U.S. patent application number 11/754439 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for toothbrushing system for specialized cleaning.
Invention is credited to Michael BARSHESHET.
Application Number | 20070277339 11/754439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788439 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARSHESHET; Michael |
December 6, 2007 |
TOOTHBRUSHING SYSTEM FOR SPECIALIZED CLEANING
Abstract
A tooth brushing system comprising a toothbrush head including a
base defining a basal plane, a long axis and a short axis; and a
multiplicity of bristles arranged in a plurality of bristle groups
which may each have individual characteristics such as length and
stiffness matching the differential anatomies of the various
portions of the teeth, the base comprising a respective plurality
of planar base portions, respectively supporting the plurality of
bristle groups, wherein the planar base portions are configured to
see-saw above and below the basal plane. Preferably, the handle is
configured to retain a toothpaste-filled cartridge and the handle
has at least one operative orientation in which the cartridge
retained thereby is arranged to permit toothpaste to be dispensed
onto the head. Optionally, a stabilizer is provided having at least
one operative orientation in which it is fixedly associated with
the head, the stabilizer being configured and arranged to roll
along occlusal surfaces of teeth. Preferably, the head is designed
to rotate about its short axis while the handle remains motionless.
Preferably, the handle is designed to swivel about its long axis
while the head remains motionless.
Inventors: |
BARSHESHET; Michael;
(Rehovot, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET, SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
38788439 |
Appl. No.: |
11/754439 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60808949 |
May 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/172; 15/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 7/06 20130101; A46B
2200/1066 20130101; A46B 11/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/201; 15/172 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A tooth brushing system comprising: a toothbrush head including:
a base defining a basal plane, a long axis and a short axis; and a
multiplicity of bristles arranged in a plurality of bristle groups,
the base comprising a respective plurality of planar base portions,
respectively supporting the plurality of bristle groups, wherein
the planar base portions are configured to see-saw above and below
the basal plane.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the planar base portions
include: at least one first pair of planar base portions configured
to see-saw above and below the basal plane about a first pivot
axis; and at least one second pair of planar base portions
configured to see-saw above and below the basal plane about a
second pivot axis.
3. A tooth brushing system according to claim 1 wherein the base
defines first and second long sides which are parallel to the long
axis and wherein the lengths of the multiplicity of bristles
generally increases from the first long side to the second long
side.
4. A tooth brushing system according to claim 1 wherein the base
defines first and second long sides which are parallel to the long
axis and wherein the softnesses of the multiplicity of bristles
generally increases from the first long side to the second long
side.
5. A system according to claim 3 and also comprising a handle
configured and arranged to support the head in first and second
selectable orientations, wherein the first orientation is rotated
180 degrees around the head's short axis, relative to the second
orientation.
6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the handle comprises a
swivel-mounted head support.
7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said planar base portions
remain parallel to the basal plane while see-sawing above and below
the basal plane.
8. A tooth brushing system comprising: a pair of friction-creating
elements including a first friction-creating element operative to
apply pressure on and receive pressure from teeth and a second
friction-creating element constructed and arranged relative to the
first friction-creating element, to engage a space between teeth in
reaction to said pressure of the teeth on the first
friction-creating element.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said
friction-creating elements comprises at least one group of
bristles.
10. A toothbrushing system comprising: a handle; and a head
including a multiplicity of bristles defining a teeth-contacting
bristle surface, wherein the bristle surface has selectable convex
and concave orientations at least one of which is adopted
responsive to pressure brought to bear by the dental arch on the
brush head.
11. A toothbrushing system comprising: a handle; and a head mounted
on one end of the handle and including a multiplicity of bristles
and a bristle base supporting the multiplicity of bristles, wherein
the bristle base has a rest position and has at least one degree of
freedom of motion responsive to pressure and includes a mechanism
which restores the bristle base to the rest position, and wherein
said at least one degree of freedom includes a rotational degree of
freedom allowing the bristle base to rotate at least partially
about an axis.
12. A system according to claim 2 wherein said first pivot axis is
parallel to said short axis and said second pivot axis is parallel
to said long axis.
13. A toothbrush system comprising: a handle; a head atop the
handle; and a stabilizer attached to the head and being configured
and arranged to roll along occlusal surfaces of teeth, thereby
causing the stabilizer to move along the teeth.
14. A toothbrush system comprising: a toothbrush handle; a
toothbrush head having a plurality of selectable orientations vis a
vis the handle; and a stabilizer operative to selectably stabilize
the toothbrush head so as facilitate a change from a first of said
plurality of selectable orientations to a second of said plurality
of selectable orientations.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein said stabilizer
comprises a wheel rigidly associated with the toothbrush head which
is configured and arranged to roll along occlusal surfaces of
teeth.
16. A tooth-brushing system comprising: a handle; a head mounted on
the handle and having a multiplicity of bristles arranged on a
generally planar surface; and a bristle translator operative to
translate at least a portion of said multiplicity of bristles
relative to said generally planar surface.
17. A system according to claim 16 wherein said bristle translator
is operative to translate a first portion of said multiplicity of
bristles relative to said generally planar surface, responsive to
pressure on a second portion of said multiplicity of bristles.
18. A system according to claim 16 wherein said bristle translator
comprises a mechanical bristle translator.
19. A system according to claim 10 and wherein the bristles are
supported by a resilient element and wherein at least one of the
orientations of the bristle surface is adopted responsive to
pressure brought to bear by the dental arch on the brush head, via
said resilient element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/808,949, filed May 20, 2006 (which is hereby
incorporated by reference).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tooth brushing
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Great Britain Patent GB412414 to Vachoux describes a
toothbrush comprising two spring-supported parts carrying bristles
which independently oscillate in a plane perpendicular to the
brush's longitudinal axis. Pressure on a blade spring causes
conformation to the interior or exterior curvature of the jaw.
[0004] European Patent EP1386589 describes a toothbrush having sets
of bristles movable relative to one another such that at least one
component of this relative movement causes bristles of the first
set to be raised and/or lowered relative to bristles in the second
set.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,168 describes a tooth cleaning device
including a cartridge unit insertable in the gap between the jaws
to serve as a tooth cleaning implement.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,358 describes a toothbrush having two
orthogonally disposed brush heads.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,214,407 describes a three-part toothbrush
head.
[0008] European Patent EP1486137 describes a toothbrush having
bristle groups carried by separate segments on the brush head and a
method for manufacturing this type of brush.
[0009] The disclosures of all publications mentioned in the
specifications, and of the publications cited therein directly or
indirectly, are hereby incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention seeks to provide an improved
toothbrush.
[0011] There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a tooth brushing system
comprising a toothbrush head including a base defining a basal
plane, a long axis and a short axis; and a multiplicity of bristles
arranged in a plurality of bristle groups, the base comprising a
respective plurality of planar base portions, respectively
supporting the plurality of bristle groups, wherein the planar base
portions are configured to see-saw above and below the basal
plane.
[0012] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the planar base portions include at least one
first pair of planar base portions configured to see-saw above and
below the basal plane about a first pivot axis; and at least one
second pair of planar base portions configured to see-saw above and
below the basal plane about a second pivot axis.
[0013] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the base defines first and second long sides
which are parallel to the long axis and the lengths of the
multiplicity of bristles generally increases from the first long
side to the second long side.
[0014] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the base defines first and second long sides
which are parallel to the long axis and wherein the softness of the
multiplicity of bristles generally increases from the first long
side to the second long side.
[0015] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the tooth brushing system also comprises a
handle configured and arranged to support the head in first and
second selectable orientations, wherein the first orientation is
rotated 180 degrees around the head's short axis, relative to the
second orientation.
[0016] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the handle comprises a swivel-mounted head
support.
[0017] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the planar base portions remain parallel to
the basal plane while see-sawing above and below the basal
plane.
[0018] Also in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, is a tooth brushing system comprising a pair of
friction-creating elements including a first friction-creating
element operative to apply pressure on and receive pressure from
teeth and a second friction-creating element constructed and
arranged relative to the first friction-creating element, to engage
a space between teeth in reaction to the pressure of the teeth on
the first friction-creating element.
[0019] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, at least one of the friction-creating elements
comprises at least one group of bristles.
[0020] Further provided, in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, is a toothbrush comprising a
handle configured to retain a toothpaste-filled cartridge; and a
head mounted at one end of the handle, wherein the handle has at
least one operative orientation in which the cartridge retained
thereby is arranged to permit toothpaste to be dispensed onto the
head.
[0021] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the first pivot axis is parallel to the short
axis and the second pivot axis is parallel to the long axis.
[0022] Also provided, in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, is a toothbrush system
comprising a handle; a head atop the handle; and a stabilizer
attached to the head and being configured and arranged to roll
along occlusal surfaces of teeth, thereby causing the stabilizer to
move along the teeth.
[0023] Further provided, in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, is a toothbrush system
comprising a toothbrush handle, a toothbrush head having a
plurality of selectable orientations vis a vis the handle; and a
stabilizer operative to selectably stabilize the toothbrush head so
as facilitate a change from a first of the plurality of selectable
orientations to a second of the plurality of selectable
orientations.
[0024] Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the stabilizer comprises a wheel rigidly
associated with the toothbrush head which is configured and
arranged to roll along occlusal surfaces of teeth.
[0025] Also provided, in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, is a toothbrushing system
comprising a handle; and a head mounted thereupon and including a
multiplicity of bristles defining a teeth-contacting bristle
surface, wherein the bristle surface has selectable convex and
concave orientations at least one of which is adopted responsive to
pressure brought to bear by the dental arch on the brush head.
[0026] Further provided, in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention is a tooth-brushing system
comprising a handle; a head mounted on the handle and having a
multiplicity of bristles arranged on a generally planar surface;
and a bristle translator operative to translate at least a portion
of said multiplicity of bristles relative to said generally planar
surface.
[0027] Also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, is a toothbrush which typically comprises a
three-section brush head that conforms to the shape of the jaw e.g.
by means of a seesaw mechanism activated when pressure is applied
to the brush head by the teeth.
[0028] Typically, when pressure is applied to a middle section of
the brush head, the two lateral sections rise, thereby enabling the
bristles to contact the outer surfaces of the maxilla and the
mandible. When pressure is applied to one of the lateral sections
of the brush head, the middle section rises, thereby to enable the
bristles to contact the inner surfaces of the maxilla and the
mandible.
[0029] The middle section of the brush head typically comprises at
least one pair of bristle groups that is activated by a seesaw
mechanism, e.g. by means of crossbars located within the base of
the brush head, under each pair of bristle groups. When pressure is
applied to an upper one of the bristle groups, a typically
diagonally positioned lower group of bristles rises toward the
teeth, whereas, when pressure is applied to the lower bristle
group, the upper group rises.
[0030] The upper bristle group is preferably more rigid and tilted
e.g. at a 90 degree angle relative to the tooth surface it meets,
so as to allow the lower bristle group to better access spaces
between the teeth.
[0031] A particular advantage of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is that the brush head conforms to the shape of
the jaw and teeth thereby facilitating bristle-tooth contact during
brushing, and also a better reach by the bristles into deep spaces
which may be present between the teeth.
[0032] Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the bristles are supported by a resilient
element and at least one of the orientations of the bristle surface
is adopted responsive to pressure brought to bear by the dental
arch on the brush head, via the resilient element.
[0033] There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a toothbrushing system
comprising a handle; and a head mounted on one end of the handle
and including a multiplicity of bristles and a bristle base
supporting the multiplicity of bristles, wherein the bristle base
has a rest position and has at least one degree of freedom of
motion responsive to pressure and includes a mechanism which
restores the bristle base to the rest position, and wherein the at
least one degree of freedom includes a rotational degree of freedom
allowing the bristle base to rotate at least partially about an
axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the following drawings:
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1C are simplified respective top-view, side view
and bottom view illustrations of a tooth brushing system
constructed and operative in accordance with a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side view illustrations of operative
orientations of the tooth brushing system of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0037] FIG. 3A is a side view illustration of toothpaste dispensing
toothbrush apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a
first alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 3B-3C are side view illustrations of toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush apparatus constructed and operative in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention in a first, toothpaste cartridge loading and toothpaste
dispensing position and a second, tooth-brushing position
respectively.
[0039] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush head or of
the middle section of the toothbrush head of FIG. 1A taken at a
plane defined interiorly of the toothbrush head base as shown by
cross-section lines I-I in FIG. 1B.
[0040] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of an individual pivotable
cross-bar.
[0041] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the toothbrush
head of FIG. 4A taken along the II-II axis shown in FIG. 4A and
shown in an at-rest orientation.
[0042] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional end view of the toothbrush head
of FIG. 4A taken along the III-III axis shown in FIG. 4A.
[0043] FIG. 4E is a first operative orientation of the apparatus of
FIGS. 4A-4F, also taken along the III-III axis.
[0044] FIG. 4F is a second operative orientation of the apparatus
of FIG. 4A-4F, also taken along the III-III axis.
[0045] FIGS. 5A-5B are semi-pictorial semi-cross sectional drawings
of a toothbrush providing pivot motion of bristle groups about the
short axis of the toothbrush head in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present
invention providing at least two selectable head-handle
orientations.
[0047] FIG. 7A is a side view illustration of a toothbrush
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention in which a roller element constructed and
arranged to contact the gingival portion of the teeth, shown in top
view, stabilizes the toothbrush when it is in operation as
illustrated.
[0048] FIG. 7B is an end view illustration of the toothbrush of
FIG. 7A in operation.
[0049] FIG. 7C is a top view illustration of the toothbrush of
FIGS. 7A-7B when at rest.
[0050] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side and top view illustrations of an
optional modification of the neck portion of FIGS. 6A-6C which
prevents rotation of the toothbrush head.
[0051] FIGS. 9A-9C are respective side, cross-sectional and
perspective view illustrations of a toothbrush handle constructed
and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a front view illustration of the wide, open end
of the handle of FIGS. 9A-9C.
[0053] FIGS. 11A-11C are respective side, cross-sectional and
perspective view illustrations of a removable bar holder insertable
into the opening of FIG. 10 and constructed and operative in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0054] FIGS. 11D-11F are end views of the apparatus of FIGS.
11A-11C.
[0055] FIGS. 12A-12C are respective side, top and perspective views
of a metallic bar which is insertable, right-hand end first, into
the left-hand end of the apparatus of FIGS. 11A-11C, in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIGS. 13A-13C are respective side, top and perspective views
of assembled handle apparatus including the components illustrated
above in FIGS. 9A-12C, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0057] FIGS. 14A-14D are respective side, end, top and perspective
view illustrations of a looped resilient element which may be
bolted via its loop to the apertured end of the apparatus of FIGS.
13A-13C, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIGS. 15A-15B are side view illustrations of the two
respective sides of a bristle supporting device mountable on the
looped resilient element of FIGS. 14A-14D, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIGS. 15C-15E are respective top, perspective and end view
illustrations of the bristle supporting device of FIGS.
15A-15B.
[0060] FIGS. 16A-16G are various views of a base supporting central
bristles constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention which may be mounted on a
central portion of the bristle supporting device of FIGS.
15A-15E.
[0061] FIGS. 17A-17F are respective perspective, top, first end,
side, second end and bottom view illustrations of a base,
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, wherein the base is operative to support
side bristles and may be inserted into the side barrels of the
bristle supporting device of FIGS. 15A-15B.
[0062] FIGS. 18A-18D are respective side, top, end and perspective
views of an assembled toothbrushing system including the components
illustrated in FIGS. 13A-17F and further including a rolling device
and associated bolt, all constructed and operative in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0063] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C which are simplified
respective top view, side view and bottom view illustrations of a
tooth brushing system constructed and operative in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Reference is
also made to FIGS. 2A and 2B which are side view illustrations of
operative orientations of the tooth brushing system which is shown
in FIGS. 1A-1C at rest. As shown, the system of FIGS. 1A-2B
includes a toothbrush handle 10 and a toothbrush head 20. The
toothbrush head comprises a base 30 defining a basal plane, a long
axis 40 and a short axis 50; and a multiplicity of bristles
arranged in a plurality of bristle groups typically including
lateral bristle groups 60 and middle bristle groups 70. The base 30
comprises a respective plurality of bristle supporting platforms
typically including a middle platform array 80 and a pair of
lateral platforms 90, respectively supporting the plurality of
bristle groups.
[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, middle platform array 80
supports middle bristle groups 70 whereas lateral platforms 90 each
support lateral bristle groups 60. The middle platform array 80 may
comprise a single platform or may comprise a linear array of
platforms such as several e.g. three platforms defined along the
long axis 40 of the brush or such as several e.g. two platforms
defined along the short axis 50 of the brush. Preferably, as shown,
the middle platform array 80 comprises a two-dimensional array of
platforms such as a 2.times.3 array of platforms 82 as shown. Each
platform 82 supports one of the middle bristle groups 70.
[0065] The base 30 also typically comprises a pivot providing
compartment 84 supporting the middle platform array 80. The pivot
providing compartment 84 is typically snapped onto the bottom of
the platform array 80. A preferred embodiment of the compartment 84
is shown in top cross sectional view in FIG. 4A, in side
cross-sectional view in FIG. 4C and in end cross-sectional view in
FIGS. 4D-4F.
[0066] Finally, the base 30 typically comprises a frame 86 which
encases the base 30 including the pivot providing compartment 84.
Frame 86 is typically pivotably mounted on one or more arms 75.
Typically, the frame 86 snap fits onto the lateral platforms 90.
The frame 86 may have side walls 88 only with no walls
interconnecting the side walls 88, in order to minimize the
thickness of the brush head in the dimension perpendicular to the
basal plane.
[0067] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the lateral bristle groups 60
see-saw up and down, pivoting about the short axis 50, so as to
provide a better fit with the dental arch. The configuration shown
in FIG. 2A is particularly suited for brushing the inner surface of
a dental arch because the lateral bristle groups 60 are depressed
relative to the middle bristle groups 70. The configuration shown
in FIG. 2B is particularly suited for brushing the outer surface of
a dental arch because the middle bristle groups 70 are depressed
relative to the lateral bristle groups 60.
[0068] Any suitable mechanism may be employed to provide a fixed
relationship between the head 20 and the handle 10 such as
supporting arms 75 which have the advantage of allowing the base to
be relatively slim. Alternatively, as described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, the head may be selectably pivotable
relative to the handle 10.
[0069] It is appreciated that preferably, the bristle groups 60 and
70 and their respective supporting platforms 90 and 80 are all
integrally formed into a single disposable piece. Periodically,
once the bristles have become worn, this single disposable piece is
pulled off and discarded and replaced by a new disposable piece
with its own platforms and bristle groups, e.g. by snapping the new
piece onto the pivot providing compartment 84 and onto the frame
86.
[0070] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3C which show optional
toothpaste dispensing modifications of the toothbrush system of
FIGS. 1A-2B. Alternatively, FIGS. 1A-2B may be modified by
eliminating the toothpaste storing and dispensing feature.
According to one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
2A-3A, the handle 10 of the toothbrush system comprises a hollow
toothpaste compartment 100 configured to receive a typically
flexible toothpaste cartridge 110, formed between two toothbrush
handle sections 120 and 130 which together have a first at-rest
orientation as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and a second, toothpaste
dispensing orientation e.g. as shown in FIG. 3A.
[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 3A, one of the toothbrush handle sections 120
includes at least one squeezable surface portion contacting the
flexible toothpaste cartridge 110, e.g. side surfaces 134, which
allow selectable pressure to be applied to the toothpaste in the
cartridge 110 thereby facilitating dispensation of toothpaste 140
through an opening 150 in the cartridge as shown. According to a
preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, a
single arm 152 is provided, rather than several such arms as in
FIG. 3A, which allows the toothpaste cartridge 110 when secured to
handle section 120, to swing up and over the bristles 154. In this
embodiment, the toothbrush handle sections need not be flexible and
instead, the cartridge 110 or at least the bottom surface 156
thereof may be flexible thereby allowing the user to apply pressure
so as to release toothpaste. FIG. 3B illustrates the toothpaste
dispensing or cartridge replenishing orientation of the toothbrush
whereas FIG. 3C illustrates the tooth brushing or at-rest
orientation of the toothbrush.
[0072] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4F which illustrate
another preferred embodiment of the present invention which may be
provided in conjunction with either or both of the embodiments of
FIGS. 1A-2B and FIGS. 3A-3B, or separately. FIG. 4A is a
cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the
pivot-providing compartment 84 of FIG. 2A taken at a plane defined
and shown by cross-section lines I-I in FIG. 1B. The apparatus of
FIG. 4A includes one or more pivotable cross-bars (two cross-bars
160 and 170 in the illustrated embodiment).
[0073] An isometric view of an individual pivotable cross-bar is
shown in FIG. 4B. The pivot motion of the cross-bar may for example
be achieved by providing a depression 180 in the center portion of
the cross-bar which is fitted onto a cross bar support element 190
which is typically integrally formed with the frame 86. Preferably,
a compression spring 194 is wrapped around the cross bar support
element 190 so as facilitate return of the cross-bar to its at-rest
state, shown in FIG. 4B, after pressure on one of its ends has
terminated, and to enhance the see-saw motion in response to even
very slight pressure on one or two of the ends of the
cross-bar.
[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a set of brushes constructed and operative in accordance
with the embodiment of FIG. 4A may be provided, which differ in the
height of the cross-bar support element 190. Typically, brushes
with a relatively high cross-bar support element 190 would be
suitable for individuals with deep spaces between their teeth or
poorly positioned teeth which deviate markedly from the arch.
Brushes with a relatively low cross-bar support element 190 would
be suitable for individuals with a straighter dental arch and
relatively small spaces between their teeth.
[0075] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the toothbrush
head of FIG. 4A taken along the II-II axis shown in FIG. 4A and
shown in an at-rest orientation. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional end
view of the toothbrush head of FIG. 4A taken along the III-III axis
shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4E is a first operative orientation of the
apparatus of FIGS. 4A-4F, also taken along the III-III axis. FIG.
4F is a second operative orientation of the apparatus of FIG.
4A-4F, also taken along the III-III axis. In the illustrated
embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 4D, the lengths of the bristles in
the various bristle groups are not uniform however it is
appreciated that this feature is optional. Alternatively or in
addition, the stiffness (softness) of the bristles is not uniform
however, again, this feature is optional. As shown, the pivotable
crossbar of FIG. 4B provides see-saw motion of the various bristle
groups supported by middle platforms 82.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, if pressure is applied by the
teeth to one of the crossbar ends e.g. end 210 of FIG. 4B, opposite
end 220 rises toward the teeth and vice versa. If pressure is
applied by the teeth to two adjacent crossbar ends e.g. ends 200
and 210, both opposite ends 220 and 230 would rise toward the
teeth, and vice versa. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this feature is
advantageous in providing close tooth-bristle contact during
brushing, including contact with unaligned teeth and embrasures. It
is appreciated that preferably, pivot motion of the bristle groups
supported by middle platforms 82 is provided both about the long
axis of the head as shown in FIGS. 4E-4F and about the short axis
of the head as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0077] Referring again to FIG. 4D, it is seen that according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention, bristles on one side of the
long axis 40 of the toothbrush head 20 are preferably longer than
those on the other side. For example, the bristles on one side
might be 1-2 mm longer than on the other side, e.g. 1.5 mm longer.
Alternatively or in addition, bristles on one side of the long axis
40 of the toothbrush head 20 may be softer than stiffer bristles on
the other side of the long axis 40. According to this embodiment of
the present invention, two selectable head-handle orientations are
provided to allow the long bristles, or soft bristles, or stiff
bristles, on one side of the long axis to be consistently applied
to the portion of each tooth surface adjacent to the gums and the
shorter bristles, or stiffer or softer bristles on the other side
of the long axis to be consistently applied to the portion of each
tooth surface which is adjacent to the biting edge or chewing
surface of the teeth.
[0078] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6C which illustrate a
preferred embodiment of the present invention providing two
selectable head-handle orientations such that a first plurality of
bristles 230 provided on one side of the head's long axis 250 can
constantly be applied to the gum-adjacent portion of each tooth
surface whereas a second plurality 240 of bristles provided on the
other side of the head's long axis, which as shown in FIG. 4D may
be shorter than the first plurality of bristles, can constantly be
applied to the portion of each tooth surface adjacent the chewing
or biting end of each tooth.
[0079] The embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6C may be provided in combination
with some or all of the previous embodiments or in isolation. FIGS.
6A and 6B show a toothbrush in which the head 224 is respectively
oppositely oriented relative to the handle 226 such that the first
plurality of bristles 230 can be maintained, by the individual
brushing his teeth opposite the gum-adjacent portion of each tooth,
as each surface of each quadrant of the teeth is brushed, simply by
selecting the appropriate one of the two opposite orientations
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Conversely, the second plurality of
bristles 240 can be maintained by the individual brushing his teeth
opposite the chewing or biting edge-adjacent portion of each tooth,
as each surface of each quadrant of the teeth is brushed.
[0080] A third head-handle orientation is shown in FIG. 6C which
is, first, a transition orientation pivotally located between the
two orientations of FIGS. 6A and 6B, however, the third orientation
is also useful in brushing incisors located in the front, central
portion of the mouth. Suitable retainers 260 are preferably
provided to respectively lock the head into either of the
orientations shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. It is appreciated that the
handle 226 like any of the handles shown and described herein may
be constructed to receive a toothpaste cartridge e.g. as described
above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, however, this need not be
the case.
[0081] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a modification of the apparatus of
FIGS. 6A-6C in which a stabilizer 500 is associated with the
toothbrush apparatus. Preferably, the stabilizer is formed of a
somewhat flexible material such as a flexible plastic or metal, and
is preferably removable e.g. by means of a reversible snap. The
stabilizer 500 is operative to stabilize the toothbrush apparatus,
which other than the stabilizer may be similar to the apparatus of
FIGS. 6A-6C, relative to the teeth particularly when the toothbrush
handle is being manipulated by a user so as to change the
head-handle orientation from one of the orientations shown in FIGS.
6A-6C to another such orientation. The stabilizer 500 can also be
provided in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8B,
described below, in which case the stabilizer 500 is useful in
stabilizing the toothbrush apparatus when the sleeve 410 is
rotating about the head base 350. As shown in FIG. 7A which is a
side view of the toothbrush apparatus and a top view of teeth
engaging it, the stabilizing function of the stabilizer 500 is
preferably achieved by the user's positioning a teeth engager
portion 510 of the stabilizer 500 between the upper and lower teeth
and biting down on it.
[0082] Preferably, as shown, the teeth engager portion 510 of the
stabilizer comprises a roller which provides the added advantage of
allowing a user who due to poor control of hand movements, is
incapable of normal tooth brushing activity, to achieve an
acceptable level of tooth hygiene by rolling the teeth engager
portion 510 along the dental arch, thereby sliding the toothbrush
along the arch.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the teeth engager portion 510
may be configured to engage any portion of or the entirety of the
top surface of the teeth.
[0084] FIG. 7C is a top view illustration of the apparatus of FIGS.
7A-7B when at rest.
[0085] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B which are side and
top view illustrations of an optional modification of the neck
portion of FIGS. 6A-6C which prevents rotation of the toothbrush
head.
[0086] The neck portion as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B is generally
similar to the neck portion shown in FIG. IC (which may be a simple
one-piece neck rigidly connected to the head and to one or more
head-supporting arms as shown). However, a sleeve 410 in the neck
of FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a slot 420 which is configured and
arranged to receive a compressible protrusion 430 in a head base
440 of FIGS. 8A-8B. The protrusion 430 when relaxed engages the
slot 420 thereby to prevent rotation of the head (not shown) with
respect to the handle 450.
[0087] The illustrated embodiments include, by way of example,
specific mechanical means providing for translation of certain
bristles toward and away from the teeth, or for creation of a
general convex or concave orientation of the brush head as a whole,
typically in reaction to pressure brought to bear by the dental
arch, on other bristles. However, it is appreciated that
alternatively, the same effect may be accomplished by electrical
means or by any other suitable mechanical means.
[0088] FIGS. 9A-9C and 10, 11A-11F and 12A-12C illustrate three
respective handle components shown assembled in FIGS. 13A-C.
[0089] FIGS. 9A-9C show a handle which is generally circular in
cross-section and which is wider at one end than the other. FIG. 10
shows two protrusions 610, 180 degrees apart, on the inner side of
the wider opening. FIGS. 11A-D depict a removable bar holder that
can be inserted in the abovementioned handle and that typically can
be rotated 360 degrees via an external circular groove 620 shown in
FIG. 11B. Two depressions 630, typically 180 degrees apart, receive
the handle protrusions at rotation and rest positions,
respectively. The bar holder has two external longitudinal grooves
640 to direct the handle protrusions during insertion of the bar
holder in the handle. The bar holder may have an elongated inner
cavity 645 to receive one end of a metallic bar.
[0090] FIGS. 12A-C show an S-shaped bar, typically metallic, which
connects to the head of the toothbrush via a resilient element
described in FIGS. 14A-14D. A resilient element, via which the bar
of FIGS. 12A-12C may connect to the toothbrush head, is shown in
FIGS. 14A-D. A central branch 655 has a typically circular
cross-section 675 in its center. Circular cross-section 675 is
typically perpendicular to the two parallel sides 650. Side portion
650 typically comprises a 90 degree continuation 660 of the central
branch 655, a second typically 90 degree turn 665 toward the center
of the resilient element and a third typically 90 degree turn 670
toward the central branch 655.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, the head of the toothbrush
typically includes a supporting device including a central
elongated main bar 680 having a hole 690 at each end through which
the resilient element of FIGS. 14A-14D is threaded. The main bar is
connected perpendicularly to the middle of two shorter bars 685.
The side barrels 685 may be parallel to each other and typically
comprise C-shaped protrusions 687 that engage the bases 698 of the
side bristles of FIGS. 17A-17F. The main bar 680 has one neck 695,
typically perpendicular to the side barrels, that supports a
typically spherical protrusion 696. The main bar 680 can
alternatively support more than one neck 695.
[0092] The spherical protrusion 696 supports the central bristle
base of FIGS. 16A-16G which typically comprises two bristle
supporting portions 730 and 740, the first adjacent to the gums
during brushing and the second farther from the gums. The bristles
on portion 730 adjacent to the gums are longer than the bristles on
portion 740 farther from the gums. The two bristle supporting
portions 730 and 740 are connected by a central cap 715 that has an
inner cavity 720 that engages, e.g. snaps on to and/or is glued, to
the spherical protrusion 696 which allows the base 698 to rotate
and see-saw. Typically, underneath the cap 715 are four vertical
C-shaped protrusions 725, open toward the center and seated between
extensions of the neck as best seen in FIG. 15D. The base 698 for
the central bristles may be formed of a bendable material.
[0093] In the embodiment of FIGS. 18A-18D, the head of the
toothbrush has two bases with side bristles, one on both sides of
the base for the central bristles. FIGS. 17A-F show a preferred
embodiment of the base supporting the side bristles. The bristles
typically graduate from longest near the gums to shortest farthest
from the gums. The base of the side bristles typically has a
cylindrical appendix 755 on its longer side that is inserted in the
short supporting bars 685 (FIG. 15B) and rotates within it. The
bottom surface of the side bristle base typically is associated
with a metal clamp 760 that can be raised to slide under and house
a portion of the side bars 650 of the resilient element 660 that
supports the side bristle base. This bottom surface is typically
disposed at an angle, relative to the long axis of the side bristle
base, to ensure that the base stays in place and does not slide
back. This retention of the base position is facilitated by side
bar 165.
[0094] FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate the assembled brush.
[0095] It is appreciated that the pivot motion of a bristle base
such as those shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B may be governed by a hinge
system which may, for example, comprise elements 685 and 755 in
FIGS. 15B and 17B, respectively.
[0096] It is appreciated that any of the toothbrush systems shown
and described herein may be operable either manually or
electrically.
[0097] The invention as shown and described herein includes, by way
of example, specific embodiments in which certain bristles are
translated, by suitable mechanical or electrical means, toward and
away from the plane of the brush head responsive to pressure on
other bristles. However it is appreciated that alternatively,
bristles may be translated toward and away from the brush head
plane generally and not merely responsively to pressure. For
example, periodic translation toward and away from the plane of the
brush head, and hence toward and away from the teeth, might be
provided during normal brushing. The periodic translation might be
provided such that at any given moment, various bristles or bristle
groups on the head are at various different stages within the cycle
such that at any given moment, some bristles might be at maximal
elevation, some bristles might be at minimum elevation, and some
bristles might be at one or more intermediate elevation levels.
[0098] Features of the present invention which are described in the
context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination
in a single embodiment. Conversely, features of the invention which
are described for brevity in the context of a single embodiment may
be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.
* * * * *