U.S. patent application number 10/128617 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for powered toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Eliav, Eyal, Gatzemeyer, John J..
Application Number | 20030196283 10/128617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29215484 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eliav, Eyal ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Powered toothbrush
Abstract
A powered toothbrush include a head containing a rotating or
oscillating first bristle carrier and also containing a second
bristle carrier movably connected to said head, which second
bristle carrier may include elastomeric walls for enhanced cleaning
and may include a weakened section to permit it to at least
partially collapse during a brushing motion to couture to the teeth
in use for enhanced cleaning.
Inventors: |
Eliav, Eyal; (New York,
NY) ; Gatzemeyer, John J.; (Hillsborough,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
909 River Road
P.O. Box 1343
Piscataway
NJ
08855-1343
US
|
Family ID: |
29215484 |
Appl. No.: |
10/128617 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/22.1 ; 15/110;
15/167.2; 15/188; 15/28; 601/141; 601/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0075 20130101;
A61C 17/22 20130101; A61C 17/349 20130101; A61C 17/34 20130101;
A61C 17/222 20130101; A46B 9/06 20130101; A61C 17/3472
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/22.1 ; 15/28;
15/110; 15/167.2; 15/188; 601/141; 601/142 |
International
Class: |
A61C 017/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A powered toothbrush comprising: a handle portion having a neck
formed at one end; a head coupled to the neck, the head having an
outer surface and further including: a first bristle carrier
coupled to the head and operatively connected to a first drive
feature for rotationally or oscillatingly moving the first carrier,
the first bristle carrier having at least one set of bristles
extending outwardly therefrom; and a second bristle carrier coupled
to the head, the second bristle carrier including a platform with
upstanding elastomeric walls formed at first and second sides of
the platform, the second bristle carrier having at least one set of
bristles extending outwardly from an upper surface of the platform
between the elastomeric walls.
2. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
bristle carrier oscillates in a direction parallel to an outer
surface of the head.
3. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 1, wherein each of
the upstanding elastomeric walls has a shape selected from the
group consisting of: linear, butterfly wing, paddle, dragon teeth,
wave, and opposing flaps.
4. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 2, wherein the
platform is formed of one of a rigid material and/or an elastomeric
material.
5. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 2, wherein the at
least one set of bristles of the second bristle carrier comprises a
plurality of elastomeric fingers disposed between the upstanding
elastomeric walls.
6. A powered toothbrush comprising: a handle portion having a neck
formed at one end; a head coupled to the neck, the head having an
outer surface and further including: a first bristle carrier
coupled to the head and operatively connected to a first drive
feature for rotationally or oscillatingly moving the first bristle
carrier, the first bristle carrier having at least one set of
bristles extending outwardly therefrom; and a second bristle
carrier coupled to the head, the second bristle carrier including a
platform having at least one set of bristles extending outwardly
from an upper surface thereof, the platform having at least one
weakened section formed therein in a direction that is parallel to
a longitudinal axis of the head such that upon application of a
force to the second bristle carrier, the platform at least
partially collapses along the at least one weakened section
resulting in movement of the at least one set of bristles.
7. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the first
bristle carrier oscillates in a direction that is parallel to an
outer surface of the head.
8. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the first
bristle carrier oscillates in a back and forth manner.
9. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the first
bristle carrier is oscillated in a rotational direction.
10. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the
second bristle carrier moves substantially in a direction
perpendicular to an outer surface of the head when the force is
applied thereto.
11. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor driven shaft having a drive end that
drives the first bristle carrier.
12. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the at
least one weakened section comprises a groove formed in the
platform.
13. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the at
least one weakened section extends substantially from a first end
to a second end of the platform.
14. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the at
least one weakened section has at least one opening formed
therealong, the at least one opening partitioning the at least one
weakened section into two or more weakened sections.
15. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the
platform is formed of a rigid and/or an elastomeric material.
16. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the
second bristle carrier includes a first elastomeric wall formed
along a first side of the platform and a second elastomeric wall
formed along an opposing second side of the platform.
17. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 16, wherein the
platform is attached to the head generally at the first and second
sides of the platform.
18. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 16, wherein a shape
of each of the first and second elastomeric walls is selected from
the group consisting of: linear, butterfly wing, paddle, dragon
teeth, wave, and opposing flaps.
19. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 6, wherein the at
least one weakened section comprises a plurality of weakened
sections formed parallel to one another.
20. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 19, wherein a
plurality of elastomeric cleaning members is formed between two
weakened sections.
21. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 19, wherein the
plurality of weakened sections are each in the form of a groove
formed in the upper surface of the platform.
22. A powered toothbrush comprising: a handle portion having a neck
formed at one end; and a head coupled to the neck, the head having
an outer surface and further including: a first bristle carrier
coupled to the head and operatively connected to a first drive
feature for rotationally or oscillatingly moving the first bristle
carrier, the first bristle carrier having at least one set of
bristles extending outwardly therefrom; and a second bristle
carrier coupled to the head, the second bristle carrier having at
least one set of bristles extending outwardly from an upper surface
thereof, the second bristle carrier comprising: a platform
extending across the head, an upper surface of the platform
supporting the at least one set of bristles; and a web attached to
and extending between the platform and the head.
23. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein both the
platform and web are both formed of a rigid or elastomeric
material, or combinations thereof.
24. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the web
is formed of an elastomeric material and the platform is formed of
an elastomeric material.
25. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the web
extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
head.
26. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the web
extends substantially the length of the platform.
27. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the web
has openings formed therealong resulting in the web being
partitioned into a plurality of discrete sections.
28. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the
platform includes at least two vertical elastomeric elements formed
generally along the first and second sides of the platform.
29. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 28, wherein the
vertical elastomeric elements comprise walls.
30. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the web
is formed along a medial longitudinal axis of the platform.
31. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 22, wherein the
handle portion includes recessed finger sections formed on opposite
sides of the handle portion for providing a gripping area for
holding the handle portion.
32. The powered toothbrush as defined in claim 31, wherein the
recessed sections include roughened surfaces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to powered toothbrushes, and
more particularly, to a toothbrush having a head with two distinct
sections that each provides cleaning and/or massaging oral health
benefits to the soft and hard tissues of the mouth.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Toothbrushes provide many oral hygiene benefits, including
for example, toothbrushes remove plaque and food debris to help
avoid tooth decay and disease. They remove stained pellicle from
the surface of each tooth to help whiten the teeth. Also, the
bristles combined with the brushing motion massage the gingival
tissue for stimulation and increased health of the tissue.
[0005] Powered toothbrushes have been available for some time.
Powered toothbrushes have advantages over manual (non-powered)
toothbrushes in that they impart movement to the bristles at much
higher speeds than possible manually. They also may impart
different types and directions of motion. These motions, in
combination with manual movement of the toothbrush by the user,
generally provides superior cleaning than manual toothbrushes.
Typically, powered toothbrushes are powered by disposable or
rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that in turn
drives the toothbrush head.
[0006] Known powered toothbrushes include a brush head with a
bristle carrier portion that rotates, oscillates or vibrates in
some manner so as to clean the teeth. The bristles, which typically
comprise bristle tufts, are generally uniform with one end fixed
into the bristle carrier portion and the other end free to contact
the surface of the teeth while brushing. The free ends of the
various tufts present a surface envelope that is capable of some
deformation when the bristles bend. When in contact with the
surface to be brushed, the bristles may deform so that the surface
envelope tends to conform to the complex surface of the teeth.
Human teeth generally lie in a "C" shaped curve within the upper
and lower jaw, and each row of teeth consequently has a convex
outer curve and a concave inner curve. Individual teeth often have
extremely complex surfaces, with areas that may be flat, concave,
or convex. The more precise conformation between the bristles and
the tooth surface, the more effective the toothbrush may be in
cleaning, whitening and/or stimulating.
[0007] Known powered toothbrushes typically arrange the bristles in
a compact conical or cylindrical pattern on a generally circular,
disk-shaped bristle carrier. The powered toothbrush heads are
traditionally compact, generally circular face from which a flat
trimmed bristle pattern extends. Alternatively, other head shapes
and bristle patterns are available.
[0008] One example of a powered toothbrush is depicted in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The toothbrush shown in McDougall has a
disc-shaped bristle carrier. The bristle carrier, and thus the
bristles, are driven in a vibrating or oscillating manner. This
type of toothbrush is described herein with reference to FIGS.
1A-1C. A toothbrush 5 includes a handle portion 10 at a proximal
end of the toothbrush 5 and a head 11 at a distal end of the
toothbrush 5. The handle portion 10 has compartments for containing
a powered motor 14 and batteries 15 and 16. The head 11 includes a
generally circular bristle holder (carrier) 13. A rotatable shaft
12 extends from the motor 14 to the head 11. A shaft coupling 17
may be located along the shaft 12 and configured to provide for the
shaft 12 to be separated at a point between the motor 14 and the
head 11. This permits the head 11 to be removed from the toothbrush
5, e.g., for cleaning, servicing, or replacement.
[0009] The head 11 includes a post 18 that provides a rotational
pivot axis for the bristle holder 13 containing bristle tufts 19.
The distal end of the shaft 12 has a journal or offset 20 that is
radially displaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12,
which may be integrally formed therewith. The bristle holder 13 has
a slot 22 that receives the offset 20. The offset 20 and slot 22
are configured so as to be oriented toward the intersection of the
shaft 12 axis and the longitudinal axis of the post 18. When the
motor 14 rotates the shaft 12, the motion of the offset 20 defines
a circle about the shaft 12 axis and drivingly engages the slot 22
such that the bristle holder 13 vibrates or oscillates about the
post 18 axis through a rotational angle A. The rotational angle A
is defined by the displacement of the offset 20 from the shaft 12
axis relative to the diameter of the bristle holder 13.
[0010] Although powered toothbrushes such as those described
immediately above provide advantages over manual toothbrushes, they
are subject to various limitations.
[0011] Providing a rotating or oscillating bristle holder (carrier)
with a typical circular, oblong or oval toothbrush head constrains
the size of the moving bristle holder, and consequently the area of
bristles available for teeth cleaning. Also, when the bristles are
placed in contact with the teeth during brushing, there is less
bristle contact with adjacent areas, such as the gums. Thus, while
these compact bristle patterns provide for cleaning, there is
minimal whitening and stimulation.
[0012] One attempt to overcome the limitations associated with a
small powered bristle area is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083 to
Blaustein et al. The toothbrush in Blaustein et al. has a bristle
area and pattern similar to a manual toothbrush, but an area of the
bristles has simply been replaced by a powered bristle section. The
result is that the head has a powered or moving bristle section and
static bristle section. The limitation of Blaustein et al. is that
the static bristle section provides no better cleaning, whitening
or stimulation than a manual toothbrush.
[0013] International Application No. PCT/EP01/07615 of Braun GmbH
discloses a powered toothbrush with two separate bristle parts that
can move. Each bristle part can have a different range and/or type
of motion. However, only one bristle part is powered. The other
unpowered bristle part moves due to a resonance effect imparted by
the frequency of the movement of the first bristle part. This free
resonance causes a number of difficulties. First, because any
contact between the bristle parts will dampen or cancel any
resonance of the unpowered bristle part, the unpowered bristle part
"floats" separately from the powered bristle part. This
necessitates separation or gaps between them. These gaps expose the
internal workings of the head to foreign matter such as water,
saliva, toothpaste, and food particles. This foreign matter may
interfere with the workings of the unpowered bristle head. For
example, the unpowered bristle part is spring-loaded to assist its
resonance. Foreign matter may accumulate on or around the spring,
interfering with its function. In addition, food particles may
remain in the head and may fester and host microorganisms, which
are undesirable if not potentially harmful when introduced directly
into the mouth. Another limitation of such a design is that
movement of the unpowered bristle part may be damped by contact
with the teeth, or lessened when the frequency of the powered part
shifts from the resonance frequency. This can occur due to pressure
imparted against the powered bristle part by the teeth or gums
during brushing. Finally, the energy imparted to the unpowered
bristle part is only a portion of the energy input into the powered
part. Therefore, the unpowered bristle part is less effective in
cleaning than the powered part, limiting the overall effectiveness
of the toothbrush.
[0014] Thus, there is a need in the art for a powered toothbrush
with increased effectiveness through a larger area of powered or
driven bristles or bristles that are otherwise movable. There is
also a need for a toothbrush having increased whitening and/or
stimulation than known toothbrushes. There is further a need for
such improved toothbrushes to be comparable in manufacturing and
purchasing costs as known powered toothbrushes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle
portion at a proximal end and a head at a distal end with a neck
being formed between the handle portion and the head. According to
one embodiment, the head has two distinct movable parts that
provide cleaning and/or massaging oral health benefits since each
is adapted to have a number of bristles or elastomeric cleaning
members extending therefrom to contact surfaces of the teeth and
surrounding areas. The toothbrush has a drive mechanism that
imparts movement to the first movable part to deliver a cleaning,
polishing, whitening action that supplements the cleaning
efficiency of a typical powered toothbrush.
[0016] In one embodiment, the first movable head part is a first
bristle carrier that supports at least one set of bristle tufts.
The first bristle carrier is operatively mounted to the head and is
coupled to the drive mechanism such that the first bristle carrier
rotates and/or oscillates back and forth in a direction parallel to
the toothbrush head. Preferably, the first bristle carrier
oscillates back and forth in a rotational direction. The second
movable part is in the form of a second bristle carrier that
includes a platform (formed of a rigid and/or elastomeric material)
that is operatively mounted to the head and includes upstanding
elastomeric walls formed at first and second sides of the platform.
The second bristle carrier also preferably includes at least one
set of bristles disposed between the upstanding elastomeric walls.
During a brushing motion, the bristles and elastomeric walls flex
as they encounter the teeth and gingival tissue to provide the oral
care benefits that are disclosed herein.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the platform has a weakened
section formed therein in a direction that is parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the head such that upon application of a force
to the second bristle carrier, the platform at least partially
collapses along the weakened section. This results in movement
(e.g., inward flexing) of the elastomeric walls and the at least
one set of bristles to provide oral care benefits.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the second bristle carrier has an
"I-beam" construction in that it includes a platform extending
across the head and a web that connects the platform to the head.
The platform includes at least one set of bristles extending
upwardly therefrom. According to one configuration, at least the
web is formed of an elastomeric material to permit the platform and
at least one set of bristles formed as a part thereof to flex and
move during a brushing motion. It will also be appreciated that the
platform can also be formed of an elastomeric material and/or a
rigid material used in combination with a web that is formed of a
rigid material and/or an elastomeric material. The platform can
also include elastomeric side walls that flex during the brushing
motion.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the foregoing detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0020] The foregoing and other features of the present invention
will be more readily apparent from the following detailed
description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the
invention in which:
[0021] FIG. 1A is a front cross-sectional view of a conventional
powdered toothbrush including a head;
[0022] FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
toothbrush head of FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional front view of the
toothbrush head of FIG. 1A;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front and side perspective view of a powered
toothbrush according to the present invention with a toothbrush
head having distinct first and second sections, said second section
being shown in general, i.e. dotted lines to indicate that several
alternative embodiments are possible for said second section;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view of an embodiment
of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2,
wherein a particular embodiment of said second section is shown in
detail;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the powered toothbrush head of
the powered toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIGS. 4A-4C are a top plan view and elevated cross-section
views of an alternate embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of
the powered toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 3, in motion;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush embodiment of
FIG. 3;
[0029] FIGS. 6A-6B are elevated cross-section views of another
embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of FIG. 3 in motion;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the powered toothbrush
head of the powered toothbrush of FIGS. 6a-6b engaging teeth;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the powered toothbrush
head of the powered toothbrush of FIGS. 6a-6b engaging teeth at an
oblique angle;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a front and side perspective view of another
preferred embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered
toothbrush of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a front and side perspective exploded view of the
powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 12;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a front and side perspective exploded view of
another embodiment the powered toothbrush head of the powered
toothbrush of FIG. 12;
[0038] FIGS. 15A-15C are elevated cross-section views of the
powered toothbrush head of the embodiment of FIG. 12, in
motion;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a front and side perspective view of the powered
toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein
another embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;
[0042] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care
element having a first configuration and adapted for use in the
toothbrush head;
[0043] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care
element having a second configuration and adapted for use in the
toothbrush head;
[0044] FIG. 19C is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care
element having a third configuration and adapted for use in the
toothbrush head;
[0045] FIG. 19D is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care
element having a fourth configuration and adapted for use in the
toothbrush head; and
[0046] FIG. 19E is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care
element having a fifth configuration and adapted for use in the
toothbrush head.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] Referring first to FIGS. 2 through 11 in which an exemplary
powered toothbrush according to a first embodiment is illustrated
and generally indicated at 100. The toothbrush 100 includes a
handle 102 at a proximal end that defines an interior compartment
(not illustrated) for housing various toothbrush components and a
brush section 104 that is defined by a neck 110 that terminates in
a head 120 at a distal end of the toothbrush 100. The handle 102
has a free proximal end 108 and an opposite neck end 106. The neck
110 generally extends from a first end 114 to a second end 116 with
the first end 114 being located at the neck end 106 of the handle
102 and the second end 116 being located at the head 120. In other
words, the neck 110 is the portion of the toothbrush 100 that
extends between the handle 102 and the head 120. The neck 110 also
defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housing
various working components of the toothbrush 100. The head 120 is
may be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the
toothbrush 100 or may be mounted on a neck 110 with is angled with
respect to said handle 102.
[0048] According to one embodiment, the neck 110 and the handle 102
are constructed as a unitary member by forming the neck 110
integral to the handle 102 at the neck end 106 of the handle 102.
In another embodiment, the neck 110 is detachable from the handle
102 at the neck end 106 of the neck 110. In this embodiment, the
combined neck 110 and head 120 can be removed from the handle 102
to permit cleaning, servicing and/or interchanging of either the
handle 102 or the combined neck 110 and head 120. When the neck 110
is detachable from the handle 102, i.e. a replaceable head 120/neck
110 assembly, the first neck end 114 can include a connector (not
illustrated) that is adapted to be detachably joined to the handle
102 using traditional techniques.
[0049] It will further be appreciated that the illustrated shapes
of the handle 102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature and
the handle 102 and/or neck 110 can be formed to have any number of
shapes. Preferably, the shapes of the handle 102 and the neck 110
are ergonomically efficient and pleasing to a user of the
toothbrush 100 and provide a toothbrush that is easily gripped,
held and manipulated by the user. For example, the handle 102 can
include slightly recessed finger sections 118 which are formed on
opposite sides of the handle 102. One recessed finger section 118
is designed to receive the thumb of one hand and the other recessed
finger section 118 is designed to receive one or more other fingers
of the same hand to thereby assist the user in proper placement of
the toothbrush 100 in the user's hand. One or more of the recessed
finger sections 118 can include ribs or another type of roughened
surface to assist the user in gripping the toothbrush in the
recessed finger sections 118.
[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, et seq., the head 120
of the toothbrush 100 includes a head base 160 that partially
defines an inner compartment of the head 120. The head base 160 can
be constructed so that it terminates in a rounded distal end 162,
which actually defines the distal end of the toothbrush 100.
Preferably, the head base 160 is integrally attached to the second
end 116 of the neck 110.
[0051] The head 120 also includes a first movable bristle carrier
180 which is illustrated as being at the outermost or distal
portion of the head 120. The first bristle carrier 180 can have a
construction that is either identical to or similar to that of the
bristle holder 13 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. The first movable
bristle carrier 180 is preferably a disk with a circular
cross-section face which it is intended to rotate or oscillate in a
rotational manner. However, it will be appreciated that the first
movable bristle carrier 180 is not limited to having a disk shape
and can have any number of different shapes, such as egg-shaped, an
oval or various other regular or irregular shapes, so long as the
first moveable bristle carrier 180 can oscillate in a rotational
manner. A circular shape is preferred since it requires the least
amount of clearance to accommodate the oscillating movement.
[0052] A plurality of bristles 152 are coupled to and extend
outwardly from the first movable bristle carrier 180. As used
herein, the term "bristles" generally defines tooth care elements
and includes any type of structure that is commonly used or is
suitable for use in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth
cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, etc.) by making
intimate contact with surfaces of the teeth and surrounding areas
(e.g., gingival tissue). Such bristles include but are not limited
to individual bristle strands or tufts of bristles (i.e., a set of
bristles) that can be formed to have a number of different shapes
and sizes and the bristles can also be in the form of elastomeric
members, i.e. elongated elastomeric walls which may be linear or
serpentine and/or elastomeric fingers, such as illustrated in FIGS.
19A-19E, or the bristles can include a combination of any of the
aforementioned tooth care elements. As illustrated, the arrangement
of bristle tufts are only exemplary configurations or bristle
patterns and it will be understood that other bristle
configurations secured to the head in a conventional way (such as
stapled, IMT technology, etc.) can be used and the bristle tufts
can be formed of the same or different bristle materials (such as
nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Moreover,
while the bristles can be arranged so that they are generally
perpendicular to the surface or face of the toothbrush from which
they extend, some or all of the bristles can be angled at various
angles with respect to the face of the toothbrush. Using such
different configurations, types and angles of bristles helps
provide enhanced cleaning and massaging of the teeth and gums,
especially in hard to penetrate areas, such as between the teeth
and below the gum line.
[0053] FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate various exemplary elastomeric
members that serve as bristles 152. FIG. 19A shows an elastomeric
tooth care element in the form of a thin spike; FIG. 19B shows an
elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a barrel spike; FIG.
19C shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a
squeegee point; FIG. 19D shows an elastomeric tooth care element in
the form of an angled point; and FIG. 19E shows an elastomeric
tooth care element in the form of a section of an elastomeric wall.
The elastomeric wall of FIG. 19E can have a linear, planar shape; a
zigzag shape; a serpentine shape, etc. All of the above elastomeric
tooth care elements can have smooth textures or can have rough
surfaces. In addition, the wall sections of the elastomeric tooth
care elements can be vertically straight, taper toward inward
toward one end or expand toward one end. The tops of the
elastomeric tooth care walls can have a planar surface or can have
a protrusion (i.e., hump) or the like formed thereat.
[0054] The toothbrush 100 includes a drive mechanism to effectuate
movement of certain parts of the toothbrush 100 and more
specifically, for causing movement of the first movable bristle
carrier 180. Any known geared type of drive structure can be used
to oscillate said first movable bristle carrier 180, such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083 or that disclosed in PCT
publication WO 01/19281. One exemplary drive mechanism is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which has been previously
incorporated herein by reference and includes a rotating drive
shaft 200 that extends at least through the neck 110 (i.e., the
inner compartment thereof). The drive shaft 200 preferably has a
construction that is the same as or similar in nature to the shaft
12 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0055] The drive mechanism for the powered toothbrush 100 can be
any type of drive, e.g., a rotating drive, an oscillating drive, an
eccentric drive, an unbalanced-generated drive, a drive having one
more gearing mechanisms, and/or the like, that is capable of
performing the intended function. The drive mechanism can be
realized in the form of an electric motor or other type of motor
and the movement generated by the drive can be imparted to one or
more sections of the head 120 or to other elements that can be
present at the brush section, such as bristle tufts, elastomeric
members. The movement can be imparted directly through a driving
axle, such as drive shaft 200 or it can be imparted through a
driving post attached to the driving axle. When the toothbrush 100
includes an oscillating drive mechanism either identical to or
similar to the exemplary drive mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 1A
through 1C, the interior compartment of the handle 102 houses a
motor operatively connected to the drive shaft 200 and a source to
power the motor, such as one or more batteries
[0056] The toothbrush 100 further includes a second bristle carrier
132 that is operatively mounted on the head 120. The second movable
bristle carrier 132 comprises a platform 134 having a first end
136, a second end 138, a first end midpoint 140, a second end
midpoint 142, a midpoint 144, a far side 300, a near side 302, an
upper surface 304 and a lower surface 306. The platform 134 is
attached to the head base 160 by supports which may be of such a
thin plastic so as to bend readily or of an elastomer, so as to
bend readily. In the preferred embodiment, the platform 134 is
attached along two sections, at the far side 300 and the near side
302. The platform 134 can be formed of a rigid material or can be
formed of an elastomeric material.
[0057] The platform 134 may have a weakened section 308
incorporated therein to facilitate movement of the second bristle
carrier 132 upon application of a force to the upper surface 304.
For example, a longitudinal groove (i.e., a score) 330 can be
formed in at least one of the upper surface 304. In the illustrated
embodiment, a single groove 330 is formed across the upper surface
304. The groove 330 forms a weakened section 308 longitudinally
within the platform 134 (a so called "living hinge" is formed).
[0058] FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate another embodiment of a
platform 134 including two grooves 330. Herein, the center section
may be deformed about grooves 308 which form hinges when a force A
is applied. FIG. 4B illustrates the second bristle carrier 132 in
the relaxed condition, prior to any application of force A. FIG. 4C
illustrated that when a stress or force, force A, is applied to the
face or upper surface 304, the center section may collapse toward
the head base 160 and the tooth care elements 152 and the vertical
elastomeric elements 340 formed on the upper surface 304 flex
inwardly toward one another as a result of such deformation.
[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates the platform 134 with the weakened
section 308 in another embodiment wherein openings (slots or gaps)
310 are formed along the weakened section 308 so as to define a
number of discrete weakened sections to allow for more flexibility
to the hinge. The cross-section of FIG. 6A illustrates another
embodiment of the second bristle carrier 132 in a relaxed condition
prior to application of a force to the face or upper surface 304.
FIG. 6B illustrates the second bristle carrier 132 and platform 134
in a stressed or deformed condition after a force A is applied to
the upper surface 304. When a force is applied to the upper surface
304, the upper surface 304 deforms about the hinge created by the
one or more grooves 330. This results in the upper surface 304 at
least partially collapsing along the hinge section. The bristles
152 formed on the upper surface 304 flex inwardly toward one
another as a result of such deformation, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.
The elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 can thus be thought of
as a hinged block that has shock absorbing characteristics. When
the applied force is removed, the second bristle carrier 132
returns to its relaxed condition due to its elastomeric nature.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrating the deforming
movement when the head 120 is in contact with the teeth 500. FIG. 7
illustrates the second carrier 132 pressed against the side of the
teeth 500 and FIG. 8 illustrates the second carrier pressed against
the teeth 500 at an oblique angle. Both figures illustrate the
deformation of the platform 134 and the bristles and elastomeric
elements extending therefrom. The vertical elastomeric element 340
is collapsed upon the surface of the teeth 500 to increase contact.
This will enhance cleaning, whitening and massaging.
[0061] Preferably, the bristles 152 that extend upwardly from the
upper surface 304 are a plurality of elastomeric members (such as
those shown in FIGS. 9-11 and 16-18) that are formed integrally
with the elastomeric second bristle carrier 300. For example, the
bristles 152 can be formed in the same molding operation that forms
the elastomeric second bristle carrier 132. Thus, while the
elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 is described as a bristle
carrier, it will be understood that the carrier 132 need not
necessarily have to include traditional nylon bristles.
[0062] FIGS. 3, 9-11 and 16-18 illustrate numerous elastomeric
members/ vertical elastomeric elements 340. The vertical
elastomeric elements 340 are typically located proximate to the far
side 300 and the near side 302 of the platform 134. However, a
single vertical elastomeric element or a combination of such
vertical elastomeric elements 340 can extend across the width of
the second bristle carrier 132. These vertical elastomeric elements
340 may be numerous different shapes and embodiments. FIG. 3
illustrates a straight wall; FIG. 9 illustrates a "butterfly wing",
where the element is curvilinear and is only attached proximate to
the first end 136 and the second end 138; FIG. 10 illustrates a
"paddle" formation, where the element has wide rounded-edge
protrusions; FIG. 11 illustrates "dragon teeth"; where the element
has a series of short pointed protrusions spaced close together;
FIG. 16 illustrates an element that is curvilinear in shape; FIG.
17 illustrates "fingers", narrow, closely spaced protrusions; and
FIG. 18 illustrates opposing flaps. It will also be appreciated
that any of the forgoing embodiments can be interchanged onto any
second carrier regardless of the how or even if that second carrier
is hinged or how that second carrier is mounted to the head base
160.
[0063] FIGS. 12 through 18 illustrate views of another exemplary
head embodiment of the present invention. The handle 102, neck 110,
drive, and head base 160 may be the same as described above.
However, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second movable bristle
carrier 132 is supported from said head base 160 by an "I-beam"
type formation. The platform 134 of the second bristle carrier 132
is supported by an "I-beam" type formation or a web 400 which may
be constructed of an elastomeric material possibly with a rigid
polymer core to add strength thereto or according to an alternative
embodiment, a rigid web 400 can be used in combination with an
elastomeric platform 134. The web 400 may extend, in a preferred
embodiment, from about the first end midpoint 140 to about the
second end midpoint 142. The platform 134 can flex and bend about
the web 400. FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of webs 400 spanning
the longitudinal length of lower surface of the platform 134.
[0064] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14 in
motion. FIG. 15B illustrates the platform 134, tilting about the
web 400, toward the far side 300 due to force B. FIG. 15C
illustrates the platform 134 tilting toward the near side 302 due
to a force C and 15A shows the platform 134 at rest.
[0065] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate further embodiments of the vertical
elastomeric elements 340 which may be used with the described
invention.
[0066] It will also be appreciated that in any of the foregoing
embodiments, the toothbrush head can have a number of static tooth
care elements disposed thereabout in a number of different
locations.
[0067] The toothbrush 100 according to the various embodiments
disclosed herein can be made from any number of materials that are
suitable for use in oral care products, such as toothbrushes, etc.
For example, many of the components that are included in the
toothbrush 100 are formed of plastic materials. Accordingly, the
handle 102 and head 120 of the powered toothbrush 100 can be molded
from polyolefins such as polypropylenes and polyethylenes,
polyamids such as nylons, and polyesters such as polyethylene
terephthalate. Other suitable materials include
polymethylmethacrylate, styrene acroylonitrate and cellulose
esters, for example cellulose propionate.
[0068] When the tooth care elements are in the form of tufts of
bristles, the bristles of can be made from a flexible material
suitable for dental hygiene. Generally, materials suitable for
bristles are polyamides such as nylon or polyesters such as
polybutylene terephthalate. When the tooth care elements are in the
form of elastomeric members, they can be made from any number of
suitable elastomeric materials, such as a block copolymer.
Preferred block copolymers include styrenes (for example styrene
ethylene butadiene styrene, or styrene butadiene styrene),
polyolefins (for example polypropylene/ethylene propylene diamine
modified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)), polyamides (for example
polyamide (2 or polyamide 6), polyesters (for example polyester
ester or polyether ester), polyurethanes (for example
polyesterurethane, polyetherurethane or
polyesteretherurethane).
[0069] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed
out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of
the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that
all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform
substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another
are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be
understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,
but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
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