U.S. patent application number 11/247838 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Aaron Saul Amador.
Application Number | 20060075588 11/247838 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36143804 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amador; Aaron Saul |
April 13, 2006 |
Multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush
Abstract
A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush featuring a mechanism for
selectively controlling whether the toothbrush and toothbrush head
will be used in a rigid or flexible state.
Inventors: |
Amador; Aaron Saul;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John K. Buche;Buche & Associates PC
2nd Floor
4445 Eastgate Mall Blvd.
San Diego
CA
92121
US
|
Family ID: |
36143804 |
Appl. No.: |
11/247838 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60617596 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/172; 15/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 5/0025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/167.1 ;
015/172; 015/201 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle,
a neck, bristles and a head; (b) an internal passageway disposed
within said toothbrush; (c) a rod within said internal passageway
selectively positionable by the user; and, (d) whereby changing
positions of the rod allows for selected flexibility or rigidity of
said toothbrush.
2. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further
comprising a thumb mount fixedly connected to a proximal end of
said rod, whereby force on said thumb mount causes action on said
rod.
3. The multiple purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 wherein
said internal passageway is in the range of 2 to 10 centimeters in
length.
4. The multiple purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 wherein
changing positions of the rod allows for selected flexibility or
rigidity of said toothbrush head.
5. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further
comprising a head flexor, whereby the tip of said head is flexible
or rigid depending on rod position.
6. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further
comprising rubber grips on said handle.
7. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further
comprising a polishing surface on said head, opposite the side
where bristles are featured.
8. A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush comprising: (a) a handle,
a neck, bristles and a head; (b) a rigid support member slidably
fixed to the back of said toothbrush, said support member slidably
movable between a forward position and backward position; (c)
whereby changing positions of said support member allows the user
to opt for flexibility or rigidity of said toothbrush.
9. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further
comprising a head flexor.
10. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further
comprising rubber grips on said handle.
11. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further
comprising a polishing surface on said head, opposite the side
where bristles are featured.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent
application No. 60/617,596.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of Invention
[0004] This application claims priority from provisional patent
application No. 60/617,596. The present invention relates to the
field of toothbrushes.
[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0006] There are a variety of toothbrushes on the market. In the
realm of toothbrushes, the consuming public is constantly looking
for a product that gives the user multiple choices for the
methodology of cleaning his or her teeth. For example, for medical
reasons or for reasons of simple preference, there are a variety of
bristle strengths, namely, soft, medium, and firm. Some users
prefer rotating mechanized toothbrushes, while others prefer a
vibrating bristle, and still others prefer a hand-held manual
model. Some individuals prefer a flexible hand-held toothbrush and
others may prefer a rigid model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,967 to Wu
(1999) discloses a toothbrush with a flexible head by virtue of an
embedded leaf-spring in a toothbrush. It is generally accepted that
a flexible head feature may be beneficial on a toothbrush, for
purposes of reaching multiple tooth surfaces within the mouth and
because a flexible toothbrush allows for soft tension on a gumline.
U.S. Pat. No. RE38,521 to Halm (2004) features a toothbrush with a
highly flexible toothbrush head member featuring elastomeric
grooves between linked segments of the toothbrush head. Similar
patents for toothbrushes include U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,364 to Huber
(2004) (flexible head design disclosed); U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,874 to
Gelder (2001) (flexible bristle-bearing head); U.S. Pat. No.
2,438,268 to Bressler (1946)(flexible head toothbrush). The
Reach.RTM. brand toothbrushes have also capitalized on toothbrushes
featuring angled heads, as found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,621 to
Phenegar (1989) which has a thermoplastic elastomeric deformable
neck).
[0007] While the above referenced patents demonstrate that flexible
head toothbrushes are beneficial, it is also desirable at times to
have a toothbrush with a firm disposition, particularly where a
deep, aggressive brush and maximal leverage are desired. Sometimes,
a rigid toothbrush and head work best for maximal plaque removal.
Although numerous improvements have been made in the toothbrush
industry, none effectively solve the problem addressed by the
present invention.
[0008] The present invention offers an alternative to the consuming
public--a toothbrush featuring choices for the user between a
flexible and firm toothbrush.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is the objective of the present invention to
provide an adjustable toothbrush that features either a flexible or
rigid position depending on user preference.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush head that will be readily adjustable between varying
flexible and rigid positions.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush that will be readily adjustable by means of a
selectively positionable rod disposed within an internal passageway
of the toothbrush.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush that will be readily adjustable by means of a
selectively positionable sleeve or support member disposed on the
exterior of the toothbrush.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush featuring a polishing feature on the backside of the
toothbrush head.
[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a toothbrush that is relatively inexpensive and yet
durable.
[0015] Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] The manner in which these objectives and other desirable
characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following
description and attached drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the underside of the
multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush in rigid form.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush in flexible form.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush in rigid form, wherein a thumb mount,
internal passageway, and rod are depicted.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush in flexible form, wherein a thumb mount,
internal passageway, and rod are depicted.
[0022] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be
described, it should be understood that these embodiments are
examples only and merely illustrate a small number of the many
possible specific embodiments that can represent application of the
principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications
obvious to one skilled in the art, to which the present invention
pertains, are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and
contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the
claims.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the underside of the
multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush 1. Specifically featured are a
handle 5, neck 6, the head 7 (one side featuring a bristle base),
and the bristles 2 that are found on most toothbrushes. These
components may be fashioned from materials that are known in the
art. Also shown is a thumb mount 3, presented in a preferable
forward position, as it would preferably appear when the toothbrush
1 is fixed in a rigid position. The thumb mount 3 is selectively
positionable by the user to control whether toothbrush 1 and the
head 7 are in a flexible or rigid state. Thumb mount 3 may be
formed from a variety of materials, including hard or soft rubbers
or plastics and may be located preferably along the length of the
handle 5 or on the neck 6 for ease of use. As further described
herein, the thumb mount 3 is fixedly connected to a proximal
portion of a rod 11 disposed within an internal passageway 12 of
the toothbrush 1 (see FIG. 4-5). A change in position of the thumb
mount 3 causes a corresponding change in the position of the rod
11, which ultimately effects the rigid or flexible state of
toothbrush 1. The term "thumb" is not intended to limit operation
of the mechanism by a thumb, however, merely describes a preferable
digit employed to operate the mechanism acting on the rod 11.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush in rigid form. FIG. 2 shows the thumb mount 3
in a forward position and the corresponding preferable position of
toothbrush 1 and head 7 in a rigid state, which the user may prefer
when maximal leverage and strength are needed during brushing.
[0026] FIG. 3 is also a side perspective view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush 1, however, in a flexible form. The thumb
mount 3 is in a downward position, which is a preferable position
to allow head 7 to bend by and through a head flexor 9 portion of
the head 7. Sometimes it is desirable when brushing one's teeth to
use a flexible toothbrush-such flexibility permitting better access
to recesses, rearward teeth, or otherwise hard-to-reach surfaces.
As further described in FIGS. 4-5, this flexibility is accomplished
according to user preferences when action on thumb mount 3 works to
cause rod 11 within internal passageway 11 to retract from the head
7 portion of the toothbrush 1, allowing head 7 to react to brushing
in a flexible manner. The flexible action may be confined to a tip
of head 7 by and through a head flexor 9, or the rod 11 may also
retract to permit flexible action of the entire head 7 of the
toothbrush 1. It should be noted that this inventive feature will
work with toothbrushes featuring an angled "neck" portion leading
toward the head 7 or with toothbrushes featuring contoured handles
5.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush 1 in rigid form, wherein the thumb mount 3,
internal passageway 12, and rod 11 are depicted. This view shows a
preferable embodiment wherein the rod 11 is pushed all the way
forward into distal passageway 13, thereby providing a rigid
structure for head 7. Thumb mount 3 is fixedly connected to a
proximal portion of rod 11, which rod 11 then moves forward or
backward within internal passageway 12, according to the user's
preference for flexibility or rigidity. Internal passageway 12 is
preferably formed by injection molding, thermoform, or other
molding processes, however, by any means of forming the internal
passageway 12, the principal feature of said internal passageway 12
is to provide a rigid and defined channel by and through which rod
11 may pass to regulate the flexibility or rigidity of the
toothbrush 1. Internal passageway 12 extends through and within the
toothbrush 1, preferably through head 7, neck 6, and it may extend
through handle 5, until such point as it preferably opens to meet
thumb mount 3. The internal passageway 12 is of a length preferably
in the range of 2 to 10 centimeters in length. The rod 11 is
preferably formed from rigid plastics or metals, as its principal
function is to provide rigidity when engaged. Toothbrush 1 and its
components are preferably formed from materials or combinations of
materials commonly known in the art of toothbrush manufacture,
including but not limited to rigid plastics (polyethylenes, high
density polyethlenes, polypropylenes, polyamides, elastomers,
polyvinylchloride, etc.), as well as more flexible plastics,
rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and elastomeric materials commonly used
on handle grips to enhance flexibility on the toothbrush 1 and head
7.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose
adjustable toothbrush 1 in flexible form. The thumb mount 3 and rod
11 are shown retracted within internal passageway 12, so that
distal passageway 13 is empty, and where the rod 11 is not in a
position to provide rigidity to the head 7. In other words, without
rod 11 present in the distal portion of passageway 12, the
toothbrush 1 is free to respond as it otherwise might. A head
flexor 9 is shown, which would preferably feature an elastomeric
construction material to permit bending and flexibility of the
toothbrush head at the toothbrush end (end opposite handle 5). The
inventor contemplates that rod 11 could preferably be withdrawn to
varying degrees and in varying increments to permit varying
flexibility along the entire length of head 7, as well as neck 6.
The flexibility of head 7 when rod 11 is not engaged depends solely
on the construction of the head member--a variety of preferable
designs and flexibilities are disclosed in the prior art. In this
patent the term "thumb mount" is used to describe a preferable
position for a mechanism to control movement of the rod 11 within
internal passageway 12, however, the use of the term "thumb" is not
intended to be limiting of the mechanism, but merely descriptive of
a preferable digit likely to be used to activate the mechanism. The
thumb mount 3 could be used with an index finger, or an elbow, so
long as the action is accomplished.
[0029] Although not shown in FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of
multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush 1 is contemplated that
selectively accomplishes flexibility or rigidity of toothbrush 1
without an internal passageway 12 or rod 11, but rather by use of a
sleeve or rigid support member slidably fixed to the back of
toothbrush 1 (along head 7, or head 7 and neck 6 opposite the
bristle side), and wherein the toothbrusher uses his or her hands
to slide the sleeve to a forward position favoring rigidity or
backward to allow flexibility. Also, the inventor contemplates an
embodiment of the present of the present invention where a
polishing surface is on the backside of head 7, said polishing
surface formed from synthetic rubber, textured or elastomeric
plastic.
[0030] It is understood that each of the elements described above,
or two or more together may also find a useful application in other
types of methods differing from the type described above. While
certain novel features of this invention have been shown and
described, it is not intended to be limited to the details above,
since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications,
substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device
illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in
the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the
invention.
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