Patent Publication Number: US-2006000036-A1

Title: Toothbrush having a movable upstanding cleaning element

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/260,584, filed Sep. 27, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to powered toothbrushes, and more particularly, to a toothbrush having a head with two distinct moving sections that each provides oral health benefits to the user.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Toothbrushes provide many oral hygiene benefits. For example, toothbrushes remove plaque and food debris to help avoid tooth decay and disease. They remove stained pellicle from the surface of each tooth to help whiten the teeth. Also, the bristles combined with the brushing motion massage the gingival tissue for stimulation and increased health of the tissue.  
      Powered toothbrushes have been available for some time. Powered toothbrushes have advantages over manual (non-powered) toothbrushes in that they impart movement to the bristles at much higher speeds than possible manually. They also may impart different types and directions of motion. These motions, generally in combination with manual movement of toothbrush by the user, provide superior cleaning than manual toothbrushes. Typically, powered toothbrushes are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that in turn drives a toothbrush head.  
      Known powered toothbrushes include a brush head with a bristle carrier portion that rotates, oscillates or vibrates in some manner so as to clean the teeth. The bristles, which typically comprise bristle tufts, are generally uniform with one end fixed into the bristle carrier portion and the other end free to contact the surface of the teeth while brushing. The free ends of the various tufts present a surface envelope that is capable of some deformation when the bristles bend. When in contact with the surface to be brushed, the bristles may deform so that the surface envelope tends to conform to the complex surface of the teeth. Human teeth generally lie in a “C” shaped curve within the upper and lower jaw, and each row of teeth consequently has a convex outer curve and a concave inner curve. Individual teeth often have extremely complex surfaces, with areas that may be flat, concave, or convex. The more precise conformation between the bristles and the tooth surface, the more effective toothbrush may be in cleaning, whitening and/or stimulating.  
      Known powered toothbrushes typically arrange the bristles in a compact conical or cylindrical pattern on a generally circular, disk-shaped bristle carrier. The powered toothbrush heads are traditionally compact, generally oval in shape, and the heads are produced with a flat trimmed bristle pattern. Alternatively, other head shapes and bristle patterns are available.  
      One example of a powered toothbrush is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The toothbrush shown in McDougall has a disc-shaped bristle carrier. The bristle carrier, and thus the bristles, are driven in a vibrating or oscillating manner. This type of toothbrush is described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C . A toothbrush  5  includes a handle portion  10  at a proximal end of toothbrush  5  and a head  11  at a distal end of toothbrush  5 . Handle portion  10  has compartments for containing a powered motor  14  and batteries  15  and  16 . Head  11  includes a generally circular bristle holder (carrier)  13 . A rotatable shaft  12  extends from the motor  14  to head  11 . A shaft coupling  17  may be located along the shaft  12  and configured to provide for the shaft  12  to be separated at a point between the motor  14  and head  11 . This permits the shaft to be removed from toothbrush  5 , e.g., for cleaning, servicing, or replacement.  
      Head  11  includes a post  18  that provides a rotational pivot axis for the bristle holder  13  containing bristle tufts  19 . The distal end of the shaft  12  has a journal or offset  20  that is radially displaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft  12 , which may be integrally formed therewith. The bristle holder  13  has a slot  22  that receives the offset  20 . The offset  20  and slot  22  are configured so as to be oriented toward the intersection of the shaft  12  axis and the longitudinal axis of the post  18 . When the motor  14  rotates the shaft  12 , the motion of the offset  20  defines a circle about the shaft  12  axis and drivingly engages slot  22  such that the bristle holder  13  vibrates or oscillates about the post  18  axis through a rotational angle A. The rotational angle A is defined by the displacement of the offset  20  from the shaft  12  axis relative to the diameter of the bristle holder  13 .  
      Although powered toothbrushes such as those described immediately above provide advantages over manual toothbrushes, they are subject to various limitations. Providing a rotating or oscillating bristle holder (carrier) with a typical oblong or oval toothbrush head constrains the size of the moving bristle holder, and consequently the area of bristles available for teeth cleaning. Also, when the bristles are placed in contact with the teeth during brushing, there is less bristle contact with adjacent areas, such as the gums. Thus, while these compact bristle patterns provide for cleaning, there is minimal whitening and stimulation.  
      One attempt to overcome the limitations associated with a small powered bristle area is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083 to Blaustein et al. The toothbrush in Blaustein et al. has a bristle area and pattern similar to a manual toothbrush, but an area of the bristles has simply been replaced by a powered bristle section. The result is that head has a powered or moving bristle section and a static bristle section. The limitation of Blaustein et al. is that the static bristle section provides no better cleaning, whitening or stimulation than a manual toothbrush.  
      International Application No. PCT/EP01/07615 of Braun GmbH discloses a powered toothbrush with two separate bristle parts that can move. Each bristle part can have a different range and/or type of motion. However, only one bristle part is powered. The other unpowered bristle part moves due to a resonance effect imparted by the frequency of the movement of the first bristle part.  
      This free resonance causes a number of difficulties. First, because any contact between the bristle parts will dampen or cancel any resonance of the unpowered bristle part, the unpowered bristle part “floats” separately from the powered bristle part. This necessitates separation or gaps between them. These gaps expose the internal workings of the head to foreign matter such as water, saliva, toothpaste, and food particles. This foreign matter may interfere with the workings of the unpowered bristle head. For example, the unpowered bristle part is spring-loaded to assist its resonance. Foreign matter may accumulate on or around the spring, interfering with its function. In addition, food particles may remain in the head and may fester and host microorganisms, which are undesirable if not potentially harmful when introduced directly into the mouth.  
      Another limitation of such a design is that movement of the unpowered bristle part may be damped by contact with the teeth, or lessened when the frequency of the powered part shifts from the resonance frequency. This can occur due to pressure imparted against the powered bristle part by the teeth or gums during brushing. Finally, the energy imparted to the unpowered bristle part is only a portion of the energy input into the powered part. Therefore, the unpowered bristle part is less effective in cleaning than the powered part, limiting the overall effectiveness of toothbrush.  
      Thus, there is a need in the art for a powered toothbrush with increased effectiveness through a larger area of powered or driven bristles or bristles that are otherwise movable. There is also a need for a toothbrush having increased whitening and/or stimulation than known toothbrushes. There is further a need for such improved toothbrushes to be comparable in manufacturing and purchasing costs as known powered toothbrushes.  
     SUMMARY  
      A powered toothbrush is provided that includes a handle portion at a proximal end and either a fixed head or a linkage for receiving a removable head at a distal end thereof. A neck is further formed between the handle portion and the head. According to one embodiment of the invention, the head includes two movable parts that each and together provide oral health benefits. The movable parts are adapted to have a number of bristles and/or elastomeric cleaning members extending therefrom for contacting oral features such as one or more teeth and surrounding areas. The powered toothbrush is further formed with a drive mechanism that imparts movement to the first movable part to deliver one or more beneficial actions such as cleaning, polishing, and/or whitening actions that supplement the cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush. The second movable part may also be movable to deliver further beneficial actions and/or to enhance the benefits provided by the first movable part. In addition, the first movable part may impart movement to the second movable part or the second movable part may be independently driven.  
      In one embodiment, the first movable head part is a first bristle carrier that supports a number of bristle tufts, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof. The first bristle carrier is operatively mounted to the head and is coupled to the drive mechanism such that the first bristle carrier oscillates back and forth in a direction parallel to the toothbrush head. Preferably, the oscillating first bristle carrier is moved back and forth in a rotational direction. The second movable part is in the form of a second carrier that is coupled to the head and includes an upstanding elastomeric element disposed along an upper surface thereof.  
      Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a front partial cross-sectional view of a conventional powered toothbrush including a head.  
       FIG. 1B  is a partial side cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 1C  is a partial front cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a powered toothbrush according to one embodiment of the invention showing a toothbrush head having distinct first and second movable sections constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a powered toothbrush head according to another embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 3 .  
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are front views of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 3  in various positions generated when in motion.  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective exploded view of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 6 .  
       FIGS. 8A-8B  are front views of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 6  in various positions generated when in motion.  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective exploded cut-away view of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 10 .  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a first configuration and adapted for use in a toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a second configuration and adapted for use in a toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a third configuration and adapted for use in a toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 15D  is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a fourth configuration and adapted for use in a toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 15E  is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care element having a fifth configuration and adapted for use in a toothbrush head constructed in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 17  is a front view of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 18  is a rear view of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 19  is a side view of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 20  is front view of an upstanding elastomeric wall of  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 22  is a front view of the powered toothbrush head of  FIG. 21 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The invention will be described in the general context of a powered toothbrush and head portions of a powered toothbrush. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other oral care implements and devices, including tongue-cleanser devices, professional dental equipment, and the like. In addition, aspects and features of the powered toothbrushes and head portions described herein may be practiced in various combinations forming a variety of embodiments of the invention.  
      Referring first to  FIG. 2 , a powered toothbrush according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated and generally indicated at  100 . Toothbrush  100  includes a handle  102  at a proximal end thereof that defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housing various toothbrush components, and a brush section  104  that is defined by a neck  110  that terminates in a head  120  at a distal end of toothbrush  100 . Handle  102  has a free proximal end  108  and an opposite neck end  106 . Neck  110  generally includes a first end  1114  and a second end  116  with first end  114  being located at neck end  106  of handle  102  and the second end  116  being located at head  120 . In other words, neck  110  is the portion of toothbrush  100  that extends between handle  102  and head  120 . Neck  110  also defines an interior compartment (not shown) for housing various working components of toothbrush  100 . Head  120  is preferably generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of toothbrush  100 .  
      Neck  110  and handle  102  may be constructed as a unitary member by forming neck  110  integral to handle  102  at neck end  106  of handle  102 , or may be formed detachable from handle  102  at neck end  106  of neck  110 . In accordance with this detachable embodiment, the combined neck  110  and head  120  can be removed from handle  102  to permit cleaning, servicing and/or interchanging of either handle  102  or the combined neck  110  and head  120  (brush section  104 ). When neck  110  is formed to be detachable from handle  102 , first neck end  114  preferably includes a connector linkage (not illustrated) that is adapted to be detachably joined to handle  102  using traditional techniques. It will also be appreciated that the point of detachment may be between head  120  and neck  110  such that head  120  is of a refill head type. Furthermore, head  120  is formed of a first bristle carrier  121  and a second bristle carrier  122 .  
      It will further be appreciated that the illustrated shapes of handle  102  and neck  110  are merely exemplary in nature and handle  102  and/or neck  110  can be formed to have any number of shapes. Preferably, the shapes of handle  102  and neck  110  are ergonomically pleasing to a user of toothbrush  100  and provide a toothbrush that is easily gripped and held and easily manipulated by the user. For example, handle  102  may include slightly recessed finger sections  118  which are formed on opposite sides of handle  102 . One recessed finger section  118  is designed to receive the thumb of one hand and the other recessed finger section  118  is designed to receive one or more other fingers of the same hand to thereby assist the user in proper placement of toothbrush  100  in the user&#39;s hand. One or more of recessed finger sections  118  may include ribs or another type of roughened surface to assist the user in gripping toothbrush  100  at recessed finger sections  118 .  
      Referring next to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an additional embodiment of a powered toothbrush head is shown. A head  120  of toothbrush  100  includes a head base  160  that partially defines an inner compartment  125  of head  120 . Head base  160  may be constructed so that it terminates in a rounded distal end  162 , which also defines the distal end of toothbrush  100 . Preferably, head base  160  is integrally attached to second end  116  of neck  110 .  
      Head  140  also includes a first movable bristle carrier  180  which is illustrated as being at the outermost or distal portion of head  140 . First bristle carrier  180  may have a construction that is either identical to or similar to that of the bristle holders  13  or  121  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIG. 2 . First movable bristle carrier  180  is preferably formed with a disk having circular cross-section since it is intended to oscillate in a rotational manner about a center point thereof. First movable bristle carrier  180  is formed with a protrusion  130  directed toward a second movable bristle carrier  132 . However, it will be appreciated that first movable bristle carrier  180  is not limited to having a disk shape and can have any number of different shapes, such as an oval or various other regular or irregular shapes, so long as first moveable bristle carrier  180  is able to oscillate in a substantially rotational manner. A circular shape may be preferred since it requires the least amount of clearance to accommodate the oscillating movement.  
      A plurality of tooth care elements  152  are coupled to and extend outwardly from first movable bristle carrier  180  in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a face of first movable bristle carrier  180 . As used herein, the term “tooth care elements” includes any type of structure that is commonly used or is suitable for use in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, etc.) by making intimate contact with surfaces of the teeth and surrounding areas. Such tooth care elements include but are not limited to tufts of bristles that can be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes, and various elastomeric members (see  FIGS. 15A-15E ) that can be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes, or a combination of both. Bristle tufts arranged on first bristle carrier  180  is only one configuration and it will be understood that other bristle configurations (such as stapled, IMT, etc.) can be used. Bristle tufts may all be formed of the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Moreover, while the tooth care elements can be arranged so that they are generally perpendicular to the face of first bristle carrier  180  (as noted above), some or all of the tooth care elements can be angled at various angles with respect to first bristle carrier  180  as desired. When first bristle carrier  180  includes bristle tufts, it is thereby possible to select the combination of bristles configurations, bristle lengths, bristle materials and bristle orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as to create as much movement from the moving tuft heads to deliver additional oral health benefits such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and/or tooth whitening.  
      While first bristle carrier  180  has been defined as a movable bristle carrier  180 , it will be understood that first movable carrier  180  is not limited to having only tufts of bristles as a part thereof. Instead, first movable carrier  180  is to be broadly considered as being a carrier for any number of suitable tooth care elements  152  or any number of combinations of different types of tooth care elements  152 . For example, first movable carrier  180  may include a number of elastomeric members to provide the desired oral health benefits. The elastomeric members may be attached to first movable carrier  180  using conventional techniques, including integrally forming the elastomeric members with an upper surface of carrier  180 . Tooth care elements  152  provided as part of first movable carrier  180  can thus be entirely of one type (e.g., bristle tufts or elastomeric members) or can be formed according to a mixed arrangement.  
       FIGS. 15A-15E  illustrate various elastomeric members that can serve as tooth care elements  152 .  FIG. 15A  shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a thin spike;  FIG. 15B  shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a barrel spike;  FIG. 15C  shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a squeegee point;  FIG. 15D  shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of an angled point; and  FIG. 15E  shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a section of an elastomeric wall. The elastomeric wall of  FIG. 15E  can have a linear, planar shape; a zigzag shape; a serpentine shape, etc. All of the above elastomeric tooth care elements can have smooth textures or can have rough surfaces. In addition, the wall sections of the elastomeric tooth care elements can be vertically straight, taper toward inward toward one end or expand toward one end. The tops of the elastomeric tooth care walls can have a planar surface or can have a protrusion (i.e., hump) or the like formed thereat.  
      Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , for purpose of illustration only, first movable carrier  180  will be described as containing a predetermined number of bristle tufts; however, the following features apply equally to the situation where first movable carrier  180  is formed entirely or partly of elastomeric members. The bristle tufts of first movable carrier  180  may be formed with uniform heights or non-uniform heights. For example, first movable carrier  180  may include bristle tufts having a first height as well as bristle tufts having a second different height.  
      First movable bristle carrier  180  is constructed so as to pivotally rotate about a center point thereof, thereby effectuating movement of the bristle tufts and/or elastomeric members that extend outwardly from first movable bristle carrier  180 . The movement of first movable bristle carrier  180  is preferably an oscillation type movement as first movable bristle carrier  180  pivots about a post at a center point thereof (see  FIG. 1 ). First movable bristle carrier  180  is formed with a slot or opening (not illustrated). This slot is preferably identical to or substantially similar to slot  22  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C . Preferably, slot  22  is formed at a peripheral edge of first movable bristle carrier  180  and extends along a substantial height of first movable bristle carrier  180 . For example, slot  22  preferably does not extend to the upper surface of first bristle carrier  180  where the tooth care elements are positioned. Instead, slot  22  preferably has a closed upper end to prevent foreign matter, such as saliva, toothpaste, foreign particles, etc., from entering slot when the operator is performing a brushing operation. The opposite end of slot  22  that is located within the inner compartment  125  of head  140  can be open.  
      Toothbrush  100  includes a drive mechanism to effectuate movement of certain parts of the toothbrush, and more specifically, for causing movement of first movable bristle carrier  180 . One drive mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which has been previously incorporated herein by reference and includes a rotating drive shaft  240  ( FIG. 11 ) that extends at least through neck  110  (i.e., the inner compartment thereof). Drive shaft  240  preferably has a construction that is the same as or similar in nature to shaft  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C .  
      Drive shaft  240  has one end (not illustrated) that is operatively connected to a drive member (not illustrated), such as a motor or any other type of drive device, for imparting movement to first movable bristle carrier  180 . Drive shaft  240  is formed with an opposing distal end (not illustrated) that is bent such that the end is not axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of drive shaft  240 . This distal end may be formed similar to the end  20  of  FIGS. 1A-1C  or may be formed differently so long as it performs the intended function. In other words, the end is an offset crank end of drive shaft  240  and is configured to be received in slot  22  so that a 360 degree rotational movement of shaft  240  is transmitted into an oscillating back and forth rotational movement of first movable bristle carrier  180 .  
      The drive mechanism for powered toothbrush  100  can be any type of drive, e.g., a rotating drive, an oscillating drive, an eccentric drive, an unbalanced-generated drive, a drive having one more gearing mechanisms, and/or the like, that is capable of performing the intended function. The drive mechanism can be realized in the form of an electric motor or other type of motor and the movement generated by the drive can be imparted to one or more sections of head  140  (or  120 ) or to other elements that can be present at the brush section, such as bristle tufts, elastomeric members. The movement can be imparted directly through a driving axle, such as drive shaft  240  or it can be imparted through a driving post attached to the driving axle. When toothbrush  100  includes an oscillating drive mechanism either identical to or similar to the drive mechanism illustrated in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , the interior compartment of handle  102  houses a motor operatively connected to drive shaft  200  and a source to power the motor, such as one or more batteries.  
      When the drive mechanism is actuated and drive shaft  240  is rotated, the movement of the crank end thereof imparts an oscillating back and forth movement of first movable bristle carrier  180  through an angle between about 10 degrees to about 120 degrees and in a preferred embodiment, the movement is through an angle between about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, and in a more preferred embodiment is through an angle between about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the toothbrush  100  further includes a second movable bristle carrier  132  that is operatively mounted on the head  120 . The second movable bristle carrier  132  comprises a platform  134  having a first end  136 , a second end  138 , a first end midpoint  141 , a second end midpoint  142 , a midpoint  144 , and a bottom  146 . The platform  134  defines a recess  148  that is preferably defined at the first end  136  and protrusion  130  of first movable bristle carrier  121  ( 128  not introduced until  FIG. 5 ) is received into recess  148 . The movement of first movable bristle carrier  121  directly imparts movement to platform  134 .  
      There are numerous configurations of the present invention that can change the type and range of motion of both first movable bristle carrier  121  and second movable bristle carrier  132 . The movement of first movable bristle carrier  121  is outlined in the example configuration above can be altered by varying the transmission of motion from the drive mechanism to first movable bristle carrier  121 . In addition, changes in second movable bristle carrier  132  can vary the movement of the first bristle carrier as well. Various embodiments may be designed so that protrusion  130  of the first movable bristle carrier  121  is rigidly received in the recess  148 , or protrusion  130  may be frictionally received in recess  148 .  
      In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , tooth care element  152  is an elastomeric tooth care element formed of an elastomeric wall, which can have a linear, planar, zigzag or serpentine shape. Tooth care element  152  may travel from second end  138  to first end  136  of the platform  134 .  
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate another embodiment in which second movable bristle carrier  132  is attached to platform  134  and first carrier  180  via protrusion  130  and recess  148 .  FIGS. 5A and 5C  illustrate first end  136  of first movable bristle carrier  128  oscillating in a clockwise motion B and counterclockwise motion C, respectively. The clockwise motion B and counterclockwise motion C forces protrusion  130  to engage recess  148  and cause platform  134  to move in a direction both parallel and perpendicular to first end  136 . This clockwise motion B and counterclockwise motions C may also cause tooth care element  152  to stretch or compress and/or to slidingly translate on top of platform  134 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates first movable bristle carrier  128  and platform  134  at rest.  
      Referring next to  FIGS. 6 through 9 , another head embodiment is illustrated. The handle  102 , neck  110 , drive, and head base  160  may be the same as described above. However, first movable bristle carrier  180  defines one or more recesses  222  directed toward second movable bristle carrier  132 . Second movable bristle carrier  132  includes a carrier base  200  having a first end  202 , a second end  204 , a first end midpoint  206 , second end midpoint  208 , a midpoint  210 , and a bottom  212 . Additionally, a continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  is formed with a carrier end  218  and a far end  220 . Continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  is attached to first movable bristle carrier  180  at carrier end  218  via a protrusion  224  engaging recess  222 , and is attached to carrier base  200  at far end  220 . In the displayed embodiment, far end  220  passes through a hole in base  204 , and directly engages base  160 . The movement of first movable bristle carrier  180  directly imparts movement to continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  via the interaction of recess  222  and protrusion  224 , which may include sliding, translational movement of polishing element  216  along the face of carrier base  200  in a direction parallel to the carrier face.  
      Continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may include a plurality of elastomeric contact elements linked continuously together. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  is formed as a wall. Regardless of the elastomeric contact elements that comprise the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216 , the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may traverse certain fixed paths. The continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may traverse a straight path, zigzag path or a serpentine path between the carrier end  218  and the fixed end  220 .  
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  while in motion.  FIG. 8A  illustrates first movable bristle carrier  180  at rest.  FIG. 8B  illustrates first movable bristle carrier  180  oscillating in a counterclockwise motion D. The counterclockwise motion D of first movable bristle carrier  180  causes the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  to elongate and translate in a direction parallel to the movement of carrier end  218 . Thus, while motion has been shown in the counterclockwise direction, it will be understood that first movable bristle carrier  180  can oscillate in the clockwise direction, thus compressing the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  as well as translating it in a direction parallel to the movement of carrier end  218 . It is also illustrated, as noted above, that the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  is attached to the first movable bristle carrier  180  by way of protrusion  224  entering recess  222 . It will be well understood that the continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  can be connected to the first movable bristle carrier  180  in numerous ways known in the art.  
      Referring additionally to  FIG. 9 , second movable bristle carrier  132  may further include a plurality of tooth contact elements  152  attached to carrier base  200 .  
      Referring next to  FIGS. 10 through 14 , another embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention is shown. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment with the exception that this embodiment contains an additional feature. The powered toothbrush now includes a third movable bristle carrier  230  drivingly engaged to the drive mechanism to enable movement of continuous elastomeric polishing element  216 . Continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  is attached to third movable bristle carrier  230  at far end  220  of the continuous elastomeric polishing element. Third movable bristle carrier  230  may be formed as a disk of circular cross-section since it is intended to oscillate in a rotational manner. However, it will be appreciated that the third movable bristle carrier  230  is not limited to having a disk shape and can have any number of different shapes, such as an oval or various other regular or irregular shapes, so long as the third movable bristle carrier  230  can oscillate in a rotational manner, vibrate, translate or move in a combination thereof. A circular shape may be preferred since it requires the least amount of clearance to accommodate the oscillating movement. The rotational movement of third movable bristle carrier  230  may include rotation through an angle of about 360 degrees (arrow E). The vibrational movement of the third movable bristle carrier  230  can include vibration perpendicular to the axis of head  120 . The translation movement may be a translation from about first movable bristle carrier  180  to about second end  204  of carrier base  200 . The lateral movement of the third movable bristle carrier  230  may be a movement parallel to second end  204  of carrier base  200 .  
      As with the other embodiments, continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may traverse certain fixed paths in this embodiment. Continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may traverse a straight path, zigzag path or a serpentine path between carrier end  218  and fixed end  220 .  
       FIG. 11  illustrates a sample gearing system to drive third movable bristle carrier  230 . A main gear  232  is fixed to drive shaft  240  and meshingly engaged to a minor gear  234 . Minor gear  234  is operatively connected to third movable bristle carrier  230  and imparts a driving movement from drive shaft  240  thereto. However, it will be appreciated that third movable bristle carrier  230  is not limited to the gearing system illustrated above, third movable bristle carrier  230  can be driven from a drive shaft  240  any number of ways so long as the third movable bristle carrier  230  is driven.  
       FIGS. 12 through 14  illustrate additional embodiments of continuous elastomeric polishing element  216 . The continuous elastomeric polishing element  216  may have a hump, a large set of projections or a smaller set of projections.  
      A powered toothbrush made in accordance with any of the present embodiments offers a number of advantages over conventional powered toothbrushes that are presently available. First movable bristle carrier  180  oscillates back and forth, or moves otherwise. As the operator brushes his or her teeth, the oscillating tooth care elements (i.e., bristle tufts and/or elastomeric members) contact the surfaces of the teeth and the surrounding areas to deliver enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and/or tooth whitening. The elastomeric second bristle carrier  132  permits a number of additional tooth care elements to be disposed in a number of different patterns. The increased number of moving tooth care elements of second bristle carrier provides increased contact with gingival tissues and enhanced massaging thereof.  
      The toothbrush according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can be made from any number of materials that are suitable for use in oral care products, such as toothbrushes, etc. For example, many of the components that are included in toothbrush are formed of plastic materials. Accordingly, the handle and head of the powered toothbrush may be molded from polyolefins such as polypropylenes and polyethylenes, polyamides such as nylons, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Other suitable materials include polymethylmethacrylate, styrene acroylonitrate and cellulose esters, for example cellulose propionate.  
      When the tooth care elements are in the form of tufts of bristles, the bristles of can be made from a flexible material suitable for dental hygiene. Generally, materials suitable for bristles are polyamides such as nylon or polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate. When the tooth care elements are in the form of elastomeric members, they can be made from any number of suitable elastomeric materials, such as a block copolymer. Preferred block copolymers include styrenes (for example styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, or styrene butadiene styrene), polyolefins (for example polypropylene/ethylene propylene diamine modified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)), polyamides (for example polyamide (2 or polyamide 6), polyesters (for example polyester ester or polyether ester); polyurethanes (for, example polyesterurethane, polyetherurethane or polyesteretherurethane).  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 16-20 , a toothbrush head  300  is shown according to an embodiment of the invention that can be used with handle  102  and neck  106  of toothbrush  100 . Toothbrush head  300  generally includes the aspects and features and toothbrush  100 , except as discussed hereafter. As shown, toothbrush head  300  includes a head base  360  that is integrally attached to neck  110 , a first movable carrier  380  at a distal portion of head  300  that is attached to the head base, and a second movable carrier  390  attached to the head base and disposed between the first movable carrier and the neck.  
      First and second movable carriers  380  and  390  may be formed with disks having circular cross-section to permit oscillation in a rotational manner about center points  382  and  392  respectively thereof. However, it will be appreciated that the movable carriers are not limited to having a disk shape and can have any number of different shapes, such as an oval or various other regular or irregular shapes, and can different shapes from each other. A circular shape may be preferred since it requires the least amount of clearance to accommodate oscillating movement.  
      A plurality of tooth care elements  352  are coupled to and extend outwardly from first movable carrier  380  in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a face of first movable carrier  380 . In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 16-20 , tooth care elements  352  include tufts of bristles. However, other types of cleaning elements in various combinations may be used to provide a variety of cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening or other types of oral care benefits, such as rubber elements, elastomeric elements, polishing elements, abrasive elements, floss-like cleaning elements, upstanding elastomeric wall regions etc.  
      First movable carrier  380  is constructed so as to pivotally rotate about center point  382  thereof, thereby effectuating movement of the tooth care elements that extend outwardly from first movable carrier  380 . The movement of first movable carrier  380  is preferably an oscillation type movement as first movable carrier  380  pivots about a post  384  at center point  382 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , first movable carrier  380  is formed with a projection  330  for engaging second movable carrier  390 . In an alternative configuration, carrier  380  may include a slot (not shown) for receiving a projection from second carrier  390 . Projection  330  is formed at a peripheral edge of first movable carrier  380  at a lower portion of the carrier, which may be retained within head base  360  to avoid contact with foreign matter or oral features.  
      Similar to the first movable carrier, second movable carrier  390  is constructed so as to pivotally rotate about center point  392  thereof, thereby effectuating movement of the bristle tufts and/or elastomeric members that extend outwardly therefrom. The movement of second movable carrier  390  is preferably an oscillation type movement as second movable carrier  390  pivots about a post  394  at its center point  392 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , second movable carrier  390  is formed with a slot  348  for receiving projection  330  of first movable carrier  380 . In an alternative configuration, carrier  390  may include a projection for engaging a slot or recess of the first carrier. Slot  348  is formed at a peripheral edge of second movable carrier  390  at a lower portion of the carrier at the same level as projection  330  and may also be retained within head base  360  to avoid contact with foreign matter or oral tissue.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a drive shaft  311  of a drive mechanism  313  operatively engages second carrier  390  to cause it to rotate about its pivot point  392 . A distal end of shaft  311  includes an offset  315  that is radially displaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, which is received into a recess  317  of the second carrier. When a motor of the drive mechanism rotates the shaft back and forth in an oscillating manner, the offset drives the second carrier to rotationally oscillate about it pivot point  392 . Similarly, rotation of the second carrier causes the first carrier to rotate about its pivot point  382  via slot  348  and projection  330 . Thus, in operation, second carrier  390  acts as a driver that drives first carrier  380 . In alternative configurations (not shown), the first carrier  380  may drive the second carrier  390 , or the first and second carriers may be independently driven and may be independently movable. In other alternative configurations, the first and second carriers may rotate rather than oscillate, or may move in other directions, such as translating in or more directions.  
      In the driver/driven configuration shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the first and second carriers counter-oscillate or rotate in opposite directions. For example, when second carrier  390  is rotating in a clockwise direction about its pivot point, it drives first carrier  380  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Such counter-rotation of the carriers can be beneficial for reducing or eliminating any net torque to the overall toothbrush during operation, as well as for providing enhanced cleaning and polishing benefits. It is understood, however, that first and second carriers may be movable in various ways and in a variety of directions with respect to each other. For instance, the carriers may translate with respect to each other during operation of the toothbrush and may be independently movable with respect to each other.  
      As shown in  FIG. 17 , first movable carrier  380  includes a plurality of cleaning elements  352  in the form of bristles that are arranged in a generally circular configuration within a circular region  363  having a diameter D. Second movable carrier  390  may be larger than first movable carrier  380  and includes a plurality of cleaning elements  353 , which include cleaning elements  355  at least partially disposed within an inner circular region  365  that may also have a diameter D. In the configuration of  FIG. 17 , cleaning elements  353  are upstanding elastomeric wall portions disposed within the inner region of the second carrier, which can provide cleaning and polishing benefits to the user&#39;s teeth. As such, during forward motion of toothbrush  300 , a first type of cleaning elements  352  on the first movable carrier engage oral features encountered within circular region  363 , while a second type of cleaning elements  355  on the second movable carrier subsequently engage the same oral features when encountered within circular region  365 . Thus, cleaning elements  352  and  355  can synergistically cooperate to engage oral features, such as teeth, in multiple stages, which can provide enhanced cleaning, polishing or other treatments depending upon the type of cleaning elements and their configuration. In the example configuration shown in  FIG. 17 , bristles  352  can initially clean oral features engaged within the circular region of diameter D, while portions of elastomeric walls  355  within inner region  365  can subsequently polish the same oral features. Elastomeric walls  355  are illustrated in  FIGS. 16-20  as discrete, generally disconnected wall units. However, it is understood that elastomeric walls  355  may be connected to one another and may be formed as wall regions of an integrated structure.  
      As further shown in  FIG. 17 , second movable carrier  390  includes a mixture of cleaning elements disposed outside of inner region  365 . The mixture of cleaning elements includes bristles  357  along with portions of elastomeric walls  355 . As such, oral features encountered outside of diameter D are engaged with both cleaning elements primarily directed to dislodging debris and other cleaning functionality (e.g., bristles), as well as cleaning elements that provide polishing functionality (e.g., portions of upstanding walls  355 ). Other configurations may include carriers having substantially the same size. However, the configuration of  FIG. 17  can be beneficial for ensuring oral features encountered by the first carrier are subsequently encountered by the second carrier via the larger size of secondary carrier  390 .  
       FIG. 20  is a close-up view of one of cleaning elements  355 . As shown, an inner portion  359  of the cleaning element is curved to match the direction of rotation of second movable carrier  390 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 17 , a plurality of these cleaning elements  355  can cooperate to form an interrupted ring of upstanding elastomeric wall portions at a radius R, which, in effect, provides a polishing disk for polishing the user&#39;s teeth. The interruptions formed by gaps between the cleaning elements can permit the wall portions to flex toward each other when pressed against the user&#39;s teeth. In addition, the interruptions can enhance the cleaning and polishing effectiveness of the upstanding walls via the edge portions and corners of the upstanding wall portions within radius R, which provide geometric features that can interfere with and engage debris or irregular tooth features better than a continuous polishing disk.  
      An exterior portion  361  of each cleaning element  355  is generally linear and extends radially outward from the pivot point  392  beyond the inner region of radius D. The exterior portion is angled from the inner portion  359  at an acute angle theta of about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, and is preferably angled about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. More preferably, angle theta is about 90 to 120 degrees. Such a bent configuration of cleaning elements  355  enhances the overall structural strength of the cleaning elements and improves their ability to remain in the upstanding configuration during use, while increasing their useful life. Exterior portion  361  generally extends in a radial direction from pivot point  392 . However, it may be desirable for the exterior portion to be angled slightly from a radial orientation. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 20 , exterior portion  361  is oriented to have an angle alpha between its longitudinal axis and the radial direction extending from pivot point  392 . Angle alpha may be about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, which provides upstanding wall elements that move generally transversely to the rotation of second movable carrier  390  to provide wiping and polishing functionality. Preferably, however, angle alpha is about 60 to 120 degrees.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a toothbrush head  400  is shown according to an embodiment of the invention that can be used with handle  102  and neck  106  of toothbrush  100 . Toothbrush head  400  generally includes the aspects and features and toothbrush  300 , except with regard to the cleaning elements on the first movable carrier. As shown, first movable carrier  480  includes cleaning elements  452  formed of bristles  471  and an upstanding elastomeric wall  473 . The combination of cleaning element types can further enhance the effectiveness of first movable carrier  480 , as well as the overall effectiveness of toothbrush  400 . The combination of cleaning element types can provide a synergistic effect to enhance their individual effects. In the configuration shown, bristles  471  can dislodge debris that can subsequently be wiped aside via upstanding elastomeric wall  473 . In addition, upstanding elastomeric wall  473  can provide initial polishing functionality to oral features encountered during forward motion of the toothbrush, which can enhance the polishing effectiveness of the cleaning elements  353  of the second movable carrier that subsequently encounter the oral features.  
      While the present invention has been described in connection with the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the invention may apply many different oral care devices, configurations and types of cleaning elements and/or methods for using the same.