US4346492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanical toothbrush with individual tuft drive
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-03-10
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Granted: 1982-08-31
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Expires: 2000-03-10
Abstract
Abstract A power actuated toothbrush is provided wherein the brush consists of a plurality of tufts which are individually driven by means whereby the tufts are forced to move coaxially back and forth against the teeth to give a jackhammer-type action. The tufts may be driven mechanically, or by a fluid drive, preferably pneumatic. The tufts automatically adapt for irregularities in the teeth and gums and enter the sulcus and embrasures for thorough cleaning.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry S. Solow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C17/00; A61C17/16; A61C17/22; A61C17/32; A61C17/34; A61C17/349; A46; A46B; A46B7/00; A46B7/06; A46B9/00; A46B9/02; A46B9/04; A46B9/045; A46B2200/00; A46B2200/10; A46B2200/1066; A61C17/3409; A61C17/3463
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A mechanical brush having a head with a plurality of tufts in said head, wherein each tuft is attached to an individual piston and said pistons are each mounted for individual reciprocating motion within said head, and means for powering said reciprocating motion internally within said head, independent of any tuft movement caused by tuft contact with an external object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical brush having a head with a plurality of tufts in said head, wherein each tuft is attached to an individual piston and said pistons are each mounted for individual reciprocating motion within said head, and means for powering said reciprocating motion internally within said head, independent of any tuft movement caused by tuft contact with an external object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein said means for powering said reciprocating motion comprises means for providing alternating suction and pressure behind said pistons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 2 wherein said means for powering is pneumatic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 3 having spring return means for said pistons.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 3 having a pneumatic chamber connected to said means for powering and having means for varying the volume of said chamber whereby the force exerted by the pistons can be varied.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 2 wherein said means for powering is hydraulic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The structure of claim 2 having a diaphragm or bladder isolation means between said pistons and said means for powering said reciprocation whereby pressure and or suction is transmitted through said isolation means while maintaining a hermetic seal between the pistons and said means for powering said reciprocation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure of claim 7 wherein said diaphragm or bladder isolation means prevents direct fluid communication between said head pistons and said means for powering and having additionally means for flushing the inside of said head and/or handle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-30 | 1986-03-01 | 1986-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-30 | 1990-03-01 | 1990-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-30 | 1994-03-01 | 1994-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |