Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Technical Field
[0001] The invention generally pertains to electrically driven teeth
cleaning devices, and more particularly to a dual rotating electric toothbrush
that automatically adjusts the pressure applied to the teeth.
Background of the Invention
, [00021 For a long
time specialists have agreed that in order to be
effective, teeth must be brushed from the gum towards the end of the tooth,
i.e, downwards for the top jaw and upwards for the bottom jaw.
[0003] It has been a long standing need to make a perfect tooth cleaning
device. Most dental decay and gum problems start from the area called
embrasure, which is the space located between two adjacent teeth and the
gum line. Present manual and electrical toothbrushes can not reach these
areas very efficiently. In addition, brushing direction is important to
protect
the gum line from receding. To achieve this goal, the brushing direction
should be on the long axis of the tooth and at the same time, it should be
directed from the gum tissue towards the direction of the target tooth. In the
present market, there are some toothbrushes manufactured based on this
concept. However, since the designers of these toothbrushes apparently
ignored major or minor structural parts or system in their designs, their
products can lead to one or more secondary problems or can never reach the
intended goal.
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[0004] A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents
that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the
following U.S. patents are considered related.
[0005] PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED
[0006] 6,625,834 Dean 30 Sep. 2003
[0007] 5,864,911 Arnoux et al 2 Feb. 1999
[0008] 5,177,827 Ellison 12 Jan. 1993
[0009] 5,027,463 Daub 2 Jul. 1991
[0010] 4,313,237 Smith 2 Feb. 1982
[0011] 2,758,326 Keely et al 14 Aug. 1956
[00121 2,628,377 Cochrie 1 17 Feb. 1953
[0013] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,834 discloses a preferably non-electric,
non-mechanically actuated toothbrush having a generally U-shaped
appearance with a rotary brush located, during use, on each side of a tooth to
be cleaned. The brushes are configured to rotate about an axis which is
parallel to the long axis of the tooth to be cleaned, and essentially
perpendicular to the buccal and lingual gum line, of the user. The brushes are
preferably held in contact with the teeth and gum tissue by a resilient
section
of the toothbrush. In this fashion, a pushing and pulling motion during
brushing results in a rotational motion of the brushes.
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[0014] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,911 discloses a mechanical toothbrush
with a dual rotary brushing system and comprising a handle-forming body
and a head fixed to the handle which is provided with two adjacent contra-
rotating brushes of cylindrical shape and having substantially parallel axes.
Each of the two brushes is driven by a flexible shaft situated in the head and
supported, at least at its distal end, by a respective bearing mounted on a
support that enables the two brushes to move apart, one away from the other,
then urging the brushes towards the other by a return effect.
[0015] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,827 discloses a simplified single-
procedure approach to self-administered dental-care, achieved through means
of a special hand-portable/battery-powered instrument, having a chargeable-
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 accommodate
variations in individual mouth width, while supporting a plurality of motor-
drive 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. Hence, the notion of a manually inserted, selectively
actuated oral instrument, serving to brush clean the entire inside mouth
surfaces of the gums, teeth, and adjoining cheek and tongue surfaces in a
rapid simultaneous manner being a substantial advancement, efficiently
eliminating reliance upon one's own manual dexterity for effectual daily oral-
hygiene.
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[0016] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,463 discloses a toothbrush for use in
simultaneously brushing and cleaning the occlusal, lingual and buccal
surfaces of the upper and lower teeth of a user. The toothbrush, in the
preferred embodiment, is power-driven and includes bristle support member
which anchors bristles from opposite surfaces thereof. The bristles are
arranged in longitudinal rows including central rows, intermediate rows and
outer rows. The central rows are straight while the intermediate and outer
rows are curved for engaging the lingual and buccal surfaces. The bristles are
shaped and arranged in a heating chamber while being anchored to the bristle
support member.
[0017] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,237 discloses an improved driven rotary
toothbrush having an electric motor enclosed in a handle and driving a
plurality of rotary brushes for simultaneously cleaning multiple tooth
surfaces. The rotary brushes are mounted in a brush head adapted to be
releasably supported on one end of an elongated brush head support stem
having flexible drive shafts extending therealong and having its other end
adapted to be releasably mounted on the handle to provide rotary driven
connection between the motor and brushes. The releasable mounting of the
brush head and of the support stem enables hygienic use of the same motor
and handle by a plurality of persons through use of personalized snap-on
brush heads and support stems, and also makes possible the easy and
economical replacement of the brush heads.
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[0018] The U.S. Pat. No. 2,758,326 discloses a power driven rotary
toothbrush which enables the user to reach without difficulty the teeth least
accessible, i.e., the back molars, and which subjects the teeth to gentle yet
effective and approved cleaning action.
[0019] The U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,377 discloses a mechanical toothbrush
having rotary brushes.
[0020] While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to
solve the problems that they addressed, none have utilized or disclosed a
protective shield directed to addressing soft tissue irritation, oral cavity
malignancies and splashing, and/or a guiding stop directed to proper tooth
positioning of the device, as does embodiments of the technology described
herein.
[0021] Therefore, a need exists for a dual rotating electric toothbrush
with these attributes and functionalities. The dual rotating electric
toothbrush
according to embodiments of the invention substantially departs from the
conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. It can be appreciated that
there exists a continuing need for a new and improved dual rotating electric
toothbrush which can be used commercially. In this regard, the technology
described herein substantially fulfills these objectives.
[0022] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the
art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward
discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing
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information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology
described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing
application and other information do not each or render obvious, singly or
when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
Brief Summary of Embodiments of the Invention
[0023] The technology described herein is directed to a dual rotating
electric toothbrush having two lines of electrically powered rotating brushes,
i.e., bristles, which protrude from the handle. The bristles rotate inward
from
each side, giving a brushing effect on both buccal and lingual surfaces of the
tooth from the gum tissue to the tooth direction. Ideal brushing direction
should be on the long axis of the tooth, at the same time it should be from
the
gum tissue to the tooth direction. In this manner, the most critical area in
the
tooth brushing, that is the embrasure between two adjacent teeth and the gum
line, can be cleaned more effectively and at the same time gum tissue, or
gingival, can be saved from detachment or receding.
[0024] The applicant's technology is directed to having:
[0025] 1. Electrical sensors that direct tooth width automatically adjusts
the brushes for the width of the teeth.
[0026] 2. A version adapted for pets and animals.
[0027] 3. A version adapted for children, teens, adults and elderly
persons.
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[0028] The technology described herein has two lines of electrically
driven rotating bristles, which project outward and longitudinally from the
body of the brush. When the user places and seats the head tip of the brush
with two parallel lines of wire with the bristles onto the occlusal or incisal
surface of the tooth, each of the bristle lines cover both the buccal and the
lingual surfaces of the tooth respectively. The bristles then rotate inward
from
each side, giving a brushing effect on both the buccal and the lingual
surfaces
of the tooth vertically from the gum tissue to the tooth direction. Unlike
other
similar designs, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,911, there is a space or a gap
between the two lines of the bristles, which guides the user to position the
toothbrush correctly.
[0029] Different combinations of spacing and arrangement of the dual
head can make a significant difference for a user. Since each tooth has
different dimensional thickness or width, the user is advised to slidably move
the toothbrush in a bucco-lingual direction. The user can also push the switch
on the body of the brush to the front teeth side to make the two lines of
bristles move inward, so that they cover the bucco-lingually narrowed front
teeth.
[0030] The technology described herein has a dual head supporting
system and a covering which other designs, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,911
lack. Without this covering, the user will suffer irritation of the soft
tissue
including the inner wall of the cheek and lips. This repeated irritation can
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cause not only injury to the oral soft tissue but also cause malignancies in
the
oral cavity.
[0031] One advantage of the technology described herein is that the
covering works as a protective shield to stop or minimize the splashing out of
saliva and/or toothpaste from a user's mouth.
[00321 Another advantage of the technology described herein is a guiding
stop, located at the most middle part of the head tip of the brush. This stop
guides the user to the correct position for a tooth. Without this stop, the
user
has more chances of making a mistake in positioning the brush with or
without being in front of a mirror.
[0033] Another advantage of the technology described herein is that it is
made economically.
[0034] Another advantage of the technology described herein is that it is
made from readily available materials.
[0035] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the
preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0036] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in
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accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims
attached hereto.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0037] The present invention, in accordance with one or more various
embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures.
The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict
typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are
provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall
not
be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the
invention.
It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings
are
not necessarily made to scale.
[0038] Some of the figures included herein illustrate various
embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the
accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as "top," "bottom" or
"side" views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or
require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial
orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0039] The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best
be understood by reference to the following description of the invention,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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[0040] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a head assembly with the
guiding stop in a horizontal position.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a head assembly with the
guiding stop in a non-horizontal position.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a dual rotating electric toothbrush.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a bottom exploded view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a top exploded view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
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[0050] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush.
[0051] FIG. 12 is a back exploded view of a dual rotating electric
toothbrush
[0052] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a dual rotating electric toothbrush
with the bristle direction switch placed in a first position.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a dual rotating electric toothbrush
with the bristle direction switch placed in a second position.
[0054]
[0055] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the electronic control circuit.
[0056] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of the firmware that operates the
m icrocontrol ler.
[0057] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the magnetic actuator showing an ON
state.
[0058] FIG. 18 is an illustration of the magnetic actuator shown in an
OFF state.
[0059] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a flexible brush attachment
structure.
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[0060] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the
invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the
invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention
[0061] The technology described herein will now be described in detail
with reference to at least one preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
technology described herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
the art, that the technology described herein may be practiced without some
or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known operations
have
not been described in detail so not to unnecessarily obscure the technology
described herein.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1-19, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the figures, reference is made first to FIG. 1
which illustrates a head assembly 200.
[0063] The dual rotating electric toothbrush is comprised of a body
assembly 100 and a head assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment the
length of the body assembly 100 ranges from 6-7 inches, is 0.75 inches thick
and has a 1.5 inch diameter oval shaped structure. The body assembly is
further comprised of a motor and a battery chamber 140 and battery chamber
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closure 150. At the front end of the body assembly 100 are located two 0.5
inch long cylinders 120 that extend outward and, which function as male
parts when a user connects the head assembly 200 to the body assembly 100.
[0064] The head assembly 200 is about 3 inches long with about one inch
of this being the head tip. The head assembly 200 is connected to the body
assembly 100 with a simple snap-in motion. The head tip has an open area
where two lines of bristles 220 are fixed to the wires or cylinders. The wires
or cylinders are connected to a power source for rotation, once the switch 130
is positioned to complete the circuit. The wires or cylinders are flexible so
that they can adjust to embrace different dimensions of the teeth. The
dimensions of the head tip are about 0.75 inch wide from a dorsal point of
view and about 0.5 inch height from a side view. Between the two lines of
bristles there is about a 0.125 inch gap or space.
[0065] A head cover 230 covers the upper portion of the bristles 220 in
order to protect the inner cheeks or lips of the user from unpleasant feelings
or mechanical injury. At the tip of the brush head, in the middle of the two
lines of bristles 220, there is a prominent feature which works as a guiding
stop 240. With this guiding stop 240, a user has a higher probability of
positioning the bristles 220 correctly. From the ventral view of the head
assembly there is an opening not only for the 1.0 inch long head tip portion
where actual brushing actions are performed but also for the second part of
the head assembly 200, which is about 2.0 inches long, 0.5 inches wide and
1.75 inches in length. This space provides accommodation of the dentition for
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the user to position the brush tip in as correct of a position as possible.
This
feature makes it possible to position the bristle line close to perpendicular
to
the long axis of a tooth.
[0066] In a second embodiment of the technology described herein, a
cylindrical dual rotating electric toothbrush 10 is comprised of a left brush
assembly I Oa and a right brush assembly 10b. Each of these assemblies has a
battery chamber, battery chamber closure, brush activation switch and
corresponding circuitry. The left brush assembly 10a is comprised of a left
body element 310 and a left brush element 330. The right brush assembly 10b
is comprised of a right body element 320 and a right brush element 340.
[0067] The technology described herein may also be described as
follows:
[0068] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
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and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop located at
a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a user in
obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user.
[0069] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
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rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; and a guiding
stop located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to
aid a
user in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and
the brushes on one or more teeth; where the head tip is hingedly divisible at
a
pivot-point location on an underside of the guiding stop, thereby narrowing
the gap between the rotating brushes configured to correctly accommodate
the dentition and thereby accommodating narrow or front teeth.
[0070] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
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dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; and a toggle
switch located on the body of the mechanical teeth-cleaning device, the
toggle switch configured to change between two predetermined width
settings, thereby changing a width of the gap configured to correctly
accommodate the dentition, wherein the toggle switch is configured to switch
between two settings: one representing a width of front teeth and one
representing a width of back teeth.
[0071] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
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tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; wherein the
motor of the mechanical teeth-cleaning device is configured to utilize and
derive power from both an AC voltage source and a DC voltage source
interchangeably.
[0072] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
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motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; where the two,
generally parallel, rotating brushes located in the head tip are configured to
rotate in a direction from a gum area upward to a tooth area on a long axis of
the tooth to address cleaning an embrasure located between two adjacent
teeth and a gum line, and where the rotating brushes are configured to
prevent gingival from detachment or retrocession.
[0073] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
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cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; and one or
more electrical sensors configured to automatically detect a width of one or
more teeth and to automatically and continually adjust a width of the gap
between the rotating brushes configured to correctly accommodate the
dentition.
[0074] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: a body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
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miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; where the
rotating brushes further comprise bristles of varying lengths and diameters.
[0075] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
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chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; thereby
preventing discomfort or injury to the user, wherein the cylindrical,
rotatable
shafts are comprised of a flexible material to bend as necessary to
accommodate varying sizes of teeth.
[0076] A mechanical teeth-cleaning device having two motorized lines of
rotating brushes, the device comprising: ba body defining a user handle, the
body contoured to provide gripability, the body configured to contain a
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miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery
chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially parallel,
cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor and
configured to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another; a
head secured to the body, configured to connect to the body with a snap-in
motion and mechanically coupled to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; a head
tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes exposed on their
sides
and undersides, the head tip located at the top of the head, each rotating
brush
being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts, the rotating brushes configured for simultaneous contact
with
dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual side, and each
rotating brush being separated one from another by a gap of a predetermined
width and configured to correctly accommodate the dentition; a guiding stop
located at a center, underside position of the head tip, configured to aid a
user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and a cover portion on the head tip to provide a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a cheek, tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; wherein the
head of the mechanical teeth-cleaning device further comprises an opening
located in a center portion of the head configured to provide space for
dentition as the mechanical teeth-cleaning device is moved and rotated,
thereby configured to provide correct positioning of a plurality of bristles
generally perpendicular to a long axis of a tooth.
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[0077] The electric toothbrush features an automatic brush adjusting
system (ABAS) that controls the pressure applied to the pair of rotating
brushes that interface with the front and the rear sides of a tooth. The
preferred embodiment of the ABAS, as shown in FIGS. 15-19, is comprised
of an electronic control circuit 410 further comprised of a housing 412 and a
head assembly 414, and a flexible brush attachment structure 416. The
electronic control circuit 410, as shown in FIG. 15, is comprised of:
[0078] A. A power switch SI,
[0079] B. A battery B1, which can consist of a rechargeable battery,
[0080] C. A microcontroller Ul having a first input 11 connected to the
battery BI via the power switch Si, a second input 13, and a first output 15,
[0081] D. A sensor signal conditioner/amplifier U2 having a first input 17
connected to the battery BI, an output 19 applied to the second input 13 of
microcontroller Ul and an input 21,
[0082] E. A piezo actuator driver/amplifier U3 having a first input 23
connected to the battery B1, a second input 25 applied from the first output
15 of the microcontroller Ul, and an output 27,
[0083] F. A pressure sensor PI having an output 29 applied to the input
21 of the amplifier U2,
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[0084] G. A piezo actuator P2 having an input 31 applied from the output
27 of the amplifier U3 and an output 33, and
[0085] H. A magnetic actuator MI having an input 35 connected to the
output 33 on the piezo actuator P2.
[0086] The microcontroller U I, the amplifier U2, the amplifier U3 and
the battery B1 are located within the housing 412. The magnetic actuator MI,
the pressure sensor P1 and the piezo actuator P2 are located within the head
assembly 414 which is an element of the flexible brush attachment structure
416, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0087] The magnetic actuator Ml, as shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 18 and 19,
comprises:
[0088] A. A plurality of paired permanent magnets PM having an upper
surface and a lower surface, and that are vertically aligned and placed in a
series configuration, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. At least two permanent
magnets are required.
[0089] B. A continuous ferrous material strip FM1 that interfaces with
and extends across the upper surface of each magnet pair,
[0090] C. A ferrous material section FM2 that interfaces with the lower
surface of each magnet pair, and
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[0091] D. A ferrous material bar FM3 located adjacent and across each
section of the ferrous material section FM2.
[0092] When power is not applied to the piezo actuator P2, the two north
and the two south poles of each magnet pair are aligned with the respective
ferrous material section FM2. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 17, the
magnetic actuator MI is placed in an ON state which causes the two rotating
brushes to be pulled inward, thereby increasing the pressure applied to the
tooth. Conversely, when power is applied to the piezo actuator P2, the north
and south poles shift positions causing a north and a south pole to be aligned
with the respective section of the ferrous material. In this configuration, as
shown in FIG. 18, the magnetic actuator M1 is placed in an OFF state which
causes the two rotating brushes to be pulled outward, thereby decreasing the
pressure applied to the tooth.
[0093] The ON and OFF state of the magnetic actuator MI is controlled
by the microcontroller Ul which, in turn, is controlled by the firmware F1, as
shown in FIG. 16. The microcontroller U I constantly monitors the pressure
of the brushes applied against the tooth, via the pressure sensor PI, and
continuously adjusts the pressure of the rotating brushes by activating and
deactivating the magnetic actuator MI between its ON and OFF state.
[0094] The flexible brush attachment structure 416, as shown in FIG. 19,
is comprised of:
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[0095] A. A curved horizontal section 418 having a centered pivot point
420,
100961 B. A left arm 422 integrally attached to the horizontal section 418
and having a terminus 426 to which is rotatably attached a left brush 428,
[0097] C. A right arm 430 integrally attached to the opposite side of the
horizontal section 418 and having a terminus 432 to which is rotatably
attached a right brush 434,
[0098] D. An upward extending left mounting plate 425 having an outer
surface and an inner surface to which is attached the pressure sensor PI and
the ferrous material bar FM3,
[0099] E. An upward extending right mounting plate 424 having an outer
surface and an inner surface to which is attached the piezo actuator P2, which
in turn is attached to the magnetic actuator MI that interfaces with the
ferrous
material bar FM3, and
[00100] F. A resilient member RI that is attached between the inner
surface of the left mounting plate 425 and right mounting plate 424, wherein
the resilient element RI maintains the two brushes 428,434 in an outward
position, wherein when the electronic control circuit 410 is energized the two
brushes are displaced inward about the pivot point 420 to provide pressure on
a tooth as controlled by the microcontroller Ul.
[00101] Operation
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[00102] The ABAS operates as follows.
[001031 The pressure sensor PI produces a small output voltage that is
proportional to the pressure applied by the force between the rotating brushes
and the tooth interfacing with the brushes. This voltage is applied to the
input
of the sensor signal conditioner/amplifier U2 which amplifies the input
voltage.
100104] The output of the amplifier U2 is applied to the programmable
microcontroller U I which in combination with the firmware F! determines
how much pressure is being applied between the rotating brushes and the
interfacing tooth.
[00105] The microcontroller U I outputs the processed signal to the input
of the piezo actuator driver/amplifier U3. The amplifier U3 amplifies the
applied signal and produces an output drive voltage that is applied to the
piezo actuator P2 that is connected to the magnetic actuator MI. The output
drive voltage applied to the piezo actuator P2 causes the permanent magnets
in the magnetic actuator MI to slide forward or backward as controlled by the
microcontroller U 1 .
[00106]Power for the entire circuit is provided by a 3-6 volt battery B!
can consists of a single rechargeable battery or comprised of several standard
1.5 volt conventional batteries.
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CA 02872204 2014-11-18
[00107] A method for manufacturing a mechanical teeth-cleaning device
having two motorized lines of rotating brushes, the method comprising:
utilizing a body defining a user handle; contouring the body to provide
gripability; configuring the body to contain a miniaturized motor to provide
two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery chamber, the body having two
protruding and substantially parallel, cylindrical, rotatable shafts
mechanically coupled to the motor, configuring the cylindrical, rotatable
shafts to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another;
utilizing a head secured to the body, configuring the head to connect to the
body with a snap-in motion and mechanically coupling the head to the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts; utilizing a head tip containing two, generally
parallel, rotating brushes, placing the head tip at the top of the head, each
rotating brush being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts, configuring the rotating brushes for
simultaneous
contact with dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual
side; and separating each rotating brush one from another by a gap of a
predetermined width, configuring the gap to correctly accommodate the
dentition; and utilizing a guiding stop, locating the guiding stop at a
center,
underside position of the head tip, configuring the guiding stop to aid a user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth.
[00108] A method for manufacturing a mechanical teeth-cleaning device
having two motorized lines of rotating brushes, the method comprising:
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utilizing a body defining a user handle; contouring the body to provide
gripability; configuring the body to contain a miniaturized motor to provide
two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery chamber, the body having two
protruding and substantially parallel, cylindrical, rotatable shafts
mechanically coupled to the motor, configuring the cylindrical, rotatable
shafts to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another;
utilizing
a head secured to the body, configuring the head to connect to the body with
a snap-in motion and mechanically coupling the head to the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts; utilizing a head tip containing two, generally parallel,
rotating brushes, placing the head tip at the top of the head, each rotating
brush being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts, configuring the rotating brushes for
simultaneous
contact with dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual
side; and separating each rotating brush one from another by a gap of a
predetermined width, configuring the gap to correctly accommodate the
dentition; utilizing a guiding stop, locating the guiding stop at a center,
underside position of the head tip, configuring the guiding stop to aid a user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and utilizing a cover portion on the head tip
thereby providing a shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a
cheek, tongue, or lip of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to
the
user, where the head tip is hingedly located at a pivot-point location on an
underside of the guiding stop, thereby narrowing the gap between the rotating
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brushes configured to correctly accommodate the dentition and thereby
accommodating any of narrow or front teeth, or where the rotating brushes
further comprise bristles of varying lengths and diameters, or wherein the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts are comprised of a flexible material to bend as
necessary to accommodate varying sizes of teeth.
[00109] A method for manufacturing a mechanical teeth-cleaning device
having two motorized lines of rotating brushes, the method comprising:
utilizing a body defining a user handle;
[00110] contouring the body to provide gripability; configuring the body
to contain a miniaturized motor to provide two shafts with counter-rotation
and a battery chamber, the body having two protruding and substantially
parallel, cylindrical, rotatable shafts mechanically coupled to the motor,
configuring the cylindrical, rotatable shafts to provide rotation each in a
direction opposite to one another; utilizing a head secured to the body,
configuring the head to connect to the body with a snap-in motion and
mechanically coupling the head to the cylindrical, rotatable shafts; utilizing
a
head tip containing two, generally parallel, rotating brushes, placing the
head
tip at the top of the head, each rotating brush being generally cylindrical
and
each connecting to one of the cylindrical, rotatable shafts, configuring the
rotating brushes for simultaneous contact with dentition, one with a buccal
side and the other with a lingual side; and separating each rotating brush one
from another by a gap of a predetermined width, configuring the gap to
correctly accommodate the dentition; utilizing a guiding stop, locating the
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CA 02872204 2014-11-18
guiding stop at a center, underside position of the head tip, configuring the
guiding stop to aid a user in obtaining a correct dentition placement position
of the head tip and the brushes on one or more teeth; utilizing a cover
portion
on the head tip, thereby providing a shielding protection between the rotating
brushes and a check, tongue, or lip of a user, thereby preventing discomfort
or injury to the user; utilizing a toggle switch located on the body of the
mechanical teeth-cleaning device; and configuring the toggle switch to
change between two predetermined width settings, thereby changing a width
of the gap configured to correctly accommodate the dentition.
[00111]A method for manufacturing a mechanical teeth-cleaning device
having two motorized lines of rotating brushes, the method comprising:
utilizing a body defining a user handle; contouring the body to provide
gripability; configuring the body to contain a miniaturized motor to provide
two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery chamber, the body having two
protruding and substantially parallel, cylindrical, rotatable shafts
mechanically coupled to the motor, configuring the cylindrical, rotatable
shafts to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another;
utilizing
a head secured to the body, configuring the head to connect to the body with
a snap-in motion and mechanically coupling the head to the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts; utilizing a head tip containing two, generally parallel,
rotating brushes, placing the head tip at the top of the head, each rotating
brush being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts, configuring the rotating brushes for
simultaneous
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contact with dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual
side; and separating each rotating brush one from another by a gap of a
predetermined width, configuring the gap to correctly accommodate the
dentition; utilizing a guiding stop, locating the guiding stop at a center,
underside position of the head tip, configuring the guiding stop to aid a user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth;
[00112] utilizing a cover portion on the head tip, thereby providing a
shielding protection between the rotating brushes and a check; tongue, or lip
of a user, thereby preventing discomfort or injury to the user; utilizing a
toggle switch located on the body of the mechanical teeth-cleaning device;
configuring the toggle switch to change between two predetermined width
settings, thereby changing a width of the gap configured to correctly
accommodate the dentition; and configuring the toggle switch to switch
between two settings, one representing a width of front teeth and one
representing a width of back teeth.
[00113] A method for manufacturing a mechanical teeth-cleaning device
having two motorized lines of rotating brushes, the method comprising:
utilizing a body defining a user handle; contouring the body to provide
gripability; configuring the body to contain a miniaturized motor to provide
two shafts with counter-rotation and a battery chamber, the body having two
protruding and substantially parallel, cylindrical, rotatable shafts
mechanically coupled to the motor, configuring the cylindrical, rotatable
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shafts to provide rotation each in a direction opposite to one another;
utilizing
a head secured to the body, configuring the head to connect to the body with
a snap-in motion and mechanically coupling the head to the cylindrical,
rotatable shafts; utilizing a head tip containing two, generally parallel,
rotating brushes, placing the head tip at the top of the head, each rotating
brush being generally cylindrical and each connecting to one of the
cylindrical, rotatable shafts, configuring the rotating brushes for
simultaneous
contact with dentition, one with a buccal side and the other with a lingual
side; and separating each rotating brush one from another by a gap of a
predetermined width, configuring the gap to correctly accommodate the
dentition; utilizing a guiding stop, locating the guiding stop at a center,
underside position of the head tip, configuring the guiding stop to aid a user
in obtaining a correct dentition placement position of the head tip and the
brushes on one or more teeth; and configuring the motor of the mechanical
teeth-cleaning device to utilize and derive power from both an AC voltage
source and a DC voltage source interchangeably, or configuring the two,
generally parallel, rotating brushes located in the head tip to rotate in a
direction from a gum area upward to a tooth area on a long axis of the tooth
to address cleaning an embrasure located between two adjacent teeth and a
gum line, and where the rotating brushes are configured to prevent gingival
detachment or retrocession, or utilizing one or more electrical sensor; and
configuring the one or more electrical sensors to automatically detect a width
of one or more teeth and to automatically and continually adjust a width of
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the gap between the rotating brushes configured to correctly accommodate
the dentition; or configuring the head of the mechanical teeth-cleaning device
with an opening located in a center portion of the head configured to provide
space for dentition as the mechanical teeth-cleaning device is moved and
rotated, thereby configured to provide correct positioning of a plurality of
bristles generally perpendicular to a long axis of a tooth.
[00114] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments of the technology described herein. Having thus described
exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein, it should be
noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary
only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may
be made within the scope of the technology described herein. Merely listing
or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any
limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and
other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the
art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Although
specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the
technology described herein is not limited to the specific embodiments
illustrated herein, but is limited only by the claims.
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