US006932216B2_ «» United States Patent (10) Patent No: US 6,932,216 B2 Blaustein et al. 45) Date of Patent: * Aug, 23, 2005 (st) ELECTRIC TooTHBRUSHL 6) References Cited (75) Inventors: Lawrence A. Blaustein, Moreland SEEN DOCUMEN TS Hills, OF (Us); John R. Nottingham, 1668088 A 71918 Sai Hunting Waly, OM (US) John Osher, Lasnate A 21022 Pane Moreland Hills, OH (US); John W. (Comiaued) Spi, Gates Mill, O11 (U3); Douglas ‘Gall, Westske, OM (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS au 048829 AL 91990 (13) Assigns: ‘The Procter & Gamble Company YEN AT_ op (*) Nae: Subject any dslainer, he rm of his (Contin patent is extended or adjusted under 35 US. 154(6) by 213 days. ‘This patent is subject to terminal dis- lamer. 21) Appl. No. 09°861,833 (22) Filed: May 21, 2001 cy Prior Publication Data [US 20011002277 AI Sep. 20,2001 Related U.S. Application Data (63) Contnation of application No, 08/7106, led on Now 2, ‘2M, now Pat No 6.371294, which 9 comtnation in at of appliction No 09/382.735, ted om Abe 25, 1939, hove Pat No 617857, which is 3 continuation i-pa of ction No 10/33, 104, fled on ap 25,199, no Pa. 16 189,69, which continuation in-pat ofaptiestion No. 0163/21, fd on Sep. 30, 1998, now Pa. No cy Gi) Ima? (2) US.CL AGB 13/02; BOSD 8300 206/362.2;15/22.1; 15/28; 2051470; 200/318.2 (58) Field of Search 15/224, 28, 222, 15(DIG. 10; 2001 B, 43.16, 43.18, 318, 318.1, 318.2; 206/320, 362.2, 470 OTHER PUBLICATIONS ‘Website: /www.ctest.comproductstooibbrushes) prod _brushes content tts (Nov. 2000), Sean-Colen, Harold D. Babayof, Isis Zak, Dans Mann, Tonathan, “Oae Moath Evaluatoin ofthe Manually Rotating ‘Bio-Brigh "Toothbrush for Clinial Safety and Elica” Depantmeat of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dental ‘Medicine Hebrew University-Hadasstb,Jeuslem, Ise, lin. Deat 6: pp. 120-123, 1995, (Continved) Primary Examiner—Rangall E. Chin (74) Adorney, Agent, or Firm James C. Vago 6 ABSTRACT [An cleetric toothbrush comprises body portion and a head including a motor, a moving portion, a handle, and a gear arrangement between the moving portion aad the motoe. The ‘moving portion rotates oscillates andlor reciprocaes about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The ‘moving portion can include stiff bristles and massaging tps ‘and the stati portion can include soft bristles and massaging tips. The body portion houses the motor. switch is opera: tively connected f© the motor to provide momentary of ‘contiauous operation ofthe toothbrush. In one embodiment the gear arrangement includes a shaft, a worm gear and a par of step gears, In anor embodiment the gear areange- ‘ment includes a plurality af gears and at east one swivel arm for drive the moving portion in a rotating, oscillating or reciprocating manner 18 Claims, 11 Drawing SheetsUS 6,932,216 B2 Page 2 US. PATENT DOCUMENTS A 1/1904 Amakasu : ‘A 1/1995 Giulia et a. 1ATIAISS A 101923 Miller ‘A 31985 Bedale al TATSS84 A 11/1923. Humeston ene ees TAT5a33 A 121923. Vandervoort fae eee Ts1972 A 41925 Galler ee ae ee TSHA77 A 61925 Voorhees eee ITH4I2 A 91930 Offcer A 985 Bigler ta 1785868 A 121930. Koretky ge ts et 1902590 A 31933 Shanson S 121985 Loew Y90R9s7 A 41933 Stimson A 21986 Amit 1945;16 A Maral A M1986 Maurer ea Yosraze a Zasbee A V1986 Yukawa ea 214307 A, Belch 370347 6/1986 Heinviman ea 21966567 A. Mosley S524312 A 6(1006 Tan etal, 2250995 A Suma S504 A 1997 Imai 245,535 A Poiikott Sp17A01 A 41997 McDougall 2558332 A ‘Astle 5617603 A 41907 Mei B108782 A Daston et 5.25916 A $1907 McDougall 3115652 A. ‘arboe Dso1ses § 21998 Nicol 322,15 A Feber 5700982 A M108 Lee etal 3205500 A Scholz S73242 A M1008 Hk 3202516 A Cantor ST2433 A 31908 Gicking a Sanat? A. Moret S787 A T1908 Shek 350874 A 51970 Siloam DBVTZS1 S199 Eguchi etal 378258 A 51973 Buri DBv7282 § 81998 Allende BI336M A 51973. Gole 5794296 A 81998 Wong, STIS8M A 121973. Vensiani SS2521 A 10198 Sham 3802400 A 419TH Mott eta DAO TIS § 11/1908 Solanki 385125 A U/1974 Kelle 5836080 A 1/1908 Hazew 53902506 A 1/1976 Miler S830,148 A 11/1998. Valpenein 4025743 A S977 Oswald 5842244 A 1211986 Hilnger etal 4088690 A 911977 Wolfon S824 A 121008 Pai 44156620 A 5/1979 Clemens 58220 A 121988 Sato 4203431 A 5/1980 Abarat al SAS006SS A 121908 Gecking ta 4397055 A S1983 Cuctiara D4gs10 $199) Menke etal 4420851 A 12983 Wiener 5807856 A 21990 Herzog 44415602 A 101988 Harn ta acs 66 § 31990 Yon et 470438 A 1201987 de Tavares 5876.20 A 31989 Mauer 4530 A 1/1989 Mauer 5901397 A 5/1000 Hele et a 4796323 A 1/1989 Bena Da1sA07 § 101999 Trojnowski etal 4827550 A 51989 Grabam eta 5980157 A 121999 Smith et a 4827552 A 5/1989 Bajar eta (000}083 A 121909 Blaustein ea 845,795 A 7989 Crore 6032313 A 32000 Tsang 4897517 A 1/1990 Gandlch DARI 42000 Beas eta 44964398 A 1011990 Jones Dazi4e § 42000 Harada A 121980 Homann Dwws261 § 72000 Lee A 21901 Scherer DATS § 972000 Klein A 71991. Gross ea DAZ312 § 102000 Blasein eta. A901 Winiewski DARSSIE S 11/2000 Blase ea. A 1991. SeHoe eta DABS63 S$ 12200 Limet a. A 1041991 Hane DA SAS S 122000 Bojsr S$ 1/1901 Hiraaysshi 617857 BL 1/2001 ‘Blautin tal A 121991 Holland 6178582 BI 12001 Hal A 21902 Whitefield DAYTAS8 $ 22001 Beas eal A M982 Hinbayashi 6189.93 BL 22001. ‘Blaustin ea A 61992 Amit Dawns $ 42001 Beas eal A 9/1992 Lista eta. 6237178 BI $2001 ‘Kramer ea S 101992 Cats ea 72001. Pater ta S 101992 Cats ea 82001 Kraemer A 121982 Cairo 972001 Harris ta ‘A 1/1983. Vigna ta : 1/2001. Blaustin ea A 21983 Amite a. 636098 BD 32002 Blaustein ea. A 711983 Davidov eta 6.371204 B1 4202 Blaustein a A 81983 Stell 2001/0001334 AL $2001 Grier etal A 1041983 Beny 2O0LO007SI AL 62001 Blasicin et al A 1/1994 Soliman 2001/0022277 AL 92001 Bhuscin et al A 1/1904 Byrd 2O01/00S4861 AL 122001 Blascn et al A Si1904 Herzog ea 2v20017474 AL 22002 ‘Bluscin et A 81994 Setinski et al 2og00ress AL 22002 ‘Bhusen eal A 1011994 Bauman 20020020988 AL 32002 ‘Blsicin et al S194 Pery 20020032941 AL 32002 Bhusein ealUS 6,932,216 B2 Page 3 20020035772 AL 42002 Blascn et a KR S1-0016% 19/581 2M2OOTSSI4 AL 6.2002 Blase et a KR U19860001137 6/1985, 2m20152564 AL 1072002 Blascn et a KR 1980017291909 2m 0162180 AL 11/2002 Blasicn et a NZ BIT 1/1999 NZ ose 8 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS ia suena er x Sit Som Ay aons7 at 22001 : fons at 3m w “nse Ino cA 191005 T1985 om aaa ef oe cN 223981 4/1995 Ww 333174 re N 2s 6/1999 a ae ei aaa a sao rw ion 2200 DE 2736288 AL 12/978 LS ae oe Dr See AL ‘eo Wo puaisTe 093 DE He As no ossins Tus Wo Sears Be asin OL tse wo panern 686 be aos UL Lio, wo sous 88 BeBe OL WO Sous) Blow De auei8 38 UL sono ; wo mses ‘samen br arms or ‘vi a DE, 298 21 121 UL 11/1998 19261 72001 ep o2st 31 ss OTHER PUBLICATIONS Soe ax bom i saris AD ssh Bade, Herbert “Review of Carell Avabl Baty oat Daca aoa Operated Toothbrushes”, Compendium Continuing Educa- cee sarc si Dey, oS Ro 1 De ee a Pino of Bio Brash Indust (ee IDS led May 31,2002 » Sion ss in US. Appl. No 091,77 ed Now. 6, 2001, with ones Basse Grav, ad tf a8 Conimaton Applicaton US. Ap Ke shames ia No. 10082, led Feb 25,292 (Eas A BC)U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 1 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2 FIG.1U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 2 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2 FIG.2U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 3 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2 FIG.3U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 4 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2 3 \ wy 3 a 8 WY HPs Ns 8 t. I 0 1 > H g a chiy” g Sg g ret a g Lu A R x g g # 19 20U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 5 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2US 6,932,216 B2 Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 6 of 11 U.S. Patent 9DIsU.S. PatentU.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 9 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 10 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2 FIG. 12U.S. Patent Aug. 23,2005 Sheet 11 of 11 US 6,932,216 B2US 6,932,216 B2 1 ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH ‘This application isa continuation of application Ser. No (09/710{616, filed oa Nos. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. (6371,294, which i continuation in-partof application Sex 'No. 09/382,745, filed on Aug. 25, 1999, now, US. Pat. No 6,178,579, whichis coninuaton-in-artof application Ser No. 09/236,794, fied Jan. 25, 1999, now US. Pat. No 6,189,693, whichis continuation-in-par of application Sex. ‘No, 09/163,62, filed on Sep. 30,1998, which issued as US. at. No. 6,000,083 on Dee. 14, 1999. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to eletictooth- brushes. More particulary, it relates to an improved battery powered toothnush ‘The benefits of brushing one’s teth using motorized toothbaushes are well known, and motorized movemeat in twoothbaushes has been the subject of much recent innovation and design activity. Also, the commercial market has seen the intoivetion, over the lst several yours, of maay diler- cent types of motorized toothbrushes. However, an eximina- tioa of the available technology shows a tendency toward increasingly complex, expensive, and non-commercially feasible methods of achieving motorized motions in the bristles and heads of toothbrushes o aid in more effectively cleaning one’s teeth ‘The commercial marketplace has become divided into two price markets. On the higher priced end are some of these more complex motorized toothbrushes that provide various motions to the bristles and brush bead, The lower end of the market has become the province of very simple ‘motorized toothbrushes that only vibrate through the use of ‘an offset weight attched to the motor shafi, and which provide very litle tue additional cleaning beneit with their use since no vigorous motion is trasmited to the cleaning surface of the brush, The vibrations are also very uacom= fortble tothe hand and act as a disincentive to brush one’s teeth for an adequate time. [Numerous electric toothbrashes have been developed ‘ver the years, Some known devices are shown in US, Pat. No. 5,070.67; US. Pal. No. 5,186,627; US. Pat. No 5.274810; US, Pat, No. 5,341,534; US, Pat, No, 5378,153, ax US. Pat, No, 5,73233. The inteaton of the present invention isto provide a low ces, effective, ergonomically correct, motorized toothbrush wherein the brush includes bott «moving circular brush portion and a fixed bush portion. Accordingly it has been considered desirable to evelop new and improved clectic toothbrush which ‘would overcome the foregoing dficulis and others while providing beter and more advantageous overall sul, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ‘The present invention relates 1 an electric toothbrush ‘More specifically, the electictootbmush is used in per- sonal hygiene to clean one's tooth and gums using a motor- ized movement In first prefered embodiment, the electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion, a brush head attached to «frst end of the clongated body portion, a handle attached toa second end of the elongated body portion, and an angled shaft between the brush bead and the handle ‘The brish ead includes a longitudinal axis, a circular or ‘moving portion and a sitie portion. The moving postion rolates, swivels, ayrates, oscillates or reciprocate about an s 0 a 2 axis normal to the longitudinal axis ofthe brush head and is, incorporate into the larger brush head The sali postion includes static bristles located on opposite sides of the ‘moving portion. The stiff rites ofthe maving portion can be slightly recessed in height from the sate bristles. This, particular arrangement allows for the moving postion to include sit bristles which will sd in the deep cleaning and plaque removal proces, while the stationary bristles would typically consist of softer bristles, so as not to damage the gums. The sate portion and the moving porion also may include massaging tips along withthe bristles. ‘The brush head has a more traditional Inger brush head shape which permits the user to brush his teeth in the typical ‘manner of an up and down fashion, while 2 motorized ‘moving portion of the brash head cleans more effectively. “The design ofthe brush head allows for inexpensive manu facture and brings effective motorized loothinushes within the financial reach of a larger portion ofthe population. ‘The angled shalt provides an ergonomic benefit that has ‘ot been utilized 0a a motorized toothbrush. The angle is ‘well known for iis ergonomic benefit in permitting easier access into the back recesses of the mouth while sill ‘contacting the tocth surface The elongated body portion includes a hollow portion ‘The toothbrish is further comprised of « motor within the hollow portion ofthe elongated body portion. The motor is ‘operably connected to the moving partion of the brush head for rotating, osillating o reciprocating the movable bristles fn the bead, The motor has a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion ‘The hollow portion further inchudes « simplified gear assembly. The gearing may comprise any of several embodi- ‘ments, In one embodiment, the gear assembly includes a ‘worm geat, 1Wo step gears and a shalt. The motor is ‘operatively connected to the worm gear. The step gears are ‘operatively connected tothe worm gear and to each othe, ‘The gear assembly delivers suficient torque and speed, hile preserving batery longevity. The firs step gear per- its a second matching step gear to be offset with respect to «longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion and placed at the desied angle so that the shaft iself can sill be straight, thus losing no power of torque through the added Itiction ofa flexible shaft The shat i operatively connected ata fist cad to the offset step gear and at a second end othe ‘moving portion ofthe brush bead. The body further includes a switch to allow operation of the uit, The switch includes an actuator button sad metal contact, The switch is manually depressed by pressing a ‘molded actuator bution dowa, which presses against a metal ‘contact, completing the creuil, a a conventional momen tary switch. The switch allows continuous operation, ‘through a camp design, by depressing and sliding the actus {or button forward asin & conventional continuous switch, ‘The forward motion, combined with the molded in ramp, causes the actuator button to move downward, pressing against the metal contact, and completing the cieuil. By combining these tw functions in one witch the consumer ean ry the unit and see its operation prior to purchase, and sill operate it continuously once out of the package. The electric toothbrush can further include a battery located within the hollow portion of the elonguted body. portion, A slidable, suap-on cover depressed thea leased from the end of the handle and opeas to expose the hollow poston, The batery shen inserted and then the cover is slid into position and snapped into placeUS 6,932,216 B2 3 Ina second preferred embodiment, the electric tontbrosh includes an elongated body portion, brush head attached to «frst end of the clongated body portion, a handle attached toa second end of the elongated body portion, and an angled shaft between the brush head and the handle. “The brsh head includes a longitudinal axis circulae or ‘moving portion, a sate portion, a first end anda second end ‘The firs end of the head is located adjaceat the fist end of the elongated body portion, and the second end is located ‘opposite the fist end. The static potion iLocated atte fist cen or Second end of the bead. The moving portion is then located a the opposite end of the head. The moving postion can rotate, swivel, gyate, oscillate or reciprocate about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the bush head and is incorporated into the laxger brush bead “The cicculae portion is preferably located at the second end of the brush head to facilitate easier access and cleaning of the back of the user's mouth, The static bristles are located agjacent the cireuae portion. This partiular arcangement allows forthe cirular portion to inclu stil brisles which will aid ja the deep cleaning and plaque removal process further in the back ofthe user's mouth while the stationary bristles would typically consist ofa soter bristle, so as not to damage the gums. The static portion and the moving portion also may include massaging tips along with the bristles Ina third prefered embodiment, the eletre tothbrush includes an clongated body portion having opposed frst and second ends, «hollow portion and a longitudinal axis, and 2 ‘ead attached wo the fist end ofthe elongated body portion. ‘Ahanale is attached to the second end ofthe elongated body portion ‘An angled shat is located between the head and the toandle, The toothbrush further includes 4 motor located ‘within he hollow portion of the elongated body portion. plurality of gears ate located inthe hollow portion, The plurality of gears comprises a first gear and a second gese ‘The motor i connected tothe frst gear, and the first wea is connected to the second gear. The toothbrush also includes three swivel arms. The ist ‘swivel arm is pivotably connected to one ofthe gears. The fist and seoood swivel arms are pivotably connected 10 each other ‘A shaft is operatively connected 0 one of the pair of ‘swivel arms a a shaft ist end and operatively connected to the thicd swivel arm at a shaft second end, The shaft is located within the angled shaft The head can further comprise a moving portion and a static portion, The moving portion and the slate portion ace located adjacent each other. The third swivel arm is con- rected to the moving portion. The moving portion funter ‘comprises a disk which is connected to the third swivel am, ‘The moving portion can be located adjacent a first end of the head and the static portion is lated adjacent a second end ofthe head. Alternately, the static portion is located adjacent the fist end ofthe head and the moving portion is. located adjacent the second end of the head, The moving portion can also be located at a center ofthe head withthe Sati portion located on oppesite sides ofthe bead. ‘The shaft moves in a back and forth manner along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body potion, ‘The fist gear rotates about the longitudinal axis and the second gear rotates bout an axis normal othe longitudinal ‘The swivel arms move in back and forth manner along the longitudinal axis of the clongated body portion x ™ 0 s 4 ‘The moving portion can rotate or oscillate about an axis, ‘normal to the longitudinal axis of the head, Alternately, the moving portion can move in back and forth manner along the longitudinal axis ofthe hea. ‘A switch is operably connected to the motor. The switch is depressed to provide momentary operation ofthe toth- brush and is depressed and slid ia slot in the elongated body portion to provide continuous operation of the woth brush In accordance with fourth and fifth prefered embodi- iments of the preseat invention, the static portion and the ‘moving potion can each include bristles and massaging tips, ‘which are used for gently massaging te user's gums while brushing Inthe fourth preferred embodiment, the moving portion «ean be located ata eenter ofthe head withthe static portion located on opposite sides of the head. Inthe ff preferred embodiment, the moving portion ean be located adjacent a first end of the head and the static portion is located adjuocat ‘second end ofthe head, Alternately, the static postion is located adjacent the frst end ofthe head and the moving, portion is loeated adjacent the second end ofthe head. The massaging tps canbe located on the perimeter ofthe static and moving portions o among the bristles onthe static ‘and moving portions. (ne advantage ofthe present inveation isthe provision of ‘an electric toothbrush with a brush head with a traditional larger brush head shape to permit the user to brush teeth in an up and down fashion. Aaosher advange of the preset invention is the provi- sion ofan electri toothbrush which is inexpensive and easy to manufictue Another advantage of the present invention isthe provi- sion of an eletic toothbrush with an angled shaft to permit. easier acces to the back of the user's mouth, Sill another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an electric toothbrush with a sate portion and circular or moving portion that coats, swivels, oscilates, (oF reciprocate. ‘Yet another advantage of the present inveation is the provision ofa cirula portion that rotates or recipocates oF ‘swivels or oscillates which is positioned at the end of the brush heat facilitate easier acess to the back ofthe user's ‘mouth ‘Yet sill another advantage of the present invention isthe provision of an electric toothbrush with « switch whieh allows momentary operation or continuous operation of the toothbrush, Anosher advantage of the preset invention is the provi- sion of an electric toothbrush with swivel arms. which provide a simpliied mechanism for rotating or oscillating the moving brush bead, Sill another advantage of the present iaveation is the provision of an electric toothbrush with massaging tips 10 permit the usr to simultaneously brash the user's teeth and ‘massage the user's gums Sill other advantages and benefits of the invention will, become apparent to those skilled ia the st upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ‘The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of paris, preferred embodiments of which will. be described in detail in this specification and illustrate in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and whereinUS 6,932,216 B2 5 FIG. 1 isa perspective view ofthe electric toothbrush in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG, 2s. side elevational view ofthe electric toothbrush of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is 4 bottom elevational view of the electie toothbrush of FIG. 1; FIG, 4 isa side elevational view in eros set electric toothbrush of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electic toothbrush of FIG. FIG, isan alarged side elevational view in cross section ‘of the motor and gear assembly ofthe electric tothbrush of FIG. 1; FIG, 7isanealargd side clevational view in cross section ofthe head of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 isa front and side elevational view of the electic toothbrush in packaging; FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofthe eletric toothbmush in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is side elevational view of the electric tooth. brush of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a botiom elevational view of the eletric toothbmush of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 «perspective view of the electric totbbrush in accordance with third prefered embodiment ofthe present invention, FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the angled shaft and head of the electric toothbrush in accordance with a Tour prefered embadiment of the preseat invention, FIG. 14 i sie elevational view o the angle shaft and head of te electric toothbrush of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 isa bottom elevational view of the angled shaft and bead ofthe electric toothbrush in accordance with fifth prefered embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is side elevational view of the angled shat and bead of the eletrie toothbaush of FIG. 18, of the s DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, Referring now tothe drawings wherein the showings are ore purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of Tinting same, FIG. 1 shows an electric toothbrush A according to a fist prefered embodiment ofthe present invention, The eletric twothbaush can be used for personal hygiene such as brush ing one's teeth and gums. ‘ ‘As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toobeush includes an clongated body portion 10, which ha a fist end) 12 and a second end 14. Ahead 16 is altached othe frst end 12 and ‘handle 18 is attached to the second end 14. “The bead 16 has 2 more traditional larger brush bead shape which permits the user to brush his teeth in he typical ‘manner of an up an down fasbion. As shown oa FIG, 2 the length ofthe head 16, dimension “X”, ean range from about (0.35 inches to about 1.75 inches, Te thickness of the brush ‘head, dimension “Y", can range fom sbout 0.25 iaches to bout (150 inches, The design of the head 16 allows for inexpensive manufacture and assists in bringing effective ‘motorized rotational toothbrushes within the financial reach of lage portion ofthe population, Relering now to FIG, 3, the head 16 furter includes a longitudinal axis 19, a eireular or moving portion or brush a 6 bead 20 and a static portion or brosh head 22. The static portion 22 i located on opposite sides of the moving portion 20, The moving portion 20 is located a the ceter of the brush head 16. The moving portion 20 rotates, swivels, ‘oscillates or reciprocaes about an axis approximately nor- smal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the brush bead 16. The ‘maving portion 20 may rotate 360" of partially rotate or ‘elle or reciprocate ina back and fonla manner. ‘The mewving portion 20 includes iff bristles 4. The static portion 22 includes sot bristles 26. The sti bristles 24 are slighly recessed with respect othe soft bristles 26, Te ill bostles 24 aid in the deep cleaning and plague’ removal process, while the stationary soft bristles 26 are softer so as fo not damage the gums. The thickness of the bristle, imeasioa “Z”, shown in FIG. 2, can ange from about 0.25, Inches to about 0.75 inches. Referring again to FIG. 3, the elongated body portion 10 ‘urther includes an angled shat 28, located between the bead 16 and the handle 18. The angled shaft 28 provides an ergonomic benefit that his not been utilized on a motorized tootbbaush. The angle is well known for ils exgonomic benefit ia permiting easice acess into the back recesses of the mouth while sll contacting the tooth surface ‘As shown in FIG. 4 andl FIG. $, the elongated body portion 10 further includes a hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor 32 has a longitudinal axis 4 inline with a longitudinal axis 36 of the elongated body postion 10, ‘To provide power to the moving portion 20 orotate or cocillate oF reciprocate, the motor 32 powers a worm gear 40 ‘and a pur of step gears 42, 48. The motor 32 is operatively ‘connected tothe worm gear 40. Step gear 42 is operatively ‘connected to step gear 48 andthe worm gear 40, ‘As shovin in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 the fist step gear 42 permits the matching second step gear 43 to be offset with respect tothe longitudinal axis 36 of the elongated body portion 10, ‘As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a shaft 44 i connected at frst end tothe offset step gear 43 and ata second end to the moving portion 20. The second step gear 43 is placed at desired angle so thatthe shaft 44 itself can sil be straight, thus losing no power of torque tough the added function of a flexible shat. Relerring again to FIG. §, the motor 32 and gears 40, 42, 4 are housed with an upper housing 46 anda lower housing 48 Refering again to FIG. 4, « switch $0 is provided to ‘control operation of the clecric toothbrush and is opera tively connected to the motor 32. The switch S0 includes 3 ‘molded actuator button $2 and a metal contact $4. The switch 50 js manually depressed by pressing a molded actuator button $2 down, which then presses against a metal contact $4, which completes the citeuit and provides ‘momentary operation of the toothbrush The switch $0 also allows coatinuous operation through a ramp desiga, siding the bution $2 forward toward the head 16 to provide for continous operation, Moving the bution $2 forward, com- bined with « molded in ramp 58 in the metal contact 34, causes the button $2 to move downward, pressing against the metal contact $4 and completing the circuit, The toth- bush then continuously operates unil the button 82 is slid back into an off postion toward te handle 18 andthe button '52 disengages the meal contact 84 By combining these two functions in one switch 50, the toothbrush can be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG, ‘8 where the consumer ean depress the button S2 through theUS 6,932,216 B2 7 packaging and see its operation while sill inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once fut of the package. FIG. 8 ilustates one version of the button $2. It should be noted that ater sizes and shapes of buttons may be use. Refering gow ta FIGS, 4 and §, a batery 60 is provided within te hollow portion 30 ofthe elongated body portion 10, A battery terminal or contact 62 is provided for the battery 60, AnAA battery’ can be used asisillustated in FTG, 4 To install the battery 60 into the hollow portion 30, 3 slidable snap-on cover 64 is depressed and sid off the end ‘ofthe handle 18to expose the hollow potion 30, Te battery 60 is inserted, then the cover 64 is slid buck on to the ‘housing and snapped into place. The terminal end of the battery 60 is then in contact with the metal contact $4, If desired, depressions or grip areas 70 and 72 can be ‘molded into the upper and lower housings 46, 48 as shown, in FIG. 4. The depressions 70, 72 are used to support a user's thumb and forefinger or other fingers to make using the electric toothbrash easier and more comfortable ‘Asecood prefered embodiment ofthe electric toothbrush according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 ‘The electric toothbrush includes an elongated body por- tion 80 which has a fist end 82 and a socond end 84, A bead x ™ 0 86 is attached tote first end 82 and a handle 88 i attached to the second end 84 Referring now to FIG. 1, the head 86 furtber includes 2 Iongitudinal axis 99, a cieular or moving partion or brush ‘bead 100, Satie portion or brush head 102, a first end 104, anda second end 106. The first end 104 is located adjacent the fist end 82 of the elongated body portion 80. The second end 106 i located opposite the first end 104, The ciscular ‘moving portion 100 i preferably located atthe second end 106 of the brush head 86, The static portion 12 i preferably located at the fst end 104 of the brush head 86 adjacent the ‘moving portion 100. However, itis be appreciated thatthe ‘moving portion 100 and the static portion 102 can be arranged in diferent orientations. The moving portion 100 rolates, Swivels, owillates or reciprocates about an axis, approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 90 of the brush head 86, ‘The second prefered embodiment also has worm gear 40 and 2 pur of step gears 42,43 48 shown in FIGS, 4 sad 6. The motor 32 powers the worm gear 40 and the pir of sep gears 42,43. The step gear 42 permis the matching step gear 43 to be offset with respect 1o the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion 80, ‘As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, «shalt 4 is connected at ‘frst end tothe offset step gear 43 snd at & second end tos the moving portion 100. The second sep gear 43 is placed ata desired angle so that the shaft 44 can sill be stright, thus losing do power of torque through the added function of a flexible shaft Refering again 10 FIG. 9, a switeh 130 is provided to control operation of the electric toothbmush and is opera- tively connected to the motor 32, The switch 130 includes 3 ‘molded actuator button 132. The switch 130 is manually pressed by pressing a molded actuator button 132 down, ‘which then presses against a metal contact $4, which com- plees the cccut and provides momentary operation of the foothbaush. The operation ofthe swith 130 is identieal to that shown in FIGS, 4 and 6 and as described forthe first. prefered embodiment, The switch 130 also allows comtiau- ‘us operation through a ramp design, sliding the button 132 Torward toward the head 86 to provide for continuous ‘operation, The loothbeush then continuously operates ati s a 8 the bution 132 is slid back into an off position toward the handle 88 and the button 132 disengage the metal contact M As shovwn in FIGS. 4 aad § for the fist preferred embodiment, the second preferred embodiment alsa has a battery 60 with a battery terminal oF contact €2 provided within the hollow portion 30 of the elongated body portion £80. To install the baitery 60 nto the hollow portion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 1M (show in FIGS, 9-11) is ‘depressed and slid off the end ofthe handle 88 to expose the hollow portion 30. The batery 60 is inserted, then the cover 134 i slid back onto the housing and snapped int place. If desired, raised grip areas 136 can be molded into the lower housing 124 as showa ia FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. The raised portions 136 are used to support a user's thumb and orefinger or other fingers lo make usin the electric tooth bush easier and more comfortable. Raised portion 140 may also be molded onto the snap-on caver 134 to ad in gripping the caver with one's thumb and removing the cover from the handle 88, ‘The electric toothbrush of the second preferred embodi- ‘ment can also be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown forthe frst preferred embodiment where the ‘consumer can depress the buton 132 through te packaging and sec is operation while sill inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once out of the packaging. A thicd preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is shown ia FIG. 12 ‘The electric toothheush includes an elongated body por tion 150 which has a first end 182 and a second end 184. ‘head 160i attached tothe fist end 182 and a handle 162 is. attached to the second end 184 ‘The head 160 further includes a moving portion or brush Jpead 164, static portion or brush head 166, frst end 168, ‘and a second end 170. As showa ia HIG, 12, the moving portion 164 is located adjacent the second end 170, The Static portion 166s shown located adjacent the ist end 168, However itis o be appreciated thatthe moving portion 164 ‘could be located agjacet the first end 168, snd the static postion 166 could be located adjacent the second end 170, Furthermore, the moving portion 164 could be positioned in the cxnter of the brush head with static portions 166 on ‘opposite sides of the moving portion 164 similar to tha shown in FIG. 3 In accordance with this embodiment, the moving portion 164 scillaes about an axis approximately aonmal to Tongitudinal axis 172 ofthe elongated body portion 180. ‘The moving portion 164 can include sti bristles 178. The static portion 166 can inctude soft brisles 180 which are softer than the stiff bristles, The sil bristles 178 may be slighly recessed with respect tothe sol bristles 180, The sill bristles 18 aid inthe deep cleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationary sable 180 are safer so as {o not damage the gums. ‘The clongated body portion 180 further includes. sn angled shaft 190, an upper housing 192 (aot sbown), and a lower housing 194, The angled shaft 190 is located berween the head 160 and the handle 162, The angled shaft 190 ‘provides an ergonomic bene that has not boen ulized oa ‘4 motorized tootbbrush, ‘The elongated body postion 180 of the thied preferred embodiment also includes. hollaw portion 196 which houses a motor 200, The hollow portion 196 is formed between the uppee housing 192 andthe lower housing 194,US 6,932,216 B2 9 ‘The moto 200 provides power othe movin pstion 16410 rofate or esl or epoca, Power i provided 10 the rotor by battery as shown and described for the fist embodiment switch (ot shown) canbe provided which is similar to swith 130 shown in FIGS. 9a 1 and whieh anetons as desribed forthe fst and second prefered embodiments The thi embodiment fuer includes a first gear 202 ‘which s operatively connected o and powered by the motor 200, The fist geae 22 esses about the longitudinal axis 172 of te elongated badly potion 180. second year 206 is operatively connected tothe frst gear 202. The sesond gear 206 is approximately normal othe fist gest 202. The second gear 206 rates about an axis approximately nocmal tothe longitudinal axis 172, Teeth 208 ofthe ist gear 202 sesh with teeth 210 ofthe second gest 206, thus casing Second gear 206 to coat when fist gear 202 roses. A first swivel arm 220 is pivoably connected to the secon gear 206 vi a pin 222 or other fastening device. The in 222 oc oe fastening device is mounted on the second {eat 206 at point oft from an axis of cotation of the Second gear. Therefore tbe fs swivel arm 22058 pivotably connected tthe second gear 206 a point fst from an ‘xis rotation ofthe second gear A second swivel arm 224 is pivotably connected tothe ist sive arm 220 vi pin 226 or ober asteing device A bali 230i fixedly secured St shalt His end 282 to the second swivel am 224, The shaft 230 is pivotably ataced a a shaft second end 234 10 2 thicl swivel arm 240. The shaft 230 is housed within the sngled shalt 190. ‘The shaft 230 is generally sais IR. ‘A guide spacer 280i located within the angled shaft 190 sn suzunds the shaft 280 adjacent the fis nd 232 ofthe stat 230 to minimize lateral movement of the shalt 230. secon guide pacer 282 is locate adjacent the seoad ead 234 of the shaft 230 to also minimize lateral movement of tn shaft 230, Guide spacers 280, 282 align the shaft 230 within the angled shaft 190 and minimize its movement from side 10 side within the angled shaft 190 The thi swivel arm 240 bas first end 24 anda second cn! 246 The thd sive arm 240s pivotably connected to the second guide spacer 28 athe swivel am fst end 244 via a pin 283. The third swivel arm 240 is connected atthe swivel arm second end 246 othe moving pvton 164 vis a pin 254 o other fastening device. The pin 284 is connected {0 dik 256 ofthe moving portion 168 which is housed within the ead 160. As the fist gear 202 cote, the second gear 206 is rotated thus moving the fist swivel azm 220 in back sad Foch circular fashion about the second gear 206 snd along tne longitudinal axis 172. The ist swivel am 220 aso ean pivot about the pin 222. The fist swivel sem 220 retains its Cieaation of approximately parallel othe longitudinal xis 172 of the clongted body portion 150 dering movement The second swivel arm 224 pivots with respect oi pin conncetion 226 with the fest swivel aes 220 thus allowing te shaft 230 to sella in a back and forth manner towara an vay from the brush head with minimal aerl motion, Daring operation, the tied swivel arm 240 maves back and fot slog the longituisal axis 172 ofthe elongated body portion 180 along withthe sbft 230. ‘The swivel arm 240 can also pivot o& move slghly lately aa ditectio perpendicular othe longitudinal axis ‘The tid swivel arm 240 hasan ofset acm 260 which is cst from the longitudinal axis 172 and moves the disk 256 parallel withthe longitudinal 0 s 10 of the moving portion 164 in a partially rotating or oseil- lating motion, As the third swivel arm 240 moves hack and ‘orth, the ofiset arm 260 moves along an autside edge 262 of the disk 286 in a partially rotating or oscillating fashion about an axis which is approximately normal to the longi- tudinal axis 172. This causes the bristles 178 to also move in a partially rotating or oscillating manner about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 172, ‘When the third swivel arm 240 rotates, the disk 286 also rotates about an axis approximately normal to the elongated body portion longitudinal axis 172, The third, swivel arm 240 also retains its orientation of approximately parallel to ‘the elongated body portion longitudinal axis 172 during ‘movement If desired, raised grip areas (not shown) can be provided ‘which are similar to raised grip areas 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 for the secood preferred embodiment. ‘The raised grip areas ean be molded into the lower housing 194, ‘The electric toothbrush ofthe third preferred embodiment ‘can also be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown forthe first preferred embodiment. The consumer ean depress a button (not shown) similar to button 132 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 for the second preferred embodiment ‘through the packaging and sec its operation while sill nside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuously ‘once out of the packaging A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The head of the electric toothbrush is illustrated. The remaining portion ofthe brusb, including the handle, motor, tc. isthe same as deseribed for any of the previously described embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, 4 head 316 includes a longitudinal axis 319, a circular or ‘moving portion or brush head 320 and a static portion or ‘brush head 322. The head 316 is located adjacent a first ead 328 of an elongated body portion. The static portion 322 is located on opposite sides of the moving portion 320. The moving portion 320 is located a the center ofthe brush head 316. The circular portion 320 rotates, swivels, oscillates or Teciprocates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 319 of the brush head. The circular portion 320 may rotate 360 degrees or partially otate or oscillate or reciprocate in a back and forth manner. ‘The moving portion 320 includes bristies 324 and mas- ssaging tips 325. The static portion 322 includes bristles 326 ‘and massaging tips 327. The massaging tips 328, 327 ‘massage the gums while the user simultaneously brushes his fr ber teeth. The massaging tips 328, 327 can be made from «rubber, soft plastic or similar material, The massaging tips 325, 327 extend essentially perpendicularly from the head 316 as measured along the longitudinal axis 319. In the preferred embodiment the massaging tips 32, 327 are located around the perimeter of the circular portion 320 and the state portion 322, however iis to be understood thatthe ‘massaging tips can be located anywhere among the bristles ‘of the moving portion 320 and the static portion 322, The Jength of the massaging tips 32S, 327 is approximately the ‘same length as the bristles 324, 326. The massaging tips 325, 327 may extend slightly above, slightly below orto the same Ibeight asthe bristles 324, 326. In. fifth preferred embodiment of the electric toothbrush as shown in FIGS, 15 and 16, a fcad 486 includes « longitudinal axis 490, a circular or moving portion or brush ‘head $00, a static portion or brush head S02, a first end $04 aa a second cnd $06, The first end 304 is located adjacent to the frst end 482 of the elongated body. The second endUS 6,932,216 B2 i {06 i located opposite the fst end $04. The moving portion ‘500s preferably located atthe second end $06 of the brush head 486. Te static portion 802 is preferably located a the first end $04 of the brush head 486 adjacent the moving portion $00. However, it iso be appreciated tht the moving portion S00 and the Satie portion 802 can be serangedl in Gilferent orientations. The moving portion S00 can rolate, swivel, esillate or reiprocate shout an axis approximately ‘normal to the Longitudinal axis 490 of the brush head 486, The moving portion $00 includes bristles $10 and mas- ‘aging tips SI. The static portion $02 includes bristles $12, ang massaging tips $13. The massaging tips $1, $13, ‘massage the gums while the user bushes his or her teeth, ‘The massaging tips $11, $13 canbe made fom arubher, soft. plisic or similar material. The massaging tips $11, $13 extend essentially peepeadicularly from the bead 486 as ‘meusured along the longitudinal axis 490. In the prefereed ‘embodiment the messazin tps SI, $13 ae located around the perimeter of the moving portion S00 and the static portion S02, however it is to he understood thatthe mas- saging tips ean be located anywhere among the bristles of the moving portion S00 and the static portion S02. The length of the massaging tips $11, $13 is approximately the same length asthe bristles 810, 12. The massaging tps SU, ‘S13 may extend slightly above, slightly below orto te same ‘eight as the brsles $10, 12, “The invention has been described with reference tthe prefered embociiments. Obviously, modifications and alter- ‘ations will occur to bers upon aeading and understanding of this specication, It is intended to include all such ‘modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the sppended claims or the equivalents thereof, Having thus described the invention, itis climes 1 An electric tothbrush comprising: packaging for containing the toothbrush; body having a first end and a hollow portion; head located a the fist ends 4 moving portion movably mounted at the heads 4 motor, located within the hollow portion, the motor being’ operative to generate motion for diving the ‘moving portion; 4 gear arrangement interconnecting the motor and the ‘moving portion, the gear azrangement being operative to drive the moving portion by iansfrsing the motion generated by the motor to the moving portion; and, ‘switch operably connected to the motor, wherein the ‘ste is actusied ina first manner to provide momen tary operation ofthe toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the packaging, and is actuated in a seoond ‘manner to provide continuous operation of the tooth- brash when the toothbrush is out of the packaging 2. The electric oothbnush of claim 1 wherein the bead is further characterized by having taditional brush bead shape including dimensions of 0.75 inehes to 1.75 inches in Teng au 025 inches to 0.5 inches in thickness. 3. The loothbrush of claim 1 wherein when the switch is actuated inthe first manner, the switch is depressed, 4. The toothbrush of claim 1 whore when the switch is actuated in the second manner, the swith is skid from a firs. stable pesition toa second stable poston. ‘8, The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the gear areange- ‘ment comprises worm gear driven by the motor, a frst step gear driven by the worm gears 4 second step gear driven by the first step gear; and, 12 2 shaft driven by the second step gear and operatively connected to the moving portion, 6. The toothbeush of claim 1 wherein the gear arrange ment comprises Sa fist gear driven by the motor; a second gear driven by the Hist gear; 2 frst swing arm pivowbly connected, at a fist end ofthe ‘swing arm, to the second gear, st a point onthe second gear offset from an axis of rotation of the second peat; guided shat pivotably connected a a first shaft end, 10 the fst swing arm, at a scooad end ofthe fst swing ‘arm, whereby, when the motor drives the fist gear, the Shaft is moved in reciprocating manner 7. The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein the moving potion is deiven in a reciprocating manner by the reciprocating shat 8, The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein the gear arrange ment further comprises ‘yy & Second swing arm pivotably connected ata frst end of the second swing atm t0 a second shaft end of the guided shaft, and pivotably connected tothe moving Porton at a point ofset from an axis of rotation of the ‘moving portion, whereby, when the guided shaft moves ina reciprocating manner the moviag portion oscillates about the axis of rotation 9. An eletrie toothbrush comprising: packaging for containing the toothbrush; 8 body having first end and hollow portion; «heal locate a the fst ends ‘4 moving portion movably mouated at dhe head 2 motor, located within the bollow portion, the motor being operative to generate motion for diving the ‘moving portion; 4 gear arrangement interconnecting the motor and the ‘moving portion, the gear arrangement being operative ‘o dive the moving portion by tansfrcing the motion generated by the motor to the moving portion; sad, 4 switch operably connected to the motor, wherein the ‘Switch is actuated in a manner to provide momentary operation of the tooth brash when the toothbrush is within the packaging, 10. Th elect toothbrush of claim 9 wherein the head is Further characterized by having 2 traditional beush bead shape including dimensions of 0.73 inches to 1.75 inches in length and 025 inches to 0. inches in thickness. 11. The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein when the switch is actuated, the switch is depressed. 12. The toothbcush of claim 9 wherein the gear atrange- ment comprises {worm gear driven by the motor; a frst step gear driven by the worm gear; ‘second step gear driven by the first step gear and, a shaft driven by the second step gear and operatively connected tothe moving postin, 13. The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein the gear arrange- ment comprises 4 frst gear driven by the motor; 1 second gear driven by the fist gear; 8 first swing arm pivotably connected, at ist end ofthe fist swing arm, to the second gear, at « point om the second gear ost ftom an axis of rotation ofthe second sear, «guided shaft pivotably connected at fist shaft end, t0 the fist swing arm, at «second end ofthe frst swing sUS 6,932,216 B2 13 arm, whereby, when the motor drive the fist gear, the shal is moved in reciprocating manner. 14. The twotkbrush of claim 13 wherein the moving portion is driven ina reciprocating manner by the recpro- cating shaft. 15. The toothbrush of clan 13 wherein the gear arrange- ‘ment further comprises «second swing arm pivotably connected at a frst second swing am end to second shaft end ofthe guided shi, and pivotably connected to the moving portion at 2 1° point offer from an axis of rotation of the moving portion, whereby, when the guided shaft moves in 3 reciprocating manner the moving portion oscillates about the axis of rotation 16. An clctictootbrush, comprising a ‘packaging for containing the tootbrush; «body having a first end aad a hollow portion; ing a gear connected to said shaft at 4 1 head located al the frst ends moving portion movably mounted at the heads 4 motor located within the hollow portion, the motor being operative to generate motion for driving the ‘moving portion; 4 shaft operatively connected to said motor ata first end and to the moving portion ata second end; and 4 switch operably connected to the motor, wherein the ‘Switch i actuated in & manne to provide momentary operation of the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the packaging 17. The electric toothbrush of claim 16, futher compris- 5 first end, 18. The electric toothbrush of claim 16, comprising a battery in elotical communication with sid switch,