Pressure sensing toothbrush

Abstract

A device for brushing teeth comprising a head having a plurality of bristles, a handle constructed and arranged for holding and manipulating the device, and a flexible neck coupled between said head and said handle, wherein the flexible neck bends relative to the handle when an external pressure greater than a maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head, to prevent more than a maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against teeth by the head of the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/634,782 filed Mar. 6, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Studies have shown that there are three common problems with the process of brushing teeth. One problem is that people may brush too hard which results in a wearing away of the enamel on teeth and of a receding of the gum lines. A study by Researcher Peter Heaseman, professor of periodontology at the Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences showed that pressure exerted on teeth by brushing is effective for cleaning the teeth up to a certain amount, and that pressure greater than that amount no longer increased the cleaning effectiveness of brushing, but rather increased the chances of damaging teeth by wearing away the tooth's enamel and contributed to receding gum lines.

The second problem is that people may not brush hard enough, which results in the increased buildup of plague and bacteria, causing gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

The third problem is that people do not brush long enough which results in the increased buildup of plague and bacteria, which in turn results in gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Studies have shown that a person should brush for approximately 2 minutes in order to gain the maximum cleaning effectiveness. These studies also showed that the benefits of brushing diminished after a period of approximately 2 to 3 minutes, but that the average person only brushes between 30 to 45 seconds, thus not brushing nearly long enough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is designed to aid in resolving the three problems described above as being related to tooth and gum decay; (1) brushing too hard, (2) not brushing hard enough, and (3) not brushing long enough.

First, the present device aids in resolving the problem of enamel erosion and receding gum lines caused by brushing too hard by limiting the amount of force, for example pressure, that the user is able to apply against his teeth via the head of the toothbrush during the brushing process. The present device can have either an electric vibrating head, or a non-electric non-vibrating head. The neck of the toothbrush can be designed to be flexible, where the flexible neck remains in a first position relative to the handle until more than a minimum predetermined pressure is exerted against the toothbrush head, at which point the flexible neck is designed to bend. The flexible neck is designed to continue bending from the first position relative to the handle, and in the same vector or direction as the external force being applied against the head. As the amount of external pressure against the toothbrush head approaches the maximum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, the flexible neck continues to bend until it reaches the and where the flexible neck can bend when more than a maximum predetermined pressure is applied during the brushing process thereby preventing more than the maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted on the teeth. If the external pressure applied against the toothbrush head exceeds the maximum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, the flexible neck can continue to bend so as to maintain the same maximum predetermined pressure against the teeth by the toothbrush head thereby preventing more than the maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against the teeth. If the external pressure against the toothbrush head is reduced, the flexion of the flexible neck proportionally decreases in response to the reduction in the external pressure until the flexible neck is once again in a first position relative to the handle. Therefore, even if the user wants to brush harder, thereby applying more than the maximum predetermined pressure, the flexible neck can bend, thereby preventing the user from exerting more than the maximum predetermined pressure against his teeth.

Second, the present device aids in decreasing the buildup of plague and bacteria by ensuring that the user brushes hard enough. The present device incorporates an power source, a pressure sensor, and a vibrating mechanism which causes the head of the toothbrush to vibrate. The vibrating mechanism is activated when a minimum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head of the toothbrush. The pressure sensor, for example a strain gauge, mechanical switch, or electronic sensor, in the neck of the toothbrush can detect if external pressure is being exerted against the head to the toothbrush. If the external pressure exerted against the head is not greater than the minimum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, the pressure sensor, which is in communication with the vibrating mechanism, will not signal the motor to vibrate. If the external pressure exerted against the head is greater than the minimum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, the pressure sensor will signal the vibrating mechanism to activate, causing the head to vibrate while greater than the minimum predetermined pressure continues to be exerted against the head. Therefore, the user will know to apply more pressure while brushing if the toothbrush head stops vibrating.

Third, the present device aids in decreasing the buildup of plague and bacteria by ensuring that the user brushes long enough. The present device incorporates an electronic timer, which is activated when the vibrating mechanism in the toothbrush is activated. The electronic timer consists of a processor which can count down from a predetermined value to a null value, and a memory device which can store at least one predetermined value, null value, interval value, and pause value. The predetermined time value is a value from which the processor begins counting down to the null time value. The null value is a value which signals the processor to terminate the count down once the null value is reached. The interval value is a value between the predetermined time value and the null time value which signals the processor to cause the device to emit either a tactile or auditory signal to the user. The pause value is a value between the predetermined time value and the null value which is stored in the memory chip if the vibrating mechanism is deactivated prior to the processor counting down to the null value, where upon reactivation of the vibrating mechanism, the processor will continue counting down from the pause value instead of beginning again from the predetermined time value. The time duration between the predetermined value and the null value is the recommended length of time for the brushing process. The recommended length of time for the brushing process can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art of dentistry or dental hygiene. The processor is in communication with the vibrating mechanism and signals the vibrating mechanism to deactivate when the processor counts down to the null value, thus indicating that the user has brushed for the recommended length of time. The electronic timer will also indicate to the user that the recommended length of time for brushing is about to elapse by emitting tactile or auditory signals at predetermined intervals prior to the end of the recommended brushing time. Thus, the user will know that the recommended brushing time has almost elapsed through the auditory or tactile signals, and will know to keep brushing until the toothbrush head stops vibrating. The user will also know that he has brushed for the recommended period of time when the toothbrush head stops vibrating. If the user stops brushing or removes the toothbrush from his mouth prior to the recommended brushing period, the pressure sensor will signal the vibrating mechanism to deactivate, thereby pausing the processor to stop counting down toward null. The processor will resume counting down to the null value from the pause value stored in the memory chip when the vibrating mechanism is reactivated. If the power switch is moved to the off position, and then moved to the on position at any point during the count down, the starting value from which the processor will count down will be reset to the predetermined time value.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive concepts, a device for brushing teeth comprising a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head for cleaning teeth, a handle constructed and arranged for holding and manipulating the device during the brushing process, and a flexible neck coupled between the head and the handle, wherein the flexible neck can bend relative to the handle to maintain a maximum predetermined pressure against the teeth when an external pressure greater than the maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head, whereby preventing the external pressure exerted against the teeth from exceeding the maximum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck and a handle where the flexible neck is coupled between the head and the handle, and wherein the flexible neck can bend relative to the handle when more than a maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head by an external pressure during the brushing process.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck and handle where the flexible neck is coupled between the head and the handle, wherein the flexible neck is constructed of a flexible material which can bend relative to the handle when an external pressure greater than the maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head, and where the flexion of the flexible neck is proportional to the external pressure being exerted against the head in excess of the maximum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, thereby preventing the external pressure greater than the maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against the teeth.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck, a handle, a power switch, a power source, and a vibrating mechanism, wherein the power switch is in communication with the power source, and wherein the power source is in communication with the vibrating mechanism. The power switch is located on the handle and can be placed in an “on” position or an “off” position. The vibrating mechanism is connected to the head and can cause the head to vibrate when the device is activated. Moving the power switch from the “off” position to the “on” position can activate the device, whereby when the power switch is in the “on” position, the power source, in communication with the power switch and connected to the vibrating mechanism, can activate the vibrating mechanism which vibrates the head.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck, a handle, a power switch, a power source, a vibrating mechanism and a pressure sensor, where the pressure sensor is connected to the flexible neck and is in communication with the vibrating mechanism. The pressure sensor can be a mechanical switch, strain gauge, or electronic device. If the power switch is in the “on” position, the pressure sensor can recognize when an external pressure greater than a minimum predetermined pressure is exerted against the head, whereby the pressure sensor can activate the vibrating mechanism, for example, by opening or closing an electrical or mechanical switch, thereby allowing power to flow to from the power source to the vibrating mechanism. When the external pressure exerted against the head is less than the minimum predetermined pressure, the pressure sensor deactivates the vibrating mechanism. The pressure sensor can recognize pressure exerted against the head, for example, by using a strain gauge to measure the flexion of the flexible neck in relation to the handle, or by causing a mechanical switch to close by the flexion of the flexible neck.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck, a handle, a power switch, a power source, a vibrating mechanism, a pressure sensor and an electronic timer where the electronic timer comprises a processor for at least counting down from a predetermined value to a null value, and a memory chip for at least storing numerical values. The electronic timer is connected to the power source and is in communication with the vibrating mechanism, where the vibrating mechanism is in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronic timer can store a predetermined time value and can initiate a count down from the predetermined start value to a null time value when the vibrating mechanism is activated. If the vibrating mechanism is deactivated before the electronic timer has finished counting down to the null value, a pause value is stored in the electronic timer, and when the vibrating mechanism is reactivated, the electronic timer can continue counting down from the pause value stored in the memory chip to the null value. If the electronic timer has completed counting down to the null value, the electronic timer can signal the vibrating mechanism to deactivate. If the power switch is moved to the off position, the electronic timer is deactivated, and the null time value is stored in the memory chip as the pause value. If the power switch is moved to the on position from the off position, the pause value in the memory chip is reset to the predetermined time value in preparation of the processor initiating a new count down. The memory chip of the electronic timer can store at least an interval value for indicating via at least one tactile or auditory signal that the recommended time period for brushing, as defined by the predetermined start value, is elapsing. The signal may include tactile indications, such as a series of distinct vibrations, or auditory indications such as a sound emission or series of sound emissions, for example, a beeping noise or music. The electronic timer can further comprise a speaker for the generation and amplification of auditory signals, wherein the processor and memory chip can store sound or music data to be generated through the speaker at predetermined intervals, or throughout the brushing process.

In an embodiment, the flexible neck comprises a flexible core, the flexible core is shaped and constructed to enable the flexible neck to bend proportionally with regard to an external pressure exerted against the head in excess of the maximum predetermined pressure limitation of the flexible neck, whereby preventing the external pressure which is greater than the maximum predetermined pressure from being applied against the head. The flexible core can be shaped or constructed in a form, for example flat, spring-shaped, or in another configuration, which can promote flexion of the flexible neck in relation to the handle which is proportional to the external pressure exerted against the head in excess of the maximum predetermined pressure. The flexible core is surrounded by a flexible shell, for example, plastic, rubber, metal, or a carbon-nano construction, for use on a toothbrush and known to one of ordinary skill in the art of materials, material composition, chemistry or metallurgy.

In another embodiment, the device is separable into a first section and a second section where the first section can comprise a head having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface of the head, a flexible neck, a vibrating mechanism, a pressure sensor, a power switch, a power source, an electronic timer, or any combination thereof, as described in the aforementioned embodiments, and the second section can comprise a handle containing a flexible neck, a vibrating mechanism, a pressure sensor, a power switch, a power source, an electronic timer, or any combination thereof, as described in the aforementioned embodiments.

In another embodiment, the device is separable into a first section and a second section where the first and the second section are connected by a first connecting end and a second connecting end, so that the first and second sections can be joined by the first and second connecting ends of the sections to form the device. When the first or second connecting ends join the first and second sections into a single device, the first and second connecting ends can transfer power from the power source or facilitate communication between components of the first section and second section.

This invention can be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensing toothbrush of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 8B is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 8C is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pressure sensing toothbrush, in accordance with aspects of the present inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are described below, in which example embodiments in accordance with the present inventive concepts are shown. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. This invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present inventive concepts. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” “abutting,” “coupled to,” or “extending from” another element, it can be directly on, connected to, abutting, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly abutting,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly extending from” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The preferred embodiment of the described device as shown in FIG. 8 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 which comprises a head 200 having a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, a flexible neck 300, a handle 400, a power source 660, a power switch 420, a pressure sensor 640, an electronic timer 700 and a vibrating mechanism 620 which, when activated, can vibrate the head 200 of the device 100. The power switch 420, located on the handle 400 of the device 100, can be placed in an “on” position 440 or an “off” position 460. The power switch 420 can be placed in the “off” position 460 prior to the start of the brushing process, and the power switch 420 can remain in the “off” position 460 while applying toothpaste to the plurality of bristles 240 protruding from the first surface 220 of the head 200 of the device 100. The power switch 420 can move to the “on” position 440 in anticipation of beginning the brushing process. The flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 and the handle 400, and the flexible neck 300 is in a first position 310 relative to the handle 400 when no external pressure 500 is applied to the head 200. When external pressure 500 is applied to the head 200, the flexible neck 300 can bend from the first position 310 as shown in FIG. 8A, relative to the handle 400, along a force vector 570 similar to the force vector 570 of the external pressure 500 exerted against the head 200. The flexible neck 300 can bend from the first position 310 to at least a second position 320 as shown in FIG. 8B, relative to the handle 400 and the first position 310, when the external pressure 500 exerted against the head 200 is greater than a minimum predetermined pressure 540. The flexible neck 300 can bend from the first position 310 to at least a third position 330 when the external pressure 500 exerted against the head 200 is greater than a maximum predetermined pressure 520, the third position 330 as shown in FIG. 8C, being relative to the first position 310 or second position 320 and handle 400. The pressure sensor 640, incorporated in or connected to the flexible neck 300, can activate the vibrating mechanism 620 when the minimum predetermined pressure 540 is exerted against the head 200. When the external pressure 500 exerted against the head 100 is greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520, the flexible neck 300 can bend, thereby preventing the external pressure 500, which is greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520, from being exerted against the teeth and gums of the user during the brushing process. The minimum predetermined pressure 540 and maximum predetermined pressure 520 can be established by one of ordinary skill in the art or dentistry, dental hygiene or medical devices. The pressure sensor 640 can be incorporated within or connected to the flexible neck 300, and is in communication with the vibrating mechanism 620 and can recognize when the external pressure 500 is exerted against the head 200. When the external pressure 500 exerted against the head 200 is greater than the minimum predetermined pressure 540, the pressure sensor 640 can activate the vibrating mechanism 620. The electronic timer 700 is in communication with the vibrating mechanism 620, and the electronic timer 700 is activated when the vibrating mechanism 620 is activated. When the power switch 420 is placed in the “on” position 440, a pause value 780 stored in a memory chip 740 of the electronic timer 700 is reset to a predetermined time value 750. When the vibrating mechanism 620 is activated, a processor 720 of the electronic timer 700 can initiate counting down from the predetermined time value 750 to a null value 760. If the brushing process is interrupted and less than the minimum predetermined pressure 540 is exerted against the head 200, the pressure sensor 640 can signal the vibrating mechanism 620 to deactivate and the processor 720 can pause the countdown. The value at the time of the pause is stored in the memory chip 740. If the processor 720 has not completed counting down to the null value 760, the processor 720 can resume counting down when the brushing process resumes and the vibrating mechanism 620 reactivates. When the processor 720 has finished counting down to the null value 760, the predetermined amount of time for the brushing process has elapsed, and the electronic timer 700 can signal the vibrating mechanism 620 to deactivate. Audio signal or music can be stored in memory chip 740, generated into audible sounds through processor 720, and expressed though speaker 900.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 comprising a head 200, a flexible neck 300 and a handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 having a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200 and handle 400, and where the flexible neck 300 can bend when an external pressure 500 greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 is exerted against the head 200, whereby preventing the external pressure 500 which is greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exert against the teeth during the brushing process.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 comprising a head 200, a flexible neck 300 and a handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200, having a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, and the handle 400, and where the flexible neck 300 is constructed from a flexible material (for example, plastic, metal, or a carbon-nano construction) which can bend when an external pressure 500 exerted against the head 200 is greater than a maximum predetermined pressure 520, and where the bending of the flexible neck 300 prevents more than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exerted against the teeth by the head 200. The flexible neck 300 can continue to bend as the external pressure 500 exceeds the maximum predetermined pressure 520, thereby the flexible neck 300 can prevent more than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exerted on the teeth.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 includes a device for brush teeth 100 comprising a head 200, a flexible neck 300 and a handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 and handle 400, where the head 200 has a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, where the flexible neck 300 comprises a flexible core 350, for example, plastic, metal, or a carbon-nano construction, which can bend when an external pressure 500 greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 is exerted against the head 200, and where the flexible core 350 of the flexible neck 300 is surrounded by a flexible shell 370, for example, plastic, rubber, metal, or a carbon-nano construction, suitable for use in a device for brushing teeth 100. The flexible core 350 can be shaped in a configuration, for example a flattened length or coiled length of material, to maintain the maximum predetermined pressure 520 while bending from the external pressure 500 greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 exerted against the head 200. Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 comprising a head 200, flexible neck 300 and handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 and handle 400, where the head 200 has a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, and where the flexible neck 300 can bend when an external pressure 500 greater than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 is exerted against the head 200 during the brushing process thereby preventing more than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exerted on the teeth. The device 100 comprises a power switch 420, power source 660, and a vibrating mechanism 620, wherein the vibrating mechanism 620 is connected to the head 200. The power switch 420 is in communication with the power source 660, and the power source 660 is connected to the vibrating mechanism 620. When the power switch 420 is moved from the “off” position 460 to the “on” position 440, the vibrating mechanism 620 can cause the head 200 to vibrate.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 comprising a head 200, flexible neck 300 and handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 and handle 400, where the head 200 has a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head, and where the flexible neck 300 can bend when more than a maximum predetermined pressure 520 is exerted against the head 200 during the brushing process thereby preventing more than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exerted on the teeth. The device 100 comprises a power switch 420, power source 660, vibrating mechanism 620 and an electronic timer 700. The power switch 420 is in communication with the power source 660, where the power source 660 is connected to the vibrating mechanism 620 and the electronic timer 700. When the power switch 420 is moved to the “on” position 440, the processor 720 counts down from a predetermined time value 750 stored in a memory chip 740 to a null time value 760 stored in the memory chip 740, whereby the processor 720, upon counting down to the null time value 760, indicates to the user that the user should stop brushing by signaling the vibrating mechanism 620 to deactivate.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 comprising a head 200, flexible neck 300 and handle 400 where the flexible neck 300 is coupled between the head 200 and handle 400, where the head 200 has a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, and where the flexible neck 300 can bend when more than a maximum predetermined pressure 520 is applied during the brushing process thereby preventing more than the maximum predetermined pressure 520 from being exerted on the teeth. The device 100 comprises a power switch 420, power source 660, vibrating mechanism 620, electronic timer 700, and a pressure sensor 640, where the vibrating mechanism 620 is in communication with the pressure sensor 640. The pressure sensor 640 can be a mechanical switch, strain gauge or electronic device, and the pressure sensor 640 can activate the vibrating mechanism 620 when a minimum predetermined pressure 540 is exerted against the head 200 during the brushing process. The vibrating mechanism 620 can activate the electronic timer 700, thereby initiating a count down from a predetermined time value 750 to a null time value 760, and the electronic timer 700 can indicate when the user should stop brushing by deactivating the vibrating mechanism 620. If an external pressure 500 against the head 200 ceases before the electronic timer 700 has completed counting down to the null time value 760, the electronic timer 700 can pause the countdown, and can later resume counting down to the null time value 760 from the point it paused when the external pressure 500 is re-exerted against the head 200. The electronic timer 700 can be reset to the predetermined time value 750 when the electronic timer 700 has completed the countdown or when the power switch 420 is moved from the “off” position 460 to the “on” position 440.

Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7 includes a device for brushing teeth 100 in two sections, where a first section 810 comprises a head 200 having a plurality of bristles 240 protruding from a first surface 220 of the head 200, a flexible neck 300, a vibrating mechanism 620 and a pressure sensor 640, or any combination thereof, as described in the aforementioned embodiments, and a second section 850 comprising a handle 400, a power switch 420, a power source 660, and an electronic timer 700, or any combination thereof, as described in the aforementioned embodiments. The first section 810 and second section 850 can be connected by a first connecting end 820 and a second connecting end 860 located on the joining end of each section so that the first connecting end 820 and second connecting end 860 can join the first section 810 and the second section 850 into one device 100 and facilitate any transfer of power or communication from and to components between the first section 810 and second section 850.

Claims

1. A device for brushing teeth, said device comprising:

a head, having a plurality of bristles protruding from a first surface thereof, for cleaning teeth;

a handle, constructed and arranged for holding and manipulating said device; and

a flexible neck coupled between said head and said handle, wherein said flexible neck bends relative to said handle when an external pressure greater than a maximum predetermined pressure is exerted against said head, to prevent more than a maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against said teeth by said head.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a power switch located on said handle for activating and deactivating said device, said power switch having an “on” position and an “off” position;

a power source connected to said power switch; and

a vibrating mechanism connected to said power source.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a pressure sensor in communication with said flexible neck and said vibrating mechanism, wherein said pressure sensor activates said vibrating mechanism when said external pressure exerted against said head is greater than a minimum predetermined pressure, and where said pressure sensor deactivates said vibrating mechanism when said external pressure exerted against said head is less than said minimum predetermined pressure.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising an electronic timer in communication with said vibrating mechanism, where said electronic timer is activated when said vibrating mechanism is activated, and where said electronic timer is deactivated when said vibrating mechanism is deactivated.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronic timer comprises:

a processor, for at least counting down from a predetermined time value to a null time value, where said null value signals said vibrating mechanism to deactivate;

a memory chip, for storing said predetermined time value, said null value, a pause value, and an interval time value; and

a speaker, for emitting audio signals or music stored in said memory chip.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronic timer signals said vibrating mechanism to emit at least a tactile signal, for indicating that said vibrating mechanism will deactivate within a time period determined by an interval time value stored in said memory chip.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronic timer signals said processor, in connection with said speaker, to emit at least an audio signal, for indicating that said vibrating mechanism will deactivate within a time period determined by an interval time value stored in said memory chip.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein said pause value stored in said memory chip is set to said null time value when said power switch is moved from the “on” position to the “off” position, whereby deactivating the vibrating mechanism.

9. The device of claim 4, wherein said pause value stored in said memory chip is set to said predetermined time value when said power switch is moved from the “off” position to the “on” position, whereby said pause value is set to said predetermined time value.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said flexible neck is constructed from a flexible material, wherein said flexible material bends proportionally as said external pressure exerted against said head increases, whereby preventing said external pressure greater than said maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against said teeth.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said flexible neck comprises a flexible core surrounded by a flexible shell, and wherein said flexible core in combination with said flexible shell bends proportionally as said external pressure exerted against said head increases, whereby preventing said external pressure greater than said maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against said teeth.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said flexible core is constructed in a spring-shaped configuration, and wherein said flexible core bends proportionally as said external pressure exerted against said head increases, whereby preventing said external pressure greater than said maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against said teeth.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein said flexible core is constructed in a flattened length configuration, wherein said flexible core is constructed in a spring-shaped configuration, and wherein said flexible core bends proportionally as said external pressure exerted against said head increases, whereby preventing said external pressure greater than said maximum predetermined pressure from being exerted against said teeth.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is separable into a first section and a second section, where said first section comprises a first connecting end, and said second section comprises a second connecting end, said first connecting end and said second connecting end joining to connect said first section and said second section.

15. The device of claim 4, wherein said device is separable into a first section and a second section, where said first section comprises a first connecting end, and said second section comprises a second connecting end, said first connecting end