Electric toothbrush

Abstract

An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes an elongate body having a handle portion, a head portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate portion disposed between the handle portion and the head portion. The head portion has a first end that is located at a position furthest from the handle portion and a second end opposite the first end that is disposed adjacent the elongate intermediate portion. The head portion has moving bristles that are disposed in a moving portion that oscillates and a static portion that extends from adjacent the moving portion to the second end of the head portion. The moving portion is disposed at the first end of the head portion and the static portion has a plurality of static bristles arranged in plurality of tufts. A motor is disposed in the handle portion and a shaft extends from the second end of the head portion to beyond the plurality of tufts of static bristles. The shaft is operatively connected to the motor and to the moving portion to cause the moving portion to oscillate about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/082,503, filed Feb. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/766,703, filed Jan. 22, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/382,745, filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,579 B1, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/236,794, filed Jan. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,693B1, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/163,621, filed on Sep. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083, the substances of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrushes. More particularly, it relates to an improved battery powered toothbrush.

[0003] The benefits of brushing one's teeth using motorized toothbrushes are well known, and motorized movement in toothbrushes has been the subject of much recent innovation and design activity. Also, the commercial market has seen the introduction, over the last several years, of many different types of motorized toothbrushes. However, an examination of the available technology shows a tendency toward increasingly complex, expensive, and non-commercially feasible methods of achieving motorized motions in the bristles and heads of toothbrushes to aid in more effectively cleaning one's teeth.

[0004] The commercial marketplace has become divided into two price markets. On the higher priced end are some of these more complex motorized toothbrushes that provide various motions to the bristles and brush head. The lower end of the market has become the province of very simple motorized toothbrushes that only vibrate through the use of an offset weight attached to the motor shaft, and which provide very little true additional cleaning benefit with their use, since no vigorous motion is transmitted to the cleaning surface of the brush. The vibrations are also very uncomfortable to the hand and act as a disincentive to brush one's teeth for an adequate time.

[0005] Numerous electric toothbrushes have been developed over the years. Some known devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,567; U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,627; U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,870; U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,534; U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,153; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,433. The intention of the present invention is to provide a low cost, effective, ergonomically correct, motorized toothbrush wherein the brush includes both a moving circular brush portion and a fixed brush portion. Accordingly it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved electric toothbrush which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes an elongate body having a handle portion, a head portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate portion disposed between the handle portion and the head portion. The head portion has a first end that is located at a position furthest from the handle portion and a second end opposite the first end that is disposed adjacent the elongate intermediate portion. The head portion has moving bristles that are disposed in a moving portion that oscillates and a static portion that extends from adjacent the moving portion to the second end of the head portion. The moving portion is disposed at the first end of the head portion and the static portion has a plurality of static bristles arranged in plurality of tufts. A motor is disposed in the handle portion and a shaft extends from the second end of the head portion to beyond the plurality of tufts of static bristles. The shaft is operatively connected to the motor and to the moving portion to cause the moving portion to oscillate about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross section of the motor and gear assembly of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross section of the head of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a front and side elevational view of the electric toothbrush in packaging;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 9;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevational view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an electric toothbrush A according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygiene such as brushing one's teeth and gums.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion 10, which has a first end 12 and a second end 14. A head 16 is attached to the first end 12 and a handle 18 is attached to the second end 14.

[0022] The head 16 has a more traditional larger brush head shape which permits the user to brush his teeth in the typical manner of an up and down fashion. As shown on FIG. 2, the length of the head 16, dimension “X”, can range from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. The thickness of the brush head, dimension “Y”, can range from about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches. The design of the head 16 allows for inexpensive manufacture and assists in bringing effective motorized rotational toothbrushes within the financial reach of a large portion of the population.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, the head 16 further includes a longitudinal axis 19, a circular or moving portion or brush head 20 and a static portion or brush head 22. The static portion 22 is located on opposite sides of the circular portion 20. The circular portion 20 is located at the center of the brush head 16. The circular portion 20 rotates, swivels, oscillates or reciprocates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the brush head 16. The circular portion 20 may rotate 360□ or partially rotate or oscillate or reciprocate in a back and forth manner.

[0024] The circular portion 20 includes stiff bristles 24. The static portion 22 includes soft bristles 26. The stiff bristles 24 are slightly recessed with respect to the soft bristles 26. The stiff bristles 24 aid in the deep cleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationary soft bristles 26 are softer so as to not damage the gums. The thickness of the bristles, dimension “Z”, shown in FIG. 2, can range from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. 3, the elongated body portion 10 further includes an angled shaft 28, located between the head 16 and the handle 18. The angled shaft 28 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not been utilized on a motorized toothbrush. The angle is well known for its ergonomic benefit in permitting easier access into the back recesses of the mouth while still contacting the tooth surface.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the elongated body portion 10 further includes a hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor 32 has a longitudinal axis 34 in line with a longitudinal axis 36 of the elongated body portion 10.

[0027] To provide power to the circular portion 20 to rotate or oscillate or reciprocate, the motor 32 powers a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42,43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to the worm gear 40. Step gear 42 is operatively connected to step gear 43 and the worm gear 40.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the first step gear 42 permits the matching second step gear 43 to be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 36 of the elongated body portion 10.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a shaft 44 is connected at a first end to the offset step gear 43 and at a second end to the circular portion 20. The second step gear 43 is placed at a desired angle so that the shaft 44 itself can still be straight, thus losing no power or torque through the added function of a flexible shaft.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 5, the motor 32 and gears 40, 42, 43 are housed with an upper housing 46 and a lower housing 48.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 4, a switch 50 is provided to control operation of the electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 includes a molded actuator button 52 and a metal contact 54. The switch 50 is manually depressed by pressing a molded actuator button 52 down, which then presses against a metal contact 54, which completes the circuit and provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. The switch 50 also allows continuous operation through a ramp design, sliding the button 52 forward toward the head 16 to provide for continuous operation. Moving the button 52 forward, combined with a molded in ramp 58 in the metal contact 54, causes the button 52 to move downward, pressing against the metal contact 54 and completing the circuit. The toothbrush then continuously operates until the button 52 is slid back into an off position toward the handle 18 and the button 52 disengages the metal contact 54.

[0032] By combining these two functions in one switch 50, the toothbrush can be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 where the consumer can depress the button 52 through the packaging and see its operation while still inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once out of the package. FIG. 8 illustrates one version of the button 52. It should be noted that other sizes and shapes of buttons may be used.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery 60 is provided within the hollow portion 30 of the elongated body portion 10. A battery terminal or contact 62 is provided for the battery 60. An AA battery can be used as is illustrated in FIG. 4. To install the battery 60 into the hollow portion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 64 is depressed and slid off the end of the handle 18 to expose the hollow portion 30. The battery 60 is inserted, then the cover 64 is slid back on to the housing and snapped into place. The terminal end of the battery 60 is then in contact with the metal contact 54.

[0034] If desired, depressions or grip areas 70 and 72 can be molded into the upper and lower housings 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 4. The depressions 70, 72 are used to support a user's thumb and forefinger or other fingers to make using the electric toothbrush easier and more comfortable.

[0035] A second preferred embodiment of the electric toothbrush according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.

[0036] The electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion 80, which has a first end 82 and a second end 84. A head 86 is attached to the first end 82 and a handle 88 is attached to the second end 84.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 11, the head 86 further includes a longitudinal axis 90, a circular or moving portion or brush head 100, a static portion or brush head 102, a first end 104, and a second end 106. The first end 104 is located adjacent the first end 82 of the elongated body portion 80. The second end 106 is located opposite the first end 104. The circular portion 100 is preferably located at the second end 106 of the brush head 86. The static portion 102 is preferably located at the first end 104 of the brush head 86 adjacent the circular portion 100. However, it is to be appreciated that the circular portion 100 and the static portion 102 can be arranged in different orientations. The circular portion 100 rotates, swivels, oscillates or reciprocates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 90 of the brush head 86.

[0038] The second preferred embodiment also has a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42, 43 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The motor 32 powers the worm gear 40 and the pair of step gears 42,43. The step gear 42 permits the matching step gear 43 to be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion 80.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, a shaft 44 is connected at a first end to the offset step gear 43 and at a second end to the circular portion 100. The second step gear 43 is placed at a desired angle so that the shaft 44 can still be straight, thus losing no power or torque through the added function of a flexible shaft.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 9, a switch 130 is provided to control operation of the electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 130 includes a molded actuator button 132. The switch 130 is manually depressed by pressing a molded actuator button 132 down, which then presses against a metal contact 54, which completes the circuit and provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. The operation of the switch 130 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and as described for the first preferred embodiment. The switch 130 also allows continuous operation through a ramp design, sliding the button 132 forward toward the head 86 to provide for continuous operation. The toothbrush then continuously operates until the button 132 is slid back into an off position toward the handle 88 and the button 132 disengages the metal contact 54.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the first preferred embodiment, the second preferred embodiment also has a battery 60 with a battery terminal or contact 62 provided within the hollow portion 30 of the elongated body portion 80. To install the battery 60 into the hollow portion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 134 (shown in FIGS. 9-11) is depressed and slid off the end of the handle 88 to expose the hollow portion 30. The battery 60 is inserted, then the cover 134 is slid back on to the housing and snapped into place.

[0042] If desired, raised grip areas 136 can be molded into the lower housing 124 as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. The raised portions 136 are used to support a user's thumb and forefinger or other fingers to make using the electric toothbrush easier and more comfortable. Raised portion 140 may also be molded onto the snap-on cover 134 to aid in gripping the cover with one's thumb and removing the cover from the handle 88.

[0043] The electric toothbrush of the second preferred embodiment can also be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown for the first preferred embodiment where the consumer can depress the button 132 through the packaging and see its operation while still inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once out of the packaging. A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12.

[0044] The electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion 150, which has a first end 152 and a second end 154. A head 160 is attached to the first end 152 and a handle 162 is attached to the second end 154.

[0045] The head 160 further includes a moving portion or brush head 164, a static portion or brush head 166, a first end 168, and a second end 170. As shown in FIG. 12, the moving portion 164 is located adjacent the second end 170. The static portion 166 is shown located adjacent the first end 168. However, it is to be appreciated that the moving portion 164 could be located adjacent the first end 168, and the static portion 166 could be located adjacent the second end 170. Furthermore, the moving portion 164 could be positioned in the center of the brush head with static portions 166 on opposite sides of the moving portion 164 similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0046] In accordance with this embodiment, the moving portion 164 oscillates about an axis approximately normal to a longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150.

[0047] The moving portion 164 can include stiff bristles 178. The static portion 166 can include soft bristles 180 which are softer than the stiff bristles. The stiff bristles 178 may be slightly recessed with respect to the soft bristles 180. The stiff bristles 178 aid in the deep cleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationary soft bristles 180 are softer so as to not damage the gums.

[0048] The elongated body portion 150 further includes an angled shaft 190, an upper housing 192 (not shown), and a lower housing 194. The angled shaft 190 is located between the head 160 and the handle 162. The angled shaft 190 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not been utilized on a motorized toothbrush.

[0049] The elongated body portion 150 of the third preferred embodiment also includes a hollow portion 196, which houses a motor 200. The hollow portion 196 is formed between the upper housing 192 and the lower housing 194. The motor 200 provides power to the moving portion 164 to rotate or oscillate or reciprocate. Power is provided to the motor by battery as shown and described for the first embodiment.

[0050] A switch (not shown) can be provided which is similar to switch 130 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 and which functions as described for the first and second preferred embodiments. The third embodiment further includes a first gear 202 which is operatively connected to and powered by the motor 200. The first gear 202 rotates about the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150. A second gear 206 is operatively connected to the first gear 202. The second gear 206 is approximately normal to the first gear 202. The second gear 206 rotates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 172. Teeth 208 of the first gear 202 mesh with teeth 210 of the second gear 206, thus causing second gear 206 to rotate when first gear 202 rotates.

[0051] A first swivel arm 220 is pivotably connected to the second gear 206 via a pin 222 or other fastening device. A second swivel arm 224 is pivotably connected to the first swivel arm 220 via a pin 226 or other fastening device. A shaft 230 is fixedly secured at a shaft first end 232 to the second swivel arm 224. The shaft 230 is pivotably attached at a shaft second end 234 to a third swivel arm 240. The shaft 230 is housed within the angled shaft 190.

[0052] The shaft 230 is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis 172.

[0053] A guide spacer 250 is located within the angled shaft 190 and surrounds the shaft 230 adjacent the first end 232 of the shaft 230 to minimize lateral movement of the shaft 230. A second guide spacer 252 is located adjacent the second end 234 of the shaft 230 to also minimize lateral movement of the shaft 230. Guide spacers 250, 252 align the shaft 230 within the angled shaft 190 and minimize its movement from side to side within the angled shaft 190.

[0054] The third swivel arm 240 has a first end 244 and a second end 246. The third swivel arm 240 is pivotably connected to the second guide spacer 252 at the swivel arm first end 244 via a pin 253. The third swivel arm 240 is connected at the swivel arm second end 246 to the moving portion 164 via a pin 254 or other fastening device. The pin 254 is connected to a disk 256 of the moving portion 164, which is housed within the head 160.

[0055] As the first gear 202 rotates, the second gear 206 is rotated, thus moving the first swivel arm 220 in a back and forth circular fashion about the second gear 206 and along the longitudinal axis 172. The first swivel arm 220 also can pivot about the pin 222. The first swivel arm 220 retains its orientation of approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 during movement. The second swivel arm 224 pivots with respect to its pin connection 226 with the first swivel arm 220 thus allowing the shaft 230 to oscillate in a back and forth manner toward and away from the brush head with minimal lateral motion.

[0056] During operation, the third swivel arm 240 moves back and forth along the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 along with the shaft 230.

[0057] The swivel arm 240 can also pivot or move slightly laterally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0058] The third swivel arm 240 has an offset arm 260 which is offset from the longitudinal axis 172 and moves the disk 256 of the moving portion 164 in a partially rotating or oscillating motion. As the third swivel arm 240 moves back and forth, the offset arm 260 moves along an outside edge 262 of the disk 256 in a partially rotating or oscillating fashion about an axis which is approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 172. This causes the bristles 178 to also move in a partially rotating or oscillating manner about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 172.

[0059] When the third swivel arm 240 rotates, the disk 256 also rotates about an axis approximately normal to the elongated body portion longitudinal axis 172. The third, swivel arm 240 also retains its orientation of approximately parallel to the elongated body portion longitudinal axis 172 during movement.

[0060] If desired, raised grip areas (not shown) can be provided which are similar to raised grip areas 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 for the second preferred embodiment. The raised grip areas can be molded into the lower housing 194.

[0061] The electric toothbrush of the third preferred embodiment can also be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown for the first preferred embodiment. The consumer can depress a button (not shown) similar to button 132 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 for the second preferred embodiment through the packaging and see its operation while still inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once out of the packaging.

[0062] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0063] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush, comprising:

an elongate body having a handle portion, a head portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate portion disposed between the handle portion and the head portion, the elongate intermediate portion having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the handle portion, the head portion including static and moving bristles, wherein the moving bristles are disposed in only a single moving portion that oscillates and at least some of the static bristles are disposed between the moving portion and the handle portion, the head portion and elongate intermediate portion being dimensioned for disposition in a human user's mouth for brushing teeth; and

a motor disposed in the handle portion and operatively connected to the moving portion for moving the moving portion.

2. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the moving portion is disposed at an end of the head portion that is located at a position furthest from the handle portion.

3. The electric toothbrush of claim 2, further comprising a shaft that is operatively connected to the motor and to the moving portion to cause the moving portion to oscillate about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion.

4. The electric toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the axis passes through the moving portion and the moving bristles are disposed on either side of the axis.

5. The electric toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the shaft rotates.

6. The electric toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the moving portion is circular and the moving bristles extend across the moving portion.

7. An electric toothbrush, comprising:

an elongate body having a handle portion, a head portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate portion disposed between the handle portion and the head portion, the elongate intermediate portion having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the handle portion, the head portion having a first end that is located at a position furthest from the handle portion and a second end opposite the first end that is disposed adjacent the elongate intermediate portion, the head portion having moving bristles that are disposed in a moving portion that oscillates and a static portion that extends from adjacent the moving portion to the second end of the head portion, wherein the moving portion is disposed at the first end of the head portion and the static portion has a plurality of static bristles arranged in plurality of tufts, wherein the head portion and elongate intermediate portion are dimensioned for disposition in a human user's mouth for brushing teeth;

a motor disposed in the handle portion; and

a shaft that extends from the second end of the head portion to beyond the plurality of tufts of static bristles and which is operatively connected to the motor and to the moving portion to cause the moving portion to oscillate about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion.

8. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the shaft is not operatively connected to another bristle-bearing moving portion between the static portion and the elongate intermediate portion.

9. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the axis passes through the moving portion and the moving bristles are disposed on either side of the axis.

10. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the shaft rotates.

11. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the moving portion is circular and the moving bristles extend across the moving portion.

12. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the plurality of tufts of static bristles extend from adjacent the moving portion to the second end of the head portion.

13. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the head portion has a width normal to the longitudinal axis and the static portion has a width about equal to the width of the head portion.

14. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the plurality of tufts of static bristles extend across the width of the static portion.

15. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the moving portion only oscillates.

16. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the shaft extends from the second end of the head portion to an edge of the static portion that is adjacent the moving portion.

17. The electric toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the shaft extends beyond all of the tufts of static bristles of the static portion.

18. An electric toothbrush comprising:

packaging for containing the toothbrush:

an elongated body portion having opposed first and second ends, a hollow portion and a longitudinal axis;

a head attached to said first end, wherein said head includes a moving portion;

a motor located within said hollow portion of said elongated body portion, said motor being configured to produce a moving motion for the moving portion;

a shaft operatively connected to said motor at a first end and to the moving portion at a second end;

a handle attached to said second end of said elongated body portion; and

a switch which is operably connected to said motor, wherein said switch is actuated in a first manner to provide momentary operation of said toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the packaging, and is actuated in a second manner to provide continuous operation of said toothbrush when the toothbrush is out of the packaging.

19. The toothbrush, as defined in claim 18, wherein when said switch is actuated in a first manner, the switch is depressed to provide the momentary operation.

20. The toothbrush, as defined in claim 18, wherein when said switch is actuated in a second manner, the switch is depressed and slid in a slot in said elongated body portion.