U.S. patent application number 10/825792 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for electric toothbrushes.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Chan, John Geoffrey, Gall, Douglas A..
Application Number | 20050000043 10/825792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33310954 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050000043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan, John Geoffrey ; et
al. |
January 6, 2005 |
Electric toothbrushes
Abstract
An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has
an elongated body, a head, and a neck extending between the body
and the head. A plurality of bristle carriers each having a
plurality of bristle tufts are disposed on the head. An electric
motor is operatively connected to a shaft, wherein operation of the
electric motor moves the shaft in a reciprocating motion and
wherein the shaft is operatively connected to at least one of the
bristle carriers to move the bristle carriers.
Inventors: |
Chan, John Geoffrey;
(Loveland, OH) ; Gall, Douglas A.; (Strongsville,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
33310954 |
Appl. No.: |
10/825792 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60464787 |
Apr 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/22.1 ;
15/22.2; 15/28; 601/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20130101; A61C
17/349 20130101; A61C 17/222 20130101; A61C 17/3445 20130101; A46B
2200/1066 20130101; A61C 17/3472 20130101; A61H 13/00 20130101;
A46B 15/00 20130101; A46B 15/0075 20130101; A61C 17/3454
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/022.1 ;
015/022.2; 015/028; 601/142 |
International
Class: |
A61C 017/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle having a motor
disposed therein; a head comprising a movable massaging plate and a
movable bristle carrier disposed opposite said massaging plate,
wherein said movable massaging plate is disposed on a rear face of
said head; a neck extending between said handle and said head; and
a shaft operatively connected to said motor and said movable
bristle carrier and said movable massaging plate.
2. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said massaging plate
comprises a plurality of protrusions or ridges.
3. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said massaging plate
comprises an elastomeric material.
4. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said shaft
reciprocates.
5. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said movable
massaging plate reciprocates.
6. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein said massaging plate
pulsates.
7. The electric toothbrush of claim 6, further comprising a
component that is operatively connected to said shaft and which
contacts an underside of said massaging plate to pulsate said
massaging plate.
8. An electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle having a motor
disposed therein; a head comprising a longitudinal axis and a
plurality of movable bristle carriers; a neck extending between
said handle and said head; and a reciprocating shaft operatively
connected to said motor and plurality of movable bristle carriers,
wherein said plurality of movable bristle carriers reciprocate in a
direction substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis.
9. The electric toothbrush of claim 8, wherein said plurality of
movable bristle carriers comprises three bristle carriers.
10. An electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle having a motor
disposed therein; a head comprising a longitudinal axis and a
plurality of movable bristle carriers; a neck extending between
said handle and said head; and a reciprocating shaft operatively
connected to said motor and plurality of movable bristle carriers,
wherein said plurality of movable bristle carriers reciprocate in a
direction along said longitudinal axis.
11. The electric toothbrush of claim 10, wherein said plurality of
movable bristle carriers comprises three bristle carriers.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/464,787, filed Apr. 23, 2003, the substance of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes,
and more particularly, the invention relates to the field of
electrically powered toothbrushes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most known electric toothbrushes utilize a single bristle
carrier that is powered or otherwise driven by an electric motor
incorporated in the toothbrush. The bristle carriers in these
toothbrushes generally undergo rotary motion. Although satisfactory
in certain respects, a need still exists for an improved powered
toothbrush design.
[0004] Numerous attempts have been made to improve the design,
efficiency, cleaning efficacy, simplicity, and/or commercial
viability of electric toothbrushes. One approach has been the
provision of multiple powered bristle carriers. Most artisans have
grouped multiple sets of bristles along an end of a brush and
incorporated a drive mechanism for simultaneously rotating each of
the bristle sets, together. Exemplary designs include those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,242,516; 4,156,620; 4,845,795;
5,088,145; 5,020,179; 4,827,550; and 4,545,087.
[0005] A related strategy is to group sets of bristles on multiple
rotating bristle carriers, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,140,307
and 5,170,525. Rather than rotating each individual bristle set
about its center, i.e. the approach adopted in the previously noted
patents, the designs described in the '307 and '525 patents rotate
multiple groups of bristle sets about the center of a bristle
carrier. Specifically, multiple groups of bristle sets are disposed
on a circular bristle carrier and that bristle carrier, typically
one of several, is rotated about its own axis.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,567 describes a design combining the two
previously noted strategies. A rotating bristle carrier is provided
along with multiple individually rotatable bristle sets. Although
this design likely provides many of the advantages associated with
each of its predecessors, the cleaning efficacy of spinning bristle
sets, alone, is somewhat limited.
[0007] Yet another design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,603.
The '603 patent describes an assembly of "staggered swing" brushes.
Apparently, the two bristle carriers move along a complex path
within the plane of the toothbrush.
[0008] Although dual bristle carriers that undergo various
combinations of movement have been disclosed in the prior art,
there remains a need to provide an electric toothbrush with a
plurality of bristle carriers in which at least one carrier
undergoes a reciprocating or pivotal type of motion. Additionally,
there is a need to provide an electric toothbrush with multiple
bristle carriers in which at least one of the carriers reciprocates
while another component of the brush undergoes a particular type of
motion that assists in the brushing operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush
has an elongated body including a handle, a head, and a neck
extending between the handle and the head. A plurality of bristle
carriers are disposed on the head and each of the bristle carriers
include a collection of bristle tufts. An electric motor is
operatively connected to a shaft, both of which are disposed in the
body of the toothbrush. Upon operation of the electric motor, the
shaft moves in a reciprocating motion. The shaft is operatively
connected to at least one of the bristle carriers to move that
carrier and associated carriers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention may take form in various components
and arrangements of components, and in various techniques, methods,
or procedures and arrangements of steps. The referenced drawings
are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments, they
are not necessarily to scale, and are not to be construed as
limiting the present invention.
[0011] It is believed that the present invention will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention illustrating
various planes and their orientation with respect to the
toothbrush.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front and rear of a
brush head of another preferred embodiment toothbrush in accordance
with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of several preferred massaging
elements utilized by the preferred embodiment toothbrush depicted
in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross sectional view of the brush head
of the preferred embodiment toothbrush shown in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the front and rear of a brush
head of another preferred embodiment toothbrush in accordance with
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of several preferred massaging
elements utilized by the preferred embodiment toothbrush depicted
in FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross sectional view of the brush head
of the preferred embodiment toothbrush shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Before describing the various preferred embodiments, it is
instructive to define the various types of motions that the movable
bristles of the various toothbrushes may undergo. As used herein,
the term "angular motion" refers to any angular displacement.
"Linear motion" is movement along a straight or substantially
straight, line or direction. "Curvilinear motion" is movement that
is neither completely linear nor completely angular but is a
combination of the two (e.g., curvilinear). These motions can be
constant or periodic. Constant motion refers to motion that does
not change direction or path (i.e., is unidirectional). Periodic
motion refers to motion that reverses direction or path. Constant
angular motion is referred to as rotary motion, although features
herein may be described as "rotatably mounted" which is intended to
merely mean that angular motion, whether periodic or constant, is
possible. Periodic angular motion is referred to as oscillating
motion. Curvilinear motions can also be either constant (i.e.,
unidirectional) or periodic (i.e., reverses direction). Periodic
linear motion is referred to as "reciprocation". "Orbital motion"
is a type of angular motion about an axis that is distinct from and
is some distance apart from the center of the moving component,
e.g. a shaft. This distance is referred to herein as the extent of
offset of the orbital motion. Orbital motion may be either constant
angular motion or periodic angular motion.
[0023] The above-described motions can occur along one or more axes
of a bristle carrier, a toothbrush, a toothbrush head, etc.
Accordingly, motion is described herein as being either one, two,
or three dimensional motion depending upon the number of axial
coordinates required to describe the position of a bristle carrier
during its movement. The axes, X, Y, and Z, are shown in FIG. 1.
One dimensional motion is motion that can be described by a single
coordinate (e.g., X, Y, or Z coordinates). Typically, only linear
motion can be one dimensional. For example, periodic linear motion
substantially along only the Y axis is one dimensional motion
(referred to herein as a "pulsing motion" or an "up and down
motion"). Two dimensional motion is movement by a bristle carrier
that requires two coordinates (e.g., X and Y coordinates) to
describe the path of travel of the bristle carrier. Angular motion
that occurs in a single plane is two dimensional motion since a
point on a bristle carrier would need two coordinates to describe
the path of travel. Three dimensional motion is movement by a
bristle carrier that requires three coordinates (e.g., X, Y, and Z
coordinates) to describe the path of travel of the bristle carrier.
An example of three dimensional motion is movement by a bristle
carrier in the path of a helix.
[0024] Since most of the bristle carrier motions described herein
can be modified by adjusting various structural features, the
description of a motion herein shall be automatically understood to
accommodate these variations. For example, a motion that is
described as oscillating about an axis can also include components
of other motions (e.g., a reciprocating linear motion), especially
where it is noted that modifications can be made to provide this
second component of motion. Motions that are intended to exclude
such modifications shall be described herein with the modifier
"primarily" (e.g., "primarily oscillating" or "primarily
reciprocating") and are intended to exclude significant other types
motion, but not other motions that might be incidental from
manufacturing tolerances or variabilities or where it is difficult
to completely eliminate another type of motion completely from the
bristle carrier, as is sometimes the case. All motions described
herein may be restricted to primarily the motion described if
desired.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
toothbrush 2 in accordance with the present invention. The
toothbrush 2 comprises an elongated body 10 having a handle 30, a
head 50, and a neck 40 extending between the handle 30 and the head
50. A switch 20 is provided or made accessible along the outer
region of the body 10. As will be appreciated, the switch 20
actuates an electrical motor contained within the body 10 of
toothbrush 2. The motor (not shown) and a drive mechanism as
described herein (not shown) drive one or more bristle carriers
disposed near a distal end of the toothbrush. Specifically, the
toothbrush 2 further includes a first bristle carrier 60 located
adjacent a distal-most first end 52 and a second bristle carrier
70. As described in greater detail herein, upon activation of the
drive mechanism, the first and second bristle carriers undergo a
particular combination of motions. The motions are best described
in terms of the axes X, Y, and Z.
[0026] The X axis is generally referred to herein as the
longitudinal axis and generally extends along a longitudinal or
lengthwise dimension (as seen from the top planar view of the
toothbrush) of the toothbrush head or the bristle carrier. For
example, a longitudinal axis is an axis passing through the longest
dimension of the toothbrush head. The Y axis is transverse,
orthogonal or perpendicular to the X axis and generally bisects the
toothbrush head into its left and right halves. The Z axis is
transverse, orthogonal or perpendicular to the X and Y axes. It
will be appreciated that axis orientations need not be exactly
orthogonal or perpendicular to another axis and that some deviation
from 90 degrees between the axes, particularly when these axes are
used to describe a direction of motion. It should be understood
that any axis orientation herein can be modified by the terms
"generally" or "substantially" (e.g., "generally transverse" or
"substantially transverse"). The word "substantially" implies some
angular deviation, but not as much angular deviation from 90
degrees as the word "generally". No modifier indicates slight to no
deviation from 90 degrees. Thus, a motion that is described as
occurring along a first axis transverse to a second axis implies
that the motion occurs at a 90 degree angle to the second axis with
some slight deviation permitted (e.g., from manufacturing
tolerances, etc.). If the motion is generally transverse or
substantially transverse, a greater deviation from 90 degrees is
contemplated. All the axes described herein can intersect another
axis either generally or substantially transverse to said other
axis.
[0027] Plane X contains the X axis and is generally referred to
herein as the plane of the toothbrush or the plane of the
toothbrush head. This plane generally extends along the
longitudinal dimension of the toothbrush. The Y plane contains the
Y axis and extends through the toothbrush and is perpendicular to
the X plane. The Y plane either bisects the toothbrush or is
parallel to a plane that does. The Z plane is perpendicular to both
the X plane and the Y plane and contains the Z axis.
[0028] Furthermore, it is useful to address the terminology used in
describing the preferred embodiment toothbrushes, bristle carriers,
and the various drive mechanisms. As used herein, the term
"forward" refers to the direction from the handle to the head while
the term "rearward" refers to the direction from the head to the
handle. A longitudinal direction is a direction that generally
corresponds to a longitudinal or X axis but which may not lie in
the same plane as the axis. For example, the longitudinal axes of a
shaft and a bristle carrier may not extend in the same plane but
generally extend in the same direction from a top planar view.
Similarly, a neck and head that are angled with respect to each
other may not have longitudinal axes that extend in the same plane,
but do have axes that extend in the same general longitudinal
direction from a top planar view. Many of the preferred embodiment
electric toothbrushes typically have an elongated head with a
longitudinal axis passing through the longest dimension thereof.
This axis typically extends in the same general direction as the
longitudinal axes of the toothbrush neck and/or shaft. This axis is
generally referred to as the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
By the phrase "same general direction," some angular deviation is
contemplated between the axes.
[0029] Generally, the preferred embodiment toothbrushes according
to the present invention comprise an elongated hollow body
containing an electrically powered motor and drive mechanism that
is used to drive one, two, three or more moveable bristle carriers.
The elongated hollow body also includes an interior chamber or
cavity for containing one or more batteries for powering the motor.
And, one or more switches are provided along the outer region of
the body for activating the motor and drive mechanism. As will be
appreciated, a removable end cap is provided to enclose the
interior chamber and provide a seal against external agents for the
components inside the toothbrush body. As described in detail
herein, the preferred embodiment toothbrushes comprise one, two,
three or more movable bristle carriers. Each of the bristle
carriers undergoes particular types of motion and the resulting
combinations of movements provide unique cleaning efficacy.
[0030] Furthermore, it is useful to define the terms "fixed" or
"static" bristles, and the term "movable" bristles. The terms fixed
or static bristles refer to bristles that are secured or affixed to
the brush head or body of the toothbrush or other component thereof
so that the bristles, and specifically, the base of the bristles,
do not move with regard to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
Restated, fixed or static bristles refer to bristles that are
affixed to the toothbrush such that their base or point of
attachment does not move with respect to the toothbrush. It is
recognized that the tips or regions distal from the base of a
bristle or group of bristles may move as a result of flexing of the
bristle. However, the base of a stationary, static, or fixed
bristle does not move with respect to the brush. The term movable
bristle refers to a bristle in which the base of the bristle moves
with respect to the toothbrush, and particularly with respect to
the longitudinal axis of the brush. Generally, this configuration
is accomplished by affixing or supporting the base of the bristle
to a mounting component, i.e. a bristle carrier or holder, that is
movable with respect to the brush. Restated, a movable bristle is a
bristle that is movable with respect to the longitudinal axis of
the brush.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a preferred
embodiment toothbrush 100 in accordance with the present invention.
The preferred embodiment toothbrush 100 includes a body 130, a
brush head 150, and a neck 140 extending between the body and the
head. The toothbrush 100 further includes a bristle carrier
assembly that features a plurality of bristle carriers as follows.
This preferred assembly includes a first bristle carrier 160, a
second bristle carrier 170, and a third bristle carrier 180. The
first bristle carrier 160 includes a base 162. The second bristle
carrier 170 includes a base 172. And, the third bristle carrier 180
includes a base 182. Preferably, the first, second, and third
bristle carriers, i.e. 160, 170, and 180 are pivotable (when
incorporated in a toothbrush head) about an axis extending through
one or more pivot members such as pivot members 183 and 163. Each
of the bases 162, 172, and 182 contain a camming member 161, 171,
and 181, each of which is received within a camming slot 136
defined within a cam member 134. Each of the camming members 161,
171, and 181 preferably extends downward from a respective base, as
shown in FIG. 2. The cam member 134 is retained within the interior
of the toothbrush head and is engaged with a drive shaft 116. As
can be seen, the drive shaft 116 preferably undergoes a
reciprocating-type motion. Upon reciprocal movement of the drive
shaft 116; reciprocal movement, however transverse to the movement
of the drive shaft 116, or periodic curvilinear movement is
imparted to each of the bristle carriers 160, 170, and 180. The
specific type of motion imparted to each of the bristle carriers
depends upon the configuration and engagement between the camming
members and the camming slot.
[0032] Fib. 3 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
toothbrush 200 in accordance with the present invention. The
preferred embodiment toothbrush 200 includes a body 230, a brush
head 250, and a neck 240 extending between the body and the head.
The toothbrush 200 further includes a bristle carrier assembly that
features a plurality of bristle carriers as follows. FIG. 3
illustrates the assembly as comprising a first bristle carrier 260,
a second bristle carrier 270, and a third bristle carrier 280. The
first bristle carrier 260 includes a base 262. The second bristle
carrier 270 includes a base 272. The third bristle carrier 280
includes a base 282. Preferably, each of the bases, i.e., 262, 272,
and 282, provide a collar which defines an engagement slot or
aperture. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the third bristle
carrier 280 includes a collar 284 that defines an engagement slot
or aperture 286. Each of the slots or apertures of a respective
collar is received along a cam region 218 of a drive shaft 216.
Preferably, the drive shaft 216 undergoes reciprocating motion such
that lateral motion or other motion is imparted to each of the
bristle carriers 260, 270, and 280. As previously explained with
regard to FIG. 2, one or more of the bristle carriers 260, 270, 280
may include a pivot member such as member 283 in FIG. 3. Depending
upon their configuration and engagement with a retaining component
of a toothbrush head within which the bristle carrier assembly is
incorporated, the pivot members generally serve to cause the
bristle carriers to undergo a pivotal motion about the axis of the
pivot members.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
toothbrush 300 in accordance with the present invention. This
preferred embodiment toothbrush 300 comprises a body 330, a head
350, and a neck 340 extending between the body 330 and the head
350. Disposed on the brush head 350 are a plurality of movable
bristle carriers which in FIG. 4 as shown, include a first bristle
carrier 360 and a second bristle carrier 370. Each of the bristle
carriers 360 and 370 undergo a reciprocating motion as shown upon
activation of the brush. Specifically, linear reciprocating motion
of a drive shaft 316, such as from a drive mechanism (not shown)
disposed in the body 330 is imparted to a second drive shaft 318
via linkage 317. Movement of drive shaft 318 is further transmitted
to a hinged component 319 and to a linking arm 320 extending
between the hinged component 319 and one or both of the bristle
carriers 360 and 370.
[0034] In a most preferred aspect, a rocking arm 321 is utilized
that extends between the first and second bristle carriers 360 and
370. Most preferably, the rocking arm 321 is hinged about its
center to a stationary member within the interior of the brush head
350 such that the arm 321 may move or pivot about that member. An
end of the linking arm 320 is engaged to an end of the rocking arm
321 such that reciprocation of the linking arm 320 causes pivoting
of the arm 321 about its center. As shown in FIG. 4, since each
bristle carrier 360 and 370 is engaged to an opposite end of the
rocking arm 321, pivoting of the arm 321 causes reciprocation of
the carriers 360 and 370. The reciprocation of each carrier 360 and
370 is out of phase with the other. Thus, when the carrier 360
moves in a forward direction, the carrier 370 moves in a rearward
direction, and vice versa.
[0035] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate yet another preferred
embodiment toothbrush 400 in accordance with the present invention.
The preferred embodiment toothbrush 400 includes a body 430, a head
450, and a neck 440 extending between the body 430 and the brush
head 450. Disposed on the brush head 450 are a plurality of movable
bristle carriers such as a first bristle carrier 460 and a second
bristle carrier 470. A drive shaft 416 extends within the neck 440
and the body 430 and imparts motion to one or both of the bristle
carriers 460 and 470 from a drive mechanism (not shown).
Preferably, upon operation of the toothbrush 400, the drive shaft
416 reciprocates as shown in FIG. 5. The distal end of the drive
shaft 416 is engaged with a base 472 of the second bristle carrier
470. As will be appreciated, the first bristle carrier 460 may be
directly powered from the drive shaft 416 or indirectly powered,
such as via the second bristle carrier 470.
[0036] The preferred embodiment toothbrush 400 of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7
features a massaging plate 480 movably disposed along a rear face
of the brush head 450. Upon operation of the toothbrush 400, the
massaging plate 480 is reciprocated generally along the
longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 400. The massaging plate is
preferably formed from an elastomeric material, or other relatively
soft pliable material. The outer surface of the massaging plate 480
may be formed so as to provide one or more outwardly extending
ridges, protrusions, or other members that serve to provide
specific massaging characteristics. FIG. 6 illustrates various
alternative versions of the massaging plate 480. A plate 480a may
be provided that has a plurality of raised protrusions or other
projections extending from its outer surface. A plate 480b may be
used that features a plurality of outwardly extending ridges. And,
a plate 480c may be used that features a relatively smooth outer
surface, free of any raised or outwardly extending projections.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a partial sectional elevational view of the brush
head 450 of the toothbrush depicted in FIG. 5 taken along line
VII-VII. FIG. 7 illustrates a linking component 418 that engages
the distal end of the drive shaft 416 to the bristle carrier 470
and to the massaging plate 480. Upon reciprocating motion of the
drive shaft 416, both the bristle carrier 470 and the massaging
plate 480 are moved in similar fashion.
[0038] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate yet another preferred
embodiment toothbrush 500 in accordance with the present invention.
The toothbrush 500 includes a body 530, a brush head 550, and a
neck 540 extending between the body 530 and the brush head 550. A
first bristle carrier 560 is disposed on the brush head 550. And, a
second bristle carrier 570 is disposed on the brush head 550. A
drive shaft 516 extends within the neck 540 and upon activation of
the brush, imparts motion to one or both of the bristle carriers
560 and 570.
[0039] The toothbrush 500 provides a massaging plate 580 similar to
the toothbrush 400 previously described. However, the massaging
plate 580 of the toothbrush 500 does not reciprocate as does the
massaging plate 480 of the toothbrush 400. This is described in
greater detail herein. The massaging plate 580 is preferably formed
from an elastomeric or other suitable material. The plate 580 is
preferably disposed along a rearward face of the toothbrush head
550 and secured thereto. The plate 580 may be provided with a
variety of different surface configurations. FIG. 9 depicts a
massaging plate 580a having a plurality of outwardly extending
raised regions; plate 580b having a plurality of raised ridges; and
plate 580c having a smooth outer surface.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a partial sectional elevational view of the brush
head 550 of the toothbrush 500 taken along line X-X in FIG. 8. A
linking component 518 is provided that engages the distal end of
the drive shaft 516 to the bristle carrier 570. The linking
component 518 is provided with an outwardly extending bulb or
region that contacts the underside of the massaging plate 580. As
will be appreciated, since the plate 580 is formed from a material
that is flexible and pliable, motion is imparted to the outer
surface of the plate 580 as the linking component 518 is displaced
along the underside of the plate 580. This configuration results in
the outer surface of the massaging plate 580 exhibiting a pulsing
motion and essentially vibrate upon operation of the toothbrush
500.
[0041] It will be appreciated that in all of the embodiments of the
present invention, one or more groups of static bristles or other
cleaning members may be provided in conjunction with the moving
bristles. It may, in many instances, be preferred to provide a
collection of static bristles on the toothbrush head. For example,
static bristles may be disposed in a gap between bristle carriers
or may completely encircle the bristle carriers. Static bristles
may also be disposed at the distal-most end of the head and/or at
the rearward-most portion of the head and/or adjacent the sides of
the toothbrush head. Further examples of static bristles that may
be used with the present invention are described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/274,40 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,395. Moving
or static elastomeric bristles, formed for example from a
thermoplastic elastomer or rubber, can also be provided on the
moving bristle carriers or the toothbrush head. An example of one
arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,294.
[0042] While brush head embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated for simplicity with tufts of bristles that extend
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the head from which they extend, it is contemplated that the
static and/or movable bristles might be arranged differently to
compliment or further enhance the static bristles or the motion of
the movable bristles. Some or all of the bristles might extend in a
direction that forms an acute angle with a top surface of a bristle
holder and may extend in a forward or rearward direction. In
another embodiment, some of the bristles might extend outwardly
away from the head, in another direction, again forming an acute
angle with respect to the top surface of the bristle holder.
Examples of other suitable bristle arrangements are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 330,286, Des. 434,563; 6,006,394; 4,081,876;
5,046,213; 5,335,389; 5,392,483; 5,446,940; 4,894,880; and
International Publication No. WO99/23910.
[0043] The toothbrushes of the present invention may be formed from
a wide array of polymers. In the following description of the
preferred polymer materials for use herein, the abbreviations that
are commonly used by those of skill in the art to refer to certain
polymers appear in parentheses following the full names of the
polymers. The polymer is preferably polypropylene ("PP"), or may be
selected from the group consisting of other commercially available
materials, such as polystyrene ("PS"), polyethylene ("PE"),
acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer ("SAN"), and cellulose acetate
propionate ("CAP"). These materials may be blended with one or more
additional polymers including a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE"), a
thermoplastic olefin ("TPO"), a soft thermoplastic polyolefin
(e.g., polybutylene), or may be selected from other elastomeric
materials, such as etheylene-vinylacetate copolymer ("EVA"), and
ethylene propylene rubber ("EPR"). Examples of suitable
thermoplastic elastomers herein include
styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene ("SEBS"),
styrene-butadiene-styrene ("SBS"), and styrene-isoprene-styrene
("SIS"). Examples of suitable thermoplastic olefins herein include
polybutylene ("PB"), and polyethylene ("PE"). Techniques known to
those of skill in the art, such as injection molding, can be used
to manufacture the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0044] The present invention has been described with reference to
particular preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations may
be made to these embodiments within the scope of the present
invention. For example, certain combinations of bristle carriers
have been described herein. It will be appreciated that the bristle
carriers can be rearranged and the bristle carrier of one
embodiment substituted for that of another. Further, while some
bristle carriers may have a slot that engages a pin on the
toothbrush head to guide the movement of the bristle carrier, it
will be appreciated that these features can be reversed so that the
pin is disposed on the bristle carrier and the slot is disposed on
the head, and further that other structures known in the art can be
used to guide the motion of any of the bristle carriers described
herein. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations
are included insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or equivalents thereof.
[0045] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0046] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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