Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Machines – Brushing
Reexamination Certificate
2003-06-06
2004-07-13
Graham, Gary K. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Machines
Brushing
C015S028000, C015S022100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06760946
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the field of oral care, and in particular to toothbrushes. More specifically, the invention relates to a brush head for a toothbrush.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,285 (the '285 patent) discloses an electric toothbrush with a rotary bristle supporting structure. In one embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 6
, the brush head is driven such that an outer ring of bristles
45
a
and an inner ring of bristles
45
b
are moved in an alternating rotary motion in opposite directions. While such an arrangement is beneficial for cleaning, for example, the bucal or lingual tooth surfaces, the lack of motion of any of the bristles in an up and down pattern results in a less than optimal cleaning of the inter-dental tooth surfaces.
FIG. 9 of the '285 patent discloses an additional embodiment of the invention in which all of the bristles
45
are rotated about an axis
54
while also being moved in an up and down motion parallel to this axis. This embodiment will provide enhanced cleaning of the inter-dental tooth surfaces. However, the fact that all of the bristles are moved up and down limits the depth of penetration that the bristles can obtain between the teeth. This is because while some of the bristles are trying to penetrate between the teeth, others are pressing against, for example, the bucal tooth surface, thus limiting the motion of the brush head towards the teeth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a head for an electric toothbrush includes a neck, a drive rod. and first and second sets of one or more bristles each. The first and second sets of bristles being respectively secured to first and second members. The first and second sets being indirectly supported by the neck and movable relative to each other. The second set of bristles being oscillatable about an axis. At least portions of the bristles of the first set are alternatingly movable directly towards and away from the axis through substantially the entire range of motion of the first set of bristles. The drive rod is directly coupled to the first and second members such that movement of the drive rod moves the first and second members to move the first and second sets of bristles.
According to another aspect of the invention, an electric toothbrush includes a head having a neck and first and second sets of one or more bristles each. The first and second sets of bristles are respectively secured to first and second members. The first and second sets are indirectly supported by the neck and movable relative to each other. The second set of bristles is oscillatable about an axis. At least portions of the bristles of the first set arc alternatingly movable directly towards or away from the axis through substantially the entire range of motion of the first set of bristles. A drive rod is directly coupled to the first and second members such that movement of the drive rod moves the first and second members to move the first and second sets of bristles.
These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Graham Gary K.
Howley David A.
The Gillette Company
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