BRUSH WITH PIVOTING BRISTLE PLATFORM

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a brush. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a toothbrush configured for improved brushing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Brushes, and in particular toothbrushes, are used widely around the world. A wide variety of brush shapes and sizes exist, even within the particular field of toothbrushes. The field of dental hygiene in particular offers challenges to be overcome, due to the variety of mouth sizes, the restricted access to teeth, the shape of teeth, the nature of the matter to be cleaned from teeth, the fact that toothbrushes should be effective in cleaning between individual teeth, and so forth. These varying requirements have influenced the design of toothbrushes, so that there are a wide variety of brush designs currently available.

As an example, toothbrushes have been provided that have flexible necks to ensure that excessive force is not exerted on teeth, thereby damaging the enamel. Further, toothbrush bristles are provided in a wide range of thicknesses, strengths, lengths and combined configurations. For example they may have their combined free ends cropped into serrated patterns. Differing materials or combinations of materials have also been contemplated for use in achieving the wide variety of desiderata. Even more recently, electrically driven toothbrushes have become popular. These comprise of a brush head movable in a wide range of movement. Such may include rotational movement, reciprocating rotational movement and linear reciprocating movement. These moveable brush heads are usually driven by an electric motor coupled to the brush head by a coupling mechanism.

One of the problems associated with toothbrushes is that characteristics which positively influence the toothbrushes performance in one area may negatively influence the toothbrushes performance in another area. For example, according to

some studies, the bristles should not be too rigid, as this may injure a user's gums, or damage the teeth enamel- however the brisdes must be rigid enough to be effective in brushing plaque off the teeth. Where less rigid material is used, the toothbrush brisdes will tend to become deformed and bent, and may lose their resiliency over a shorter period of time than if more rigid materials were used. In such a case, the lifespan of the toothbrush may be negatively influenced, and the tooth brush would need to be replaced more often.

Further, longer brisdes may be preferred, as they will reach further between the teeth, thereby allowing the toothbrush to clean more effectively. However, such longer brisdes will be less resistant to being bent or buckled (individually and in combination) by the cleaning action of being pushed against teeth. Where brisdes are buckled frequendy, they may lose their resiliency quickly, resulting in a shorter lifespan for die toothbrush.

For these reasons, it is desirable to be able to provide a toothbrush which provides brisdes in a configuration that increases the access for each bristle to a set of teeth being cleaned, and which uses shorter brisdes, but allows these shorter brisdes to reach adequately between a user's teeth.

While the requirements for brushes in general may not be so onerous, the same principles of compromise may apply to brushes for use in other fields.

In tliis specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and otiier documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a brush which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention broadly consists in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; at least one bristle platform including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, said bristle platform being pivotally mounted relative to the body member; whereby brushing of said bristles over a surface(s) to be brushed in a reciprocating fashion will cause the reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platform.

In a second aspect, the invention may be said to consist broadly in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; at least one bristle platform including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, said bristle platform being pivotally mounted relative to the body member;

^{■ •} whereby at least part of the bristle platform is moved towards and subsequently away, from the body member during reciprocating pivotal movement of the bristle platform.

In a third aspect, the invention may be said to consist broadly in a brush suitable for brushing an uneven surface or surfaces, said brush comprising a body member; a plurality of bristle platforms, each including at least one side from which a plurality of bristles extend, each of said bristle platforms being pivotally mounted relative to the body member;

wherein the plurality of bristles on each of said bristle platforms presents a bristle platform profile at their distal ends, the combined bristle platform profiles of all of the bristle platforms presents a combined bristle profile, and wherein reciprocating movement of the bristle platforms causes the combined bristle profile to change configuration.

Preferably, the bristle platform is pivo tally connected to body member by a pivoting formation.

Preferably, the pivoting formation extends from die body member. Preferably the pivoting formation is a living hinge.

Preferably the pivoting formation includes at least one resilient flap. Preferably the pivoting formation includes a plurality of resilient flaps. Alternately, the pivoting formation is one selected from a ball and socket arrangement; a hinge arrangement, and any other suitably configured arrangement. • Preferably, the brush comprises a plurality of bristle platforms. Preferably, each of the bristle platforms is pivotally connected to the body member. Preferably, the pivoting formation(s) allow pivoting of die bristle platform in one plane in a reciprocating fashion.

Preferably, the pivoting formation provides a line-type hinge contact between the bristle platform and the body member to define an axis of rotation.

Preferably, the pivoting formation allows omni directional pivoting of the bristle platform relative to 'the body member.

Preferably the pivoting formation provides a point-type contact between the bristle platform and the body member to allow said omni-directional pivoting. Preferably, the bristle platforms are coupled to each other. Preferably the bristle platforms are coupled so that pivoting of one bristle platform in one direction will cause at least one other bristle platform to pivot in the same direction.

Preferably, the bristle platforms are flexibly coupled to each other by means of a coupling arrangement, to allow for movement of die edges of adjacent bristle platforms relative to each other.

Preferably the coupling arrangement allows, upon the contacts of a surface with the bristles of one platform to pre-conditioned at least one other platform to a desirable configuration for brushing.

Preferably, the coupling arrangement comprises a slider formation configured to engage with a complementary slot formation of an adjacent platform to allow sliding movement between adjacent platforms yet transferring a pivot inducing force to the adjacent platform. .

^{■ ■} Preferably, the brisde platforms are pivotally attached to the body member at or towards a central region of the bristle platform, thereby allowing outer regions of the bristle platforms to pivot towards and away from the body member.

Preferably, the brisde platforms have a substantially planar configuration. Preferably, die brisde platforms are linearly disposed alongside each other.

Alternately, die brisde platforms are disposed alongside each other radially around a central region.

Preferably, die brisde platforms are shaped as a sector of a circle. Preferably, die brisde platforms are configured to pivot along a line from the centre of the circle to the centre of the outer perimeter of the sector.

Alternatively, die brisde platforms are configured to pivot around a central region of the sector of the circle.

Preferably, the body member is of a substantially quadrilateral shape. Preferably, the body member is of an rectangular shape. Alternately, the body ^' member is of a circular shape.

Preferably, die brush further comprises a handle member. Preferably, the handle member extends from the body member. Preferably, the handle member extends longitudinally from die body member. Preferably, die handle member includes grip formations for facilitating increased friction by a user's hand on die handle member.

Preferably, the handle member and die body member are connected by a neck region.

Preferably, the material of neck region is composed of a flexible material selected from one or more of synthetic polymeric material; thermoset plastics material; and " thermoplastics plastic material.

Preferably, the neck region is configured and adapted to flex in use if a predetermined force is exerted on die body member.

Preferably, the brush includes a locking arrangement for locking movement of the bristle platform(s) in one or more positions. Preferably, the locking arrangement is capable of locking pivotal movement of the bristle platforms so that they are no longer pivotable.

Preferably, the locking arrangement is moveable between a locked position in which the bristle platforms are locked in alignment in a planar fashion with each other, and an unlocked position in which the bristle platform(s) are free to pivot.

Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises a locking member flexibly coupled to the bristle platform(s).

Preferably, the locking arrangement includes a locking formation which is engageable with the locking member to lock movement of the locking member, wherein, when the locking formation is engaged with the locking member, the locking arrangement is in the locked position.

Preferably the body member is moveable in a reciprocating fashion. Preferably the body member is moveable in a linearly reciprocating fashion. Preferably the body member is moveable in a circularly reciprocating fashion. Preferably, the body ^' member is moveable relative to the handle member.

Preferably, the body member is moveable relative to the handle member in a linear reciprocating fashion.

Alternatively, the body member is moveable relative to tiαe handle in a circularly reciprocating fashion. Preferably, the brush includes drive means for driving movement of the body member.

Preferably, the drive means is configured and adapted for moving the body member relative to the handle member.

Preferably, die drive means is an electric motor.

Preferably, the brush includes a connector arrangement for connecting the drive means to a power source.

Preferably, die brush includes a power source. Preferably the power source is a battery. Preferably, die battery is a rechargeable battery.

Preferably, the brush includes a moving mechanism for coupling the drive means to the body member to move the body member relative to the handle member.

Preferably, the moving mechanism includes a reciprocatingly moveable shaft. Preferably, die moving mechanism includes a rotatable circular disc adapted fro being driven by die drive means. Preferably, the moving mechanism includes at least one guide track for guiding the movement of the body member.

Preferably, the guide track may be a straight channel. Alternatively, the guide track may be a circular channel. The brush may be configured and dimensioned for use as a toothbrush. Other aspects of die invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and witii reference to the accompanying drawings.

.. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of die noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in tiiis specification and claims which include that term, die features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but odier features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in die same manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in die appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1: shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 2: shows a side view of a second embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush;

Figure 3: shows a side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush;

Figure 4: shows a top close-up view of part of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 5: shows a perspective close-up view of part of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush; Figure 6: shows a cutaway cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush;

Figure 7: shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush;

Figure 8: show ^' s a close up cutaway schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a brush for use as a linearly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristles removed fro clarity;

Figure 9: shows a schematic close up cutaway top perspective view of the body member, bristle platforms and guide track of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with die bristles removed for clarity;

Figure 10: shows a schematic close up cutaway bottom perspective view of the body member and bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristles removed for clarity;

Figure 11: shows a schematic close up top view of the bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, showing placement of the bristles;

Figure 12: shows a schematic close up end view of the bristle platforms and body member of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristle platforms aligned in a planar fashion;

Figure 13: shows a schematic close up end view of the bristle platforms of a fourth embodiment of a brush for use as a circularly reciprocating powered toothbrush, with the bristle platforms being pivoted with respect to the body member, with the bristles removed for clarity;

Figures 14-16: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a fifth embodiment of a brush for use as a linearly reciprocating powered toothbrush, showing the pivoting of the bristle platforms at various stages of movement of the body member; and

Figure 17-19: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a sixth embodiment of a brush for general use, showing the bristle platforms at various degrees of pivot; and

Figures 20 and 22: ^■' shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush at various stages of pivoting of the body members; and

Figure 21: shows a close up cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a brush for use as a manual toothbrush in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the abcrve drawings, in which similar numerals refer to similar features, a brush according to the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100.

In the embodiments described below, the brush 100 is shown for use as a toothbrush. However, it will; be appreciated, that a brush having similar features and operating on the same principles may be used for a wide variety of applications.

In a first embodiment shown in figures 1 and 3-7, a brush 100 is provided, said brush being particularly suited for use in brushing an uneven surface such as teeth 500 as a manual toothbrush. The brush 100 comprises a body member 110, and a plurality of bristle platforms 120 disposed in a line alongside each other. Each bristle platform 120 is substantially planar and has two rectangularly shaped major sides 122. A plurality of bristles 130 extend outwardly from a major side 122 of the bristle platform 120.

Each of the bristle platforms 120 is pivotally connected to the body member 110 by means of a pivoting formation 140 in the form of a resilient plastic flap 141.

The resilient plastic flaps 141 extend across the centre of the major side 122 of the bristle platforms 120 on an opposite side to that from which the bristles 130 extend to form an axis line 146.

The resilient plastic flaps 141 extend from the body member, and also forms a fulcrum for the pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120. Accordingly, each of the outer edges 124 of the bristle platforms 120 which are furthest away from the resilient plastic flap 141 are able to pivot towards and away from the body member

110, as shown in figures 20-22. The bristle platforms 120 are arranged in this way to be passively pivoted backward and forward along their allowable pivoting range by reciprocating movement of the bristles 130 over a surface to be brushed, such as a user's teeth 500.

As shown in figure 5, each bristle platform 120 has a plurality of bristles 130 extending from it. The plurality of bristles 130 on each of said bristle platforms together present a bristle platform profile 132 at their distal ends. The combined bristle platform profiles 132 of all of the bristle platforms 120 together present a combined bristle profile 134. When the bristle platforms pivot in a reciprocating fashion, they cause the combined bristle profile 134 to change configuration. It is

envisaged that this changing combined bristle profile 134 can be saw-toothed in at least one configuration, and may assist in cleaning surfaces of uneven configuration, such as teeth 500.

In the embodiment described above, the bristle platforms 120 will be able to pivot in a single plane of movement. However, it is envisaged that this need not be the case. In alternative embodiments, for instance, it is envisaged that the pivot formation 140 could be a resilient plastic flap 141 (as shown in figure 6) which provides a point-type contact instead of a line-type contact. In this way, the bristle platforms 120 can pivot to any side in a plurality of planes 360 degrees around the pivot formation 140.

It is further envisaged that in alternative embodiments, a ball and socket type arrangement 144 (as shown in an alternative embodiment on figure 17-19) can be used as a pivot formation 140 instead of a resilient flap 141. It will be appreciated that numerous mechanical alternatives, such as hinge formations and the like, are possible which can be used to provide such a pivoting action. Any other such suitable mechanical arrangement can be used.

Referring to figure 4, the bristle platforms 120 are coupled to each other by means of a coupling arrangement 150, so that the pivoting of one bristle platform 120 in to one side will cause the other bristle platforms 120 to pivot to the same side simultaneously during brushing. It must be noted that while this is a preferred embodiment, it is not necessary that all of the bristle platforms 120 pivot to the same side simultaneously during brushing. The coupling arrangement 150 comprises a T-shaped slider formation 152 extending from an outer edge 124 of a bristle platform 120, which is received into a complementarity shaped slot formation 154 in the outer edge 124 of an ^' adjacent bristle platform 120. The slider formation 152 slides back and forth along the slot formation 154 as the bristle platforms 120 pivot from side to side.

Such a coupling arrangement allows for the transfer of longitudinal forces, to move the bristle platforms 120 from side to side simultaneously, but allows for the movement of one outer edge 124 of a bristle platform 120 in one direction, while the outer edge 124 of an adjacent bristle platform 120 moves in an opposed direction. In this way, when a bristle platform 120 makes contact with a surface to

be brushed, such as teeth 500, it may be moved by contact with that surface. In moving, the bristle platform making contact will cause the other bristle platforms to move, even though they are not making contact with the surface themselves. In this way the bristle platforms which are not making contact with the surface are pre- conditioned to a desirous position.

Referring to the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 3-7, the brush 100 further comprises a handle member 160 to facilitate access of the toothbrush to a user's mouth. The handle member 160 is elongate in shape, and extends longitudinally from the body member 110. In a preferred embodiment, the handle member 160 includes grip formations 161 for facilitating increased friction by a user's hand on the handle member 160.

Further, the handle member 160 and the body member 110 are connected by a neck region 170. In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the neck region is composed of a flexible material such as synthetic polymeric material; thermoset plastics material; or thermoplastics plastic material having a greater flexibility than that of the body member 110 and/or handle member 160. Further, in another embodiment (not shown), the neck region may incorporate flexing formations configured and adapted flex to varying degrees in use if a predetermined force is exerted on the body member, thereby preventing the exertion of excess force on a user's gums.

Referring to figures 5, 7 and 20-22, the brush 100 further includes a locking arrangement 180 for locking movement of the bristle platforms. The locking member 182 is moveable between a locked position (as shown in figure 7) in which the bristle platforms 120 are locked in alignment with each other to form a flat plane, and an unlocked position (as shown in figures 20-22) in which the bristle platforms 120 are free to pivot freely.

The locking arrangement 180 comprises a locking member 182 flexibly coupled to the bristle platforms 120, as well as a locking formation 184, into which the locking member 182 is received. The locking formation 184 comprises a slot 186 disposed towards the neck region 170 of the brush 100, and a lug 188 extending from a sidewall 185 of the slot 186. The lug 188 is received into an aperture 183 in the locking member 182. When the locking member 182 is in the locked position,

the lug 188 extends in to a narrow part of the aperture 183, thereby limiting movement of the locking member 182 and hence pivotal movement of the bristle platforms 120. When the locking member is raised to an unlocked position, the lug 188 is received into die aperture 183 at a broader part of the aperture 183, allowing linear elongate movement of the locking member 182, and hence pivotal movement of the bristie platforms 120.

Figures 17-19 show an alternative embodiment of a brush, in diis embodiment, the brisde platforms 120 are shaped in the form of sectors of a circle, and are disposed alongside each odier radially around the centre of the circle. The brisde platforms are configured to pivot around a pivoting formation 140 similar to the pivoting formations 140 described previously, about an axis line 146 from the circle centre to die centre of die outer perimeter of that sector. It is, however, envisaged that pivoting of die sector-shaped bristie platforms 120 need not pivot about an axis line 146, and could pivot about a pivot point (not shown) disposed towards an inner central region of the sector of the circle. In this configuration, the body member 110 is of a circular shape, corresponding to the combined shape of the brisde platforms 120.

It will be appreciated that the invention lends itself to application as a powered brush 100, and especially for powered toothbrushes. Various embodiments of the invention as powered brushes are shown in figures 8-16.

In these figures, the body member 110 is capable of movement in a reciprocating fashion, either by circular reciprocating movement (as shown in figures 9-13), or by linear reciprocating movement (as shown in figures 14-16 and 8). In each of tiiese embodiments, die body member 110 is moveable relative to die handle member 160. The brush 100 includes drive means 190 in the form of an electric motor 192 for driving movement of the body member 110 relative to die handle member 160, and a power source 200 in the form of a rechargeable battery 202. The rechargeable battery 202 is connected to the electric motor 192 by means of an electrical connector arrangement 194. It is however, envisaged that the brush may be powered form an external power source (not shown). In such a case, the connector arrangement 194 would include a plug (not shown) and electrical cord (not shown).

The electric motor 192 drives movement of the body member by means of a moving mechanism 210. As seen in figures 14-16, the moving mechanism 210 comprises a circular disk 212 which is arranged to be driven in a circular motion by the electrical motor 192. The circular disk 212 is coupled to an elongate shaft 214, which in turn is attached to the body member 110. The elongate shaft 214 can be coupled to the body member 110 in a rigid manner or in a manner that allows pivoting of the shaft 214 relative to the body member 110, depending on the embodiment. In the embodiment shown in figure 8, the shaft is rigidly attached to the body member 110, for instance by being integrally formed with die body member 110. In the embodiment shown in figure 10, the shaft is pivo tally attached to the body member 110, allowing for the circular movement of the body member 110.

It is envisaged that the body member could be arranged to reciprocate by itself, or may be moved in a reciprocating fashion along a guide track 216. The guide track 216 guides the movement of the body member along a predetermined path. As shown in figure 8, the predetermined path can be linear, with the guide track 216 being a straight channel 218. Alternatively, and as shown in figure 9, the predetermined path can be circular, with the guide track 216 defining a circular channel 220. It is further envisaged mat the concepts disclosed and claimed in this specification are particularly relevant for use of the brush 100 as a toothbrush, these concepts may be extended for use in other application, and in particular those applications where an uneven surface is to be brushed. Some examples of this include the painting of uneven surfaces like roofing and die Hive. An embodiment of such a brush for use in other or general applications is shown in figures 17-19. This embodiment shows an alternative pivoting arrangement which includes a ball and socket type arrangement 144

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications

and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As an example, many alternative guide track configurations are possible which can guide movement of the body member 110. Further, many various alternatives are possible for the moving mechanism 210, and any mechanical type linkage mat prove suitable in this regard. Even further, many alternative configurations and layouts are possible for the bristle platforms 120, including triangularly shaped ones, trapezium shaped ones, cylindrically shaped ones, etc which are not illustrated.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.