Patent ID: 7987544
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A power toothbrush, comprising: a brushhead assembly, the brushhead assembly including a mounting shaft on which is positioned a brush bristle unit for brushing teeth and a force conversion assembly adapted and arranged to convert a driving force into a movement of the mounting shaft to move the bristle unit to accomplish cleansing of the teeth, wherein the force conversion assembly comprises a combination of a spring assembly which is responsive to a driving force to move the mounting shaft, and a carrier assembly which engages the receiving portion of the handle; a handle to which the brushhead assembly is removably attached, the handle having a fixed receiving portion, which includes an upper hollow portion into which a lower part of the force conversion assembly fits; and an attachment system which includes a first connection arrangement comprising a part on the hollow portion of the fixed receiving portion and a corresponding mating part on the force conversion assembly for positively preventing rotational movement of the brushhead assembly relative to the handle; wherein the force conversion assembly further includes at least one engaging member which, when the brushhead assembly is operatively positioned in the receiving portion, extends at least partially into an opening in the receiving portion of the handle, which positively prevents translational movement of the brushhead assembly relative to the handle during operation of the toothbrush, wherein the attachment system is configured and arranged such that the brushhead assembly is removed from the handle or inserted into the handle linearly, directly toward and away from the handle, without rotation of the brushhead assembly being necessary to tighten the brushhead assembly onto the handle or loosen it therefrom.