US 5,189,751 A · Vibrating toothbrush using a magnetic driver

Abstract

A vibrating toothbrush which includes a toothbrush body (12) and a lever arm (14) having toothbrush bristles (18) at one end thereof. The lever arm (14) is mounted for pivotal movement at a pivot member (16) which is in the vicinity of the other end of the lever arm (14). In one embodiment, a pair of permanent magnets (44, 46) are provided at the other end of the lever arm (14), positioned side-by-side with opposite polarities. An electromagnet (24) is provided to the rear of the lever arm (14). The elecromagnet (24) includes an E-core having top, bottom and center legs (30, 31, 33) with a coil (36) wound around its center leg (33) which receives an alternating current driving signal from an oscillator/battery section (38). The frequency of operation is in the range of 150-400 Hz. The action of the alternating current in the electromagnet (24) causes the lever arm (14) to move about the pivot member (16), first in one direction and then in an opposing direction to provide the desired vibrating effect.

Claims51

Dependent claims

A vibrating toothbrush having a magnetic driver, comprising:

a toothbrush body;
a lever arm having toothbrush bristles at one end thereof;
means for mounting the lever arm to the body for vibrating action of the lever arm about a single fixed pivot point, said lever arm and said mounting means defining a combination having a known natural mechanical resonant frequency;
and
means positioned within the body for driving the lever arm about said mounting means at an operating frequency, wherein there is no direct mechanical connection between the driving means and the lever arm, and wherein the operating frequency is approximately equal to the natural mechanical resonant frequency of the combination of the lever arm and the mounting means, wherein the driving means includes permanent magnet means located at the other end of the lever arm and an electromagnet spaced away from the permanent magnet means, the electromagnet including an electromagnet coil to receive an alternating current driving signal, wherein current through the electromagnet during one-half cycle results in movement of the lever arm about the pivot point in one direction, while current through the electromagnet during the other half cycle results in movement of the lever arm about the pivot point in the opposing direction.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vibrating toothbrush using a magnetic driver

Life of this patent

Vibrating toothbrush using a magnetic driver

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims51