ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH INTEGRATED WATER FLOSSER

Abstract

An electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser includes a handle, a brush head having a plurality of bristles for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle for spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid, a liquid reservoir, a liquid pump for providing liquid from the reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, and a motor for moving the bristles of the brush head and operating the liquid pump to supply the high-pressure liquid to the liquid spray nozzle. One or more manually-activated switches are provided for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and simultaneously spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle at the same time; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to dental hygiene products, and more particularly, to electric toothbrushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Powered or electric toothbrushes have become a popular alternative to traditional, manual style toothbrushes. This popularity is partly due to the fact that electric toothbrushes are easier to use than manual toothbrushes. With an electric toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush on your teeth and let the toothbrush do all the work. Electric toothbrushes have been found to obtain better results with less work. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of both cleaning teeth and preventing plaque and gingivitis.

Toothbrushes, whether manual or powered, cannot completely reach into the tight spaces between teeth. Thus, for good dental hygiene, you must floss in addition to brushing your teeth. Flossing has traditionally been performed with dental floss in the form of a thin nylon or plastic filament that is manually stuck between teeth and pulled out of the teeth to mechanically remove food particles or other debris stuck between the teeth. If these food particles and other debris remain between the teeth they can enable bacteria to form and harden into plaque.

Powered or electric water flossers or irrigators have become a popular alternative to traditional, manual style dental floss. This popularity is partly due to the fact that water flossers are easier to use than dental floss. This is particularly true for individuals that have limited use of their hands. Water flossers provide a stream of pulsating, high-pressure water or other liquid to flow through a flosser tip that is directed between teeth to remove food particles and other debris out from between the teeth. As a result of this easy to perform process, water flosser users may floss more often than those who only have access to manual style dental floss.

While a dental hygiene routine with both an electric toothbrush and an electric water flosser can be both effective and easy to perform, the cost of obtaining and maintaining both devices can be cost prohibitive. Additionally, the added tasks of charging and otherwise maintaining two electric devices can somewhat reduce their advantages of easier and speedier use.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved dental hygiene products such as, for example, electric toothbrushes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser which addresses at least some of the above-noted problems of the prior art. Disclosed herein is an electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising a handle forming an internal cavity, a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums, a liquid reservoir configured to hold liquid, a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, a liquid pump located within the internal cavity, and a motor located within the internal cavity. The disclosed motor has at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. At least one manually-actuated switch is operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle.

Also disclosed herein is a handheld electric toothbrush with water flosser that comprises a handle forming at least one internal cavity, a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums, a liquid reservoir located within the internal cavity and configured to hold liquid, a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, a liquid pump located within the internal cavity, and a motor located within the internal cavity. The disclosed motor has at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to a liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. An electric power source is located within the internal cavity and operatively connected to the motor to selectively rotate the drive shaft. At least one manually-actuated switch is operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including:(a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

Further disclosed herein is an electric toothbrush with water flosser that comprises a base unit configured to be supported on a horizontal support surface a handheld unit operably connected to the base unit. The base unit includes a liquid reservoir located within the base unit and configured to hold liquid. The handheld unit includes a handle forming at least one internal cavity, a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums, a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, a liquid pump located within the internal cavity, and a motor located within the internal cavity. The disclosed motor includes at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. At least one manually-actuated switch is operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of electric toothbrushes. Particularly, significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a single handheld electric device for both brushing and flossing that is reliable, relatively inexpensive, and relatively easy to use. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an electric toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1 with a brush head removed from a hand-held housing.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view the brush head of the electric toothbrush of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented front view of the brush head of the electric toothbrush of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIG. 4 but showing a first variation of the brush head.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIGS. 4 and 4A but showing a second variation of the brush head.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented side view of the brush head of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the first variation of the brush head of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIGS. 5 and 5A but showing the second variation of the brush head of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electric toothbrush of FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 7 a schematic view of an electric toothbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the various electric toothbrushes as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the electric toothbrushes illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward generally refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward generally refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. Also in general, fore or forward generally refers to a direction toward the left within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and aft or rearward generally refers to a direction toward the right within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the electric toothbrushes disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with regard to a specific application. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a hand-held electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated hand-held electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser 10 includes a body or handle 12 forming an internal cavity 14, a removable brush head 16 extending from the handle 12 and having a plurality of bristles 18 configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle 20 configured for spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream or jet of liquid between the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums of a user, a liquid reservoir 22 configured to hold water or another liquid such as, for example, mouth wash or a mixture of water and mouth wash, a liquid passage 24 extending from the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20, a liquid pump 26 located within the internal cavity 14, an electric motor 29 located within the internal cavity 14 and having at least one rotatable drive shaft 30 operatively connected to the brush head 16 to selectively move the bristles 18 to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump 26 to selectively operate the liquid pump 26 to supply liquid through the liquid passage 24 from the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated electric toothbrush 10 also includes at least one manually-actuated switch or actuator 32, 34, 46 operatively connected to the electric motor 28, and other components, for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) a first mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; (b) a second mode moving the bristles 18 but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and (c) a third mode spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 but not moving the bristles 18. Note that while the illustrated electric toothbrush 10 has three modes of operation fewer or more than one mode of operation can alternatively be utilized. For example, in another embodiment the electric toothbrush could have only two modes of operation: (a) a first mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and (b) a second mode moving the bristles 18 but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20.

The illustrated body or handle 12 is sized and shaped so that it can be handheld by a user when brushing teeth with the bristles 18 and/or flossing teeth with the stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 and forms the internal cavity 14 which is sized and shaped to hold various components of the electric toothbrush 10 as described in more detail herein below. The illustrated handle 12 has a modified hourglass shape about a vertically-extending central longitudinal axis 38 that gradually narrows from a relatively wide base portion 40 (located at the bottom or proximal end of the handle 12) to a relatively narrow central or gripping portion 42 (located at the central portion of the handle 12), and gradually widens from the narrow gripping portion to a relatively moderately wide top portion 44 (located at the top or distal end of the handle 12). This hourglass shape is ergonomically shaped to accommodate a user's hand so that the electric toothbrush 10 can be operated as a handheld device and also provides sufficient internal space for the components such as, for example, the liquid reservoir 22 as described in more detail herein below.

The illustrated removable brush head 16 vertically and upwardly extends from the top portion 44 of the handle 12 and includes both the plurality of bristles 18 and the liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated removable brush head 16 is generally elongate and has a vertically-extending central longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the vertically-extending central longitudinal axis 38 of the handle 12 when the brush head 16 is attached to the handle 12. The illustrated brush head 16 is selectively detachable from the top portion 44 of the handle 12 via a threaded nut 48 that cooperates with a threaded neck 50 at the top of the handle 12. This detachable or removable connection permits the brush head 16 to be selectively removed or detached for cleaning and/or replacement and selectively reattached and/or attached to the handle 12. It is noted that any other suitable detachable connection can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, a detent with manually-actuated release device, a bayonet-type connection, and the like.

The illustrated brush head 16 includes an enlarged head portion 52 at its upper end, an elongate bottom portion 54 extending downward from a bottom of the head portion 52, and an outwardly extending flange 56 at the lower end of the bottom portion 54 that is configured for cooperating with the threaded nut 48. The illustrated enlarged head portion 52 has planar or flat front and back sides. The illustrated threaded nut 48 has a central opening 58 through which the elongate bottom portion 54 extends so that the threaded nut 48 is located above the flange 56 to secure the brush head 16 to the handle 12 when the threaded nut 48 is securely threaded onto the threaded neck 50 of the handle 12 to secure the brush head 16 to the handle 12 while permitting the brush head 12 to oscillate or pivot relative to the handle 12 about the central longitudinal axis 38. A cavity 60 upwardly extends into the elongate bottom portion 54 from the lower end of the elongate bottom portion. The illustrated cavity 60 is sized and shaped to receive an upper end of a brush head drive shaft 62 that upwardly extends from the top of the handle 12 as described in more detail herein below. The illustrated cavity 60 has a lower portion that is circular in cross section and an upper portion that has a flat section 64 to form a semi-circular or a half circle in cross section to cooperate with the brush head drive shaft 62 to form a drive connection such that oscillating or pivoting of the brush head drive shaft 62 about the central longitudinal axis 38 oscillates or pivots the brush head 16 about the central longitudinal axis 38. A liquid passage or duct 66 upwardly extends from the top of the cavity 60 to the inner end of the liquid spray nozzle 20 to provide passage of liquid to the liquid spray nozzle 20 as described in more detail herein below. It is noted that the brush head 16 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

Each of the bristles 18 of the illustrated plurality of bristles 18 is straight, and horizontally and perpendicularly extends from the front side of the head portion 52 of the brush head 16 and thus is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. The illustrated bristles 18 are in the configuration of a plurality of spaced-apart bunch of bristles in a known manner. The bristles 18 can be secured to the head portion 52 of the brush head 16 in any suitable manner. The bristles 18 can comprise any suitable flexible material for brushing teeth. It is noted that the plurality of bristles 18 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is substantially straight, and horizontally and perpendicularly extends from the front side of the head portion 52 of the brush head 16 and thus is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is centrally positioned on the front side of the head portion 52 and surrounded by the bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 has a central passage 68 that extends entirely through the liquid spray nozzle 20 and narrows in a direction toward an outer end or tip of liquid spray nozzle 20 so that the liquid spray nozzle 20 produces the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid. It is noted that the outer surface of the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 also narrows in diameter in a direction toward the outer tip of the liquid spray nozzle 20. An inner end of the central passage 68 is in liquid flow communication with an upper end of the liquid duct 66. The liquid spray nozzle 20 can be secured to the head portion 52 of the brush head 16 in any suitable manner. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 has a length that is slightly greater than the length of the bristles 18 so that the outer tip of the liquid spray nozzle 20 or the spray therefrom is not impacted by the bristles 20 and the user can see the outer tip of the liquid spray nozzle 20 to aid the user in properly positioning the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid during flossing as described in more detail herein below. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 comprises a resiliently flexible material so that the liquid spray nozzle 20 flexes similar to the bristles 18 and does not adversely impact brushing the user's teeth with the bristles 18. It is noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is configured so that it does not adversely enlarge the overall size of the head portion 52 along with the bristles 18 which would make it more difficult for the user to brush teeth with the brush head. It is noted that the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 does not enlarge either the height H or the width W of the head portion and bristles 52, 18 and only slightly increases the length L of the head portion and bristles 52, 18. It is also noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20 can alternatively have a length similar to the bristles 18 so that the liquid spray nozzle 20 also does not enlarge the length L of the head portion and bristles 52, 18 but this may make it more difficult for the user to accurately aim the stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is further noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20 can have any other suitable configuration.

FIGS. 4A and 5A illustrate a first variation of the liquid spray nozzle 20A wherein the liquid spray nozzle 20A is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid above and at an angle relative to the bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20A is substantially straight and forwardly and upwardly extends from the front side of the head portion 52 at an acute angle (that is an angle of less than 90 degrees) to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. The liquid spray nozzle 20A preferably upwardly extends from the front side of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16, and more preferably upwardly extends from the front side of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 45 degrees to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. It is noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20A can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated first variation of the liquid spray nozzle 20A is configured so that it does not adversely enlarge the size of the brush head with bristles 52, 18 which would make it more difficult for the user to brush teeth with the brush head 16. It is noted that the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20A is sized and positioned so that it does not enlarge either the height H of the head portion and bristles 52, 18, the width W of the head portion and bristles 52, 18, or the length L of the head portion and bristles 52, 18. Thus, it does not enlarge the envelope (H×W×L) of the head portion and bristles 52, 18 at all. Configured in this manner, the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20A is not impacted by the bristles 18 and the user can easily see the outer tip of the liquid spray nozzle 20A to aid in properly positioning the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid during flossing as described in more detail herein below.

FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate a second variation of the liquid spray nozzle 20B wherein the liquid spray nozzle 20B is positioned to upwardly spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid at the top of the brush head 16 and at an angle relative to the bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B is substantially straight and forwardly and upwardly extends from the top of the head portion 52 at an acute angle (that is an angle of less than 90 degrees) to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. The liquid spray nozzle 20B preferably upwardly extends from the top of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16 and more preferably upwardly extends from the top of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 45 degrees to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. It is noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20B can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated second variation of the liquid spray nozzle 20B is configured so that it does not adversely enlarge the size of the head portion 52 along with the bristles 18 which would make it more difficult for the user to brush teeth with the brush head 16. It is noted that the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B is sized and positioned so that it does not enlarge either the width W of the head portion and bristles 52, 18, or the length L of the head portion and bristles 52, 18, and only slightly increases the height H of the head portion and bristles 52, 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B has a length that is shorter relative to the lengths of the other above two versions of the liquid spray nozzles 20, 20A because it does not need to extend out of the bristles 18, and it is desirable to minimize the increase in the length of the brush head 16. Configured in this manner the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B is not impacted by the bristles 18 and vice versa, and the user can easily see the entire liquid spray nozzle 20B to aid in properly positioning the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid during flossing as described in more detail herein below.

The illustrated liquid reservoir 22 is configured to hold a supply of liquid such as, for example, water in a hollow interior space 70 and is located within the handle 12. The illustrated liquid reservoir 22 forms a part of the base portion 40 of the handle 12 at a rear side of the handle 12. The illustrated liquid reservoir 22 includes a fill port 72 near the bottom of the liquid reservoir 22 and at the rear side of the handle 12 and a transfer tube 74 horizontally extending along a bottom of the liquid reservoir 22 to an outlet port 76 at a front of the liquid reservoir 22. A removable cap 78 is provided to close the fill port 72 when the liquid reservoir 22 is not being filled with liquid.

In one embodiment of the liquid reservoir 22, the liquid reservoir 22 is removable from the rest of the handle 12 and held in place with a latch or the like and the outlet port 76 is provided with a seal coupling that seals the outlet port 76 when the liquid reservoir 22 is removed from the handle 12 and sealingly mates with a bottom end of a suction tube 80 of the liquid pump 26 when the liquid reservoir 22 is coupled to the rest of the handle 12. For example, see the removable reservoir described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,665, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Thus, to fill the liquid reservoir 22 with water or other liquid, the liquid reservoir 22 may be disengaged and removed from the rest of the handle 12, the cap 78 of the fill port 72 is opened, and water or other liquid is flowed into the hollow interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir 22 through the open fill port 72. Once the liquid reservoir 22 is filled as desired, the flow of liquid into liquid reservoir is ceased and the cap 78 is reinserted to close the fill port 72 and the liquid reservoir 22 is reattached to the rest of the handle 12.

In another embodiment of the liquid reservoir 22, the liquid reservoir 22 is integrated with to the rest of the handle 12 and thus is not removable from the rest of the handle 12. To fill the liquid reservoir 22, the cap 78 of the fill port 72 is opened and water or other liquid is flowed into the hollow interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir 22 through the open fill port 72. Once the liquid reservoir is filled as desired, the flow of water or other liquid into liquid reservoir 22 is ceased and the cap 78 reinserted to close the fill port 72. It is noted that in this embodiment of the liquid reservoir 22, the latch and the seal coupling are not required. It is also noted that the liquid reservoir 22 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner.

The illustrated electric motor 28 is located within the internal cavity 14 and is in front of the liquid pump 22. The illustrated electric motor 28 has the vertically extending rotating drive shaft 30 that extends out both ends of a motor housing 82. An upper end 30A of the motor drive shaft 30 is operatively connected to the vertically extending drive shaft 62 of the brush head 16 via a brush head transmission or drive assembly 84 to selectively move the bristles 18 in a desired motion to brush teeth. A lower end 30B of the motor drive shaft 30 is operatively connected to the liquid pump 26 via a pump transmission or drive assembly 86 to selectively operate the liquid pump 26 in a desired motion to supply liquid through the liquid passage 24 from the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated electric motor 28 is a DC electric motor but any other suitable type of motor can alternatively be utilized. It is also noted that any other suitable configuration of the electric motor 28 can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, the motor drive shaft 30 can alternatively extend out only one end of the motor housing 82 with both the brush head 16 and the liquid pump 26 operably connected to the same end of the motor drive shaft 30, or that separate electric motors 28 can be alternatively utilized with one operably connected to the brush head 16 and the other operably connected to the liquid pump 26.

The illustrated electric power source 88 for the electric motor 28 is an internal electric power source located below the electric motor 28. The illustrated internal electric power source is a DC power source in the form of a rechargeable NiCad battery but any other suitable electric power source 88 can alternatively be utilized. A charging plug or port 90 is located near the bottom of the base portion 40 of the illustrated handle 12 at the front side of the handle 12. The charging port 90 is operably connected to the rechargeable battery 88 to selectively place an external power source in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery 188 to recharge the rechargeable battery 88 and/or to operate the electric motor 28.

The illustrated liquid pump 26 is located within the internal cavity 14 of the handle 12 forward the liquid reservoir 22 and rearward of the electric motor 28. The illustrated pump transmission 86 is located below the electric motor 28 and the liquid pump 26 and operably connects the lower end 30B of the motor drive shaft 30 with a piston 92 of the liquid pump 26 to drive the piston 92 in a desired manner. The vertically extending motor drive shaft 30 has a pinion gear thereon to to drive a gear of the pump transmission 86 which carries a cam. The pump transmission gear and cam are driven by the pinion gear to each rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation. The illustrated liquid pump 26 includes a piston rod 94 that downwardly extends from the piston 92. The lower end of the piston rod 94 forms a cam follower that receives the cam of the pump transmission 86. As the cam rotates about its horizontal axis, the cam follower and cam act to convert the rotational movement into longitudinal reciprocal displacement of the piston 92 within the piston cylinder 96 of the liquid pump 26 along a vertically extending longitudinal axis of the piston cylinder 96. It is noted that the pump transmission 86 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated liquid pump 26 also includes a suction port 98 through which liquid from the liquid reservoir is drawn into the cylinder 96 via the suction tube 80 and a discharge port 100 through which liquid is pushed out of the cylinder 96 to a discharge tube 102 of the liquid pump 26. When the piston 92 moves in a downward direction within the cylinder 96, a discharge valve is forced closed and liquid is drawn into the cylinder 96 through the suction port 98 past an open suction valve from the suction tube 80. Note that liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir 22 through the transfer tube 74 into the suction tube 80 and out of the top of the suction tube 80 which is in liquid-flow communication with the suction port 98. When the piston 92 moves in an upward direction, the suction valve is forced closed and liquid is forced out of the cylinder 96 past the open discharge valve and through the discharge port 100 to the discharge tube 102 leading toward the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is also noted that the liquid pump 26 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner.

The illustrated liquid pump 26 is configured to provide the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to be selectively discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 20. The stream of liquid has a preferred number of pulses per minute 1000-1600 pulses per minute, a more preferred number of pulses per minute 1100-1400 pulses per minute, and an even more preferred number of pulses per minute of 1200 pulses per minute, etc. It is noted that any other suitable number of pulses per minute can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated liquid pump 26, and other components, is also configured to provide the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to exit the liquid discharge nozzle 20 at a preferred pressure of 40 to 100 pounds per square-inch (psi), a more preferred pressure of 50 to 90 psi, and an even more preferred pressure of about 70 psi. It is noted that any other suitable pressure can alternatively be utilized. It is also noted that a pressure control assembly can advantageously be provided that selectively adjusts the discharge pressure of the stream of liquid to suit the user's comfort preferences, preferably while maintaining the pulse rate generally at a preferred pulse rate. For example, see the pressure control assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,665, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The illustrated brush head transmission or drive assembly 84 is located above the electric motor 28 and operably connects the vertically-extending upper end 30A of the motor drive shaft 30 to the lower end of the vertically-extending brush head drive shaft 62. The illustrated brush head drive shaft 62 has a vertically-extending central longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 38 of the handle 12. The illustrated brush head drive shaft 62 has an upper end located outside the handle 12 and adapted to have the brush head 16 removably secured thereto for oscillation therewith and a lower end located within the internal cavity 14 and adapted to be operably connected to the electric motor 28 by the brush head transmission 84 to be selectively moved by the electric motor 28 in a desired manner. The illustrated upper end of the brush head drive shaft 62 has a lower portion that is circular in cross section and an upper portion with a flat region 104 that it is semi-circular or a half circle in cross section to cooperate with the brush head 16 to form the drive connection such that oscillation or pivoting of the brush head drive shaft 62 about the central longitudinal axis 38 also oscillates or pivots the brush head 16 about the central longitudinal axis 38. The illustrated brush head drive shaft 62 is also provided with a central passage 106 extending entirely therethrough from an inlet at a lower end of the brush head drive shaft 62 to an outlet at an upper end of the brush head drive shaft 62. The inlet is in liquid-flow communication with the upper end or outlet of the discharge tube 102 of the liquid pump 26. A suitable seal coupling 108 is provided so that a liquid-flow sealed connection is provided while the brush head drive shaft 62 oscillates or pivots and the discharge tube 102 remains stationary. The outlet of the central passage 106 is in liquid-flow communication with the lower end or inlet of the liquid duct 66 of the brush head 16. A suitable seal 110 is provided within the brush head 16 that is engaged by the upper end of the brush head drive shaft 62 so that a liquid-flow sealed connection is provided therebetween. It is noted that the brush head drive shaft 62 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated brush head transmission 84 is configured to transform the rotating motion of the motor drive shaft 30 into reciprocal or oscillating pivoting motion of the brush head drive shaft 62 to move the bristles 18 in back-and-forth reciprocal pivoting motion about the central longitudinal axis 38. The brush head transmission 84 can have any suitable configuration. For example, see the brush head drive assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,144,477, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. It is noted that the brush head transmission 84, and other components, can alternatively be adapted to move the bristles 18 in any other suitable manner such as for example, up-and-down reciprocal linear motion, in rotating motion about a horizontally extending axis of rotation, vibratory motion, and the like. It is also noted that the brush head transmission 84 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated liquid passage 24 extends from the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20 to provide liquid from the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated liquid passage 24 includes the transfer tube 74 that extends from the hollow interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir 22 to the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22 at a front of the liquid reservoir 22, the suction tube 80 which extends upwardly from the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22 to the suction port 98 of the liquid pump cylinder 96, the cylinder 96 of the liquid pump 26, and the discharge tube 102 that upwardly extends from the discharge port 100 of the liquid pump cylinder 96 to the central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft 62 which upwardly extends to the brush head liquid duct 66. The illustrated liquid passage 26 also includes the brush head liquid duct 66 that upwardly extends from the upper end of the drive shaft central passage 106 to the inner end of the liquid spray nozzle 20, and through the nozzle central passage 68 from the inner end to the outer end where the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid is discharged. Thus, the illustrated liquid passage 24 provides a liquid-sealed passage from the interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir 22 to the outlet of the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is noted that the liquid passage 24 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated at least one manually-actuated control switch or actuator 32, 34, 36 is operatively connected to the electric motor 28 and other components as described in more detail below for selecting one of a plurality modes of operation including: (a) a first mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; (b) moving the bristles 18 but not spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and (c) spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 but not moving the bristles 18. The illustrated electric tooth brush 10 includes three control switches or actuators 32, 34, 36 on the front side of the gripping portion 42 that include a power control switch or actuator 32, a brush control switch or actuator 34, and a liquid control switch or actuator 36. It is noted that any other suitable quantity of control switches or actuators 32, 34, 36 can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, the power switch or actuator 32 can be eliminated so that there are only two control switches or actuators 34, 36 if the power on/off function is integrated into both the brush control switch or actuator 34 and the liquid control switch or actuator 36.

The illustrated power control switch or actuator 32 permits a user to selectively turn on and shut off power of the electric toothbrush 10. To turn on power of the electric toothbrush 10, the power control switch or actuator 32, which can be a slide, button, etc., is moved (e.g., slid or depressed) to complete an electrical circuit between the internal electric power source 88 and the electric motor 28. To turn off power of the electric toothbrush 10, the power control switch 32 is moved again to break the electrical circuit between the internal electric power source 88 and the electric motor 28. In is noted that the power control switch or actuator 32 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated brush control switch or actuator 34 permits a user to selectively turn on and shut off the movement of the brush head bristles 18 when power of the electric toothbrush 10 is on. To turn on movement of the bristles 18, the brush control switch or actuator 34, which can be a slide, button, etc., is moved (e.g., slid or depressed) to complete the connection between the motor drive shaft 30 and the brush head drive shaft 62 via the brush head transmission 84. To turn off movement of the bristles 18, the brush control switch 34 is moved again to break the connection between the motor drive shaft 30 and the brush head drive shaft 62 via the brush head transmission 84. For example, the connection can be broken by temporarily disconnecting mechanical components such as, for example, gears, cams, links etc. so that the motor drive shaft freely rotates 30 without moving the brush head drive shaft 62. It is noted that the brush control switch or actuator 34 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated brush control switch or actuator 36 permits a user to selectively turn on and shut off the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 when power of the electric toothbrush 10 is on. To turn on the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid, the liquid control switch or actuator 36, which can be a slide, button, etc., is moved (e.g., slid or depressed) to open a valve 112 located in the suction tube 80 to permit flow of liquid to the liquid pump 26 from the liquid reservoir 22. To turn off the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid, the liquid control switch 36 is moved again to close the valve 112 located in the suction tube 80 to prevent flow of liquid to the liquid pump 26 from the liquid reservoir 22. It is noted that the liquid control switch or actuator 34 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

For typical operation of the electric toothbrush 10, with the rechargeable battery 88 adequately charged, the user grasps the handle 12 in one hand and activates the power control switch 32 which connects the rechargeable battery 88 to the electric motor 28 to energize the electric motor 28 to rotate the motor drive shaft 30. The user then places the brush head 16 into their mouth with the outer end of the liquid spray nozzle 20 aimed at about a 45 degree angle toward a desired location between teeth or between a tooth and gum and activates the liquid control switch 36 which opens the valve 112. With the valve 112 open, the reciprocating piston 92 of the liquid pump 26 draws liquid to the suction tube 80 from the hollow interior space 70 through the transfer tube 74, upwardly through the suction tube 80 to the suction port 98 of the liquid pump cylinder 96, through the cylinder 96 of the liquid pump 26 to the discharge port 100, upwardly through the discharge tube 102 to the central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft 62, upwardly through the central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft 62 to the brush head liquid duct 66, upwardly through the brush head liquid duct 66 to the liquid spray valve 20, and outwardly from the liquid spray valve 20 as the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid impacts the intended target within the user's mouth. The user then moves the stream of liquid between teeth and along the tooth and gum interfaces while maintain the 45 degree angle with the target. When flossing is complete, the user activates the liquid control switch 36 which closes the valve 112 and ceases the flow of liquid out of the liquid spray nozzle 20. The user can then remove the brush head 16 from their mouth, and apply tooth paste or the like on the ends of the bristles 18. The user can then brush their teeth by placing the brush head 16 into their mouth with the ends of the bristles 18 engaging teeth and activates the brush control switch 34 which connects the motor drive shaft 30 to the brush head drive shaft 62 to begin moving the brush head 16 with oscillating movement. With the bristles 18 moving with oscillating movement, the user moves the bristles 18 around the surfaces of the user's teeth. When brushing is complete, the user again activates the brush control switch 34 which disconnects the motor drive shaft 30 from the brush head drive shaft 62 to stop moving the brush head 16 and removes the brush head 16 from their mouth. The user can then again activate the power control switch 32 which disconnects the rechargeable battery 88 from the electric motor 28 to de-energize the electric motor 28 and stop rotation of the motor drive shaft 30. It is noted that if the user desires the brush head 16 to oscillate during flossing they can activate the brush control switch 34 in addition to the liquid control switch 36. It is noted that if the user desires liquid to be sprayed from the liquid spray nozzle during brushing they can activate the liquid control switch 36 in addition to the brush control switch 34.

In a variation of the electric toothbrush 10, the brush control switch 34 is eliminated and the electric toothbrush has only two modes of operation: (a) a first mode moving the bristles 18 but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and (b) a second mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20. In this variation of the electric tooth brush 10, flossing occurs with the brush head 16 moving. With the brush control switch 34 eliminated there are only two control switches: the power control switch 32; and the liquid control switch 36. When the power control switch 32 is activated, the rechargeable battery 88 is connected to the electric motor 28 to energize the electric motor 28 to rotate the motor drive shaft 30, which oscillates the brush head drive shaft 62 to oscillate the brush head 16. When the liquid control switch 36 is activated while the electric motor 28 is energized, the valve 112 is opened so that the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid flows from the liquid spray nozzle 20 while the brush head 16 is oscillating.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated electric toothbrush 10A is substantially the same as the electric toothbrush 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above except that it includes a base unit 114 configured to be supported on a horizontal support surface and a separate handheld unit 116 connected to the base unit 114 with a flexible tube 118 for passing liquid from the base unit 114 to the handheld unit 116. The illustrated base unit 114 includes the liquid reservoir 22 therein which is configured to hold a supply of liquid to be selectively pumped to the handheld unit 116. With the liquid reservoir 22 in the base unit 114, the liquid reservoir 22 can be sized to hold a larger amount of liquid. The illustrated handheld unit 116 is substantially the same as the electric toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment of the invention described above except that it does not include the liquid reservoir 22. Without the liquid reservoir 22 in the handheld unit 116, the handheld unit 116 can be sized smaller. The flexible tube 118 extends between the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22 in the base unit 114 and the inlet of the pump suction tube 80 in the handheld unit 116 to provide liquid-flow communication therebetween. The illustrated base unit is also provided with an AC/DC converter 120 that can be connected to AC power mains 122 so that the charge port 90 of the handheld unit 116 automatically engages the AC/DC convertible 120 when the handheld unit 116 is placed in a cradle of the base unit 114 when not in use to automatically recharge the battery 88 in the handheld unit 116. It is noted that the illustrated separate base and hand held units 114, 116 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration such as, for example, the battery 88 can be eliminated and a power wire or cord provided that extends between the base unit 114 and the handheld unit 116 along with the flexible tube 18 to connect the AC/DC converter 120 with the electric motor 28, the liquid pump 26 can be moved into the base unit 114 from the handheld unit 114 (note that this would requires separate electric motors 28 located in the base unit 114 and the handheld unit 116), and/or the like.

It is noted that each of the features of the various disclosed embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in any combination with each of the other disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

The preferred embodiments of this invention can be achieved by many techniques and methods known to persons who are skilled in this field. To those skilled and knowledgeable in the arts to which the present invention pertains, many widely differing embodiments will be suggested by the foregoing without departing from the intent and scope of the present invention. The descriptions and disclosures herein are intended solely for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising:

a handle forming an internal cavity;

a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and gums;

a liquid reservoir configured to hold liquid;

a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle;

a liquid pump located within the internal cavity;

a motor located within the internal cavity and having at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; and

at least one manually-actuated switch operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle.

2. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid passage extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush head.

3. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the brush head is selectively removable from the body.

4. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising an electric power source located within the internal cavity and operatively connected to the motor.

5. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid out of and parallel to the bristles.

6. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.

7. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid at the top of the brush head.

8. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray nozzle comprises a flexible material.

9. A handheld electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising:

a handle forming at least one internal cavity;

a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and gums;

a liquid reservoir located within the internal cavity and configured to hold liquid;

a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle;

a liquid pump located within the internal cavity;

a motor located within the internal cavity and having at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle;

an electric power source located within the internal cavity and operatively connected to the motor to selectively rotate the drive shaft; and

at least one manually-actuated switch operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

10. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid passage extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush head.

11. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the brush head is selectively removable from the body.

12. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.

13. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid at the top of the brush head.

14. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray nozzle comprises a flexible material.

15. An electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising:

a base unit configured to be supported on a horizontal support surface and including: a liquid reservoir located within the base unit and configured to hold liquid; and

a handheld unit operably connected to the base unit and including: a handle forming at least one internal cavity; a brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and gums; a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; a liquid pump located within the internal cavity; a motor located within the internal cavity and having at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; and at least one manually-actuated switch operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

16. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid passage extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush head.

17. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the brush head is selectively removable from the body.

18. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.

19. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid at the top of the brush head.

20. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray nozzle comprises a flexible material.