U.S. patent application number 11/792332 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for brushes.
Invention is credited to Heera Dean.
Application Number | 20080172812 11/792332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34073594 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080172812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dean; Heera |
July 24, 2008 |
Brushes
Abstract
A brush is provided with a selectively rotatable brush head. The
brush can advantageously be a toothbrush, and the selective
rotation of the head gives advantages in reaching teeth and areas
of the mouth which are hard to brush properly with a standard
brush, thus increasing oral hygiene.
Inventors: |
Dean; Heera; (Glasgow
Strathclyde, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE, 18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Family ID: |
34073594 |
Appl. No.: |
11/792332 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
December 12, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB05/50240 |
371 Date: |
November 8, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/22.1 ; 15/145;
15/167.1; 15/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/222 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 5/0075 20130101; A46B 5/0083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/22.1 ; 15/145;
15/167.1; 15/172 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00; A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2004 |
GB |
0427209.2 |
Claims
1. A brush comprising a brush head and a handle portion, the brush
head being selectively rotatable with respect to the handle
portion.
2. The brush of claim 1, comprising selectively engageable indexing
means operable to provide the selective rotation.
3. The brush of claim 2, wherein the indexing means comprises a
rotatable connector assembly attached to the brush head and the
handle portion.
4. The brush of claim 3, wherein the rotatable connector assembly
comprises a plug member and a socket
5. The brush of claim 4, wherein the plug member and the socket are
substantially circular in cross section.
6. The brush of claim 4, wherein one of the plug member and the
socket includes at least one tab and the other of the plug member
and the socket includes at least one groove, the tabs and grooves
being arranged such that in use a tab may be located within a
groove to impede rotational movement of the rotatable connector
assembly.
7. The brush of claim 6, wherein a plurality of grooves are
provided to enable the rotatable connector assembly to be arranged
such that a plurality of predetermined angles of the brush head
relative to the handle portion may be selected in use.
8. The brush of claim 6, wherein a displacement of the plug member
relative to the socket is provided for to allow disengagement of a
tab from a groove without disconnecting the brush head from the
handle portion.
9. The brush of claim 4, wherein the plug member includes a
radially extending lip portion co-operable with a corresponding
radially indented groove extending at least partially around an
inner surface of the socket.
10. The brush of claim 4, wherein the plug member includes around
its lower edge a radially extending plug flange co-operable with a
corresponding radially extending socket flange extending around the
upper surface of the socket.
11. The brush of claim 4, wherein the plug member and socket are
engageable with a snap-fit connection.
12. The brush of claim 11, wherein the handle portion is provided
with a plug member receiving aperture.
13. The brush of claim 11, wherein the socket is provided on an
inner surface of an aperture in the brush head.
14. The brush of claim 11, wherein a bristle head is fixed to the
handle portion, comprising bristles for protrusion through the
aperture in the brush head.
15. The brush of claim 11, wherein the brush head is provided with
side bristles which are selectively rotatable about the bristle
head bristles.
16. The brush of claim 11, wherein the brush comprises a motor for
rotating the bristle head bristles around their central axis.
17. The brush of claim 1, wherein the indexing means is provided on
the brush at a location spaced from the brush head.
18. The brush of claim 17, wherein an actuator means is provided
for operation of the indexing means.
19. The brush of claim 17, wherein the handle portion comprises
slidably movable halves with corresponding corrugations.
20. The brush of claim 19, wherein, the corrugations define a
number of selectable relative positions of the two halves.
21. The brush of claim 19, wherein upper portions of each half are
fixed to opposing sides of a rotatable brush head, such that each
selectable relative position of the two halves corresponds to an
angle of orientation of the brush head relative to the handle
portion.
22. The brush of claim 19, wherein a snap fit runner is provided
for the sliding motion of the two halves.
23. The brush of claim 17, wherein the actuator means comprises an
actuator arm and a drive means for moving the actuator arm.
24. The brush of claim 23, wherein the drive means comprises a
scroll wheel connected to the actuator arm.
25. The brush of claim 24, wherein one of the scroll wheel and the
body of the handle portion is provided with at least one tab and
the other of the scroll wheel and the body of the handle portion is
provided with at least one groove, the tabs and grooves being
arranged such that in use a tab may be located within a groove to
impede motion of the actuator arm.
26. The brush of claim 23, wherein the actuator arm is connected at
an upper end to the brush head and is shaped such that linear
motion of the actuator arm causes a rotational motion of the brush
head.
27. The brush of claim 23, wherein the actuator arm runs along a
track provided in the shaft of the handle portion.
28. The brush of claim 23, wherein the actuator arm is formed from
a rubber material.
29. The brush of claim 17, wherein a belt member is provided within
the body of the brush, said belt member being drivable in a
longitudinal direction.
30. The brush of claim 29, wherein an upper portion of the belt
member is provided with teeth for engagement with corresponding
teeth provided on the brush head.
31. The brush of claim 29, wherein the belt member is provided with
interlockable protrusions provided on opposing inner belt
surfaces.
32. The brush of claim 29, wherein the belt member is provided with
a push-pad for operation to drive the belt member.
33. The brush of claim 32, wherein the push-pad is provided at the
surface of the brush for operation by a user.
34. The brush of claim 29, wherein the belt member is formed from a
rubber material.
35. The brush of claim 1, being a toothbrush.
36. A brush comprising a mechanical drive means for rotation of the
brush head.
37. The brush of claim 36, wherein said mechanical drive means is
comprised in a handle portion of the brush.
38. The brush of claim 36, wherein said mechanical drive means
comprises a head connector and torque application means for
applying a rotational torque to the head connector.
39. The brush of claim 38, wherein said torque application means
comprises a spring.
40. The brush of claim 38, wherein said torque application means
comprises a rubber band.
41. The brush of claim 38, wherein a gear train is interposed
between the torque application means and the head connector.
42. The brush of claim 41, wherein the gear train is an epicyclical
gear train.
43. The brush of claim 41, wherein an oscillator is provided at the
gear train, which comprises a peripheral projection for engagement
with an outer portion of a base of the head connector.
44. The brush of claim 38, wherein a drive member is provided for
tensioning the torque application means.
45. The brush of claim 44, wherein the drive member comprises an
internal fluting for engagement with a ratchet on the handle
portion to hold the drive member in place once it has been
activated to tension the torque application means.
46. The brush of claim 44, wherein the drive member forms a lower
portion of the handle portion.
47. The brush of claim 38, wherein a brake means is selectively
engageable to hold the torque application means in tension, thus
preventing rotation of the head connector.
48. The brush of claim 47, wherein said brake means comprises a
clamp member for selective engagement with a shaft provided at the
gear train.
49. The brush of claim 47, wherein said brake means is operable by
external pressure applied to the outer surface of the handle
portion.
50. The brush of claim 38, wherein a brush is provided with a head
portion, engageable with the head connector for the rotation of
bristles provided on the head portion.
51. The brush of claim 36, being a toothbrush.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to brushes, especially
toothbrushes.
[0002] Dentists advise that teeth are brushed for at least 2
minutes brushing the teeth thoroughly, using short gentle strokes,
and paying extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back
teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. They
advise particular attention must be paid to cleaning the outer
surfaces of upper teeth, then the lower teeth, cleaning the inner
surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower teeth, and cleaning the
teeth's chewing surfaces. For fresher breath, it is also advised to
brush the tongue and inner cheeks.
[0003] However, in vast amount of cases the public at large do not
follow the above advice and have their own technique. This makes
for inefficient or incomplete brushing, increasing the danger of
developing tooth decay and gum disease.
[0004] Standard toothbrushes find it difficult to provide a
diversity of function to effectively perform the variety of
cleaning functions that are required for effectively maintaining
oral hygiene. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a toothbrush
that can provide for cleaning in areas that are hard to reach and
that is easy to use without requiring a radical change in brushing
habits.
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a brush
comprising a brush head and a handle portion, the brush head being
selectively rotatable with respect to the handle portion.
[0006] "Selectively rotatable" is herein taken to mean that the
angle of the brush head relative to the handle portion can be
varied to be set at one position, selected from a plurality of
available positions.
[0007] Preferably, the brush comprises selectively engageable
indexing means operable to provide the selective rotation.
[0008] Preferably, the indexing means comprises a rotatable
connector assembly attached to the brush head and the handle
portion.
[0009] Preferably the rotatable connector assembly comprises a plug
member and a socket, more preferably the plug member and the socket
are substantially circular in cross section.
[0010] Preferably, one of the plug member and the socket includes
at least one tab and the other of the plug member and the socket
includes at least one groove, the tabs and grooves being arranged
such that in use a tab may be located within a groove to impede
rotational movement of the rotatable connector assembly.
[0011] Preferably, a plurality of grooves are provided to enable
the rotatable connector assembly to be arranged such that a
plurality of predetermined angles of the brush head relative to the
handle portion may be selected in use.
[0012] Preferably, a displacement of the plug member relative to
the socket is provided for to allow disengagement of a tab from a
groove, most preferably without disconnecting the brush head from
the handle portion.
[0013] Preferably the plug member includes a radially extending lip
portion co-operable with a corresponding radially indented groove
extending at least partially around an inner surface of the
socket.
[0014] Preferably the plug member includes around its lower edge a
radially extending plug flange co-operable with a corresponding
radially extending socket flange extending around the upper surface
of the socket.
[0015] Preferably, plug member and socket are engageable with a
snap-fit connection.
[0016] Preferably, the handle portion is provided with a plug
member receiving aperture.
[0017] Preferably, the socket is provided on an inner surface of an
aperture in the brush head.
[0018] Preferably, a bristle head is fixed to the handle portion,
comprising bristles for protrusion through the aperture in the
brush head.
[0019] Preferably, the brush head is provided with side bristles
which are selectively rotatable about the bristle head
bristles.
[0020] Preferably, the brush comprises a motor for rotating the
bristle head bristles around their central axis.
[0021] Preferably, the indexing means is provided on the brush at a
location spaced from the brush head.
[0022] Preferably, an actuator means is provided for operation of
the indexing means.
[0023] Preferably, the handle portion comprises slidably movable
halves with corresponding corrugations.
[0024] The slidably movable halves function as the actuator
means.
[0025] Preferably, the corrugations define a number of selectable
relative positions of the two halves.
[0026] The corrugations act as an indexing means.
[0027] Preferably, upper portions of each half are fixed to
opposing sides of a rotatable brush head, such that each selectable
relative position of the two halves corresponds to an angle of
orientation of the brush head relative to the handle portion.
[0028] Preferably, a snap fit runner is provided for the sliding
motion of the two halves.
[0029] Preferably, the actuator means comprises an actuator arm and
a drive means for moving the actuator arm.
[0030] Preferably, the drive means comprises a scroll wheel
connected to the actuator arm.
[0031] Preferably, one of the scroll wheel and the body of the
handle portion is provided with at least one tab and the other of
the scroll wheel and the body of the handle portion is provided
with at least one groove, the tabs and grooves being arranged such
that in use a tab may be located within a groove to impede motion
of the actuator arm.
[0032] Preferably, the actuator arm is connected at an upper end to
the brush head and is shaped such that linear motion of the
actuator arm causes a rotational motion of the brush head.
[0033] Preferably, the actuator arm runs along a track provided in
the shaft of the handle portion.
[0034] Preferably, the actuator arm is formed from a rubber
material.
[0035] Preferably, a belt member is provided within the body of the
brush, said belt member being drivable in a longitudinal
direction.
[0036] Preferably, an upper portion of the belt member is provided
with teeth for engagement with corresponding teeth provided on the
brush head.
[0037] Preferably, the belt member is provided with interlockable
protrusions provided on opposing inner belt surfaces.
[0038] Preferably, the belt member is provided with a push-pad for
operation to drive the belt member.
[0039] Preferably, the push-pad is provided at the surface of the
brush for operation by a user.
[0040] Preferably, the belt member is formed from a rubber
material.
[0041] Preferably, the brush is a toothbrush.
[0042] Preferably, a brush is provided which has a mechanical drive
means for rotation of the brush head.
[0043] Preferably, said mechanical drive means is comprised in a
handle portion of the brush.
[0044] Preferably, said mechanical drive means comprises a head
connector and torque application means for applying a rotational
torque to the head connector.
[0045] Preferably, said torque application means comprises a
spring.
[0046] Optionally, said torque application means comprises a rubber
band.
[0047] Preferably, a gear train is interposed between the torque
application means and the head connector.
[0048] Preferably, the gear train is an epicyclical gear train.
[0049] Preferably, an oscillator is provided at the gear train,
which comprises a peripheral projection for engagement with an
outer portion of a base of the head connector.
[0050] Preferably, a drive member is provided for tensioning the
torque application means.
[0051] Preferably, the drive member comprises an internal fluting
for engagement with a ratchet on the handle portion to hold the
drive member in place once it has been activated to tension the
torque application means.
[0052] Preferably, the drive member forms a lower portion of the
handle portion.
[0053] Preferably, a brake means is selectively engageable to hold
the torque application means in tension, thus preventing rotation
of the head connector.
[0054] Preferably, said brake means comprises a clamp member for
selective engagement with a shaft provided at the gear train.
[0055] Preferably, said brake means is operable by external
pressure applied to the outer surface of the handle portion.
[0056] Preferably, a brush is provided with a head portion,
engageable with the head connector for the rotation of bristles
provided on the head portion.
[0057] Preferably, the brush is a toothbrush.
[0058] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0059] FIGS. 1 to 4 show side, front and head end views
respectively of a toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0060] FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of a rotatable connector
assembly of the toothbrush depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 showing detail
of the plug member;
[0061] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the rotatable
connector assembly of FIG. 5 showing detail of the socket;
[0062] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a toothbrush according to a second
embodiment;
[0063] FIGS. 9-12 show a toothbrush according to a third
embodiment;
[0064] FIGS. 13-15 show a toothbrush according to a fourth
embodiment;
[0065] FIGS. 16-19 show a toothbrush according to a fifth
embodiment;
[0066] FIGS. 20 and 21 show a toothbrush according to a sixth
embodiment; and
[0067] FIGS. 22-24 show a toothbrush according to a seventh
embodiment.
[0068] A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
1 to 4 there is shown a toothbrush generally referred to as 10. The
toothbrush 10 comprises a brush head 12 and handle portion 11 which
in turn comprises a neck portion 14, a stem 16 and a handle 18. The
brush head 12 has a plurality of nylon bristles 12a extending from
it.
[0069] Aside from the nylon bristles 12a, the toothbrush 10 is
formed from a plastics material which may be any material, such as
a polymer, suitable for the purpose. It is advantageous if the
plastics material has a resilient quality.
[0070] The toothbrush 10 is similar in general form to those well
known in the art and is primarily intended for use in maintaining
oral hygiene.
[0071] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown detail of a
rotatable connector assembly 20 located between the brush head 12
and the neck portion 14. The rotatable connector assembly 20 allows
the brush head 12 to be rotated around its central axis. This
allows the user to vary the angle of the brush head 12 relative to
the handle portion 11.
[0072] The rotatable connector assembly 20 comprises a section
located on the brush head 12 and a section located on the handle
portion 11.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the section located on the brush head
12 comprises a plug member 22 which extends away from the brush
head 12. Around the lower edge of the plug member 22 there is
provided a plug flange 24. Extending radially from the plug member
22 along the surface of the plug flange 24 is provided a tab 26.
The tab 26 is generally semi-circular in cross section. The plug
member 22 is in two parts, with a gap between each part.
[0074] Extending peripherally around the upper edge of the plug
member 22 and protruding radially outward from the plug member 22
is a plug lip 28. The plug lip 28 increases slightly in diameter in
a linear manner, from initially coterminous with the diameter of
the plug member 22 to its greatest diameter at its lowest edge,
located nearest the plug flange 24.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown detail of the section of
the rotatable connector assembly 20 that is provided on the neck
portion 14. This comprises a socket 30 around the top edge of which
is provided a socket flange 32. Around the inner surface of the
socket 30 there is provided a lip-engaging groove 34.
[0076] Extending radially inward from the outer edge of the socket
flange 32 towards the socket 30 there is a plurality of
tab-engaging grooves 36. The tab-engaging grooves 36 are generally
semi-circular in cross section.
[0077] In situ, the plug member 22 is located within the socket 30.
The plug lip 28 is located within the lip-engaging groove 34. The
two flanges 24,32 abut one another and the tab 26 co-operably
engages one of the tab-engaging grooves 36, locking the brush head
12 into a particular position. The construction of the plug member
22 allows it to be inserted into the socket 30 and be securely held
therein by the engagement of the plug lip 28 and the lip-engaging
groove 34. Particularly, the linear diameter increase of the plug
lip 28 and the fact that the plug member 22 is formed in two parts
with a gap between each part coupled with the use of a resilient
material, allows the plug member 22 to be pushed into engagement
with the socket 30 without excessive force. Once held within the
socket 30, the interaction of the plug lip 28 and the lip-engaging
groove 34 impede removal of the plug member 22 from the socket.
However, some small displacement of the plug member 22 relative to
the socket 30 is provided for.
[0078] In a variation of this embodiment, tab engaging grooves may
be formed on the brush head 12 and the tab may be formed on an
inner surface of the socket 34. The "tab and groove" arrangement
provides an indexing means, that is means which define a series of
predetermined interlock positions for positioning of the brush head
relative to the handle portion.
[0079] In use, the toothbrush 10 is preset at a particular angle.
The user may select a different angle of brush 12 by pulling the
brush head gently away from the neck portion 14, thereby
disengaging the tab 26 from one of the tab-engaging grooves 36. The
user may then rotate the brush head 12 with respect to the neck
portion 14 and re-engage the tab 26 with another of the
tab-engaging grooves 36. FIGS. 1 and 3 show the brush head 12 in
two different positions.
[0080] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a brush according to a second
embodiment. As in the first embodiment, a rotatable connector
assembly is provided which comprises a section located on the brush
head 40 and a section located on the handle portion 42.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, the section located on the brush head
40 comprises a plug member 44 which extends away from the brush
head 40. Around the lower edge of the plug member 44 there is
provided a plug flange 46. Extending radially from the plug member
44 along the surface of the plug flange 46 is provided a tab 48.
The tab 48 is generally semi-circular in cross section, and is
provided with a notched recess 50.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown detail of the section of
the rotatable connector assembly that is provided on the neck
portion 42. This comprises a socket formed from an aperture 52 in
the neck portion 42. The inner surface of the aperture is provided
with a plurality of tab-engaging grooves 54. The tab-engaging
grooves 45 are generally semi-circular in cross section.
[0083] The plug member 44 engages in a snap fit with the socket,
the notched recess 50 of the plug member 44 engaging with a
corresponding lip 56 of the socket, being provided as a
circumferential groove. The groove provides a certain amount of
give for selective engagement of the notched recess 50 with the
groove, while the plug 44 remains in the aperture 52.
[0084] In a variation of this embodiment, tab engaging grooves may
be formed on the brush head 40 and the tab may be formed on an
inner surface of the aperture 50.
[0085] In use, the user may select a different angle of brush head
40 in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment.
[0086] A toothbrush according to a third embodiment is shown in
FIGS. 9-12. As shown in FIG. 10, a handle portion 60 has a bristle
head 62 provided thereupon. The bristle head 62 comprises bristles
64 which are mounted on a base member 66. the bristle head 62 is of
a well known form, being for use with an electric motor which
drives the bristles 64 about the central axis of the bristle head
62. The handle portion 60 further comprises a circumferential
recess 68 with an indexing tab 70.
[0087] FIG. 9 shows the brush head 72, which comprises an aperture
74 for receiving the bristle head 62. The inner surface of the
aperture 74 receives the recess 68 of the bristle head 62 and
comprises a plurality of notches 76 for engagement with the tab 70
of the handle portion 60. The brush head 72 is further provided
with side bristles 78 on its peripheral portions.
[0088] When the brush is assembled, the brush head 72, and with it
the side bristles 78, are selectively rotatable in a manner similar
to the first and second embodiments. FIGS. 11 and 12 show examples
of two different brush head positions. As can be seen in FIG. 11,
the brush head 72 may be provided with a grip portion 80 for ease
of use.
[0089] The brush of the third embodiment provides the advantages of
an electric toothbrush, with the further enhancement of a
selectively rotatable brush head to clean those "hard-to-reach"
areas of the mouth.
[0090] A further optional feature of a brush according to various
embodiments is to provide an indexing means at a point spaced from
the brush head. Embodiments with this feature can advantageously
have an actuator for operation of the indexing means.
[0091] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a brush, which
has these characteristics. A brush 90 comprises a brush head 92 and
a handle portion 94 which is composed of two halves, 94a and 94b.
the two halves 94a, 94b of the handle portion 94 have corresponding
corrugations on the inner surfaces thereof, which act as an
indexing means. The halves 94a and 94b have upper portions 96, 98
respectively which are connected to opposing sides of a protrusion
100 from the brush head 92. The halves 94a, 94b are slidably
moveable in order to rotate the brush head 92. A snap-fit runner
feature (not shown) can be provided on the inside of the brush 90
to enable this movement.
[0092] FIG. 13 illustrates a first rotation position, where a first
half 94a is lowered relative to the second half 94b. In this
position, the brush head 92 is held vertically.
[0093] FIG. 14 illustrates a second rotation position, where a
first half 94a is held level with the second half 94b. In this
position, the brush head 92 is inclined at an angle.
[0094] FIG. 15 illustrates a third rotation position, where a
second half 94b is lowered relative to the first half 94a. In this
position, the brush head 92 is held horizontally.
[0095] The positions are labelled by indicia 102 on each of the
halves 94a, 94b for ease of selection by the user. In use, the user
pulls the two halves 94a, 94b slightly apart, then moves the halves
relative to each other until the indicia 102 line up to his desired
angle of rotation. The snap fit runner feature acts as a stop
member to limit the disengagement of the halves 94a, 94b, although
it allows them to move far enough apart for the respective
corrugations to disengage. When the user re-engages the
corrugations, the two halves 94a, 94b are then held together by a
snap fit and/or by pressure applied by the hand of a user.
[0096] In one variation of this embodiment, the upper portions 96,
98 of the two halves 94a, 94b are formed as one piece with the
protrusion 100 provided on the brush head 92, and are formed from a
flexible material to provide a hinge type arrangement. In an
alternative arrangement, the protrusion 100 comprises a fixed plug
and a rotatable outer portion to which the upper portions 96, 98 of
the two halves 94a, 94b are attached.
[0097] A brush according to a fifth embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 16-19. As seen in FIG. 16, a brush head 110 is connected to
an actuator arm 112, which has a connected scroll wheel 114 which
acts as a drive means for the arm 112. The scroll wheel 114 is
provided with a series of notches 116 which are selectively
engageable with a tab 118 provided in a specially formed recess 120
in the handle portion 122.
[0098] The shape of the actuator arm 112 is such that an upward
movement causes an anticlockwise rotation of the brush head 110 and
a downward movement causes a clockwise rotation of the brush head
110, as seen in FIG. 16.
[0099] The actuator arm travels along a specially formed channel
124 within the body of the brush to provide the desired effect. The
actuator arm can be formed from a high tensile rubber or spring
steel material.
[0100] The assembled brush 126 is shown in FIGS. 17-19, from which
it can be seen that a simple rotation of the scroll wheel 114 moves
the brush head 110 to different desired rotations.
[0101] A brush according to a sixth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 20
and 21. According to this embodiment, a belt member 130 is provided
for the rotation of a brush head 132 relative to a handle portion
134.
[0102] The belt 130 can be driven in a direction along the
longitudinal axis of the brush. An upper portion 136 is provided
with teeth 138 for engagement with corresponding teeth 140 provided
on a protrusion 142 from the brush head 132.
[0103] The belt 130 is provided with interlocking protrusions 144,
146 on opposing internal sides to provide an indexing function. A
push pad 148 is provided for driving the belt member 130. As seen
in FIG. 21, the push pad 148 is provided at an outer surface of the
brush for easy activation by a user.
[0104] A seventh embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
22-24, in which a brush 150 is provided with mechanical drive means
152 for rotation of a brush head 154. FIG. 22 shows a brush 150
according to this embodiment, while FIG. 23 shows a partial
cut-away view, and FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the mechanical
drive means and handle portion 156.
[0105] The mechanical drive means 152 comprises a head connector
158 which is engageable with the brush head 154 in a known manner
such that rotation of the head connector 158 causes a rotation of
the brush head 154 so that the bristles 160 on the brush head
rotate. The force for driving the head connector 158 is provided by
a spring 162 which is windable to apply a torque. The torque could
optionally be provided by a rubber band, or some other suitable
means.
[0106] To improve operation of the brush, a gear train 164, in this
embodiment an epicyclical gear train, is provided to increase the
number of rotations of the head connector 158 with respect the
number of rotations of the spring 162. A shaft 166 of the gear
train 164 can also be provided with a first part of an oscillator
168, comprising a projection 170 for engagement with a
corresponding notch 172 in an outer portion of a base of the head
connector 158.
[0107] In use, a drive member 174, in this embodiment comprising a
wheel, is moved in order to tension the spring 162. The wheel can
be made of a rubber material so that the user can push or roll the
wheel along a flat surface.
[0108] The wheel 174 comprises an internal fluting for engagement
with a ratchet member 176 provided on the handle portion 156, so
that once the wheel 174 has been rotated to tension the spring 162,
the wheel 174 can be held in place to resist the uncoiling force of
the spring 162, thus ensuring that the energy of the spring
uncoiling is transferred only into the rotation of the head
connector 158.
[0109] The mechanical drive means 152 can further be provided with
a brake means 178 which is selectively engageable to clamp the
shaft 166 of the gear train 164, thus preventing the spring 162
from unwinding, that is, holding it in tension. The brake means is
operable by a user by pressure applied to a brake pad 180 on the
external surface of the brush 150. Pressing the brake pad 180 urges
a protrusion 182 formed as part of the handle portion to push the
brake 178 into engagement with the shaft 166. The matching square
profiles of the brake 178 and shaft 166 serve to provide a locking
function.
[0110] In use, the user uses twists or rolls the wheel 174 to wind
up the toothbrush 150. The bristles 160 on the brush head 154 then
start to rotate so that the user can brush their teeth. When the
user wants to pause brushing, he can press the brake applicator 180
to store the potential energy provided by the spring 162.
[0111] The brush of the present invention provides a number of
advantages. Because the head of the brush can be twisted to
multiple positions, brushing in key areas such as the outer and
inner back teeth and gums is easier and more effective as compared
with previous toothbrushes, and there is less restraint on the
brushing technique for the user. The flexibility of the design
gives more effective cleaning of the tongue and inner front
teeth.
[0112] The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein
described but may be varied in both construction and detail.
[0113] For example, although the described embodiments have one
tab, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further
tabs may be provided to increase the impeding affect of the
tab/groove engagement.
[0114] Further, it will also be understood to those skilled in the
are that the number and position of the tab-engaging grooves may be
varied. The tab-engaging grooves do not have to be spaced in an
equiangular manner.
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