Patent ID: 7696728

Claim:
An electrically powered toothbrush comprising a head which supports a bristle carrier, the head being connected to or connectable to a grip handle, the bristle carrier being moveable by an electric motor in the toothbrush to provide a cleaning effect, and incorporating an electric power supply which comprises a capacitor capable of containing sufficient electric charge to drive the motor for a tooth cleaning session, in combination with a charging unit which incorporates an electricity supply having an electrical connection means connectable to a corresponding connection on the toothbrush to enable electrical connection between the capacitor and the charging unit, and with which the toothbrush may be connected, and wherein the charging unit comprises means to apply a charging voltage V 1 to the capacitor when the toothbrush is connected to the unit, and means operable by a user of the toothbrush to temporarily apply a charging voltage V 2 higher than V 1 to the capacitor after application of charging voltage V 1 and prior to use of the toothbrush.