US3375820A - Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth Download PDF

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Publication number
US3375820A
US3375820A US513991A US51399165A US3375820A US 3375820 A US3375820 A US 3375820A US 513991 A US513991 A US 513991A US 51399165 A US51399165 A US 51399165A US 3375820 A US3375820 A US 3375820A
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United States
Prior art keywords
brush
cleaning
teeth
ultrasonic
tooth
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US513991A
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English (en)
Inventor
Kuris Arthur
Balamuth Lewis
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Cavitron Corp
Cooper Lasersonics Inc
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Cavitron Corp
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Priority to US513991A priority Critical patent/US3375820A/en
Priority to CA977986A priority patent/CA921664A/en
Priority to DEC15413U priority patent/DE1965221U/de
Priority to FR87640A priority patent/FR1505724A/fr
Priority to GB56292/66A priority patent/GB1108460A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3375820A publication Critical patent/US3375820A/en
Assigned to COOPER LASERSONICS, INC. reassignment COOPER LASERSONICS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: NORTIVAC, INC.
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/20—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices using ultrasonics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/42—Brushes
    • B29L2031/425—Toothbrush

Definitions

  • This invention relates to methods and apparatus for oral hygienic care, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for personal dental care employing ultrasonic energy suitable for regular use in the home.
  • Such motor driven toothbrushes provide advantages over conventional manual brushing, Since a great many more brushing strokes per second are provided by the powered device, substantially more brushing is performed by the user in a given amount of time. This has the effect of condensing the time necessary for an adequate brushing to a small fraction of that required when done by hand. Also, since the motor provides the power necessary to move the brush head in the prescribed manner, it
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel form of apparatus employing ultrasonic energy for use in regular personal oral hygienic care in which the cleaning element or brush itself is readily replaceable, thereby enabling a single power handle to be used with a plurality of cleaning elements.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for regular personal oral hygienic care, employing ultrasonic energy, in which the cleaning element itself may be used apart from the remainder of the apparatus as a manually actuated toothbrush.
  • a cleaning member which preferably includes a plurality of individual cleaning elements, such as the bristles on a brush, are vibrated at an ultrasonic rate and manually moved over tooth and gingival surfaces under relatively light pressure.
  • the combined ultrasonic and manual movement of the cleaning member may be performed in the presence of a fiuid, such as water added specifically for the purpose, or the natural fluids present in the human mouth and in the presence of the usual dentifrices such as toothpaste and tooth powder.
  • a fiuid such as water added specifically for the purpose
  • the natural fluids present in the human mouth and in the presence of the usual dentifrices such as toothpaste and tooth powder.
  • the unique properties displayed at the tips of an ultrasonically vibrating member such as a brush enable greatly improved cleaning results to be achieved, particularly in areas where manual or conventional motor driven toothbrushes cannot reach.
  • the ultrasonic energy is applied to the tooth and gingival surfaces such that no damage whatsoever to the surfaces will result.
  • the apparatus in accordance with the invention is comparable in size and configuration to conventional motor driven toothbrush implements and is eminently suitable for home use by adults and children alike without special knowledge or training.
  • the unit is constructed basically of three elements.
  • the first, the cleaning member or brush head may take several different forms but in general is similar to conventional toothbrush heads, having a base member onto which are afiixed a plurality of bristles or bristle-like elements.
  • the brush head is rigidly afiixed, such as by screw threads, to one end of a narrow, elongated vibrating element, such as of magnetostrictive piezoelectric or ferrite material, which can be oscillated.
  • the elongated member is completely enclosed in a nonmagnetic, fluid-impervious material, e.g. plastic, aluminum, etc. and forms with the brush head a brush insert which approximate the size and shape of an ordinary manual toothbrush.
  • a nonmagnetic, fluid-impervious material e.g. plastic, aluminum, etc.
  • the individual brush insert may be used in that fashion if for some reason the ultrasonic generator apparatus is not available at the moment. It will be understood however, that this is but an added benefit of the particular structure shown and may be'dispensed with if deemed unnecessary.
  • the third element of the apparatus is the driving handle which is of a size and shape to be held conveniently in the hand.
  • the handle member includes an axial bore for receiving in close fitting engagement the end of the brush insert opposite the brush head.
  • a catch is provided in the 'bore for holding the brush insert with sufficient force to prevent removal during use, but to allow ready removal by hand.
  • Alternating electrical signals are supplied to suitable elements within the handle member to drive the vibrating element. With the brush insert positioned in the handle member and alternating electrical signals at an ultrasonic frequency supplied thereto from an oscillator of convenient form, longitudinal vibrations are induced in the transducer portion of the insert, which in turn vibrates the brush head. As a result of the unique mounting arrangement, none of the vibratory energy or heat from the transducer element is transmitted to the hand of the user.
  • a single handle member and oscillation generator would be supplied, together with a number of brush inserts, one for each member of the family.
  • Each user simply inserts his own personal brush insert into the handle prior to cleaning his teeth.
  • the brush heads themselves on the brush inserts may be replaced periodically as they wear, without the necessity of replacing the entire transducer element.
  • FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 illustrate the cleaning apparatus of the present invention in relation to a set of human teeth, and are helpful in explaining the operation of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is an assembled view, in partial cross section, of the cleaning implement according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the brush insert alone illustrating the various components thereof;
  • FIG. 6 is a section through the brush insert of FIG. 5 taken along the lines 6--6;
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the magnetostrictive portion of the brush insert of FIG. 5, taken along the lines 7-7.
  • FIG. 1A there is illustrated a portion of a dental cleaning implement in accordance with the invention in operative position against the teeth.
  • the cleaning implement 10 will'be described in detail hereinafter and for present purposes it is sufficient to indicate that it includes a cleaning member or brush head 12 in which are mounted a plurality of cleaning elements or bristles 14. Each of the latter may be composed of a plurality of individual bristle filaments 14a. It will be seen that the bristles 14 are not perpendicular to the member 12 but slope slightly forwardly with respect thereto. This is not necessary but, as will become apparent hereinafter, is the more desirable orientation.
  • a housing 16 of plastic, or other water resistant material may surround the brush head as shown, leaving the bristles 14 exposed.
  • the brush construction thus far described resembles closely an ordinary manually actuated toothbrush.
  • the brush portion of the implement 10 is positioned against the teeth in the usual manner duiing the brushing operation. That is, the brush member is inserted in the mouth and positioned adjacent the tooth surfaces with a relatively light pressure such that at any given time, several of the bristles 14 are in contact With tooth surfaces, while others are displaced therefrom by varying amounts.
  • the bristles 14 randomly assume positions in contact with and displaced from tooth surfaces.
  • the bristle elements 14a rarely assume positions such that they extend deeply into the interproximal areas 100a. However, they are 'moved across the spaces between adjacent teeth as the implement is moved by the user across the tooth surfaces.
  • the brush head 12 While the cleaning implement 10 is being manually moved over the tooth surfaces, much in the manner in which conventional brushing is performed, the brush head 12 is vibrated at an ultrasonic rate in its longitudinal direction, as indicated by the two headed arrow in the figure. Since the bristles 14 are carried in the brush member 12, they too vibrate at the ultrasonic frequency. Accordingly, as the bristles 14 pass over the tooth surfaces and across the interproximal areas, the ends thereof are vibrating at an ultrasonic rate to provide improved cleaning results. It has been found that with the application of ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning member 14 at a frequency in the order of from 15,000 to 40,000 c.p.s., there are obtained at the tooth and gingival surfaces improved cleaning results not obtainable with manual or conventional motor driven toothbrushes.
  • a mechanically driven brush having a bristle stroke of .125 and operating at a frequency of 120 c.p.s. (both typical values) will have a peak velocity of about 4 feet per second at the bristle tips and a bristle tip will cover a distance of approximately inches in one second. Both values are substantially greater than can be achieved by hand blushing.
  • a typical ultrasonically driven toothbrush in accordance with the present invention would have a bristle stroke of about .001" (actually somewhat less) and would operate at a frequency of 20,000 c.p.s. This calculates out to a peak velocity at the bristle tips of approximately 5 feet per second and distance traveled by a bristle tip of about inches per second.
  • the ultrasonically driven brush does differ from motor driven brushes in that both the repetition rate of the bristle motion and the accelerations at the bristle tips are many times greater in the ultrasonic brush.
  • the ultrasonic brush has a repetition rate 167 times greater than the motor driven brush and provides a peak acceleration at the bristle tips of some 200 times that of the motor driven brush.
  • the foreign deposits normally found on teeth may be generally characterized as stain, plaque, and calculus or tartar.
  • Stain and tartar are both adherent deposits on teeth while plaque is somewhat softer and less adherent, such as soft food deposits found in the crevices on and be tween teeth.
  • hand brushing has only limited ability to remove stain and little or no effect on tartar deposits.
  • Conventional low frequency motor driven tooth brushes are somewhat more effective in removing stain but are similarly ineffective against calculus. In both cases, the ability to remove plaque from relatively inaccessible areas is limited.
  • a further cleaning action believed to occur at the tooth surfaces subjected to the action of the ultrasonically vibrating bristles is akin to a material removing method well known in industry as ultrasonic impact grinding. This effect is exhibited in the presence of high frequency vibration, minute strokes of vibration, a cavitating liquid field and a low density of material-removing particles in the liquid field.
  • the ultrasonic brushing is carried out in the presence of a simple liquid, the process will take place as soon as appropriate material-removing particles are present.
  • Tartar or calculus is a conglomerate of gritty particles which would serve admirably as an agent to remove further deposits. Moreover, these particles not being as hard as the tooth structure would not cause damage to the teeth.
  • FIG. 1B which is an enlargement of the encircled portion of FIG. 1A, is helpful in explaining how the foregoing phenomena are believed to be concomitantly utilized in accordance with the invention to provide the improved cleaning results obtained.
  • the tips of individual bristle filaments 14a which may be inclined forwardly with respect to the brush head 12, vibrate with orthogonally related components of motion, as indicated by the crossed arrows in the figure.
  • the brush head is inserted in the mouth in the usual manner and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces with the bristle clusters 14 in relatively light contact with the tooth surfaces.
  • the bristle clusters 14 will randomly assume different positions with respect to the tooth and gingival surfaces. For example, at any one time it is likely that some of the clusters will be in direct contact with tooth surfaces while others will be spaced therefrom by varying amounts depending upon the angles of the tooth surfaces and the direction of orientation of the brush member.
  • one bristle cluster may be in contact with a tooth, the subsequent bristle cluster may be slightly spaced from an adjacent tooth and finally a further bristle cluster may be somewhat more distantly spaced from the next tooth.
  • the bristle clusters will assume different positions with respect to different tooth surfaces.
  • all of the tooth surfaces will be exposed to at least one, and probably all, of the above-described cleaning actions. Projected over a period of regular use, such as twice or three times daily, it will be realized that each of the tooth surfaces, including interproximal areas and gum line surfaces will be subjected to much more intensive cleaning than is available with other know cleaning implements.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the position of the brush head with respect to the teeth 100 and gingival tissue 162 during the conventional cleaning operation.
  • the ultrasonic energy available at the bristle tips provide several beneficial results. Cavitation and/ or high energy atomization is produced at the area of contact between the tooth surface and the gingival tissue enabling the removal of foreign deposits from this otherwise relatively inaccessible area. Such deposits, if not removed, are the prime cause of the several diseases of the gingival tissue which ultimately result in the premature loss of teeth.
  • Application of ultrasonic energy in accordance with the present invention serves to remove these deposits before they accumulate and thus alleviates the cause of the difficulty.
  • a further benefit is bestowed on the gingival tissue itself.
  • stimulation of the gingival tissue by massage has been found beneficial to the overall dental health.
  • the small amplitude, high frequency motion of the present invention is advantageous for this purpose since the limited motion avoids damage to the delicate tissue and the high friquency of occurrence provides more stimulation to blood circulation than is obtained by brushing with conventional implements.
  • a cleaning member suitable for the application of ultrasonic energy to tooth and gingival surfaces in accordance with the invention has been indicated as conforming to a conventional toothbrush construction.
  • a brush head made up of a plurality of bristle clusters 14 is generally satisfactory for this purpose.
  • bristle clusters composed of a relatively large number of individual bristle filaments 14a closely spaced to each other and having the free ends cut in the same plane, whereby each bristle cluster presents a substantially solid output surface.
  • This construction enables the improved cavitational action to be achieved without interfering with the flexibility of the bristle filaments which contribute to the scrubbing action.
  • FIG. 3 An alternative form of cleaning member construction is shown in FIG. 3 wherein the cleaning elements 20 are relatively thick, single members extending from the brush head support 12, and having somewhat rounded tips. While not as flexible as the individual filaments 14a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cleaning elements 20 enable somewhat better transmission of ultrasonic vibra .tion to the tips thereof, with the result that the cavitational action thereat is increased. Such elements thereby provide a greater cavitational cleaning potential and, in
  • the bristle members have a significant component of motion perpendicular to the tooth surfaces over which they pass. For this reason it has been found advantageous to mount the bristle element at an angle other than a right angle to the brush head supporting member 12.
  • mount the bristle element at an angle other than a right angle to the brush head supporting member 12.
  • various intermediate angles such as those shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3 are possible which provide proper ratios of the two components of motion at the bristle tips to achieve the beneficial results of the invention.
  • some or all of the bristle members may be normal to the brush head and various angular bristle orientations on the same brush head may be employed.
  • FIGS. 4 through 7 there is shown an ultrasonically driven tooth cleaning implement in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • the implement 10 comprises two basic elements: a brush insert 22, and a handle element 24 for receiving the insert 22.
  • the brush insert 22 is shown in cross-section view in FIG. 5.
  • the insert 22 comprises an elongated magnetostrictive element 26 formed of a plurality of thin sheets of a magnetostrictive material such as permanickel or Permendur, or any other material capable of mechanically elongating when subjected to a magnetic field.
  • a magnetostrictive material such as permanickel or Permendur
  • the member 26 is fabricated of a plurality of individual plates which are insulated from each other and held tightly in stacked relation such as by rivets (not shown) extending therethrough.
  • the magnetostrictive stack 26 is made to be of a length equal to an integral number of half-wavelengths in the material at the driving frequency. In this manner, maximum conversion of energy from the magnetic field to mechanical vibration is achieved.
  • other forms of electrical to mechanical transducers e.g. piezoelectric, ferrites, may also be employed in accordance with the present invention.
  • a connecting member 28 Rigidly afiixed to one end of the magnetostrictive element 26, such as by welding, is a connecting member 28.
  • This member may be formed of any suitable material capable of supporting vibrations transmitted thereto from the magnetostrictive stack and many metals and hard plastics are suitable for this purpose.
  • the connecting member 28 should be made equal in length to an integral number of half-wavelengths in the material at the frequency of vibration.
  • a suitable material enabling the length of the connecting member 28 to be maintained within reasonable limits is Monel, but it will be understood that other materials may also be used.
  • the connecting member 28 is formed to produce at its output end 28c an amplification of the longitudinal vibrations applied to its input end by the magnetostrictive member 26-.
  • the member 28 is formed in two sections 28a and 28b of differing diameter. The transition from the larger to the smaller diameter occurs at a nodal point of vibration, that is, a point along a member wherein longitudinal motion is a minimum. In a uniform diameter element onehalf wavelength long, such a node would occur at the quarter-wave point, half way between the ends. By locating the transition point at a nodal plane, proper acoustic impedance transformation takes place and an increased longitudinal amplitude of vibration is obtained at the output end 28c.
  • the brush supporting member 12 is rigidly affixed to the forward end 280 of the connecting member such as by a screw threaded fastening. By this means, longitudinal vibrations in the connecting body may be transmitted unimpeded to the brush head 12 and consequently to the bristles 14 mounted therein.
  • a generally cylindrical casing 30 Surrounding the magnetostrictive stack 26 and the connecting member 28 is a generally cylindrical casing 30 formed of a suitable non-magnetic and fluid impervious material, such as plastic or aluminum.
  • the casing 30' is structurally rigid and spaced from the peripheral surfaces of the stack 26 and connecting member 28 over substantially their entire lengths so as not to be vibrated therewith. It is tightly secured to these elements, however, at 30a by squeezing or crimping the casing 30' to grip the corners of the stack 26, as best illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the crimped portion 30w is selected to be at a nodal point of longitudinal motion of the stack 26 so that no longitudinal vibration is imparted to the casing 30'.
  • the walls thereof are somewhat thickened to closely engage the peripheral surface of the enlarged portion 28a of the connecting member.
  • a plurality of inserts 3-2 of rubber or similar resilient material are secured in the casing and extend therethrough to snugly engage mating depressions provided in the outer surface of the connecting member 28. This serves to firmly support the connecting member within the casing 30 in such a manner that no longitudinal vibration is transmitted to the casing 30.
  • the inserts 32 and the closeness of fit between the casing 30 and the outer surface of the connecting member 28 also provide a fluid tight seal between the casing 30 and the connecting member 28.
  • the end of the casing 30 beyond the magnetostrictive portion 26 is thickened and provided with a transverse slot 34 extending all the way through.
  • the base of the slot is somewhat enlarged and generally circular in cross section to engage a suitably provided pin in the handle member 24, as will be hereinafter described.
  • the narrowed walls of the slot enable the entire insert 22 to be firmly, but readily releasably engaged in the handle member.
  • the casing 30 is provided with a smaller diameter shoulder adapted to be engaged by the brush housing 16 which, as shown in FIG. 6, is generally cylindrical in cross section and provided with an opening along its length to allow for protrusion of the bristle members 14.
  • the enclosure 16 may also be formed of a plastic material of high resilience, sized so as to firmly engage the reduced diameter shoulder of the casing 30. The enclosure 16 need be removed only when it is desired to replace the brush member 12, such as when the bristles 14 have been worn to the point where they are no longer effective.
  • the entire brush insert 22 is selfcontained and includes only one part subject to wear, i.e., the bristles 14 in the brush head 12. The latter is arranged to be removed without difficulty and replaced with a new unit whenever necessary. It will also be observed that the insert 22 may be used in the same manner as the conventional manually actuated toothbrush should the need arise. As will become apparent hereinafter, in an implement according to the invention intended for home use by several members of a household, each member of the household would be provided with his personal brush insert 22 which he would place in the handle 24 prior to use.
  • the handle member is a generally cylindrical element preferably formed of an electrically insulating and fluid impervious plastic material, which is provided with a central bore 40 extending axially therethrough.
  • the outer dimensions of the handle 24 are made such as to be comfortably held in the hand without causing fatigue.
  • the handle 24 is formed in two sections, a first section 42 whose outer surface forms the peripheral surface of the handle, and a second portion 44 including a tubular extension which fits within the member 42, leaving between the members an annular space extending substantially over their entire lengths. Within this annular space is wound a coil 46 of insulated wire for establishing the magnetic field. At the rearward end of the bore in the member 42 is formed a reduced diameter portion 43 sized to snugly receive the brush insert 22. A similar portion 45 is provided at the forward end of the member 44 so that the insert 22 is firmly supported in the handle 24.
  • a pin 48 is mounted transversely of the bore rearwardly of the segment 43. This pin is rigidly mounted in the plastic of the member 42 and is of a diameter greater than the spacing of the walls of the slot 34 in the casing 30, but somewhat less than the diameter of the enlarged base of the slot.
  • the resiliency of the plastic used in the housing 30 enables the brush insert 22 to manually forced over the pin 48 by a force which is sufficient to prevent its voluntary release but which a child is capable of applying. Similarly, the insert 22 may be removed from the handle 24 with the proper amount of force.
  • the ends of the coil 46 are brought out through a conductor 50 and into a plug connector 52.
  • the latter is provided with a pair of prongs 54 suitable for insertion in an appropriate source of electrical energy (not shown).
  • An extension 56 may be cast integrally with the member 42 or added thereto to provide a strain relief for the connecting lead 50.
  • a thumb switch 58 may be provided on the exterior of the handle 24 for opening or closing the coil circuit to control the supply of power to the cleaning implement.
  • switch means (not shown) may be provided within the bore 40 to be actuated upon insertion of a brush insert 22 and conversely deactivated upon removal of the insert. By such means, power waste is minimized.
  • the complete assembly for use in the home would include, in addition to the apparatus disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5, a suitable source of alternating electrical energy and DC. polarizing current.
  • a suitable source of alternating electrical energy and DC. polarizing current would include, for example, a transistorized oscillator capable of producing electrical oscillation at a frequency in the ultrasonic range e.g., between 15,000 and 40,000 c.p.s.
  • Various types of such oscillators are known and it is not believed necessary to describe the details herein.
  • the heat generated in the magnetostrictive stack 26 is insufiicient to cause any damage to the apparatus itself or to provide any discomfort to the user.
  • the diameter of the conductor used for the coil 46 is made relatively large to minimize heat generation resulting from I R losses.
  • relatively low frequency, small amplitude vibrations are employed to drive a brushing implement which, as in the case of the conventional toothbrush, is made up of a material soft with respect to the tooth surfaces.
  • the various plastics such as nylon, or natural bristles, are suitable for this purpose. While it is evident that a single use of the present invention will provide the dramatic cleaning results available from the professional equipment described in the aforementioned patent, its continual regular use will significantly lessen the necessity for such professional treatment.
  • the use of relatively soft bristle materials in combination with low energy ultrasonic vibrations renders the use of the invention perfectly safe, whereby it may be regularly employed by average persons without any special training or skill. Extended periods of application of ultrasonic energy to the tooth and gingival surfaces in accordance with the present invention will have no deleterious effect on these surfaces.
  • the micro-massage of the gingival tissue contributes significantly to overall dental health.
  • the ultrasonic action also results in partial sterilization of bacterial-laden areas of the mouth and provides more intimate application of chemical or other agents that may be contained in a dentifrice, if employed by the user.
  • Cavitational action requires for its support a substantially solid film of a liquid capable of supporting cavitation between the tip of the cleaning member and the tooth surface to be cleaned.
  • This fluid film may be provided by the natural fluids in the mouth, emission of which is stimulated during the brushing procedure, or if desired, additional fluid, such as plain water, may be taken into the mouth prior to the beginning of the brushing procedure.
  • additional fluid such as plain water
  • the use of a dentifrice is likewise optional.
  • the combination of the cleaning phenomena provided in accordance with the invention renders the addition of an abrasive such as is found in many commercial dentifrices, unnecessary.
  • the use of the pleasant tasting and scented liquid, paste or powder may be desirable for aesthetic reasons.
  • a method of removing surface, interproximal and gum line foreign deposits from teeth comprising the steps of positioning adjacent the teeth to be cleaned a cleaning member of a material soft relative to the tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, inducing vibrations in said member at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and moving said ultrasonically vibrating cleaning member relative to said teeth such that it assumes positions in which it is randomly divided between actual contact with and displacement from the surfaces of said teeth.
  • a method of removing surface, interproximal and gun line foreign deposits from teeth comprising the steps of establishing a fluid film on the tooth surfaces, positioning adjacent the teeth to be cleaned a multi-element cleaning member of a material soft relative to the tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, inducing variations in the elements of said member at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and moving said ultrasonically vibrating cleaning member relative to said teeth such that the elements thereof assume positions in which they are randomly divided between actual contact with and displacement from the surfaces of said teeth.
  • a method of removing surface, interproximal and gum line foreign deposits from teeth comprising the steps of positioning adjacent the teeth to be cleaned a multielement cleaning member of a material soft relative to the tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, inducing in said elements ultrasonic vibrations having orthogonally related components of motion, and moving said ultrasonically vibrating cleaning member relative to said teeth such that the elements thereof assume positions in which they are randomly divided between actual contact with and displacement from the surfaces of said teeth.
  • a method of cleaning teeth in the human mouth suitable for regular personal hygenic care comprising the steps of positioning a brush member in the mouth adjacent the teeth to be cleaned in the presence of a dentifrice, manually moving said brush element across the surfaces of the teeth, and inducting vibrations at an ultrasonic rate in the bristles of the brush while so moving.
  • a method of cleaning teeth in the human mouth suitable for regular personal hygienic care comprising the steps of positioning a brush member in the mouth adjacent the teeth to be cleaned, manually moving said brush element across the surfaces of the teeth while in relatively light contact therewith, and inducing vibrations at an ultrasonic rate in the bristles of the brush while so moving.
  • a method of cleaning teeth in the human mouth suitable for regular personal hygienic care comprising the steps of positioning a brush member in the mouth adjacent the teeth to be cleaned, manually moving said brush element across the surfaces of said teeth and over interpoximal and gingival areas with said brush element in relatively light contact with said tooth and gingival surfaces, and inducing vibrations at an ultrasonic rate in the bristles of the brush member while so moving, the amplitude of said vibrations being insufficient to cause injury to gingival tissue.
  • a method of cleaning teeth in the human mouth suitable for regular personal hygienic care comprising the steps of positioning a brush member in the mouth adjacent the teeth to becleaned, manually moving said brush element acros the surfaces of said teeth and over interproximal and gingival areas with said brushelement in relatively light contact with said tooth and gingival sur- 13 faces, and inducing vibrations at an ultrasonic rate in the bristles of the brush member while so moving, thereby to effect scrubbing at an ultrasonic rate on surfaces contacted by said vibrating bristles and to promote cavitational action at surfaces spaced from said bristles.
  • a method of cleaning teeth in the human mouth suitable for regular personal hygienic care comprising the steps of positioning a brush member in the mouth adjacent the teeth to be cleaned, manually moving said brush element across the surfaces of the teeth, and inducing vibrations in said bristles at a frequency between about 15,000 to about 40,000 cycles per second and of an amplitude such that the major component of motion of said bristles is approximately .001 inch.
  • a method of removing surface, interpoximal and gum line foreign deposits from teeth in the human mouth comprising the steps of positioning a brush member adjacent the teeth to be cleaned, manually moving said brush element across the surfaces of said teeth to randomly shift the bristles thereof between positions in contact with and spaced from said tooth surfaces, and inducing in the [bristles of said brush member vibrations at an ultrasonic rate, whereby there may concomitantly result a scrubbing action at an ultrasonic rate on the tooth surfaces when in contact with said bristles and cavitational action between said bristles and said tooth surfaces when said bristles are displaced therefrom.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a cleaning member of a material soft relative to human tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, said member being adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, means adapted to be held in the hand for generating mechanical vibrations at an ultrasonic rate, and means in said vibration generating means for supporting said cleaning member and inducing ultrasonic vibrations therein.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a cleaning member of a material soft relative to human tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, said member being adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, transducer means adapted to be held in the hand for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at an ultrasonic rate, and means in said transducer for supporting said cleaning member and inducing ultrasonic vibrations therein.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a cleaning member having a plurality of individual cleaning elements of a material soft relative to human tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, said member being adapted to be received within the human mouth and the elements thereof moved across the tooth and gingival surfaces, transducer means adapted to be held in the hand for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at an ultrasonic rate, and means in said transducer for supporting said cleaning member and inducing ultrasonic vibrations in said cleaning elements.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a cleaning member of a material soft relative to human tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, said member being adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, electroacoustic transducer means including a first member adapted to be held in the hand and to be supplied with alternating electrical energy at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, a second member responsive to alternating electrical energy to mechanically vibrate at the frequency of said energy, means on said second member to support said cleaning member and impart vibrations thereto, and means in said first member for receiving said second member in readily releasable fashion, said second member converting the electrical energy supplied to said first member into mechanical vibrations when received therein, whereby ultrasonic vibrations are induced in said cleaning member.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a cleaning member of a material soft relative to human tooth surfaces and capable of supporting vibrations in the ultrasonic range, said member being adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member formed at least in part of a magnetostrictive material, means to couple said cleaning member to one end of said elongated member, an additional member adapted to be held in the hand and including coil means for creating an alternating magnetic field at the frequency of alternating current signals applied thereto, said additional means further including means to releasably receive said elongated member such that said magnetostrictive portion thereof is disposed in said magnetic field, whereby upon application of alternating current signals to said coil, said elongated member mechanically vibrates in a longitudinal direction and vibrations are induced in said cleaning member.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member formed at least in part of a magnetostrictive material, means to rigidly couple said brush member to one end of said elongated member, a casing of non-magnetic material enclosing at least said magnetostrictive portion of said member in fluid-tight manner, an additional member adapted to be held in the hand and including coil means for creating an alternating magnetic field at the frequency of alternating electrical signals applied thereto, said additional means further including means to releasably receive said elongated member such that said magnetostrictive portion thereof is disposed in said magnetic field, whereby upon application of alternating electrical signals to said coil, said elongated member mechanically vibrates in a longitudinal direction and vibrations are induced in the bristles of said brush member.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member formed at least in part of an electroacoustic transducing material, means to rigidly couple said brush member to one end of said elongated member, an additional member adapted to be held in the hand and of a length shorter than said elongated member, an opening in said additional member adapted to receive at least the electroacoustic transducing portion of said elongated member, means in said opening to engage said elongated member in a readily releasable fashion, energy supply means in said additional member adjacent said opening, and means to connect alternating electrical signals to said energy supply means for coupling to said electroacoustic transducing portion, whereby mechanical vibrations at the frequency of said alternating signals are induced in said elongated member and said brush member.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygienic care comprising, a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member formed at least in part of a magnetostrictive material, means to rigidly couple said brush member to one end of said elongated member, an additional member of electrically insulating material adapted to be held in the hand and of a length shorter than said elongated member, an elongated bore in said additional member adapted to receive at least the magnetostrictive portion of said elongated member, means in said bore to engage said elongated member in readily releasable fashion, coil means embedded in said additional member and surroundingsaid bore, and means to supply alternating electrical signals to said coil means to establish an alternating magnetic field in said bore, whereby 15 mechanical vibrations at the frequency of said alternating signals are induced in said elongated member and said brush member.
  • Apparatus for use in personal dental hygiene care comprising, a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member formed at least in part of a magnetostrictive material, means to rigidly couple said brush member to one end of said elongated memher, a casing of non-magnetic material enclosing at least said magnetostrictive portion of said member in fluidtightmanner, an additional member of electrically insulating material adapted to be held in the hand and of a length shorter than said elongated member, an elongated bore in said additional member adapted to receive at least the magnetostrictive portion of said elongated member, means in said bore to engage said elongated member in readily releasable fashion, coil means embedded in said additional member and surrounding said bore, and means to supply alternating electrical signals to said coil means to establish an alternating magneto field in said bore, whereby mechanical vibrations at the frequency of said alternating signals are induced in said elongated
  • a personal brush insert for use with an ultrasonic dental cleaning implement having a handle member in cluding coil means adapted to be energized from a source of alternating electrical signals and means to engage the insert in readily releasable fashion, said brush insert comprising, a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces, an elongated member of magnetostrictive material having a length equal substantially to an integral number of quarter wavelengths in the material at the frequency of said alternating signals, a connecting member of vibration transmitting material fixed at one end to one end of said magnetostrictive member and having the other end adapted to rigidly support said brush mem- 16 ber in vibration transmitting relationship, said connecting member being of a length substantially equal to an integral number of quarter wavelengths in the material at the frequency of said alternating frequency, and a fluid impervious casing enclosing at least said magnetostrictive member.
  • a personal brush insert according to claim 20 in which said casing also encloses said connecting member in spaced relation thereto and a fluid-tight seal is provided between said casing and said connecting member at a point along said connecting member at which a node of longitudinal motion occurs.
  • a personal brush insert according to claim 21 in which said casing is formed of a non-magnetic material and is provided at its end remote from said brush member with a slot adapted to engage a pin in said handle member in readily releasable fashion.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
US513991A 1965-12-15 1965-12-15 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth Expired - Lifetime US3375820A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US513991A US3375820A (en) 1965-12-15 1965-12-15 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth
CA977986A CA921664A (en) 1965-12-15 1966-12-14 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth
DEC15413U DE1965221U (de) 1965-12-15 1966-12-15 Ultraschall-zahnpflegeapparat fuer den persoenlichen gebrauch.
FR87640A FR1505724A (fr) 1965-12-15 1966-12-15 Procédé et appareil de nettoyage ultra-sonique de dents
GB56292/66A GB1108460A (en) 1965-12-15 1966-12-15 Improvements relating to apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US513991A US3375820A (en) 1965-12-15 1965-12-15 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth

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US3375820A true US3375820A (en) 1968-04-02

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US513991A Expired - Lifetime US3375820A (en) 1965-12-15 1965-12-15 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth

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US (1) US3375820A (de)
CA (1) CA921664A (de)
DE (1) DE1965221U (de)
FR (1) FR1505724A (de)
GB (1) GB1108460A (de)

Cited By (47)

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US3488788A (en) * 1968-01-31 1970-01-13 Seymour Robinson Electric ultrasonic toothbrush
US3828770A (en) * 1971-02-26 1974-08-13 Ultrasonic Systems Ultrasonic method for cleaning teeth
US3840932A (en) * 1972-12-26 1974-10-15 Ultrasonic Systems Ultrasonic toothbrush applicator
US3980906A (en) * 1972-12-26 1976-09-14 Xygiene, Inc. Ultrasonic motor-converter systems
US4012647A (en) * 1974-01-31 1977-03-15 Ultrasonic Systems, Inc. Ultrasonic motors and converters
US4032803A (en) * 1971-09-14 1977-06-28 Durr-Dental Kg. Hand tool for creating and applying ultrasonic vibration
US4049981A (en) * 1974-03-11 1977-09-20 Durr-Dental Kg Piezoelectrically driven ultrasonic tool with cooling
US4192035A (en) * 1978-11-08 1980-03-11 Ultrasonic Plaque Control Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic toothbrush
US4333197A (en) * 1980-06-02 1982-06-08 Arthur Kuris Ultrasonic toothbrush
EP0158136A1 (de) * 1984-03-15 1985-10-16 Firma Medtronic GmbH Medizinisch-elektronische Geräte Ultraschallgerät, insbes. ultraschallbetriebenes Dentalgerät
US5138733A (en) * 1991-03-25 1992-08-18 Sonex International Corporation Ultrasonic toothbrush
WO1992013498A1 (en) * 1991-02-08 1992-08-20 Leonard Suroff Ultrasonic toothbrush
US5165131A (en) * 1989-12-29 1992-11-24 Staar Development Co., S.A. Teeth cleaning apparatus
WO1994001054A1 (en) * 1992-07-10 1994-01-20 Bock Robert T Therapeutic ultrasonic toothbrush
US5476384A (en) * 1990-12-13 1995-12-19 Optiva Corporation Dentifrice/Medication dispensing toothbrush
EP0688518A1 (de) * 1993-02-15 1995-12-27 Euronica Corporation Zahnbürste
US5546624A (en) * 1991-03-25 1996-08-20 Sonex International Corporation Apparatus to selectively couple ultransonic energy in a therapeutic ultransonic toothbrush
USD424808S (en) * 1999-01-25 2000-05-16 Gillette Canada Inc. Set of bristles for a toothbrush
US6308367B1 (en) 1997-11-12 2001-10-30 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrush
US6422867B2 (en) 1999-12-21 2002-07-23 Water Pik, Inc. Interproximal flosser handle
US6447293B1 (en) 1999-08-13 2002-09-10 Water Pik, Inc. Drive mechanism for interproximal flossing device
USD463627S1 (en) 1999-12-21 2002-09-24 Water Pik, Inc. Single rail flosser tip cartridge
US6569170B1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2003-05-27 David L. Kellogg Method of cleaning skin
US20030178049A1 (en) * 2002-03-23 2003-09-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Megasonic cleaning apparatus for fabricating semiconductor device
USD484311S1 (en) 2001-01-12 2003-12-30 Water Pik, Inc. Disposable toothbrush
USD487349S1 (en) 2002-02-01 2004-03-09 Water Pik, Inc. Dental device
US6821119B2 (en) 2001-07-12 2004-11-23 Water Pik, Inc. Dual motor oral hygiene device
US6920659B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2005-07-26 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush
US6955539B2 (en) 2001-07-12 2005-10-18 Water Pik, Inc. Characterization of motion of dual motor oral hygiene device
US20070000079A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2007-01-04 Toyokazu Mori Electric toothbrush
US7198487B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2007-04-03 Water Pik, Inc. Whitening tip for dental flossing device
US20070198031A1 (en) * 2006-02-21 2007-08-23 David Kellogg Method for performing dermabrasion
US20070239101A1 (en) * 2006-02-21 2007-10-11 David Kellogg Method for applying serum to a person's skin
US20100263147A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-21 Ranir, Llc Replacement head for electric toothbrush
US8943634B2 (en) 2011-05-02 2015-02-03 Water Pik, Inc. Mechanically-driven, sonic toothbrush system
US9468511B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-10-18 Water Pik, Inc. Electronic toothbrush with vibration dampening
US9929621B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2018-03-27 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device
US9987109B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-06-05 Water Pik, Inc. Mechanically-driven, sonic toothbrush and water flosser
US9999486B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2018-06-19 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device
WO2018219912A1 (de) * 2017-05-29 2018-12-06 Eto Magnetic Gmbh Kleingerätevorrichtung
USD843596S1 (en) 2014-01-09 2019-03-19 Axiosonic, Llc Ultrasound applicator
USD844997S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2019-04-09 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
USD845636S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2019-04-16 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
US10449023B2 (en) 2015-07-08 2019-10-22 Water Pik, Inc. Oral cleansing device with energy conservation
US10561480B2 (en) 2016-05-09 2020-02-18 Water Pik, Inc. Load sensing for oral devices
US10610008B2 (en) 2016-12-15 2020-04-07 Water Pik, Inc. Brushing device with illumination features
US10952833B2 (en) 2013-12-04 2021-03-23 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device

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US3076904A (en) * 1958-08-29 1963-02-05 Cavitron Corp Acoustically vibrated material cutting and removing devices
US3213471A (en) * 1964-03-30 1965-10-26 Gen Time Corp Power operated toothbrush

Cited By (65)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3488788A (en) * 1968-01-31 1970-01-13 Seymour Robinson Electric ultrasonic toothbrush
US3828770A (en) * 1971-02-26 1974-08-13 Ultrasonic Systems Ultrasonic method for cleaning teeth
US4032803A (en) * 1971-09-14 1977-06-28 Durr-Dental Kg. Hand tool for creating and applying ultrasonic vibration
US3840932A (en) * 1972-12-26 1974-10-15 Ultrasonic Systems Ultrasonic toothbrush applicator
US3980906A (en) * 1972-12-26 1976-09-14 Xygiene, Inc. Ultrasonic motor-converter systems
US4012647A (en) * 1974-01-31 1977-03-15 Ultrasonic Systems, Inc. Ultrasonic motors and converters
US4049981A (en) * 1974-03-11 1977-09-20 Durr-Dental Kg Piezoelectrically driven ultrasonic tool with cooling
US4192035A (en) * 1978-11-08 1980-03-11 Ultrasonic Plaque Control Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic toothbrush
US4333197A (en) * 1980-06-02 1982-06-08 Arthur Kuris Ultrasonic toothbrush
EP0158136A1 (de) * 1984-03-15 1985-10-16 Firma Medtronic GmbH Medizinisch-elektronische Geräte Ultraschallgerät, insbes. ultraschallbetriebenes Dentalgerät
US5165131A (en) * 1989-12-29 1992-11-24 Staar Development Co., S.A. Teeth cleaning apparatus
US5476384A (en) * 1990-12-13 1995-12-19 Optiva Corporation Dentifrice/Medication dispensing toothbrush
WO1992013498A1 (en) * 1991-02-08 1992-08-20 Leonard Suroff Ultrasonic toothbrush
US5150492A (en) * 1991-02-08 1992-09-29 Suroff Leonard W Ultrasonic toothbrush
US5138733A (en) * 1991-03-25 1992-08-18 Sonex International Corporation Ultrasonic toothbrush
US5546624A (en) * 1991-03-25 1996-08-20 Sonex International Corporation Apparatus to selectively couple ultransonic energy in a therapeutic ultransonic toothbrush
US5369831A (en) * 1991-03-25 1994-12-06 Sonex International Corporation Therapeutic ultrasonic toothbrush
WO1994001054A1 (en) * 1992-07-10 1994-01-20 Bock Robert T Therapeutic ultrasonic toothbrush
EP0688518A4 (de) * 1993-02-15 1998-01-07 Euronica Corp Zahnbürste
EP0688518A1 (de) * 1993-02-15 1995-12-27 Euronica Corporation Zahnbürste
US6308367B1 (en) 1997-11-12 2001-10-30 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrush
USD424808S (en) * 1999-01-25 2000-05-16 Gillette Canada Inc. Set of bristles for a toothbrush
US6447293B1 (en) 1999-08-13 2002-09-10 Water Pik, Inc. Drive mechanism for interproximal flossing device
USD463627S1 (en) 1999-12-21 2002-09-24 Water Pik, Inc. Single rail flosser tip cartridge
US6422867B2 (en) 1999-12-21 2002-07-23 Water Pik, Inc. Interproximal flosser handle
USD484311S1 (en) 2001-01-12 2003-12-30 Water Pik, Inc. Disposable toothbrush
US6920659B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2005-07-26 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush
US6955539B2 (en) 2001-07-12 2005-10-18 Water Pik, Inc. Characterization of motion of dual motor oral hygiene device
US6821119B2 (en) 2001-07-12 2004-11-23 Water Pik, Inc. Dual motor oral hygiene device
US6569170B1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2003-05-27 David L. Kellogg Method of cleaning skin
USD487349S1 (en) 2002-02-01 2004-03-09 Water Pik, Inc. Dental device
US7017597B2 (en) * 2002-03-23 2006-03-28 Samsung Electronics., Co.,Ltd. Megasonic cleaning apparatus for fabricating semiconductor device
US20030178049A1 (en) * 2002-03-23 2003-09-25 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Megasonic cleaning apparatus for fabricating semiconductor device
US7198487B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2007-04-03 Water Pik, Inc. Whitening tip for dental flossing device
US20070000079A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2007-01-04 Toyokazu Mori Electric toothbrush
US20070198031A1 (en) * 2006-02-21 2007-08-23 David Kellogg Method for performing dermabrasion
US20070239101A1 (en) * 2006-02-21 2007-10-11 David Kellogg Method for applying serum to a person's skin
US20100263147A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-21 Ranir, Llc Replacement head for electric toothbrush
US8336155B2 (en) 2009-04-21 2012-12-25 Ranir, Llc Replacement head for electric toothbrush
US8943634B2 (en) 2011-05-02 2015-02-03 Water Pik, Inc. Mechanically-driven, sonic toothbrush system
US9144477B2 (en) 2011-05-02 2015-09-29 Water Pik, Inc. Mechanically-driven, sonic toothbrush system
US10918469B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-02-16 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush with fluid directing drive assembly
USD959840S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-08-09 Water Pik, Inc. Brush head for oral cleansing device
US9987109B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-06-05 Water Pik, Inc. Mechanically-driven, sonic toothbrush and water flosser
US9468511B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-10-18 Water Pik, Inc. Electronic toothbrush with vibration dampening
US11744690B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-09-05 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush tip
US10828137B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-11-10 Water Pik, Inc. Brush tip with motion transfer and securing engagement structures
US11351018B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-06-07 Water Pik, Inc. Oral cleansing device with removable base
US11399925B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-08-02 Water Pik, Inc. Wirelessly controlled oral irrigator
USD878765S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-03-24 Water Pik, Inc. Brush head for oral cleansing device
US10952833B2 (en) 2013-12-04 2021-03-23 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device
USD843596S1 (en) 2014-01-09 2019-03-19 Axiosonic, Llc Ultrasound applicator
US9929621B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2018-03-27 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device
US9999486B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2018-06-19 Ranir, Llc Spring mechanism for power device
US10449023B2 (en) 2015-07-08 2019-10-22 Water Pik, Inc. Oral cleansing device with energy conservation
US11284980B2 (en) 2015-07-08 2022-03-29 Water Pik, Inc. Oral cleansing device with rotatable fluid connector
US10561480B2 (en) 2016-05-09 2020-02-18 Water Pik, Inc. Load sensing for oral devices
USD844997S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2019-04-09 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
US11013315B2 (en) 2016-12-15 2021-05-25 Water Pik, Inc. Light diffuser for oral cleansing devices
USD906688S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2021-01-05 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
USD881584S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2020-04-21 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
US10610008B2 (en) 2016-12-15 2020-04-07 Water Pik, Inc. Brushing device with illumination features
USD845636S1 (en) 2016-12-15 2019-04-16 Water Pik, Inc. Toothbrush handle
WO2018219912A1 (de) * 2017-05-29 2018-12-06 Eto Magnetic Gmbh Kleingerätevorrichtung
US11990263B2 (en) 2017-05-29 2024-05-21 Eto Magnetic Gmbh Small appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1108460A (en) 1968-04-03
FR1505724A (fr) 1967-12-15
CA921664A (en) 1973-02-27
DE1965221U (de) 1967-08-03

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