WO2012101627A2

WO2012101627A2 - Motorized toothbrush

Info

Publication number: WO2012101627A2
Application number: PCT/IL2012/000035
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ami Andre KRONENBERG
Original assignee: Kronenberg Ami Andre
Priority date: 2011-01-24
Filing date: 2012-01-23
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Also published as: WO2012101627A3

Abstract

This invention can be broadly summarized as providing a tooth brush that incorporate benefits of continuous brushing motion of the bristles in reference to teeth surface with complete safety and no risk for gums peeling. The structure of this brush is based on a T shape wherein the vertical of the T incorporates the handle and stem comprising motor and gearing while the horizontal of the T incorporates a cylindrical bristles brush and a protective plate that coves most of the bristles, except a section that remains exposed and rotates during the operation towards the handle. This structure enables efficient cleaning of the teeth and gaps between teeth while the axis of the brush cylinder is in the horizontal position. And efficient cleaning of teeth surface and gums pockets while the axis of the brush cylinder is in the vertical position.

Description

MOTORIZED TOOTHBRUSH

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental care device, more particularly to an electric powered toothbrush operated by a continuously axial-swirling cyclical and elongated brushes (or a single brush) that come in contact in a tangent angle with the teeth. The toothbrush is provided with a brush-protective shield to prevent mouth injuries while operating the toothbrush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Prior art relating to electric motorized toothbrushes covers a wide range of devices having one or more electrically powered brush-heads that either oscillate in a particular linear or circular path or vibrates about a defined axis of motion, and by so remove dental plaque. In some motorized toothbrush-devices more than one type of the described motion-activities are simultaneously generated, with the main cleaning feature of the toothbrush attributed to a particular motion characteristic of the brush-heads.

[0003] The motion mechanism of prior art toothbrush-bristles, which are the active part of the motorized toothbrushes, can be categorized to three main toothbrush-groups.

[0004] The 1^st generation or group is represented by US 4,275,749 (Caroli): "Electrically driven continuous toothbrush". Caroli's patent electrically driven continuous toothbrush is characterized by the fact that it consists of an interchangeable brush of cylindrical shape, the rotation of which is driven by an electric motor having a reversible sense of rotation, contained in handgrip type housing. The brush body is peripherally screened from the mucous membrane of the mouth by a protective cap of cylindrical surface section shape with approximately 180 degree angular width.

[0005] Caroli's continuously moving toothbrush can be highly efficient in removing dental plaque but the brush has a major draw back that it requires high concentration and skill on behalf of the user. If the control of the direction of rotation of the brush, which is completely manual, is not operated properly and with care, an injury to delicate mouth tissues may be incurred.

[0006] The 2^nd generation or group is represented by US 5,416,942 (Baldacci et al.):

"Motorized anti-plaque toothbrush". Baldacci et al. patent describes a electrically driven anti-plaque toothbrush comprises a handle at one end of which is a cleaning/massaging head, in particular a brushing head, which rotates about an axis which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle and is turned with a continuous oneway rotary motion or with a reciprocating rotary motion by a motor, preferably an electric motor, housed in the handle. According to the invention, the cleaning/massaging head is composed of at least two separate cleaning massaging tool parts that are supported coaxially with respect to each other in such a way that they can rotate relative to each other, being turned in mutually opposite directions in the case of continuous one-way rotation and in phase opposition to each other in the case of reciprocating rotation

[0007] The concept of Baldacci et al. motorized toothbrush represents a large group of brushes that claim to be more effective as anti plaque brushes. These brushes, when used in dental clinics and operated by professional personnel that can see the effect in each treated region, have indeed been found to be effective. The draw back in Baldacci et al. concept toothbrush is that the plaque removal efficiency is substantially reduced when these toothbrushes are operated in domestic surroundings, by unprofessional dental-care people, since than the bristles do not reach all the appropriate locations to perform the cleaning task.

[0008] The 3^rd generation or group is represented by US 5,822,821 (Sham): Electric toothbrush". Sham's patent of an electrically driven toothbrush comprises an elongate body defining a handle, an elongate housing extending from the body and supporting a brush head at a distal end thereof, a drive shaft is mounted within the housing and connected to the brush head, a motor disposed within the body and including a rotating output shaft, and a transmission assembly adapted to convert the rotational movement of the output shaft into reciprocating rotation of the drive shaft and brush head about a common axis of rotation.

[0009] Sham's toothbrush is based on an electric motor that rotates in a single direction; however a connecting rod mechanism converts the rotation into an oscillating motion. The amplitude of this motion determined by the geometrical properties of the mechanism. This type of brush is less effective in removing dental plaque than the described 1^st generation toothbrushes but has the advantage that it is safer in use regardless of the user attention or skill.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a motorized toothbrush that has the integrated advantages of the three categorized toothbrush generations previously presented, being efficient and reliable in removing dental plaque when used by a "layperson", with no professional dental-care background, yet safe to use, requiring no special skills or concentrated operating-attention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention can be broadly summarized as providing a tooth brush that incorporate benefits of continuous brushing motion of the bristles in reference to teeth surface with complete safety and no risk for gums peeling. The structure of this brush is based on a T shape wherein the vertical of the T incorporates the handle and stem comprising motor and gearing while the horizontal of the T incorporates a cylindrical bristles brush and a protective plate that coves most of the bristles, except a section that remains exposed and rotates during the operation towards the handle. This structure enables efficient cleaning of the teeth and gaps between teeth while the axis of the brush cylinder is in the horizontal position. And efficient cleaning of teeth surface and gums pockets while the axis of the brush cylinder is in the vertical position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a frontal side view of a motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention viewed from the side.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a view of the internal parts of toothbrush shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 4 is an illustration demonstrating the horizontal motion of the rotating brush of the toothbrush if Fig. 1 on a single tooth.

[0017] Fig. 5 is an illustration demonstrating the vertical motion of the rotating brush of the toothbrush in Fig 1 on a single tooth.

[0018] Fig. 6a is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a vertical, front-side teeth cleaning mode. [0019] Fig. 6b is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a horizontal rear-side teeth cleaning mode.

[0020] Fig. 6c is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a horizontal front side teeth cleaning mode.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0023] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a frontal and side view, respectively, of the motorized toothbrush 10 in accordance with the present invention. Toothbrush 10 has a general configuration shape of the letter T, with the vertical section of the T comprising a handle 12 which has in it the ON/OFF switch 16 of motor 18 that operates the motorized toothbrush. The horizontal section of the T, designated 20, comprises rotating bristle-brush 22 which is partially covered by a protective-plate 24. Typically, bristle- brush 22 is elongated cylinder shaped and swirls around an axial 26 with the bristles extending along axial 26 on both sides of a driving-gear 30 that rotates axis 26 and thus rotated brush 22. Alternatively to having an elongated cylinder shape, bristle-brush 22 can have an elongated spiral-shape or have a ball shape (two half balls on either side of driving gear 30) or a conical-shape (two cone-brushes pointing towards each other at their tip and separated by driving gear 30). Bristle-brush 22 rotates in one, single, revolving direction, as indicated by curved arrow 32 in Fig. 2.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a frontal and side cross section illustration of toothbrush 10. The handle of the toothbrush comprises a housing-body for a battery 14 that serves as a power source, an electric motor 18, a motion reduction gear unit 34, a stem incorporating an intenal drive shaft 36 and a brush-driving gear 30.

[0025] The power source battery 14 is preferably a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the power source for brush 10 can be an external power source such as household available electrical current. In accordance with the source of the power supply, an electrical transformer and converter may replace battery 14. Motor 18 is preferably a conventional D.C. motor. Motion reduction gear unit 34 reduces the RPM of motor 18 to revolving speeds suitable for tooth brushing. ON/OFF switch 16 may optionally include an electrical current regulator that will enable the adjustment of the current supplied by power source (battery) 14 to motor 18, thus changing and adjusting the output speed to be passed to motion reduction gear unit 34. A proper choice of power source, motor and ratios of the gearing stages assure optimal angular velocity of the brush which is experimentally determined.

[0026] Operating motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention is done by switching switch 16 to an ON position. When switched ON electrical motor 18 is powered by power source (battery) 14 and swirls a shaft that passes the turning motion to reduction gear unit 34 which in turn passes on the now reduced RPM motion to the elongated drive shaft 36. Drive shaft 36 turns driving gear 30 that swirl bristle-brush 22 around axis 26. With the bristle-brush turning motorized toothbrush 10 is ready for oral use.

[0027] Alternatively to operating the motorized toothbrush in accordance to the present invention by an electric motor, designated No. 18 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a pneumatic motor or a fluid turbine can be utilized (both motor alternatives not illustrated in the Figures). When using a pneumatic motor a compressed air flow regulating system replaces the electric power control, designated 14. When using a fluid turbine motor, the electric power source, designated 14 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is replaced by a water-stream generating and regulating system.

[0028] There are two oral modes of application of toothbrush 10, referred to as "vertical" and "horizontal" modes. "Vertical" and "horizontal" refers to the angle of the rotating bristle-brush 22 (shown in Fig. 1) in respect to the ground. The "vertical mode" is designed for cleaning the teeth surfaces (front and rear), for removing particles and microorganisms entrapped in the gaps between the teeth and for cleaning the interval- space between the gums and teeth. The" horizontal mode" is designed for cleaning the surfaces of the teeth (both front and rear). Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate in detail the "horizontal" and "vertical" teeth cleaning motions of toothbrush 10, respectively, as preformed on an individual, "demonstrative", tooth.

[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates the elongated cylinder of bristle-brush 22 being in a horizontal and perpendicular contact position with (a demonstrative model) tooth 48 and simultaneously swirling in a clockwise motion direction, as indicated by curved arrow 32. Protective plate 24 protects the user from coming into contact with swirling bristle brush 22, thus preventing oral injuries while using toothbrush 10. The contact position- place between the bristle-brush 22 and the surface of the tooth is changed by the movement of the user. For optimal use the user has to move the operating toothbrush 10 along the internal and external facing surfaces of each treated tooth. In swirling in the direction away from the surface of tooth 48 the dental plaque (biofilm), designated 50, is scrapped from the surface and removed from the vicinity of the tooth. In swirling in the clockwise horizontal and perpendicular contact position with tooth 48, the motion of bristles of bristle-brush 22 also penetrate into the gap 52 formed between tooth 48 and gum 54 that engulfs and stabilizes tooth 48. The penetration and cleaning of microorganisms and microbiological nutritional particles from gap 52 prevents gum infections and help combat infections when they occur. The horizontal motion of bristle-brush 22 also removes particles "entrapped" in the gaps between two adjacent teeth. Optionally, in addition to the manual on-the-surface movement of toothbrush 10 (and movement from tooth to tooth) an automated up-and-down mechanism that will slightly change the position of the bristle-brush 22 while in contact with the tooth is provided, thus assuring a full movement-coverage on the surface of every treated tooth without an effort on behalf of the user of toothbrush 10.

[0030] Fig. 5 illustrates the elongated cylinder of bristle-brush 22 being in a vertical and perpendicular contact position with (a demonstrative model) tooth 48 and simultaneously swirling in a clockwise motion direction, as indicated by curved arrow 32. The vertical cleaning motion in using toothbrush 10 supplements and adds to the cleaning effect obtained by the horizontal cleaning of teeth, as previously described. The swirling effect of bristle-brush 22 in the vertical contact position on the gaps between the teeth is equivalent to the systematic removing of food remnants by tooth- picking or by string flossing.

[0031] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate the hand-griping of toothbrush 10 and the modes of operation of the toothbrush.

[0032] Fig. 6a is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush 10 in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a vertical, frontal-side teeth cleaning mode. The handle 12 of toothbrush 10 is held by the hand 38 of the user while the bristle brush 22 (not shown) is in the mouth 40 of the user and in touch with frontal side of the teeth of the user (the teeth, being covered by the lips of mouth 40, are not shown). In cleaning the teeth in the "vertical mode" bristle brush 22 is kept approximately in a vertical position relatively to the ground and slid by the user, with the aid of handle 12, from tooth to tooth so as to clean all the teeth both on upper and lower jaws of the mouth. With mouth 40 opened, toothbrush 10 can be also used in vertical position mode for cleaning the back side of the teeth. In order to maintain bristle-brush 22 in the approximate vertical angle throughout the vertical cleaning mode, handle 12 is kept approximately parallel to the ground by hand 38.

[0033] Fig. 6b is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush 10 in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a horizontal rear-side teeth cleaning mode. The handle 12 of toothbrush 10 is held by the hand 38 of the user while bristle brush 22 (not shown) is in the opened mouth 40 of the user and in touch with rear side of the teeth of the user (the teeth, being covered by the lips of mouth 40, are not shown). By vertically changing the angle of handle 12 by hand 38 bristle brush 22 is moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction of each tooth being cleaned. Cleaning is also carried out in the location-of-insertion of the tooth into the gum of the mouth. In moving or sliding bristle-brush 22 from tooth to tooth in the course of the horizontal rear-side teeth cleaning mode, all the teeth, the gaps between the teeth and the location-of-insertion of the teeth into the gums are cleaned. By inverting the spatial configuration direction of bristle 22 and vertically changing the relative angle of handle 12 by hand 38 the rear side of the teeth of the lower jaw (as shown in the Fig) as well as the rear side of the teeth of the upper jaw are cleaned (or vise versa) .

[0034] Fig. 6c is an illustration of a motorized toothbrush 10 in accordance with the present invention, utilized in a horizontal front side teeth cleaning mode. The cleaning procedure of the horizontal cleaning mode of bristle brush 22 was previously explained in Fig. 6b. In horizontal mode cleaning the frontal side of teeth moth 40 can be kept shut, as shown in the Fig. In changing the cleaning from the frontal side of the teeth of the lower-jaw (shown in the Fig.) to the upper-jaw teeth (or vise versa) the spatial configuration direction of bristle 22 has to be inverted and the relative angle of handle 12 to the ground by hand 38 be altered (not shown in the Fig.)

[0035] Alternatively to the brushing of teeth by the mechanized tooth-brush while the motor of the tooth-brush is in operation in accordance with the present invention, the mechanized-brush can be used "manually", with the motor not in operation. When used manually, bristle-brush 22 does not revolve and the bristles of the brush that come into contact with the teeth when the mechanized toothbrush 10 is positioned in contact with the teeth (as shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c) are moved horizontally and vertically by movements of the hand holding toothbrash 10. Typically mechanized toothbrash 10 is operated manually for short time intervals, when special brushing care or attention is desired for a designated tooth or teeth location.

[0036] The geometry and stiffness of the toothbrush bristles provides penetrating ability into gums-pockets and the continuous rotational motion (only) from the gum outwards provides the toothbrush with superior cleaning ability when compared to the cleaning ability provided by commonly used motorized toothbrushes that have bristle-brushes or bristle-plates that are operated in an oscillating rotational motion. The term "bristle- brushes" refers from herein after to both bristle-brushes and bristle-plates. The cleaning ability of rotational-motion bristle-brushes is generated by the pressured swiping- contact-motion formed between the teeth (or gums) and bristles of the brushes. The extent of the pressure of contact is determined by the distance of the bristle-brush from the teeth and the flexibility of the bristles of the brush as they bend when pressed against the surface of the teeth. The direction of bending is determined by dragging effect of the rotational direction of the bristle-brush. When the oscillating rotational motion direction of the bristle-brash changes while the distance between the bristle- brush and teeth is not changed, the bristles in changing their bending direction in response to the change in the dragging direction, exert a considerable increase perpendicular pressure on the teeth. The increased perpendicular pressure pushes the bacteria into the surface of the teeth, thus facilitating the immobilization of bacteria on the surface of the teeth, instead of sweeping and removing the bacteria from the surface. What was described for the surface of teeth hold true for the contact of oscillating rotational bristle-brushes with gums. Since the mechanized toothbrush in accordance to the present invention has a continuous single direction bristle rotating direction the described phenomena of change of bending direction of the bristles does not occur.

[0037] A prospective user can freely move the rotating brushes of the motorized toothbrush in accordance with the present invention, in accordance with her of his specific dental structure and needs, to assure complete oral hygiene.

[0038] The combination of the T geometry and the protective plate avoids any position that could lead to peeling the user's gums due to holding the tooth brash incorrectly.

[0039] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A motorized tooth brush comprising the following elements and features:

motor driven tooth brush comprising:

a handle to be grasped by a user, said handle houses a switch and an energy source;

a hollow stem extending from said handle;

a motor housed in said handle; gearing that transmits rotational motion from the motor to the driveshaft and from the driveshaft to the brush

a rotating output shaft connected to said motor;

a tubular stem that surrounds the rotating shaft and provides structural joint between handle and brush,

at least one substantially cylindrical bristle brush attached approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the handle and is geared to the shaft, a protective plate partially covering the bristle brush , said cylindrical bristle brush is rotated around its cylindrical axis in a single direction,

2. The protective plate of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the protective cap exposes bristles of the cylinder bristle brush that rotate towards the handle while covering the bristles of the cylinder brush that rotates from the handle.

3. The substantially cylindrical bristle brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the cylindrical bristle brush has offset central axis ref to the central axis of the handle.

4. The substantially cylindrical bristle brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 the brush is composed of an array of bristle brushes that are installed on the same drive shaft of the motor driven tooth brush.

5. The tubular stem that surrounds the rotating shaft and provides structural joint between handle and brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the joint between handle and brush forms an approximate T shape.

6. The substantially cylindrical bristle brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the extending ends of the brush are of semi spherical shape.

7. The substantially cylindrical bristle brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the extending ends of the brush are of conical shape.

8. The cylindrical bristle brush attached to the central axis of the handle of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the cylindrical bristle brush is reversibly attached to the handle with the motor of the motorized tooth brush.

9. The tubular stem that surrounds the rotating shaft and provides structural joint between handle and brush of the motor driven tooth brush in accordance to claim 1 wherein the stem is reversibly attached to the handle of the motorized tooth brush