Patent Abstract:
A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool may include a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member may extend from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member may be connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck may extend from the body and define a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,830, titled MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRIC BRUSH APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, filed Feb. 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene tools. In particular, the disclosure relates to electric cleaning tools having a brush for cleaning teeth. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    As is known, a toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument that is useful for cleaning teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes may include one or more heads of bristles that are arranged for cleaning the oral cavity—particularly, the teeth, tongue, and gums. Toothpaste is typically an abrasive fluid, paste, or gel dentifrice, and is used with toothbrushes to enhance cleaning by mechanical action. The cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes has also been enhanced by using different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. In the past century, conventional toothbrushes have been modified to include soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and minimize gum damage and/or irritation, and may be formed of nylon or other materials that have desirable hardness and durability. 
         [0004]    Some conventional toothbrushes are powered by electricity. An electric toothbrush includes a brush that is driven by a motor and oscillates or rotates the brush. Electric toothbrushes have been found to be easier to use than brushes that require completely manual brushing action. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to generally be more effective for cleaning teeth than unpowered toothbrushes. 
         [0005]    Other types of conventional toothbrushes include interdental or interproximal brushes and end-tufted brushes. Interdental cleaning instruments such as interdental brushes are designed for cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may have a cleaning head that has a tapered surface profile. For example, a head of an interdental cleaning instrument may have a conical shape for cleaning the narrow spaces between teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may alternatively include a brush having bristles located about a slender rod that is suitable for sliding between teeth to clean interdental spaces. 
         [0006]    End-tufted toothbrushes are designed for cleaning along gumlines adjacent to teeth. End-tufted toothbrushes typically include a bristle head that is shaped to form an angled cleaning surface that conforms to interdental spaces. 
         [0007]    Dental instruments are conventionally required to perform specific dedicated cleaning functions for which they are narrowly suitable. Thus, an improved multi-functional electric toothbrush configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive tooth and interdental space cleaning may be beneficial. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current dental cleaning technologies. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, a powered multi-function brush advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. Further, the multi-function brush of some embodiments may be useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a powered dental and interdental cleaning apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end. The apparatus has an interdental cleaning member, a drive member, and a neck. The drive member extends from the first end of the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. The neck has a first end and a second end, and the neck extends from the first end of the body at the first end of the neck. The neck is configured to define or contain a drive member shaft that contains the drive member. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a brush assembly includes an outer brush forming a ring that defines a central opening. The brush assembly also includes an interdental cleaning member surrounded by the outer brush. The outer brush and the interdental cleaning member are configured and arranged to enable the interdental cleaning member to reciprocate axially through the opening. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, a powered dental and interdental cleaning apparatus includes an outer brush forming a ring that defines a central opening. The apparatus also includes an interdental cleaning member surrounded by the outer brush. The outer brush and the interdental cleaning member are configured and arranged to enable the interdental cleaning member to pulse or reciprocate axially through the opening. The apparatus further includes a drive assembly configured to rotate the outer brush and cause pulsing movement of the interdental cleaning member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a drive system for a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a drive system for a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a drive system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is another cross-sectional view of a drive system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a drive system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective cutaway view of a multi-functional electric brush showing a drive system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an end view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a exploded view of a brush assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a top view of a brush assembly for a multi-functional electric brush according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional end view of a head of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a head of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16B  is another perspective view of the head of the multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16C  is yet another perspective view of the head of the multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a powered multi-function brush that enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. The multi-function brush may be useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning under the gumline. For example, the multi-function brush in some embodiments may include an interdental cleaning member that is configured to reach approximately 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline, and preferably is configured for cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline. The interdental cleaning member may reach further, however, as a matter of design choice. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a drive system  100  for a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drive system  100  includes a body  101 . Body  101  contains or supports a drive assembly  103 . 
         [0033]    Drive assembly  103  includes a drive member  107 . Drive member  107  may be a shaft or any other suitable extension that would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Drive member  107  may be connected to a brush head assembly (not shown). Drive assembly  103  includes a worm  111  that is configured to interlock with a worm gear or worm wheel  115 . 
         [0034]    Drive assembly  103  may be configured to cause rotation and pulsing of drive member  107 . In particular, worm wheel  115  may be rotated, driving worm  111 , which, in turn, may cause drive member  107  to rotate. Conversely, worm  111  may drive worm wheel  115 . Worm wheel  115  may be configured and arranged to cause a portion of drive member  107  to reciprocate and pulse back and forth axially, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation of drive member  107 . For example, an arm  117  may be attached at a first end of arm  117  to worm wheel  115  at an eccentric location, as shown. A second end of arm  117  may be connected to drive member  107  and configured such that movement of arm  117  causes axial movement of drive member  107 . 
         [0035]    As shown, worm wheel  115  is attached to arm  117 , which is attached to a movable portion  119  of drive system  100 . Movable portion  119  may be configured to contact and move drive member  107 . Movable portion  119  may be arranged on tracks that enable movement of movable portion  119  caused by worm wheel  115 . Movable portion  119  is connected to drive member  107  for moving drive member  107  as a result of rotation of worm wheel  115 . As such, the rotation of worm wheel  115  may cause a combination of rotation and axial movement or pulsing of drive member  107 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a drive system  200  for a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drive system  200  has a body  201 . Body  201  contains or supports a drive assembly  203 . 
         [0037]    Drive assembly  203  includes a drive member  207 . Drive member  207  may be connected to a brush head assembly (not shown). Drive assembly  203  includes a worm  211  that is configured to interlock with a worm gear or worm wheel  215 . 
         [0038]    Drive assembly  203  may be configured to cause rotation and pulsing of drive member  207 . In particular, worm wheel  215  may be caused to rotate, driving worm  211 , which, in turn, may cause shaft  207  to rotate. Conversely, worm  211  may drive worm wheel  215 . Worm wheel  215  may be configured and arranged to cause a portion of drive member  207  to reticulate back and forth axially, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation of drive member  207 . For example, an arm  217  may be attached at a first end of arm  217  to worm wheel  215  at an eccentric location, as shown. A second end of arm  217  may be connected to drive member  207  and configured such that movement of arm  217  causes axial movement of drive member  207 . 
         [0039]    As shown, worm wheel  215  is attached to arm  217 , which is attached to a movable portion  219  of drive system  200 . Movable portion  219  may be configured to contact and move drive member  207 . Movable portion  219  may be arranged on tracks that enable movement of movable portion  219  caused by worm wheel  215 . Movable portion  219  is connected to drive member  207  for moving drive member  207  as a result of rotation of worm wheel  215 . As such, the rotation of worm wheel  215  may cause a combination of rotation of drive member  207  and axial movement or pulsing of drive member  207 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a drive system  300 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drive system  300  has a body  301 . Body  301  contains or supports a drive assembly  303 . 
         [0041]    Drive assembly  303  includes a drive member  307 . Drive member  307  may be connected to a brush head assembly (not shown). Drive system  303  may include a worm (not shown) that is configured to interlock with a worm gear or worm wheel (not shown). For example, the worm gear and the worm may be selected to be at a 4:1 ratio. Accordingly, for every four rotations of drive member  307 , drive member  307  would pulse in and out in one movement. Drive system  303  may be configured to cause rotation and pulsing of drive member  307 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a drive system  400 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drive system  400  includes a body  401 . Body  401  contains or supports a drive assembly  403 . 
         [0043]    Drive assembly  403  includes a drive member  407 . Drive member  407  may be connected to a brush head assembly (not shown). Drive system  403  may include a worm (not shown) that is configured to interlock with a worm gear or worm wheel (not shown). Drive system  403  may be configured to cause rotation and pulsing of drive member  407 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a drive system  500 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drive system  500  includes a drive member  507 . Drive member  507  may be connected to a brush head assembly (not shown). Drive system  500  includes a worm  511  that is configured to interlock with a worm gear or worm wheel  515 . Drive system  500  may be configured to cause rotation and pulsing of drive member  507 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , worm  511  is fixed to the drive member  507  and configured to interlock with worm wheel or worm gear  515 . Worm gear  515  may be caused to move and thus rotate worm  511  to cause rotation of drive member  507 . Conversely, worm  511  may be caused to rotate, and thus rotate worm gear  515 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electric brush  600 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  600  includes a body  601 . Body  601  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0046]    Body  601  is connected to a neck  621  at a first end of neck  621 . A brush assembly head  631  may extend from or be connected to a second end of neck  621 . Body  601  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  625  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  601 . Actuating mechanism  625  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  625  may facilitate turning on and off the device, and adjusting a speed of the drive system of multi-functional electric brush  600 . In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  625  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0047]    Drive member  607  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  601  to a brush assembly  631 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 6 , body  601  and neck  621  may have a unitary construction where body  601 , neck  621 , and brush assembly  631  form a substantially unitary construction. For example, portions of body  601 , neck  621 , and brush assembly  631  may be formed from a single material. 
         [0048]    The brush assembly includes interdental cleaning member  635  and an outer brush member  637 . Outer brush member  637  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  635  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of brush member  637 . Outer brush member  637  is supported by a brush support member  639 . Multi-functional electric brush  600  is advantageously suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, and particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, including interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electric brush  700 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  700  has a body  701 . Body  701  contains or supports a drive system. The drive system shown in  FIG. 7  is in accordance with a different embodiment than that shown in  FIG. 1 . The drive system includes a drive member  707 . Drive member  707  may be a flexible shaft in some embodiments. 
         [0050]    Body  701  is connected to a neck  721  at a first end of neck  721 . Neck  721  may include support structures that support drive member  707 . Drive member  707  may include a cable, wire, flexible shaft or rod, or any other suitable structure. Drive member  707  may be formed of metal, an alloy, a polymer, a composite, or any other suitable material that is now known or later developed. A head assembly  731  is connected to a second end of neck  721 . A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  725  is connected to the drive system and through an opening of body  701 . Actuating mechanism  725  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  725  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  700  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  725  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0051]    Drive member  707  is connected to a motor  727  at a first end of drive member  707 . Motor  727  may be powered by a power source. The power source may be a battery power source, power from an outlet, or any other suitable AC or DC source, for example. Motor  727  may be connected to actuating mechanism  725  to enable variable speed control. Motor  727  may be anchored for rotation inside body  701 . 
         [0052]    Drive member  707  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  701  to a brush assembly  731 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly  731  may include an interdental cleaning member  735  and an outer brush member  737 . Outer brush member  737  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  735  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of brush member  737 . 
         [0053]    Outer brush member  737  may be supported by a brush support member  739 . Drive member  707  may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by neck  721 . Support structures formed in or defined by the interior of neck  721  may be useful for supporting an angled, flexible drive member. Drive member  707  may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  741  and a drive member gear  745 . Drive member gear  745  may be attached to and rotated by drive member  707 . Drive member gear  745  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  741 . 
         [0054]    The second end of drive member  707  may be attached to an offset connecting rod (not shown). The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly (not shown). The ball and socket assembly may connected to interdental cleaning member  735  and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  735  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of drive member  707  as drive member  707  rotates. 
         [0055]    Brush support member  739  may be connected to brush assembly gear  741 . When drive member  707  is rotated by motor  727 , drive member gear  745  is caused to rotate brush assembly gear  741 , thus rotating outer brush  737  attached to brush support  739 . Meanwhile, rotating drive member  707  moves the connecting rod to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  735  through the central opening of outer brush  737 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  735  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  741  to enable rotation of cleaning member  735  during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  741  and drive member gear  745  is 1:2, interdental cleaning member  735  may rotate at a same speed as outer brush  737 , and pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice the speed of rotation of interdental cleaning member  735 . Accordingly, multi-function brush  700  advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a multi-functional electric brush  800 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  800  includes a body  801 . Body  801  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0057]    Body  801  is connected to a neck  821  at a first end of neck  821 . A head  831  is connected to a second end of neck  821 . Body  801  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  825  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  801 . Actuating mechanism  825  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  825  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  800  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  825  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0058]    Drive member  807  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  801  to a brush assembly  831 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly  831  may include the interdental cleaning member (not shown) and an outer brush member  837 . Outer brush member  837  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and the interdental cleaning member may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of brush member  837 . Outer brush member  837  may be supported by a brush support member  839 . Multi-functional electric brush  800  shown in  FIG. 8  is advantageously suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, and particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, including interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  a top view of a multi-functional electric brush  900 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  900  includes a body  901 . Body  901  contains or supports a drive system. 
         [0060]    Body  901  is connected to a neck  921  at a first end of neck  921 . A head  931  is connected to a second end of neck  921 . Body  901  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  925  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  901 . Actuating mechanism  925  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  925  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  900  on and off, and adjusting a speed of the drive system. 
         [0061]    Drive member  907  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  901  to a brush assembly  931 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member  935  and an outer brush member  937 . Outer brush member  937  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  935  may be configured and arranged for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of outer brush member  937 . Outer brush member  937  may be supported by a brush support member  939 . Multi-functional electric brush  900  is advantageously suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, and particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, including interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0062]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electric brush  1000 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  1000  has a body  1001 . Body  1001  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0063]    Body  1001  is connected to a neck  1021  at a first end of neck  1021 . A head  1031  is connected to a second end of neck  1021 . Body  1001  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1023  may be included at an end of body  1001  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Switch  1023  may be configured to power a drive system of multi-functional electric brush  1000  on and off. A second button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1025  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  1001 . Actuating mechanism  1025  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  1025  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  1000  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. 
         [0064]    Drive member  1007  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  1001  to a brush assembly  1031 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member  1035  and an outer brush member  1037 . Outer brush member  1037  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1035  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of outer brush member  1037 . Outer brush member  1037  is supported by a brush support member  1039 . Multi-functional electric brush  1000  is advantageously suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, and particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, including interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0065]      FIG. 11  is an end view of a multi-functional electric brush  1100 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  1100  includes a body  1101 . Body  1101  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0066]    Body  1101  is connected to a neck  1121  at a first end of neck  1121 . A head  1131  may be connected to a second end of neck  1121 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , body  1101  and neck  1121  may have a unitary construction where body  1101 , neck  1121 , and brush assembly  1131  form a substantially unitary construction. For example, portions of body  1101 , neck  1121 , and brush assembly  1131  may be formed from a single material. 
         [0067]    A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1123  may be included at an end of body  1101  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Switch  1123  may be configured to power a drive system of multi-functional electric brush  1100  on and off. A second button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1125  may be connected to the drive system and accessible from an outer portion of body  1101 . 
         [0068]    Actuating mechanism  1125  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  1125  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  1100  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  1125  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0069]    Drive member  1107  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  1101  to a brush assembly  1131 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member (not visible) and an outer brush member  1137 . Outer brush member  1137  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and the interdental cleaning member may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of brush member  1137 . Outer brush member  1137  may be supported by a brush support member  1139 . Multi-functional electric brush  1100  is advantageously suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, and particularly for cleaning tooth surfaces in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, including interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a multi-functional electric brush  1200 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-functional electric brush  1200  has a body  1201 . Body  1201  contains or supports a drive system. The drive system includes a drive member  1207 . The drive member  1207  may be a flexible shaft, for example. 
         [0071]    Body  1201  is connected to a neck  1221  at a first end of neck  1221 . A brush assembly is connected to a second end of neck  1221 . Body  1201  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1223  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  1201 . A second button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  1225  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  1201 . Actuating mechanism  1225  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  1225  may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  1200  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. Drive member  1221  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  1201  to the brush assembly. In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a brush assembly  1300 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Brush assembly  1331  includes an interdental cleaning member  1335  and an outer brush member  1337 . Outer brush member  1337  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1335  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of outer brush member  1337 . 
         [0073]    Outer brush member  1337  may be supported by a brush support member  1339 . The drive member may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by the neck. The drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  1341  and a drive member gear  1345 . Drive member gear  1345  may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear  1345  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  1341 . 
         [0074]    The second end of the drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  1347 . The ball and socket assembly may connected to an interdental cleaning member  1335 , and may be configured to cause the interdental cleaning member to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. 
         [0075]    Brush support member  1339  may be connected to brush assembly gear  1341 . When the drive member is rotated, drive member gear  1345  rotates brush assembly gear  1341 , thus rotating outer brush  1337  attached to brush support  1339 . Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  1335  through the central opening of outer brush  1337 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  1335  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  1341  to enable rotation of cleaning member  1335  during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  1341  and drive member gear  1345  is 1:2, the interdental brush may rotate at the same speed as outer brush  1337 , and pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation of interdental brush  1335 . Accordingly, such a multi-function brush advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. 
         [0076]      FIG. 14  is a top view of a brush assembly  1400 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Brush assembly  1400  includes a centrally disposed interdental cleaning member  1435 . Interdental cleaning member  1435  is configured to rotate and pulse within the opening defined by an outer brush  1437 . Outer brush  1437  may be attached to and supported by a brush support  1439 . Interdental cleaning member  1435  may be configured to meet support member  1439  to cause rotation of interdental cleaning member  1435  as support member  1439  rotates. 
         [0077]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional end view of a head  1500  of a multi-functional electric brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Head  1500  includes an interdental cleaning member  1535  and an outer brush member  1537 . Outer brush member  1537  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1535  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of brush member  1537 . 
         [0078]    Outer brush member  1537  may be supported by a brush support member  1539 . The drive member may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by the neck. The drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  1541  and a drive member gear  1545 . Drive member gear  1545  may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear  1545  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  1541 . 
         [0079]    The second end of the drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  1547 . The ball and socket assembly may connected to an interdental cleaning member  1535 , and may be configured to cause the interdental cleaning member to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. 
         [0080]    Brush support member  1539  may be connected to brush assembly gear  1541 . When the drive member is rotated, drive member gear  1545  rotates brush assembly gear  1541 , thus rotating outer brush  1537  attached to brush support  1539 . Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  1535  through the central opening of outer brush  1537 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  1535  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  1541  to enable rotation of cleaning member  1535  during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  1541  and drive member gear  1545  is 1:2, the interdental brush may rotate at a same speed as outer brush  1537 , and pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation of interdental brush  1535 . Accordingly, such a multi-function brush advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 16A-C  are perspective views of a head  1600  of a multi-functional electric brush with an interdental member in different positions, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Head  1600  includes an interdental cleaning member  1635  and an outer brush member  1637 . Outer brush member  1637  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1635  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of outer brush member  1637 . 
         [0082]    Outer brush member  1637  may be supported by a brush support member  1639 . The drive member may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by the neck. The drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  1641  and a drive member gear  1645 . Drive member gear  1645  may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear  1645  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  1641 . 
         [0083]    The second end of the drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  1647 . The ball and socket assembly may connected to interdental cleaning member  1635 , and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  1635  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. In  FIG. 16A , interdental cleaning member  1635  is obscured by outer brush  1637 . Interdental cleaning member  1635  is in a first position where ball and socket assembly  1647  supports interdental cleaning member  1635  in a position that is lower than a top operating surface of outer brush  1637 . In  FIG. 16B , interdental cleaning member  1635  is located at a second position that is about midway between the first non-extended position shown in  FIG. 16A  and a third position shown in  FIG. 16C , where interdental cleaning member  1635  is substantially fully extended and is positioned beyond an operating surface of outer brush  1637 . 
         [0084]    Brush support member  1639  may be connected to a brush assembly gear  1641 . When the drive member is rotated, the drive member gear is caused to rotate brush assembly gear  1641 , thus rotating the outer brush  1637  attached to brush support  1639 . Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  1635  through the central opening of the outer brush  1637 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  1635  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  1641  to enable rotation of the cleaning member during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  1641  and drive member gear  1645  is 1:2, interdental cleaning member  1635  may rotate at a same speed as outer brush  1637 , and pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation of interdental cleaning member  1635 . Accordingly, such a multi-function brush advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. 
         [0085]    Accordingly, the multi-function brush in accordance with some embodiments advantageously enables simultaneous cleaning of flat tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. The combined operable surface area of the interdental cleaning member and the outer brush may enhance cleaning of tooth surfaces. For example, the combination of the interdental cleaning member and the outer brush may form a total operable surface area that is 50% larger than an operable surface area of the outer brush alone. Further, the multi-function brush in accordance with some embodiments may be useful for many applications, including pedodontal, and orthodontic applications. 
         [0086]    The multi-function brush in accordance with some embodiments may be useful for periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced cleaning under the gumline. For example, the multi-function brush in accordance with some embodiments may include an interdental cleaning member that is configured to reach about 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline for cleaning. The multifunction brush in accordance with some embodiments may enable cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline. The interdental cleaning member and the outer brush may combine to form a top operable cleaning surface that enables enhanced cleaning functionality. 
         [0087]    It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods of the present invention, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention. 
         [0088]    The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” or similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0089]    The modifiers “about” and “approximately” used in connection with a quantity are inclusive of the stated value and have the meaning dictated by the context. For example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity. When used with a specific value, they also disclose that value. 
         [0090]    It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0091]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0092]    One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0