U.S. patent application number 13/054091 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for brush mechanism.
Invention is credited to Rajinder Singh Phgura.
Application Number | 20110138563 13/054091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41258664 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110138563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phgura; Rajinder Singh |
June 16, 2011 |
BRUSH MECHANISM
Abstract
A brush, such as a toothbrush, has a brushing head incorporating
one or more rotatable brush inserts. The brushing head and the
inserts both have a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, the
bristles of the inserts being surrounded by the bristles of the
brushing head. The inserts are retained in sockets within the
brushing head, within which they may both rotate and move
translationally, preferably undergoing an orbital motion around the
socket. The inserts may move continuously or reciprocally. This
motion of the inserts is generated by manual movement of the brush,
for example while brushing a user's teeth. The inserts may be
provided with toothed cogs that engage with recesses between teeth
arrayed around an interior of each socket. The brush may include an
electric motor powering a mechanism to vibrate the brushing head as
a whole; however, this motor still does not drive the inserts.
Inventors: |
Phgura; Rajinder Singh;
(Bedford, GB) |
Family ID: |
41258664 |
Appl. No.: |
13/054091 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
July 14, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2009/001734 |
371 Date: |
February 15, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/306 20130101;
A46B 13/023 20130101; A46B 2200/102 20130101; A46D 1/023 20130101;
A46D 1/00 20130101; A46B 15/0055 20130101; A46B 2200/3086 20130101;
A46B 7/08 20130101; A46B 2200/3046 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101;
A46B 15/0081 20130101; A46B 5/0095 20130101; A61C 17/222 20130101;
A61C 17/349 20130101; A46B 9/025 20130101; A61C 17/3481 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2008 |
GB |
0812829.0 |
Sep 29, 2008 |
GB |
0817780.0 |
Feb 23, 2009 |
GB |
0903008.1 |
Mar 16, 2009 |
GB |
0904428.9 |
Claims
1. A brushing device comprising a brush head having bristles
extending from one face of said brush head and a handle fixedly
mounted to said brush head, wherein the brush head comprises a
fixed head element and at least one insert element so mounted to
the fixed head element as to be rotationally movable with respect
to the fixed head element, and a plurality of said bristles
extending from each of said fixed head element and said at least
one insert element, the bristles of the fixed head element
substantially surrounding those of the at least one insert
element.
2. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element is movably retained within a respective socket
in the brush head.
3. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least
one insert element is both rotationally and translationally movable
within the respective socket.
4. A brushing devices as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
translational movement of the at least one insert element is
generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one
insert element.
5. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least
one insert element is orbitally movable around the respective
socket.
6. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element is continuously movable with respect to the
fixed head element.
7. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element is constrained to motion selected from
oscillatory and reciprocating motion with respect to the fixed head
element.
8. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element is constrained to follow a path with respect to
the fixed head element that is selected from a hypocycloid path and
a hypotrochoid path.
9. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element comprises a first means of engagement adapted to
engage releasably with a co-operating second means of engagement of
the fixed head element so as to transmit torque between the at
least one insert element and the fixed head element.
10. (canceled)
11. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element comprises a cog arrangement having a plurality
of teeth, each tooth so projecting from the cog arrangement as to
be engageable with a co-operable recess of the fixed head
element.
12. A brushing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed
head element comprises a plurality of said recesses, each defined
between adjacent pairs of a plurality of teeth projecting from the
fixed head element.
13. (canceled)
14. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element comprises a plurality of insert bodies, each
said insert body being movable with respect to each other insert
body.
15. A brushing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein each said
insert body is releasably engageable with an adjacent said insert
body.
16. (canceled)
17. A brushing devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a means of
biasing is provided to bias the at least one insert element into
engaging contact with a means of engagement of the fixed head
element.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A brushing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first and
second means of engagement comprise a first gear having
outwardly-projecting teeth engageable with a second gear having
inwardly-projecting teeth.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the socket
comprises drainage to release adventitious fluids from the
socket.
24. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, additionally
comprising means to generate motions selected from vibrations and
pulses in the brush head.
25. (canceled)
26. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a device
selected from a toothbrush, a personal grooming device, a cleaning
device, a polishing device and a scouring device.
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one insert element is so mounted to the fixed head element that an
axis of rotation of the at least one insert element is tiltable
away from a perpendicular to a plane of the fixed head element.
30. A brushing device comprising a brush head having bristles
extending from one face of the brush head and a handle fixedly
mounted to the brush head, wherein the brush head comprises a fixed
head element and at least one insert element mounted rotatably to
the fixed head element, a plurality of bristles extending from said
at least one insert element, and said at least one insert element
being so mounted to the fixed head element as to be tiltable away
from an axis perpendicular to said face of the brush head.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for improving
the action of brushes, and to brushes comprising such a mechanism.
More particularly but not exclusively, it relates to
manually-operated brushes, particularly toothbrushes, having
improved brushing effectiveness.
[0002] A conventional manual toothbrush has a general form that has
changed little over time. A generally rectangular, generally flat
brush head is supported by an elongate handle extending generally
coaxially with a major axis of the rectangular head. A plurality of
bristles extend from one face of the brush head, either
perpendicularly to said face or with some or all bristles at a
slight angle to the perpendicular. The lengths, materials,
stiffness, angles and arrangement of the bristles has been varied
greatly, but in each case the brush is used to clean a user's teeth
by manual movement of the brush head across the teeth in a
combination of longitudinal, lateral and circular movements.
[0003] The manual toothbrush is simple to produce and requires only
the muscular effort of the user to operate. However, its
effectiveness is restricted by the effort that the user is willing
or able to put into its use. For example, children may be unwilling
to brush for the recommended time using a conventional brush (and
not only children). It would therefore be beneficial if the manual
toothbrush could be made more effective for a given degree of
manual movement.
[0004] Electrically-powered toothbrushes are well known, in which a
brush head element is driven in an oscillatory rotational motion at
a high brush stroke rate, compared with manual brushing. They are
considered in many quarters to be more effective than manual
toothbrushes. However, powered toothbrushes are much more complex
and expensive to produce, compared to manual toothbrushes. They
require periodic re-charging or replacement of batteries, so are
relatively costly to run. Electrically-powered toothbrushes tend to
be relatively heavy and bulky, and so are less convenient when away
from home, e.g. when travelling.
[0005] Considered from an environmental point of view,
manually-operated toothbrushes do not use valuable electrical power
resources, and use up little or no rare or expensive raw materials
in their production. There is no need to dispose of used batteries,
and the toothbrush is easier to deal with at the end of its useful
life.
[0006] It would therefore be beneficial to incorporate at least
some of the performance advantages of an electrically-powered
toothbrush into a brush that may be operated solely by being
manipulated by its user.
[0007] While the present invention will be described primarily in
terms of toothbrushes, it is believed that analogous issues would
be encountered with other forms of brush, such as those used for
polishing, scrubbing or the like, and that solutions appropriate
for toothbrushes may well be appropriate for such other forms of
brush. Therefore, except where evident from the context, the term
"brush" herein should be understood not necessarily to be limited
to toothbrushes per se.
[0008] It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a
brush mechanism, and a brush containing such a mechanism, that
provide improved brushing effectiveness relative to existing
manually-operable brushes, while being operable solely by being
moved by a user.
[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a
brushing device comprising brush head means having bristle means
extending from one face thereof and handle means fixedly mounted to
said brush head means, wherein the brush head means comprises a
fixed head element and at least one insert element so mounted to
the fixed head element as to be rotationally movable with respect
thereto, said fixed head element and the or each said insert
element each having a plurality of said bristle means extending
therefrom, and the bristle means of the fixed head element
substantially surrounding those of the or each insert element.
[0010] Preferably, the insert element is movably retained within
socket means of the brush head means.
[0011] Advantageously, the insert element is both rotationally and
translationally movable within the socket means.
[0012] Said translational movement may be generally perpendicular
to an axis of rotation of the insert element.
[0013] The insert element may be orbitally movable around the
socket means.
[0014] The insert element may be continuously movable around the
socket means.
[0015] The insert element may be constrained to oscillatory or
reciprocating motion within the socket means.
[0016] The insert element is preferably rotationally movable about
an axis generally parallel to the bristle means.
[0017] The insert element may be constrained to follow a
hypocycloid or hypotrochoid path around the socket means.
[0018] Preferably, the insert element is provided with first
engagement means adapted to engage releasably with co-operating
second engagement means of the fixed head element.
[0019] Advantageously, said first and second engagement means act
to transmit torque between the insert element and the fixed head
element.
[0020] Preferably, the insert element comprises cog means having a
plurality of tooth means, each so projecting therefrom as to be
engageable with co-operable recess means of the fixed head
element.
[0021] Advantageously, the fixed head element is provided with a
plurality of said recess means.
[0022] Each recess means of the fixed head element may be defined
between adjacent pairs of a plurality of tooth means projecting
therefrom.
[0023] Said plurality of recess means may be disposed in an array
extending around an interior of the socket means, optionally around
a wall thereof.
[0024] The insert element may comprise a plurality of insert
bodies, each movable with respect to the or each other insert
body.
[0025] Each said insert body may be releasably engageable with an
adjacent insert body.
[0026] Each insert body of the insert element may be provided with
a plurality of said bristle means extending therefrom.
[0027] Optionally, one said insert body is engageable with
co-operating engagement means of the fixed head element.
[0028] Biasing means may be provided to bias the insert element or
an insert body thereof into engaging contact with engagement means
of the fixed head element.
[0029] The brush head means may be provided with bearing means
adapted to reduce friction between the insert means and the fixed
head means.
[0030] Preferably, the fixed head means is provided with retaining
means for the insert means.
[0031] Advantageously, said retaining means comprises lip means of
the socket means.
[0032] Said retaining means may comprise detent means.
[0033] Said retaining means may comprise annular rim means
projecting from the insert means into circumferential slot means of
the socket means, or annular rim means projecting from an interior
surface of the socket means into circumferential slot means of the
insert means.
[0034] Optionally, the brush head means is provided with a
plurality of said insert elements.
[0035] Preferably, the first and second engagement means comprise
first gear means having outwardly-projecting tooth means engageable
with second gear means having inwardly-projecting tooth means.
[0036] Said second gear means may comprise an annular internal gear
means.
[0037] The insert means may comprise the first gear means and the
fixed head means may comprise the second gear means.
[0038] Alternatively, the fixed head means may comprise the first
gear means and the insert means may comprise the second gear
means.
[0039] Optionally, the first gear means is engageable with third
gear means which is engageable in turn with the second gear
means.
[0040] The insert element may be generally circular.
[0041] The socket means may be generally circular.
[0042] Alternatively, the socket means may be substantially
elliptical.
[0043] The socket means may comprise drainage means to release
adventitious fluids therefrom.
[0044] Seal means may be provided to exclude fluids from the socket
means.
[0045] The handle means may be detachably fixed to the brush head
means.
[0046] The brushing device may additionally comprise means to
generate vibrations or pulses in the brush head means.
[0047] Said generating means may be electrically-powered.
[0048] Said vibrations may comprise ultrasonic vibrations.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the brushing device comprises a
toothbrush.
[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a toothbrush embodying the
present invention, including a toothbrush head and two rotatable
brush heads within the toothbrush head, the bristles of which are
surrounded by bristles of the toothbrush head, which are arranged
around the toothbrush head in a similar manner to their arrangement
on a conventional manual toothbrush;
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a side profile of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
1;
[0053] FIG. 3 is a partial lateral cross-section, illustrating
internal workings of a rotating mechanism of the rotatable brush
heads of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 4 shows apertures in the shape of inverted cogs within
the main base of the toothbrush head of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 5 shows mechanical elements of the brush head enclosed
within a housing of the main toothbrush head of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 6 is a detailed scrap view of the rotating mechanism of
the toothbrush of FIG. 1, illustrating the motion of the mechanism
in use;
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a similar mechanism to that shown in FIG. 5,
the difference being that the brush head top washer or ring part is
on the underside of the surface of the toothbrush head;
[0058] FIGS. 8 to 12 show some examples of different shapes that
the cogs and inverted cogs of the mechanism may take;
[0059] FIGS. 13 to 16 show example of some of the various brush
head and bristle formations that may be used;
[0060] FIG. 17 shows a brush with only two brush heads;
[0061] FIG. 18 shows a detachable toothbrush head part and
handle;
[0062] FIG. 19A is a top view and FIG. 19B a side view, showing a
tip of the male inserting part of the handle having locking rims to
allow a rigid fit when inserted into the toothbrush head part or
female part;
[0063] FIGS. 20 to 21 show top views of other designs of the male
and rim part of the handle;
[0064] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate that a tongue scrubber may be
incorporated on the bottom side or opposite side of the toothbrush
head;
[0065] FIG. 23 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 5, the
difference being that the cog and aperture are in reverse
order;
[0066] FIG. 24 shows a closer more detailed illustration of the
workings and the motion of the mechanism in FIG. 23;
[0067] FIG. 25 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 23 but the
difference being the ring or washer is at the base of the brush
head cog part;
[0068] FIG. 26 shows a side view of a variation of the rotating
brush head manual toothbrush;
[0069] FIG. 27 shows the side profile of FIG. 26 where the handle
connects to a internal handle part which sits in the toothbrush
head housing;
[0070] FIG. 28 shows a pair of the female cog apertures
incorporated through the internal handle part which is housed in
the toothbrush head;
[0071] FIG. 29 shows a male cog version;
[0072] FIG. 30 shows another variation of the toothbrush head and
handle as a whole unit with the system including the brush head cog
apertures, and the male cogs being on the variable handle part;
[0073] FIGS. 31 to 33 show various brush heads with differently
positioned rings that can be used for the toothbrush of FIG.
30;
[0074] FIG. 34 illustrates an exploded side view of a mechanical
manual toothbrush where all various components can be seen;
[0075] FIG. 35 shows a top view of the brush illustrated in FIG.
34;
[0076] FIG. 36 shows a assembly of components similar to that shown
in FIG. 34;
[0077] FIG. 37 shows a side view of a toothbrush in which a locking
cap is incorporated;
[0078] FIG. 38 shows an exploded side view of a toothbrush in which
the brush head is inserted from the underside of the main
housing;
[0079] FIG. 39 illustrates how a washer may be attached by means of
a clip, the left hand diagram showing the brush head and washer
disconnected, and the right hand diagram showing the washer
connected to the brush head;
[0080] FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of the brush head within the
inverted cog aperture or toothbrush head base along with the
orbital guides;
[0081] FIG. 41 shows a side view and top view of a brush head with
dental floss bristles;
[0082] FIG. 42 illustrates a side view and top view of a brush head
with angled bristles;
[0083] FIG. 43A shows a top view of the brush head and FIG. 43B
shows a side view with an exploded view of the angled bristles,
these diagrams depicting a similar example of the angled bristles
to that shown in FIG. 42;
[0084] FIG. 44A shows a side view of a variation of the brush head
in FIG. 43;
[0085] FIG. 44B shows a top view thereof;
[0086] FIG. 45 shows an example of the diagram in FIG. 44A, with
added tongue scrubber and underside cover;
[0087] FIG. 46A to FIG. 46D are illustrations of different types of
angled and gap fill bristles that can be incorporated into the
brush head, FIG. 46A showing a side view of angled bristles that
cross each other, FIG. 46B showing a top view of this, and FIGS.
46C and 46D showing gap fill bristles;
[0088] FIGS. 47A to 47C illustrate a different formation of angled
bristles and gap fill bristles incorporated into the brush
head;
[0089] FIG. 48 shows an angled bristle to the left and vertical
bristle to the right which are surrounded at the root by a rubber
socket;
[0090] FIG. 49A is a side view of a brush head with friction
reducing elements;
[0091] FIG. 49B is a view of the underside of said brush head;
[0092] FIG. 50 shows a side view of a brush head with indentation
elements or notches on its underside;
[0093] FIG. 51 depicts different types of surface textures that may
be used to help reduce friction between the underside of the brush
head when in contact with the inverted cog aperture base;
[0094] FIG. 52 shows a side view with an expanded illustration of
the cylinder or rod friction reducing elements;
[0095] FIG. 53 shows to the left the underside of a brush head
including a friction reducing rim, and to the right a 3D embodiment
of the brush head;
[0096] FIG. 54 depicts a variation of the brush head and friction
reducing rim described in FIG. 53, with a guide in the middle;
[0097] FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of a brush head with a friction
reducing rim described in FIG. 53, but with the guide attached to
the brush head cog and the guide protruding from the inverted cog
aperture/housing;
[0098] FIG. 56 shows an underside view of a brush head with
friction reducing elements including the guide;
[0099] FIG. 57 shows an underside view of a brush head with
friction reducing elements in a ring formation excluding the
guide;
[0100] FIG. 58 illustrates a toothbrush head with an inverted cog
aperture that is moulded into the base which includes the reducing
friction elements;
[0101] FIG. 59 shows a friction reducing ball ring;
[0102] FIG. 60 shows the mechanical manual toothbrush with a
toothbrush head part and a toothbrush handle that are
detachable;
[0103] FIG. 61 illustrates the internal cogs of a vibrating
mechanical toothbrush, an outer inverted cog of the toothbrush head
being an eye or oblong in shape and the brush head cog being
round;
[0104] FIG. 62 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but
with the outer cog being round;
[0105] FIG. 63 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but
with an additional round cog within the outer round cog;
[0106] FIG. 64 shows a formation of three nested cogs, similar to
shown in FIG. 62 but with an additional cog;
[0107] FIG. 65 illustrates an overview of the cog formation shown
in FIG. 64, housed in the toothbrush head, with illustrated to the
right a brush head and cog that fits into the cog ring housing and
the inverted cog aperture of the toothbrush head;
[0108] FIG. 66 illustrates an exploded side view of the three cog
system shown in FIG. 65, also showing the cog ring housing that
fits in-between the brush head and toothbrush head base;
[0109] FIG. 67 shows a similar embodiment of the cog system to that
shown in FIG. 66, with the cog in-between the brush head cog and
cog aperture of the toothbrush head being a cog ring with teeth on
either side;
[0110] FIG. 68 illustrates a side view of a toothbrush provided
with the inner cog system depicted in FIG. 66;
[0111] FIGS. 69 to 69G show side views of circular brush head
bristles that are formed into different shapes;
[0112] FIG. 70 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising four
cogs;
[0113] FIG. 71 shows an exploded side view of the components of the
cog mechanism depicted in FIG. 70;
[0114] FIG. 72 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising six
cogs;
[0115] FIG. 73 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising four
cogs, the outer cog being elongated or oblong in shape;
[0116] FIG. 74 illustrates an exploded side view of a toothbrush
head provided with the cog components of FIG. 72;
[0117] FIG. 75 shows an exploded view of FIG. 74;
[0118] FIG. 76 shows a top view of the toothbrush depicted in FIGS.
74 and 75;
[0119] FIG. 77 shows a top view of a two cog system;
[0120] FIG. 78 depicts a side view of FIG. 77;
[0121] FIG. 79 shows a top view of a four cog system;
[0122] FIG. 80 shows a side image of the central cog which this
time is secured to the toothbrush head base by means of a pin,
which acts as a central pivot pin to allow the cog to rotate;
[0123] FIG. 81 shows a top view of a two cog system;
[0124] FIG. 82 shows a side view of a brush head and the internal
cog system that comprises six cogs;
[0125] FIG. 83 shows a three cog system in which a centre cog is
held in place by a pin to allow it to pivot thus rotate, and the
middle cog has a hole in its centreline to allow a pivot pin of the
brush head to connect through to the toothbrush head base;
[0126] FIG. 84 shows a side view of a toothbrush head with the
internal parts that are depicted in FIG. 83;
[0127] FIG. 85 is a top external view of the toothbrush head shown
in FIG. 84 with the bristles and handle connected;
[0128] FIG. 86 shows an exploded view of another toothbrush,
comprising a toothbrush base with a brush head which is affixed by
a pivot pin, a cog ring going over the brush head and a toothbrush
head upper casing or cover placed over both of these which has an
inverted cog aperture incorporated into it;
[0129] FIG. 87 illustrates a side view of an assembled vibrating
mechanical toothbrush shown in FIG. 86;
[0130] FIG. 88 shows a top view of an internal cog system whereby
the brush head cog rotates via a pivot pin or axle and the
surrounding cog is part of a ring that moves in an orbital path,
the outer ring being smooth and the round aperture incorporated
into the toothbrush head cover;
[0131] FIG. 89 shows an external top view of a toothbrush head
provided with the internal mechanism shown in FIG. 88, the brush
head being covered with bristles, as well as the ring brush head
which is part of the cog ring having bristles incorporated, the
internal side view being similar to that depicted in FIG. 87, the
difference being the outer ring aperture being smooth, without cog
teeth;
[0132] FIG. 90 shows an exploded side view of an elongated
toothbrush head that is similar to the conventional manual
toothbrush heads, included is the cog mechanism shown in FIGS. 88
and 89;
[0133] FIG. 90A illustrates a side view of a toothbrush head
similar to that depicted in FIG. 90;
[0134] FIG. 91 shows a top external view of the toothbrush head
shown on FIG. 90;
[0135] FIG. 92 shows an internal cog mechanism which consists of
the brush head cog which is affixed by a pivot pin, the ring cog
surrounding the brush head cog has the same amount of teeth as the
far outer cog that is incorporated into the upper casing
interior;
[0136] FIG. 93 shows a top external view of a toothbrush head
comprising the cog mechanism shown in FIG. 92;
[0137] FIG. 94 shows an exploded side view of the cog mechanism
depicted in FIG. 92, but located within an elongated toothbrush
head;
[0138] FIG. 95 shows an external top view of the toothbrush head of
FIG. 94;
[0139] FIG. 96 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar
to that shown in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head is
slotted into a cylindrical aperture in the toothbrush head base
that houses the brush head instead of having to use the pivot
pin;
[0140] FIG. 97 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar
to that shown in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head is
slotted into a cylindrical aperture in the toothbrush head base
that houses the brush head instead of employing a pivot pin, with
the brush head having a washer or rim to secure it in its housing,
with a cap or cover that secures it from the underside of the
toothbrush head;
[0141] FIGS. 98 and 98A to 98O illustrate various brush heads with
additional component parts to assist with brush head movement when
the toothbrush is in use;
[0142] FIG. 99 is a diagram of the internal mechanics of a brush
head with a cone shape guide protruding from the centre of the
toothbrush head base and another protruding from the underside of
the brush head pointing in the opposite direction;
[0143] FIG. 100 shows a top view of a two cog mechanism toothbrush
head;
[0144] FIG. 101 illustrates an internal top view and FIG. 102 shows
an internal side view of a mechanism including a cone shape element
that helps concentrate the centre of gravity to allow the brush
head to tilt when in use;
[0145] FIG. 103 shows a brush head with the bristles being
partially covered in a rubber sleeve or sock to keep the bristles
stiffer;
[0146] FIG. 104 shows a two cog system that uses different shaped
cog teeth/bits;
[0147] FIG. 105 illustrates a side view of a brush head and
mechanism, where there is a cog rim with ridges running around the
underside of the brush head with the accompanying ridges running
around an opposite rim which is incorporated into the cog ring
housing, and the cog ring housing has teeth running around it on
the outer wall which work in conjunction with the cog teeth
incorporated in the toothbrush head base;
[0148] FIG. 106 shows an internal side view of a brush head where
the cog is angled more to the underside of the brush head, with the
engaging cog opposite it incorporated into the toothbrush head
housing;
[0149] FIG. 107 illustrates an example of the cog rim or ring on
the underside of the brush head and incorporated into the
toothbrush head housing;
[0150] FIG. 108 shows a variation of the brush head in FIG. 106,
which includes a ball moulded into the brush head base or the ball
being loosely place in-between the two cogs;
[0151] FIG. 109 shows a brush head with the cogs rings both on top
and bottom of the brush head and the opposite cogs incorporated
into the toothbrush head base and top casing or cover;
[0152] FIG. 110 shows a brush head with a cone shape like cog on
the underside and its inverted opposite incorporated into the
base;
[0153] FIG. 111 depicts an aerial view of the cone shape cog;
[0154] FIG. 112 shows examples of different textures that can be
used instead of cog teeth, wherein the left side of the
illustration is the equivalent to the ring cog, and the right side
shows the equivalent to the cone cog;
[0155] FIG. 113 illustrates a brush head with a round sphere cog
that is inserted into the toothbrush base;
[0156] FIG. 114 shows a similar brush to that of FIG. 113, with a
cone-like cog protruding from the toothbrush base and a
corresponding brush head cone shape aperture;
[0157] FIGS. 115 to 117 depict different arrangements of cog
apertures and cogs having the same number of teeth, and having
different shaped cog teeth or arms and corresponding apertures to
receive the teeth;
[0158] FIG. 118 shows a brush head and mechanism as depicted in
FIG. 46, the difference being the cog teeth or ridges are angled in
a different direction;
[0159] FIGS. 119 to 122 illustrate internal side views of various
brush head and internal cog systems;
[0160] FIG. 123 shows an internal side view of a brush head with a
washer splitting top and bottom part of the cog;
[0161] FIG. 124 shows a side internal view of the two cog system
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0162] FIG. 125 shows an external aerial view of FIG. 124;
[0163] FIG. 126 illustrates a internal side view of a vibrating
mechanical toothbrush, including a mechanical toothbrush head part
and a handle part that includes a battery, and an electric motor
with an offset weight attached to its axle;
[0164] FIG. 127 shows a similar toothbrush to that shown in FIG.
126, with a toothbrush head that is able to be detached and
re-attached, or replaced;
[0165] FIG. 128 depicts an external side view of the toothbrush
shown in FIG. 126;
[0166] FIG. 129 shows a front external view of the vibrating
mechanical toothbrush in FIG. 128;
[0167] FIG. 130 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
toothbrush shown in FIG. 126, whereby the switch has a separate
on/off part and a clip contact element that is shaped and behaves
in accordance to which switch button is pressed; also depicted at a
foot of the diagram is a hatch or door to used to secure the
battery in the main handle housing and also act as a contact
element;
[0168] FIG. 131 illustrates a front external view of a rechargeable
vibrating mechanical toothbrush, which is seated in its
charger;
[0169] FIG. 132 shows an internal side view of the rechargeable
toothbrush in FIG. 131;
[0170] FIG. 133 shows a front internal view of the toothbrush and
charger of FIG. 132;
[0171] FIG. 134 illustrates a side internal view of internal
mechanics of a mechanical manual toothbrush, with a moving washer
ring interlinking with a round brush head, and an internal locking
washer to help lock and attach the brush head to the toothbrush
head main body;
[0172] FIG. 135 shows a top view of FIG. 134 and the
interconnecting washers/flanges;
[0173] FIG. 136 shows an internal side view of a variation on the
brush head, with a telescopic washer/flange system;
[0174] FIG. 137 shows an internal side view of a variation on the
brush head, which is held in place by a locking and swivelling part
with arms that are embodied within the main toothbrush head
base;
[0175] FIG. 138 illustrates an overview of the locking and
swivelling part shown in FIG. 137;
[0176] FIG. 139 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head, with a moving telescopic washer/flange system;
[0177] FIG. 140 depicts a side internal view of the internal brush
head mechanism with friction reducing elements to minimise contact
with the brush head washer;
[0178] FIG. 141 illustrates a side view of the toothbrush showing
the inner mechanism, including the internal locking washer and gear
cog ring drive placed between the brush head cog/gear;
[0179] FIG. 142 shows a side internal view of an embodiment of the
brush head mechanism system with the locking flange/washer securing
the brush head to the toothbrush base;
[0180] FIG. 143 shows a plan view of the toothbrush head of FIG.
142;
[0181] FIG. 144 shows a similar embodiment of the cog system shown
in FIG. 142, this time the brush head cog (gear means) is hollowed
out to create less friction with toothpaste and has rounded or
pinpointed edges to reduce friction and contact with the base;
[0182] FIGS. 145 to 145B show an underside of friction/contact
reducing elements and textures of a bottom of the brush head cog
(gear or contact means);
[0183] FIGS. 146 and 147 show a similar embodiment of the cog
system to that shown in FIG. 144, the brush head cog like means
(gear like means) comprising multiple arms that run all the way
round and reduce contact with the base, as the contact points are
pin pointed thus reducing friction, also the edges of the arms act
like the male cog bits that make contact with the outer ring (or
female cog), and the centre part where the arms join being hollowed
out to create room for movement and dispersion of toothpaste and
water while in use;
[0184] FIG. 148 illustrates a bottom view of the brush head,
including the arms, as well as the corresponding female aperture
which has the corresponding recesses to connect with which help
drive the brush head mechanism;
[0185] FIGS. 149 and 149A shows a parachute/detent form of locking
washer--FIG. 149 shows this in a closed position and FIG. 149A
shows it in an open and thus locked position;
[0186] FIG. 150 shows a bottom view of FIG. 149A;
[0187] FIG. 150A depicts another internal locking washer with
drainage holes;
[0188] FIG. 151 shows a side view of the toothbrush head
illustrating drainage channels;
[0189] FIG. 152 illustrates an internal underside view of the
toothbrush head with drainage holes and an internal locking
washer;
[0190] FIG. 153 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism;
[0191] FIG. 154 shows a bottom internal view of FIG. 153;
[0192] FIG. 155 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism;
[0193] FIG. 156 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism;
[0194] FIG. 157 shows a bottom internal view of FIG. 156;
[0195] FIG. 158 shows a bottom internal view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism;
[0196] FIG. 159 shows an internal side view thereof;
[0197] FIG. 160 illustrates a top view of a flange washer with a
small inner and larger outer hard washer illustrated as the shaded
part of the diagram;
[0198] FIG. 161 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism including a flexible rubber flange
depicted in FIG. 160;
[0199] FIGS. 162, 163 and 164 shows an internal side view of
variations of the brush head and driving mechanism including
internal locking washers and friction reducing bits or
bristles;
[0200] FIG. 165 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head and driving mechanism including the internal locking
washer and drainage holes/channels;
[0201] FIG. 166 shows a 3D top side view of FIG. 165;
[0202] FIGS. 167, 168 and 169 show an internal side view of
variations of the brush head and driving mechanism including
internal locking washers or means and friction reducing bits or
bristles;
[0203] FIG. 170 illustrates some examples of textures that the base
of the cog means aperture or base where the brush head is seated to
reduce friction;
[0204] FIG. 171 and FIG. 171A show examples of different contact
elements that may be applied to the male and female cog like means
to allow more traction between them; and
[0205] FIG. 172 shows a side internal view of the brush head and
driving mechanics with an offset pivot pin that also raises the
brush head from the internal base of the toothbrush head.
[0206] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 3 shows and illustrates
the internal workings of the mechanism. As illustrated with the
help of FIG. 5, the brush heads 2 are embodied within the housing
of the main toothbrush head 1, the brush heads 2 have five adjoined
teeth cog ends 10 which are in turn housed into the six inverted
teeth cog apertures 6, which are incorporated within the base 11 of
the toothbrush head as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a top washer
or ring 3 that can be partly seen on the surface, as shown in FIG.
1. In FIG. 5 there is another ring 12 that fits and locks within
the ring aperture 13 to keep the brush head securely within the
housing of the toothbrush head 1.
[0207] FIG. 5 shows a guide 9 which protrudes from the tip of the
bottom end of the brush head cog part 10; this guide 9 orbits
around the guide 8 which is protruding in the opposite direction
from the toothbrush head base 11, thus encouraging the cog 10 to
make an orbiting 7 and rotational movement when the consumer users
the toothbrush in a circular motion against their teeth. The guides
8, 9 may be removed; however, this will affect the rotational and
orbiting consistency of the brush heads 2 when used, as it's
determined by the circular motion of the brushing carried out by
the consumer.
[0208] Shown in FIG. 6 is a closer view of the motion of the
mechanism in work, the brush head cog 10 is centrally affixed to
the brush head 2, this is placed within the aperture 6 which is
shaped to accommodate the cog 10. Similarly the aperture 6 is
shaped as an inverted cog 6 which has more teeth that are in this
case inverted, and has the guide 8 centrally protruding thus
offsetting the cog 10, and thus the brush head 2. This offsetting
will cause the brush head 2 to move in an orbiting movement and
take the path as illustrated by the broken line 7.
[0209] FIG. 7 shows the brush head top ring 3 which is part of the
brush head 2, is on the underside of the toothbrush head surface
14, the rings 3, 12 are thus positioned differently along with the
necessary apertures 13 to cater for this.
[0210] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 there can be different shape cog
10 and aperture 6 parts, of different sizes, with different amounts
of teeth, angles, corners which will all influence and determine
the orbital 7 and rotational movement, as well as the amount of
rotation per manual toothbrush cycle carried out by the user. The
same general principle of the rotating mechanism workings described
above will apply with these different shape cog part 10 and
aperture 6 parts.
[0211] There are various forms and designs the toothbrush can take
to help and encourage better cleaning, FIGS. 13 to 16 shows example
of just some of the various brush head 2 and bristle 4 formations
that may be used. FIG. 17 shows just 2 brush heads.
[0212] Illustrated in FIG. 18 is a detachable toothbrush head 1
part and handle 5, the female toothbrush head part 15 is attached
to the male handle part 16 which has a series of rims incorporated
in order to lock into the female part 15, FIGS. 19 to 21
illustrates some of the locking rims 17 that may be used.
[0213] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate that a tongue scrubber 18 may
be incorporated on the bottom side or opposite of the toothbrush
head, the tongue scrubber 18 is able to be incorporated as the
mechanical parts are within the housing of the toothbrush head
1.
[0214] FIG. 23 shows a similar mechanical system to the one shown
in FIG. 5, however, the difference being that the cog system play a
reverse role, to illustrate this the male cog 10 in FIG. 5 is now
an inverted cog 19 as shown in FIG. 23, and thus the cog aperture 6
which is part of the toothbrush head base 11 in FIG. 5, is now a
cog 20 or male part in FIG. 23 which fits into the brush head
inverted cog 19 part.
[0215] FIG. 24 is a closer look at the internal mechanism and the
motion of the mechanism shown in FIG. 23; it also shows the orbital
path in broken lines 7. The smaller broken line circle 22
illustrates the orbital path guide 9 which is attached to the
inverted cog 19 will take around guide 8 which is attached to the
cog 20.
[0216] FIG. 25 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 23 but the
difference being the locking ring 12 is at the base of the brush
head inverted cog 19 part. The ring 12 may also be placed in other
positions up or down along the outside of inverted cog 19, and thus
the positions of the apertures 13 in the toothbrush housing in the
designs described, as well as being able to include one or more
rings or washers 12. There is also an aperture 21 to allow the
inverted cog 19 space to move when in motion.
[0217] Referring to FIG. 26, as the toothbrush is operated in a
circular motion the inverted cogs 6 will move in an orbital fashion
around the brush head cog 10. FIG. 28 shows the internal handle 23
part that has the cog apertures 6 incorporated through it. The
internal handle 23 connects to the handle 5; the toothbrush head 1
is free moving and is not physically adjoined to the internal
handle 23 and nor to the toothbrush handle 5. The brush heads 2 are
placed in a fixed position within two holes that go though the
upper casing 27 of the toothbrush head 1 to allow them to rotate
only and not to make an orbital movement. The cog 10 has an axis 26
part at the bottom end which connects into the base housing 11. The
toothbrush head 1 has an aperture 25 surrounding the internal
handle 23 to allow for some looseness or slack in order for the cog
apertures 6 to move around the brush head cog 10 in an orbital
motion, and thus rotating the brush heads 2 while doing so.
[0218] FIG. 29 shows an internal handle 23 with male cog 20 parts,
which is used in the toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 30, the
mechanism this time is reversed to the one shown in FIG. 26 in that
the cog apertures 19 are built into the brush heads 2 and the cogs
20 are affixed to the internal handle 23. The internal handle 23
and external handle 5 are adjoined, as well as this non-detachable
version, a detachable toothbrush head may be applied as shown
similarly in FIG. 26, this applies to all toothbrushes described
above.
[0219] FIGS. 31 to 33 shows various brush heads that with
differently positioned top rings 3, and inner rings 12 that can be
used for the toothbrush in FIG. 30 instead of the double washer
ring 24 which is used in FIGS. 26 and 30. There may be one or more
locking rings 3, 12 incorporated at different positions, there also
may be just one ring but this has to be below the upper casing 27
in order to lock the brush head securely within the toothbrush head
1. Similar ring formations may be used for the brush heads in FIG.
26 providing there's no obstruction to the variable internal handle
23.
[0220] The mechanical manual toothbrush is made from plastic
material, rubber, metal material, bristle fibres, or from a
combination of these materials.
[0221] The mechanical manual toothbrush is either moulded or/and
glued together, or conjoined by a series of small male and female
clips or a combination thereof.
[0222] All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2;
the toothbrush heads may or may not include bristles 4, the handles
5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
[0223] The guides 8, 9 can be removed and the rotation and orbital
movement can still apply, however, the motion can be interrupted or
the pattern broken more easily depending on the circular motion or
lack of, when the consumer brushes their teeth.
[0224] The toothbrush head 1 including brush heads 2 may be
attached to a standard non-electrical handle part 5, or can also be
used in conjunction with an motorised electrical handle 5 part,
whereby the handle contains an electrical motor and vibrating part,
this can be rechargeable or battery powered.
[0225] FIG. 34 illustrates an exploded side view of the mechanical
manual toothbrush where all components can be seen, with the bottom
part being the tongue scrubber 18, which connects to the toothbrush
handle 5 and toothbrush head 1 which are adjoined together as one
part, this also has incorporated within the inverted cog aperture
6, the brush head 2 is seated onto the toothbrush head 1 or
toothbrush base 11 where the brush head cog 10 is seated within the
inverted cog aperture 6, the brush head washer 3 rests on top of
the toothbrush head base 11. The upper casing 27 which includes
fixed bristles 4 is placed on top of the rest of the assembly where
the brush head bristles 32 appear through the upper casing aperture
28. The upper casing aperture 28 and the brush head washer 3 are
sized accordingly so the cog 10 is not openly exposed as the
toothbrush and thus the mechanism is in use. As well as the tongue
scrubber 18, a rubber handle grip may also be incorporated into the
surface of the toothbrush handle 5 for extra grip while in use.
[0226] FIG. 35 shows a top view of FIG. 34, shown also is the
underside of the brush head 2 which is the cog teeth 10 and the
inverted cog teeth 6 in the toothbrush head 1. The teeth of the cog
10 and inverted cog 6 may consist of various different formations,
shapes and sizes which will affect the movement and motion pattern
of the cog mechanism.
[0227] FIG. 36 shows a similar assembly to the one in FIG. 34, the
difference being the aperture 28 for the bristles 32 is not raised
from the surface of the upper casing 27, as well as the washer
aperture 13 being built into the toothbrush base 11.
[0228] FIG. 37 shows an example of the toothbrush where this time
there is a locking washer cap 29 that locks the brush head 2 into
the toothbrush head 1; the cap 29 is locked into position by
clips.
[0229] FIG. 38 shows an exploded view of the toothbrush whereby the
brush head 2 is inserted from the underside of the main housing 11,
1. Once the brush head 2 is inserted though the bristle aperture
28, the cog 10 and inverted cog aperture 6 is in position and the
brush head washer 12 fits into its aperture 13, then the toothbrush
underside casing 30 that has a tongue scrubber 18 incorporated in
it will be placed and locked into the toothbrush head 1 by a series
of clips or bonding compound or glue. A similar bonding method will
be used for upper casing 28 in other example described.
[0230] Shown in FIG. 39 is an illustration on a way in which an
internal washer 12 can be attached to a brush head 2 by means of a
locking clip 31 which is incorporated into the brush head guide 9,
this simple attachment process can prove beneficial in the
production process.
[0231] FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of the brush head 2 within the
toothbrush head 1, showing the guide 9 which protrudes from the
underside of the cog 10, and the guide that protrudes from the
inverted cog aperture guide 8 pointing in the opposite direction,
these guides assists the mechanism and brush head 2 to work in a
fuller orbital movement to avoid any break in the perpetuation when
used by the consumer. In this example the guides 8, 9 have points
on the tips to assist in positioning during assembly and the
manufacturing process.
[0232] FIG. 41 shows side view and top view of a brush head 2 with
4 dental floss bristles 33 bits which may have rubber tips
incorporated into the bristle 33; these have thinner and more
square shaped ends to allow better cleaning in between gaps of the
teeth, there can be more or less dental floss bristles 33
incorporated. The rubber end bits on the dental floss 33 bristles
allows tension, and more grip against the teeth thus assisting the
brush head and mechanism to move and work easier.
[0233] FIG. 42 illustrates a side view and top view of a brush head
2 with angled bristles 34 and vertical bristles 32. The angled
bristles 34 are rooted around the outer side of the brush head 2,
these angled bristles are angled towards the centre of the brush
head, this will allow a push or tension against the teeth while in
use thus to allow the mechanism and brush head 2 to move and
function better. There are four angled bristles 34 equally space
around the outer ring of the brush head 2, there may be more of
these bristles 34 incorporated. The edges of the angled bristles 34
are also flat in this example. Other vertical bristles 32 and
angled bristles 34 may also have rubber edged ends to allow more
grip against teeth to assist brush head 2 and the mechanism
movement.
[0234] FIGS. 43A and 43B shows a example of angled bristles 34
similar to those in FIG. 42, the difference being the ends of the
angle bristles 34 have a sharp edge rather than a flat edge
allowing the edges to help clean between the gaps of teeth and
allowing tension against the teeth.
[0235] FIG. 44A shows a side view of a variation of the brush head
2 in FIG. 43, and FIG. 44B shows a top view. The brush head cog 10
part is angled along with the angled bristles 34, this allows the
force applied to the brush head 2 when come in contact against the
consumer's teeth to be focused down and outward to help push the
brush head 2 sideward and thus in a rotating and orbital motion as
the mechanism engages. FIG. 44B shows there can be more than four
angled bristles 34 equally separated.
[0236] FIG. 46A shows a side view of angled bristles 34 that cross
each other, the two angled bristles 34 on the outer circle are
angled towards each other, the correlating angled bristles 34 on
the inner circle are paired and move away from each other, each
bristle from each pair will also have a bristle from another pair
angling towards each other, this pattern is consistent and applies
throughout the inner circle of the brush head 2, the same can be
done for the outer circle. FIG. 46B illustrates the pairing, where
on the outer circle the shaded bristle is the right hand angled
bristle and the non-shaded is the left hand angled bristle, the gap
in-between the shaded and non-shaded can be filled with a normal
vertical bristle 32, or the angled bristles 34 can be paired more
closer to pack more angled pairs of angle bristles 34 in. On the
inner circle the shaded is the left angled bristle and the
non-shaded is the right hand angled bristle. The angled bristles,
vertical bristles and rubber incorporated bristles may be included
and set in different patterns and formation to allow the brush head
2 to offer various cleaning sensations of the teeth. These various
bristle designs and formations may be incorporated in all the
designs described.
[0237] FIGS. 46C and 46D shows gap fill bristles 35, these fill in
the gaps created by the angled bristles 34, and these may or may
not be included.
[0238] FIGS. 47A to 47C illustrate a different formation of angled
bristles 34 incorporated into the brush head 2, the angled bristles
34 on the outer circle angle towards the centre of the brush head
2, and the angled brush heads on the inner circle of the brush head
are angled away from the centre of the brush head 2, these angled
bristles 34 run through the entire circumference of the outer and
inner circle of the brush head 2. This particular formation
encourages brush head movement by having directional push when the
angled bristles 34 make contact with the consumer's teeth. The
angled bristles 34 may also be sharp edged like depicted in FIG.
43B. FIGS. 47B and 47C show the gap fill bristles 35 are rooted
where there is a gap formed due to the angled bristle 34
positioning.
[0239] FIG. 48 shows an angled bristle 34 that is surrounded at the
root by a rubber socket 36 which gives the bristle 34 more strength
and support giving it added tension, the same applies for the
vertical bristle 32.
[0240] FIG. 49A is a side view of the brush head 2 with friction
reducing bits 37, and FIG. 49B is a view of the underside of the
brush head 2. The friction reducing bits 37 are shaped as semi
globe shapes, the end of the semi globe bit 37 will have less
surface area in contact with the base of the inverted cog aperture
6 thus allowing less friction when in motion. The inverted cog
aperture 6 base will consist of a smooth flat surface that may
include a shiny smooth texture to allow less friction as the
reducing friction bits 37 from the underside of the brush head 2
skate across the surface, this may apply to all examples
described.
[0241] FIG. 50 illustrates a side view of the brush head 2 with
friction reducing bits 37 in the shape of indentations bits that
are inverted semi globe shapes, cylinder holes or notches on the
underside of the cog 10 base that creates an air cushion against
the flat smooth surface of the inverted cog aperture 6 base when
the cog 10 and brush head 2 is in use.
[0242] FIG. 51 depicts the different types of textured surface that
can be applied to help reduce friction of the underside of the cog
10 base when in contact with the inverted cog aperture 6 base;
these examples show a crossing grid texture and lines texture to
reduce friction between the smooth flat surface of the cog aperture
6.
[0243] FIG. 53 shows to the left the underside of a friction
reducing rim 38 and to the right a 3D embodiment of the brush head
2, the rim exerts less friction on the inverted cog aperture 6
base, as well as generating a cushion of air when the toothbrush is
in use. FIG. 54 shows a similar example but with a guide 9
incorporated on the underside of the cog 10 base, the guide 9 is a
semi globe shape or a cylinder shape. FIG. 55 shows an embodiment
of the guide 9 and guide 8 protruding from the inverted cog
aperture 6 base or toothbrush base 11.
[0244] FIG. 56 shows an underside view of the brush head 2 with
semi globe shaped or cylinder shaped friction reducing bits 37
including the guide 9, FIG. 57 shows a similar embodiment but
without the guide 9.
[0245] FIG. 58 is an illustration of the toothbrush head 1 with the
inverted cog aperture 6 that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11
which includes the reducing friction bits 37, thus the cog 10 base
will be flat and smooth in this instance, this method can also be
used with the other forms of friction reducing bits 37 and rim 38,
and guides 9,8.
[0246] FIG. 59 shows a friction reducing ball ring 39 which is
placed in between the cog 10 base and the inverted cog aperture 6
base instead of using the friction reducing bits 37.
[0247] FIG. 60 shows a mechanical manual toothbrush with a
toothbrush head 1 part and a toothbrush handle part 5 that are
detachable. The male locking part 16 of the toothbrush handle 5
inserts into the toothbrush head 1 female locking part 15, and the
locking rims 17 lock into opposite rims in the female locking part
15. There may also be other locking methods used including a series
of clips. This detachable toothbrush head 1 system can be applied
to all described above.
[0248] All components described above may be interchanged with one
another and used in various configurations and combinations.
[0249] The mechanical manual toothbrush is made from plastic
material, rubber, metal material, bristle fibres, Nylon, or from a
combination of these materials.
[0250] The mechanical manual toothbrush is either moulded or/and
glued together or adjoined by a series of small male and female
clips or a combination of these methods.
[0251] All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2;
the toothbrush head 1 may or may not include bristles 4, the
handles 5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
[0252] The guides 8, 9 can be removed and the rotational and
orbital movement will still apply. The cog 10 and inverted cog 6
teeth consist of different shapes, sizes and amounts; these will
affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush
head 2 when engaged. The diameter of the cog 10 and cog aperture 6
can also consist of different shapes and sizes; this will also
affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush
head 2 when engaged.
[0253] The toothbrush head 1 may be a separate detachable part
including brush heads 2 that can be attached to a standard
non-electrical handle part 5, or can also be attached and used in
conjunction with a motorised electrical handle 5 part, whereby the
handle contains an electrical motor or electrically charged
vibrating part generating pulses of vibrations to the bristles,
this can be rechargeable or battery powered.
[0254] FIG. 61 illustrates the internal cogs of q vibrating
mechanical toothbrush, the outer cog 6 of which is moulded as part
of the toothbrush head 1 in an eye or oblong shape, and the round
cog 10 is attached to the brush head. When the toothbrush is used
the brush head cog 10 will engage with the outer oblong cog to make
the brush head cog 10 rotate and move in an orbital movement.
[0255] FIG. 62 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but
with the outer cog 6 being round.
[0256] FIG. 63 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but
with an additional round cog ring housing 42 or cog ring 42 that
has teeth on inner and outer walls, positioned in-between the outer
or inverted cog aperture 6 and the round brush head cog 10. With
the three cog system, as the brush head 2 brushes against the
user's teeth, the cog 10 will engage with the cog ring 42, and the
cog ring 42 in turn will engage with the outer cog aperture 6 thus
allowing a smoother mechanism and one which will encourage the
brush head 2 to rotate faster and increase rotations per user
brushstroke.
[0257] FIG. 64 shows a formation of a three cogs system, similar to
that shown in FIG. 62 but with an additional cog ring 42. This
illustration is similar to the mechanism shown in FIG. 63 with the
difference being that the outer cog aperture 6 is circular in
shape.
[0258] FIG. 65 illustrates an overview of the cog formation shown
in FIG. 64, housed in the toothbrush head 1. To the far right of
the illustration is the brush head 2 including the cog 10 that fits
into the cog ring 42 of the toothbrush head 1.
[0259] FIG. 66 illustrates an exploded side view of the three cog
system shown in FIG. 65. Shown in this example is the cog ring
housing 42 that actually houses the brush head cog 10, as well as
its inner side being an inverted cog engaging with both the brush
head cog 10, and the outer side engaging with the cog aperture 6 of
the toothbrush head 1. FIG. 67 shows a similar mechanism, but with
the use of the hollow cog ring 42 which the brush head cog 10
actually inserts through. Incorporated on the underside of the
toothbrush head 1 is a tongue scrubber 18.
[0260] FIG. 68 illustrates an assembled internal side view of a
toothbrush showing the inner cog system depicted in FIG. 66, as
well as including the uppercasing 27 with addition bristles 4
housing the cog mechanism.
[0261] FIGS. 69 to 69G shows a side view of the circular brush
heads 2 that are formed of different shaped bristles, these
different shapes alter the cleaning sensation the brush head
bristles 32 will have on the consumers' teeth. FIG. 69D has wave or
ripple shaped surface made up from bristles 32. FIG. 69E shows
angled bristles with a centre cluster of bristles that expand
outwards as they get further from the base. FIG. 69F depicts a
brush head 2 with stiffer bristles and smoother tip ends so the
contact is not to harsh on the consumers' teeth, yet still having
enough tension between the brush head 2 and the consumers' teeth to
allow or force the cog mechanism to drive. FIG. 69G shows a brush
head 2 with angled bristles 34 that are angled towards the centre
of the brush head 2; the bristles 34, 32 may include a combination
of normal bristles 32 and rubber incorporated or rubber dental
floss bristles 33 or even the rubber bristle socket 36 allowing for
a more stiffer bristle.
[0262] FIG. 70 shows a top view of a cog mechanism that consists of
a four cog system. The brush head cog 10 is hollow inside and is
similar to the ring cog 42 in its functionality, the hollow brush
head cog 10 which has teeth running on the inner side only is
placed over a small cog or drive shaft cog 40, the drive shaft cog
40 is part of the ring housing cog 42, and are treated as one
piece. The ring housing cog 42 has a smooth inner wall similar to
the outer wall of the brush head cog 10. As the brush head moves in
a circular motion the brush head cog 10 pushes against the ring cog
42, which in turn engages the ring cog 42 with the outer cog
aperture 6, as all cogs are engaged and work together the drive
shaft cog 40 also rotates and helps drive the brush head cog 10 to
rotate.
[0263] FIG. 71 shows an exploded side view of the various
components of the cog system depicted in FIG. 70.
[0264] FIG. 72 shows a similar mechanism to the one described in
FIG. 70, however the difference being both inner wall of the ring
housing cog 42 and outer wall of the brush head cog 10 have teeth,
therefore the driving mechanism consisting of a six cog system.
[0265] The cog mechanism in FIG. 73 is similar to the one described
in FIG. 70, the difference being the outer cog aperture 6 being
oblong or elongated in shape. The same applies for the cog
configuration used in FIG. 72 that may also be used in-conjunction
with an oblong cog aperture 6.
[0266] FIG. 74 illustrates an exploded side view of the toothbrush
head 1 with the different cog components included in FIG. 72. The
way this toothbrush may be assembled is from the cog ring 42
including the drive shaft cog 40 being placed into the outer cog
aperture 6 which is moulded into the toothbrush base 11 including
handle 5, then the brush head and hollow cog 10 is placed over the
drive shaft cog 40 and to secure all the component parts and
mechanism the toothbrush upper casing 27 is placed on top and fixed
via clips or moulded by glue, heat. The upper casing also includes
bristles 4. FIG. 75 illustrates the toothbrush head 1 with all the
components come together, and FIG. 76 shows the stagnant bristles 4
that may be used to cover the toothbrush head 1, these may include
other angled 33 and rubber incorporated bristles 34.
[0267] FIG. 77 shows a 2 cog system, the hollow brush head cog 10
placing over a circular central guide 9 that rotates and is held
into position by means of a pivot pin 41 or it is a stagnant
circular guide 9 that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11. The
brush head cog 10 engages with the cog aperture 6 when the
toothbrush is used in a circular motion.
[0268] FIG. 78 illustrates a stationary central guide 9 with the
brush head cog 10 being placed over it.
[0269] FIG. 79 shows a four cog system, the hollow brush head cog
10 which has cog teeth on both sides is placed over a small central
cog 43 that rotates and is held into position by means of a pivot
pin 41 shown in FIG. 80 that secures it to the toothbrush base 11.
The small central cog 43 may be used as a damper component and
guide 9 to assist with a smoother and more controlled action of the
mechanism. The small central cog 43 may also be stationary and
moulded as part of the toothbrush base 11, this will encourage and
enhance movement of the brush head cog 10 and thus the brush head 2
itself as they both engage while the toothbrush is in use. The
brush head cog 10 engages with the cog aperture 6 when the
toothbrush is used in a circular motion.
[0270] FIG. 81 shows a top view of a two cog system, it is similar
to the cog system in FIG. 79, the difference being instead of the
outer aperture being an inverted cog 6 it comprises a circular
aperture with a smooth wall around it, with the outer side of the
brush head cog 10 also being smooth.
[0271] FIG. 82 shows a side view of a brush head 2 and the internal
cog system that consists of a six cog system including a stationary
or rotating small central cog 43. The six cogs system will allow
more brush head 2 rotations per brushing cycle or brush strokes by
the user and a smoother mechanical action.
[0272] FIG. 83 shows a four cog system in which the brush head cog
10 is held in place by a pin 41 inserted into the toothbrush head
base 11 to allow it to pivot thus rotate. As the toothbrush is in
use the bristles of the ring cog 42 will push against the consumers
teeth and engage the driving mechanism, engaging and running its
outer side teeth with the inverted outer cog 6, and with the inner
cog teeth of the ring cog 42 engaging against the brush head cog
10, thus allowing the ring cog 42 and corresponding bristles to
move in an orbiting like movement, and the brush head cog 6 and
brush head 2 to rotate. The cog mechanism may also be adapted to
work so that the brush head cog 10 does not move and is affixed to
the toothbrush base 11, where the cog ring 42 still is able to
move. The brush head cog 10 may also be free moving and not affixed
to the toothbrush head base 1, meaning the outer inverted cog 6 may
be included as elongated or oblong in shape. These modifications
may be applied to cog systems illustrated and used in FIGS. 84 to
91.
[0273] FIG. 84 shows a side view of the toothbrush head 1. In this
example the middle cog is a ring housing cog 42 that has a hole in
the middle to allow the pivot pin 41 of the brush head 2 to connect
through to the toothbrush head base 11. The cog mechanism in FIG.
83 may also be adapted to work so that the brush head cog 10
doesn't move and is affixed to the toothbrush base 11, and the only
moving part therefore being the ring housing cog 42 and its brush
head bristles 32.
[0274] FIG. 85 is a top external view of the toothbrush head 1
shown in FIG. 84 with the brush head bristles 32, toothbrush head
bristles 4 and handle 5 connected.
[0275] FIG. 86 shows an exploded view of a toothbrush, shown is a
toothbrush base 11 with brush head 2 which is affixed by a pivot
pin 41, over the brush head goes the ring cog 42 and over both is
placed the toothbrush head cover or uppercasing 27 which includes
the outer cog 6. This toothbrush functions in the same way as the
toothbrush shown in FIG. 84. FIG. 87 illustrates a side view of the
toothbrush in its assembled form.
[0276] A variation of the toothbrush in FIG. 86 is whereby the
brush head 2 is free moving and without a connecting pivot pin 41,
the brush head cog 10 is housed between the ring cog 42 and the
toothbrush base 11, and in-turn both cogs 10, 42 are housed by the
toothbrush upper casing 27, as the brush head bristles 32 make
contact against the consumer's teeth the cog mechanism initiates
and all three cogs work together to rotate and move the cog ring 42
and brush head cog 10 while the toothbrush is used in a circular
motion.
[0277] FIG. 88 show top view of an internal cog system whereby the
brush head cog 10 rotates via a pivot pin 41 or axle and the
surrounding cog ring 42 moves in an orbital motion, the inner side
of the cog ring 42 has teeth and the outer side is smooth, the
aperture 6 wall that surrounds the cogs ring 42 is smooth and is
incorporated into the toothbrush head uppercasing 27. When the
mechanism is engaged and moving the ring cog 42 will move in an
orbiting movement and the outer wall will touch the wall of the
aperture 6, as the ring cog 42 moves, its inner teeth engage with
the brush head cog 10 and the brush head 2 rotates. Another version
would be where the brush head 2 and cog 10 would not rotate and be
set in as part of the toothbrush head base 11, and the only moving
part would be the ring cog 42 and the associated brush head
bristles 32.
[0278] FIG. 89 shows the external top view of the toothbrush head 1
that belongs to the internal mechanism shown in FIG. 88. The brush
head 2 is covered with bristles 4, and the ring cog 42 is also
covered with brush head bristles 32. The internal side view is
similar to that depicted in FIG. 87. This toothbrush works in the
same way as the one depicted in FIG. 87, the difference is it uses
a two cog system
[0279] FIG. 90 shows an exploded side view of an elongated
toothbrush head 1 that is similar to the conventional manual
toothbrush heads, included is the cog mechanism shown in FIGS. 88,
89. The cog mechanism in FIGS. 83, 84 and 86 may also be used with
this elongated design. FIG. 91 shows a top external view of the
toothbrush head 1 with the surrounding bristles 4 that mimic a
typical manual toothbrush shape. FIG. 90A illustrates a similar
toothbrush head 1 depicted in FIG. 90 and FIG. 86, the difference
being the aperture or cog aperture 6 is moulded into, and part of
the actual toothbrush head base 11 instead of the uppercasing 27;
this may be incorporated similarly in other examples of
toothbrushes described.
[0280] FIG. 92 shows an internal cog mechanism which consists of
the brush head cog 10 which is affixed by a pivot pin 41; the ring
cog 42 surrounding the brush head cog 10 has the same amount of
teeth as the far outer cog 6 that is part of the outer casing 27.
When the toothbrush is in use and the cog mechanism is in motion
the teeth of the ring cog 42 push against the teeth of the outer
inverted cog 6 and this in turn allows movement, that engages the
teeth of the ring cog 42 with the teeth of the brush head cog 10,
and the interaction of the cogs encourages the brush head 2 to
rotate. A variation of this cog mechanism is where the brush head
cog 10 is not secured by a pivot pin 41 and is free to interact
with the ring cog 42, to move and rotate freely.
[0281] FIG. 93 shows a top external view of the toothbrush head 1,
shown are the brush head bristles 32 incorporated into the ring cog
42 that make contact against the users' teeth and allow the cog
system to initiate.
[0282] FIG. 94 shows an exploded side view of the cog mechanism
depicted in FIG. 92 but this time it's placed within an elongated
toothbrush head 1. FIG. 95 shows an external top view of the
toothbrush head 1 in FIG. 94.
[0283] FIG. 96 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar
to the one show in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head cog
10 is slotted into a cylindrical aperture within the toothbrush
head base 11, which houses the brush head 10 instead of having to
use the pivot pin 41. As the toothbrush is in use the consumer's
teeth will brush against the bristles 32 incorporated into cog ring
42 and in-turn this will engage the brush head cog 10 to rotate the
brush head 2.
[0284] FIG. 97 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar
to the one show in FIG. 94, the difference being no pivot pin 41 is
needed, the brush head 10 is slotted into position from the
underside of the toothbrush head 1, and the brush head 10 has a
washer 12 or rim to secure it in its housing, with a cap or
underside cover 30 that fits into the underside of the toothbrush
head base 11.
[0285] FIG. 98 shows a cone with a round sphere connecting bit that
is one piece and fits into a sphere aperture in the underside of
the brush head cog 10, the cone part fits into a cone like aperture
in the toothbrush base 11, this allows the brush head 2 to be
directed into the edge wall of the inverted cog aperture 6 without
having to tilt. FIG. 98A shows a similar cone shape but this time
the sphere connecting bit is also a cone. FIGS. 98B to 98O are also
various brush heads with additional component parts to assist with
movement when the toothbrush is in use. The different shaped
internal cog 10 and cog aperture 6 parts and components are
incorporated to help the cog 10 to rotate or move more easily,
creating less friction and a more centred point of gravity. Some of
the internal cog systems mainly FIGS. 98H to 98J will tilt towards
the outer wall of the aperture cog 6 and thus encourage or force
the brush head cog 10 teeth to engage against the teeth of the cog
aperture 6. These brush head components will be typically used for
the two cog system.
[0286] FIG. 99 is a diagram of the internal mechanics of a brush
head 2 with a cone shape guide 9 protruding from the underside of
the brush head cog 10, and another cone shape guide 8 protruding
from the centre of the toothbrush head base 11, pointing in the
opposite direction. The guides help the brush head cog 10 teeth to
be forced against the outer inverted cog 6 teeth when in
motion.
[0287] FIG. 100 shows a top view of a two cog mechanism toothbrush
head 1.
[0288] FIG. 101 illustrates an internal top view and FIG. 102 shows
an internal side view of a mechanism including a cone shape bit
that helps concentrate the centre of gravity to allow the brush
head 2 to tilt when in use.
[0289] FIG. 103 shows a brush head 2 with the bristles 32 being
partially covered in a rubber sleeve 36 or sock 36 to keep the
bristles 32 stiffer or more firm, these may be incorporated into
all the brush heads 2, 42 mentioned as well as into the toothbrush
head 1 itself. These rubber sleeved bristles 36 assist in creating
a more firmer or stronger contact force with the consumers' teeth
thus creating more force to run the mechanical cog systems. Other
rubber dental floss type bristles may also be used.
[0290] FIG. 103 shows a two cog system that uses different shaped
teeth/bits, these teeth can generally be of different shapes and
sizes providing they create a suitable contact with each other that
allows the cog mechanism to engage and function, this applies to
all the cogs and cog systems described. As well as the use of cog
teeth, abrasive surfaces can also create friction and act as cog
teeth and therefore, may be incorporated instead of cog teeth in
the examples of the described rotating cog systems.
[0291] FIG. 105 illustrates a side view of the brush head 2 and cog
mechanism, where the brush head rim cog 45 is ring shaped with
ridges running around it on the underside of the brush head 2.
Similarly there is a rim cog 45 opposite to the accompanying ridges
which are embedded into the ring housing cog 42, which the brush
head rim cog 45 fits into, these in turn are housed within the
inverted cog aperture 6, which has teeth that connect with the
teeth of the outer wall of the ring housing cog 42 as the
toothbrush is in use. FIG. 107 is an aerial illustration of a rim
cog 45, the ridges or teeth may be spaced closer or further from
each other.
[0292] FIG. 106 shows an internal side view of a brush head where
the cog is on the under side and the engaging cog opposite it is
incorporated into the toothbrush head base 11. The tip of the
triangle shape on the underside of the brush head 2 fits into a
notch that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11, this raises the
brush head slightly to allow a tilting effect and to pin point the
centre of gravity to influence the brush head 2 to tilt a
particular way when in use.
[0293] FIG. 107 illustrates the cog rim 45 that may be incorporated
into the underside of the brush head 2, toothbrush head base 11,
and ring housing cog 42.
[0294] FIG. 108 shows a variation of the brush head 2 in FIG. 106,
which includes a ball moulded into the brush head base or loosely
place in-between the 2 cog parts.
[0295] FIG. 109 shows a brush head 2 with the rim cogs 45 both on
top and bottom of the brush head 2 and the opposite rim cogs
incorporated into the toothbrush head base 11 and uppercasing 27 or
cover. The rod also attached to the brush head 2 will allow the
brush head 2 to be raised to pin point the centre of gravity and
influence a tilt effect when in use.
[0296] FIG. 110 shows a brush head 2 with a cone shape like cog 10
on the underside and its inverted opposite cog 6 incorporated into
the base.
[0297] FIG. 111 depicts an aerial view of the cone shaped cog 10,
or inverted cone shaped cog 6.
[0298] FIG. 112 shows examples of the different textures that can
be used instead of cog teeth which allow friction and thus move the
brush head when in use. The left side of the illustration is the
equivalent to the rim cog 45, and the right side shows the
equivalent to the cone shaped cog 10.
[0299] FIG. 113 illustrates a brush head 2 and the round sphere cog
10 that is inserted into the sphere cog aperture 6 that's
incorporated into the toothbrush base 11. The sphere cog 10 has
ridges running around it and the corresponding inverted sphere cog
aperture 6 also has accompanying ridges or teeth that engage
together when the mechanism is in use.
[0300] FIG. 114 shows a similar version of FIG. 113, with an
addition of a cone like guide protruding from the toothbrush base
11, and the corresponding brush head cone shape aperture. The cone
and cone aperture has ridges running top to bottom, these act like
the cog 10 and cog aperture 6.
[0301] FIGS. 115 to 117 depict different versions of cog apertures
6 and cogs 10, both have the same amount of teeth or arms and are
sized to restrict any rotational movement; the different shaped cog
teeth or arms are formed to allow the brush head 2 to move in a
oscillating like movement, as the brush head 2 moves to the outer
edges, the cog teeth 10 and thus the brush head 2 moves in-relation
to the accompanying shapes of the inverted cog teeth 6.
[0302] FIG. 118 shows a brush head 2 and mechanism that is similar
to the brush head 2 depicted in FIG. 116, the difference being the
cog teeth or ridges are angled in a different direction, and there
are incorporated cog 6 and inverted cog 10 to the sides, this may
be included or excluded, the same may be applied to the brush head
2 depicted in FIG. 116.
[0303] FIGS. 119 to 122 illustrate internal side views of various
brush head 2 and internal cog systems. These cog systems are
similar in configuration to the systems previously described, the
difference being the cogs have been modified in size or insertion
ordering to allow the cog system including brush heads 2, cogs 6,
40, 42, 43 to be inserted from the underside of the toothbrush head
main 1, and the internal cog systems are secured in-place by the
toothbrush underside casing 30. Other cog systems and mechanism
described may also be modified in a similar way to allow for the
component parts of the cog system to be inserted from the
toothbrush head 1 underside.
[0304] The FIG. 122 cog mechanism may also be configured so it
includes a central cog 43 similar to the one shown in FIG. 121
meaning the brush head cog 10 will have include an inner inverted
cog to accommodate the small central cog 43, the outer wall of the
brush head cog 10 will be smooth and free of any cog teeth,
likewise the inner and outer walls of the ring cog 42 and wall of
the cog aperture 6. The ring cog 42 acts simply as a facilitator to
drive the brush head cog 6 and central cog shaft 43 mechanism as
the user's teeth engage with its bristles.
[0305] FIG. 123 shows an internal side view of a brush head 2 with
a washer 12 splitting top and bottom part of the cog 10. The washer
12 also locks and helps hold the cog 10 in place while the cog
mechanism is engaged, this locking washer 12 may also be
incorporated into particular cog systems described.
[0306] FIG. 124 shows a side internal view of the two cog system
depicted in FIG. 61, shown is a brush head cog 10 that is inserted
into the toothbrush head main base 11 from underneath, and the
inverted cog aperture 6 which is oblong in shape is incorporated
into the underside casing 30. FIG. 125 shows the oblong shape
orbital tract 7 that the brush head 2 will move in due to the shape
of the inverted cog 6, this oblong shape will mimic the similar
movement the consumer will naturally use for brushing their
teeth.
[0307] FIG. 126 illustrates an internal side view of the vibrating
mechanical toothbrush, included is the mechanical toothbrush head 1
part and the handle 5 part that includes the battery 52, and a
electric motor 46 with an offset weight 48 attached to the axel
which are encased within the electrical motor housing 47. There are
electric wires 49 both positive and negative that are connected to
the associated wire contacts 50, one wire is connected to the
switch 51 and the associated wire 49 to the battery 52 contact bit
50, the other wire connects to a battery hinged cap that makes
contact with the battery. The handle housing cap 54 seals and
closed the toothbrush housing. As the consumer uses the toothbrush
in a circular like movement the cog mechanism 10, 6 will engage and
thus the brush head 2 will rotated or move, in addition to the
brush head 2 moving, the On/Off switch 51 may be pressed to engage
the electrical motor making the counter weight 48 spin and thus
making the toothbrush head 1 vibrate.
[0308] FIG. 127 shows a similar toothbrush to the one in FIG. 126,
with the toothbrush head 1 this time being able to be detached and
re-attached, or replaced. The male handle part 16 has a locking
notch 17 which inserts and locks into the female toothbrush head
part 15; this also has a corresponding locking part.
[0309] FIG. 128 depicts an external side view of the toothbrush
shown in FIG. 126.
[0310] FIG. 129 shows a front external view of the vibrating
mechanical toothbrush in FIG. 128.
[0311] FIG. 130 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
toothbrush in FIG. 126, wherein the switch has a separate on/off
part and a metal clip contact bit that is shaped and behaves in
accordance to which switch button is pressed. When the top switch
button is pressed the clip is arched with its edge pointing down,
as the edge points down the switch contact clip 55 makes contact a
metal contact part 50 the is linked to the motor via a wire 49, the
other side to the clip is always in contact with the battery 52.
Also depicted to the bottom of the diagram is a hatch or door is
used to secure the battery in the main handle housing and also act
as a contact bit.
[0312] FIGS. 131 to 133 illustrate the rechargeable vibrating
mechanical toothbrush, which is seated in its charger 56. The
charger or induction charger 56 has a primary coil 57 in the base
and has an iron peg 59 running through, the base of the toothbrush
handle 5 has also a secondary coil 58 within and this is placed
over the peg 59, this peg 59 also secures the toothbrush to the
charger base. The peg 59 acts as the core linking the primary 57
and secondary coils 58 electromagnetically, when both coils 57, 58
come together a complete transformer is realised that works by
electromagnetic induction, whereby the energy flows from the coil
57 in the charger to the coil 58 in the toothbrush handle 5 base
though the peg 59. The coil 58 in the toothbrush base is connected
to the circuit board 61, and the rechargeable battery 52 is
connected to both ends of the circuit board 61, the circuit
connection from the negative side of the battery 52 runs all the
way to the other end and connects to the vibrating motor 46 via the
contact bit 50. The motor 46 is contained in it metal housing 47
that is also connected to the metal male handle part 16. The
positive end on the battery 52 is connected to the other end of the
circuit board 61 and the electrical current is controlled via an
on/off switch 51. The charger is connected to the mains via an
electrical cord 62, as the charger is powered on, and the
toothbrush placed over the iron peg 59 that is covered in plastic a
charging light indicator light 63 also illuminates, the charging
indicator light 63 is also shown in the external illustration in
FIG. 131. The mechanical toothbrush head 1 that contains the
mechanical cog system and brush head 2 that is detachable. The male
handle part 16 has a locking notch 17 which inserts and locks into
the female toothbrush head part 15; this also has a corresponding
locking part. As the toothbrush is operated the motor 46 rotates
the offset weight 48 connected to the motor 46 via an axel or
shaft, causing the toothbrush head 1, brush head 2 and bristles to
vibrate and pulse. A silicon chip and processor may also be
incorporated within the toothbrush to include an electric
timer.
[0313] All components described above may be interchanged with one
another and used in various configurations.
[0314] The vibrating mechanical toothbrush is made from plastic,
rubber, metal material, magnet, bristle fibres, Nylon, or from a
combination of these materials.
[0315] The vibrating mechanical toothbrush is either moulded or/and
glued together or adjoined by a series of small male and female
clips or a combination of these methods. There may also be other
locking methods used, including all or combinations of a series of
clips, glue, pins, screw threading around toothbrush casing or
covers 27, 30 or heat moulding techniques. This detachable
toothbrush head 1 system can be applied to all described above.
[0316] All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2;
the toothbrush head 1 may or may not include bristles 4, the
handles 5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
[0317] The cog 10 and inverted cog 6 teeth consist of different
shapes, sizes and amounts; these will affect the behaviour, motion
and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged.
[0318] Different shaped teeth/bits can also be incorporated into
the cog systems, these teeth can generally be of different shapes
and sizes providing they create a suitable contact with each other
that allows the cog mechanism to engage and function, this applies
to all the cogs and cog systems described. Rubber may also be
incorporated into the cog teeth to allow grip between teeth, a
softer and smoother mechanical action. As well as the use of cog
teeth, abrasive surfaces can also create friction and act as cog
teeth and therefore, may be incorporated instead of cog teeth in
the examples of the described rotating cog systems.
[0319] The cog 10, ring cog 42 and cog aperture 6 can also consist
of different shapes and sizes; this will also affect the behaviour,
motion and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged.
The eye or oblong shape inverted cog aperture 6 may be incorporated
into the various cog systems where the brush head cog 10 is free to
move and not affixed by a pin or other guide 8, 9 restrictions.
There may also be introduced more ring/ring housing cogs 42 within
a cog system, for example a ring cog 42 within a ring cog 42, this
will affect the speed and movement of the brush head.
[0320] FIGS. 134 and 135 illustrate the brush head male cog 10 like
part that sits into the female inverted cog 6 like aperture, with a
moving telescopic moving washer 64 interlinking with the round
brush head's 2 double washer ring 24. The internal locking washer
12 helps to secure the brush head 2 to the toothbrush head 1 main
body 11. The washer locking aperture 13 allows the locking washer
12 to move freely yet allow the brush head 2 to still move. As the
brush head 2 moves so does the telescopic moving washer 64 and
therefore covering the internal workings of the toothbrush.
[0321] FIG. 136 shows a brush head 2, with a telescopic washer 64
which sits on top of the brush head top washer 3, the internal
workings and mechanics are covered and locked by the series of
washers that work in a telescopic fashion.
[0322] FIG. 137 shows the brush head 2, which is held in place by a
part that acts like the locking washer 12 but which additionally
has arms that are embodied within the main toothbrush head base 11
and is shaped to allow toothpaste and liquid to disperse through,
as the toothbrush is in use, there are drainage holes 65 or
channels within the base 11 that also allow liquid to drain.
[0323] FIG. 138 shows a similar mechanical system to the one shown
in FIG. 137 but this time the telescopic washer 64 is at the top
surface of the toothbrush head 1 and is held in place by clips that
allow the washer to move yet lock the brush head 2 and internal
mechanics in.
[0324] FIG. 140 depicts a side internal view of the internal brush
head 2 mechanism with friction reducing bits 37 incorporated with
the toothbrush base 11 which may consist of a plastic bit, a series
of small plastic pins, or even bristles to minimise contact with
the brush head washer 3. The double sided cog like ring 42 which
has contact surface on outer and inner sides also helps reduce the
circular orbiting movement but yet acts like an additional gear
against the other cog like means 10, 6. Also shown is drainage hole
65 which may also be incorporated a various places of the
toothbrush to reduce clogging and allow the inner parts of the
devise to be cleaned. FIG. 141 shows a similar variation of the
brush head 2 mechanism, with a cog ring 42 and locking means 12
from the underside of the brush head 2, again drainage
holes/channels 65 may also be incorporated in all designs
described.
[0325] FIG. 142 shows a side internal view and an embodiment of the
brush head 2 mechanism 6, 10 with the locking washer 12 securing
the brush head 2 to the toothbrush base 11. As the brush head 2
makes contact with the consumers teeth or surface while the handle
5 is moved in a circular motion the brush head 2 rotates in an
opposite direction, while it is still secured to the toothbrush
head 1 via the locking washer 12.
[0326] FIG. 143 shows a similar cog system to that shown in FIG.
142, but this time the brush head cog 10 (gear means) is hollowed
out thus creating less friction with toothpaste, and more area and
thus time for the toothpaste and liquid to disperse through
drainage holes 65 while in use. Also included are rounded or
pinpointed edges to reduce friction and minimise contact with the
toothbrush base 11.
[0327] FIGS. 145 to 145B show the underside of some different
textured friction/contact reducing bits 37 or rims 38, these may be
incorporated on the bottom of the brush head 2 cogs 10 like means
on all designs described, to reduce friction and clogging up and
sticking of the mechanism.
[0328] FIGS. 146 and 147 show a similar embodiment of the cog
system shown in FIG. 144, the brush head cog (gear means) consists
of multiple arms 10 that run all the way round and reduce contact
with the base 11, the contact points 10 are pin pointed thus
reducing friction, also the edges of the arms act like the male cog
like 10 bits that make contact with the outer wall 6 (or female cog
like means). The centre part where the arms join is hollowed out
thus creating room for movement and dispersion of toothpaste and
water while in use; drainage 65 may also be incorporated to help
with dispersion. FIG. 146 shows the brush head 2 which is slightly
raised and offset, so the arms can paddle through the toothpaste
liquid mixture if the mechanism clogs up, once the brush head 2 is
up to speed it will raise slightly like a hydrofoil and stabilise
into a more harmonious brush head rotating movement, and thus the
arms 10 touching the outer walls 6.
[0329] FIGS. 149 and 149A shows a parachute or detent means of
locking washer 12, FIG. 149 shows in a closed disposition and 149A
shows it in open and thus locked disposition.
[0330] FIGS. 150A and 151 show drainage channels 65, these may be
incorporated into all designs described where appropriate.
[0331] FIG. 153 shows a system where the contact arms 10 curl
inward and also reduce contact surface with the base 11. The
contact arms 10 are shaped to coincide with the recesses of the
corresponding female cog like means 6; this also applies to all
similar contact arm 10 designs described. Also may include drainage
holes 65.
[0332] FIG. 155 shows an internal side view of a variation of the
brush head 2 and driving mechanism, there is a locking washer 12
that inserts through the locking clips 66 and fits within the
hollow brush head cog like means 10. The locking clips 6 may also
have frictions reducing bits 37.
[0333] FIGS. 156 and 159 show variations of the brush head 2 and
driving mechanism in FIG. 155, wherein the shape of the locking
washer 12 is different and has addition locking notches 67, these
clip locking notches may also be included for FIG. 155, to safety
lock the locking clips also. FIG. 159 is like a hybrid of FIGS. 155
and 156, where the cog like means 10 is similar to that of FIG.
155, but with the protruding locking clips 66 as in FIG. 156.
[0334] FIG. 161 shows the brush head 2 and driving mechanism 6, 10
which is protected and covered from toothpaste and liquid by a
flexible rubber flange 68.
[0335] FIGS. 162 to 167 illustrate the various different forms of
brush head 2 and mechanical systems 6, 10, these are shaped to
reduced clogging from toothpaste and liquid, including friction
reducing bits 37 or short upside-down bristles 37 and drainage
holes or channels 65. The short upside-down bristles 37 help create
a flexible and more free movement when surrounded by toothpaste and
liquid, it also moves and dislodges the liquid to allow the
mechanism not to get stuck, the friction reducing bits 37 may also
consist of a plastic bit, a series of small plastic pins which may
be slightly flexible, these can be include in all designs described
where appropriate.
[0336] FIG. 167 illustrates a toothbrush head 1 with a brush head
that is locked internally via a washer 12, and friction reducing
bits 37 at the top, which may include a full brush head bristle 32
on the upside 32. FIG. 168 shows a brush head 2 that is raised by a
locking washer 12 that is fitted within the cog like means 10, and
included are drainage holes or channels 65 that allow the
dispersion of toothpaste and liquid.
[0337] FIG. 169 illustrates a similarly raised locking means 12 to
the one in FIG. 168 but in this case the brush head 2 has a male
cog like means 10 that fits into the locking means 12, and the
locking means has cog like means 6 that work with each other to
rotate the brush head 2. The outer series of cog like means 6, 10
may or may not be included.
[0338] FIG. 171 and FIG. 171A show some examples of the different
contact bits that may be applied to the male and female cog like
means 6, 10 to allow more traction or contact between them.
[0339] FIG. 172 shows the brush head 2 and driving mechanics 6, 10
with an offset pivot pin 41 that also raises the brush head 2 from
the internal base 11 of the toothbrush head 1, this locks the brush
head 2 and help reduce the system from clogging or jamming with
liquids.
[0340] Although the embodiments of the invention described above
all comprise toothbrushes, similar structures will be of advantage
in other brushing devices, for example for polishing or scrubbing.
The features above may equally well be applied to most other forms
of manually employable brushing devices, provided with bristles per
se, or with equivalent structures.
[0341] For example, the above mechanisms may be applied to brushes
for polishing shoes; brushes for washing and polishing cars or
other vehicles; body brushes, scrubbers, exfoliators and massaging
brushes; facial exfoliating brushes; shaving brushes; dishwashing
brushes; scrubbing brushes for floors, walls, ovens, worktops, or
the like; floor polishing brushes; and wire brushes for maintaining
suede or for cleaning off rust, etc.
[0342] It is also believed that such mechanisms would be useful in
devices which might not be considered as brushes in the strict
sense, but which are used with a similar motion across a surface to
be acted upon, such as sanding blocks. The term "brushing device"
should therefore also be understood to incorporate such analogous
devices not actually comprising bristles per se.
* * * * *