Abstract:
A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention generally relates to powered toothbrushes. More particularly, the invention relates to an electric or sonic toothbrush that includes a handle and a detachable head. Specifically, the invention relates to a head for a powered toothbrush that includes replaceable accessory assemblies which are each selectively engageable and lockable with the head to perform a different dental hygiene task. 
     2. Background Information 
     Research is showing that dental hygiene contributes more to a person&#39;s health than just simply keeping their teeth looking good. Poor dental habits may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of stroke, may play a role in low birth weight in babies, and pose serious health risks to people with diabetes. 
     Dental hygiene includes more than just brushing teeth. Flossing regularly, stimulating the gums, cleaning the tongue and other such dental habits all aid in keeping a person&#39;s teeth as healthy as possible. 
     There are a variety of different implements that a person can use to care for their teeth. These implements tend to be manually operable. For example, floss is a thin ribbon of plastic or nylon that is cut to a desired length and then positioned between a pair of adjacent teeth. The floss is manually scraped up and down along the sides of the teeth in order to remove food or dental plaque from between the teeth. Alternatively, the user can utilize a floss pick to floss between their teeth. A floss pick is an implement that includes a U-shaped head with a length of floss disposed between the tips of the arms on the head. The head is inserted into the mouth in such a way that the floss is gently inserted between the teeth. The handle of the floss pick is then manually manipulated so that the floss scrapes along the sides of the teeth. 
     In a similar fashion, a person may utilize an interdental or interproximal brush or an end-tufted brush to remove food and dental plaque from between the teeth. These types of brushes include a head with a small pointed-tip brush. The user positions the brush so that the bristles are disposed in the appropriate location between a pair of adjacent teeth and then the brush handle is manipulated to move the interdental brush up and down and in and out to remove the food or plaque between the teeth. 
     Gum stimulators are tools that comprise a handle with a rubber tip at one end. The rubber tip is placed in contact with the tooth and the user then manually moves the handle of the stimulator so that the tip is moved in circles on the surface of the tooth. The tip is also moved back-and-forth along the gum line. This device aids in removing plaque and food particles but also stimulates and massages the gum, bringing increased blood flow to the same. 
     While all of these implements work adequately, there is still a need in the art for an improved device that enables a user to more quickly and efficiently floss and brush the teeth, and more easily stimulate the gums to promote improved oral health. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The device of the present invention is a replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head, which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly. 
     The head, handle, and a plurality of accessory assemblies may be sold as a kit for undertaking several dental hygiene tasks. The accessory assemblies include, but are not limited to a floss pick, a gum stimulator, an interdental brush and a tongue scraper. The kit allows the user to more rapidly and efficiently perform a variety of powered dental hygiene tasks. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sonic toothbrush in accordance with the present invention and showing a first accessory head attached thereto, where the accessory head is a flossing head; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the sonic brush in accordance with the present invention, showing the head disengaged from the handle and the replaceable flossing attachment disengaged from the head; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the sonic brush in accordance with the present invention, showing the head in an initial engagement position with the handle, and showing the flossing attachment locked to the head; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the sonic brush, showing the head disengaged from the handle and the replaceable flossing attachment engaged with the head but not locked thereto; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the sonic brush, showing the head initially engaged with the handle but not yet locked thereto; and the flossing attachment engaged with the head but not yet locked thereto; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the sonic brush with the head in an engaged position with the handle but not yet locked thereto; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the head shown in the engaged but not yet locked position; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the head taken through line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 1 , and showing the head in the engaged but not yet locked position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of the sonic brush with the head locked to the handle and the flossing attachment locked to the head; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the sonic brush, where the head has been rotated in the locked position with the handle; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the sonic brush of  FIG. 1 , showing the floss attachment button in the locked position; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the sonic brush of  FIG. 1 , showing the floss attachment button in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the sonic brush, showing the floss attachment button being engaged to detach the floss attachment from the head; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the sonic brush of the present invention, showing a second accessory head attached thereto, where the accessory head is a gum stimulator head; 
         FIG. 15  is cross-sectional side view of a top end of the sonic brush with the head detached from the handle and the accessory head detached from the head; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the sonic brush of the present invention, showing a third accessory head attached thereto, where the accessory head is an interdental brush; and 
         FIG. 17  is a front plan view of a dental hygiene kit that includes a handle, a detachable head, and a plurality of different accessory assemblies for performing different dental hygiene tasks. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-13  there is shown a sonic toothbrush in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at  20 . Brush  20  comprises a handle  22  and an accessory head  24 . 
     Handle  22  has a top end  22   a , a bottom end  22   b , a front face  22   c  and a rear face  22   d . Handle  22  defines an interior cavity  26  that preferably houses a power source, such as one or more batteries  28 . An activation button  30  is provided in front face  22   c  of handle  22 . Button  30  is depressed to switch the brush on and off. 
     An attachment member  32  ( FIG. 2 ) extends outwardly from top end  22   a  of handle  22 . Attachment member  32  has a top end  32   a , a bottom end  32   b  ( FIG. 3 ), a front face  32   c  and a rear face  32   d . Attachment member  32  tapers from proximate bottom end  32   b  toward top end  32   a  thereof. A first lock member  34  ( FIG. 2 ) extends outwardly from front face  32   c  of attachment member  32  and a second look member  35  extends outwardly from rear face  32   d  thereof. First and second lock members  34 ,  35  are therefore opposed to each other. First and second lock members  34 ,  35  are spaced a distance from the bottom end  32   b  of attachment member  32  such that a recessed region  36  is defined between lock members  34 ,  35  and top end  22   a  of handle  22 . Lock members  34 ,  35  are provided to enable head  24  to be secured to handle  22  bayonet-style, by requiring the rotation of the head  24  through approximately a ¼ turn relative to the handle  24  as will be hereinafter described. 
       FIG. 8  shows that lock member  34  is of different dimensions to larger than lock member  35 . The difference in size ensures that head  24  can only engage with handle  22  in one orientation. (It will be understood that, alternatively, lock member  34  could be smaller than lock member  35  without departing from the spirit of the present invention.) 
     Although not shown in detail herein, attachment member  32  includes a motor, a drive shaft and any suitable mechanism  33  ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 9 ) for generating a vibration in the head  24  of brush  20 . The vibratory mechanism  33  may be designed to vibrate any portion of head  24 , but most particularly, is suitable for generating a vibration in any one of a number of dental accessory assemblies as will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the vibratory mechanism  33  is one that will vibrate in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 2 ) of brush  20 . In other words, the vibratory mechanism vibrates  33  in an up and down motion as indicated by the arrows “A” shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Head  24  has a top end  24   a , a bottom end  24   b , a front face  24   c  and a back face  24   d . Head  24  defines an interior bore  38  that is complementary in shape to attachment member  32 . Bore  38  is wider proximate bottom end  24   b  of head  24  and tapers toward top end  24   a  thereof. The interior surface of the exterior wall of head  24  defines an annular lock member  40  proximate bottom end  24   b  thereof. A first recess  42  is provided in the interior surface adjacent lock member  40  and is complementary in size to first lock member  34 . A second recess  44  is provided in the interior surface opposite first recess  42 . Second recess  44  is complementary in size and location to second lock member  35 . Lock member  40  is complementary to recess  36  on attachment member  32 . It will be understood that the first and second lock members  34 ,  35  and first and second recesses  42 ,  44  could be located in other positions on the exterior surface of attachment member  32  and interior surface of head  24  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Additionally, first and second lock members  34 ,  35  and the associated first and second recesses  42 ,  44 , do not have to be situated opposite each other but could merely be positioned a distance apart from each other. However, the opposed positions are favored because, when engaged, they will lock head  24  and handle  22  together more uniformly. Furthermore, it will be understood that the first and second lock members could be provided on the interior surface of head  24  and the first and second recesses could be provided on the exterior surface of handle  22  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a slot  46  ( FIG. 2 ) is defined in top end  24   a  of head  24 . Slot  46  is oriented substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of head  24  and handle  22 . A channel  48  is defined in top end  24   a  of head. Channel  48  is a narrowed region of interior bore  38  and is disposed generally aligned with longitudinal axis “Y”. Channel  48  intersects slot  46  and extends for a short distance beyond an uppermost region of slot  46 . Rear face  24   d  of head  24  further defines an aperture  50  therein. Aperture  50  is spaced a distance downwardly from top end  24   a  but is positioned closer to top end  24   a  than bottom end  24   b  of head  24 . 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a locking assembly  52  is positioned in interior bore  38  of head  24  proximate top end  24   a  thereof. Locking assembly  52  comprises a base  54  and a locking pin  56 . Base  54  defines a longitudinally aligned cavity  58  that is complementary shaped and sized to receive top end  32   a  of attachment member  32  therein. Lock pin  56  is complementary sized to be received through channel  48 . Base  54  further includes a flexible member  60  that has a foot  62  on a free end thereof. Locking assembly  52  is reciprocally slidable in interior bore  38 . When locking assembly  52  slides upwardly to a sufficient degree such that top end  32   a  of attachment member  32  is retained within cavity  58  of locking assembly  52 , then foot  62  extends at least partially outwardly through aperture  50  in rear face  24   d  of head  24 . 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a removable dental accessory assembly  64  is provided and is engageable with head  24  preferably proximate top end  24   a  thereof.  FIGS. 1-13  illustrate the accessory assembly  64  as a floss hoop, which will hereafter be referred to by the reference character  64 . Floss hoop  64  includes a base  66  and a U-shaped floss holder  68  comprising first and second arms  70 ,  72 . At least a portion of base  66  is complementary to slot  46  in head  24 . The portion of the base  66  receivable in slot  46  also defines a hole  74  therein. When base  66  is inserted into slot  46 , hole  74  is positioned to be aligned with channel  48  and is sized to receive locking pin  56  there through. Floss hoop  64  includes a length of dental floss  76 . 
     Brush  20  is assembled and used in the following manner. It should be understood that dental accessory assembly  64  may be engaged with head  24  prior to head  24  being engaged with handle  22 , or head  24  may be engaged with handle  22  and then dental accessory assembly  64  may be engaged with head  24 . The following description will follow the first scenario. 
     The user selects floss hoop  64  and inserts a portion of base  66  into slot  46  in the manner indicated by arrow “B” in  FIG. 2 . When the end  66   a  of base  66  abuts the interior wall  46   a  of slot  46 , then hole  74  in base  66  is aligned with channel  48 . At this point, floss hoop  64  is engaged with head  24  but is not locked thereto. 
     The user positions head  24  and handle  22  in the manner indicated in  FIG. 3  so that front face  22   c  of handle  22  and front face  24   c  of head  24  are offset relative to each other. Top end  32  of attachment member  32  is introduced into interior bore  38  of head  24  ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 ) and handle  22  is moved relative to head  24  so that top end  32   a  advances through bore  38  in the direction of arrow “C” ( FIG. 4 ). The movement is continued until top end  32   a  of attachment member  32  slides into cavity  58  of locking assembly  52  ( FIG. 5 ). The continued upward movement of attachment member  32  causes locking assembly  52  to slide within bore  38  in the direction of arrow “C” ( FIG. 5 ). The upward motion of locking assembly  52  slides locking pin  56  through channel  48  and into the hole  74  in base  66  of floss hoop  64 . The engagement of locking pin  56  in hole  74  locks floss hoop  64  to head  24  but this locked condition is only attained when head  24  is locked to handle  22 . Before head  24  and handle  22  are locked together, first and second lock members  34  and  35  are not engaged in first and second recesses  42 ,  44  and a gap  78  exists between bottom end  24   b  of head  24  and top end  22   a  of handle  22  ( FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 ).  FIGS. 7 &amp; 8  illustrate the top and bottom views of brush  20  when handle  22  and head  24  are engaged but not locked together. In these figures, the lines “Z” represents a position that is aligned with activation button  30  on front face  22   c  of handle  22 . Line “T” represents a position that is about forty-five degrees out of alignment with line “Z”.  FIG. 8  shows how first and second lock members  34 ,  35  are misaligned with the respective first and second recesses  42 ,  44 . The user then rotates one of head  24  and handle  22  relative to the other, as indicated by the arrow “E”, so that first and second lock members  34 ,  35  slide into first and second recesses  42 ,  44 . The gap between head  24  and handle  22  is closed ( FIG. 9 ) and the bottom end  24   b  of head  24  abuts the top end  22   a  of handle  22 . Furthermore, activation button  30  is aligned with the centerline of floss hoop  64  along line “Z” ( FIG. 10 ). 
     When head  24  and handle  22  are locked together, the foot  62  of locking assembly  52  protrudes through aperture  50  in rear face  24   d  of head  24  and is in the position shown in  FIG. 11 . Because attachment member  32  is engaged in cavity  58  of locking assembly  52 , locking assembly  52  is maintained in this locked position and foot  62  cannot be moved downwardly because the attachment member  32  is maintaining the position of locking assembly  52  in bore  38  of head  24 . This ensures that dental accessory assembly  64  cannot accidentally become detached from head. 
     The user is then able to use floss hoop  64  to floss their teeth. This is accomplished by angling brush  20  to insert floss  76  between two adjacent teeth. The activation button  30  is depressed and the vibratory action generator by the vibration mechanism in the handle  22  causes an up and down motion in the floss  76 . Because of the extremely rapid vibration generated by the sonic brush  20 , the vibratory movement in floss  76  more efficiently removes food and plaque from the teeth than previously known devices. 
     When it is time to replace head  24 , the user simply reverses the order of steps listed above, they rotate head  24  in the opposite direction to remove first and second lock members  34 ,  35  from first and second recesses  42 ,  44  and then pull handle  22  in the opposite direction to arrow “C” to withdrawn attachment member  32  from bore  38  of head  24 . A different head (not shown) may then be attached to handle  22 . 
     The user may simply want to replace floss hoop  64 . This cannot be done while head  24  is still locked with handle  22 . Handle  24  must at least be unlocked from handle  22  so that attachment member  32  does not retain locking assembly  52  in the locked position.  FIGS. 11-13  show foot  62  of locking assembly extending slightly outwardly from aperture  50  in rear face  24   d  of head  24 . Using a finger, the user pushes foot  22  downwardly, thereby moving foot  67  from the position shown in  FIG. 11  to the position shown in  FIG. 12 . The downward movement of foot  62 , represented by arrow “F” in  FIG. 13 , slides locking pin  56  out of aperture  76  in base  66  of accessory assembly  64  and through at least a portion of channel  48 . This movement breaks the locking connection between accessory assembly  64  and head  24 . A new accessory (not shown) may then be inserted into bore  66  and locked into place in the manner previously described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , other dental accessory assemblies may be engaged with the head  24  of sonic brush  20 .  FIG. 14  shows a second dental accessory engaged with head  24 , namely, a gum stimulator  164 . Gum stimulator  164  includes a base  166  ( FIG. 15 ) having a rubber tip  168  extending outwardly therefrom. Base  166  defines a hole  174  therein that is configured to receive the locking pin  56  of locking assembly  52  therein. The method of engaging and removing gum stimulator  164  is substantially identical to the method of engaging and removing floss hoop  64 . When activated, the vibratory mechanism in brush  20  will cause gum stimulator  164  to vibrate up and down rapidly and, when brought into contact with the teeth and gums, will cause food particles and dental plaque to be removed therefrom. 
     In a similar fashion, yet another dental accessory, an interdental cleaning brush  264  ( FIG. 16 ) may be engaged with head  24  and removed therefrom in substantially the same manner as both floss hoop  64  and gum stimulator  164 . Cleaning brush  264  includes a base  266  and a plurality of bristles that are configured to form a tip  268 .  FIG. 17  illustrates that cleaning brush  264  also defines a hole  274  for receiving the locking pin  56  of locking assembly  52  therein. Once again, when the vibratory mechanism is activated, the cleaning brush  264  will vibrate and when tip  268  is positioned between a pair of adjacent teeth, the bristles thereof will cause food particles and dental plaque to be removed from between the teeth and from any surfaces on the teeth which are contacted by the bristles thereof. 
     Any other type of dental accessory assembly may be engaged and locked into place on head  24  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These other dental accessory assemblies could include any type of brush head for removing food and plaque from teeth. Additionally, implements for scraping the tongue could also be provided. Any other such dental accessory assemblies will include a base, such as base  66 , that may be received and locked into slot  46  in head  24 . 
     As will be evident from the above, the various different dental accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 ,  264  may be quickly and easily attached or detached from head  24  so that a user may interchangeably engage the accessory assemblies with the brush and thereby utilize the additional benefit of having that dental accessory vibrated at high speed to remove food and plaque from their teeth. Furthermore, the ease with which the accessory assemblies are connected and disconnected makes it simple to replace the accessory assemblies when they are worn. Additionally, when the accessory assemblies are locked into head  24  by locking pin  56 , they cannot be accidentally dislodged, thus aiding in ensuring that the accessory assemblies themselves do not become detached from head  24  during powered flossing or gum stimulation, for example. 
     It should be noted that while the head may be engaged and locked on the handle without the dental accessory being engaged therewith, it is not possible to engage and lock the dental accessory assemblies to the head without also locking the head to the handle. The reason for this is simply that the locking mechanism for the dental accessory is driven from its unlocked position ( FIG. 4 ) to its locked position ( FIG. 9 ) by the attachment member  32  of handle  22 . So, unless the attachment member  32  is used to lock the head and handle together, there is no component available to lock the dental accessory in place. 
     It will be understood that while the dental accessory assemblies  64 ,  164  and  264  have been illustrated as mounted substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of brush  20 , other mounting locations and orientations could be utilized depending on the type of vibratory mechanism used in brush  20  and the orientation that the dental accessory is best used in the mouth. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17  there is shown a dental care kit  80  that includes handle  22 , head  24 , and one or more dental care accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 , and  264 . As previously described herein, handle  22  includes an attachment member  32  and head  24  is configured to be complementary to attachment member  32  and is engageable therewith. Furthermore, as previously described, head  24  is engaged with handle  22  via attachment member  32  but is not locked thereto until head  24  is rotated through a distance such as a quarter turn. The user is provided with one, two, three or more dental care accessories  64 ,  164 ,  264  that are separately and individually selected to be engaged with head  24  so that the user may perform a desired particular type of oral hygiene. So, the user may select the floss pick  64 , the gum stimulator  164 , or the interdental brush  264 , or any other suitable accessory, and then engage that selected accessory assembly with head  24 . 
     As previously describe herein, each accessory assembly  64 ,  164 ,  264  includes a respective base  66 ,  166  or  266  that is receivable in a connector port or slot  46  in head  22 . At this point, the accessory assembly is merely engaged with the head  22 . It is only when the head  24  is physically locked to the handle  22  by rotating it a quarter turn so that first and second lock members  34 ,  35  enter first and second recesses  42 ,  44  that the accessory assembly  64 ,  164 ,  166  becomes locked to the head  24 . This, of course, occurs when the top end  32   a  of attachment member  32  enters into cavity  58  of locking mechanism  52  and slides the same through bore  38  of head  24 , driving locking pin  56  into the aperture in base  66 ,  166  or  266  of the then engaged one of the accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 ,  264 . The locking of head  24  to handle  22  therefore simultaneously results in the locking of the selected one of the accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 ,  264  to the head  24 . The locking of the selected accessory assembly  64 ,  164 ,  264  to head  24  only occurs when the head  24  is locked to the handle  22 . 
     Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that in addition to the kit  80  including more than one accessory assembly  64 ,  164 ,  264 , it is also possible to include more than one head  24 . Then the user will select one of the plurality of heads  24  and then select one of the accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 ,  264  for engagement with the first head and another of the accessory assemblies for engagement with the second head. 
     Accordingly, brush  20  may be used to perform one or more of a selected group of dental hygiene tasks. The method includes the steps of:
         selecting one of a plurality of dental accessory assemblies  64 ,  164 ,  264  based on a first one of the dental hygiene tasks;   engaging the selected accessory assembly with a head  24  of a powered toothbrush  20 ;   engaging the head  24  with a handle  22  that includes a power source and a vibratory mechanism;   locking the head  24  to the handle  22  and thereby locking the selected accessory assembly  64 ,  164 ,  264  to the head  22 ;   positioning the selected accessory assembly adjacent the teeth and gums; and   activating the vibratory mechanism to impart vibratory motion to the selected accessory assembly.       

     The method may further include the steps of:
         detaching the head from the handle;   detaching the first selected assembly accessory from engagement with the head;   selecting a second one of the plurality of dental care accessory assemblies;   engaging the second selected accessory assembly with the head;   engaging the head with the handle;   locking the head to the handle and thereby locking the second selected accessory assembly to the head;   positioning the second selected accessory assembly adjacent the teeth and gums; and   activating the vibratory mechanism to impart vibratory motion to the second selected accessory assembly so as to perform a second dental hygiene task.       

     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.