Abstract: A powered operating device such as a powered toothbrush includes a test button for momentarily testing the operability of the device. The test button simultaneously presses against both the on portion and the off portion of the switch which controls the operation of the device. While pressure is applied to the test button, the device is placed in its operative condition and when the pressure is released, the geometric structure of the test button held by the package releases the on portion of the switch at the same time or just before the off portion. Thus, assuring that the switch turns off.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush provides movement of cleaning elements which replicate the preferred method of cleaning teeth, namely up-and-down movement on the surface of the user's teeth. This preferred movement is obtained by translating rotational movement of a motor, first into reciprocation movement within the toothbrush through the interaction of a cam follower and helical tracks, and then translation of the reciprocating movement into oscillating movement of the cleaning elements through a limited arc. The translation of rotational to reciprocating movement is achieved through interaction of a cam follower in a helical track. The translation of reciprocating movement to oscillating movement is achieved through reciprocating movement of a volute through a mating groove in the head of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A package for displaying certain features of a toothbrush is disclosed. The package includes a movable slider bar as part of the package that can be manipulated by a potential consumer. The slidable bar engages a movable portion of a toothbrush so that a potential customer can observe that movement without opening the package.