US20110138563A1

US20110138563A1 - Brush mechanism

Info

Publication number: US20110138563A1
Application number: US13/054,091
Authority: US
Inventors: Rajinder Singh Phgura
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-14
Filing date: 2009-07-14
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: EP2355746A2; GB2474220A; WO2010007358A8; GB201102605D0; WO2010007358A2; CN102186435A; GB2474220B; WO2010007358A3

Abstract

A brush, such as a toothbrush, has a brushing head incorporating one or more rotatable brush inserts. The brushing head and the inserts both have a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, the bristles of the inserts being surrounded by the bristles of the brushing head. The inserts are retained in sockets within the brushing head, within which they may both rotate and move translationally, preferably undergoing an orbital motion around the socket. The inserts may move continuously or reciprocally. This motion of the inserts is generated by manual movement of the brush, for example while brushing a user's teeth. The inserts may be provided with toothed cogs that engage with recesses between teeth arrayed around an interior of each socket. The brush may include an electric motor powering a mechanism to vibrate the brushing head as a whole; however, this motor still does not drive the inserts.

Description

The present invention relates to a mechanism for improving the action of brushes, and to brushes comprising such a mechanism. More particularly but not exclusively, it relates to manually-operated brushes, particularly toothbrushes, having improved brushing effectiveness.
A conventional manual toothbrush has a general form that has changed little over time. A generally rectangular, generally flat brush head is supported by an elongate handle extending generally coaxially with a major axis of the rectangular head. A plurality of bristles extend from one face of the brush head, either perpendicularly to said face or with some or all bristles at a slight angle to the perpendicular. The lengths, materials, stiffness, angles and arrangement of the bristles has been varied greatly, but in each case the brush is used to clean a user's teeth by manual movement of the brush head across the teeth in a combination of longitudinal, lateral and circular movements.
The manual toothbrush is simple to produce and requires only the muscular effort of the user to operate. However, its effectiveness is restricted by the effort that the user is willing or able to put into its use. For example, children may be unwilling to brush for the recommended time using a conventional brush (and not only children). It would therefore be beneficial if the manual toothbrush could be made more effective for a given degree of manual movement.
Electrically-powered toothbrushes are well known, in which a brush head element is driven in an oscillatory rotational motion at a high brush stroke rate, compared with manual brushing. They are considered in many quarters to be more effective than manual toothbrushes. However, powered toothbrushes are much more complex and expensive to produce, compared to manual toothbrushes. They require periodic re-charging or replacement of batteries, so are relatively costly to run. Electrically-powered toothbrushes tend to be relatively heavy and bulky, and so are less convenient when away from home, e.g. when travelling.
Considered from an environmental point of view, manually-operated toothbrushes do not use valuable electrical power resources, and use up little or no rare or expensive raw materials in their production. There is no need to dispose of used batteries, and the toothbrush is easier to deal with at the end of its useful life.
It would therefore be beneficial to incorporate at least some of the performance advantages of an electrically-powered toothbrush into a brush that may be operated solely by being manipulated by its user.
While the present invention will be described primarily in terms of toothbrushes, it is believed that analogous issues would be encountered with other forms of brush, such as those used for polishing, scrubbing or the like, and that solutions appropriate for toothbrushes may well be appropriate for such other forms of brush. Therefore, except where evident from the context, the term “brush” herein should be understood not necessarily to be limited to toothbrushes per se.
It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a brush mechanism, and a brush containing such a mechanism, that provide improved brushing effectiveness relative to existing manually-operable brushes, while being operable solely by being moved by a user.
According to the present invention, there is provided a brushing device comprising brush head means having bristle means extending from one face thereof and handle means fixedly mounted to said brush head means, wherein the brush head means comprises a fixed head element and at least one insert element so mounted to the fixed head element as to be rotationally movable with respect thereto, said fixed head element and the or each said insert element each having a plurality of said bristle means extending therefrom, and the bristle means of the fixed head element substantially surrounding those of the or each insert element.
Preferably, the insert element is movably retained within socket means of the brush head means.
Advantageously, the insert element is both rotationally and translationally movable within the socket means.
Said translational movement may be generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the insert element.
The insert element may be orbitally movable around the socket means.
The insert element may be continuously movable around the socket means.
The insert element may be constrained to oscillatory or reciprocating motion within the socket means.
The insert element is preferably rotationally movable about an axis generally parallel to the bristle means.
The insert element may be constrained to follow a hypocycloid or hypotrochoid path around the socket means.
Preferably, the insert element is provided with first engagement means adapted to engage releasably with co-operating second engagement means of the fixed head element.
Advantageously, said first and second engagement means act to transmit torque between the insert element and the fixed head element.
Preferably, the insert element comprises cog means having a plurality of tooth means, each so projecting therefrom as to be engageable with co-operable recess means of the fixed head element.
Advantageously, the fixed head element is provided with a plurality of said recess means.
Each recess means of the fixed head element may be defined between adjacent pairs of a plurality of tooth means projecting therefrom.
Said plurality of recess means may be disposed in an array extending around an interior of the socket means, optionally around a wall thereof.
The insert element may comprise a plurality of insert bodies, each movable with respect to the or each other insert body.
Each said insert body may be releasably engageable with an adjacent insert body.
Each insert body of the insert element may be provided with a plurality of said bristle means extending therefrom.
Optionally, one said insert body is engageable with co-operating engagement means of the fixed head element.
Biasing means may be provided to bias the insert element or an insert body thereof into engaging contact with engagement means of the fixed head element.
The brush head means may be provided with bearing means adapted to reduce friction between the insert means and the fixed head means.
Preferably, the fixed head means is provided with retaining means for the insert means.
Advantageously, said retaining means comprises lip means of the socket means.
Said retaining means may comprise detent means.
Said retaining means may comprise annular rim means projecting from the insert means into circumferential slot means of the socket means, or annular rim means projecting from an interior surface of the socket means into circumferential slot means of the insert means.
Optionally, the brush head means is provided with a plurality of said insert elements.
Preferably, the first and second engagement means comprise first gear means having outwardly-projecting tooth means engageable with second gear means having inwardly-projecting tooth means.
Said second gear means may comprise an annular internal gear means.
The insert means may comprise the first gear means and the fixed head means may comprise the second gear means.
Alternatively, the fixed head means may comprise the first gear means and the insert means may comprise the second gear means.
Optionally, the first gear means is engageable with third gear means which is engageable in turn with the second gear means.
The insert element may be generally circular.
The socket means may be generally circular.
Alternatively, the socket means may be substantially elliptical.
The socket means may comprise drainage means to release adventitious fluids therefrom.
Seal means may be provided to exclude fluids from the socket means.
The handle means may be detachably fixed to the brush head means.
The brushing device may additionally comprise means to generate vibrations or pulses in the brush head means.
Said generating means may be electrically-powered.
Said vibrations may comprise ultrasonic vibrations.
In a preferred embodiment, the brushing device comprises a toothbrush.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a toothbrush embodying the present invention, including a toothbrush head and two rotatable brush heads within the toothbrush head, the bristles of which are surrounded by bristles of the toothbrush head, which are arranged around the toothbrush head in a similar manner to their arrangement on a conventional manual toothbrush;

FIG. 2 shows a side profile of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial lateral cross-section, illustrating internal workings of a rotating mechanism of the rotatable brush heads of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows apertures in the shape of inverted cogs within the main base of the toothbrush head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows mechanical elements of the brush head enclosed within a housing of the main toothbrush head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed scrap view of the rotating mechanism of the toothbrush of FIG. 1, illustrating the motion of the mechanism in use;

FIG. 7 shows a similar mechanism to that shown in FIG. 5, the difference being that the brush head top washer or ring part is on the underside of the surface of the toothbrush head;

FIGS. 8 to 12 show some examples of different shapes that the cogs and inverted cogs of the mechanism may take;

FIGS. 13 to 16 show example of some of the various brush head and bristle formations that may be used;

FIG. 17 shows a brush with only two brush heads;

FIG. 18 shows a detachable toothbrush head part and handle;

FIG. 19A is a top view and FIG. 19B a side view, showing a tip of the male inserting part of the handle having locking rims to allow a rigid fit when inserted into the toothbrush head part or female part;

FIGS. 20 to 21 show top views of other designs of the male and rim part of the handle;

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate that a tongue scrubber may be incorporated on the bottom side or opposite side of the toothbrush head;

FIG. 23 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 5, the difference being that the cog and aperture are in reverse order;

FIG. 24 shows a closer more detailed illustration of the workings and the motion of the mechanism in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 23 but the difference being the ring or washer is at the base of the brush head cog part;

FIG. 26 shows a side view of a variation of the rotating brush head manual toothbrush;

FIG. 27 shows the side profile of FIG. 26 where the handle connects to a internal handle part which sits in the toothbrush head housing;

FIG. 28 shows a pair of the female cog apertures incorporated through the internal handle part which is housed in the toothbrush head;

FIG. 29 shows a male cog version;

FIG. 30 shows another variation of the toothbrush head and handle as a whole unit with the system including the brush head cog apertures, and the male cogs being on the variable handle part;

FIGS. 31 to 33 show various brush heads with differently positioned rings that can be used for the toothbrush of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 illustrates an exploded side view of a mechanical manual toothbrush where all various components can be seen;

FIG. 35 shows a top view of the brush illustrated in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 shows a assembly of components similar to that shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 shows a side view of a toothbrush in which a locking cap is incorporated;

FIG. 38 shows an exploded side view of a toothbrush in which the brush head is inserted from the underside of the main housing;

FIG. 39 illustrates how a washer may be attached by means of a clip, the left hand diagram showing the brush head and washer disconnected, and the right hand diagram showing the washer connected to the brush head;

FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of the brush head within the inverted cog aperture or toothbrush head base along with the orbital guides;

FIG. 41 shows a side view and top view of a brush head with dental floss bristles;

FIG. 42 illustrates a side view and top view of a brush head with angled bristles;

FIG. 43A shows a top view of the brush head and FIG. 43B shows a side view with an exploded view of the angled bristles, these diagrams depicting a similar example of the angled bristles to that shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44A shows a side view of a variation of the brush head in FIG. 43;

FIG. 44B shows a top view thereof;

FIG. 45 shows an example of the diagram in FIG. 44A, with added tongue scrubber and underside cover;

FIG. 46A to FIG. 46D are illustrations of different types of angled and gap fill bristles that can be incorporated into the brush head, FIG. 46A showing a side view of angled bristles that cross each other, FIG. 46B showing a top view of this, and FIGS. 46C and 46D showing gap fill bristles;

FIGS. 47A to 47C illustrate a different formation of angled bristles and gap fill bristles incorporated into the brush head;

FIG. 48 shows an angled bristle to the left and vertical bristle to the right which are surrounded at the root by a rubber socket;

FIG. 49A is a side view of a brush head with friction reducing elements;

FIG. 49B is a view of the underside of said brush head;

FIG. 50 shows a side view of a brush head with indentation elements or notches on its underside;

FIG. 51 depicts different types of surface textures that may be used to help reduce friction between the underside of the brush head when in contact with the inverted cog aperture base;

FIG. 52 shows a side view with an expanded illustration of the cylinder or rod friction reducing elements;

FIG. 53 shows to the left the underside of a brush head including a friction reducing rim, and to the right a 3D embodiment of the brush head;

FIG. 54 depicts a variation of the brush head and friction reducing rim described in FIG. 53, with a guide in the middle;

FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of a brush head with a friction reducing rim described in FIG. 53, but with the guide attached to the brush head cog and the guide protruding from the inverted cog aperture/housing;

FIG. 56 shows an underside view of a brush head with friction reducing elements including the guide;

FIG. 57 shows an underside view of a brush head with friction reducing elements in a ring formation excluding the guide;

FIG. 58 illustrates a toothbrush head with an inverted cog aperture that is moulded into the base which includes the reducing friction elements;

FIG. 59 shows a friction reducing ball ring;

FIG. 60 shows the mechanical manual toothbrush with a toothbrush head part and a toothbrush handle that are detachable;

FIG. 61 illustrates the internal cogs of a vibrating mechanical toothbrush, an outer inverted cog of the toothbrush head being an eye or oblong in shape and the brush head cog being round;

FIG. 62 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but with the outer cog being round;

FIG. 63 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but with an additional round cog within the outer round cog;

FIG. 64 shows a formation of three nested cogs, similar to shown in FIG. 62 but with an additional cog;

FIG. 65 illustrates an overview of the cog formation shown in FIG. 64, housed in the toothbrush head, with illustrated to the right a brush head and cog that fits into the cog ring housing and the inverted cog aperture of the toothbrush head;

FIG. 66 illustrates an exploded side view of the three cog system shown in FIG. 65, also showing the cog ring housing that fits in-between the brush head and toothbrush head base;

FIG. 67 shows a similar embodiment of the cog system to that shown in FIG. 66, with the cog in-between the brush head cog and cog aperture of the toothbrush head being a cog ring with teeth on either side;

FIG. 68 illustrates a side view of a toothbrush provided with the inner cog system depicted in FIG. 66;

FIGS. 69 to 69G show side views of circular brush head bristles that are formed into different shapes;

FIG. 70 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising four cogs;

FIG. 71 shows an exploded side view of the components of the cog mechanism depicted in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising six cogs;

FIG. 73 shows a top view of a cog mechanism comprising four cogs, the outer cog being elongated or oblong in shape;

FIG. 74 illustrates an exploded side view of a toothbrush head provided with the cog components of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 shows an exploded view of FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 shows a top view of the toothbrush depicted in FIGS. 74 and 75;

FIG. 77 shows a top view of a two cog system;

FIG. 78 depicts a side view of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 shows a top view of a four cog system;

FIG. 80 shows a side image of the central cog which this time is secured to the toothbrush head base by means of a pin, which acts as a central pivot pin to allow the cog to rotate;

FIG. 81 shows a top view of a two cog system;

FIG. 82 shows a side view of a brush head and the internal cog system that comprises six cogs;

FIG. 83 shows a three cog system in which a centre cog is held in place by a pin to allow it to pivot thus rotate, and the middle cog has a hole in its centreline to allow a pivot pin of the brush head to connect through to the toothbrush head base;

FIG. 84 shows a side view of a toothbrush head with the internal parts that are depicted in FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a top external view of the toothbrush head shown in FIG. 84 with the bristles and handle connected;

FIG. 86 shows an exploded view of another toothbrush, comprising a toothbrush base with a brush head which is affixed by a pivot pin, a cog ring going over the brush head and a toothbrush head upper casing or cover placed over both of these which has an inverted cog aperture incorporated into it;

FIG. 87 illustrates a side view of an assembled vibrating mechanical toothbrush shown in FIG. 86;

FIG. 88 shows a top view of an internal cog system whereby the brush head cog rotates via a pivot pin or axle and the surrounding cog is part of a ring that moves in an orbital path, the outer ring being smooth and the round aperture incorporated into the toothbrush head cover;

FIG. 89 shows an external top view of a toothbrush head provided with the internal mechanism shown in FIG. 88, the brush head being covered with bristles, as well as the ring brush head which is part of the cog ring having bristles incorporated, the internal side view being similar to that depicted in FIG. 87, the difference being the outer ring aperture being smooth, without cog teeth;

FIG. 90 shows an exploded side view of an elongated toothbrush head that is similar to the conventional manual toothbrush heads, included is the cog mechanism shown in FIGS. 88 and 89;

FIG. 90A illustrates a side view of a toothbrush head similar to that depicted in FIG. 90;

FIG. 91 shows a top external view of the toothbrush head shown on FIG. 90;

FIG. 92 shows an internal cog mechanism which consists of the brush head cog which is affixed by a pivot pin, the ring cog surrounding the brush head cog has the same amount of teeth as the far outer cog that is incorporated into the upper casing interior;

FIG. 93 shows a top external view of a toothbrush head comprising the cog mechanism shown in FIG. 92;

FIG. 94 shows an exploded side view of the cog mechanism depicted in FIG. 92, but located within an elongated toothbrush head;

FIG. 95 shows an external top view of the toothbrush head of FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar to that shown in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head is slotted into a cylindrical aperture in the toothbrush head base that houses the brush head instead of having to use the pivot pin;

FIG. 97 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar to that shown in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head is slotted into a cylindrical aperture in the toothbrush head base that houses the brush head instead of employing a pivot pin, with the brush head having a washer or rim to secure it in its housing, with a cap or cover that secures it from the underside of the toothbrush head;

FIGS. 98 and 98A to 98O illustrate various brush heads with additional component parts to assist with brush head movement when the toothbrush is in use;

FIG. 99 is a diagram of the internal mechanics of a brush head with a cone shape guide protruding from the centre of the toothbrush head base and another protruding from the underside of the brush head pointing in the opposite direction;

FIG. 100 shows a top view of a two cog mechanism toothbrush head;

FIG. 101 illustrates an internal top view and FIG. 102 shows an internal side view of a mechanism including a cone shape element that helps concentrate the centre of gravity to allow the brush head to tilt when in use;

FIG. 103 shows a brush head with the bristles being partially covered in a rubber sleeve or sock to keep the bristles stiffer;

FIG. 104 shows a two cog system that uses different shaped cog teeth/bits;

FIG. 105 illustrates a side view of a brush head and mechanism, where there is a cog rim with ridges running around the underside of the brush head with the accompanying ridges running around an opposite rim which is incorporated into the cog ring housing, and the cog ring housing has teeth running around it on the outer wall which work in conjunction with the cog teeth incorporated in the toothbrush head base;

FIG. 106 shows an internal side view of a brush head where the cog is angled more to the underside of the brush head, with the engaging cog opposite it incorporated into the toothbrush head housing;

FIG. 107 illustrates an example of the cog rim or ring on the underside of the brush head and incorporated into the toothbrush head housing;

FIG. 108 shows a variation of the brush head in FIG. 106, which includes a ball moulded into the brush head base or the ball being loosely place in-between the two cogs;

FIG. 109 shows a brush head with the cogs rings both on top and bottom of the brush head and the opposite cogs incorporated into the toothbrush head base and top casing or cover;

FIG. 110 shows a brush head with a cone shape like cog on the underside and its inverted opposite incorporated into the base;

FIG. 111 depicts an aerial view of the cone shape cog;

FIG. 112 shows examples of different textures that can be used instead of cog teeth, wherein the left side of the illustration is the equivalent to the ring cog, and the right side shows the equivalent to the cone cog;

FIG. 113 illustrates a brush head with a round sphere cog that is inserted into the toothbrush base;

FIG. 114 shows a similar brush to that of FIG. 113, with a cone-like cog protruding from the toothbrush base and a corresponding brush head cone shape aperture;

FIGS. 115 to 117 depict different arrangements of cog apertures and cogs having the same number of teeth, and having different shaped cog teeth or arms and corresponding apertures to receive the teeth;

FIG. 118 shows a brush head and mechanism as depicted in FIG. 46, the difference being the cog teeth or ridges are angled in a different direction;

FIGS. 119 to 122 illustrate internal side views of various brush head and internal cog systems;

FIG. 123 shows an internal side view of a brush head with a washer splitting top and bottom part of the cog;

FIG. 124 shows a side internal view of the two cog system depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 125 shows an external aerial view of FIG. 124;

FIG. 126 illustrates a internal side view of a vibrating mechanical toothbrush, including a mechanical toothbrush head part and a handle part that includes a battery, and an electric motor with an offset weight attached to its axle;

FIG. 127 shows a similar toothbrush to that shown in FIG. 126, with a toothbrush head that is able to be detached and re-attached, or replaced;

FIG. 128 depicts an external side view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 126;

FIG. 129 shows a front external view of the vibrating mechanical toothbrush in FIG. 128;

FIG. 130 shows an internal side view of a variation of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 126, whereby the switch has a separate on/off part and a clip contact element that is shaped and behaves in accordance to which switch button is pressed; also depicted at a foot of the diagram is a hatch or door to used to secure the battery in the main handle housing and also act as a contact element;

FIG. 131 illustrates a front external view of a rechargeable vibrating mechanical toothbrush, which is seated in its charger;

FIG. 132 shows an internal side view of the rechargeable toothbrush in FIG. 131;

FIG. 133 shows a front internal view of the toothbrush and charger of FIG. 132;

FIG. 134 illustrates a side internal view of internal mechanics of a mechanical manual toothbrush, with a moving washer ring interlinking with a round brush head, and an internal locking washer to help lock and attach the brush head to the toothbrush head main body;

FIG. 135 shows a top view of FIG. 134 and the interconnecting washers/flanges;

FIG. 136 shows an internal side view of a variation on the brush head, with a telescopic washer/flange system;

FIG. 137 shows an internal side view of a variation on the brush head, which is held in place by a locking and swivelling part with arms that are embodied within the main toothbrush head base;

FIG. 138 illustrates an overview of the locking and swivelling part shown in FIG. 137;

FIG. 139 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head, with a moving telescopic washer/flange system;

FIG. 140 depicts a side internal view of the internal brush head mechanism with friction reducing elements to minimise contact with the brush head washer;

FIG. 141 illustrates a side view of the toothbrush showing the inner mechanism, including the internal locking washer and gear cog ring drive placed between the brush head cog/gear;

FIG. 142 shows a side internal view of an embodiment of the brush head mechanism system with the locking flange/washer securing the brush head to the toothbrush base;

FIG. 143 shows a plan view of the toothbrush head of FIG. 142;

FIG. 144 shows a similar embodiment of the cog system shown in FIG. 142, this time the brush head cog (gear means) is hollowed out to create less friction with toothpaste and has rounded or pinpointed edges to reduce friction and contact with the base;

FIGS. 145 to 145B show an underside of friction/contact reducing elements and textures of a bottom of the brush head cog (gear or contact means);

FIGS. 146 and 147 show a similar embodiment of the cog system to that shown in FIG. 144, the brush head cog like means (gear like means) comprising multiple arms that run all the way round and reduce contact with the base, as the contact points are pin pointed thus reducing friction, also the edges of the arms act like the male cog bits that make contact with the outer ring (or female cog), and the centre part where the arms join being hollowed out to create room for movement and dispersion of toothpaste and water while in use;

FIG. 148 illustrates a bottom view of the brush head, including the arms, as well as the corresponding female aperture which has the corresponding recesses to connect with which help drive the brush head mechanism;

FIGS. 149 and 149A shows a parachute/detent form of locking washer—FIG. 149 shows this in a closed position and FIG. 149A shows it in an open and thus locked position;

FIG. 150 shows a bottom view of FIG. 149A;

FIG. 150A depicts another internal locking washer with drainage holes;

FIG. 151 shows a side view of the toothbrush head illustrating drainage channels;

FIG. 152 illustrates an internal underside view of the toothbrush head with drainage holes and an internal locking washer;

FIG. 153 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism;

FIG. 154 shows a bottom internal view of FIG. 153;

FIG. 155 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism;

FIG. 156 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism;

FIG. 157 shows a bottom internal view of FIG. 156;

FIG. 158 shows a bottom internal view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism;

FIG. 159 shows an internal side view thereof;

FIG. 160 illustrates a top view of a flange washer with a small inner and larger outer hard washer illustrated as the shaded part of the diagram;

FIG. 161 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism including a flexible rubber flange depicted in FIG. 160;

FIGS. 162, 163 and 164 shows an internal side view of variations of the brush head and driving mechanism including internal locking washers and friction reducing bits or bristles;

FIG. 165 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head and driving mechanism including the internal locking washer and drainage holes/channels;

FIG. 166 shows a 3D top side view of FIG. 165;

FIGS. 167, 168 and 169 show an internal side view of variations of the brush head and driving mechanism including internal locking washers or means and friction reducing bits or bristles;

FIG. 170 illustrates some examples of textures that the base of the cog means aperture or base where the brush head is seated to reduce friction;

FIG. 171 and FIG. 171A show examples of different contact elements that may be applied to the male and female cog like means to allow more traction between them; and

FIG. 172 shows a side internal view of the brush head and driving mechanics with an offset pivot pin that also raises the brush head from the internal base of the toothbrush head.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 3 shows and illustrates the internal workings of the mechanism. As illustrated with the help of FIG. 5, the brush heads 2 are embodied within the housing of the main toothbrush head 1, the brush heads 2 have five adjoined teeth cog ends 10 which are in turn housed into the six inverted teeth cog apertures 6, which are incorporated within the base 11 of the toothbrush head as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a top washer or ring 3 that can be partly seen on the surface, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5 there is another ring 12 that fits and locks within the ring aperture 13 to keep the brush head securely within the housing of the toothbrush head 1.
FIG. 5 shows a guide 9 which protrudes from the tip of the bottom end of the brush head cog part 10; this guide 9 orbits around the guide 8 which is protruding in the opposite direction from the toothbrush head base 11, thus encouraging the cog 10 to make an orbiting 7 and rotational movement when the consumer users the toothbrush in a circular motion against their teeth. The guides 8, 9 may be removed; however, this will affect the rotational and orbiting consistency of the brush heads 2 when used, as it's determined by the circular motion of the brushing carried out by the consumer.
Shown in FIG. 6 is a closer view of the motion of the mechanism in work, the brush head cog 10 is centrally affixed to the brush head 2, this is placed within the aperture 6 which is shaped to accommodate the cog 10. Similarly the aperture 6 is shaped as an inverted cog 6 which has more teeth that are in this case inverted, and has the guide 8 centrally protruding thus offsetting the cog 10, and thus the brush head 2. This offsetting will cause the brush head 2 to move in an orbiting movement and take the path as illustrated by the broken line 7.
FIG. 7 shows the brush head top ring 3 which is part of the brush head 2, is on the underside of the toothbrush head surface 14, the rings 3, 12 are thus positioned differently along with the necessary apertures 13 to cater for this.
As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 there can be different shape cog 10 and aperture 6 parts, of different sizes, with different amounts of teeth, angles, corners which will all influence and determine the orbital 7 and rotational movement, as well as the amount of rotation per manual toothbrush cycle carried out by the user. The same general principle of the rotating mechanism workings described above will apply with these different shape cog part 10 and aperture 6 parts.
There are various forms and designs the toothbrush can take to help and encourage better cleaning, FIGS. 13 to 16 shows example of just some of the various brush head 2 and bristle 4 formations that may be used. FIG. 17 shows just 2 brush heads.
Illustrated in FIG. 18 is a detachable toothbrush head 1 part and handle 5, the female toothbrush head part 15 is attached to the male handle part 16 which has a series of rims incorporated in order to lock into the female part 15, FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrates some of the locking rims 17 that may be used.
FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate that a tongue scrubber 18 may be incorporated on the bottom side or opposite of the toothbrush head, the tongue scrubber 18 is able to be incorporated as the mechanical parts are within the housing of the toothbrush head 1.
FIG. 23 shows a similar mechanical system to the one shown in FIG. 5, however, the difference being that the cog system play a reverse role, to illustrate this the male cog 10 in FIG. 5 is now an inverted cog 19 as shown in FIG. 23, and thus the cog aperture 6 which is part of the toothbrush head base 11 in FIG. 5, is now a cog 20 or male part in FIG. 23 which fits into the brush head inverted cog 19 part.
FIG. 24 is a closer look at the internal mechanism and the motion of the mechanism shown in FIG. 23; it also shows the orbital path in broken lines 7. The smaller broken line circle 22 illustrates the orbital path guide 9 which is attached to the inverted cog 19 will take around guide 8 which is attached to the cog 20.
FIG. 25 shows a similar system to shown in FIG. 23 but the difference being the locking ring 12 is at the base of the brush head inverted cog 19 part. The ring 12 may also be placed in other positions up or down along the outside of inverted cog 19, and thus the positions of the apertures 13 in the toothbrush housing in the designs described, as well as being able to include one or more rings or washers 12. There is also an aperture 21 to allow the inverted cog 19 space to move when in motion.
Referring to FIG. 26, as the toothbrush is operated in a circular motion the inverted cogs 6 will move in an orbital fashion around the brush head cog 10. FIG. 28 shows the internal handle 23 part that has the cog apertures 6 incorporated through it. The internal handle 23 connects to the handle 5; the toothbrush head 1 is free moving and is not physically adjoined to the internal handle 23 and nor to the toothbrush handle 5. The brush heads 2 are placed in a fixed position within two holes that go though the upper casing 27 of the toothbrush head 1 to allow them to rotate only and not to make an orbital movement. The cog 10 has an axis 26 part at the bottom end which connects into the base housing 11. The toothbrush head 1 has an aperture 25 surrounding the internal handle 23 to allow for some looseness or slack in order for the cog apertures 6 to move around the brush head cog 10 in an orbital motion, and thus rotating the brush heads 2 while doing so.
FIG. 29 shows an internal handle 23 with male cog 20 parts, which is used in the toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 30, the mechanism this time is reversed to the one shown in FIG. 26 in that the cog apertures 19 are built into the brush heads 2 and the cogs 20 are affixed to the internal handle 23. The internal handle 23 and external handle 5 are adjoined, as well as this non-detachable version, a detachable toothbrush head may be applied as shown similarly in FIG. 26, this applies to all toothbrushes described above.
FIGS. 31 to 33 shows various brush heads that with differently positioned top rings 3, and inner rings 12 that can be used for the toothbrush in FIG. 30 instead of the double washer ring 24 which is used in FIGS. 26 and 30. There may be one or more locking rings 3, 12 incorporated at different positions, there also may be just one ring but this has to be below the upper casing 27 in order to lock the brush head securely within the toothbrush head 1. Similar ring formations may be used for the brush heads in FIG. 26 providing there's no obstruction to the variable internal handle 23.
The mechanical manual toothbrush is made from plastic material, rubber, metal material, bristle fibres, or from a combination of these materials.
The mechanical manual toothbrush is either moulded or/and glued together, or conjoined by a series of small male and female clips or a combination thereof.
All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2; the toothbrush heads may or may not include bristles 4, the handles 5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
The guides 8, 9 can be removed and the rotation and orbital movement can still apply, however, the motion can be interrupted or the pattern broken more easily depending on the circular motion or lack of, when the consumer brushes their teeth.
The toothbrush head 1 including brush heads 2 may be attached to a standard non-electrical handle part 5, or can also be used in conjunction with an motorised electrical handle 5 part, whereby the handle contains an electrical motor and vibrating part, this can be rechargeable or battery powered.
FIG. 34 illustrates an exploded side view of the mechanical manual toothbrush where all components can be seen, with the bottom part being the tongue scrubber 18, which connects to the toothbrush handle 5 and toothbrush head 1 which are adjoined together as one part, this also has incorporated within the inverted cog aperture 6, the brush head 2 is seated onto the toothbrush head 1 or toothbrush base 11 where the brush head cog 10 is seated within the inverted cog aperture 6, the brush head washer 3 rests on top of the toothbrush head base 11. The upper casing 27 which includes fixed bristles 4 is placed on top of the rest of the assembly where the brush head bristles 32 appear through the upper casing aperture 28. The upper casing aperture 28 and the brush head washer 3 are sized accordingly so the cog 10 is not openly exposed as the toothbrush and thus the mechanism is in use. As well as the tongue scrubber 18, a rubber handle grip may also be incorporated into the surface of the toothbrush handle 5 for extra grip while in use.
FIG. 35 shows a top view of FIG. 34, shown also is the underside of the brush head 2 which is the cog teeth 10 and the inverted cog teeth 6 in the toothbrush head 1. The teeth of the cog 10 and inverted cog 6 may consist of various different formations, shapes and sizes which will affect the movement and motion pattern of the cog mechanism.
FIG. 36 shows a similar assembly to the one in FIG. 34, the difference being the aperture 28 for the bristles 32 is not raised from the surface of the upper casing 27, as well as the washer aperture 13 being built into the toothbrush base 11.
FIG. 37 shows an example of the toothbrush where this time there is a locking washer cap 29 that locks the brush head 2 into the toothbrush head 1; the cap 29 is locked into position by clips.
FIG. 38 shows an exploded view of the toothbrush whereby the brush head 2 is inserted from the underside of the main housing 11, 1. Once the brush head 2 is inserted though the bristle aperture 28, the cog 10 and inverted cog aperture 6 is in position and the brush head washer 12 fits into its aperture 13, then the toothbrush underside casing 30 that has a tongue scrubber 18 incorporated in it will be placed and locked into the toothbrush head 1 by a series of clips or bonding compound or glue. A similar bonding method will be used for upper casing 28 in other example described.
Shown in FIG. 39 is an illustration on a way in which an internal washer 12 can be attached to a brush head 2 by means of a locking clip 31 which is incorporated into the brush head guide 9, this simple attachment process can prove beneficial in the production process.
FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of the brush head 2 within the toothbrush head 1, showing the guide 9 which protrudes from the underside of the cog 10, and the guide that protrudes from the inverted cog aperture guide 8 pointing in the opposite direction, these guides assists the mechanism and brush head 2 to work in a fuller orbital movement to avoid any break in the perpetuation when used by the consumer. In this example the guides 8, 9 have points on the tips to assist in positioning during assembly and the manufacturing process.
FIG. 41 shows side view and top view of a brush head 2 with 4 dental floss bristles 33 bits which may have rubber tips incorporated into the bristle 33; these have thinner and more square shaped ends to allow better cleaning in between gaps of the teeth, there can be more or less dental floss bristles 33 incorporated. The rubber end bits on the dental floss 33 bristles allows tension, and more grip against the teeth thus assisting the brush head and mechanism to move and work easier.
FIG. 42 illustrates a side view and top view of a brush head 2 with angled bristles 34 and vertical bristles 32. The angled bristles 34 are rooted around the outer side of the brush head 2, these angled bristles are angled towards the centre of the brush head, this will allow a push or tension against the teeth while in use thus to allow the mechanism and brush head 2 to move and function better. There are four angled bristles 34 equally space around the outer ring of the brush head 2, there may be more of these bristles 34 incorporated. The edges of the angled bristles 34 are also flat in this example. Other vertical bristles 32 and angled bristles 34 may also have rubber edged ends to allow more grip against teeth to assist brush head 2 and the mechanism movement.
FIGS. 43A and 43B shows a example of angled bristles 34 similar to those in FIG. 42, the difference being the ends of the angle bristles 34 have a sharp edge rather than a flat edge allowing the edges to help clean between the gaps of teeth and allowing tension against the teeth.
FIG. 44A shows a side view of a variation of the brush head 2 in FIG. 43, and FIG. 44B shows a top view. The brush head cog 10 part is angled along with the angled bristles 34, this allows the force applied to the brush head 2 when come in contact against the consumer's teeth to be focused down and outward to help push the brush head 2 sideward and thus in a rotating and orbital motion as the mechanism engages. FIG. 44B shows there can be more than four angled bristles 34 equally separated.
FIG. 46A shows a side view of angled bristles 34 that cross each other, the two angled bristles 34 on the outer circle are angled towards each other, the correlating angled bristles 34 on the inner circle are paired and move away from each other, each bristle from each pair will also have a bristle from another pair angling towards each other, this pattern is consistent and applies throughout the inner circle of the brush head 2, the same can be done for the outer circle. FIG. 46B illustrates the pairing, where on the outer circle the shaded bristle is the right hand angled bristle and the non-shaded is the left hand angled bristle, the gap in-between the shaded and non-shaded can be filled with a normal vertical bristle 32, or the angled bristles 34 can be paired more closer to pack more angled pairs of angle bristles 34 in. On the inner circle the shaded is the left angled bristle and the non-shaded is the right hand angled bristle. The angled bristles, vertical bristles and rubber incorporated bristles may be included and set in different patterns and formation to allow the brush head 2 to offer various cleaning sensations of the teeth. These various bristle designs and formations may be incorporated in all the designs described.
FIGS. 46C and 46D shows gap fill bristles 35, these fill in the gaps created by the angled bristles 34, and these may or may not be included.
FIGS. 47A to 47C illustrate a different formation of angled bristles 34 incorporated into the brush head 2, the angled bristles 34 on the outer circle angle towards the centre of the brush head 2, and the angled brush heads on the inner circle of the brush head are angled away from the centre of the brush head 2, these angled bristles 34 run through the entire circumference of the outer and inner circle of the brush head 2. This particular formation encourages brush head movement by having directional push when the angled bristles 34 make contact with the consumer's teeth. The angled bristles 34 may also be sharp edged like depicted in FIG. 43B. FIGS. 47B and 47C show the gap fill bristles 35 are rooted where there is a gap formed due to the angled bristle 34 positioning.
FIG. 48 shows an angled bristle 34 that is surrounded at the root by a rubber socket 36 which gives the bristle 34 more strength and support giving it added tension, the same applies for the vertical bristle 32.
FIG. 49A is a side view of the brush head 2 with friction reducing bits 37, and FIG. 49B is a view of the underside of the brush head 2. The friction reducing bits 37 are shaped as semi globe shapes, the end of the semi globe bit 37 will have less surface area in contact with the base of the inverted cog aperture 6 thus allowing less friction when in motion. The inverted cog aperture 6 base will consist of a smooth flat surface that may include a shiny smooth texture to allow less friction as the reducing friction bits 37 from the underside of the brush head 2 skate across the surface, this may apply to all examples described.
FIG. 50 illustrates a side view of the brush head 2 with friction reducing bits 37 in the shape of indentations bits that are inverted semi globe shapes, cylinder holes or notches on the underside of the cog 10 base that creates an air cushion against the flat smooth surface of the inverted cog aperture 6 base when the cog 10 and brush head 2 is in use.
FIG. 51 depicts the different types of textured surface that can be applied to help reduce friction of the underside of the cog 10 base when in contact with the inverted cog aperture 6 base; these examples show a crossing grid texture and lines texture to reduce friction between the smooth flat surface of the cog aperture 6.
FIG. 53 shows to the left the underside of a friction reducing rim 38 and to the right a 3D embodiment of the brush head 2, the rim exerts less friction on the inverted cog aperture 6 base, as well as generating a cushion of air when the toothbrush is in use. FIG. 54 shows a similar example but with a guide 9 incorporated on the underside of the cog 10 base, the guide 9 is a semi globe shape or a cylinder shape. FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of the guide 9 and guide 8 protruding from the inverted cog aperture 6 base or toothbrush base 11.
FIG. 56 shows an underside view of the brush head 2 with semi globe shaped or cylinder shaped friction reducing bits 37 including the guide 9, FIG. 57 shows a similar embodiment but without the guide 9.
FIG. 58 is an illustration of the toothbrush head 1 with the inverted cog aperture 6 that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11 which includes the reducing friction bits 37, thus the cog 10 base will be flat and smooth in this instance, this method can also be used with the other forms of friction reducing bits 37 and rim 38, and guides 9,8.
FIG. 59 shows a friction reducing ball ring 39 which is placed in between the cog 10 base and the inverted cog aperture 6 base instead of using the friction reducing bits 37.
FIG. 60 shows a mechanical manual toothbrush with a toothbrush head 1 part and a toothbrush handle part 5 that are detachable. The male locking part 16 of the toothbrush handle 5 inserts into the toothbrush head 1 female locking part 15, and the locking rims 17 lock into opposite rims in the female locking part 15. There may also be other locking methods used including a series of clips. This detachable toothbrush head 1 system can be applied to all described above.
All components described above may be interchanged with one another and used in various configurations and combinations.
The mechanical manual toothbrush is made from plastic material, rubber, metal material, bristle fibres, Nylon, or from a combination of these materials.
The mechanical manual toothbrush is either moulded or/and glued together or adjoined by a series of small male and female clips or a combination of these methods.
All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2; the toothbrush head 1 may or may not include bristles 4, the handles 5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
The guides 8, 9 can be removed and the rotational and orbital movement will still apply. The cog 10 and inverted cog 6 teeth consist of different shapes, sizes and amounts; these will affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged. The diameter of the cog 10 and cog aperture 6 can also consist of different shapes and sizes; this will also affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged.
The toothbrush head 1 may be a separate detachable part including brush heads 2 that can be attached to a standard non-electrical handle part 5, or can also be attached and used in conjunction with a motorised electrical handle 5 part, whereby the handle contains an electrical motor or electrically charged vibrating part generating pulses of vibrations to the bristles, this can be rechargeable or battery powered.
FIG. 61 illustrates the internal cogs of q vibrating mechanical toothbrush, the outer cog 6 of which is moulded as part of the toothbrush head 1 in an eye or oblong shape, and the round cog 10 is attached to the brush head. When the toothbrush is used the brush head cog 10 will engage with the outer oblong cog to make the brush head cog 10 rotate and move in an orbital movement.
FIG. 62 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but with the outer cog 6 being round.
FIG. 63 shows a cog formation similar to that in FIG. 61 but with an additional round cog ring housing 42 or cog ring 42 that has teeth on inner and outer walls, positioned in-between the outer or inverted cog aperture 6 and the round brush head cog 10. With the three cog system, as the brush head 2 brushes against the user's teeth, the cog 10 will engage with the cog ring 42, and the cog ring 42 in turn will engage with the outer cog aperture 6 thus allowing a smoother mechanism and one which will encourage the brush head 2 to rotate faster and increase rotations per user brushstroke.
FIG. 64 shows a formation of a three cogs system, similar to that shown in FIG. 62 but with an additional cog ring 42. This illustration is similar to the mechanism shown in FIG. 63 with the difference being that the outer cog aperture 6 is circular in shape.
FIG. 65 illustrates an overview of the cog formation shown in FIG. 64, housed in the toothbrush head 1. To the far right of the illustration is the brush head 2 including the cog 10 that fits into the cog ring 42 of the toothbrush head 1.
FIG. 66 illustrates an exploded side view of the three cog system shown in FIG. 65. Shown in this example is the cog ring housing 42 that actually houses the brush head cog 10, as well as its inner side being an inverted cog engaging with both the brush head cog 10, and the outer side engaging with the cog aperture 6 of the toothbrush head 1. FIG. 67 shows a similar mechanism, but with the use of the hollow cog ring 42 which the brush head cog 10 actually inserts through. Incorporated on the underside of the toothbrush head 1 is a tongue scrubber 18.
FIG. 68 illustrates an assembled internal side view of a toothbrush showing the inner cog system depicted in FIG. 66, as well as including the uppercasing 27 with addition bristles 4 housing the cog mechanism.
FIGS. 69 to 69G shows a side view of the circular brush heads 2 that are formed of different shaped bristles, these different shapes alter the cleaning sensation the brush head bristles 32 will have on the consumers' teeth. FIG. 69D has wave or ripple shaped surface made up from bristles 32. FIG. 69E shows angled bristles with a centre cluster of bristles that expand outwards as they get further from the base. FIG. 69F depicts a brush head 2 with stiffer bristles and smoother tip ends so the contact is not to harsh on the consumers' teeth, yet still having enough tension between the brush head 2 and the consumers' teeth to allow or force the cog mechanism to drive. FIG. 69G shows a brush head 2 with angled bristles 34 that are angled towards the centre of the brush head 2; the bristles 34, 32 may include a combination of normal bristles 32 and rubber incorporated or rubber dental floss bristles 33 or even the rubber bristle socket 36 allowing for a more stiffer bristle.
FIG. 70 shows a top view of a cog mechanism that consists of a four cog system. The brush head cog 10 is hollow inside and is similar to the ring cog 42 in its functionality, the hollow brush head cog 10 which has teeth running on the inner side only is placed over a small cog or drive shaft cog 40, the drive shaft cog 40 is part of the ring housing cog 42, and are treated as one piece. The ring housing cog 42 has a smooth inner wall similar to the outer wall of the brush head cog 10. As the brush head moves in a circular motion the brush head cog 10 pushes against the ring cog 42, which in turn engages the ring cog 42 with the outer cog aperture 6, as all cogs are engaged and work together the drive shaft cog 40 also rotates and helps drive the brush head cog 10 to rotate.
FIG. 71 shows an exploded side view of the various components of the cog system depicted in FIG. 70.
FIG. 72 shows a similar mechanism to the one described in FIG. 70, however the difference being both inner wall of the ring housing cog 42 and outer wall of the brush head cog 10 have teeth, therefore the driving mechanism consisting of a six cog system.
The cog mechanism in FIG. 73 is similar to the one described in FIG. 70, the difference being the outer cog aperture 6 being oblong or elongated in shape. The same applies for the cog configuration used in FIG. 72 that may also be used in-conjunction with an oblong cog aperture 6.
FIG. 74 illustrates an exploded side view of the toothbrush head 1 with the different cog components included in FIG. 72. The way this toothbrush may be assembled is from the cog ring 42 including the drive shaft cog 40 being placed into the outer cog aperture 6 which is moulded into the toothbrush base 11 including handle 5, then the brush head and hollow cog 10 is placed over the drive shaft cog 40 and to secure all the component parts and mechanism the toothbrush upper casing 27 is placed on top and fixed via clips or moulded by glue, heat. The upper casing also includes bristles 4. FIG. 75 illustrates the toothbrush head 1 with all the components come together, and FIG. 76 shows the stagnant bristles 4 that may be used to cover the toothbrush head 1, these may include other angled 33 and rubber incorporated bristles 34.
FIG. 77 shows a 2 cog system, the hollow brush head cog 10 placing over a circular central guide 9 that rotates and is held into position by means of a pivot pin 41 or it is a stagnant circular guide 9 that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11. The brush head cog 10 engages with the cog aperture 6 when the toothbrush is used in a circular motion.
FIG. 78 illustrates a stationary central guide 9 with the brush head cog 10 being placed over it.
FIG. 79 shows a four cog system, the hollow brush head cog 10 which has cog teeth on both sides is placed over a small central cog 43 that rotates and is held into position by means of a pivot pin 41 shown in FIG. 80 that secures it to the toothbrush base 11. The small central cog 43 may be used as a damper component and guide 9 to assist with a smoother and more controlled action of the mechanism. The small central cog 43 may also be stationary and moulded as part of the toothbrush base 11, this will encourage and enhance movement of the brush head cog 10 and thus the brush head 2 itself as they both engage while the toothbrush is in use. The brush head cog 10 engages with the cog aperture 6 when the toothbrush is used in a circular motion.
FIG. 81 shows a top view of a two cog system, it is similar to the cog system in FIG. 79, the difference being instead of the outer aperture being an inverted cog 6 it comprises a circular aperture with a smooth wall around it, with the outer side of the brush head cog 10 also being smooth.
FIG. 82 shows a side view of a brush head 2 and the internal cog system that consists of a six cog system including a stationary or rotating small central cog 43. The six cogs system will allow more brush head 2 rotations per brushing cycle or brush strokes by the user and a smoother mechanical action.
FIG. 83 shows a four cog system in which the brush head cog 10 is held in place by a pin 41 inserted into the toothbrush head base 11 to allow it to pivot thus rotate. As the toothbrush is in use the bristles of the ring cog 42 will push against the consumers teeth and engage the driving mechanism, engaging and running its outer side teeth with the inverted outer cog 6, and with the inner cog teeth of the ring cog 42 engaging against the brush head cog 10, thus allowing the ring cog 42 and corresponding bristles to move in an orbiting like movement, and the brush head cog 6 and brush head 2 to rotate. The cog mechanism may also be adapted to work so that the brush head cog 10 does not move and is affixed to the toothbrush base 11, where the cog ring 42 still is able to move. The brush head cog 10 may also be free moving and not affixed to the toothbrush head base 1, meaning the outer inverted cog 6 may be included as elongated or oblong in shape. These modifications may be applied to cog systems illustrated and used in FIGS. 84 to 91.
FIG. 84 shows a side view of the toothbrush head 1. In this example the middle cog is a ring housing cog 42 that has a hole in the middle to allow the pivot pin 41 of the brush head 2 to connect through to the toothbrush head base 11. The cog mechanism in FIG. 83 may also be adapted to work so that the brush head cog 10 doesn't move and is affixed to the toothbrush base 11, and the only moving part therefore being the ring housing cog 42 and its brush head bristles 32.
FIG. 85 is a top external view of the toothbrush head 1 shown in FIG. 84 with the brush head bristles 32, toothbrush head bristles 4 and handle 5 connected.
FIG. 86 shows an exploded view of a toothbrush, shown is a toothbrush base 11 with brush head 2 which is affixed by a pivot pin 41, over the brush head goes the ring cog 42 and over both is placed the toothbrush head cover or uppercasing 27 which includes the outer cog 6. This toothbrush functions in the same way as the toothbrush shown in FIG. 84. FIG. 87 illustrates a side view of the toothbrush in its assembled form.
A variation of the toothbrush in FIG. 86 is whereby the brush head 2 is free moving and without a connecting pivot pin 41, the brush head cog 10 is housed between the ring cog 42 and the toothbrush base 11, and in-turn both cogs 10, 42 are housed by the toothbrush upper casing 27, as the brush head bristles 32 make contact against the consumer's teeth the cog mechanism initiates and all three cogs work together to rotate and move the cog ring 42 and brush head cog 10 while the toothbrush is used in a circular motion.
FIG. 88 show top view of an internal cog system whereby the brush head cog 10 rotates via a pivot pin 41 or axle and the surrounding cog ring 42 moves in an orbital motion, the inner side of the cog ring 42 has teeth and the outer side is smooth, the aperture 6 wall that surrounds the cogs ring 42 is smooth and is incorporated into the toothbrush head uppercasing 27. When the mechanism is engaged and moving the ring cog 42 will move in an orbiting movement and the outer wall will touch the wall of the aperture 6, as the ring cog 42 moves, its inner teeth engage with the brush head cog 10 and the brush head 2 rotates. Another version would be where the brush head 2 and cog 10 would not rotate and be set in as part of the toothbrush head base 11, and the only moving part would be the ring cog 42 and the associated brush head bristles 32.
FIG. 89 shows the external top view of the toothbrush head 1 that belongs to the internal mechanism shown in FIG. 88. The brush head 2 is covered with bristles 4, and the ring cog 42 is also covered with brush head bristles 32. The internal side view is similar to that depicted in FIG. 87. This toothbrush works in the same way as the one depicted in FIG. 87, the difference is it uses a two cog system
FIG. 90 shows an exploded side view of an elongated toothbrush head 1 that is similar to the conventional manual toothbrush heads, included is the cog mechanism shown in FIGS. 88, 89. The cog mechanism in FIGS. 83, 84 and 86 may also be used with this elongated design. FIG. 91 shows a top external view of the toothbrush head 1 with the surrounding bristles 4 that mimic a typical manual toothbrush shape. FIG. 90A illustrates a similar toothbrush head 1 depicted in FIG. 90 and FIG. 86, the difference being the aperture or cog aperture 6 is moulded into, and part of the actual toothbrush head base 11 instead of the uppercasing 27; this may be incorporated similarly in other examples of toothbrushes described.
FIG. 92 shows an internal cog mechanism which consists of the brush head cog 10 which is affixed by a pivot pin 41; the ring cog 42 surrounding the brush head cog 10 has the same amount of teeth as the far outer cog 6 that is part of the outer casing 27. When the toothbrush is in use and the cog mechanism is in motion the teeth of the ring cog 42 push against the teeth of the outer inverted cog 6 and this in turn allows movement, that engages the teeth of the ring cog 42 with the teeth of the brush head cog 10, and the interaction of the cogs encourages the brush head 2 to rotate. A variation of this cog mechanism is where the brush head cog 10 is not secured by a pivot pin 41 and is free to interact with the ring cog 42, to move and rotate freely.
FIG. 93 shows a top external view of the toothbrush head 1, shown are the brush head bristles 32 incorporated into the ring cog 42 that make contact against the users' teeth and allow the cog system to initiate.
FIG. 94 shows an exploded side view of the cog mechanism depicted in FIG. 92 but this time it's placed within an elongated toothbrush head 1. FIG. 95 shows an external top view of the toothbrush head 1 in FIG. 94.
FIG. 96 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar to the one show in FIG. 94, the difference being the brush head cog 10 is slotted into a cylindrical aperture within the toothbrush head base 11, which houses the brush head 10 instead of having to use the pivot pin 41. As the toothbrush is in use the consumer's teeth will brush against the bristles 32 incorporated into cog ring 42 and in-turn this will engage the brush head cog 10 to rotate the brush head 2.
FIG. 97 shows a side view of an internal cog system similar to the one show in FIG. 94, the difference being no pivot pin 41 is needed, the brush head 10 is slotted into position from the underside of the toothbrush head 1, and the brush head 10 has a washer 12 or rim to secure it in its housing, with a cap or underside cover 30 that fits into the underside of the toothbrush head base 11.
FIG. 98 shows a cone with a round sphere connecting bit that is one piece and fits into a sphere aperture in the underside of the brush head cog 10, the cone part fits into a cone like aperture in the toothbrush base 11, this allows the brush head 2 to be directed into the edge wall of the inverted cog aperture 6 without having to tilt. FIG. 98A shows a similar cone shape but this time the sphere connecting bit is also a cone. FIGS. 98B to 98O are also various brush heads with additional component parts to assist with movement when the toothbrush is in use. The different shaped internal cog 10 and cog aperture 6 parts and components are incorporated to help the cog 10 to rotate or move more easily, creating less friction and a more centred point of gravity. Some of the internal cog systems mainly FIGS. 98H to 98J will tilt towards the outer wall of the aperture cog 6 and thus encourage or force the brush head cog 10 teeth to engage against the teeth of the cog aperture 6. These brush head components will be typically used for the two cog system.
FIG. 99 is a diagram of the internal mechanics of a brush head 2 with a cone shape guide 9 protruding from the underside of the brush head cog 10, and another cone shape guide 8 protruding from the centre of the toothbrush head base 11, pointing in the opposite direction. The guides help the brush head cog 10 teeth to be forced against the outer inverted cog 6 teeth when in motion.
FIG. 100 shows a top view of a two cog mechanism toothbrush head 1.
FIG. 101 illustrates an internal top view and FIG. 102 shows an internal side view of a mechanism including a cone shape bit that helps concentrate the centre of gravity to allow the brush head 2 to tilt when in use.
FIG. 103 shows a brush head 2 with the bristles 32 being partially covered in a rubber sleeve 36 or sock 36 to keep the bristles 32 stiffer or more firm, these may be incorporated into all the brush heads 2, 42 mentioned as well as into the toothbrush head 1 itself. These rubber sleeved bristles 36 assist in creating a more firmer or stronger contact force with the consumers' teeth thus creating more force to run the mechanical cog systems. Other rubber dental floss type bristles may also be used.
FIG. 103 shows a two cog system that uses different shaped teeth/bits, these teeth can generally be of different shapes and sizes providing they create a suitable contact with each other that allows the cog mechanism to engage and function, this applies to all the cogs and cog systems described. As well as the use of cog teeth, abrasive surfaces can also create friction and act as cog teeth and therefore, may be incorporated instead of cog teeth in the examples of the described rotating cog systems.
FIG. 105 illustrates a side view of the brush head 2 and cog mechanism, where the brush head rim cog 45 is ring shaped with ridges running around it on the underside of the brush head 2. Similarly there is a rim cog 45 opposite to the accompanying ridges which are embedded into the ring housing cog 42, which the brush head rim cog 45 fits into, these in turn are housed within the inverted cog aperture 6, which has teeth that connect with the teeth of the outer wall of the ring housing cog 42 as the toothbrush is in use. FIG. 107 is an aerial illustration of a rim cog 45, the ridges or teeth may be spaced closer or further from each other.
FIG. 106 shows an internal side view of a brush head where the cog is on the under side and the engaging cog opposite it is incorporated into the toothbrush head base 11. The tip of the triangle shape on the underside of the brush head 2 fits into a notch that is moulded into the toothbrush base 11, this raises the brush head slightly to allow a tilting effect and to pin point the centre of gravity to influence the brush head 2 to tilt a particular way when in use.
FIG. 107 illustrates the cog rim 45 that may be incorporated into the underside of the brush head 2, toothbrush head base 11, and ring housing cog 42.
FIG. 108 shows a variation of the brush head 2 in FIG. 106, which includes a ball moulded into the brush head base or loosely place in-between the 2 cog parts.
FIG. 109 shows a brush head 2 with the rim cogs 45 both on top and bottom of the brush head 2 and the opposite rim cogs incorporated into the toothbrush head base 11 and uppercasing 27 or cover. The rod also attached to the brush head 2 will allow the brush head 2 to be raised to pin point the centre of gravity and influence a tilt effect when in use.
FIG. 110 shows a brush head 2 with a cone shape like cog 10 on the underside and its inverted opposite cog 6 incorporated into the base.
FIG. 111 depicts an aerial view of the cone shaped cog 10, or inverted cone shaped cog 6.
FIG. 112 shows examples of the different textures that can be used instead of cog teeth which allow friction and thus move the brush head when in use. The left side of the illustration is the equivalent to the rim cog 45, and the right side shows the equivalent to the cone shaped cog 10.
FIG. 113 illustrates a brush head 2 and the round sphere cog 10 that is inserted into the sphere cog aperture 6 that's incorporated into the toothbrush base 11. The sphere cog 10 has ridges running around it and the corresponding inverted sphere cog aperture 6 also has accompanying ridges or teeth that engage together when the mechanism is in use.
FIG. 114 shows a similar version of FIG. 113, with an addition of a cone like guide protruding from the toothbrush base 11, and the corresponding brush head cone shape aperture. The cone and cone aperture has ridges running top to bottom, these act like the cog 10 and cog aperture 6.
FIGS. 115 to 117 depict different versions of cog apertures 6 and cogs 10, both have the same amount of teeth or arms and are sized to restrict any rotational movement; the different shaped cog teeth or arms are formed to allow the brush head 2 to move in a oscillating like movement, as the brush head 2 moves to the outer edges, the cog teeth 10 and thus the brush head 2 moves in-relation to the accompanying shapes of the inverted cog teeth 6.
FIG. 118 shows a brush head 2 and mechanism that is similar to the brush head 2 depicted in FIG. 116, the difference being the cog teeth or ridges are angled in a different direction, and there are incorporated cog 6 and inverted cog 10 to the sides, this may be included or excluded, the same may be applied to the brush head 2 depicted in FIG. 116.
FIGS. 119 to 122 illustrate internal side views of various brush head 2 and internal cog systems. These cog systems are similar in configuration to the systems previously described, the difference being the cogs have been modified in size or insertion ordering to allow the cog system including brush heads 2, cogs 6, 40, 42, 43 to be inserted from the underside of the toothbrush head main 1, and the internal cog systems are secured in-place by the toothbrush underside casing 30. Other cog systems and mechanism described may also be modified in a similar way to allow for the component parts of the cog system to be inserted from the toothbrush head 1 underside.
The FIG. 122 cog mechanism may also be configured so it includes a central cog 43 similar to the one shown in FIG. 121 meaning the brush head cog 10 will have include an inner inverted cog to accommodate the small central cog 43, the outer wall of the brush head cog 10 will be smooth and free of any cog teeth, likewise the inner and outer walls of the ring cog 42 and wall of the cog aperture 6. The ring cog 42 acts simply as a facilitator to drive the brush head cog 6 and central cog shaft 43 mechanism as the user's teeth engage with its bristles.
FIG. 123 shows an internal side view of a brush head 2 with a washer 12 splitting top and bottom part of the cog 10. The washer 12 also locks and helps hold the cog 10 in place while the cog mechanism is engaged, this locking washer 12 may also be incorporated into particular cog systems described.
FIG. 124 shows a side internal view of the two cog system depicted in FIG. 61, shown is a brush head cog 10 that is inserted into the toothbrush head main base 11 from underneath, and the inverted cog aperture 6 which is oblong in shape is incorporated into the underside casing 30. FIG. 125 shows the oblong shape orbital tract 7 that the brush head 2 will move in due to the shape of the inverted cog 6, this oblong shape will mimic the similar movement the consumer will naturally use for brushing their teeth.
FIG. 126 illustrates an internal side view of the vibrating mechanical toothbrush, included is the mechanical toothbrush head 1 part and the handle 5 part that includes the battery 52, and a electric motor 46 with an offset weight 48 attached to the axel which are encased within the electrical motor housing 47. There are electric wires 49 both positive and negative that are connected to the associated wire contacts 50, one wire is connected to the switch 51 and the associated wire 49 to the battery 52 contact bit 50, the other wire connects to a battery hinged cap that makes contact with the battery. The handle housing cap 54 seals and closed the toothbrush housing. As the consumer uses the toothbrush in a circular like movement the cog mechanism 10, 6 will engage and thus the brush head 2 will rotated or move, in addition to the brush head 2 moving, the On/Off switch 51 may be pressed to engage the electrical motor making the counter weight 48 spin and thus making the toothbrush head 1 vibrate.
FIG. 127 shows a similar toothbrush to the one in FIG. 126, with the toothbrush head 1 this time being able to be detached and re-attached, or replaced. The male handle part 16 has a locking notch 17 which inserts and locks into the female toothbrush head part 15; this also has a corresponding locking part.
FIG. 128 depicts an external side view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 126.
FIG. 129 shows a front external view of the vibrating mechanical toothbrush in FIG. 128.
FIG. 130 shows an internal side view of a variation of the toothbrush in FIG. 126, wherein the switch has a separate on/off part and a metal clip contact bit that is shaped and behaves in accordance to which switch button is pressed. When the top switch button is pressed the clip is arched with its edge pointing down, as the edge points down the switch contact clip 55 makes contact a metal contact part 50 the is linked to the motor via a wire 49, the other side to the clip is always in contact with the battery 52. Also depicted to the bottom of the diagram is a hatch or door is used to secure the battery in the main handle housing and also act as a contact bit.
FIGS. 131 to 133 illustrate the rechargeable vibrating mechanical toothbrush, which is seated in its charger 56. The charger or induction charger 56 has a primary coil 57 in the base and has an iron peg 59 running through, the base of the toothbrush handle 5 has also a secondary coil 58 within and this is placed over the peg 59, this peg 59 also secures the toothbrush to the charger base. The peg 59 acts as the core linking the primary 57 and secondary coils 58 electromagnetically, when both coils 57, 58 come together a complete transformer is realised that works by electromagnetic induction, whereby the energy flows from the coil 57 in the charger to the coil 58 in the toothbrush handle 5 base though the peg 59. The coil 58 in the toothbrush base is connected to the circuit board 61, and the rechargeable battery 52 is connected to both ends of the circuit board 61, the circuit connection from the negative side of the battery 52 runs all the way to the other end and connects to the vibrating motor 46 via the contact bit 50. The motor 46 is contained in it metal housing 47 that is also connected to the metal male handle part 16. The positive end on the battery 52 is connected to the other end of the circuit board 61 and the electrical current is controlled via an on/off switch 51. The charger is connected to the mains via an electrical cord 62, as the charger is powered on, and the toothbrush placed over the iron peg 59 that is covered in plastic a charging light indicator light 63 also illuminates, the charging indicator light 63 is also shown in the external illustration in FIG. 131. The mechanical toothbrush head 1 that contains the mechanical cog system and brush head 2 that is detachable. The male handle part 16 has a locking notch 17 which inserts and locks into the female toothbrush head part 15; this also has a corresponding locking part. As the toothbrush is operated the motor 46 rotates the offset weight 48 connected to the motor 46 via an axel or shaft, causing the toothbrush head 1, brush head 2 and bristles to vibrate and pulse. A silicon chip and processor may also be incorporated within the toothbrush to include an electric timer.
All components described above may be interchanged with one another and used in various configurations.
The vibrating mechanical toothbrush is made from plastic, rubber, metal material, magnet, bristle fibres, Nylon, or from a combination of these materials.
The vibrating mechanical toothbrush is either moulded or/and glued together or adjoined by a series of small male and female clips or a combination of these methods. There may also be other locking methods used, including all or combinations of a series of clips, glue, pins, screw threading around toothbrush casing or covers 27, 30 or heat moulding techniques. This detachable toothbrush head 1 system can be applied to all described above.
All designs shown above can have one or more brush heads 2; the toothbrush head 1 may or may not include bristles 4, the handles 5 can be detachable or non-detachable.
The cog 10 and inverted cog 6 teeth consist of different shapes, sizes and amounts; these will affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged.
Different shaped teeth/bits can also be incorporated into the cog systems, these teeth can generally be of different shapes and sizes providing they create a suitable contact with each other that allows the cog mechanism to engage and function, this applies to all the cogs and cog systems described. Rubber may also be incorporated into the cog teeth to allow grip between teeth, a softer and smoother mechanical action. As well as the use of cog teeth, abrasive surfaces can also create friction and act as cog teeth and therefore, may be incorporated instead of cog teeth in the examples of the described rotating cog systems.
The cog 10, ring cog 42 and cog aperture 6 can also consist of different shapes and sizes; this will also affect the behaviour, motion and speed of the mechanism and brush head 2 when engaged. The eye or oblong shape inverted cog aperture 6 may be incorporated into the various cog systems where the brush head cog 10 is free to move and not affixed by a pin or other guide 8, 9 restrictions. There may also be introduced more ring/ring housing cogs 42 within a cog system, for example a ring cog 42 within a ring cog 42, this will affect the speed and movement of the brush head.
FIGS. 134 and 135 illustrate the brush head male cog 10 like part that sits into the female inverted cog 6 like aperture, with a moving telescopic moving washer 64 interlinking with the round brush head's 2 double washer ring 24. The internal locking washer 12 helps to secure the brush head 2 to the toothbrush head 1 main body 11. The washer locking aperture 13 allows the locking washer 12 to move freely yet allow the brush head 2 to still move. As the brush head 2 moves so does the telescopic moving washer 64 and therefore covering the internal workings of the toothbrush.
FIG. 136 shows a brush head 2, with a telescopic washer 64 which sits on top of the brush head top washer 3, the internal workings and mechanics are covered and locked by the series of washers that work in a telescopic fashion.
FIG. 137 shows the brush head 2, which is held in place by a part that acts like the locking washer 12 but which additionally has arms that are embodied within the main toothbrush head base 11 and is shaped to allow toothpaste and liquid to disperse through, as the toothbrush is in use, there are drainage holes 65 or channels within the base 11 that also allow liquid to drain.
FIG. 138 shows a similar mechanical system to the one shown in FIG. 137 but this time the telescopic washer 64 is at the top surface of the toothbrush head 1 and is held in place by clips that allow the washer to move yet lock the brush head 2 and internal mechanics in.
FIG. 140 depicts a side internal view of the internal brush head 2 mechanism with friction reducing bits 37 incorporated with the toothbrush base 11 which may consist of a plastic bit, a series of small plastic pins, or even bristles to minimise contact with the brush head washer 3. The double sided cog like ring 42 which has contact surface on outer and inner sides also helps reduce the circular orbiting movement but yet acts like an additional gear against the other cog like means 10, 6. Also shown is drainage hole 65 which may also be incorporated a various places of the toothbrush to reduce clogging and allow the inner parts of the devise to be cleaned. FIG. 141 shows a similar variation of the brush head 2 mechanism, with a cog ring 42 and locking means 12 from the underside of the brush head 2, again drainage holes/channels 65 may also be incorporated in all designs described.
FIG. 142 shows a side internal view and an embodiment of the brush head 2 mechanism 6, 10 with the locking washer 12 securing the brush head 2 to the toothbrush base 11. As the brush head 2 makes contact with the consumers teeth or surface while the handle 5 is moved in a circular motion the brush head 2 rotates in an opposite direction, while it is still secured to the toothbrush head 1 via the locking washer 12.
FIG. 143 shows a similar cog system to that shown in FIG. 142, but this time the brush head cog 10 (gear means) is hollowed out thus creating less friction with toothpaste, and more area and thus time for the toothpaste and liquid to disperse through drainage holes 65 while in use. Also included are rounded or pinpointed edges to reduce friction and minimise contact with the toothbrush base 11.
FIGS. 145 to 145B show the underside of some different textured friction/contact reducing bits 37 or rims 38, these may be incorporated on the bottom of the brush head 2 cogs 10 like means on all designs described, to reduce friction and clogging up and sticking of the mechanism.
FIGS. 146 and 147 show a similar embodiment of the cog system shown in FIG. 144, the brush head cog (gear means) consists of multiple arms 10 that run all the way round and reduce contact with the base 11, the contact points 10 are pin pointed thus reducing friction, also the edges of the arms act like the male cog like 10 bits that make contact with the outer wall 6 (or female cog like means). The centre part where the arms join is hollowed out thus creating room for movement and dispersion of toothpaste and water while in use; drainage 65 may also be incorporated to help with dispersion. FIG. 146 shows the brush head 2 which is slightly raised and offset, so the arms can paddle through the toothpaste liquid mixture if the mechanism clogs up, once the brush head 2 is up to speed it will raise slightly like a hydrofoil and stabilise into a more harmonious brush head rotating movement, and thus the arms 10 touching the outer walls 6.
FIGS. 149 and 149A shows a parachute or detent means of locking washer 12, FIG. 149 shows in a closed disposition and 149A shows it in open and thus locked disposition.
FIGS. 150A and 151 show drainage channels 65, these may be incorporated into all designs described where appropriate.
FIG. 153 shows a system where the contact arms 10 curl inward and also reduce contact surface with the base 11. The contact arms 10 are shaped to coincide with the recesses of the corresponding female cog like means 6; this also applies to all similar contact arm 10 designs described. Also may include drainage holes 65.
FIG. 155 shows an internal side view of a variation of the brush head 2 and driving mechanism, there is a locking washer 12 that inserts through the locking clips 66 and fits within the hollow brush head cog like means 10. The locking clips 6 may also have frictions reducing bits 37.
FIGS. 156 and 159 show variations of the brush head 2 and driving mechanism in FIG. 155, wherein the shape of the locking washer 12 is different and has addition locking notches 67, these clip locking notches may also be included for FIG. 155, to safety lock the locking clips also. FIG. 159 is like a hybrid of FIGS. 155 and 156, where the cog like means 10 is similar to that of FIG. 155, but with the protruding locking clips 66 as in FIG. 156.
FIG. 161 shows the brush head 2 and driving mechanism 6, 10 which is protected and covered from toothpaste and liquid by a flexible rubber flange 68.
FIGS. 162 to 167 illustrate the various different forms of brush head 2 and mechanical systems 6, 10, these are shaped to reduced clogging from toothpaste and liquid, including friction reducing bits 37 or short upside-down bristles 37 and drainage holes or channels 65. The short upside-down bristles 37 help create a flexible and more free movement when surrounded by toothpaste and liquid, it also moves and dislodges the liquid to allow the mechanism not to get stuck, the friction reducing bits 37 may also consist of a plastic bit, a series of small plastic pins which may be slightly flexible, these can be include in all designs described where appropriate.
FIG. 167 illustrates a toothbrush head 1 with a brush head that is locked internally via a washer 12, and friction reducing bits 37 at the top, which may include a full brush head bristle 32 on the upside 32. FIG. 168 shows a brush head 2 that is raised by a locking washer 12 that is fitted within the cog like means 10, and included are drainage holes or channels 65 that allow the dispersion of toothpaste and liquid.
FIG. 169 illustrates a similarly raised locking means 12 to the one in FIG. 168 but in this case the brush head 2 has a male cog like means 10 that fits into the locking means 12, and the locking means has cog like means 6 that work with each other to rotate the brush head 2. The outer series of cog like means 6, 10 may or may not be included.
FIG. 171 and FIG. 171A show some examples of the different contact bits that may be applied to the male and female cog like means 6, 10 to allow more traction or contact between them.
FIG. 172 shows the brush head 2 and driving mechanics 6, 10 with an offset pivot pin 41 that also raises the brush head 2 from the internal base 11 of the toothbrush head 1, this locks the brush head 2 and help reduce the system from clogging or jamming with liquids.
Although the embodiments of the invention described above all comprise toothbrushes, similar structures will be of advantage in other brushing devices, for example for polishing or scrubbing. The features above may equally well be applied to most other forms of manually employable brushing devices, provided with bristles per se, or with equivalent structures.
For example, the above mechanisms may be applied to brushes for polishing shoes; brushes for washing and polishing cars or other vehicles; body brushes, scrubbers, exfoliators and massaging brushes; facial exfoliating brushes; shaving brushes; dishwashing brushes; scrubbing brushes for floors, walls, ovens, worktops, or the like; floor polishing brushes; and wire brushes for maintaining suede or for cleaning off rust, etc.
It is also believed that such mechanisms would be useful in devices which might not be considered as brushes in the strict sense, but which are used with a similar motion across a surface to be acted upon, such as sanding blocks. The term “brushing device” should therefore also be understood to incorporate such analogous devices not actually comprising bristles per se.

Claims

1. A brushing device comprising a brush head having bristles extending from one face of said brush head and a handle fixedly mounted to said brush head, wherein the brush head comprises a fixed head element and at least one insert element so mounted to the fixed head element as to be rotationally movable with respect to the fixed head element, and a plurality of said bristles extending from each of said fixed head element and said at least one insert element, the bristles of the fixed head element substantially surrounding those of the at least one insert element.

2. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element is movably retained within a respective socket in the brush head.

3. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one insert element is both rotationally and translationally movable within the respective socket.

4. A brushing devices as claimed in claim 3, wherein said translational movement of the at least one insert element is generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one insert element.

5. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one insert element is orbitally movable around the respective socket.

6. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element is continuously movable with respect to the fixed head element.

7. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element is constrained to motion selected from oscillatory and reciprocating motion with respect to the fixed head element.

8. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element is constrained to follow a path with respect to the fixed head element that is selected from a hypocycloid path and a hypotrochoid path.

9. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element comprises a first means of engagement adapted to engage releasably with a co-operating second means of engagement of the fixed head element so as to transmit torque between the at least one insert element and the fixed head element.

10. (canceled)

11. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element comprises a cog arrangement having a plurality of teeth, each tooth so projecting from the cog arrangement as to be engageable with a co-operable recess of the fixed head element.

12. A brushing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed head element comprises a plurality of said recesses, each defined between adjacent pairs of a plurality of teeth projecting from the fixed head element.

13. (canceled)

14. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element comprises a plurality of insert bodies, each said insert body being movable with respect to each other insert body.

15. A brushing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein each said insert body is releasably engageable with an adjacent said insert body.

16. (canceled)

17. A brushing devices as claimed in claim 1, wherein a means of biasing is provided to bias the at least one insert element into engaging contact with a means of engagement of the fixed head element.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. A brushing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first and second means of engagement comprise a first gear having outwardly-projecting teeth engageable with a second gear having inwardly-projecting teeth.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. A brushing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the socket comprises drainage to release adventitious fluids from the socket.

24. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, additionally comprising means to generate motions selected from vibrations and pulses in the brush head.

25. (canceled)

26. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a device selected from a toothbrush, a personal grooming device, a cleaning device, a polishing device and a scouring device.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. A brushing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one insert element is so mounted to the fixed head element that an axis of rotation of the at least one insert element is tiltable away from a perpendicular to a plane of the fixed head element.

30. A brushing device comprising a brush head having bristles extending from one face of the brush head and a handle fixedly mounted to the brush head, wherein the brush head comprises a fixed head element and at least one insert element mounted rotatably to the fixed head element, a plurality of bristles extending from said at least one insert element, and said at least one insert element being so mounted to the fixed head element as to be tiltable away from an axis perpendicular to said face of the brush head.