Complex motion toothbrush

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to an electrically powered toothbrush. More particularly, the invention relates to electric toothbrushes wherein the brush bristles are adapted to move relative to the brush handle.

Many electrically powered toothbrushes are known, for example, from 1939 US Patent No. 2,215,031 with rotationally driven bristles. Similarly, a rotary drive toothbrush is also shown in US Patent No. 4,845,795. U.S. Patent No. 4,156,620 discloses a mechanism for converting a rotary drive from a motor to a linear reciprocating motion for a clockwise and counterclockwise rotary bristle drive. U.S. Patent No. 3,577,579 discloses a toothbrush in which the head is the brushes move relative to the brush handle so that the bristles mounted in the brush head move sideways, back and forth with respect to the holder. U.S. Patent No. 5,625,916 describes a single-holder toothbrush. The holder is driven to vibrate to rotate about the shaft.

In U.S. Patent No. 5,617,603, a toothbrush is shown with two holders of bristles interconnected by a separate pivot bar. A tilting rod is mounted on a pivot pin. Two bristle holders have recesses into which the spherical ends of the pivoting rod fit.

The simplest of the toothbrushes described has only one brushing action. Single brushing actions may provide satisfactory cleaning performance in some applications. They may, however, also be unsuitable for other brushing applications. For example, they may not clean the interdental spaces sufficiently.

EP1132057 discloses an electrically powered toothbrush having a vibrating bristle support head. The vibrating head includes at least two segments that are connected to each other, for example by a flexible cable.

The drive mechanisms of the brushes described in these documents are relatively complex. They provide complex brushing movements, but these brushes are complex and contain too many moving parts to be a practical brush solution in many applications.

The drawing shows a known toothbrush, with Fig. 1 shows a known toothbrush in sectional bottom view; pos. 2 - a fragment of a toothbrush from pos. 1, sectional side view; pos. 3 - a fragment of a toothbrush from pos. 2, sectional bottom view; pos. 4 - a fragment of a toothbrush from pos. 2, viewed from the opposite side; pos. 5, 6 and 7, respectively, the same views as in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 of other known toothbrushes in different scales.

As shown in Fig. 1, a known toothbrush has a handle 10 at a first toothbrush end, a head 11 at the other toothbrush end, a neck 9 extending therebetween, a rotatable shaft 12 extending from the handle to the head, and a generally circular bristle holder 13 with a plurality of bristle bundles, each bundle 8 containing a plurality of bristle elements. The handle has compartments formed to accommodate the electric motor 14 and the two batteries 15 and 16, although the batteries 15 and 16 can be replaced by a battery power source. There is a fixed shaft clutch 17 to engage one end of shaft 12 and allow the shaft to be withdrawn for cleaning or replacement, as will be described below.

Header 11, as better shown in Fig. 2, supports a pin 18 forming a pivot 40 for rotating or oscillating movement of the bristle holder 13. Bristles 19 in Fig. 2 is shown for illustration purposes only. Shaft 12 has an integrally formed distal end tooth 20 offset from the shaft's longitudinal symmetry axis 21. At the distal end, the tooth 20 engages a groove 22 (see Fig. 3) formed around the bristle holder 13. It will be shown that the tooth 20 is directed to the intersection of the first axis 21 and the pivot axis 40 of the pin 18. In another example, the pin is made such that the pivot axis 40 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal symmetry axis 21 of the shaft. The pivot 40 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal symmetry axis 21 of the shaft. The pivot 40 is also substantially parallel to the projection direction of the bristles 19. While preferred, it is understood that the pin 18 may be positioned otherwise. For example, pin 18 may be angled so that pivot 40 is not substantially perpendicular to main shaft 21 of shaft and will form an acute angle therebetween for a swaying or pivoting action about pivot 40. During rotation of shaft 12 by motor The tooth 20 describes a circle around the shaft 12 and in a driving manner engages the groove 22, causing the bristle holder 13 to vibrate or oscillate about its pivot axis. As a result

Tooth 20 is formed at the distal end of this. As shown in FIG. 3, a blind groove 22 of the holder extends radially inward from the outer periphery of the holder a distance less than the distance to the center of the holder and between adjacent pairs of bristle openings. Thereby, the bristle holder 13 pivots, oscillates or pivots back and forth about the center of the pin 18. This movement is the first relative movement between the head 11 and the bristles 19 and is generally beneficial for efficient tooth cleaning. The width of the groove 22 is generally the same as the diameter k of the tooth 20, leaving a minimum play, which minimizes noise in use.

The engine 14 typically rotates at about 6,000 rpm. The motor may rotate at different speeds as desired, or it may be adjusted to two or more user selectable speeds. In fig. 1 shows a toothbrush, the holder 13 of which vibrates, oscillates, or rotates through an angle of 30 degrees. In fig. 2, the angle is 35 degrees, and in Fig. The angle is 15 degrees. Thus, it can be seen that the angle of rotation is selected by arranging different rollers 12 and that the same bristle holder can be used for all angles.

Each bristle holder 13 may have more than one groove 22 as shown in FIG. 3, positioned opposite to each other for better balancing or the use of different grooves with one groove wear, uneven bristle wear during use. In other words, the holder 13 can be set to two or more rotational positions. The holder 13 is easily removed, the head 11 where it is resiliently locked, for example on a pin 18. Such removal allows for better cleaning and storage in a sanitary container, as well as easy removal of the shaft 12 and replacement when necessary.

The described rollers 12 are integrally formed, i.e. form one length of a thin rod having the shape shown. It is possible, however, to separately form the distal end with the tooth 20 and attach it to the shaft portion. Such a separate part may be a brush having an axis of symmetry coinciding with the axis of symmetry 21 of the shaft and an offset drive pin. The drive pin thus assumes the position and function of the tooth 20 at the distal end. Thus, the drive pin and the groove 22 provide a drive connection between the shaft 12 and the holder 13, i.e. the drive pin can be considered a tooth or a cam at the distal end of the shaft.

It is also known, but usually not very convenient, in certain known examples to hinge the holder 13 on one side, for example against the shaft. In this case, the bristles mounted near the pivoting hinge do not actually move as much as the bristles near the roller, but will still vibrate noticeably.

It can also be seen that whether it is a pivoting or a hinged movement, the bristle holder 13 need not be circular. Nevertheless, the circular holder 13 is normally preferred, which allows its rotational position to be changed if necessary, as mentioned above.

It is therefore desirable to provide a toothbrush that is simple to manufacture, has few moving parts and simultaneously provides multiple cleaning or brushing movements to fulfill multiple tasks in cleaning the teeth.

According to the invention, an electrically powered toothbrush having a handle at its first end and a head at its other end, a rotatable drive shaft extending from the handle to the head and having a first longitudinal axis of symmetry, and is mounted to the head by means of the first joint a first bristle holder connected to the distal end of the drive shaft, the distal end of the drive shaft being received in a groove formed in the first bristle holder for driving the first bristle holder with an oscillating motion, characterized by having a second bristle holder movably mounted to the head and drivingly connected to a portion rigidly mounted on the first holder.

Preferably, the second bristle holder comprises a pusher protruding from a surface thereof, and the rigidly mounted portion of the first bristle holder is a cam engaging the pusher, the second bristle holder being biased towards the first bristle holder by the elastic member.

In another variant, the rigidly mounted part of the first holder is a pin and the second holder has a joint or hinge offset from the center of the second holder, the second holder being pivotally pivoted to the head by a hinge or hinge and the second holder). the bristle has a groove in its first side in which a pin is inserted.

Preferably, the rigidly mounted portion is a pin and the second bristle holder has a pivot positioned proximate to the second bristle holder, the second bristle holder being

The second bristle holder is pivotally connected to the head by means of a joint or a hinge, and the second bristle holder has a groove in which a pin is inserted.

In another preferred embodiment, the rigidly mounted part is a pin and the second bristle holder is pivotally connected to the head by means of a joint arranged in the body of the second holder transversely to its longitudinal axis, and the second bristle holder has a groove inclined with respect to the plane formed by the second holder body. a pin is provided in the groove.

The rigidly mounted part may be a pin and the second hair holder may be pivoted to the head by means of a joint arranged in the body of the second holder transversely to its longitudinal axis and close to its center, and the second hair holder may have a groove inclined with respect to the plane formed by the second holder body. of bristles, a pin being placed in the groove.

The drive shaft may be pivotally connected to an electric motor.

The toothbrush of the present invention provides complementary cleaning motions by the first and second bristle holders, respectively, which provide an improved cleaning effect for numerous tooth cleaning tasks. Moreover, the toothbrush according to the invention is simple to manufacture and has few moving parts prone to failure.

The subject matter of the invention is illustrated in the drawing in which fig. 1 shows a toothbrush in a bottom view and in partial section; Fig. 2 is a bottom view in partial section of a first embodiment of the toothbrush head according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partially sectional bottom view of a second embodiment of the toothbrush head according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a toothbrush head as shown in Fig. 1, partially sectioned bottom view; Fig. 5 shows the bristle holder for the fourth embodiment of the toothbrush head as shown in Fig. 1, in orthogonal view; Fig. 6 A side view of a fourth embodiment of a toothbrush head according to Fig. 1 along line AA in Fig. 1; 7 shows an embodiment of the bristles for a fifth embodiment of a toothbrush head according to FIG. 1, in orthogonal view; fig. 8 - a fifth embodiment of a toothbrush head according to Fig. 1, in a side view along line AA in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a toothbrush head showing a first exemplary alternating bristle pattern; Fig. 10 is a second exemplary bristle configuration, side view along line DD in Fig. 1.

The invention encompasses various forms of the various components and arrangement of components. The drawings are only intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments, are not to scale, and are not intended to limit the invention.

Figures 1-8 show embodiments of a toothbrush 810 according to the invention that includes a first bristle holder 814 similar to the bristle holder 13 of the above-described known toothbrush. The toothbrush 810 has a head 816 and a body or handle 817. Of course, the toothbrush has a motor 819 and batteries to power the motor. The head 816 has a longitudinal axis 818. The bristle holder 814 is illustrated round. However, other bristle holder shapes may be envisaged within the scope of the invention. Bristle holder 814 has at least one groove described above with reference to a prior art brush for receiving the distal tooth end of drive shaft 820 as described with reference to Figs. 1 - pos. 7. The drive shaft tooth is bent or offset from the longitudinal symmetry axis 818 of the drive shaft 820 as described above. Briefly, with regard to the structure and operation of the roller 820 relative to the first bristle holder 814, the toothbrush 810 of the invention is similar to the toothbrush described with reference to FIG. 1 - pos. 7.

However, the toothbrush 810 of the present invention also includes second bristle holders, such as, e.g. While it is desirable to locate the second bristle holders immediately adjacent the first bristle holders, it will be understood that there may be a gap between the first and second bristle holders. In addition, the space between the movable first and second bristle holders may be filled with fixed or fixed bristles embedded in the fixed or fixed bristle holders (not shown) forming part of a toothbrush head. In many embodiments of the improved toothbrush, the second bristle holders are movable and separately coupled by a drive shaft and driven by a drive shaft, such as drive shaft 820. The movable second bristle holders move in the direction and / or in a different and different manner from the direction and manner of rotation or hinge pivoting vibration movements described with reference to FIG. 1 - pos. 7 as used in the specific embodiment.

PL 199 093 B1

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second bristle holder 910 is movably mounted in grooves 912 of the toothbrush head 816 and is vibration driven longitudinally by movement of the first bristle holder 814. For example, the first bristle holder 814 includes a cam 914. The second bristle holder 910 includes a follower 916. The cam 914 and follower 916 are generally arranged in a push-pull relationship. Additionally, depending on the position of the first bristle holder 814, cam 914 and follower 916 can be placed in a connected relationship. Cam 914 and follower 916 may have formed protrusions on the first bristle holder 814 and the second bristle holder 910, respectively. Cam 914 and follower 916 are rigidly mounted to or in the first 814 and second 910 bristles. That is, cam 914 and follower 916 do not move significantly with respect to their respective bristle holders. Accordingly, cam 914 and follower 916 do not create additional moving parts.

As the toothbrush motor 819 of the invention rotates the drive shaft 820, a tooth at the distal end of drive shaft 820 (not shown, but may be similar to tooth 20 in Fig. 3) drives the first bristle holder 814 with a rotating vibration motion as described above in with reference to pos. 1 - pos. 7. During vibration or oscillation of the first bristle holder, the cam 914 contacts the surface of the second cam or follower 916 and drives the follower 916 and thereby the second bristle holder 910 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 818 of the head 816. As the drive shaft 918 is rotated, the first cam 914 disengages. from pusher 916. A resilient bias member, e.g. a spring 934, disposed or mounted between the wall of the head 816 and the surface of the second bristle holder 910, pushes the second bristle holder 910 back toward the first bristle holder 814. Such a forward and backward or up and down movement (relative to the drawing) is repeated (as the drive shaft 820 is continuously rotated, which provides a brushing movement different and complementary to the circular movement provided by the first bristle holder 814.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a second toothbrush 810 embodiment, the second bristle holder 1010 is movably mounted in the brush head 816 and driven to vibrate, pivot, oscillate, or pivot about a hinge or pivot 1014 by the first bristle holder 814. The second bristle holder 1010 is spaced longitudinally from the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1018 of the second bristle holder 1010 faces the first bristle holder 814. In the first side 1018, the second holder 1010 has a groove 1022. The pivot 1014 or hinge is offset from the center of the second bristle holder 1010. For example, pivot 1014 is located on the side opposite the first side 1018. A pin 1026 connects the first bristle holder 814 to the second bristle holder 1010. Preferably, pin 1026 is formed in one piece with the first bristle holder 814. Pin 1026 may also be rigidly mounted to or within the first carrier 814. That is, pin 1026 does not substantially move relative to the first bristle holder. Thus, the pin 1026 does not create an additional moving part. The pin 1026 fits into a groove 1022 in the second bristle holder 1010. The size of the groove 1022 allows the pin 1026 to slide and pivot relative to the groove and contact portions of the groove walls. As the toothbrush motor 819 810 rotates the drive shaft 820, a tooth (not shown but similar to tooth 20 in Fig. 3) at the distal end of the drive shaft 820, it drives the first bristle holder 814 by a vibrating rotation as described above with reference to FIG. 1 - pos. 7. As the first bristle holder 814 is rotated or oscillated, pin 1026 moves in an arc. As the pin 1026 arcs in the first direction, it engages the first wall of the groove 1022 and advances the first wall, and therefore the second bristle holder 1010, in the first direction. Since the movement of the second bristle holder 1010 is limited by pivot 1014 or a hinge, the second bristle holder 1010 pivots about pivot 1014 in a first direction. As drive shaft 820 continues to rotate, the first bristle holder 814 moves in the second direction. Accordingly, the pin 1026 arcs in the second direction. As the pin 1026 arcs in the second direction, it engages the second wall of the groove 1022 and moves the second wall, and therefore the second bristle holder 1010, in the second direction. Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by a hinge or pivot 1014, the second bristle holder 1010 pivots about the pivot in the second direction. Repeating this oscillating motion (while rotating drive shaft 818) produces a brushing motion complementary to that provided by the first bristle holder 814. For example, when the first bristle holder moves in a clockwise direction, the second bristle holder is deflected counterclockwise.

As shown in Fig. 4, in a third toothbrush embodiment 810, the second bristle holder 1110 is movably mounted in the brush head 816 and is vibrated to drive it.

Pivotally oscillating or pivoting about pivot 1114 by first bristle holder 814. The second bristle holder 1110 is offset in the longitudinal direction from the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1118 of the second bristle holder 1110 faces the first bristle holder 814. First side 1118 has a groove 1122. Pivot 1114 is centrally located in the second bristle holder. A pin 1126 connects the first holder 814 to the second holder 1110. Preferably, pin 1126 is formed integrally with the first bristle holder 814. Pin 1126 is rigidly mounted in the first bristle holder 814. That is, pin 1126 does not substantially move relative to first bristle holder 814. Thus, the pin 1126 does not constitute an additional movable part. Pin 1126 fits into groove 1122 in the second bristle holder 1110. The size of the groove 1122 allows the pin 1126 to slide and pivot relative to the groove and contact portions of the walls of the groove 1122. As the toothbrush motor 819 rotates the drive shaft 820, a tooth (not shown but similar to tooth 20 in Fig. 3) at the distal end the drive shaft 820 drives the first bristle holder by a vibrating or rotating motion as described above with reference to FIG. 1 - pos. 7. As the first bristle holder 814 is rotated or oscillated, associated pin 1126 moves in an arc. As the pin 1126 arcs in the first direction, it contacts the first wall of the groove 1122 and moves the first wall and thus the second bristle holder in the first direction. Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by pivot 1114 or a hinge, the second bristle holder 1110 pivots about pivot 1114 in a first direction. As drive shaft 820 continues to rotate, the first bristle holder moves in the second direction. Accordingly, pin 1126 moves in an arc in the other direction. As the pin 1126 arcs in the second direction, it contacts the second wall of the groove 1122 and advances the second wall and thus the second bristle holder 1110 in the second direction. Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by a hinge or pivot 1114, the second bristle holder 1110 pivots about the pivot in the second direction. Repeating such a rocking motion (while rotating drive shaft 820) produces a brushing motion complementary to that provided by the first bristle holder 814. For example, when the first bristle holder moves in a clockwise direction, the second bristle holder is deflected counterclockwise.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in a fourth toothbrush embodiment 810, the second bristle holder 1208 is movably mounted in the brush head 816 with a pivot 1210 seated on the centrally located transverse axis of the second bristle holder 1208. The second bristle holder 1208 is driven by a vibrating, twisting, or rocking motion through the first bristle holder 814. The second bristle holder 1208 is offset in the longitudinal direction from the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1218 of the second bristle holder 1208 faces the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1218 has a groove 1222. The groove extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 1224 of the second bristle holder 1208 and is angled to the plane defined by the base 1226 of the second bristle holder 1208. A pin 1326 connects the first bristle holder 814 to the second bristle holder 1208. Preferably, pin 1326 is formed in one piece with the first bristle holder 814. Pin 1326 is rigidly mounted in the first holder 814. That is, pin 1326 does not make significant movement relative to the first holder. Thus, the pin 1326 does not create an additional moving part. The pin 1326 fits into a groove 1222 in the second bristle holder 1208. The size of the groove 1222 allows the pin 1326 to slide pivotally relative to the groove and contact portions of the groove walls. As the toothbrush motor 819 810 rotates the drive shaft 820, a tooth (not shown, but similar to tooth 20 in Fig. 3) at the distal end of drive shaft 820 drives the first bristle holder 814 in an oscillating pivoting or pivoting motion as described above in relation to pos. 1 - pos. 7. As the first bristle holder 814 is rotated or vibrated, associated pin 1326 moves in an arc. As the pin 1326 arcs in the first direction, it engages the first or, for example, top groove wall 1222 and moves the first wall, so that the second bristle holder moves in the first or, for example, top (relative to the drawing) direction. Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by a hinge or pivot 1210, the second bristle holder 1110 pivots, rocks, or pivots about pivot 1210 in a first or direction, or upward, for example. As drive shaft 820 continues to rotate, the first bristle holder moves in the second direction. Accordingly, the pin 1326 arcs in the second direction. As the pin 1326 slides in an arc in the second direction, pin 1326 engages a second, e.g., lower (relative to the drawing) wall of groove 1222 and moves the second wall, and thus second, bristle holder 1208 in a second, e.g. ). Because the movement

The second bristle holder is defined by pivot 1210, and the second bristle holder 1208 pivots, pivots, or sways about pivot 1210 in the second direction. Repeating such an oscillating, pivoting, or rocking motion (while rotating drive shaft 820) produces a floss-like motion or deep clean motion that is distinct and complementary to the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814.

As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, in a fifth embodiment of a toothbrush 810 according to the invention, a second bristle holder 1408 is movably mounted in a brush head 816 with a joint 1410 seated on the transverse axis of a second bristle holder 1408 located at the proximal end 1412 of the second holder. 1410 bristles. The second bristle holder 1408 is driven by a vibrating, twisting, or rocking motion through the first bristle holder 814. The second bristle holder 1408 is offset in the longitudinal direction from the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1418 of the second bristle holder 1408 faces the first bristle holder 814. The first side 1418 includes a groove 1422. The groove extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 1424 of the second bristle holder 1408 and is angled to a plane defined by the base 1426 of the second bristle holder 1408. A pin 1526 connects the first bristle holder 814 to the second bristle holder 1408. Preferably, pin 1526 is formed integrally with the first bristle holder 814. Pin 1526 is mounted rigidly to or within the first holder 814. That is, pin 1526 does not make significant movement relative to the first bristle holder. Thus, the pin 1526 does not create an additional moving part. The pin 1326 fits into a groove 1422 in the second bristle holder 1208. The size of the groove 1422 allows the pin 1526 to slide and pivot relative to the groove and contact portions of the groove walls. As the toothbrush motor 819 of the present invention rotates drive shaft 820, a tooth (not shown, but similar to tooth 20 in Fig. 3) at the distal end of drive shaft 820 drives the first bristle holder 814 by rotating or vibrating as described above with reference to to pos. 1 - pos. 7. As the first bristle holder 814 is rotated or vibrated, associated pin 1526 moves in an arc. As pin 1526 arcs in the first direction, it engages the first or, for example, top groove wall 1222 and moves the first wall, and therefore the second, bristle holder in a first direction, for example, upward (relative to the drawing). Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by pivot 1410 or a hinge, the second bristle holder 1110 pivots to orbit pivot 1410 in a first direction, such as upward. As drive shaft 820 continues to rotate, the first bristle holder moves in the second direction. Accordingly, pin 1526 arcs in the second direction. As pin 1526 arcs in the second direction, pin 1326 engages a second, e.g., lower (relative to the drawing) groove wall 1422 and moves the second wall, and thus second, bristle holder 1408 in a second direction, for example downward. Since the movement of the second bristle holder is limited by pivot 1410, the second bristle holder 1408 pivots about pivot 1410 in the second direction. Repeating such a rocking or orbiting motion (while rotating drive shaft 820) produces a floss-like motion or deep clean motion that is distinct and complementary to the motion provided by first bristle holder 814.

While embodiments of the present invention are illustrated for simplicity with bristles extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 818 and the surface of the bristle holders, it is understood that the bristles may be positioned differently to further better complement the movements of the first and second holders. As shown for example in Fig. 9, some or all of the bristles may protrude in a direction forming an acute angle 1608 with the bristle holder surface 1606, and may be sloped toward or away from the handle, as for example shown for bristles 1610 and 1614, respectively. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment where some bristle elements extend out of the head in a different direction, also forming an acute angle 1708 with respect to the bristle holder surface, as shown for example with bristles 1710 and 1714.

Massage bristles or variable height bristles may also be used, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 330,286 and No. 434,563. Other preferred bristle patterns may be used, as disclosed in all or part of US Patent Nos. 6,006,394; No. 4,081,876; No. 5,046,213; 5,335,389; No. 5,392,483; No. 5,446,940; No. 4,894,880 and International Application Publication WO 99/23910; the essence of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The examples given are described using certain words and phrases to express certain movements. The movement can be either constant or vibrating. An example of constant motion is simple rotation, where the element angularly moves in one direction (e.g. a bristle holder that only turns clockwise or turns clockwise).

(Clockwise around a conical envelope) or performs a translational movement in one direction. Vibration is any periodic movement that has repetitive cycles. The vibratory motion can have one or more frequencies and amplitudes. A vibratory motion that is essentially a linear motion is called a reciprocating motion. The reciprocating movement may occur in multiple directions, e.g. substantially horizontal, substantially vertical (i.e. lifting or pulsating movement) and their connections. A vibratory motion which is essentially rotational in nature is referred to as an oscillating motion or a swing motion.

As most movements may be complex in nature (e.g. may contain elements of other types of movement) the use of the terms described above may include other movements, if not stated separately (e.g. only reciprocating movement) in addition to the basic or principal movement described by the term. . Thus, for example, a motion described herein as reciprocating may include other vibratory or constant motion, even though the principal motion is inherently reciprocating motion.

The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. Modifications and variations will be obvious upon reading and understanding this description. For example, while the first bristle holders are described and illustrated adjacent to the distal end of the toothbrush and the second bristle holders are positioned proximate, both holders may be repositioned. For example, the first or driven bristle holders may be located closer, while the second or follower holders may be located further away from or near the distal end of the brush. While the pins are described as being molded in one piece with the first bristle holder, they may be separate and then attached to the holder. It is understood that all such modifications and variations are included insofar as they fall within the scope of their equivalents.

While the above-described drive shaft system 820 is preferred, other drive shaft designs may be used in the toothbrush of the present invention. For example, the system disclosed in US Patent No. 5,732,432, the essence of which is given herein for information, can be used to introduce mechanical shaft misalignment and mechanical deformation in use. Moreover, the head 816 may be made to be easily detachable from the handle 817. This can be achieved using the connection arrangements for the drive shaft 820 and the head body portion 817. Such arrangements are known in the art. For example, portions of the handle and head may have mating grooves, resilient latches, and projections and / or tabs and locating or fixing grooves. The shaft may be divided into two sections and each section may include a fastener. For example, the connection can be made in a keyway arrangement. For example, fasteners may include mating internal and external splines attached to the respective ends of a shaft as shown in US Patent No. 5,617,601, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Moreover, the groove in the second holder may be replaced with a skew cam as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,764,743, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.