles will be less resistant to being bent or buckled (individually and in combination) by the cleaning action of being pushed against teeth. Where bristles are buckled frequently, they may lose their resiliency quickly, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the toothbrush.

For these reasons, it is desirable to be able to provide a toothbrush which provides bristles in a configuration that increases the access for each bristle to a set of teeth being cleaned, and which uses shorter bristles, but allows these shorter bristles to reach adequately between a user's teeth.

While the requirements for brushes in general may not be so onerous, the same principles of compromise may apply to brushes for use in other fields.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 3 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 It is an object of the present invention to provide a brush which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention broadly consists in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; at least one bristle platform including 10 at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, said bristle platform being pivotally mounted relative to the body member; whereby brushing of said bristles over a surface(s) to be brushed in a reciprocating fashion will cause the reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platform.

In a second aspect, the invention may be said to consist broadly in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; at least one bristle platform including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, said bristle platform being pivotally mounted relative to the body member; whereby at least part of the bristle platform is moved towards and subsequently away from the body member during reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platform.

In a third aspect, the invention may be said to consist broadly in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; a plurality of bristle platforms, each including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, each of said bristle platforms being pivotally mounted relative to the body member; 4 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 wherein the plurality of bristles on each of said bristle platforms presents a bristle platform profile at their distal ends, the combined bristle platform profiles of all of the bristle platforms presents a combined bristle profile, and 5 wherein reciprocating movement of the bristle platforms causes the combined bristle profile to change configuration.

Preferably, the bristle platform is pivotally connected to body member by a pivoting formation.

Preferably, the pivoting formation extends from the body member. 10 Preferably the pivoting formation is a living hinge.

Preferably the pivoting formation includes at least one resilient flap.

Preferably the pivoting formation includes a plurality of resilient flaps.

Alternately, the pivoting formation is one selected from a ball and socket arrangement; a hinge arrangement, and any other suitably configured arrangement.

Preferably, the brush comprises a plurality of bristle platforms.

Preferably, each of the bristle platforms is pivotally connected to the body member.

Preferably, the pivoting formation(s) allow pivoting of the bristle platform in one plane in a reciprocating fashion.

Preferably, the pivoting formation provides a line-type hinge contact between the bristle platform and the body member to define an axis of rotation.

Preferably, the pivoting formation allows omni directional pivoting of the 25 bristle platform relative to the body member.

Preferably the pivoting formation provides a point-type contact between the bristle platform and the body member to allow said omni-directional pivoting.

Preferably, the bristle platforms are coupled to each other.

Preferably the bristle platforms are coupled so that pivoting of one bristle 30 platform in one direction will cause at least one other bristle platform to pivot in the same direction.

Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 Preferably, the bristle platforms are flexibly coupled to each other by means of a coupling arrangement, to allow for movement of the edges of adjacent bristle platforms relative to each other.

Preferably the coupling arrangement allows, upon the contacts of a surface 5 with the bristles of one platform to pre-conditioned at least one other platform to a desirable configuration for brushing.

Preferably, the coupling arrangement comprises a slider formation configured to engage with a complementary slot formation of an adjacent platform to allow sliding movement between adjacent platforms yet transferring a pivot inducing force 10 to the adjacent platform. .

Preferably, the bristle platforms are pivotally attached to the body member at or towards a central region of the bristle platform, thereby allowing outer regions of the bristle platforms to pivot towards and away from the body member.

Preferably, the bristle platforms have a substantially planar configuration. 15 Preferably, the bristle platforms are linearly disposed alongside each other.

Alternately, the bristle platforms are disposed alongside each other radially around a central region.

Preferably, the bristle platforms are shaped as a sector of a circle.

Preferably, the bristle platforms are configured to pivot along a line from the 20 centre of the circle to the centre of the outer perimeter of the sector.

Alternatively, the bristle platforms are configured to pivot around a central region of the sector of the circle.

Preferably, the body member is of a substantially quadrilateral shape.

Preferably, the body member is of an rectangular shape.

Alternately, the body member is of a circular shape.

Preferably, the brush further comprises a handle member.

Preferably, the handle member extends from the body member.

Preferably, the handle member extends longitudinally from the body member.

Preferably, the handle member includes grip formations for facilitating 30 increased friction by a user's hand on the handle member.

Preferably, the handle member and the body member are connected by a neck region. 6 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 Preferably, the material of neck region is composed of a flexible material selected from one or more of synthetic polymeric material; thermoset plastics material; and 5 thermoplastics plastic material.

Preferably, the neck region is configured and adapted to flex in use if a predetermined force is exerted on the body member.

Preferably, the brush includes a locking arrangement for locking movement of the bristle platform(s) in one or more positions.

Preferably, the locking arrangement is capable of locking pivotal movement of the bristle platforms so that they are no longer pivotable.

Preferably, the locking arrangement is moveable between a locked position in which the bristle platforms are locked in alignment in a planar fashion with each other, and 15 an unlocked position in which the bristle platform(s) are free to pivot.

Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises a locking member flexibly coupled to the bristle platform(s).

Preferably, the locking arrangement includes a locking formation which is engageable with the locking member to lock movement of the locking member, 20 wherein, when the locking formation is engaged with the locking member, the locking arrangement is in the locked position.

Preferably the body member is moveable in a reciprocating fashion.

Preferably the body member is moveable in a linearly reciprocating fashion.

Preferably the body member is moveable in a circularly reciprocating fashion. 25 Preferably, the body member is moveable relative to the handle member.

Preferably, the body member is moveable relative to the handle member in a linear reciprocating fashion.

Alternatively, the body member is moveable relative to the handle in a circularly reciprocating fashion.

Preferably, the brush includes drive means for driving movement of the body member. 7 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 Preferably, the drive means is configured and adapted for moving the body member relative to the handle member.

Preferably, the drive means is an electric motor.

Preferably, the brush includes a connector arrangement for connecting the 5 drive means to a power source.

Preferably, the brush includes a power source.

Preferably the power source is a battery.

Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery.

Preferably, the brush includes a moving mechanism for coupling the drive 10 means to the body member to move the body member relative to the handle member.

Preferably, the moving mechanism includes a reciprocatingly moveable shaft.

Preferably, the moving mechanism includes a rotatable circular disc adapted fro being driven by the drive means.

Preferably, the moving mechanism includes at least one guide track for guiding the movement of the body member.

Preferably, the guide track may be a straight channel.

Alternatively, the guide track may be a circular channel.

The brush may be configured and dimensioned for use as a toothbrush. 20 Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms 25 of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related 30 terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner. 8 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are 5 purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1: shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 2: shows a side view of a second embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 3: shows a side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 4: shows a top close-up view of part of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 5: shows a perspective close-up view of part of a first 20 embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 6: shows a cutaway cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 7: shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 8: shows a close up cutaway schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a brush for use as a linearly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristles removed fro clarity; Figure 9: shows a schematic close up cutaway top perspective view of the body member, bristle platforms and guide track of a fourth 30 embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristles removed for clarity; 9 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 Figure 10: shows a schematic close up cutaway bottom perspective view of the body member and bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristles removed for clarity; Figure 11: shows a schematic close up top view of the bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, showing placement of the bristles; Figure 12: shows a schematic close up end view of the bristle platforms 10 and body member of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristle platforms aligned in a planar fashion; Figure 13: shows a schematic close up end view of the bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly 15 reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristle platforms being pivoted with respect to the body member, with the bristles removed for clarity; Figures 14-16: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a fifth embodiment of a brush for use as a linearly reciprocating powered toothbrush, 20 showing the pivoting of the bristle platforms at various stages of movement of the body member; and Figure 17-19: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a sixth embodiment of a brush for general use, showing the bristle platforms at various degrees of pivot; and 25 Figures 20 and 22: shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush at various stages of pivoting of the body members; and Figure 21: shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 With reference to the above drawings, in which similar numerals refer to similar features, a brush according to the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100.

In the embodiments described below, the brush 100 is shown for use as a 5 toothbrush. However, it will; be appreciated, that a brush having similar features and operating on the same principles may be used for a wide variety of applications.

In a first embodiment shown in figures 1 and 3-7, a brush 100 is provided, said brush being particularly suited for use in brushing an uneven surface such as teeth 500 as a manual toothbrush. The brush 100 comprises a body member 110, 10 and a plurality of bristle platforms 120 disposed in a line alongside each other. Each bristle platform 120 is substantially planar and has two rectangularly shaped major sides 122. A plurality of bristles 130 extend outwardly from a major side 122 of the bristle platform 120.

Each of the bristle platforms 120 is pivotally connected to the body member 15 110 by means of a pivoting formation 140 in the form of a living hinge 141. The living hinges 141 extend across the centre of the major side 122 of the bristle platforms 120 on an opposite side to that from which the bristles 130 extend to form an axis line 146.

The living hinges 141 extend from the body member, and also form a fulcrum 20 for the pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120. Accordingly, each of the outer edges 124 of the bristle platforms 120 which are furthest away from the living hinge 141 are able to pivot towards and away from the body member 110, as shown in figures 20-22. The bristle platforms 120 are arranged in this way to be passively pivoted backward and forward along their allowable pivoting range by reciprocating 25 movement of the bristles 130 over a surface to be brushed, such as a user's teeth 500.

As shown in figure 5, each bristle platform 120 has a plurality of bristles 130 extending from it. The plurality of bristles 130 on each of said bristle platforms together present a bristle platform profile 132 at their distal ends. The combined 30 bristle platform profiles 132 of all of the bristle platforms 120 together present a combined bristle profile 134. When the bristle platforms pivot in a reciprocating fashion, they cause the combined bristle profile 134 to change configuration. It is 11 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 envisaged that this changing combined bristle profile 134 can be saw-toothed in at least one configuration, and may assist in cleaning surfaces of uneven configuration, such as teeth 500.

In the embodiment described above, the bristle platforms 120 will be able to 5 pivot in a single plane of movement. However, it is envisaged that this need not be the case. In alternative embodiments, for instance, it is envisaged that the pivot formation 140 could be a living hinge 141 (as shown in figure 6) which provides a point-type contact instead of a line-type contact. In this way, the bristle platforms 120 can pivot to any side in a plurality of planes 360 degrees around the pivot 10 formation 140.

It is further envisaged that in alternative embodiments, a ball and socket type arrangement 144 (as shown in an alternative embodiment on figure 17-19) can be used as a pivot formation 140 instead of a resilient flap 141. It will be appreciated that numerous mechanical alternatives, such as hinge formations and the like, are 15 possible which can be used to provide such a pivoting action. Any other such suitable mechanical arrangement can be used.

Referring to figure 4, the bristle platforms 120 are coupled to each other by means of a coupling arrangement 150, so that the pivoting of one bristle platform 120 in to one side will cause the other bristle platforms 120 to pivot to the same side 20 simultaneously during brushing. It must be noted that while this is a preferred embodiment, it is not necessary that all of the bristle platforms 120 pivot to the same side simultaneously during brushing. The coupling arrangement 150 comprises a T-shaped slider formation 152 extending from an outer edge 124 of a bristle platform 120, which is received into a complementarily shaped slot formation 154 in 25 the outer edge 124 of an adjacent bristle platform 120. The slider formation 152 slides back and forth along the slot formation 154 as the bristle platforms 120 pivot from side to side.

Such a coupling arrangement allows for the transfer of longitudinal forces, to move the bristle platforms 120 from side to side simultaneously, but allows for the 30 movement of one outer edge 124 of a bristle platform 120 in one direction, while the outer edge 124 of an adjacent bristle platform 120 moves in an opposed direction. In this way, when a bristle platform 120 makes contact with a surface to 12 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 be brushed, such as teeth 500, it may be moved by contact with that surface. In moving, the bristle platform making contact will cause the other bristle platforms to move, even though they are not making contact with the surface themselves. In this way the bristle platforms which are not making contact with the surface are pre-5 conditioned to a desirous position.

Referring to the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 3-7, the brush 100 further comprises a handle member 160 to facilitate access of the toothbrush to a user's mouth. The handle member 160 is elongate in shape, and extends longitudinally from the body member 110. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 10 member 160 includes grip formations 161 for facilitating increased friction by a user's hand on the handle member 160.

Further, the handle member 160 and the body member 110 are connected by a neck region 170. In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the neck region is composed of a flexible material such as synthetic polymeric material; thermoset 15 plastics material; or thermoplastics plastic material having a greater flexibility than that of the body member 110 and/or handle member 160. Further, in another embodiment (not shown), the neck region may incorporate flexing formations configured and adapted flex to varying degrees in use if a predetermined force is exerted on the body member, thereby preventing the exertion of excess force on a 20 user's gums.

Referring to figures 5, 7 and 20-22, the brush 100 further includes a locking arrangement 180 for locking movement of the bristle platforms. The locking member 182 is moveable between a locked position (as shown in figure 7) in which the bristle platforms 120 are locked in alignment with each other to form a flat 25 plane, and an unlocked position (as shown in figures 20-22) in which the bristle platforms 120 are free to pivot freely.

The locking arrangement 180 comprises a locking member 182 flexibly coupled to the bristle platforms 120, as well as a locking formation 184, into which the locking member 182 is received. The locking formation 184 comprises a slot 30 186 disposed towards the neck region 170 of the brush 100, and a lug 188 extending from a sidewall 185 of the slot 186. The lug 188 is received into an aperture 183 in the locking member 182. When the locking member 182 is in the locked position, 13 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 the lug 188 extends in to a narrow part of the aperture 183, thereby limiting movement of the locking member 182 and hence pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120. When the locking member is raised to an unlocked position, the lug 188 is received into the aperture 183 at a broader part of the aperture 183, allowing 5 linear elongate movement of the locking member 182, and hence pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120.

Figures 17-19 show an alternative embodiment of a brush, in this embodiment, the bristle platforms 120 are shaped in the form of sectors of a circle, and are disposed alongside each other radially around the centre of the circle. The 10 bristle platforms are configured to pivot around a pivoting formation 140 similar to the pivoting formations 140 described previously, about an axis line 146 from the circle centre to the centre of the outer perimeter of that sector. It is, however, envisaged that pivoting of the sector-shaped bristle platforms 120 need not pivot about an axis line 146, and could pivot about a pivot point (not shown) disposed 15 towards an inner central region of the sector of the circle. In this configuration, the body member 110 is of a circular shape, corresponding to the combined shape of the bristle platforms 120.

It will be appreciated that the invention lends itself to application as a powered brush 100, and especially for powered toothbrushes. Various embodiments of the 20 invention as powered brushes are shown in figures 8-16.

In these figures, the body member 110 is capable of movement in a reciprocating fashion, either by circular reciprocating movement (as shown in figures 9-13), or by linear reciprocating movement (as shown in figures 14-16 and 8). In each of these embodiments, the body member 110 is moveable relative to 25 the handle member 160. The brush 100 includes drive means 190 in the form of an electric motor 192 for driving movement of the body member 110 relative to the handle member 160, and a power source 200 in the form of a rechargeable battery 202. The rechargeable battery 202 is connected to the electric motor 192 by means of an electrical connector arrangement 194. It is however, envisaged that the brush 30 may be powered form an external power source (not shown). In such a case, the connector arrangement 194 would include a plug (not shown) and electrical cord (not shown). 14 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 The electric motor 192 drives movement of the body member by means of a moving mechanism 210. As seen in figures 14-16, the moving mechanism 210 comprises a circular disk 212 which is arranged to be driven in a circular motion by the electrical motor 192. The circular disk 212 is coupled to an elongate shaft 214, 5 which in turn is attached to the body member 110. The elongate shaft 214 can be coupled to the body member 110 in a rigid manner or in a manner that allows pivoting of the shaft 214 relative to the body member 110, depending on the embodiment. In the embodiment shown in figure 8, the shaft is rigidly attached to the body member 110, for instance by being integrally formed with the body 10 member 110. In the embodiment shown in figure 10, the shaft is pivotally attached to the body member 110, allowing for the circular movement of the body member 110.

It is envisaged that the body member could be arranged to reciprocate by itself, or may be moved in a reciprocating fashion along a guide track 216. The guide 15 track 216 guides the movement of the body member along a predetermined path. As shown in figure 8, the predetermined path can be linear, with the guide track 216 being a straight channel 218. Alternatively, and as shown in figure 9, the predetermined path can be circular, with the guide track 216 defining a circular channel 220.

It is further envisaged that the concepts disclosed and claimed in this specification are particularly relevant for use of the brush 100 as a toothbrush, these concepts may be extended for use in other application, and in particular those applications where an uneven surface is to be brushed. Some examples of this include the painting of uneven surfaces like roofing and the like. An embodiment of 25 such a brush for use in other or general applications is shown in figures 17-19. This embodiment shows an alternative pivoting arrangement which includes a ball and socket type arrangement 144 Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they 30 were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As an example, many alternative guide track configurations are possible which can guide movement of the body member 110. Further, many various alternatives are possible for the moving mechanism 210, and any mechanical 5 type linkage mat prove suitable in this regard. Even further, many alternative configurations and layouts are possible for the bristle platforms 120, including triangularly shaped ones, trapezium shaped ones, cylindrically shaped ones, etc which are not illustrated.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms 10 of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. 16 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising 5 a body member; a plurality of bristle platforms, each including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend; wherein each of said bristle platforms is pivotally mounted to the body member by a living hinge; and 10 whereby brushing of said bristles over a surface(s) to be brushed in a reciprocating fashion will cause the reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platforms.

2. A brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising 15 a body member; a plurality of bristle platforms, each including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend; wherein each of said bristle platforms is pivotally mounted relative to the body member by a living hinge; 20 whereby at least part of each of the bristle platforms is moved between a first position in which that part is spaced from the body member and a second position in which that part is proximate more to the body member during reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platforms.

3. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-2, wherein the pivoting formation 25 includes a plurality of resilient flaps.

4. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein the living hinge allow pivoting of the bristle platform in one plane in a reciprocating fashion.

5. A brush as claimed in claim 4, wherein the living hinge provide a line-type hinge contact between its associated bristle platforms and the body member to 30 define an axis of rotation. 17 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009

6. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein the living hinge allows omni-directional pivoting of its associated bristle platform relative to the body member.

7. A brush as claimed in claim 6, wherein the living hinge provides a point-5 type contact between its associated bristle platform and the body member to allow said omni-directional pivoting.

8. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-7, wherein the bristle platforms are coupled to each other.

9. A brush as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bristle platforms are coupled so 10 that pivoting of one bristle platform in one direction will cause at least one other bristle platform to pivot in the same direction.

10. A brush as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the bristle platforms are flexibly coupled to each other by means of a coupling arrangement, to allow for movement of the edges of adjacent bristle platforms relative to each other. 15

11. A brush as claimed in claim 10, wherein the coupling arrangement allows, upon the contact of a surface to be brushed with the bristles of one bristle platform, the pre-conditioning of at least one other platform to a desirable configuration for brushing.

12. A brush as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the coupling arrangement 20 comprises a slider formation configured to engage with a complementary slot formation of an adjacent platform to allow sliding movement between adjacent platforms yet transferring a pivot inducing force to the adjacent platform. .

13. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-12, wherein the bristle platforms are pivotally attached to the body member at or towards a central region of the bristle 25 platform, thereby allowing outer regions of the bristle platforms to pivot towards and away from the body member.

14. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-13, wherein the bristle platforms have a substantially planar configuration.

15. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-14, wherein the bristle platforms are 30 linearly disposed alongside each other.

16. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-15, wherein the bristle platforms are disposed alongside each other radially around a central region. 18 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009

17. A brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bristle platforms are shaped as at least part of a sector of a circle.

18. A brush as claimed in claim 17, wherein the bristle platforms are configured to pivot along a line from the centre of the circle to the centre of the outer 5 perimeter of the sector.

19. A brush as claimed in claim 17, wherein the bristle platforms are configured to pivot around a central region of the sector of the circle.

20. A brush as claimed in any of claims 16- 19, wherein the body member is of a circular shape. 10

21. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-20, wherein the body member is of a substantially quadrilateral shape.

22. A brush as claimed in claim 21, wherein the body member is of a rectangular shape.

23. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-22, wherein the brush further 15 comprises a handle member.

24. A brush as claimed in claim 23, wherein the handle member extends from the body member.

25. A brush as claimed in claim 24, wherein the handle member extends longitudinally from the body member. 20

26. A brush as claimed in any of claims 23-25, wherein the handle member includes grip formations for facilitating increased friction by a user's hand on the handle member.

27. A brush as claimed in any of claims 23-26, wherein the handle member and the body member are connected by a neck region. 25

28. A brush as claimed in claim 27, wherein the material of neck region is composed of a flexible material selected from one or more of synthetic polymeric material; thermoset plastics material; and thermoplastics plastic material. 30

29. A brush as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein the neck region is configured and adapted to flex in use if a predetermined force is exerted on the body member. 19 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009

30. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-29, wherein the brush includes a locking arrangement for locking movement of the bristle platform(s) in one or more positions.

31. A brush as claimed in claim 30, wherein the locking arrangement is capable 5 of locking pivotal movement of the bristle platforms so that they are no longer pivotable.

32. A brush as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the locking arrangement is moveable between a locked position in which the bristle platforms are locked in alignment 10 in a planar fashion with each other, and an unlocked position in which the bristle platform(s) are free to pivot.

33. A brush as claimed in claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a locking member flexibly coupled to the bristle platform(s).

34. A brush as claimed in claim 33, wherein the locking arrangement includes a 15 locking formation which is engageable with the locking member to lock movement of the locking member, wherein, when the locking formation is engaged with the locking member, the locking arrangement is in the locked position.

35. A brush as claimed in any of claims 1-34, wherein the body member is moveable relative to the handle member. 20

36. A brush as claimed in claim 35, wherein the body member is moveable relative to the handle member in a linear reciprocating fashion.

37. A brush as claimed in claim 35, wherein the body member is moveable relative to the handle in a circularly reciprocating fashion.

38. A brush as claimed in any of claims 35-37, wherein the brush includes drive 25 means for driving movement of the body member.

39. A brush as claimed in claim 38, wherein the drive means is configured and adapted for moving the body member relative to the handle member.

40. A brush as claimed in claim 38 or 39, wherein the drive means is an electric motor. 30 41. A brush as claimed in claim 38, 39 or 40, wherein the brush includes a connector arrangement for connecting the drive means to a power source. 20

Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009

42. A bmsh as claimed in any of claims 38-41, wherein the brush includes a power source for supplying electrical power to the drive means.

43. A brush as claimed in any of claims 41-42, wherein the power source is a battery. 5

44. A brush as claimed in claim 43, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

45. A brush as claimed in any of claims 38-44, wherein the brush includes a moving mechanism for coupling the drive means to the body member to move the body member relative to the handle member. 10

46. A bmsh as claimed in claim 45, wherein the moving mechanism includes a reciprocatingly moveable shaft.

47. A bmsh as claimed in claim 46, wherein the moving mechanism includes a rotatable circular disc coupled to the reciprocatingly moveable shaft, and adapted for being driven by the drive means. 15

48. A bmsh as claimed in any of claims 35-47, wherein the moving mechanism includes at least one guide track for guiding the movement of the body member.

49. A bmsh as claimed in claim 48, wherein the guide track is a straight channel.

50. A bmsh as claimed in claim 48, wherein the guide track is a circular 20 channel.

51. A bmsh as claimed in any of claims 35-47, wherein the bmsh is configured and dimensioned for use as a toothbrush.

52. A brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising 25 a body member; a plurality of bristle platforms, each including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend; each of said bristle platforms being pivotally mounted relative to the body member by a living hinge; 30 wherein the plurality of bristles on each of said bristle platforms defines a bristle platform profile at their distal ends; 21 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 the bristle platform profiles of all of the bristle platforms presents a combined bristle profile; and wherein reciprocating movement of the bristle platforms causes the combined bristle profile to change configuration. 22 Received at IPONZ on 28 April 2009 ABSTRACT In a first embodiment shown in figures 1 and 3-7, a brush 100 is provided, said brush being particularly suited for use in brushing an uneven surface such as teeth 500 as a manual toothbrush. The brush 100 comprises a body member 110, 5 and a plurality of bristle platforms 120 disposed in a line alongside each other. Each bristle platform 120 is substantially planar and has two rectangularly shaped major sides 122. A plurality of bristles 130 extend outwardly from a major side 122 of the bristle platform 120. Each of the bristle platforms 120 is pivotally connected to the body member 10 110 by means of a pivoting formation 140 in the form of a resilient plastic flap 141. The resilient plastic flaps 141 extend across the centre of the major side 122 of the bristle platforms 120 on an opposite side to that from which the bristles 130 extend to form an axis line 146. The resilient plastic flaps 141 extend from the body member, and also forms a 15 fulcrum for the pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120. Accordingly, each of the outer edges 124 of the bristle platforms 120 which are furthest away from the resilient plastic flap 141 are able to pivot towards and away from the body member 110, as shown in figures 20-22. The bristle platforms 120 are arranged in this way to be passively pivoted backward and forward along their allowable pivoting range by 20 reciprocating movement of the bristles 130 over a surface to be brushed, such as a user's teeth 500.