U.S. patent application number 13/060328 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for maneuverable bristle toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd.. Invention is credited to Avi Zini.
Application Number | 20110179594 13/060328 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41506539 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110179594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zini; Avi |
July 28, 2011 |
MANEUVERABLE BRISTLE TOOTHBRUSH
Abstract
The present invention provides a toothbrush having a
bristle-carrying head portion (30) and a handle portion (22), said
handle portion having a proximal end (22b) and a distal end (22a),
said distal end interconnected by means of a mechanical movement
redirection effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles (32a,
32b) embedded within said toothbrush head portion (30), wherein
linear movement along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion
(22) is redirected by said effecter to a three dimensional crescent
shaped sweeping action of said maneuverable bristles.
Inventors: |
Zini; Avi; (Jerusalem,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Hadasit Medical Research Services
and Development Ltd.
Jerusalem
IL
|
Family ID: |
41506539 |
Appl. No.: |
13/060328 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2009/000819 |
371 Date: |
February 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61091386 |
Aug 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 7/06 20130101; A46B 9/025 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion (30) and a
handle portion (22), said handle portion having a proximal end
(22b) and a distal end (22a), said distal end interconnected by
means of a mechanical movement redirection effecter to a plurality
of maneuverable bristles (32a, 32b) embedded within said toothbrush
head portion (30), wherein linear movement along the longitudinal
axis of said handle portion (22) is redirected by said effecter to
a three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping action of said
maneuverable bristles.
2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
maneuverable bristles are firmly held by rings composed of a
flexible material, said rings attached to the inner side of said
head portion of said toothbrush; further wherein said effecter is
interconnected to said distal end of said handle portion, comprises
grooves matching said rings.
3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
maneuverable bristles are firmly held by at least one cogwheel ring
attached to the inner side of said head portion of said toothbrush,
said effecter comprises grooves and matching transmission
cogwheels, such that said linear movement of said handle portion is
redirected into a three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping motion
of said maneuverable bristles.
4. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
bristles are organized into at least two lengthwise rows, said
lengthwise rows are divided into at least one stationary mid row
sandwiched between at least one maneuverable outer row on either
side.
5. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said mid row of
bristles is dispensable and replaceable.
6. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said mid row is
carried on a bridge structure attached to said toothbrush head by a
conventional click and snap mechanism.
7. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said maneuverable
outer rows are slanted at an angle range of about 35-55 degrees
with respect to said stationary row.
8. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said bristles are
characterized by equal length.
9. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said bristles
populating said stationary row of bristles are shorter than said
bristles populating said maneuverable outer rows of bristles.
10. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the removal of
food debris and health of gums is less than or equal to 2 on the
Tureski Index.
11. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard of less than
or equal to 1 on the Caries Prevalence Index.
12. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard of less than
or equal to 1 on the Gingival Index of Loe and Silness.
13. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard of less than
or equal to 1 on the Quigley Hein Index.
14. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard of less than
or equal to 1 on the Plaque Index of Silness-Loe.
15. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard of less than
or equal to 1 on the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI-S.
16. The toothbrush according to claim 1, especially adapted such
that food debris removal and health of gum is achieved within less
than 7 strokes to each area.
17. The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of
bristles are further characterized by at least one group of
stationary bristles and at least one group of maneuverable
bristles.
18. The toothbrush according to claim 1, especially adapted such
that the reduced degree of pressure applied by the user prolongs
the recommended lifespan of said toothbrush to more than 3
months.
19. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein said bristles have
a Shore A hardness in the range of about 30 to about 80 units.
20. A method of tooth and gum hygiene for removing food debris and
plaque from teeth and maintaining healthy gums, said method
comprising steps: a. obtaining a toothbrush having a
bristle-carrying head portion and a handle portion, said handle
portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end
interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection
effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles embedded within
said toothbrush head; b. moving said toothbrush linearly along the
longitudinal axis of said handle portion by means of said handle
portion whilst said plurality of bristles are held against tooth or
gum surface; c. redirecting said linear movement along the axis of
the handle portion into three dimensional movement of a portion of
said plurality of bristles embedded in said toothbrush head; and,
d. removing food debris and plaque from tooth and/or gum surfaces
and/or gingival pockets, especially in the area between the
cervical region and the crown of the tooth and in the interproximal
regions between the teeth.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the outer
maneuverable rows of bristles having been slanted at a 45 degree
angle with respect to stationary mid row, come into contact with
surface of the teeth and gum at a 45 degree angle.
22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average is less than or equal to 2 on
the Tureski Index.
23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard selected from
a group consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Caries
Prevalence Index.
24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard selected from
a group consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Gingival
Index of Loe and Silness.
25. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard selected from
a group consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Quigley Hein
Index.
26. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard selected from
a group consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Plaque Index
of Silness-Loe.
27. The method according to claim 20, wherein the removal of food
debris and health of gums on average meets a standard selected from
a group consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Oral Hygiene
Index Simplified OHI-S.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. The method according to claim 20, where in said bristles Shore
A hardness in the range of about 30 to about 80 units.
31-48. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally pertains to a
maneuverable-bristle toothbrush, and more specifically to manually
maneuverable-bristle toothbrush.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Regular tooth brushing is very important in preventing tooth
decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth removes the bacteria of
dental plaque that promote tooth decay and that can cause gum
disease. Brushing teeth is a simple task, but lots of people brush
their teeth incorrectly, either skipping around so much that they
don't really clean anything, or rubbing so hard that they actually
damage their teeth and gums. No matter how good you try to brush
your teeth, some bacteria will always be left behind. The growth of
dental plaque starts again the moment you stop brushing your teeth
and remove the toothbrush from your mouth. That is why you should
be very careful to use proper tooth brushing techniques so that the
percentage of bacteria left behind will be the lowest possible.
[0003] Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums
effectively. In order to do so, one must obtain a toothbrush with
soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not scratch and
irritate teeth or damage gums, and apply the following succession
of actions: (1) Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree
angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gum
line. (2) Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using
a vibrating back & forth rolling motion. Move brush to the next
group of 2-3 teeth and repeat. (3) Maintain a 45-degree angle with
bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush
using back, forth, and rolling motion along all of the inner tooth
surfaces. (4) Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make
several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
(5) Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth &
use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue
from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.
[0004] In view of conventional manual-operated toothbrushes,
different brushing methods can be practiced using a single
toothbrush according to the different manner in which the
toothbrush is held or moved. However, the action of brushing the
teeth must be sustained more than 20 minutes in accordance with a
proper tooth-cleaning process in order to secure sufficient
cleaning effectiveness. This is inconvenient for brushing because
of such a considerable period of time.
[0005] Meanwhile, electric toothbrushes are constructed to require
less time for brushing than the manually operated toothbrushes, in
consideration of respective movements dictated by, for example, the
rolling process and/or the bath process, to be specific, one of the
movement by the rolling process and the movement by the bath
process, or otherwise a changeover between the former and the
latter. Yet electric toothbrushes are generally cumbersome and
costly to maintain.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,499 discloses a toothbrush having a
handle that can move relative to a head portion equipped with
rotatable bristle assemblies. The rotation of the bristles of the
bristle assemblies is effected by a manual operable drive member
consisting of a rack and a plurality of mating pinions from which
the bristle extend. U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,932 discloses improvements
to a manually operated, rotary bristle toothbrush. A thumb actuated
mechanism is slidably and longitudinally mounted in an essentially
hollow, elongate handle and a part of the mechanism, a rack, is
caused to engage at least one compound pinion/spur gear in order to
convert longitudinally reciprocative motion to rotary motion that
is shunted toward the head of the toothbrush.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,786 discloses a toothbrush comprising an
elongated handle, a bristle support member articulately mounted on
one end of the handle so as to be constrained, in use, into limited
reciprocal movement with respect to the handle and in a direction
of longitudinal axis of the handle. The toothbrush further
comprising a plurality of bristle tuft arrays pivotally mounted on
the support member about at least one pivotal axis substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis and articulately coupled to the
one end of the handle so that the limited reciprocal movement of
the support member gives rise to limited pivotal lateral rocking of
the bristle arrays.
[0008] While U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,499 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,932 of
rotational circular movement of bristles neither enables the top
down recommended brush movement nor do they enable brushing at the
recommended 45 degree angle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,786 enables the
recommended up down movement as well as the recommended 45 degree
angle, however it restricts the movement of the bristle rows to
this up down motion.
[0009] It is therefore a long felt need to provide a manually
operated, non-electrical, toothbrush that achieves a 45 degree
angle of contact between bristles and the surface of the tooth and
gum, provides the recommended up-down motion of bristles combined
with a circular movement, such that a brushing session is
considerably shortened and the pressure applied is significantly
reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is one object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion (30) and a handle
portion (22), said handle portion having a proximal end (22b) and a
distal end (22a), said distal end interconnected by means of a
mechanical movement redirection effecter to a plurality of
maneuverable bristles (32a, 32b) embedded within said toothbrush
head portion (30), wherein linear movement along the longitudinal
axis of said handle portion (22) is redirected by said effecter to
a three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping action of said
maneuverable bristles.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said plurality of maneuverable
bristles are firmly held by rings composed of a flexible material,
said rings attached to the inner side of said head portion of said
toothbrush; further wherein said effecter is interconnected to said
distal end of said handle portion, comprises grooves matching said
rings.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said plurality of maneuverable
bristles are firmly held by at least one cogwheel ring attached to
the inner side of said head portion of said toothbrush, said
effecter comprises grooves and matching transmission cogwheels,
such that said linear movement of said handle portion is redirected
into a three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping motion of said
maneuverable bristles.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said plurality of bristles are
organized into at least two lengthwise rows, said lengthwise rows
are divided into at least one stationary mid row sandwiched between
at least one maneuverable outer row on either side.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said mid row of bristles is
dispensable and replaceable.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said mid row is carried on a
bridge structure attached to said toothbrush head by a conventional
click and snap mechanism.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said maneuverable outer rows
are slanted at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to said
stationary row.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said bristles are
characterized by equal length.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said bristles populating said
stationary row of bristles are shorter than said bristles
populating said maneuverable outer rows of bristles.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums is less than or equal to 2 on the Tureski Index.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Caries Prevalence Index.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Gingival Index of Loe and Silness.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Quigley Hein Index.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Plaque Index of Silness-Loe.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI-S.
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, especially adapted such that food
debris removal and health of gum is achieved within less than 7
strokes to each area.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, especially adapted such that food
debris removal and health of gum is achieved within less than 1
minute of brushing.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, especially adapted such that the
reduced degree of pressure applied by the user prolongs the
recommended lifespan of said toothbrush to more than 3 months.
[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
toothbrush as defined above, wherein said bristles have a Shore A
hardness in the range of about 30 to about 80 units.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method of tooth and gum hygiene for removing food debris and plaque
from teeth and maintaining healthy gums. The method comprises steps
selected inter alia from: [0030] a. obtaining a toothbrush having a
bristle-carrying head portion and a handle portion, said handle
portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end
interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection
effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles embedded within
said toothbrush head; [0031] b. moving said toothbrush linearly
along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion by means of said
handle portion whilst said plurality of bristles are held against
tooth or gum surface; [0032] c. redirecting said linear movement
along the axis of the handle portion into three dimensional
movement of a portion of said plurality of bristles embedded in
said toothbrush head; and, [0033] d. removing food debris and
plaque from tooth and/or gum surfaces and/or gingival pockets,
especially in the area between the cervical region and the crown of
the tooth and in the interproximal regions between the teeth.
[0034] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the outer maneuverable rows of
bristles having been slanted at a 45 degree angle with respect to
stationary mid row, come into contact with surface of the teeth and
gum at a 45 degree angle.
[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average is less than or equal to 2 on the Tureski
Index.
[0036] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard selected from a group
consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Caries Prevalence
Index.
[0037] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard selected from a group
consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Gingival Index of Loe
and Silness.
[0038] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard selected from a group
consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Quigley Hein
Index.
[0039] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard selected from a group
consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Plaque Index of
Silness-Loe.
[0040] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard selected from a group
consisting of: less than or equal to 1 on the Oral Hygiene Index
Simplified OHI-S.
[0041] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein said food debris removal and
health of gum is achieved within less than 7 strokes to each
area.
[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein said food debris removal and
health of gum is achieved within less than 1 minute of
brushing.
[0043] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, where in said bristles Shore A hardness in
the range of about 30 to about 80 units. [0044] It is another
object of the present invention to provide a method of tooth and
gum hygiene for removing food debris and plaque from teeth and
maintaining healthy gums. The method comprising steps selected
inter alia from: [0045] a. obtaining a toothbrush having a
bristle-carrying head portion and a handle portion, said handle
portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end
interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection
effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles embedded within
said toothbrush head; [0046] b. moving said toothbrush linearly
along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion by means of said
handle portion whilst said plurality of bristles are held against
tooth or gum surface; [0047] c. redirecting said linear movement
into three dimensional movement of a portion of said plurality of
bristles embedded in said toothbrush head; and thereby efficiently;
[0048] d. removing food debris and plaque from tooth and gum
surfaces, especially in the area between the cervical region and
the crown of the tooth, in the gingival pockets, and in the
interproximal regions between the teeth; [0049] wherein said
hygiene is achieved in less than 7 brush strokes to each area in
the mouth.
[0050] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the outer maneuverable rows of
bristles having been slanted at a 45 degree angle with respect to
stationary mid row, come into contact with surface of the teeth and
gum at a 45 degree angle.
[0051] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average is less than or equal to 2 on the Tureski
Index.
[0052] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Caries Prevalence Index.
[0053] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Gingival Index of Loe and Silness.
[0054] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Quigley Hein Index.
[0055] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Plaque Index of Silness-Loe.
[0056] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI-S.
[0057] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, where in said bristles Shore A hardness in
the range of about 30 to about 80 units.
[0058] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method of tooth and gum hygiene for removing food debris and plaque
from teeth and maintaining healthy gums. The method comprising
steps selected inter alia from: [0059] a. obtaining a toothbrush
having a bristle-carrying head portion and a handle portion, said
handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal
end interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection
effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles embedded within
said toothbrush head; [0060] b. moving said toothbrush linearly
along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion by means of said
handle portion whilst said plurality of bristles are held against
tooth or gum surface; [0061] c. redirecting said linear movement
into three dimensional movement of a portion of said plurality of
bristles embedded in said toothbrush head; and thereby efficiently;
[0062] d. removing food debris and plaque from tooth and gum
surfaces, especially in the area between the cervical region and
the crown of the tooth, in the gingival pockets and in the
interproximal regions between the teeth; [0063] wherein said
hygiene is achieved in less than about 1 minute.
[0064] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the outer maneuverable rows of
bristles having been slanted at a 45 degree angle with respect to
stationary mid row, come into contact with surface of the teeth and
gum at a 45 degree angle.
[0065] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average is less than or equal to 2 on the Tureski
Index.
[0066] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Caries Prevalence Index.
[0067] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Gingival Index of Loe and Silness.
[0068] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Quigley Hein Index.
[0069] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Plaque Index of Silness-Loe.
[0070] It is still an object of the present invention to provide
the method as defined above, wherein the removal of food debris and
health of gums on average meets a standard of less than or equal to
1 on the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI-S.
[0071] It is lastly an object of the present invention to provide
the method as defined above, where in said bristles Shore A
hardness in the range of about 30 to about 80 units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0072] In order to better understand the invention and its
implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which
[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred
embodiment of a preferred embodiment said toothbrush, wherein a
handling means is interconnected by means of a motion transmission
means to a brushing means, such that said linear movement along the
longitudinal axis of said handle portion is converted to crescent
shaped movement of the outer bristle rows of said brushing
means.
[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, demonstrating the conversion of linear
movement along the longitudinal axis of the handle into crescent
shaped three-dimensional sweeping movement of the maneuverable rows
of bristles.
[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of preferred embodiment of the
present invention, wherein maneuverable rows of bristles are
slanted at a predetermined angle with respect to the rows of
stationary bristles.
[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of the method for redirecting
linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion
into three dimensional sweeping movement of maneuverable bristles
thereby removing food debris and plaque from tooth and gum
surfaces, especially in the area between the cervical region and
the crown of the tooth, in the gingival pockets, and in
interproximal regions between the teeth.
[0077] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the back of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 6 yet another view of the front side of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of
the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another side view of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another top view of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exploded view of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged top view of a preferred
embodiment of the brush head of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another top view of a preferred
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged top view of a preferred
embodiment of the brush head of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred
embodiment of the brush head of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged top view of a preferred
embodiment of the brush head of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 16 illustrates yet another enlarged top view of a
preferred embodiment of the brush head of the present
invention.
[0089] FIG. 17 illustrating yet another exploded view of a
preferred embodiment of the brush head of the present
invention.
[0090] FIG. 18-20 illustrate a top view of a preferred embodiment
the maneuverable bristle head of the present invention, wherein the
movement of the handle portion of the toothbrush is redirected by
means of a movement redirection effecter so as to enable the
clockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters and the
counterclockwise rotation of matching maneuverable bristle, and
additionally demonstrates that said clusters are especially adapted
to be slanted with respect to stationary bristles contained within
said bristle head.
[0091] FIG. 21-25 illustrate a plurality of exploded views of
preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of the
toothbrush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0093] The following description is provided, alongside all
chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person
skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the
present invention have been defined specifically to provide
maneuverable-bristle toothbrush.
[0094] The term "about" refers hereinafter to a range of 25% below
or above the referred value.
[0095] The term `Tureski Index` refers hereinafter to an index
defining plaque adhesion to the tooth surface with a range
consisting of: (1) no plaque, (2) plaque in the cervical
region--non continual, (3) continual plaque with a width of up to 1
mm in the cervical region, (4) plaque covering 2/3 of the height of
the tooth (5) plaque covering over 2/3 of the height of the
tooth.
[0096] The term `Community Periodontal Index` refers hereinafter to
an index defining the caries prevalence with a range consisting of:
(0) healthy, (1) bleeding observed directly or by using a mouth
mirror after probing (2) calculus detected during probing but all
of the black band on the probe visible (3) shallow pockets 4-5 mm
gingival margin within the black band of the probe (4) deep pockets
6 mm black band on the probe not visible.
[0097] The term `Gingival Index of Loe and Silness` refers
hereinafter to an index describing the clinical severity of the
gingival inflammation as well as its location, with a range
consisting of: (0) appearance normal, no bleeding, no inflammation
(1) slight change in color and mild edema with slight change in
texture, no bleeding, mild inflammation (2) redness hypertrophy
edema glazing, bleeding on probing/pressure, moderate inflammation
(3) marked redness hypertrophy edema ulceration, spontaneous
bleeding, severe inflammation.
[0098] The term `Quigley Hein Index` refers hereinafter to an index
defining plaque covering the tooth surface, consisting of: (0) no
plaque (1) separate flecks of plaque at the cervical margin of the
tooth (2) a thin continuous band of plaque (up to 1 mm) at the
cervical margin of the tooth (3) a band of plaque wider than 1 mm
but covering less than on-third of the crown of the tooth (4)
plaque covering at lean 1/3 but less than 2/3 of the crown of the
tooth (5) plaque covering 2/3 or more of the crown of the
tooth.
[0099] The term `Plaque Index of Silness-Loe` refers hereinafter to
an index defining plaque covering the tooth surface, consisting of
the following range: (0) no plaque (1) a film of plaque adhering to
the free gingival margin and adjacent area of the tooth. The plaque
may be seen in situ only after application of disclosing solution
or by using the probe on the tooth surface (2) moderate
accumulation of soft deposit within the gingival pocket, or the
tooth and gingival margin which can be seen with the naked eye (3)
abundance of soft matter within the gingival pocket and/or on the
tooth and gingival margin.
[0100] The term `Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI-S` refers
hereinafter to an index defining oral hygiene consisting of the
following range: (0) no calculus present (1) supragingival calculus
covering not more than 1/3 of the exposed tooth surface (2)
supragingival calculus covering more than 1/3 but no more than 2/3
of the exposed tooth surface or the presence of individual flecks
of subgingival around the cervical portion of the tooth or both (3)
supragingival calculus covering more than 2/3 of the exposed tooth
surface or a continuous heavy band of subgingival caculus around
the cervical portion of the tooth or both.
[0101] The term `motion redirection transmission means` refers
hereinafter to a means that redirects a particular vectored motion
to an alternative vector of motion.
[0102] The term `Shore A test` refers hereinafter to a durometer
test according to the ASTM D2240 type A scale. The A scale is for
softer plastics, while the D scale is for harder ones. However, the
ASTM D2240-00 testing standard calls for a total of 12 scales,
depending on the intended use; types A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO,
OOO, OOO-S, and R. Each scale results in a value between 0 and 100,
with higher values indicating a harder material.
[0103] The most natural brushing methods used by patients
uneducated in tooth brushing are horizontal strokes at 90-degrees
to tooth. The effect is supra gingival cleansing and gingival
stimulation.
[0104] The Charters method teaches brushing at 90-degrees sweeping
occlusally and circular vibratory, affecting supragingival
cleansing, gingival stimulation, inter proximal cleansing.
[0105] The Bass method teaches brushing at 45-degree apex in sulcus
sweeping occlusally and vibratory horizontal jiggle, affecting
subgingival cleansing, gingival stimulation.
[0106] The average brushing time in conducted studies is
approximately 1 minute, even though these individuals claimed that
they usually brushed for 2 or 3 minutes. These results demonstrate
that people greatly overestimate their efforts or else are telling
professionals what they would like them to believe. An alternative
method for assessing brushing has been to count the number of
strokes, suggesting that effective brushing should apply 5-10
strokes in each area.
[0107] A study conducted in vitro has shown that tooth rush design
has more effect on interproximal plaque than the brushing
technique. Most studies demonstrate little significant difference
in effectiveness of the different techniques whether used by
children or adults. A survey of oral hygiene habits among children
in 22 European countries and Canada revealed that flossing was
rare; the highest level 25% was found among Canadian adolescents.
The problem is therefore clearly cultural and the solution needs to
be found at the community level. Whichever technique achieves
optimal oral hygiene is the best and should be recommended. The
dentist or hygienist can only ascertain this by direct continued
observation.
[0108] According to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
rechargeable toothbrushes with oscillating, rotating (with or
without pulsating action) mode of action have been shown to be more
effective in removing plaque and improving gingival outcomes than
manual toothbrushes currently available. While the ideal force of
tooth brushing has not been determined, excessive force may be
linked with gingival trauma.
[0109] Tooth brushing is known to cause bacteraemias, which could
theoretically potentially lead to the development of ineffective
endocarditis. It is therefore paradoxical that tooth brushing in
not thought to cause infective endocarditis.
[0110] Studies suggest that improvements in toothbrush design will
be a more important contribution to the attainment of effective
interproximal brushing than the development of new brushing
techniques.
[0111] Studies have found that subjects who directed the bristles
of the toothbrush vertically towards the tooth surfaces had a high
efficacy of plaque removal, good gingival condition and good dental
health behavior. Thus, it is important to direct the bristles
vertically toward the tooth surfaces for effective plaque
removal.
[0112] Comparison of modified Bass technique with normal tooth
brushing practices for efficacy in supragingival plaque removal
show that the modified Bass technique was significantly more
effective in removing supragingival plaque than normal tooth
brushing practices both in all bucall and lingual sites.
[0113] Studies show that the modest gingival recession and
reduction width of attached gingival seen with the scrub method and
increased stiffness of toothbrush bristles were accompanied by
increased damage to the soft gingival tissues.
[0114] Studies show that tooth brushing at certain forces and
durations enhanced the proliferative activity and procollagen
synthesis of gingival fibroblasts.
[0115] In junctional epithelium stimulated with a toothbrush, the
PCNA-positive basal cell ration is more sensitive to tooth brushing
force than to duration. Interproximally a V-shaped toothbrush is
much better at plaque removal than a straight one.
[0116] The Bass brushing technique was the first to focus on the
removal of plaque and debris from the gingival sulcus by the
combined use of a soft toothbrush and unwaxed dental floss. In the
Bass technique the toothbrush is positioned in the gingival sulcus
at a 45-degree angle to the tooth apex. The bristles are then
gently pressed to enter the sulcus.
[0117] The manufacturer recommended lifespan of a conventional
manual toothbrush is 3 months.
[0118] The use of excessive brushing force has been shown to be a
major cause of gingival abrasion. To aid in preventing
over-vigorous brushing, the Philips/Jordan electric toothbrush
incorporates a Controlled Pressure system (CPS) that causes the
brush head to flex back when a toothbrushing force (TBF) in excess
of a pre-determined threshold is exerted against the teeth or soft
tissues. Two studies (I/II) were conducted to determine whether
this mechanical feedback system is sufficiently sensitive to enable
users to control their brushing behavior. In Study I, the learning
pattern of brushing behavior as a response to the feedback system
was evaluated. Seventeen subjects were asked to brush their teeth
under observation at least twice a day for a two-week period.
During these observations, the number of clicks, as well as the
time the brush was pushed "through the click" were recorded. Ten of
seventeen volunteers demonstrated a clear learning behavior; the
mean number of clicks/minute (for all subjects) was reduced from 10
to 4 after 10 sessions of brushing, and then to 2 or 3 clicks at
the end of two weeks. In Study II, 46 subjects used the electric
toothbrush with the CPS click force set at various levels between
150-420 g (at 30 g intervals). After a 4-week learning period, the
mean TBF was determined in each subject. TBF was most strongly
influenced at pre-set click forces between 180 and 270 g. The mean
TBF was lowest (about 80 g) when the threshold was set at 210 or
240 g; it then increased (to about 130-140 g TBF) both for smaller
and larger values of the threshold setting. Hence, both studies
indicate that the Controlled Pressure system is a functional
feature that can be used to control the habitual brushing force in
a learning period of less than 2 weeks.
[0119] People who brush their teeth for longer and harder than is
necessary may not be making them any cleaner, and could be causing
permanent damage, according to new research.
[0120] A study using electric toothbrushes by the University of
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, found that when researchers increased the
length of people's brushing regime and the pressure they applied to
their teeth, the removal of harmful bacteria was only improved up
to a point. Beyond that point, say experts from Newcastle
University's School of Dental Sciences and the Centre for Health
Services Research, who carried out the study, the risk of causing
oral health problems, such as the abrasion of tooth enamel or gums,
gets bigger. Yet the experts also say that while people are able to
time how long they brush their teeth for, it is extremely difficult
for them to accurately gauge how much pressure they should apply
without seeking professional advice. Similar results would be
expected if the study was carried out using ordinary toothbrushes,
say researchers. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical
Periodontology *, found that two minutes and 150 grams (about the
weight of an orange) was the optimum time and pressure for the
average person's brushing regime. Twelve volunteers took part in
the four-week study, which examined 16 combinations of brushing
times (30, 60, 120 and 180 seconds) and pressure (75, 150, 225 and
300 grams). The volunteers were trained how to use an oscillating
electric toothbrush, which was wired up to a computer that took
time and pressure measurements. Brushing your teeth helps remove
and prevent plaque, the bacteria-ridden, glue-like substance which
can form on teeth and gums when bits of food are left in the mouth.
It causes dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontal
disease. Researchers recorded the levels of plaque before and after
brushing and found that plaque removal steadily improved as
brushing times and pressure were increased. However, their results
showed that when people brushed for longer than two minutes, at a
pressure higher than 150 grams, they were not removing any
additional plaque.
[0121] It is widely appreciated that people cause serious damage to
their teeth and gums by brushing. too hard, and there have been a
number of designs of toothbrush aimed at overcoming this problem.
Several studies have arrived at the conclusion that excessive
pressure during brushing leads to recession on premolars, and also
gingival recession, which exposes the underlying cementum, often
leading to hypersensitivity, loss of aesthetics, and may be a
factor in root caries and root surface abrasion, leading to root
fillings.
[0122] Two laboratory testing procedures, predictive of clinical
efficacy and safety, have been used to evaluate two battery-powered
toothbrushes (a new prototype, Crest SpinBrush Pro and a
commercially available product, Crest SpinBrush) and a standard
manual toothbrush (Oral-B Indicator). Interproximal access efficacy
(IAE) and depth of deposit removal (DDR) have been evaluated in
laboratory methods using pressure-sensitive paper placed around
simulated anterior and posterior teeth at a brushing pressure of
250 g with horizontal or vertical brushing motions.
[0123] Reference is made now to FIG. 1, illustrating an exploded
view of a preferred embodiment of maneuverable-bristle toothbrush
100, comprising a proximal end 22b of the handle portion extending
outwardly through recess 38 in rectangular foundation 31 of brush
head 30, said distal end 22a of said handle interconnected by means
of motion redirection transmission effecter 36 fashioned with a
plurality of grooves 33, inhabiting plurality of matching rings 34
that clutch maneuverable rows of bristles 32a and 32b, and
additionally illustrating stationary bristles brush attachment 10
comprising foundation element 16, said foundation element populated
by a plurality of stationary rows of bristles 14 and perforated by
a plurality of holes 12 matching the position of bristles within
said maneuverable rows of bristles, said stationary bristles brush
attachment adapted to be attached by conventional snap and click
means (not shown) to said rectangular foundation, such that said
maneuverable rows of bristles protrude thorough said holes.
[0124] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 illustrating a top view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein linear
movement 200 activated by linear movement along the longitudinal
axis of the proximal end 22b of the handle is transferred by means
of a motion redirection effecter cogwheel mechanism (not shown)
interconnected to the distal end 22a of said handle, into crescent
shaped sweeping motion 300 of maneuverable bristle row 32a,
attached to rings 34 adapted (not shown) to match said cogwheel
mechanism.
[0125] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 illustrating a to view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein maneuverable
row outer row of bristles 32a is set at a .alpha. degree angle with
respect to stationary row of bristles 14. .alpha. preferably, but
not necessarily, being 45 degrees.
[0126] According to another embodiment of the present invention the
said plurality of maneuverable bristles are firmly held by rings
composed of a flexible material, said rings attached to the inner
side of said head portion of said toothbrush, and said effecter
interconnected to said distal end of said handle portion is adapted
with grooves matching said rings, such that movement of said handle
portion distorts said flexible rings thereby redirecting linear
movement along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion of said
toothbrush into movement to a three dimensional crescent shaped
sweeping action of said maneuverable bristles.
[0127] According to another embodiment of the present invention the
plurality of maneuverable bristles are firmly held by cogwheel
rings attached to the inner side of said head portion of said
toothbrush, said effecter having been fashioned with grooves and
matching transmission cogwheels, such that movement of said handle
portion redirects said movement thereby redirecting linear movement
along the axis of the handle portion movement to a three
dimensional crescent shaped sweeping action of said maneuverable
bristles.
[0128] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
plurality of bristles are organized into lengthwise rows, said
lengthwise rows divided into at least one stationary mid row
sandwiched between at least one maneuverable outer row on either
side.
[0129] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
mid row of bristles is dispensable and replaceable.
[0130] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
mid row is carried on a bridge structure attached to said
toothbrush head by a conventional click and snap mechanism.
[0131] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
maneuverable outer rows are slanted at an angle of 45 degrees with
respect to said stationary row.
[0132] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
bristles that populate said plurality of rows are of equal
length.
[0133] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
bristles that populate said stationary row of bristles are shorter
than said bristles that populate said maneuverable outer rows of
bristles.
[0134] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums is less than or equal to
2 on the Tureski Index.
[0135] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums on average meets a
standard of less than or equal to 1 on the Caries Prevalence
Index.
[0136] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums on average meets a
standard of less than or equal to 1 on the Gingival Index of Loe
and Silness.
[0137] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums on average meets a
standard of less than or equal to 1 on the Quigley Hein Index.
[0138] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums on average meets a
standard of less than or equal to 1 on the Plaque Index of
Silness-Loe.
[0139] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
removal of food debris and health of gums on average meets a
standard of less than or equal to 1 on the Oral Hygiene Index
Simplified OHI-S.
[0140] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
toothbrush is especially adapted such that food debris removal and
health of gum is achieved within less than 7 strokes to each
area.
[0141] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
toothbrush is especially adapted such that food debris removal and
health of gum is achieved within less than 1 minute of
brushing.
[0142] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
toothbrush is especially adapted such that the reduced degree of
pressure applied by the user prolongs the recommended lifespan of
said toothbrush to more than 3 months.
[0143] It is within the scope of the present invention that said
bristles have a Shore A hardness in the range of about 30 to about
80 units.
[0144] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, illustrating one possible
method 300 for redirecting linear movement along the longitudinal
axis of the handle portion of a toothbrush into three dimensional
movement of a plurality of maneuverable bristles. The method
comprises steps selected inter alia from:
(a) obtaining a toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion
and a handle portion, said handle portion having a proximal end and
a distal end, said distal end interconnected by means of a
mechanical movement redirection effecter to a plurality of
maneuverable bristles embedded within said toothbrush head--step
501. (b) moving said toothbrush linearly along the longitudinal
axis of said handle portion whilst said plurality of bristles are
held against tooth or gum surface--step 503. (c) redirecting said
linear movement along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion
into three dimensional movement of a portion of said plurality of
bristles embedded in said toothbrush head; and thereby
efficiently--step 505. (d) removing food debris and plaque from
tooth and gum surfaces, especially the area between the cervical
region and the crown of the tooth, the gingival pockets, and in the
interproximal regions between the teeth--step 507.
[0145] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
disclose a method for redirecting linear movement along the axis of
the handle portion into three dimensional movement of a plurality
of maneuverable bristles carried by a brush head, by means of a
movement redirection effecter that interconnects a handle portion
of said toothbrush with said maneuverable bristles, comprising:
obtaining a toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion and a
handle portion, said handle portion having a proximal end and a
distal end, said distal end interconnected by means of a mechanical
movement redirection effecter to a plurality of maneuverable
bristles embedded within said toothbrush head; moving said
toothbrush linearly along the longitudinal axis of said handle
portion by means of said handle portion whilst said plurality of
bristles are held against tooth or gum surface; redirecting said
linear movement along the axis of the handle portion into three
dimensional movement of a portion of said plurality of bristles
embedded in said toothbrush head; and thereby efficiently; removing
food debris and plaque from tooth and gum surfaces, especially in
the area between the cervical region and the crown of the tooth,
the gingival pockets, and in the interproximal regions between the
teeth.
[0146] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
disclose a method of tooth and gum hygiene that removes food debris
and plaque from teeth and maintains healthy gums, wherein said
hygiene is achieved in less than 7 brush strokes to each area in
the mouth, comprising: obtaining a toothbrush having a
bristle-carrying head portion and a handle portion, said handle
portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end
interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection
effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles embedded within
said toothbrush head; moving said toothbrush linearly along the
longitudinal axis of said handle portion by means of said handle
portion whilst said plurality of bristles are held against tooth or
gum surface; redirecting said linear movement into three
dimensional movement of a portion of said plurality of bristles
embedded in said toothbrush head; and thereby efficiently; removing
food debris and plaque from tooth and gum surfaces, especially in
the area between the cervical region and the crown of the tooth,
the gingival pockets, and in the interproximal regions between the
teeth.
[0147] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
disclose a method of tooth and gum hygiene that removes food debris
and plaque from teeth and maintains healthy gums, wherein said
hygiene is achieved in less than 1 minute, comprising:
obtaining a toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion and a
handle portion, said handle portion having a proximal end and a
distal end, said distal end interconnected by means of a mechanical
movement redirection effecter to a plurality of maneuverable
bristles embedded within said toothbrush head; moving said
toothbrush linearly along the longitudinal axis of said handle
portion by means of said handle portion whilst said plurality of
bristles are held against tooth or gum surface; redirecting said
linear movement into three dimensional movement of a portion of
said plurality of bristles embedded in said toothbrush head; and
thereby efficiently; removing food debris and plaque from tooth and
gum surfaces, especially in the area between the cervical region
and the crown of the tooth, the gingival pockets, and in the
interproximal regions between the teeth.
[0148] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, illustrating a top view of
the back of toothbrush 100 wherein handle portion 22b is
interconnected at its distal end (not shown) to redirection of
movement effecter (not shown) that affects the movement of
maneuverable bristles 32b.
[0149] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, illustrating yet another
view of the front side of tooth brush 100.
[0150] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, illustrating a side view of
toothbrush 100 wherein handle portion 22b is interconnected to
movement redirection effecter (not shown) thereby affecting the
movement of maneuverable bristles within brush head 30.
[0151] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, illustrating yet another
side view of toothbrush 100 wherein maneuverable bristles 32b are
slanted with regard to stationary bristles 14.
[0152] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, illustrating yet another
top view of toothbrush 100 wherein handle portion 22b is
interconnected at its distal end (not shown) to redirection of
movement effecter (not shown) that affects the movement of
maneuverable bristles 32b, whilst stationary bristles 14 remain
stationary.
[0153] Reference is now made to FIG. 10, illustrating yet another
exploded view of toothbrush 100 comprising handle portion 22b
interconnected by means of movement effecter 36 to maneuverable
bristles 32b, and additionally comprising a stationary bristle
brush attachment 10.
[0154] Reference is now made to FIG. 11 illustrating an enlarged
top view of brush head 30 comprising rectangular foundation 31 that
holds movement redirection effecter 36 fashioned with a plurality
of grooves 33, inhabiting plurality of matching rings 34 that
clutch maneuverable rows of bristles 32a and 32b.
[0155] Reference is now made to FIG. 12 illustrating yet another
top view of toothbrush 100.
[0156] Reference is now made to FIG. 13, illustrating yet another
top view of brush head portion 30 wherein rings 34 clutch
maneuverable bristles 32b and stationary bristles 14 are set in
foundation element 16 stationary bristle brush attachment 10.
[0157] Reference is now made to FIG. 14 illustrating an exploded
view of bristle head 30 and stationary bristle brush attachment
10.
[0158] Reference is now made to FIG. 15 illustrating an enlarged
top view of bristle head 30 wherein rectangular foundation 31 holds
motion redirection transmission effecter 36 fashioned with a
plurality of grooves 33, inhabiting plurality of matching rings 34
that clutch maneuverable rows of bristles 32a and 32.
[0159] Reference is now made to FIG. 16 illustrating yet another
enlarged top view of bristle head 30 wherein motion 200 is
redirected by means of motion redirection effecter 36 into crescent
shaped sweeping motion 300 of maneuverable bristle row 32a,
attached to rings 34, said rings having extensions that are set
into grooves 33.
[0160] Reference is now made to FIG. 17 illustrating yet another
exploded view of bristle head 30 and stationary bristle brush
attachment 10.
[0161] Reference is now made to FIG. 18 illustrating a top view of
a preferred embodiment 30a of the maneuverable bristle head of the
present invention, wherein the movement of the handle portion of
the toothbrush (not shown) is redirected by means of a movement
redirection effecter (not shown) so as to enable the clockwise
rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32d and 32f and the
counterclockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32e and
32g, and additionally demonstrating that said clusters are
especially adapted to be slanted with respect to stationary
bristles 14.
[0162] Reference is now made to FIG. 19 illustrating yet another
top view of a preferred embodiment 30a of the maneuverable bristle
head of the present invention, wherein the movement of the handle
portion of the toothbrush (not shown) is redirected by means of a
movement redirection effecter (not shown) so as to enable the
clockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32d and 32f and
the counterclockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32e
and 32g, and additionally demonstrating that said clusters are
especially adapted to be slanted with respect to stationary
bristles 14.
[0163] Reference is now made to FIG. 20 illustrating yet another
top view of a preferred embodiment 30a of the maneuverable bristle
head of the present invention, wherein the movement of the handle
portion of the toothbrush (not shown) is redirected by means of a
movement redirection effecter (not shown) so as to enable the
clockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32d and 32f and
the counterclockwise rotation of maneuverable bristle clusters 32e
and 32g, and additionally demonstrating that said clusters are
especially adapted to be slanted with respect to stationary
bristles 14.
[0164] Reference is now made to FIG. 21 illustrating an exploded
side view of the present invention wherein stationary bristles 14
are attached to foundation element 16a, fashioned with recesses
12a, adapted to allow conventional click and snap attachment to
maneuverable bristle effecter 80, said maneuverable bristle
effecter further adapted to be attached to the distal end 22a of
handle portion 22 such that movement of said handle portion induces
movement of maneuverable bristles within said maneuverable bristle
effecter, and rectangular foundation 31 fashioned on its inner
portion 73 with grooves that inversely match said maneuverable
bristle effecter.
[0165] Reference is now made to FIG. 22 illustrating yet another
exploded side view of the present invention wherein stationary
bristles 14 are attached to foundation element 16a, fashioned with
recesses 12a, adapted to allow conventional click and snap
attachment to maneuverable bristle effecter 80, said effecter
adapted to be held within grooves 77 fashioned in handle portion 22
such that movement of handle 22 induces movement of maneuverable
bristles.)
[0166] Reference is now made to FIG. 23 illustrating yet another
exploded view of the present invention wherein foundation element
16a is adapted for snap and click attachment the distal end 22a of
handle portion 22, and rectangular foundation 31 is especially
adapted with groove 71 in order to allow for the sliding movement
of handle portion 22.
[0167] Reference is now made to FIG. 24 illustrating yet another to
view of the present invention comprising stationary bristles 14
sandwiched between maneuverable bristle row 32a and 32b
interconnected (not shown) to handle portion 22, such that movement
of said handle induces movement of said maneuverable bristle
rows.
[0168] Reference is now made to FIG. 25 illustrating yet another
exploded side view of the present invention wherein foundation
element 16a is adapted for click and snap attachment to
maneuverable bristle effecter 80, said bristle effecter
interconnected to handle portion 22, and said bristle effecter
further adapter to be inserted in rectangular foundation 31.
[0169] It should be pointed out that the present invention may be
applied to any toothbrush that mechanically transfers movement of a
handle portion, by means of a movement redirection effecter, into
three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping action of maneuverable
bristles interconnected thereto.
[0170] Reference is made now to FIG. 26, illustrating another
embodiment of the toothbrush 200 according to the present
invention.
[0171] According to said embodiment, the maneuverable rows of
bristles 32a and 32b are inter connected via a motion redirection
transmission effecter 36 (which according to this embodiment is a
single cogwheel).
[0172] More specifically, the maneuverable rows of bristles 32b is
coupled to a toothed effecter 260b, which is in mechanical
communication with said motion redirection transmission effecter
36. Said toothed effecter 260b is coupled to the proximal end 22b
such that linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the handle
portion results in a similar linear movement of said toothed
effecter 260b (and the three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping
action of said maneuverable bristles 32b).
[0173] The maneuverable rows of bristles 32a is also coupled to
toothed effecter 260a which is also in mechanical communication
with said motion redirection transmission effecter 36 In such a
manner, the linear movement of said toothed effecter 260b result in
an opposite linear movement of the toothed effecter 260a (by means
of said motion redirection transmission effecter 36) such that said
maneuverable bristles 32a are swept in a three dimensional crescent
shaped motions.
* * * * *