Collection Chamber Patents (Class 15/221)
  • Patent number: 5321865
    Abstract: The oral hygiene device of the invention comprises an interchangeable end and a body (10) extended to take said end. The end may be either a movable one carrying a toothbrush or a fixed one (11) consisting of a nozzle designed to emit a pulsed jet of water generated by a pump fitted in the body (10). The movable end is designed to be given a linear and pivoting alternating movement by a drive mechanism (15) actuated by a motor (16) fitted inside the body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Trisa Burstenfabrik AG Triengen
    Inventor: Charles Kaeser
  • Patent number: 5321866
    Abstract: A toothbrush system is provided which includes a handle member (14) which defines an internal handle chamber (22) for containment therein of a cleansing liquid container (28). The handle member (14) is coupled to a head housing (24) which has bristles (20) extending from it. The bristles (20) are displaceably oscillated about a central axis (16) and simultaneously are rotated about an axis which extends in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction (18) and is responsive to the oscillating displacement of the bristles (20). A mechanism is provided for delivering a liquid from the handle (14) through the head member (12) and external the toothbrush system adjacent the bristles (20). In this manner, there is provided pulsating liquid flow from the toothbrush system with a combined rotation and oscillation of the toothbrush bristles (20) in a plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Michael F. Klupt
  • Patent number: 5311633
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric power driven toothbrush having a four-bar linkage (8) disposed in the handle section, the input end thereof being driven by an electric motor (2) through a train of spur gears, while the output end thereof drives in an oscillatory manner an output shaft (15) within an angular range of .+-.35.degree., approximately. The output shaft (15) is suitable for coupling engagement with a toothbrush section through a bevel gear train, and the axis of rotation of the toothbrush section forms an approximately right angle with the axis of the output shaft (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Herzog, Gustav Gassner
  • Patent number: 5311632
    Abstract: A device for removing plaque from teeth comprises a toothbrush having a thick, cylindrical, hollow handle in which are located an electric motor actuable to cause rotation of an eccentrically mounted member and vibration of the entire device, and an ultrasonic transducer actuable to produce high frequency sound waves along the brush. The combination of brush vibration and ultrasound loosens and removes plaque from the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Leslie T. Center
  • Patent number: 5309591
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric toothbrush provided with a protective cover which is adapted to be pushed onto the handle section of the toothbrush. The protective cover protects in particular the drive shaft of the toothbrush extending from the handle section from contaminants, liquids as well as the impact of forces. The protective cover is further provided with a safety interlock preventing an accidental operation of the electric toothbrush when the protective cover is seated in place. A notch already provided is used for accomplishing a firm locking engagement of the protective cover with the handle section. The embodiments described cover both an integral and a two-part structure of the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Hagele, Peter Hartwein
  • Patent number: 5309590
    Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush which includes a brushhead (18) mounted for vibrating movement, a reservoir (30) for containing dentifrice which is located in the handle (14) of the toothbrush, and fluid connecting means (32) connecting the reservoir (30) to the brushhead (18). The brushhead (18) includes either hollow bristles (80) or nozzles (87) in the brushhead (18) to permit egress of the dentifrice from the brushhead (18) in the area of the bristles. The brushhead (18) is driven so as to provide a scrubbing action for the teeth and to provide acoustical energy for acoustical cleansing as well. The action of the brushhead (18) and the load thereon will result in dentifrice being released out of the brushhead (18) or bristles (80) as needed, supporting cavitation and streaming for the acoustical energy, as well as providing the cleansing/therapeutic effect of the dentifrice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Gemtech, Inc.
    Inventors: David Giuliani, Martin, Roy W.
  • Patent number: 5307534
    Abstract: A multi-purpose rotary pipe or tubing cleaner especially adapted for cleaning copper pipe and fittings for sweat soldering joints having rotary internal and external brushes and an internal reamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Richard P. Miller
  • Patent number: 5305492
    Abstract: The brush element (10) includes a base (14), the base (14) including a connecting portion (18) at one end (16) thereof, which is capable of receiving the lever arm (15) of a vibrating toothbrush. Successive lateral rows of spaced bristles (19-27) are anchored in the brush base (14), in a pattern comprising two successive rows of full length bristles which are configured so that the tips of each two rows form a peak, followed by a third row of shorter bristle portions which are approximately 0.2 inch shorter than the full length bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Optiva Corporation
    Inventors: David Giuliani, L. David Engel
  • Patent number: 5301381
    Abstract: A toothbrush system is provided which includes a handle member (14) which defines an internal handle chamber (22) for containment therein of a cleansing liquid container (28). The handle member (14) is coupled to a head housing (24) which has bristles (20) extending from it. The bristles (20) are displaceably oscillated about a central axis (16) and simultaneously are rotated about an axis which extends in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction (18) and is responsive to the oscillating displacement of the bristles (20). A mechanism is provided for delivering a liquid from the handle (14) through the head member (12) and external the toothbrush system adjacent the bristles (20). In this manner, there is provided pulsating liquid flow from the toothbrush system with a combined rotation and oscillation of the toothbrush bristles (20) in a plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Michael F. Klupt
  • Patent number: 5289604
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush has a brush section which is demountable from a handle section that has a protruding brush drive shaft. Radial and axial securing of the brush section to the handle section is accomplished by structure separated by function, including radial securing structure at the base of the brush section that engages cooperating structure at the end of the handle section from which the drive shaft protrudes, and axial securing structure housed within the brush section that engages the protruding drive shaft of the handle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Kressner
  • Patent number: 5283921
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush holder which comprises a elongate casing and an electric motor vibration unit supported within the casing, the casing forming a elongate cavity having an opening at the forward end of the casing for insertion of the handle of a toothbrush, in which opening there is provided a clamping structure having at least two clamping surfaces which are resiliently biassed together by a resilient member so as to clamp or hold a said toothbrush at its handle automatically when the toothbrush handle is inserted into the cavity through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Poon-Kee G. Ng
  • Patent number: 5276932
    Abstract: Improvements to a manually operated, rotary bristle toothbrush. A thumb actuated mechanism is slidably and longitudinally mounted in an essentially hollow, elongate handle and a part of the mechanism, a rack, is caused to engage at least one compound pinion/spur gear in order to convert longitudinally reciprocative motion to rotary motion that is shunted toward the head of the toothbrush. The head contains therein one or more rotary bristles that project orthogonally from the head of the toothbrush and off the major longitudinal axis of the device. Rotary motion is conducted by a drive shaft into the head of the brush and transferred via a crown gear to bases of the brush(es) by interface between the crown gear of the drive shaft and at least one brush base comprising a capstan device adapted for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Ralph Byrd
  • Patent number: 5274870
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toothbrush apparatus including a tooth brush frame having a handle and a head frame, a head assembly and a retainer. The head frame has an interior opening with a gear rack. The head assembly includes a base having a plurality of openings and a bristle structure within each of the openings. The base is sized and shaped to slide within the head frame and the longitudinal edges of the base define rails. The head assembly includes a plurality of gears for compatible engagement with the gear rack. The bristle structures include static and dynamic bristles. The static bristles remain stationary, while the dynamic bristles are connected to the gears and rotate with the gears. The retainer has an interior guide for accepting the rails for sliding connection. The head assembly including the retainer are force fit within the head frame with the gears engaging the gear rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Harry Stollman
  • Patent number: 5267579
    Abstract: A flossing implement including a hollow handle, a pair of fingers extending from the handle to support therebetween a strand of dental floss, and an electric motor in the handle carrying an eccentric weight for vibrating the handle and, through the handle, a strand of dental floss supported at the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Todd E. Bushberger
  • Patent number: 5265299
    Abstract: An improved structure for an electro-motive tooth brush, which comprises a handle-shaking assembly, a connecting assembly, a water-supply assembly, and a tooth-brush assembly; the handle portion in the tooth-brush assembly is mounted to a valve of the water-supply assembly; the valve is fixedly attached to a ratchet rack of the connecting assembly; the ratchet base and the handle-shaking assembly are connected together. An eccentric wheel in the handle-shaking assembly can generate a shaking effect to cause the brush bristle portion to shake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Feng C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5263218
    Abstract: A toothbrush which includes a toothbrush body (12) and a lever arm (14) having toothbrush bristles (18) at one end thereof. The lever arm (14) is mounted for pivotal movement at a pivot member (16) which is in the vicinity of the other end of the lever arm (14). In one embodiment, a pair of permanent magnets (44, 46) are provided at the other end of the lever arm (14), positioned side-by-side with opposite polarities. An electromagnet (24) is provided to the rear of the lever arm (14). The electromagnet (24) includes an E-core having top, bottom and center legs (30, 31, 33) with a coil (36) wound around its center leg (33) which receives an alternating current driving signal from an oscillator/battery section (38). The frequency of operation is in the range of 150-400 Hz. The action of the alternating current in the electromagnet (24) causes the lever arm (14) to move about the pivot member (16), first in one direction and then in an opposing direction to provide the desired vibrating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: GEMtech
    Inventors: David Giuliani, Roy W. Martin, Rodger H. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 5259083
    Abstract: A power driven mechanical toothbrush is disclosed. A replaceable toothbrush head member has tuft blocks retained generally therewithin and extending laterally outwardly from the a cam shaft. Each tuft block has at least one tuft of bristles, usually four, secured within the tuft block and extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the bristles has a distal end at a distance from its tuft block, and the bristles in each tuft are generally parallel to each other. The toothbrush head member is adapted to receive and retain the tuft blocks in sliding relation therein, so that each tuft block slides linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tuft axis as guided by guide rails within the head member, between a retracted position and an extended position. Each tuft block is driven from its retracted position to its extended position by the rotatable cam shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: 1008335 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin H. Stansbury, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5253382
    Abstract: A power-operated toothbrush for cleaning and stimulating the surface of the teeth, cleaning between the teeth, cleaning between the teeth and gums, and cleaning and stimulating the gums of a user having a housing, a power means, a toothbrush extending from the housing having a bristled toothbrush head and an oscillating or movement imparting means for driving the toothbrush head in a complex motion, such as a figure-eight motion. The brush driving means of the power-operated toothbrush may comprise a rotary motor, a gear element driven by the rotary motor, a cam follower pivotally attached to the motor, and a T-bar. The T-bar is driven in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the power-operated toothbrush housing and also in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the power-operated toothbrush housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Janos Beny
  • Patent number: 5247716
    Abstract: A removable brush-head for an ultrasonic toothbrush for daily dental hygiene purposes, including a plurality of bristle clusters, a substantially tubular body constructed of a flexible material and tensioning means securing the brush-head to the ultrasonic device, providing for the efficient transmission of ultrasonic frequency vibrations from the device via the brush-head to the teeth and gums of the user to loosen and remove soft plaque therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Robert T. Bock
  • Patent number: 5235717
    Abstract: A rotary spherical scrubber formed of a fluid permeable material is arranged for rotative mounting relative to a support conduit, wherein the support conduit directs fluid interiorly of the scrubber directing fluid spray from nozzles interiorly of the scrubber onto vanes within the scrubber for rotation of the scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Albert J. Lanzo, Jr., Laura M. Lanzo, Albert J. Lanzo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5226206
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a bristle holder oscillatably mounted within a brush head, and a carrier assembly carrying the bristle holder and reciprocatable with it within the brush head by a motor; and a coupling between the bristle holder and the brush head effective to oscillate the bristle holder upon its reciprocation by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: A to Z Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvi Davidovitz, Israel Ramot
  • Patent number: 5224231
    Abstract: A brush attachment for a power tool, such as an electric drill, capable of rotating a suitable shaft including an attachment body containing a longitudinally extending chamber and an elongate shaft rotatably mounted in this body and projecting from a rear end thereof. A cam and cam follower mechanism in the chamber convert rotary motion of the shaft into a reciprocating linear motion. There is a shaft mechanism mounted in the body for sliding reciprocating movement only relative to the body and connected to the cam follower. This shaft mechanism projects from a front end of the body. A brush is attached to a front end of the shaft mechanism and reciprocates with this mechanism in the longitudinal direction thereof. The brush attachment can be mounted on the power tool so the attachment body remains stationary relative to the tool when the shaft is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Ernesto Nacar
  • Patent number: 5214819
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toothbrush having a brush head 26 moved by an electromotive drive 12. It is suggested to arrange a mechanical torque limiting device 15 including a cam follower 13, 14 which is acted upon by a spring 16, 17 between a drive shaft of the electromotive drive 12 and the brush head 26. The user of the toothbrush and the electric motor 12 of the toothbrush are thereby protected against damage resulting from an improper manipulation of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Kirchner
  • Patent number: 5213434
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for an electric toothbrush drive mechanism, including an electric motor and a movement converter which is arranged between the motor and a plug-in shaft and sets the plug-in shaft in radial and longitudinal movement, the motor and converter being arranged in a housing, and the plug-in shaft, which is supported in a bottom surface of the housing, has a free end that penetrates the bottom surface, the plug-in connector is detachably connected with the housing and the plug-in shaft is engaged in an installed state with a connecting rod arranged on the inside of the plug-in connector, and an end of the connecting rod remote of the plug-in shaft is in a working connection with a radial drive, the connecting rod and radial drive being connected with one another by an elastically deformable spiral, and the connecting rod, spiral and radial drive being constructed so as to form one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 5211132
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically washing teats of generic dairy animals, specifically dairy cattle, comprises a box-type body formed with an opening for introducing a teat thereinto, and two pairs of counter-rotating brushes located at the opening in the box-type body and aligned along a direction of introduction of the teat into the box-type body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Gilna Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Felice Farina, Emilio Lucchini, Renato Federici
  • Patent number: 5208933
    Abstract: A powered dental tool dispenses a liquid dentifrice from a removable and replaceable cartridge to a dental site being cleaned or otherwise treated. The tool mounts the cartridge to receive a supply of the dispensable liquid, and accommodates the removal and replacement of a spent cartridge. A removable and replaceable cartridge for supplying dispensable liquid to a dental tool is initially sealed, is readily installed in the tool with a connection to a dispensing tube, and is collapsible for emptying it. A multiple-treatment dental care system has a single power handle that operates interchangeable with a fluid dispensing spray implement, with a rotary treatment implement, and with a revolving-bristle brush implement. In addition to dispensing fluid with the spray implement, the system can dispense liquid material to the dental site being treated by way of the rotary implement and by way of the revolving brush implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: L. Paul Lustig
    Inventors: L. Paul Lustig, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 5189751
    Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush which includes a toothbrush body (12) and a lever arm (14) having toothbrush bristles (18) at one end thereof. The lever arm (14) is mounted for pivotal movement at a pivot member (16) which is in the vicinity of the other end of the lever arm (14). In one embodiment, a pair of permanent magnets (44, 46) are provided at the other end of the lever arm (14), positioned side-by-side with opposite polarities. An electromagnet (24) is provided to the rear of the lever arm (14). The elecromagnet (24) includes an E-core having top, bottom and center legs (30, 31, 33) with a coil (36) wound around its center leg (33) which receives an alternating current driving signal from an oscillator/battery section (38). The frequency of operation is in the range of 150-400 Hz. The action of the alternating current in the electromagnet (24) causes the lever arm (14) to move about the pivot member (16), first in one direction and then in an opposing direction to provide the desired vibrating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Gemtech, Inc.
    Inventors: David Giuliani, Roy W. Martin, Rodger H. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 5187827
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning device, which utilizes water pressure to drive a rotary wheel which is heavier on one side and has teeth that slope in one direction. Elastic elements are provided to reinforce the vibration caused by the rotary wheel when the rotary wheel is forced to rotate by the water pressure. A control plate is set between a fixed wheel and a contact plate to control flow rate of water so as to regulate the strength of vibration. Different cleaning elements are adapted to be releasably attached to the device according to different cleaning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Chih-Yen Wei
  • Patent number: 5186627
    Abstract: A hand powered rotatable toothbrush is characterized by elements, such as tufts of brush bristles, positionally fixed to the brush head to frictionally engage tooth surfaces and thereby positionally stabilize the brush head so that a distal portion of the brush handle can be longitudinally reciprocated relative to the brush head. One or more rotatable brush members mounted on the brush head are operatively connected to the distal handle portion, as by a rack and pinion, to cause the brush members to be rotated in response to longitudinal handle reciprocation. In one embodiment the rotatable brush member cyclically rotates in opposite directions in response to back and forth linear motion of the handle. In another embodiment the rotation of the brush member is in the same direction, irrespective of the direction in which the handle moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: Noah Amit, Miro S. Cater
  • Patent number: 5177826
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided with a pair of disc-like rotary brushes mounted for rotation about a axis generally perpendicular to the length of the brush. The rotary brushes are in axially spaced relationship and are provided with inwardly directed bristles. Between the rotary brushes, upper and lower linear brushes are mounted above and below the axis of rotation for linear reciprocating motion generally perpendicular to that axis. The upper brush has upwardly directed bristles, and the linear brushes are mounted to the rotary brushes so as to be brought into reciprocal, linear movement when the rotary brushes are reciprocated angularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Hagemann International
    Inventors: Jean Louis Vrignaud, Albert W. Gebhard, Kenneth J. Hegemann, David W. Roecker
  • Patent number: 5177827
    Abstract: Providing the user with a simplified single-procedure approach to self-administered dental-care, achieved through means of a special hand-portable/battery-powered instrument, having a rechargeable-battery and a motor with gear-reduction contained within the handle portion. While preferably detachably-mounted thereto is a special extensile bifurcated structure, provided with lateral adjustability by which to accomodate variations in individual mouth width, while supporting a plurality of motor-driven rotary-brush elements capable of uniformly scrubbing all of the mouth's teeth, away from the gums, inside and out, in a simultaneous single motion fully-automated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Benedict M. Ellison
  • Patent number: 5175901
    Abstract: An apparatus for brushing an entire arch of teeth at once has a resilient U-shaped housing containing a channel within which the arch of teeth fits. A plurality of bristles substantially covers the surface area of the channel, and a handle extends from each arm of the housing. The channel is shaped whereby the bristles on the edges of the channel are angled into the gingival sulcus. In operation, the user grasps a handle in each hand and moves the handles in opposition to each other to move the resilient housing. This causes the bristles to move, thereby brushing the teeth in an effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Gary A. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 5165133
    Abstract: A socket cleaning tool having a rotatable mandrel and a hollow elastomeric sleeve which seats on the mandrel is disclosed. The outer surface of the sleeve defines a plurality of wiper strips which extend substantially the length of the sleeve and which terminate at edges that are sized and shaped to contact and wipe the surface of a socket as the sleeve and mandrel are rotated in the socket to clean the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Franz O. Armbruster
  • Patent number: 5165131
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning apparatus has a brush pivotally mounted in a brush holder. The brush has a teeth cleaning member such as bristles formed thereon. A vibrator exerts a vibratory force on the brush so that the teeth cleaning member moves back and forth in substantially its axial direction. The vibrator is driven by an electrical signal which preferably is of a frequency between 1,000 and 17,000 Hz and includes an audio frequency component of mixed frequency and amplitude representing music or other pleasant sounds which is transmitted to the auditory system of a person while brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Staar Development Co., S.A.
    Inventor: Marcel J. H. Staar
  • Patent number: 5165132
    Abstract: A brush for general surface cleaning comprises a casing rotatably housing a bladed impeller (8) with which a nozzle (9) is tangentially associated for the entry of the wash water, which then flows towards a cleaning member comprising at least one slide block (3) positioned to close the lower aperture of the casing and lowerly provided with a mass of bristles (31), and linked to the impeller shaft (7) in such a manner as to be subjected to reciprocating rectilinear movement transversely to said shaft (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: G.F. S.r.l., an Italian limited company
    Inventors: Gaiti Giorgio, Ferrari Loris
  • Patent number: 5150492
    Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for use in personal dental hygiene care includes an exchangeable ultrasonic implement which may be rigidly and removably mounted to ultrasonic power means and readily removed therefrom with a relatively small separating force. Provision is made for coupling the toothbrush to the power means and is arranged to transfer the ultrasonic energy from the power means to the ultrasonic implement with the power means remaining substantially free from absorbing ultrasonic energy as the vibratory energy is transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Leonard W. Suroff
  • Patent number: 5148567
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush permits simultaneously brushing and cleaning of the occlusal, lingual and buccal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth of a user. This includes a bristle support member which anchors a plurality of longitudinally extending central rows of bristle tufts that extend outwardly from opposite surfaces thereof. Each surface of the bristle support member has slots herein which receive elongate brush elements having arcuately bent bristles which define outer rows for engaging the lingual and buccal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Craig C. Daub
  • Patent number: 5146642
    Abstract: A powered scrub brush having a power head module, a brush head module, and n extension shaft module. The power head module includes a positive-displacement motor and a flow-control valve. The motor may be coupled directly to the brush head module or indirectly through one or more extension shaft modules. The power head module has a liquid discharge port that is connected to a liquid discharge tube on the extension shaft module that in turn is connected to a liquid sprayer having a nozzle on the brush head module. Mechanical power is transferred from the motor to the brush via an output shaft on the motor, a flexible shaft in the extension shaft module, and a shaft in the brush head module on which the brush is removably mounted. The powered scrub brush is manually operated by regulating a flow-control valve that is connected between a pressurized water source and an inlet port on the motor. As pressurized liquid flows through the motor, the brush will rotate and liquid will be discharged via the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James F. Mank, Michael D. Milosh, Timothy J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5142723
    Abstract: A dental hygiene (10) has a housing (12) that provides a manually deployable handle for the device and that houses a motor (14) that drives both a brush agitating drive mechanism (16) and a liquid dispensing pump mechanism (18). The housing (12) has a tool mount (20) that interchangably mounts in operable relation with the drive mechanism and with the pump mechanism any one of a dental brush tool (22) and a dental spray tool (24). The brush tool and the drive mechanism preferably are arranged to agitatingly drive two sets of brush elements (26) and (28) oppositely, preferably with back and forth rotation of individual brush tufts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: L. Paul Lustig
    Inventors: L. Paul Lustig, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 5138733
    Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily removal of soft plaque including a handle constructed of a rigid material, a battery pack, an electronics driving module, a piezoelectric member, and a removable brush-head. The low voltage DC energy supplied by the battery pack is converted to an ultrasonic frequency DC current by the electronics driving module. The piezoelectric crystal resonates, expands and contracts volumetrically, in the tune with the frequency supplied by the electronics driving module and thereby converts the electronic energy into sound-wave energy. The sound-waves driving the dentifrices in the mouth of the user against the teeth causing mild cavitation within the dentifrices at the junction with the teeth, resulting in a loosening effect on the soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and in the periodontal pockets formed in the gums around the neck of the teeth. The loosened soft plaque is then dislodged by the bristle clusters of the toothbrush by the normal brushing movements of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Sonex International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert T. Bock
  • Patent number: 5120225
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a cluster of rotatable bristle tufts disposed between two longitudinally spaced clusters of positionally fixed bristle tufts. The fixed bristles frictionally engage tooth surfaces to oppose longitudinal movement of the brush head in response to longitudinal reciprocation of the brush handle within the head. A rack and pinion convert the longitudinal reciprocation of the handle to oscillatory rotation of the rotatable bristle tufts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Noah Amit
  • Patent number: 5088145
    Abstract: A portable electrically powered toothbrush which includes a brush head having at least one tuft holding assembly mounted for rotation about its central axis. Pulsating direct current is supplied through control circuitry to a DC motor in the brush handles by a pair of rechargeable batteries also mounted in the handle. Power from the motor is transmitted through a reduction gear and belt drive assembly to the tuft holding assembly, resulting in a unidirectional intermittent rotation of the assembly about its axis and a simultaneous reciprocation of the assembly along that axis. Alternately, continuous power may be supplied to the motor, resulting in a unidirectional continuous rotation and reciprocation of the tuft holding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Robert O. Whitefield
  • Patent number: 5077855
    Abstract: A motor-driven toothbrush comprises a drive unit having a motor and a transmission that simultaneously drive a shaft in rotation and a brush head extension reciprocably in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft. A brush unit includes a brush head coupled to the extension for lengthwise reciprocating motion on which several bristle holders, each carrying several bristle tufts, are mounted individually for pivotal movement about an axis spaced apart from and parallel to the drive shaft. A crank coupled to the drive shaft imparts pivotal movement to each bristle holder individually via a crank pin for each holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Emilio Ambasz
  • Patent number: 5072477
    Abstract: A motorized toothbrush, which comprises a serving period indicating ring adjustably mounted on a brush handle and secured between a brush head and a power unit for the indication of the month a brand-new brush begins to use so that one can easily identify if a brush has been over-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Chung-Jen Pai
  • Patent number: 5068939
    Abstract: A brush includes a plurality of bristle holders each rotatably mounted in the brush head about its own rotary axis, a plurality of crank arms each coupled to one of the bristle holders for oscillating it about its respective rotary axis, and a rod reciprocatably mounted within the handle and carrying a plurality of pins each received in a slot of one of the crank arms to oscillate the respective bristle holder about its rotary axis upon the reciprocation of the rod. In one described embodiment, the reciprocatable rod is connected to a weight slidably mounted in the handle so that the rod is reciprocated by the weight during manual reciprocation of the handle by a user when using the brush. In another described embodiment, the reciprocatable rod is connected to the handle, and the handle is connected to the brush head by a yielding coupling so that the rod is reciprocated by the handle by a user when using the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Ohad Paz
    Inventor: Neta Holland
  • Patent number: 5058230
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes an elongated handle portion and a tip portion detachably received on the handle portion. One of either the handle portion or the tip portions has a longitudinally extending cavity formed in one end thereof and the other of either the tip portion or the handle portion has a projection formed on one end thereof which is receivable in the cavity for detachably securing the tip portion on the handle portion. The tip portion preferably includes a base having bristles thereon for brushing the teeth of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventors: Milton Hodosh, Alex J. Hodosh, Steven H. Hodosh
  • Patent number: 5054149
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises two main casings, a battery/motor casing and a brush drive casing, both casings being made of plastics material and one casing telescopically fitting over the other. The casing contains a battery, a motor and a motor shaft which carries the first gear of a reduction gear set which also comprises gears which drive a motor gear output shaft carrying a male coupling. The brush drive casing carries a brush head further reduction gearing and a brush drive shaft which carries a female coupling. When the couplings are mated telescopically, the male and female couplings connect so as to complete the drive to the toothbrush head. Preferably the toothbrush head is arranged to be driven in alternate directions, i.e., so as to have a reciprocal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventors: Kok S. Si-Hoe, Tiong E. Ong
  • Patent number: 5044035
    Abstract: An electrically-operated plaque-removing dental cleaning machine provided with an elongated rotating brush shaft having helical brush tufts strips thereon, and a partial shield spaced from the brush strips for collecting particles dislodged from the teeth when the brush strips engage and sweep the teeth and the inter-dental areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: George Barradas
  • Patent number: 5036562
    Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus for removing plaque which is to connect with the handle of a conventional toothbrush with the toothbrush being used as the instrument to remove plaque. The handle is mounted through the open end of a cylindrical sleeve-like handle that is of a size to be readily graspable by a human being. A spring arrangement is located within the interior chamber and is to connect with the handle of the toothbrush to impart a biasing force against the handle of the toothbrush against the handle deflecting. The handle of the toothbrush is secured by a threaded bolt which is threadably engaged to the wall of the sleeve. The apparatus is to be manually used causing the bristles of the toothbrush to be moved in a direction toward the teeth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Fred W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5033150
    Abstract: A motor-driven toothbrush includes a housing adapted to be gripped by the user and containing an electrical rotary motor, and a toothbrush coupled to the rotary motor by an eccentric coupling such that rotation of the motor causes the toothbrush to oscillate. A sleeve threadedly received in the end of the housing through which the toothbrush handle passes defines a pivot point for the oscillations of the handle, and is adjustable with respect to the housing so as to permit varying the location of the pivot point, and thereby the type of oscillations produced by the rotary motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Product Development (S.G.Z.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Gross, Shlomo Zucker