US 6,766,549 B2Granted

Toothbrush system with a three-dimensional brushing action and fluid irrigation

OwnerMichael F. Kluptinventor

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Abstract

A toothbrush system using a combination of mechanical force and fluid dynamics to increase the efficiency of plaque removal from the teeth and gums. The toothbrush includes a head unit with an irrigator nozzle and a hydraulically actuated and continuously variable bristle platform which negotiates the complex surface geometry found in the mouth of a user. The irrigation nozzle is powered by the pulsing of an anti-microbial irrigant which gives the toothbrush head unit the distinguishing ability of being able to “feel” the contour of the teeth and to “find” the spaces between them. Once the sensing irrigator nozzle finds the spaces between the teeth, it extends into the area, and releases the anti-microbial liquid directly into the space. The configured bristle tufts of the head unit automatically adjust their position for cleaning under the gum line, between the teeth, as well as flat surfaces.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A toothbrush system for cleansing tooth surfaces and under a user's gum line, comprising:

(a) a handle member having an internal chamber containing a fluid;
(b) a head member secured to said handle member, a fluid conduit extending within said head member in fluid communication with said internal chamber of said handle member;
(c) a head unit secured to an end of said head member located remote from said handle member, said head unit having a central axis, said head unit including;
at least one bristle platform,
bristles located on said at least one bristle platform in circumferential disposition with said central axis of said head unit, and
a hydraulically biased irrigating member in fluid communication with said internal chamber of said handle member through said fluid conduit, said irrigating member having an irrigator nozzle reversibly reciprocatable along said central axis of said head unit between a retracted and an extended position of said irrigator nozzle, said irrigator nozzle releasing said fluid when said irrigator nozzle is in said extended position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/123,412Filed 17 Apr 2002 · us provisional application
Priority: 20 Apr 2001
Published: US 2002/0152565 A124 Oct 2002
Granted: 27 Jul 2004
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

A61C 17/28
Driven by electric motor: with rinsing means
A61C 17/36
Driven by electric motor: with rinsing means
A46B 11/0006
Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water: specially adapted to feed the bristle upper surface
A61C 15/00
Devices for cleaning between the teeth