U.S. patent application number 15/092179 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for electric interdental cleaning apparatus and systems useful for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is STEVI, LLC. Invention is credited to Ray M GOTTLIEB.
Application Number | 20160213455 15/092179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53753854 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160213455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GOTTLIEB; Ray M |
July 28, 2016 |
ELECTRIC INTERDENTAL CLEANING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR
CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES
Abstract
A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool includes a body,
an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive
member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of
the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning
member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member
shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.
Inventors: |
GOTTLIEB; Ray M; (Silver
Spring, MD) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STEVI, LLC |
Silver Spring |
MD |
US |
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Family ID: |
53753854 |
Appl. No.: |
15/092179 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14552434 |
Nov 24, 2014 |
9339356 |
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15092179 |
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61935830 |
Feb 4, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/26 20130101;
A61C 15/00 20130101; A61C 17/222 20130101; A61C 17/3463 20130101;
A61C 17/3409 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 17/34 20060101
A61C017/34 |
Claims
1. A powered, electric interdental cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a body comprising a first end and a second end; an interdental
cleaning member; a drive member extending from the first end of the
body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body, the drive
member connected to the interdental cleaning member; and a neck
comprising a first end and a second end, the neck extending from
the first end of the body at the first end of the neck to a head
comprising the interdental cleaning member, the neck defining a
drive member shaft that contains the drive member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, the cleaning member further
comprising: a plurality of bristles.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bristles are
angled to form a point.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a brush
support.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the brush support is
cone-shaped.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the brush support is fixedly
attached to the head.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the brush support is
configured to rotate.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive member comprises a
flexible metal shaft.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive member extends from
the body at an angle of about 20 degrees.
10. A brush assembly, comprising: A brush support; and an
interdental cleaning member surrounded by the brush support,
wherein the brush support and the interdental cleaning member are
configured and arranged to enable the interdental cleaning member
to rotate and reciprocate axially through the opening.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the brush interdental
cleaning member support is configured to extend 5 millimeters
beyond an opening of the brush support at a non-extended
position.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the interdental cleaning
member is configured to extend about 1 centimeter beyond an opening
of the brush support at a fully extended position.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the brush support is
configured to rotate the interdental cleaning member.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the brush support is fixed
and non-rotatable.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the interdental cleaning
member comprises a central bristle tuft.
16. A powered dental and interdental cleaning apparatus,
comprising: a brush support; an interdental cleaning member
surrounded by the brush support, wherein the brush support and the
interdental cleaning member are configured and arranged to enable
the interdental cleaning member to rotate and reciprocate axially
through the opening; and a drive assembly configured to rotate the
interdental cleaning member and cause pulsing movement of the
interdental cleaning member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a body
containing the drive assembly and a brush assembly, wherein the
brush assembly comprises the interdental cleaning member.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the drive assembly further
comprises: a drive member extending from a first end of a body at
an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body, wherein the drive
member is connected to the interdental cleaning member to rotate
the interdental cleaning member and cause the interdental cleaning
member to move axially.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a variable speed
motor connected to and configured to drive the drive member,
wherein the drive member extends from the body at an angle of about
20 degrees.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the drive member connects to
the interdental cleaning member by way of a gear comprising a keyed
surface configured to mate with a surface of the interdental member
to cause the interdental member to rotate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,830, titled
MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRIC BRUSH APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR
CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, filed Feb. 4, 2014, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety. This application is a continuation application of
Ser. No. 14/552,434, titled ELECTRIC INTERDENTAL CLEANING APPARATUS
AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, filed
Nov. 24, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene tools. In
particular, the disclosure relates to electric cleaning tools
having a brush for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument that is useful
for cleaning teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes may include
one or more heads of bristles that are arranged for cleaning the
oral cavity--particularly, the teeth, tongue, and gums. Toothpaste
is typically an abrasive fluid, paste, or gel dentifrice, and is
used with toothbrushes to enhance cleaning by mechanical action.
The cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes has also been enhanced
by using different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. In the past
century, conventional toothbrushes have been modified to include
soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and minimize gum damage or
irritation, and may be formed of nylon or other materials that have
desirable hardness and durability.
[0004] Some conventional toothbrushes are powered by electricity.
An electric toothbrush includes a brush that is driven by a motor
that oscillates or rotates the brush. Electric toothbrushes have
been found to be easier to use than brushes that require completely
manual brushing action. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have been
clinically proven to generally be more effective for cleaning teeth
than unpowered toothbrushes.
[0005] Other types of conventional toothbrushes include interdental
or interproximal brushes and end-tufted brushes. Interdental
cleaning instruments such as interdental brushes are designed for
cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. An
interdental cleaning instrument may have a cleaning head that has a
tapered surface profile. For example, a head of an interdental
cleaning instrument may have a conical shape for cleaning the
narrow spaces between teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may
alternatively include a brush having bristles located about a
slender rod that is suitable for sliding between teeth to clean
interdental spaces.
[0006] End-tufted toothbrushes are designed for cleaning along
gumlines adjacent to teeth. End-tufted toothbrushes typically
include a bristle head that is shaped to form an angled cleaning
surface that conforms to interdental spaces.
SUMMARY
[0007] A need has been recognized for an electric interdental
cleaning device configured for easier, more effective, and more
comprehensive interdental space cleaning. Embodiments of the
invention may provide solutions to this and other problems and
needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified,
appreciated, or solved by current dental cleaning technologies.
[0008] A powered interdental cleaning device of embodiments
advantageously enables cleaning of tooth surfaces and interdental
spaces by way of a rotating and pulsing interdental cleaning
member. The interdental cleaning device may be useful for
orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may
enable enhanced subgingival cleaning.
[0009] In an embodiment, a powered interdental cleaning apparatus
includes a body having a first end and a second end. The apparatus
has an interdental cleaning member at a head, a drive member, and a
neck. The drive member extends from the first end of the body at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is
connected to the interdental cleaning member. The neck has a first
end and a second end, and the neck extends from the first end of
the body at the first end of the neck. The neck is configured to
define or contain a drive member shaft that contains the drive
member.
[0010] In an embodiment, the head may include a brush assembly
having an interdental cleaning member and a brush support. The
brush support may extend from the head to form a cone shape
defining a hollow interior. The interdental cleaning member may be
slidably positioned and configured to extend through a portion of
the hollow interior of the brush support.
[0011] The interdental cleaning member may be configured and
arranged to enable the interdental cleaning member to pulse or
reciprocate axially through an opening at the end of the brush
support. The apparatus further includes a drive assembly configured
to rotate and cause pulsing movement of the interdental cleaning
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In order that the advantages of embodiments of the invention
will be readily understood, a more particular description of the
disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to
specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
While it should be understood that these drawings depict only
typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be
considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be
described and explained with additional specificity and detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric interdental
cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of an electric
interdental cleaning apparatus showing a drive system in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of an electric interdental cleaning
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of an electric interdental cleaning
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electric interdental
cleaning apparatus having a uniform cleaning surface in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an end view of an electric interdental cleaning
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electric interdental
cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a brush assembly according to
an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top view of a brush assembly for an electric
interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a head of an
electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a head of an electric
interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment,
wherein an interdental cleaning member is in a first position;
[0024] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the head of the electric
interdental cleaning apparatus of FIG. 11 A, wherein the
interdental cleaning member is a second position that is different
than the first position.
[0025] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the head of the electric
interdental cleaning apparatus of FIG. 11 A, wherein the
interdental cleaning member is in a third position that is
different than the first position and the second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a
powered interdental cleaning device that enables cleaning of
interdental spaces. The interdental cleaning device may be useful
for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may
enable enhanced subgingival cleaning under the gumline. For
example, an interdental cleaning member may be configured to reach
approximately 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline, and preferably
is configured for cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the
gumline. The interdental cleaning member may reach further,
however, as a matter of design choice.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered interdental
cleaning device 100, according to an embodiment. Interdental
cleaning device 100 includes a body 101. Body 101 contains or
supports a drive system (not shown).
[0028] Body 101 is connected to a neck 121 at a first end of neck
121. A brush assembly head 131 may extend from or be connected to a
second end of neck 121. Body 101 may define an opening for access
to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later
developed actuating mechanism 125 may be connected to the drive
system and accessible through the opening of body 101. Actuating
mechanism 125 may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment
of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism 125 may
facilitate turning on and off the device, and adjusting a speed of
the drive system of interdental cleaning device 100. In some
embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed
motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism 125 may be
configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus
variable speed adjustment of the drive system.
[0029] Drive member 107 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 101 to a brush assembly 131. In an embodiment,
the angle may be about 20 degrees. In an embodiment, body 101 and
neck 121 may have a unitary construction where body 101, neck 121,
and brush assembly 131 form a substantially unitary construction.
For example, portions of body 101, neck 121, and brush assembly 131
may be formed from a single material.
[0030] The brush assembly includes interdental cleaning member 135
and a brush support member 133. Brush support member 133 may be
configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning
member 135 may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside
the substantially cone-shaped support member 133. Electric
interdental cleaning device 100 is advantageously suitable for
cleaning interdental regions and spaces.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electric interdental
cleaning device 200 in accordance with an embodiment. Interdental
cleaning device 200 has a body 201. Body 201 contains or supports a
drive system. The drive system includes a drive member 207. Drive
member 207 may be a flexible shaft in some embodiments.
[0032] Body 201 is connected to a neck 221 at a first end of neck
221. Neck 221 may include support structures that support drive
member 207. Drive member 207 may include a cable, wire, flexible
shaft, rod, or any other suitable structure. Drive member 207 may
be formed of metal, an alloy, a polymer, a composite, or any other
suitable material that is now known or later developed. A head
assembly 231 is connected to a second end of neck 221. A button,
switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism
225 is connected to the drive system and through an opening of body
201. Actuating mechanism 225 may be configured to enable and cause
an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism
225 may facilitate turning interdental cleaning device 200 on and
off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments,
the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not
shown). The variable speed motor and actuating mechanism 225 may be
configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus
variable speed adjustment of the drive system.
[0033] Drive member 207 is connected to a motor 227 at a first end
of drive member 207. Motor 227 may be powered by a power source.
The power source may be a battery power source, power from an
outlet, or any other suitable AC or DC source, for example. Motor
227 may be connected to actuating mechanism 225 to enable variable
speed control. Motor 227 may be anchored for rotation inside body
201.
[0034] Drive member 207 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 201 to a brush assembly 231. In some
embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly 231
may include an interdental cleaning member 235 and a brush support
member 233. Brush support member 233 may be configured to define a
central opening, and interdental cleaning member 235 may be
disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening in a
direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of
interdental cleaning member 235.
[0035] Drive member 207 may be contained or supported within a
drive shaft defined by neck 221. Support structures formed in or
defined by the interior of neck 221 may be useful for supporting an
angled, flexible drive member. Drive member 207 may be connected at
a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly
support gear 241 and a drive member gear 245. Drive member gear 245
may be attached to and rotated by drive member 207. Drive member
gear 245 may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of
brush assembly support gear 241.
[0036] The second end of drive member 207 may be attached to an
offset connecting rod (not shown). The connecting rod may be
associated with a ball and socket assembly (not shown). The ball
and socket assembly may connected to interdental cleaning member
235 and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member 235
to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the direction
of rotation of drive member 207 as drive member 207 rotates.
[0037] Brush support member 233 may be connected to brush assembly
gear 241. When drive member 207 is rotated by motor 227, drive
member gear 245 is caused to rotate brush assembly gear 241 and
thus interdental cleaning member 235. Meanwhile, rotating drive
member 207 moves the connecting rod to cause pulsing movement of
interdental cleaning member 235 through the central opening of
brush support member 233. In some embodiments, interdental cleaning
member 235 may also be connected to brush assembly gear 241 to
enable rotation of interdental cleaning member 235 during the
pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear 241
and drive member gear 245 is 1:2, interdental cleaning member 235
may pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation
at a speed of about twice the speed of rotation of interdental
cleaning member 235.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a side view of an electric interdental cleaning
device 300, according to an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device
300 includes a body 301. Body 301 contains or supports a drive
system (not shown).
[0039] Body 301 is connected to a neck 321 at a first end of neck
321. A head 331 is connected to a second end of neck 321. Body 301
may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button,
switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism
325 may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the
opening of body 301. Actuating mechanism 325 may be configured to
enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example,
actuating mechanism 325 may facilitate turning interdental cleaning
device 300 on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In
some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable
speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism 325 may
be may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor,
and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system.
[0040] Drive member 307 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 301 to a brush assembly 331. In some
embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly 331
may include the interdental cleaning member (not shown) and a brush
support member 333. Brush support member 333 may be configured to
define a central opening, and the interdental cleaning member 335
may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside brush
support member 335.
[0041] FIG. 4 a top view of an interdental cleaning device 400 in
accordance with an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device 400
includes a body 401. Body 401 contains or supports a drive
system.
[0042] Body 401 is connected to a neck 421 at a first end of neck
421. A head 431 is connected to a second end of neck 421. Body 401
may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button,
switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism
425 may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the
opening of body 401. Actuating mechanism 425 may be configured to
enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example,
actuating mechanism 425 may facilitate turning apparatus 400 on and
off, and adjusting a speed of the drive system.
[0043] Drive member 407 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 401 to a brush assembly 431. In some
embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly
may include an interdental cleaning member 435 and a brush support
member 433. Brush support member 433 may be substantially
cone-shaped, and may be configured to define a central opening.
Interdental cleaning member 435 may be configured and arranged for
axial and rotational movement inside the opening.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interdental cleaning
device 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Interdental cleaning device 500 has a body 501. Body 501 contains
or supports a drive system (not shown).
[0045] Body 501 is connected to a neck 521 at a first end of neck
521. A head 531 is connected to a second end of neck 521. Body 501
may define an opening for access to the drive system. A first
button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating
mechanism 523 may be included at an end of body 501, as shown in
FIG. 5. Switch 523 may be configured to power a drive system of
interdental cleaning device 500 on and off. A second button,
switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism
525 may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the
opening of body 501. Actuating mechanism 525 may be configured to
enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example,
actuating mechanism 525 may facilitate turning interdental cleaning
device 500 on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive
system.
[0046] Drive member 507 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 501 to a brush assembly 531. In some
embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly
may include an interdental cleaning member 535 and a brush support
member 533. Brush support member 533 may be configured to define a
central opening, and interdental cleaning member 535 may be
disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening.
[0047] FIG. 6 is an end view of an interdental cleaning device 600
in accordance with an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device 600
includes a body 601. Body 601 contains or supports a drive system
(not shown).
[0048] Body 601 is connected to a neck 621 at a first end of neck
621. A head 631 may be connected to a second end of neck 621. As
shown in FIG. 6, body 601 and neck 621 may have a unitary
construction where body 601, neck 621, and brush assembly 631 form
a substantially unitary construction. For example, portions of body
601, neck 621, and brush assembly 631 may be formed from a single
material.
[0049] A first button, switch, or other now known or later
developed actuating mechanism 623 may be included at an end of body
601 as shown in FIG. 6. Switch 623 may be configured to power a
drive system of interdental cleaning device 600 on and off. One or
more now known or later developed actuating mechanisms may be
connected to the drive system and accessible from an outer portion
of body 601, and may be configured to enable and cause an
adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanisms
may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush 600 on and
off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments,
the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor. The
motor and actuating mechanism may be configured for variable speed
adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the
drive system.
[0050] The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning
member 635 and a brush support member 633. Brush support member 633
may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental
cleaning member 635 may be disposed for axial and rotational
movement inside the opening. Brush support member 633 may be fixed,
or in alternative embodiments, may be connected to the gear
assembly for rotation.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a side view of an interdental cleaning device 700
in accordance with an embodiment. A drive system includes a drive
member 707. The drive member 707 may be a flexible shaft, for
example.
[0052] Body 701 is connected to a neck 721 at a first end of neck
721. A brush assembly is connected to a second end of neck 721.
Body 701 may define an opening for access to the drive system. A
first button, switch, or other now known or later developed
actuating mechanism 723 may be connected to the drive system and
accessible through the opening of body 701. A second button,
switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism
725 may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the
opening of body 701. Actuating mechanism 725 may be configured to
enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example,
actuating mechanism 725 may facilitate turning electric interdental
cleaning device 700 on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive
system. Drive member 721 may be flexible to accommodate angled
extension from body 701 to the brush assembly. In some embodiments,
the angle may be about 20 degrees.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a brush assembly 800,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Brush assembly
831 includes an interdental cleaning member 835 and a brush support
member 833. Brush support member 833 may be configured to define a
central opening and interdental cleaning member 835 may be disposed
for axial and rotational movement inside the opening.
[0054] The drive member may be contained or supported within a
drive shaft defined by the neck. The drive member may be connected
at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly
support gear 841 and a drive member gear 845. Drive member gear 845
may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member
gear 845 may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of
brush assembly support gear 841.
[0055] The second end of the drive member may be attached to an
offset connecting rod, which may be associated with a ball and
socket assembly 847. The ball and socket assembly 847 may be
connected to an interdental cleaning member 835, and may be
configured to cause interdental cleaning member 835 to move up and
down in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of
the drive member as the drive member rotates.
[0056] Brush support member 833 may be connected to brush assembly
gear 841. When the drive member is rotated, drive member gear 845
rotates brush assembly gear 841, thus rotating interdental cleaning
member 835, and in alternative embodiments, brush support member
833. Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod
and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of
interdental cleaning member 835 through the central opening of
brush support member 833. In some embodiments, interdental cleaning
member 835 may also be connected to brush assembly gear 841 to
enable rotation of cleaning member 835 during the pulsing. For
example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear 841 and drive
member gear 845 is 1:2, interdental cleaning member 833 may pulse
in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed
of about twice that of the speed of rotation.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a top view of a brush assembly 900 in accordance
with an embodiment. Brush assembly 900 includes a centrally
disposed interdental cleaning member 935. Interdental cleaning
member 935 is configured to rotate and pulse within the opening
defined by a brush support member 933. In an alternative
embodiment, interdental cleaning member 935 may be configured to
meet a brush support to cause rotation of interdental cleaning
member 935 as brush support member 933 rotates, brush support
member 933 being caused to rotate by a gear assembly. The gear
assembly and brush support member 933 may be keyed to interdental
cleaning member 935 to cause rotation of interdental cleaning
member 935 by way of the gear assembly, and to restrict axial
movement of interdental cleaning member 935.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a head 1000 of an
electric interdental cleaning device 1000 in accordance with an
embodiment. Head 1000 includes an interdental cleaning member 1035
and a brush support member 1033. Brush support member 1033 may be
configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning
member 1035 may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a
direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of
rotation.
[0059] A drive member may be contained or supported within a drive
shaft defined by a neck (not shown). The drive member may be
connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush
assembly support gear 1041 and a drive member gear (not shown). The
drive member gear may be attached to and rotated by the drive
member. The drive member gear may be configured to interlock with
and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear 1041.
[0060] The drive member may be attached to an offset connecting
rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket
assembly 1047. Ball and socket assembly 1047 may connected to
interdental cleaning member 1035, and may be configured to cause
interdental cleaning member 1035 to move up and down in a direction
perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the
drive member rotates.
[0061] Interdental cleaning member 1035 may be connected to brush
assembly gear 1041. When the drive member is rotated, a drive
member gear (not shown) rotates interdental cleaning member 1035.
Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and
ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental
cleaning member 1035 through the central opening of brush support
member 1033. Interdental cleaning member 1035 may be connected to
brush assembly gear 1041 to enable rotation during the pulsing. For
example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear 1041 and drive
member gear 1041 is 1:2, the interdental brush may rotate, and
pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a
speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation of interdental
member 1035.
[0062] FIGS. 11A-C are perspective views of a head 1100 of an
electric interdental cleaning device in accordance with an
embodiment. Head 1100 includes an interdental cleaning member 1135
and a brush support member 1133. Brush support member 1133 may be
configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and
interdental cleaning member 1135 may be disposed for axial and
rotational movement inside the opening.
[0063] A drive member may be connected at a second end to a
crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear 1141 and a
drive member gear 1145. Drive member gear 1145 may be attached to
and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear 1145 may be
configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly
support gear 1141.
[0064] A second end of the drive member may be attached to an
offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a
ball and socket assembly 1147. Ball and socket assembly 1147 may
connected to interdental cleaning member 1135, and may be
configured to cause interdental cleaning member 1135 to move up and
down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the
drive member as the drive member rotates. In FIG. 11A, interdental
cleaning member 1135 is in a first, fully retracted position or
non-extended position where ball and socket assembly 1147 supports
interdental cleaning member 1135 in a first, least extended
position. For example, in a first position the interdental member
may extend about 5 mm beyond the brush support member 1133.
[0065] In FIG. 11B, interdental cleaning member 1135 is located at
a second position that is about midway between the first least
extended position shown in FIG. 11A and a third most extended
position shown in FIG. 11C, where interdental cleaning member 1635
is substantially fully extended. For example, the interdental
cleaning member 1135 may be configured to be extendible to about 1
centimeter beyond the brush support member 1133.
[0066] Accordingly, the interdental cleaning device in accordance
with embodiments discussed herein advantageously enable enhanced
and efficient cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces. The
electric interdental cleaning device may be useful for many
applications, including pedodontal, and orthodontic
applications.
[0067] The interdental cleaning device may be useful for
periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced cleaning under
the gumline. For example, the interdental cleaning device in
accordance with embodiments may include an interdental cleaning
member that is configured to reach about 3 to 5 millimeters below
the gumline for cleaning. Preferably, the electric interdental
cleaning device is constructed to enable cleaning at about 5
millimeters below the gumline.
[0068] It will be readily understood that the components of various
embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and
illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in
a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed
description of the embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and
methods, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely
representative of selected embodiments.
[0069] The features, structures, or characteristics of the
invention described throughout this specification may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example,
reference throughout this specification to "certain embodiments,"
"some embodiments," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in certain
embodiments," "in some embodiment," "in other embodiments," or
similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily
all refer to the same group of embodiments and the described
features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0070] The modifiers "about" and "approximately" used in connection
with a quantity are inclusive of the stated value and have the
meaning dictated by the context. For example, it includes at least
the degree of error associated with the measurement of the
particular quantity. When used with a specific value, they also
disclose that value.
[0071] It should be noted that reference throughout this
specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not
imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized
with the present invention should be or are in any single
embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the
features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific
feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with
an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0072] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0073] It would be apparent to those of skill in the art that
certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions
would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of
the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the
invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended
claims.
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