Patent Publication Number: US-2013227804-A1

Title: Brush Section For An Electric Toothbrush

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates to electric toothbrushes and in particular to a brush section for an electric toothbrush. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An electric toothbrush may incorporate a brush section that couples to a handle section. A drive shaft may extend from the handle section with the drive shaft being coupled to an electric drive disposed within an interior of the handle section. The electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating or combined rotary oscillating motion to the drive shaft so that the drive shaft is movable in a rotary or oscillating manner. The brush section can couple and secure to the handle section with the drive shaft coupling to a coupling element of the brush section, e.g., a shaft or drive pin. The motion of the drive shaft can be imparted upon the coupling element to provide a desired cleaning action to a brush head portion of the brush section. 
     One such toothbrush brush section is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0307591 to inventors Farrell et al. As more fully described in that prior application, it concerns electric toothbrush designs which are particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a traditional manual brushing action. The present application sets forth several improvements to the designs of Farrell et al., and other previously known toothbrush designs. More specifically, the present application sets forth a brush head construction which minimizes the likelihood of pinching mucosa within a user&#39;s mouth, by minimizing gaps between brush sections which move relative to one another. As used herein, “mucosa” is broadly defined to include all soft tissues within a person&#39;s mouth, such as the interior cheek surfaces, the gum tissue, the lip tissue, and the tongue. A low profile brush section is also provided herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a cleaning section for an electrical toothbrush having a motor includes a head portion and a movable contact element holder having a range of motion relative to the head portion, movable contact elements supported within the movable contact element holder; and a gap disposed between the head portion and the movable contact element holder. The movable contact element holder is structured to receive a drive motion from the motor via a drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis, the drive shaft being structured to translate a motion generated by the motor to the movable contact element holder. The width of the gap remains between about 0.1 millimeter and about 0.6 millimeter throughout a full range of motion of the movable contact element holder. 
     In another embodiment, a cleaning section for an electrical toothbrush having a motor, includes a head portion and a movable contact element holder having a range of motion relative to the head portion; and movable contact elements supported within the movable contact element holder. The movable contact element holder is structured to receive a drive motion from the motor via a drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis, the drive shaft being structured to translate a motion generated by the motor to the movable contact element holder. And, a portion of the movable contact element holder is exposed to an exterior of the cleaning section. 
     In yet another embodiment, a cleaning section for an electrical toothbrush having a motor includes a head portion and a movable contact element holder having a range of motion relative to the head portion; and movable contact elements supported within the movable contact element holder, such that the movable contact elements extend upwardly through apertures disposed in the head portion. The movable contact element holder is structured to receive a drive motion from the motor via a drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis, the drive shaft being structured to translate a motion generated by the motor to the movable contact element holder. And, as the movable contact element holder moves through the range of motion, at least a lower fifty percent of the height of the movable contact elements remains within vertical envelopes defined by the apertures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the figures may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None of the drawings is necessarily to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a brush section. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic partial top view of a brush head portion of the brush section illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-section view of the brush head portion illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic top view of the brush head portion of  FIG. 2  with the cleaning element fields removed for visual facilitation. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic partial perspective view of another brush section. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic partial (bottom) perspective view of a brush head portion of the brush section illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic partial (bottom) perspective view of the brush head portion of  FIG. 6  with the contact element holder portions removed for visual facilitation. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic partial perspective view of another brush head portion arrangement. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic partial perspective view of a further alternative brush head portion arrangement. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic partial perspective view of a still further alternative brush head portion arrangement. 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic exploded view of a drive system suitable for use in the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic exploded view of the drive system of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are schematic elevation views showing an output system suitable for use in the present invention. 
         FIG. 13A  is an exploded perspective view of another brush section. 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the brush section illustrated in  FIG. 13A , in an assembled condition. 
         FIG. 13C  is a back view of the head portion of the brush section illustrated in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . 
         FIG. 13D  is a side view of the head portion of the brush section illustrated in  FIGS. 13A to 13C . 
         FIG. 13E  is a top view of the head portion of the brush section illustrated in  FIGS. 13A to 13D , and employing a different bristle configuration at the tip of the head. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are transverse cross-sectional views taken through line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13C . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of another brush section head portion, including a cover portion. 
         FIG. 16  is a transverse cross-sectional view taken through line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a movable contact element holder with a mucosa cleaning or massaging surface configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a brush head portion which may have a generally rectangular shape, although oblong, elliptical, or any suitable shape may be employed. Generally, the brush head portion may have a length-to-width aspect ratio greater than 1, although such an arrangement is not required. The brush head portion is secured to a tube member of the brush section that may be configured to couple to a handle section. The handle section may include an electric drive including a drive shaft, and the drive shaft may couple to the brush head via a coupling or drive pin member positioned within the tube member. In some embodiments, the electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating, rotary-oscillating or other suitable drive motion to the drive shaft that is, in turn, imparted upon the brush head and bristle members thereof by virtue of the coupling member. 
     The brush head may incorporate a first plurality of cleaning bristles that are static, i.e., fixed relative to the brush head and a second plurality of cleaning bristles that are movable in a cleaning motion relative to the first plurality of bristles. For example, the second plurality of cleaning bristles may include a bristle support structure or bristle holder that is supported within the brush head to have at least one direction of freedom to move relative to the brush head and the first plurality of bristles. In one embodiment, the bristle support structure may be free to pivot about a first axis relative to the brush head. The coupling member couples the bristle support structure to the electric drive for driving the bristle support structure causing the second plurality of bristles to have the desired cleaning motion. The bristle support structure may comprise a plurality of separate bristle support structures such that each structure may move independently with respect to each other separate bristle support structure. Furthermore, the cleaning motion may include an eccentric motion or translational motion in combination with a rotary, oscillating or other suitable cleaning motion. 
     It will be understood and appreciated that while various aspects, features and advantages of the invention are described in connection with particular embodiments, the herein described aspects, features and advantages may be implemented in any of the embodiments, and as such, the features and structures of the various embodiments may be mixed and matched yielding a virtually limitless number of combinations. One of skill in the art will furthermore appreciate that the herein described aspects, features and advantages of the invention may be combined with structures and devices known to or later discovered by the skilled artisan. 
     The herein described embodiments of brush sections are suited to operate in conjunction with an electric toothbrush, such as for example an electric toothbrush of the type having a handle section including an electric drive and a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis. The electric drive imparts a motion to the drive shaft. It may, for example, impart a rotary, oscillating, or rotary and oscillating motion to the drive shaft. The motion of the drive shaft is coupled to the brush section to impart a desired motion to a brush head portion of the brush section such that the brush head portion, or any component thereof, is caused to have a desired cleaning motion. Many different kinds of cleaning motions, including rotary, oscillating, vertical and/or horizontal sweeping and the like, may be used. Generally, as used herein, cleaning motion describes any desired or effective movement of the bristles relative to the brush head to affect cleaning. Handle sections, as described above, are well known to the skilled artisan. In addition, the brush sections may be configured for use with such existing handle sections or may be configured with new handle section types, as the case may be. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a brush section  10  which may be push-fitted onto a toothbrush handle section and coupled to the drive shaft of the handle section, such as for example a handle section described above. The brush section includes a mounting tube  12  extending along an axis  14 . The axis  14  is a longitudinal axis of the cleaning section and may coincide with a longitudinal section of the drive shaft  38  ( FIG. 3 ). At a first end  16  ( FIG. 1 ), the mounting tube  12  may include a profile ring  18  having an inside contour complementary with an outside contour of the handle section. In this manner, the brush section  10  can be push-fitted onto the handle section in a manner preventing relative rotation of the brush section with respect to the handle section. A tab/slot, key/spline or other similar structure may be included in the corresponding contour surfaces to facilitate alignment of the brush section with the handle section and to further prevent relative rotation between the two. 
     At a second end  20  the brush section  10  includes a brush head portion  22 . In some embodiments, the brush head portion  22  supports a first plurality of contact elements  24  that are mounted to the head portion  22  so as to be fixed, i.e., they are static relative to the head portion  22 . Any suitable method of mounting the first plurality of contact elements  24  to the head portion  22  may be used. For example, where the contact elements  24  comprise a plurality of bristles, methods, such as hot tufting, gluing, stapling, and the like, may be utilized. As another example, where the contact elements  24  comprise a plurality of elastomeric elements, methods such as gluing, snap-fitting, welding, molding, etc. may be utilized. 
     Supported within the head portion  22  is a movable contact element support or movable contact element holder  26  supporting a second plurality of contact elements  28 . The second plurality of contact elements  28  may be mounted to the movable contact element holder  26  using any suitable method, as described above with regard to the first plurality of contact elements  24 . The movable contact element holder  26  may be supported within the head portion  22  such that it is able to rotate about the longitudinal axis  14  responsive to a suitable driving input from the handle section. 
     The first plurality of contact elements  24  may have a first height and the second plurality of contact elements  28  may have a second height, different than the first height. Additionally, the ends of the first and second pluralities of contact elements  24  and  28  may have contoured, rounded or otherwise shaped ends. Among the first plurality of contact elements  24  and the second plurality of contact elements  28 , contact elements or tufts of bristles (in embodiments where the contact elements comprise a plurality of bristles) at different locations of the head portion  22 , e.g. front to back and/or center to edge, may also have different heights and different bristle end contours. 
     The first plurality of contact elements  24  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  14 . Similarly, the second plurality of contact elements  28  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  14 . In some embodiments, the transverse rows may alternate between rows of first plurality of contact elements  24  and rows of second plurality of contact elements  28 . In some embodiments, multiple rows of the first plurality of contact elements may be separated by a row or multiple rows of the second plurality of contact elements  28  and vice versa or the rows may be interleaved or arranged in virtually any manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the head portion  22  may include a first bearing surface  30  that engages a recess, notch, slot or other suitable formation  32  formed in the movable contact element holder  26 . As shown, in some embodiments, the recess, notch, slot, or other suitable formation  32  may be disposed between the second plurality of contact elements  28  and a third plurality of contact elements  46 . 
     A drive shaft  38  may engage the movable contact element holder  26  such that movement of the drive shaft  38  can be transferred to the movable contact element holder  26 . The drive shaft  38  may be supported within the mounting tube  12  at a rearward end  40  of the head portion  22 . The drive shaft  38  may be joined to the contact element holder  26  via any suitable means. For example, as shown, the drive shaft  38  may be joined to the movable contact element holder  26  via a drive pin  36 . As yet other examples, the drive shaft  38  may be joined to the movable contact element holder  26  adhesively, chemically, mechanically, electrically, e.g. magnetic clutch, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the drive pin  36  may be inserted into the movable contact element holder  26  and/or the drive shaft  38  via corresponding apertures in the movable contact holder  26  and/or drive shaft  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the movable contact element holder  26  (shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) may be snap-fitted into the head portion  22  via an opening  42 . The opening  42  may then be closed with a snap-in-place housing member (not depicted). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the movable contact element holder  26  may include an extension portion  44  supporting the third plurality of contact elements  46 . The extension portion  44  may be supported to permit at least one freedom of motion relative to the head portion  22 . For example, the extension portion  44  may be supported to rotate relative to the head portion  22 . In this manner, the third plurality of contact elements  46  may move in a cleaning motion relative to the first plurality of contact elements  24  and/or the second plurality of contact elements  28 . For example, the extension portion  44  may couple to the movable bristle holder  26  such that the third plurality of contact elements  46  moves in a similar manner as the second plurality of contact elements  28 . 
     In other embodiments, the brush head portion  22  comprises the extension portion  44  and the third plurality of contact elements  46 . In such embodiments, the third plurality of contact elements  46  may be stationary with respect to the brush head portion  22 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the coupling between the extension portion  44  and the movable contact element holder  26  may be direct such that the extension portion  44  moves with the movable contact element holder  26 . However, in some embodiments, the extension portion  44  may couple to the drive shaft  38 , directly, via a cam arrangement, a linkage or otherwise, and/or to the movable contact element holder  26  or otherwise such that the extension portion  44  has a cleaning motion that is separate from a cleaning motion of the movable contact element holder  26  and the second plurality of contact elements  28 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the movable contact element holder  26  may oscillate about the axis  14  thereby causing the second plurality of contact elements  28  and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  to similarly oscillate about the axis  14 . The movement of the movable contact element holder  26  may cause the second plurality of contact elements  28  and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  to oscillate back and forth angularly to provide a cleaning action substantially similar to an up-down manual brushing action. 
     The amount of angular movement as well as the speed exhibited by the movable contact element holder  26  and the second plurality of contact elements  28  and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  can impact the efficacy of the cleaning action. Generally, an oscillation angle within the range of 40-60 degrees is considered beneficial. For example, the movable contact element holder  26  may move through an angle of about 44 degrees, i.e., +/−22 degrees relative to the head portion  22 , in some embodiments. Another example includes a 55 degrees angle. However, any suitable angle may be utilized. For example, other angles greater than 55 degrees or less than 44 degrees may be used. 
     In some embodiments, the movable contact element holder  26  can move through an angle of from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the movable contact element holder  26  can move through an angle greater than about 10 degrees, greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 22.5 degrees, greater than about 25 degrees, greater than about 30 degrees, greater than about 35 degrees, greater than about 40 degrees, greater than about 45 degrees, greater than about 50 degrees, greater than about 55 degrees, greater than about 60 degrees, greater than about 65 degrees, greater than about 70 degrees, greater than about 75 degrees, greater than about 80 degrees, greater than about 85 degrees, and/or less than about 90 degrees, less than about 85 degrees, less than about 80 degrees, less than about 75 degrees, less than about 70 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 55 degrees, less than about 50 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 40 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 30 degrees, less than about 25 degrees, less than about 22.45 degrees, less than about 20 degrees, less than about 18 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. 
     As stated above, the speed at which the movable contact element holder  26  and the second plurality of contact elements  28  and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  move through their angular movement may also impact the efficacy of the cleaning action. For example, a speed of about 75 Hz may provide adequate cleaning where the movable contact element holder  26  moves through an angle of about 44 degrees. In general, where the movable contact element holder  26  moves through a smaller angle, the speed at which the movable contact element holder  26  moves through the angle may increase in order to maintain cleaning efficacy. 
     The movable contact element holder  26  may move through its respective angle at a speed ranging from between about 30 Hz to about 130 Hz, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the movable contact element holder  26  may move through its respective angle at a speed of greater than about 30 Hz, greater than about 40 Hz, greater than about 50 Hz, greater than about 60 Hz, greater than about 70 Hz, greater than about 80 Hz, greater than about 90 Hz, greater than about 100 Hz, greater than about 110 Hz, greater than about 120 Hz, and/or less than about 130 Hz, less than about 120 Hz, less than about 110 Hz, less than about 100 Hz, less than about 90 Hz, less than about 80 Hz, less than about 70 Hz, less than about 60 Hz, less than about 50 Hz, or less than about 40 Hz. 
     Advantageously, with the movement of the second plurality of contact elements  28  and/or the movement of the third plurality of contact elements  46 , and a manually imparted cleaning movement of the overall head portion  22 , the user may experience an enhanced and effective cleaning action. Furthermore, instead of the user&#39;s manual manipulation of the toothbrush incorporating the brush section  10  drawing away from, and degrading, the driven cleaning action, the two actions may combine to provide an enhanced cleaning affect. Also, in the event that the handle section becomes discharged and thus the electric drive becomes disabled, the brush section  10  may be easily used in the same manner as a manual toothbrush to affect cleaning. 
     In some embodiments, the brush section  10  may comprise a transponder, and the handle section may comprise a detector or a reading device as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0255409 and 2003/0101526. The transponder can be configured to communicate information about the brush section  10  to the detector or reading device. The reading device or detector can be in signal communication with a controller which may be configured to control the speed of a motor and/or the angular motion of a shaft of the motor. The basic architecture of a controller, reading device, detector, and/or transponder is generally known. 
     The speed of the motor as well as the angle of oscillatory shaft displacement can be controlled in any suitable manner. For example, one means of modifying the speed of the motor is to increase or decrease the voltage to the motor. Typically, an increase in voltage will increase the speed of the motor while a decrease in voltage will decrease the speed of the motor. Such mechanisms for modifying the voltage delivered to motors are well known. As another example, the speed of the motor may be modified via a transmission system. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate one embodiment of a transmission system. A transmission system  1500  may comprise a drive system  1501 . The drive system  1501  may comprise a motor  1100  having a shaft  1102 . The shaft  1102  may be operatively connected to a first driver  1126  and/or a second driver  1116 . In a first configuration, the teeth of the first driver  1126  may be intermeshed with teeth from a plurality of planetary gears  1120 ,  1122 , and/or  1124 . In a second configuration, the teeth of the second driver  1116  may be intermeshed with teeth from a plurality of planetary gears  1110 ,  1112 , and/or  1114 . 
     As shown, the first driver  1126  and/or the second driver  1116  as well as their respective planetary gears may be disposed on a gear carrier  1106 . The planetary gears may be rotatably connected to the gear carrier  1106 . 
     A ring gear  1130  may comprise complementary teeth to those of the planetary gears. As such, the teeth of the ring gear  1130  may intermesh with the teeth of the planetary gears. In some embodiments, an output shaft  1136  may be operatively connected to the ring gear  1130 . In such embodiments, the ring gear  1130  may be driven at various speeds depending on the size of the driver gear and its respective planetary gears. For example, as shown, the first driver  1126  may have a smaller diameter than the second driver  1116 . As such, the corresponding planetary gears, e.g.  1120 ,  1122 , and/or  1124  may have larger diameters than the first driver  1126 . So, in the first configuration, for a predetermined rotational speed of the motor shaft  1102 , the ring gear  1130  may have a rotational speed which is less than the rotational speed of the motor shaft  1102 . In contrast, in the second configuration, for a predetermined rotational speed of the motor shaft  1102 , the ring gear  1130  may have a rotational speed which is greater than the rotational speed of the motor shaft  1102 . In the second configuration, the second driver  1116  may have a diameter which is greater than the diameter of its respective planetary gears, e.g.  1110 ,  1112 , and/or  1114 . The selection of the first driver  1126  and/or the second driver  1116  may be created via a clutch system or any other suitable means. 
     In some embodiments, the first driver  1126  and/or the second driver  1116  may be operatively connected to the output shaft  1136 . In such embodiments, the ring gear  1130  may be driven by the shaft  1102  while the gear carrier  1106  remains stationary. Alternatively, the gear carrier  1106  may be driven by the shaft  1102  while the ring gear  1130  remains stationary. 
     Additionally, as stated previously, the angle may be modified in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the transmission system  1500  may further comprise an output system  1502 . Embodiments are contemplated where devices of the present invention include the drive system  1501  and/or the output system  1502 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the output system  1502  may comprise a shaft  1202 , a first driver linkage  1240 , a first driven linkage  1260 , a second driver linkage  1250 , a second driven linkage  1270 , and an output shaft  1236 . The shaft  1202  may be operatively connected to a motor such that the shaft  1202  is driven by the motor. The first driver linkage  1240  and the second driver linkage  1250  may be connected to the shaft  1202  such that the first driver linkage  1240  and the second driver linkage  1250  are capable of rotating with respect to the shaft  1202 . 
     The first driver linkage  1240  may be pivotally connected to the first driven linkage  1260  via pin  1238 , in some embodiments. Similarly, the second driver linkage  1250  may be pivotally connected to the second driven linkage  1270  via a pin, in some embodiments. 
     The first driven linkage  1260  comprises at least one engagement element  1262  which is capable of intermeshing with a first receiving element  1264 . As shown, the engagement element  1262  may comprise a tooth, and the receiving element  1264  may comprise a recessed area for receiving the tooth of the engagement element  1262 . The receiving element  1264  may be fixed to the output shaft  1236  such that rotational motion imparted to the receiving element  1264  may thereby be transferred to the output shaft  1236 . 
     Similarly, the second driven linkage  1270  may comprise at least one engagement element  1272  which is capable of intermeshing with a second receiving element  1274 . The at least one engagement element  1272  of the second driven linkage  1270  and the second receiving element  1274  may be configured as described above with regard to the engagement element  1262  and receiving element  1264 . The second receiving element  1274  may be fixed to the output shaft  1236  such that rotational motion imparted to the second receiving element  1274  may be transferred to the output shaft  1236 . 
     The first driver linkage  1240  and the first driven linkage  1260  may have different lengths in order to impart a particular angular displacement to the output shaft  1236 . In some embodiments, the first driver linkage  1240  and the first driven linkage  1260  may have equal lengths. The second driver linkage  1250  and the second driven linkage  1270  may be similarly configured. The analysis of the relative lengths of the linkages to achieve a particular displacement is founded on principles which are generally well known, e.g. four bar linkage analysis. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12A , when the first engagement element  1262  is engaged with the first receiving element  1264 , the output shaft  1236  may have a first angular displacement. The first angular displacement may be similar to the angular displacement described heretofore. In this configuration, the second engagement element  1272  may be disengaged with the second receiving element  1274 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , when the second engagement element  1272  is engaged with the second receiving element  1274 , the output shaft  1236  may have a second angular displacement. The second angular displacement may be similar to the angular displacement described heretofore. However, the first angular displacement may be different from the second angular displacement. For example, the first angular displacement may be greater than the second angular displacement. As another example, the first angular displacement may be less than the second angular displacement. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6  another embodiment of a brush section  110  is shown. Like elements of the brush section  110  to those of the brush section  10  are indicated using a reference numeral incremented by  100 . The brush section  110  includes a mounting tube  112  extending along an axis  114 . At a first end (not depicted), the mounting tube  112  is adapted to be push-fitted onto a handle section in a manner preventing relative rotation, as discussed previously with regard to the mounting tube  12 . 
     At a second end  120  the brush section  110  includes a brush head portion  122 . The brush head portion  122  supports a first plurality of contact elements  124  that are mounted to the head portion  122  so as to be fixed, i.e., static relative to the head portion  122 . Any suitable method of mounting the first plurality of contact elements  124  to the head portion  122  may be used, such as those methods discussed heretofore with regard to the first plurality of contact elements  24 . Supported within the head portion  122  is a movable contact element support or movable contact element holder  126  supporting a second plurality of contact elements  128 . The second plurality of contact elements  128  may be mounted to the movable contact element holder  126  using any suitable method, such as those discussed heretofore with regard to the second plurality of contact elements  28 . The movable contact element holder  126  may be supported within the head portion  122  such that the movable contact element holder  126  is able to rotate about the axis  114  responsive to a suitable driving input from a handle section. 
     The first plurality of contact elements  124  may have a first height and the second plurality of contact elements  128  may have a second height, different than the first height. Additionally, the ends of the first and second pluralities of contact elements  124  and  128  may have contoured, rounded or otherwise shaped ends. Among the first plurality of contact elements  124  and the second plurality of contact elements  128 , contact elements at different locations of the head portion  122  front to back and center to edge may also have different heights and different end contours. The first plurality of contact elements  124  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  114 . Similarly, the second plurality of contact elements  128  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the movable contact elements holder  126  may include a plurality of separately movable contact element holder portions  150 , each supporting a portion of the second plurality of contact elements  128 . For example, each contact element holder portion  150  may support a separate transverse row of the second plurality of contact elements  128 . The drive shaft  138  may extend through the head portion  122  and may be rotatably supported in an end member  154 . The drive shaft  138  can be adapted to engage a drive member of a handle portion to which the brush section  110  is configured to operatively couple. Each movable contact element holder portion  150  may couple to the drive shaft  138  such that oscillation of the drive shaft  138  causes a like oscillation of the respective contact element portion  150 . Each contact element holder portion  150  may be snap-fitted into the head portion  122  via an aperture  142  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and engaged with the drive shaft  138 . A housing member (not depicted) may be provided to enclose the aperture  142 . Additionally, the contact element holder portions  150  may be snap-fitted from a front side of the head portion  122 . 
     As noted, each contact element holder portion  150  may be linked directly to the drive shaft  138  and thus to have an oscillating angular cleaning motion. Alternatively, at least some of the contact element holder portions  150  may be coupled by a linkage, cam structure or the like such that the contact element holder portion  150  has a cleaning motion separate from a rotating motion of the drive shaft  138  and/or a separate cleaning motion from other contact element holder portions  150 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , each of the second plurality of contact elements  128  may be driven to oscillate back and forth angularly about the axis  114  to provide a cleaning action simulating an up-down manual brushing action. The second plurality of contact elements  128  may move through an angle of about 44 degrees, +/−22 degrees relative to the head portion  122 . However, other angles greater than 44 degrees or less than 44 degrees may be used. In the embodiments described in  FIGS. 5-7 , any suitable angle may be utilized similar to those disclosed heretofore with regard to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In a similarly advantageous manner, the cleaning movement of the second plurality of contact elements  128  and a manually imparted cleaning movement of the head portion  122  by the user may provide an enhanced and effective cleaning action without drawing away from or degrading the driven cleaning action. The brush section  110  is also easily used in the same manner as a manual toothbrush to affect cleaning. 
     It is noted with respect to the brush section  110  that at least some of the contact element holder portions  150  may be separately coupled to the drive shaft  138  via a linkage, cam or similar structure to have a cleaning motion separate from an oscillating motion of the drive shaft  138 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the drive shaft  138  may comprise a plurality of cams  160  offset from or eccentric relative to the axis  114 . In some embodiments, each bristle holder portion  150  may be rotatably supported by engagement of a circular aperture  162  with a pin  166  formed on a static bristle support  164 , a plurality of which, potentially corresponding to the number of rows of the first plurality of bristles  124 , may be formed on the head section  122 . Each cam  160  may engage a slot  168  formed in the bristle support portion  150  such that rotation of the drive shaft  138  causes a back and forth angular rotation of the bristle support portion  150  and the associated second plurality of bristles  128 . Arrangement of the cams  160  on the drive pin  138  permits each bristle holder portion  150  to have a separate rotating motion, which may enhance the cleaning action of the head section  122 . 
     Advantageously, a complex drive motion of the drive shaft  138  may be avoided, as it may be driven in rotation with the action of the cam  160  engaging the bristle support portion  150  to provide the desired cleaning motion for the second plurality of bristles  128 . For example, some embodiments may utilize a drive shaft which oscillates back and forth about the axis  114  to achieve the oscillatory motion of the first plurality of contact elements, the second plurality of contact elements, and/or the third plurality of contact elements. As yet another example, some embodiments, may utilize a drive shaft which rotates about the axis  114  to achieve the oscillatory motion of the first plurality of contact elements, the second plurality of contact elements, and/or the third plurality of contact elements. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , an alternate arrangement of the bristle holder portions  150 , designated as bristle holder portions  150 ′ is contemplated. As shown, each bristle holder portion  150 ′ may be rotatably supported on the pin  166 . However, instead of being formed with a circular aperture  162  (shown in  FIG. 8 ), the bristle holder portion  150 ′ may be formed with a slot  162 ′ which engages the pin  166 . Additionally, the slot  168  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) may be formed as a circular opening  168 ′ within which the cam  160  rotates with rotation of the drive shaft  138 . Rotation of the drive shaft  138  causes a back and forth angular rotation of the bristle support portion  150 ′ and the associated second plurality of bristles  128 . Additionally, the bristle support portions  150 ′ may be driven linearly along the slot  162 ′ relative to the axis  114 . This arrangement of bristle support portions  150 ′ permits each bristle holder portion  150 ′ to have a rotating and translating motion, which may enhance the cleaning action of the head section  122 . Also, arrangement of the cams  160  on the drive shaft  138  may allow each individual bristle holder portion  150 ′ to have a motion separate and distinct from each other bristle holder portion  150 ′. The resulting relatively complex cleaning motion may be imparted to the second plurality of bristles  128  without a complex drive motion of the drive shaft  138 , which may be driven in rotation. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates yet another alternate arrangement of the bristle holder portions  150 , designated as bristle holder portions  150 ″. Each bristle holder portion  150 ″ may be formed with an arcuate slot  162 ″ that engages a corresponding pin  166  formed on a static bristle support. The drive shaft  138  may include eccentric cams such that rotation of the drive shaft  138  may provide rotating and translating motion of the bristle holder portions  150 ″ via engagement of the drive shaft  138  with the respective bristle holder portions  150 ″. Additionally, this arrangement may provide separate and distinct rotational and translation motion for each bristle holder portion  150 ″ without a complex drive motion of the drive shaft  138 . 
     As described, the various arrangements of a bristle holder portion, e.g., 150, 150′ and 150″, etc., permit relatively complex rotational and translational cleaning motions to be imparted to the second plurality of bristles  128 . This may be accomplished with a simple rotating motion of the drive shaft  138  making brush sections  110  incorporating these configurations easily adaptable to existing handle section designs that may provide only for a rotating drive shaft output. 
     The first plurality of contact elements  24 , the second plurality of contact elements  28 , and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  of the present invention may comprise a wide variety of materials and may have a number of different configurations. Any suitable material and/or any suitable configuration may be utilized. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the first plurality of contact elements  24 , the second plurality of contact elements  28 , and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46 , may comprise tufts. The tufts may comprise a plurality of individual filaments which are securely attached to a cleaning element carrier. Such filaments may be polymeric and may include polyamide or polyester. The longitudinal and cross sectional dimensions of the filaments of the invention and the profile of the filament ends can vary. Additionally, the stiffness, resiliency and shape of the filament end can vary. Some examples of suitable dimensions include a length between about 3 cm to about 6 cm, or any individual number within the range. Additionally, the filaments may include a substantially uniform cross-sectional dimension of between about 100 to about 350 microns, or any individual number within the range. The tips of the filaments may be any suitable shape, examples of which include a smooth tip, a rounded tip, and a pointed tip. In some embodiments, the filaments may include a dye which indicates wear of the filaments as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,255. Other suitable examples of filaments are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,840. In some embodiments, the cleaning element fields may comprise fins as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,604, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0177462; 2005/0235439; and 2005/0060822. In some embodiments, the cleaning element fields may comprise a combination of fins and tufts. 
     Additionally, at least a portion of some of the first plurality of contact elements  24 , the second plurality of contact elements  28 , and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  may be attached to a cleaning element carrier at an angle. Such orientations are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,367. Also, any suitable method may be utilized to attach the first plurality of contact elements  24 , the second plurality of contact elements  26 , and/or the third plurality of contact elements  46  to their respective structures. 
     Embodiments are contemplated where the mounting tube  12 ,  112  (shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 - 9 ) respectively, is angled with respect to the handle section. In such embodiments, the drive shaft of the present invention may be provided in discrete portions thereby accommodating the angle of the mounting tube  12 ,  112 . For example, the drive shaft may include one or more universal joints. As yet another example, the drive shaft may be constructed from a compliant material. Some examples of suitable materials for construction of the drive shaft include aluminum, spring steel, plastics, e.g. delrin, nylon, polypropylene, and/or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A-13E  another embodiment of a brush section  210  is shown. Like elements of the brush section  210  to those of the brush section  10  are indicated using a reference numeral incremented by  200 . The brush section  210  includes a mounting tube  212  extending along an axis  214 . At a first end  216 , the mounting tube  212  is adapted to be push-fitted onto a handle section in a manner preventing relative rotation, as discussed previously with regard to the mounting tube  12 . 
     At a second end  220  the brush section  210  includes a brush head portion  222 . The brush head portion  222  supports a first plurality of contact elements  224  that are mounted to the head portion  222  so as to be fixed, i.e., static relative to the head portion  222 . Any suitable method of mounting the first plurality of contact elements  224  to the head portion  222  may be used, such as those methods discussed heretofore with regard to the first plurality of contact elements  24 . Supported within the head portion  222  is a movable contact element support or movable contact element holder  226  supporting a second plurality of contact elements  228 . The second plurality of contact elements  228  may be mounted to the movable contact element holder  226  using any suitable method, such as those discussed heretofore with regard to the second plurality of contact elements  28 . The movable contact element holder  226  may be supported within the head portion  222  such that the movable contact element holder  226  is able to rotate about the axis  214  responsive to a suitable driving input from a handle section. The second plurality of contact elements  228  extend through apertures  270  formed in the head portion  222  so that the contact elements  224  and  228  form a unitary contact element field to perform a brushing operation. In operation, the second plurality of contact elements  228  move with respect to the first plurality of contact elements  224 , in a motion very similar to the motion a user would perform with a manual oral cleaning device such as a manual toothbrush. 
     The first plurality of contact elements  224  may have a first height and the second plurality of contact elements  228  may have a second height, different than the first height. Additionally, the ends of the first and second pluralities of contact elements  224  and  228  may have contoured, rounded or otherwise shaped ends. Among the first plurality of contact elements  224  and the second plurality of contact elements  228 , contact elements at different locations of the head portion  222  front to back and center to edge may also have different heights and different end contours. The first plurality of contact elements  224  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  214 . Similarly, the second plurality of contact elements  228  may be arranged in rows transverse relative to the axis  214 . The rows of the first plurality of contact elements  224  may advantageously be longer in length than the rows of the second plurality of contact elements  228 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13E , the movable contact element holder  226  may be a single, unitary member supporting the second plurality of contact elements  228 . The drive shaft  238  (not shown) may extend through the head portion  222  and is supported in an extension portion  244  of the movable contact element holder  226 . The drive shaft  238  can be adapted to engage a drive member of a handle portion to which the brush section  210  is configured to operatively couple. The movable contact element holder  226  is coupled to the drive shaft  238  such that oscillation of the drive shaft  238  causes a like oscillation of the movable contact element holder  226 . Alternatively, the movable contact element holder  226  may be coupled by a linkage, cam structure or the like such that the movable contact element holder  226  has a cleaning motion separate from a rotating motion of the drive shaft  238 . The movable contact element holder  226  may be snap-fitted into the head portion  222  and engaged with the drive shaft  238 . 
     In the embodiment shown of  FIGS. 13A to 13E , each of the second plurality of contact elements  228  may be driven to oscillate back and forth angularly about the axis  214  to provide a cleaning action simulating an up-down manual brushing action. The second plurality of contact elements  228  may move through an angle of about 44 degrees, +/−22 degrees, relative to the head portion  222  in a free or unloaded condition when the brush section  210  is not in use. However, other angles greater than 44 degrees or less than 44 degrees may be used. In the embodiments described in  FIGS. 13A to 13E , any suitable angle and oscillation frequency may be utilized similar to those disclosed heretofore. 
     In a similarly advantageous manner, the cleaning movement of the second plurality of contact elements  228  and a manually imparted cleaning movement of the head portion  222  by the user may provide an enhanced and effective cleaning action without drawing away from or degrading the driven cleaning action. The brush section  210  is also easily used in the same manner as a manual toothbrush to affect cleaning. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13E , the movable contact element holder  226  includes an integral extension portion  244  supporting a third plurality of contact elements  246 . Any suitable method of mounting the third plurality of contact elements  246  to the extension portion  244  may be used, such as those methods discussed heretofore. Other embodiments may include a similar extension portion (not shown) having a different freedom of motion relative to the head portion  222  and relative to the movable contact element holder  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third plurality of contact elements  246  extend in a direction which is somewhat angled with respect to the upper side of the head portion  222 , whereas the first and second pluralities of contact elements  224  and  228  are substantially perpendicular to the upper side of the head portion  222 . 
     As illustrated for example in  FIG. 13C , there is a gap  272  between the movable contact element holder  226  and the head portion  222 . In the particular embodiment of  FIG. 13C , the gap  272  includes a substantially U-shaped portion on the back side  221  of the head portion  222 . As indicated in  FIGS. 13B ,  13 C and  13 D, that gap  272  further extends around the periphery of the head portion  222 , between the head portion  222  and the extension portion  244  of the movable contact element holder  226 . As the movable contact element holder  226  rotates about the longitudinal axis  214 , there will be relative movement between the holder  226  and the head portion  222 . To avoid the potential risk of injury caused by that relative motion pinching the mucosa, the width of the gap  272  should be minimized. A minimal width gap  272  is also advantageous because it reduces the size of the brush head. At the same time, the gap  272  preferably remains wide enough so that water, saliva, toothpaste, or other materials present in the mouth during a tooth brushing operation can easily pass through the gap  272 . In that way, the toothbrush may more effectively be cleaned when the tooth brushing operation is compete by rinsing the brush section with water, which passes through the apertures  270  and then through the gap  272 . 
     In some embodiments, the width of the gap  272  at a particular point within the head portion  222  may change as the movable contact element holder  226  moves through its rotation cycle. In other embodiments, the width of the gap  272  may remain substantially constant during such movement, which advantageously helps to prevent a “suctioning” of the mucosa into the gap  272 . The width of the gap  272  may be different at different points within the head portion  222 , or the gap  272  width may be substantially the same along the entire extent of the gap  272 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the width of the gap  272  between the movable contact element holder  226  and the head portion  222  remains within a range of between about 0.1 mm and about 0.6 mm throughout the rotation cycle. In some embodiments, the width of the gap  272  throughout the rotation cycle can be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.35 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.45 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.55 mm, and/or at most 0.6 mm, at most 0.55 mm, at most 0.5 mm, at most 0.45 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.2 mm, or at most 0.15 mm. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate the rotation cycle of the movable contact element holder  226  within the head portion  222 .  FIG. 14A  shows the holder  226  in its neutral state, where the +/− angle θ is zero degrees.  FIG. 14B  shows the holder  226  at its maximally deflected state to one side (to the left as oriented in this illustration) in a loaded, in-use condition, where the rotary movement switches from a counter-clockwise rotation to a clockwise rotation. As can be seen the width of the gap  272  at points A and B changes through the course of the oscillation. In some embodiments, the width of the gap  272  at point A is about 0.27 mm in the neutral state and about 0.45 mm in the maximally deflected state, and the width of the gap at point B is about 0.27 mm in the neutral state and about 0.22 mm in the maximally deflected state. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the width of the gap  272  at points A and B may be maintained substantially constant through the rotation cycle if the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the movable contact element holder  226  is appropriately configured, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the radius of curvature in the region of the gap  272  may be substantially constant. 
     Additional measures may be employed to help prevent pinching of the mucosa between the movable contact element holder  226  and the head portion  222 . For example, the interface between the holder  226  and the head portion  222  across the gap  272  or portions of the gap  272  may be substantially continuous, lacking sharp discontinuities during the rotation cycle. As illustrated in  FIGS. 13C and 13D , the interface between the holder  226  and the head portion  222  across the substantially U-shaped portion of the gap  272  on the back side  221  of the head portion  222  is substantially continuous during movement of the holder  226 . This substantial continuity is also illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . This particular embodiment may be advantageous because, during typical use of the brush section  210 , the back side  221  will face and frequently contact the mucosa such as the interior cheek surface, the tongue, and the like. 
     Similarly, when the holder  226  is in its neutral state as shown for example in  FIGS. 13B and 13E , the interface at the rest of the gap  272  (i.e. the portion between the extension portion  244  and the head portion  222 ) is also substantially continuous. When the holder  226  rotates away from that neutral position, however, the interface in that portion of the gap  272  will start to become discontinuous. As will be especially appreciated from  FIG. 13B , the degree of discontinuity in the portion of the gap  272  between the extension portion  244  and the head portion  222  will increase as the holder  226  rotates further away from its neutral position. As one way to reduce this discontinuity, the angular extent of the rotation may be limited. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, this limitation of rotation may be accomplished in many ways, such as by appropriately configuring the coupling between the holder  226  and the electric drive in the handle, or by appropriately configuring the fit of the holder  226  into the head portion  222 , or by other means. 
     For example, the rotation of the movable contact element holder  226  may be limited so that each of the second plurality of contact elements  228  remain within the vertical envelopes defined by the respective apertures  270  through which the elements  228  extend, such as shown by the dotted curve  270   a  in  FIG. 13E . As an alternative example, the rotation of the movable contact element holder  226  may be limited so that each of the second plurality of contact elements  228  remain within the vertical envelope defined by the outer profile of the head portion  222 , such as shown by the dotted curve  222   a  in  FIG. 13E . In yet further embodiments, the rotation may be limited so that only a lower portion of the height H 1  of the contact elements  228  (see  FIG. 13D ) remains within one or the other of the envelopes  270   a ,  222   a . The lower portion may be, for example, 75 percent, 50 percent, or 25 percent of the height H 1  of the contact elements  228 . 
     In an alternate arrangement, shown for example in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a cover member  274  may be utilized. The prime symbol is utilized in these figures to indicate elements which are similar and yet not identical to elements in  FIGS. 13A to 13E . The attachment of the cover member  274  to the head portion  222 ′ may be permanent or semi-permanent. Any method of attachment may be used such as a snap fit, ultrasonic bonding, or the like. The cover member  274  may be made of any suitable material such as a thermoplastic or even metal. Although not shown in the figures, the cover member may take the form of a thin, flexible skin covering which extends over one or more portions of the gap  272 , made from for example a soft thermoplastic material. The thin, flexible skin can expand and contract or otherwise accommodate the movement of the holder  226  within the head portion  222 , while at the same time covering the gap so that the mucosa will not be pinched between the holder  226  and the head portion  222  in the covered portion of the gap. 
     The cover member  274  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  operates to cover at least a portion of the movable contact element holder  226 ′ and thereby prevent the mucosa from contacting the covered portion of the holder  226 ′. In the representative example of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the covered portion is shown at  226   a , while the extension portion  244 ′ of the holder  226 ′ is not covered by the cover member  274 . Thus, the gap  272 ′ between the extension portion  244 ′ and the head portion  222 ′ can be minimized to help prevent pinching of the mucosa at that interface, as already discussed above. The cover member  274  may include apertures such as shown at  276  in order to facilitate a rinsing operation to clean the brush section when a brushing operation is complete. Although not shown, the cover member  274  may include a transparent window portion so that the user of the brush can view the inner workings of the brush section, such as gearing and the like. In addition, the back surface  278  of the cover member  274  may be textured to provide a mucosa cleaning or massaging. 
     The movable contact element holder may also include a mucosa cleaning or massaging surface, irrespective of whether a cover member  274  is present. This is shown, for example, in  FIG. 17 . The movable contact element holder  226 ″ is manufactured from a first material  280  and a second material  282 . The first material  280  is a relatively rigid material for structural stability. The second material  282  is a relatively soft material to provide a cleaning or massaging effect. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the second material  282  has a “water ripple” surface configuration  284  to enhance the cleaning or massaging effect. However, any such surface configuration may be used instead, such as straight ripples, knurls, ridges, ribs, bars, knobs, or any other such surface configuration known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof. Even a substantially smooth configuration surface may be used if the second material  282  itself provides a mucosa cleaning or massaging effect. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is a low profile brush head. In this context, a brush head&#39;s profile is the height H of the brush head as illustrated for example in  FIG. 13D . In this regard, the height H in many instances is the combination of two separate components, the height H 1  of the longest contact elements in the toothbrush head and the height H 2  of the structure(s) which hold and support the contact elements. A low profile brush head may be desirable, for example, to reduce the overall size of the brush head and thus facilitate moving the brush around within the person&#39;s mouth, particularly to reach the rear molars and the inside tooth surfaces. A low profile brush head is thus particularly advantageous when used in a child&#39;s toothbrush. 
     A low profile brush head further more closely resembles a manual toothbrush. In many electric toothbrushes, H 1  is less than H 2 , so that the ratio H 1 /H 2  is less than 1. By contrast, in many manual toothbrushes, H 1  is greater than H 2  so that the ratio H 1 /H 2  is more than 1. This difference between electric and manual toothbrushes is often easily discernable to consumers. So, in order to make an electric toothbrush look and feel more like a manual toothbrush to a consumer, it would be advantageous to have the ratio H 1 /H 2  be equal to at least 1. This may most easily be accomplished by dispensing with a cover member, but it might also be achieved in conjunction with a cover member. To help reduce the height added by a cover member, the cover member may for example be made of metal or a thin, flexible skin. 
     Many different embodiments are described herein. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that any feature disclosed in connection with one embodiment may very well also work in connection with one or more other embodiments. As but one example of this interchangeability, the description of the gap between the movable contact element holder  226  and the head portion  222  of the brush section  210  may be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein, such as the brush section  10  or the brush section  110 . 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 
     The preceding text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.