U.S. patent application number 11/538325 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for force regulating apparatus.
Invention is credited to Tommy Savage.
Application Number | 20080078044 11/538325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39259739 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080078044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Savage; Tommy |
April 3, 2008 |
FORCE REGULATING APPARATUS
Abstract
An apparatus and method for using said apparatus are disclosed.
Said apparatus is a tool having the advantage of being able to
regulate the amount of force exerted through said tool on to a work
surface. In a preferred embodiment, said tool is a tooth brush and
the force threshold is 150 grams.
Inventors: |
Savage; Tommy; (Frisco,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HITCHCOCK EVERT LLP
P.O. BOX 131709
DALLAS
TX
75313-1709
US
|
Family ID: |
39259739 |
Appl. No.: |
11/538325 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/0062 20130101;
A46B 5/0058 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101; A46B 15/0012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A force regulating apparatus comprised of: a handle; a head
hingedly connected to said handle; and means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction
unless a force threshold has been exceeded.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portion further
comprises at least one arm.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising one or more
protrusions.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising one or more
concavities.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle is the engagement of
said protrusions with said concavities.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle comprises one or more
frangible obstructions.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said head further comprises a
means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a second
direction.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in a first direction is operatively associated
with said means for rotating said head in a second direction.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction
further comprises a means for increasing said force threshold.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said means for increasing said
force threshold is movable between a first position and a second
position, where in said first position said force threshold is
increased and in said second position said force threshold is not
increased.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least 100 grams of force is
required to overcome said force threshold.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least 150 grams of force is
required to overcome said force threshold.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning surface
fixedly attached to said head.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one
concavity and at least one protrusion wherein said head is movable
between a first position and a second position, where in said first
position there is engagement of said protrusion with said
concavity.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle is an elastic
structure which maintains a first position until a force threshold
is overcome and returns to a first position when said force is
removed.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said elastic structure
creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is
overcome.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said
head from rotating in relation to said handle creates an auditory
signal when said force threshold is overcome.
18. A tooth brush comprising: a handle; a head rotatably attached
to said handle; bristles fixedly attached to said head; and means
for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle
in a first direction unless a force threshold has been
exceeded.
19. The tooth brush of claim 18 further comprising one or more
concavities and one or more protrusions, wherein said means for
preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle is
the engagement of said concavities and said protrusions.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in relation to said handle comprises one or
more frangible obstructions.
21. The tooth brush of claim 19 wherein said handle includes a
first end suitable for gripping and a second end having a forked
configuration with first and second forks.
22. The tooth brush of claim 21 further comprising a pivot and
wherein said first and second forks define a space in which said
head may rotate about said pivot.
23. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein at least 100 grams of force
is required to overcome said engagement of said protrusions with
said concavities.
24. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein at least 150 grams of force
is required to overcome said engagement of said protrusions with
said concavities.
25. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein said head further comprises
a means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a
second direction.
26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in a first direction is operatively
associated with said means for rotating said head in a second
direction.
27. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said handle includes a
first end suitable for gripping and a second end having an arm.
28. The tooth brush of claim 27 further comprising a pivot fixedly
mounted to said arm, wherein said head may rotate about said pivot,
and means to retain said head on said pivot.
29. The tooth brush of claim 27 wherein at least 100 grams of force
is required to overcome said force threshold.
30. The tooth brush of claim 27 wherein at least 150 grams of force
is required to overcome said force threshold.
31. The tooth brush of claim 28 wherein said head further comprises
a means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a
second direction.
32. The tooth brush of claim 31 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in a first direction is operatively
associated with said means for rotating said head in a second
direction.
33. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first
direction further comprises a means for increasing said force
threshold.
34. The tooth brush of claim 33 wherein said means for increasing
said force threshold is movable between a first position and a
second position, where in said first position said force threshold
is increased and in said second position said force threshold is
not increased.
35. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in relation to said handle is an elastic
structure which maintains a first position until a force threshold
is overcome and returns to a first position when said force is
removed.
36. The tooth brush of claim 35 wherein said elastic structure
creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is
overcome.
37. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing
said head from rotating in relation to said handle creates an
auditory signal when said force threshold is overcome.
38. A method of using a tool comprising the steps of: selecting a
tool comprising a head rotatably mounted to a handle wherein said
head may rotate in a first direction about said handle only after a
force threshold has been overcome; and applying said tool to a work
surface.
39. The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of rotating
said head in a second direction which is opposite said first
direction after said force threshold has been overcome.
40. The method of claim 38 wherein said tool further comprises one
or more concavities and one or more protrusions, the additional
step of rotating said head in a second direction which is opposite
said first direction after said force threshold has been overcome
such that said protrusions and said concavities engage.
41. The method of claim 38 wherein said tool further comprises one
or more concavities and one or more protrusions engaged with each
other, further comprising the step of increasing said amount of
force until said concavities and said protrusions no longer engage
and said head rotates in relation to said handle.
42. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of rotating
said head in a second direction which is opposite said first
direction after said force threshold has been overcome such that
said protrusions and said concavities engage.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein said tool is a toothbrush.
44. A method of brushing teeth comprising the steps of: selecting a
tooth brush comprising a bead rotatably mounted to a handle wherein
said head may rotate in a first direction about said handle only
after a force threshold has been overcome; and applying said head
to a tooth surface with an amount of force.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
limiting the amount of force that may be applied by a tool.
Specifically the apparatus is a modification that could be applied
to a number of known tools such that the force applied through the
tool may be regulated. Similarly, a method for implementing such
tools such that they may be used without excessive force is also
provided. Furthermore, the invention provides a method and
apparatus for training users when over brushing occurs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and associated method
used to regulate the amount of force applied to a work surface
through a tool. Although the apparatus and method will find
application with any number of known tools and their associated
applications, it is anticipated that the invention will find
greatest application in connection with toothbrushes and dental
care. Therefore, although the background description and
description of preferred embodiments will focus on the dental
application, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0003] Human teeth are comprised of two major elements: dentin
which is a porous substance containing nerve endings; and a hard
enamel cover that protects the dentin. Although the enamel
generally protects the teeth, teeth are under frequent attack from
substances found in the foods that people eat. For example, sugar
and starches can both form acids within the mouth that work to
degrade the enamel. Furthermore, the formation of plaque is also
harmful to the dental environment as plaque, and the bacteria
present in the plaque, can lead to decay of the teeth and damage to
the surrounding gum tissue. Such damage can lead to cavities, the
loss of teeth, gingivitis, and other periodontal diseases.
[0004] One way to avoid such damage involves daily care of the
teeth by the removal of plaque and food particles by brushing
and/or flossing. Proper brushing most commonly involves the use of
a toothbrush to scrub away the plaque. Frequently, users will also
employ toothpaste to aid in the cleaning process. Toothpaste is
generally a mildly abrasive substance that frequently contains
fluoride, mouthwash or other medication. In addition, some users
are known to employ electrically powered, or "sonic," toothbrushes
to assist in the teeth cleaning process.
[0005] While daily brushing of teeth is important, unfortunately,
many users apply too much force to the tooth surface when brushing.
Such "over brushing" acts to wear away the tooth enamel. Once the
enamel has been worn away, the dentin is especially susceptible to
the damaging effects of plaque. Additionally, over brushing acts to
striate and/or wear away gum tissue. Thus, while attempting to
improve oral health, many users are actually causing significant
damage to their teeth and gums.
[0006] In the case of electrically powered toothbrushes, some of
these devices are designed to reduce incidents of over brushing by
automatically ceasing operation if an over brushing event occurs.
However, most of these devices suffer from a significant drawback
in that they are not useful in educating users as to the proper
amount of force to use. Specifically, it is believed that the high
rate of vibration present in some of these devices (vibration of a
cleaning head at as many as 30,000 strokes and/or rotations per
minute is not uncommon), may cause at least some users of such
brushes to experience temporary loss of tactile sensation in the
fingers and hand holding the brush. Without tactile sensation, it
may be difficult for the user to feel the amount of force applied
to the teeth and gums that caused the over brushing condition.
Thus, when the user returns to a standard brush, he or she would
not have been educated as to proper brushing force. An additional
drawback to these devices is cost.
[0007] It is believed that as little as 150 grams of force applied
to the tooth surface by the brush is sufficient to effectively
clean teeth. However, it is further believed that many users exert
more than 260 grams of force when brushing. It is this excessive
use of force that can lead to wear of the tooth enamel and damage
to the teeth and gums.
[0008] Previous attempts have been made to design an apparatus that
can provide a signal or other indication to users when over
brushing occurs. However, such devices suffer from problems
associated with cost, and complexity--particularly as such
complexity can adversely affect the user's ability to use the
device.
[0009] Thus, there has been a need for a cost effective and simple
method and apparatus to educate users as to the dangers of over
brushing while simultaneously training them as to proper brushing
force so that maximum teeth cleaning may be achieved while
minimizing damage to the tooth enamel and gums resulting from over
brushing. The present invention has the benefit of being an
inexpensive apparatus that may be sold to the general public or
distributed by dental professionals as a part of the professionals'
overall education campaign. The present invention has the further
advantage of providing a tool which can be used and understood with
little training, but which provides immediate feedback to the user
when over brushing occurs. The present invention has a further
advantage in that it may be used without causing the loss of
tactile sensation. Finally, the present method and apparatus
provide an effective way to clean teeth and gums without over
brushing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood from
embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description
together with the drawings provided to aid in understanding, but
not limit the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1. A perspective view of the present invention in the
first position.
[0012] FIG. 2. A perspective view of the present invention in the
second position.
[0013] FIG. 3. A perspective view of the handle portion of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4. A perspective view of the head portion of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portion of
the handle portion of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portion of
the head portion of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portions of
the handle and head portions of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8. A close-up perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9. A close-up perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention including a locking
mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 10. A close-up perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11. A top view of an alternate embodiment of the handle
portion of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 12. A front view of an alternate embodiment of the
handle portion of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention including a locking mechanism.
[0024] FIG. 14. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 15. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for
cleaning teeth and for providing an indication that over brushing
has occurred. In this embodiment, the invention is comprised of a
handle portion having first and second ends. The first end is a
handle suitable for gripping by a user. The second end is suitable
for receiving an end of a head portion. The head portion also has
first and second ends. The first end of the head portion comprises
a cleaning surface and a means for attaching the cleaning surface
to the body of the head portion. The second end of the head portion
is dimensioned such that it will rotatably engage the second end of
the handle portion. In addition, means are provided for preventing
the rotation of either the handle or head portions with respect to
the other until a desired over brushing threshold is overcome.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the handle
portion is forked and has two forks. Furthermore, the handle
portion and the head portion are hingedly connected, either by a
pin which passes through the forked end of the handle portion and
the second end of the head portion, or by some other suitable
connection means, such that the head and handle portions are in a
pivotable relation. Furthermore, one or both of the forks of the
handle portion includes one or more protrusions which are aligned
such that they may engage the second end of the head portion. The
second end of the head portion includes at least one concavity
which may engage the one or more protrusions of the handle portion.
In this embodiment, the protrusions of the handle portion engage
with the concavities of the head portion to prevent the head
portion from rotating about the pin until a sufficient amount of
force has been exerted on the head portion. Once this force
threshold has been overcome, the head and handle portions rotate
with respect to each other, and the apparatus is rendered virtually
and temporarily unusable until the user resets the head and handle
portions.
[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for
cleaning teeth and gums without over brushing. The method involves
the use of a cleaning apparatus which provides an indication to a
user that an amount of force, greater than a predetermined level,
has been applied to the teeth by the cleaning apparatus. When the
predetermined threshold had been surpassed, the cleaning apparatus
will cease to function in an intended manner, and the user will be
forced to take action to return the apparatus to its intended
functioning condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention will be better understood in relation
to the figures included herein where like numbers are used to
identify like elements. Turning to FIG. 1, cleaning apparatus 10 is
comprised of handle portion 12 and head portion 14. As shown,
cleaning apparatus 10 is in a first position suitable for use in
cleaning teeth. FIG. 2 shows cleaning apparatus 10 in the second
position in which head portion 14 has been rotated in relation to
handle portion 12. This position would normally occur after an over
brushing event.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows handle portion 12 alone. In this view, forked
end 16 with first fork 16a and second fork 16b are clearly visible.
FIG. 4 shows head portion 14, cleaning surface 18 which in this
embodiment is comprised of bristles. Also visible in FIG. 4 is
concavity 22, pivot point 24, and detent 25. In the preferred
embodiment detent 25 is used to ease the assembly process, but an
embodiment not including detent 25 remains within the scope and
spirit of the invention. In the present embodiment, one or more
concavities in head portion 14 and complementary protrusions on
handle 12 allow head portion 14 to pivot about pivot point 24.
However, the use of a void at pivot point 24 through which a pivot
pin passes or any other of a number of alternative attachment
methods allowing rotation would accomplish the same objective
without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Reset
pad 26 is also shown. In operation, when cleaning apparatus 10
enters its second position as a result of over brushing, the user
may use reset pad 26 to easily return cleaning apparatus 10 to its
first position.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a close-up of forked end 16 of handle portion
12. In this view, protrusion 30, located on fork 16b is shown. In
this embodiment, a similar protrusion 30 is also located on fork
16a. However, alternate embodiments in which a greater or lesser
number of protrusions 30 are used on one or both of forks 16a and
16b are also possible without deviating from the scope of this
invention. Also visible in FIG. 5 is hinge protrusion 32 located on
fork 16b. In this embodiment, a similar protrusion 32 is also
located on fork 16a. However, alternate embodiments in which a
greater or lesser number of hinge protrusions 32 are used on one or
both of forks 16a and 16b are also possible without deviating from
the scope of this invention.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 6, hinge end 28 of head portion 14 is shown.
In this embodiment, one of one or more concavities 22 is shown on
head portion 14. However, alternate embodiments in which a greater
or lesser number of concavities 22 are used on one or both sides of
head portion 14 are also possible without deviating from the scope
of this invention. Also shown is pivot point 24. In this
embodiment, pivot point 24 is shown as a void which hinge
protrusion 32 (shown in FIG. 5) may engage in order to provide a
hinged connection between handle portion 12 (shown in FIG. 5) and
head portion 14.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 7, handle portion 12 and head portion 14 are
shown in the aforementioned hinged connection and the cleaning
apparatus 10 is shown in the second position. Forked end 16 of
handle portion 12 and hinge end 28 of head portion 14 are shown in
more detail. In this embodiment, forks 16a and 16b are spaced such
that hinge end 28 may pass between them. Also shown is one of one
or more concavities 22 located on head portion 14. As shown in this
figure, concavity 22 is located on head potion 14 such that when
head portion 14 rotates back to the first position, concavity 22
engages protrusion 30.
[0034] The engagement of concavity 22 with protrusion 30 holds
handle portion 12 and head portion 14 in the first position.
Cleaning apparatus 10 will remain in this position until an over
brushing event occurs. When over brushing occurs, concavity 22 and
protrusion 30 will no longer remain in engagement and cleaning
apparatus 10 will enter the second position, indicating to the user
that over brushing has occurred. Thus, it is the engagement of
concavity 22 with protrusion 30, as well as the design of handle
portion 12 and head potion 14, and the materials selected to
construct these portions, that creates the over brushing threshold.
For example, the rigidity of forks 16a and 16b will affect the
force needed to overcome the over brushing threshold, because forks
16a and 16b will spread apart from each other allowing the head
portion 14 to rotate out of the first position. Furthermore, by
varying the number, size and/or shape of either concavities 22
and/or protrusions 30, more or less force will be required to reach
and overcome the over brushing threshold. For example, larger
protrusions 30 could affect the over brushing threshold. Finally,
the selection of materials used in the construction of cleaning
apparatus 10 will impact the over brushing threshold. For example,
for a given design if a harder material is used, the over brushing
threshold will rise as it will be more difficult to disengage
concavity 22 from protrusion 30. Conversely, a softer material will
lower the over brushing threshold.
[0035] Once over brushing has occurred, applying force to reset pad
26 will cause head portion 14 to rotate back to the first position
and concavity 22 to reengage with protrusion 30.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, handle portion 12 includes only a
single arm 16'. Head portion 14 is unchanged with the exception
that only one concavity 22 is necessary to engage single protrusion
30. Pivot point 24 is also unchanged, however, in this embodiment,
pin 34, which is fixedly mounted to handle portion 12, passes
through pivot point 24 and includes flange 36 which retains head
portion 14. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art,
other methods may be implemented to retain head portion 14 on pin
34, but they remain within the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with a means for preventing the rotation of head portion
14 with respect to handle potion 12. In this embodiment, handle
portion 12 includes locking flap 40. Locking flap 40 is hingedly
connected to one side of handle portion 12 such that flap 40 may be
rotated over and on top of reset pad 26. Protrusion 42 on flap 40
engages concavity 44 located on handle portion 12 when flap 40 is
rotated over reset pad 26. Locking flap 40 prevents head portion 14
from rotating when protrusion 42 and concavity 44 are engaged,
allowing a person to use the apparatus in a conventional manner and
not as a training tool. The apparatus may be used as a training
tool when protrusion 42 and concavity 44 are disengaged. As will be
appreciated by those with skill in the art other locking mechanisms
may be implemented to prevent the training application of the
invention, but they remain within the scope of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the present
invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head
portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. In this embodiment,
one of one or more protrusions 50 is located on reset pad 26 and
one of one or more concavities 52 is on handle potion 12. When
cleaning apparatus 10 is in the first position, protrusion 50 and
concavity 52 are engaged and prevent the rotation of head portion
14 with respect to handle potion 12 until the over brushing
threshold is reached. When the over brushing threshold is overcome,
protrusion 50 and concavity 52 disengage allowing head portion 14
to move into the second position. As in other embodiments, the
selection of material and the design and number of protrusions 50
and concavities 52 will set the over brushing threshold for this
embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head
portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. Specifically, in this
embodiment, handle portion 12 includes frangible obstructions 60
and 62. In this embodiment, obstructions 60 and 62 are depicted as
a pair of flaps through which head portion 14 must pass, however,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
placement and design of obstructions 60 and 62 may be varied
without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Also,
the use of one or more obstructions may be used to create the over
brushing threshold without deviating from the scope of the
invention. The selection of material and the design of obstructions
60 and 62 will again set the over brushing threshold for this
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment with an alternate locking
mechanism. Sleeve 80 is shown in a second position overlapping
reset pad 26. In this position head portion 14 is prevented from
rotating and operates as a conventional tool. Sleeve 80 can slide
into a first position away from head portion 14, not overlapping
reset pad 26, and head portion 14 may operate as a training tool as
described in FIG. 1. Other locking mechanisms may be used to
prevent the head portion from rotating in relation to the handle
portion, allowing the user to use the invention without the benefit
protection from excessive force. The locking mechanism may be a
latch, a sleeve, a flap or any other means known in the art to
prevent movement and remain within the scope of the invention.
[0041] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head
portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. Specifically, in this
embodiment, handle portion 12 includes elastic member 70 which
supports head portion 14. Elastic member 70 maintains a first
position until an over brushing threshold is overcome, and returns
to the first position when the force applied to the head portion is
reduced. When the over brushing threshold is overcome, elastic
member 70 allows a noticeable release to train the user. In this
embodiment elastic member 70 may make a noise when the over
brushing threshold is overcome, creating a second indication to
train the user. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the
art, a similar member lacking the elastic quality or the noise
would remain within the scope of the invention.
[0042] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
method for cleaning teeth using the cleaning apparatus previously
described. In the method of the present invention, a user may or
may not apply a cleaning solution such as toothpaste, to bristles
20. The user would then clean his or her teeth in a manner known in
the art. So long as the user did not apply force to the tooth
surface in excess of the over brushing threshold, cleaning would
proceed normally. However, if the over brushing threshold is
exceeded, the cleaning apparatus signals the user that he or she is
applying to much force to the tooth surfaces. The user is then
forced to reset the cleaning apparatus so that cleaning may
continue.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the cleaning apparatus signals the over brushing
condition by flexing, collapsing, or otherwise deforming such that
the user must take corrective action to properly use the apparatus
for learning the appropriate use of force.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the over brushing threshold is
100 grams. In a more preferred embodiment, the over brushing
threshold is 150 grams. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, the preferred and more preferred over brushing thresholds
are applicable when the disclosed apparatus is used for brushing
teeth. Alternate thresholds would be within the scope of the
invention.
[0045] Although preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method
of the present invention have been described in relation to
cleaning of teeth, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can take a number of forms and methods which do not
deviate from the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that there are other applications where it
may be necessary to regulate the amount of force exerted by a user
through an apparatus. For example, cleaning of sensitive
electronics, woodworking or working with archeological materials
may require an apparatus that is capable of regulating the amount
of force applied. Furthermore, the invention need not be restricted
to brush implements. Other tools such as scrapers or punches may
benefit from the present invention's ability to regulate the amount
of force applied by the tools.
[0046] Also, those skilled in the art will recognize that any
number of methods may be used to engage the handle with the head
portion until a threshold level has been overcome including but not
limited to using varying shapes, patterns, numbers, positions, and
sizes of protrusions and concavities, using hook and loop tape,
using a chemical substance, or any other method of engagement that
will maintain engagement until a threshold has been overcome.
Although various protrusions and concavities have been described as
placed in relation to specific elements, those protrusions and
concavities may be placed in alternate locations, such as placing
concavities where protrusions have been described and corresponding
protrusions where the concavities were described. The threshold
level may also be created with a spring or other device applying
pressure to a protrusion, such that when the threshold is overcome,
the protrusion disengages independently of any movement in the
arms. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, in
some embodiments, reset pad 26 is not necessary and other methods
and apparatus may be implemented to return cleaning apparatus 10 to
its first position and remain within the scope of the invention.
For example, applying a force to head portion 14 in a second
direction would cause head portion 14 to rotate back to the first
position. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus of the present
invention may also become ineffective and not reusable for the same
purpose once the engagement threshold is overcome and remain within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *