Gum saver toothbrush system   

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/267,547, filed Dec. 8, 2009 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of toothbrushes and more specifically relates to a toothbrush with rotating bi-directional bristles to facilitate cleaning and massaging of the gums and teeth while brushing.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of oral hygiene measures have been used to protect teeth. Toothbrushes may be used as an oral hygiene instrument to clean the teeth and gums. Toothbrushes are typically comprised of a head of tightly clustered bristles mounted on a handle, which facilitates the cleansing of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Toothbrushes are available with different bristle textures, sizes and forms. Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush labelled “soft”, since firmer bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel and may irritate the gums. Toothbrushes have been made from synthetic fibers in recent years, although animal bristles are still sometimes used.

An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electric power supplied usually by a battery to move the brush head rapidly, either oscillating side to side, or rotation oscillation, wherein brush heads rotate in one direction and then the other. Electric toothbrushes may be an effective means for teeth cleaning as compared to manual brushing.

Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used/applied with a toothbrush as a means to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene acting as an abrasive that aids in removing the dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in the elimination and/or masking of halitosis, and delivers active ingredients such as fluoride or xylitol to help prevent tooth and gum disease(s) such as gingivitis. Toothpaste, which often contains fluoride, is commonly used in conjunction with a toothbrush to increase the effectiveness of teeth brushing.

Most individuals scrub their teeth using bristle-tipped tooth brushes. Even with electric toothbrushes, the teeth may not get a proper cleaning and the bristles may damage tooth\'s enamel. If pressure is not applied, the teeth are not adequately cleaned and the gum tissue is not massaged. If too much pressure is applied, the tissue can become damaged and recession may occur. This can cause discomfort to the individuals, which may discourage them from brushing. The act of not brushing may lead to serious detrimental health effects, an undesirable condition. Therefore a need exists for a toothbrush that gently cleans a user\'s teeth while massaging their gums.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,275,749; 5,035,020; 5,822,821; 4,845,796; 4,479,516; and 5,699,575. This prior art is representative of electrical and/or rotary toothbrushes. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a toothbrush with rotating bi-directional bristles should be convenient and user-friendly and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable gum saver toothbrush system to facilitate cleaning and massaging of the gums and teeth while brushing and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known toothbrush device art, the present invention provides a novel gum saver toothbrush system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provides consumers with a dental brush that ‘rolls over’ the teeth and gums. This device facilitates cleaning and massaging and adheres to a rolling stroke technique of brushing, which is most ideal. The unique design effectively ensures that individuals are brushing in a substantially circular motion, which effectively cleans the teeth and prevents damage to the gums. Individuals who use toothbrushes will find this product beneficial to their oral hygiene.

The present gum-saver toothbrush system disclosed herein preferably comprises the following components: a handle; a replaceable brush head with a plurality of bristles; a switch; a power button; at least one (optionally rechargeable) battery; and a cylindrical compartment.

The handle is removably coupleable to the brush head. The brush head may be replaceable and preferably comprises a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles. The first set of bristles are long and soft for massaging a gum region and the teeth of the user. The second set of bristles are short and soft and are primarily used for cleaning of the brusher-user\'s teeth. Further, the plurality of bristles are designed to roll over the teeth and gums in both a counter-clockwise-downward direction and a clockwise-upward direction, thereby creating a larger surface area contact and minimizing ‘bristle-point’ (minimum surface area) pressure.

Additionally, the switch located on the handle of the gum saver toothbrush allows a user to change the bristle direction of rotation. The power button permits a user to turn on and off the gum saver toothbrush causing the bristles to rotate in a rolling motion when in an on-condition. The at least one battery may be located in the handle. Lastly, the cylindrical compartment may be filled with mouthwash for adults and/or alternately a non-sugar reward for children when the child is finished brushing their teeth.

A kit is also embodied herein for the gum saver toothbrush system comprising: a gum-saver toothbrush; at least one brush head with a plurality of bristles; at least one battery; a toothpaste dispenser tube; a cylinder; and a set of user instructions. Further, the kit may also comprise at least one power cord.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: applying toothpaste to a brush head with a plurality of bristles; activating the gum saver toothbrush via compressing a power button; grasping a handle to begin roll-brushing of the user-brusher\'s teeth; and optionally flipping a switch on the handle to allow a user to change a dual-bristle rotation between clockwise and counter-clockwise rolling directions.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a gum saver toothbrush system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, gum saver toothbrush system device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a gum saver toothbrush system in an ‘in-use’ according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view illustrating a gum saver toothbrush of the gum saver toothbrush system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows perspective views illustrating a plurality of bristles of the gum saver toothbrush rotating in at least one rolling motion (clock-wise or counter-clock-wise) when in an ‘on-condition’ according to embodiments of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4. is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a toothbrush and more specifically relates to a toothbrush with rotating bi-directionally rotated bristles to facilitate cleaning and massaging of the gums and teeth while brushing.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 showing various perspective views of gum saver toothbrush system 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. Gum saver toothbrush system 100 comprises gum saver toothbrush 102. Gum saver toothbrush 102 permits user 180 to brush his/her plurality of teeth 104 in a substantially circular (rolling rotary) motion, thereby effectively and efficiently cleaning plurality of teeth 104 and preventing damage to the gums of user 180 as shown best in ‘in-use condition’ 110 in FIG. 1. In this way the present invention provides the maximum surface area contact to teeth 104, as versus bristle-tip only contact. This feature serves to substantially protect teeth 104 from painful brushing by effectively increasing the relative surface area contact between bristles 140 and teeth 104, since a larger portion of bristles 140 (not just the tips) contact teeth 104.

Gum saver toothbrush 102 preferably comprises handle 120 and brush head 130. Further, brush head 130 comprises plurality of bristles 140 in the present embodiment shown. Handle 120 may be removably coupleable to brush head 130 via a threaded female and male connector or other such suitable coupling means. Handle 120 in this particular embodiment preferably comprises a threaded male connector while brush head 130 comprises a ‘mated’ threaded female connector. To assemble gum saver toothbrush 102, the threaded female connector on brush head 130 may be rotated about the threaded male connector on handle 120. The threading on the female connector preferably protrudes inwardly while the threading on the male connector preferably protrudes outwardly mating the female and male connectors once rotated thereby removably locking handle 120 to brush head 130. This removable coupling of handle 120 and brush head 130 permits user 180 to replace brush head 130 as often as he/she chooses to promote sanitation and prevent ‘dullness’ of the plurality of bristles 140 (that would render them virtually ineffective in cleaning).

Bristles 140 are designed to roll over teeth 104 and gums, as stated previously. The plurality of bristles 140 preferably comprises at least one first set of bristles 144 and at least one second set of bristles 148. First set of bristles 144 are preferably long and soft for massaging a gum region and teeth 104 of user 180. Second set of bristles 148 are preferably short and soft for cleaning teeth 104. In combination the present invention is able to simultaneously clean and massage teeth 104 and gums to promote the user-brusher\'s dental hygiene.

Gum saver toothbrush 102 may be either battery operated or electrically operated in alternate embodiments. When gum saver toothbrush 102 is battery operated, gum saver toothbrush 102 comprises at least one battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable). Battery may be internal and built into handle 120 while being rechargeable via a charging station plugged into an AC electrical outlet or a DC battery may include a disposable alkaline battery. Further, the at least one battery is preferably located in handle 120 of gum saver toothbrush 102, either removably or internally non-removable for embodiments using a charging station. Handle 120 provides a convenient storage means for batteries. When gum saver toothbrush 102 is electrically operated, gum saver toothbrush 102 comprises at least one power cord being plugged into an electrical outlet. In this particular embodiment forward/reverse switch may be preferably located on handle 120.

To operate gum saver toothbrush 102, power button 150 is compressed/depressed to an ‘on-condition.’ Further, power button 150 permits user 180 to turn on and off gum saver toothbrush 102. It should be noted that power button may be in the form of a spring that may be compressed and decompressed (between tension and compression states repeatedly), however other forms and/or types of power button 150 are suitable to manipulate to turn on and off gum saver toothbrush 102.

Gum saver toothbrush 102 further preferably comprises switch 160. Switch 160, located on handle 120 of gum saver toothbrush 102 allows user 180 to change the direction of rotation of plurality of bristles 140. In certain embodiments speed of rotation may also be altered according to user-preference. When user 180 is brushing upper teeth and gums, brush head 130 preferably rolls downwardly. When user 180 is brushing lower teeth and gums, brush head 130 preferably rolls upwardly. When user 180 is brushing a chewing surface of back of plurality of teeth 104, user 180 may brush in either a clockwise and/or a counter-clockwise direction (upwardly or downwardly). In this way the present invention is used most effectively via maximum surface area contact and rotation angle not ‘catching’ on teeth 104.

Additionally, gum saver toothbrush 102 further comprises cylindrical compartment 170 located preferably on an interior region of handle 120. Cylindrical compartment 170 may be filled with a liquid for adults such as mouthwash. Gum saver toothbrush 102 may be sold pre-filled with a liquid and can be refilled as needed.

Cylindrical compartment 170 may also be filled with a non-sugar reward for children when the child is finished brushing plurality of teeth 104 to promote twice-daily dental hygiene and encourage a child to brush their teeth 104. The non-sugar reward may include a small toy, sugar-free candy, or sugar-free gum or other suitable reward item.

Gum saver toothbrush 102 may be manufactured from a light-weight material. This light-weight material may comprise plastic for example. Other suitable materials may be used in various embodiments. Gum saver toothbrush system 100 may be manufactured in several different colors and/or designs.

Gum saver toothbrush system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3 may comprise kit 340. Kit 340 may comprise the following parts: gum-saver toothbrush 102; at least one brush head 130 with plurality of bristles 140; at least one battery; a toothpaste dispenser tube; cylindrical compartment 170; and a set of user instructions. Further, kit 340 may also comprise at least one power cord. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately such as at least one power cord, at least one battery, at least one brush head etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 4. showing a flowchart 450 illustrating method of use 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3. A method of using gum saver toothbrush 102 preferably comprising the steps of: step one 401 applying toothpaste to brush head 130 with plurality of bristles 140; step two 402 activating gum saver toothbrush 102 via compressing/depressing a power button; step three 403 grasping handle 120 to begin brushing teeth 104; and step four 404 flipping switch 160 on handle 120 to allow user 180 to change a dual-bristle rolling rotation between clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.