Electric toothbrush comprising three brush heads

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric toothbrush comprising three brush heads. Namely, in addition to the brush heads commonly present in electric toothbrushes, the toothbrush of the present invention also comprises two brush heads, respectively on either side of a known brush head in the middle position. The toothbrush of the invention advantageously allows almost simultaneous brushing of teeth, in particular lingual, vestibular and occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars. That is, by using the toothbrush of the invention, both side heads brush the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the teeth, for example, while brushing the occlusal surfaces of the molars or premolars with the head in the intermediate position. This ensures more efficient brushing of the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the teeth compared to electric toothbrushes using the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is applicable to the oral hygiene industry. That is, the present invention relates to a brush of reduced size that can be used by a person to clean his / her teeth and gums. This type of brush is commonly referred to as a "toothbrush".

[0002] As is known, toothbrushes generally comprise an elongated handle at which the brush can be held by a person, and a "brush head" connected to the handle by a stem and comprising a plurality of bristles for brushing the teeth and gums. Toothbrushes can be divided roughly into two categories: "manual" types, in which the brush head is moved entirely by the person holding the brush; and "electric" or "oscillating" types, i.e., the handle comprises an electric motor connected to the brush head, the electric motor being adapted to rotate the bristles in an oscillating manner about an axis generally parallel to the direction in which the bristles extend.

[0003] The invention relates to an electric toothbrush comprising three brush heads. Background Art

[0004] As mentioned above, current electric toothbrushes include a brush head that rotates in an oscillating manner. The brush head is generally cylindrical, and the axis about which the head rotates generally coincides with the axis of the generally shaped cylinder of the brush head.

[0005] The shape of current electric toothbrushes makes it generally difficult to reach the lingual (ie, tongue-facing) and vestibular (ie, oral cavity wall-facing) surfaces of the molars and premolars, and thus is not efficient for tooth cleaning.

[0006] Purpose of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an electric toothbrush which allows a more effective brushing of the teeth, in particular the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the molars and premolars.

[0008] Contents and advantages of the present invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is a toothbrush comprising:

[0010] a longitudinally extending handle at which the toothbrush can be gripped by a person to brush his / her teeth and / or gums,

[0011] The handle includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end,

[0012] The handle at the first end can rest directly on a surface and / or with the aid of a support, which can also rest on a surface,

[0013] If the handle can rest on a surface with the aid of the support:

[0014] - the handle can rest on the support when the support rests on a surface

[0015] as well as

[0016] - the toothbrush comprises the support;

[0017] A longitudinally extending rod,

[0018] The rod at least partially extends longitudinally in a specific direction,

[0019] The shaft includes a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end of the rod,

[0020] The rod is connected at a first end thereof to the handle at a second end of the handle;

[0021] a first brush head, comprising a first base and a first plurality of bristles,

[0022] Each bristle of the first plurality of bristles comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the bristle,

[0023] Each bristle of the first plurality of bristles is connected at a first end thereof to the first base,

[0024] The first brush head is connected to the rod at the first base and at the second end of the rod,

[0025] The first brush head is connected to the rod so that the first base together with the first plurality of bristles are rotatable about a first rotation axis,

[0026] the first axis of rotation passing through the first base and being non-parallel to the direction along which the rod at least partially extends;

[0027] an electrically powered actuator at least partially housed within the handle,

[0028] The actuator includes a shaft adapted to rotate about its axis when the actuator is activated;

[0029] a battery, electrically connected to the actuator, to supply power to the actuator,

[0030] The battery is at least partially housed within the handle;

[0031] control means, adapted to activate said actuator,

[0032] The actuator can be operated by a person by means of the control device,

[0033] The control device is at least partially located on the handle so that the actuator can be operated by a person by means of the control device when the person holds the toothbrush at the handle;

[0034] a first transmission adapted to transmit rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the first brush head such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the first base together with the first plurality of bristles to rotate about the first rotation axis,

[0035] According to the present invention, the toothbrush further comprises:

[0036] a first arm, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end of the first arm,

[0037] The first arm is connected at a first end thereof to the handle or the rod;

[0038] A second brush head, comprising a second base and a second plurality of bristles,

[0039] Each bristle of the second plurality of bristles comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the bristle,

[0040] Each bristle of the second plurality of bristles is connected at a first end thereof to the second base,

[0041] The second brush head is connected to the first arm at the second end of the first arm at the second base,

[0042] The second brush head is connected to the first arm so that the second base together with the second plurality of bristles can rotate about a second rotation axis,

[0043] the second rotation axis passes through the second base portion and is not parallel to the direction along which the rod at least partially extends, nor to the first rotation axis;

[0044] a second transmission adapted to transmit rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the second brush head such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the second base together with the second plurality of bristles to rotate about the second axis of rotation;

[0045] a second arm, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end of the second arm,

[0046] the second arm being connected at a first end thereof to the handle or the rod;

[0047] a third brush head, comprising a third base and a third plurality of bristles,

[0048] Each bristle of the third plurality of bristles comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the bristle,

[0049] Each bristle of the third plurality of bristles is connected at a first end thereof to the third base,

[0050] The third brush head is connected to the second arm at the second end of the second arm at the third base.

[0051] The third brush head is connected to the second arm so that the third base together with the third plurality of bristles can rotate about a third rotation axis,

[0052] said third axis of rotation passes through said third base and is not parallel to said direction along which said rod at least partially extends, nor to said first axis of rotation;

[0053] a third transmission adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the third brush head such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the third base together with the third plurality of bristles to rotate about the third rotation axis,

[0054] The second brush head and the third brush head are opposite to each other at the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles, respectively, such that:

[0055] The second brush head faces the third brush head at the second end of the second plurality of bristles;

[0056] The third brush head faces the second brush head at the second end of the third plurality of bristles;

[0057] the second plurality of bristles are opposite to the third plurality of bristles,

[0058] The distance between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles is such that there is a partial space between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles, and a person's teeth can be at least partially accommodated in the partial space. Therefore, the second plurality of bristles does not contact the third plurality of bristles,

[0059] The first brush head is opposite to the partial space (between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles) at the first plurality of bristles, so that the first brush head faces the partial space (between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles) at the second end of the first plurality of bristles,

[0060] The first rotation axis passes through the portion of the space (between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles) such that a section of the first rotation axis is between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles,

[0061] The first brush head is opposite to the partial space (between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles) so that if the first brush head can be translated along the first rotation axis, the first brush head can be at least partially accommodated in the partial space (between the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles) and can therefore be interposed between the second brush head and the third brush head,

[0062] the first plurality of bristles do not contact the second plurality of bristles nor the third plurality of bristles,

[0063] The first brush head, the second brush head and the third brush head are shaped so as to be inserted into a person's mouth.

[0064] The toothbrush of the present invention has three brush heads arranged in the above manner, which advantageously allows the lingual surface, vestibular surface and occlusal surface of the molars and premolars to be brushed almost simultaneously. That is, by using the toothbrush of the present invention, while the occlusal surface of the molars or premolars is brushed with the first brush head, the lingual surface and vestibular surface of the teeth are brushed with the second and third brush heads. This ensures more effective brushing of the lingual surface or vestibular surface of the molars or premolars relative to the use of the electric toothbrush of the prior art.

[0065] Incidentally, the occlusal surface of a lower arch molar or premolar is the upper surface of the tooth between the lingual surface and the vestibular surface of the tooth. Similarly, the occlusal surface of an upper arch molar or premolar is the lower surface between the lingual surface and the vestibular surface of the tooth.

[0066] Other novel features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0067] According to an aspect of the present invention, the first, second and third rotation axes are coplanar and intersect at a single point.

[0068] According to this aspect of the invention, the lingual surfaces and vestibular surfaces of the molars or premolars can be brushed more effectively.

[0069] According to other aspects of the present invention, the second base and the third base, and preferably the second brush head and the third brush head, are symmetrical to each other with respect to a symmetry plane including the first rotation axis.

[0070] In addition, according to this aspect of the invention, the lingual surfaces and vestibular surfaces of the molars or premolars can be brushed more effectively.

[0071] According to other aspects of the invention, the plane of symmetry also includes the direction along which the rod at least partially extends longitudinally,

[0072] When the handle rests at the first end on a surface directly and / or by means of the support, the plane of symmetry is arranged vertically.

[0073] According to this aspect of the invention, the orientation of the second and third brush heads relative to the stem increases the efficiency of brushing the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the molars or premolars.

[0074] According to other aspects of the present invention, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis intersect so that the magnitude of the angle included between the first axis and the second axis and passing through the first base and the second base is between 91° and 95°,

[0075] The first and third rotation axes intersect such that a magnitude of an angle comprised between the first and third rotation axes and passing through the first and third bases is between 91° and 95°.

[0076] Incidentally, the angle can pass through one of the above bases, which by definition is the flat area between the two half lines.

[0077] According to this aspect of the invention, according to tests performed by the applicant, the inclinations of the second and third rotation axes are optimal for brushing the lingual and vestibular surfaces of molars or premolars.

[0078] According to other aspects of the present invention, the first arm is connected at its first end to the rod at the second end of the rod.

[0079] The second arm is connected at a first end thereof to the rod at a second end of the rod;

[0080] According to this aspect of the invention, the overall size of the assembly consisting of the rod and the first and second arms is minimized. This advantageously facilitates the insertion of the three brush heads into a person's mouth.

[0081] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first plurality of bristles are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0082] The second plurality of bristles are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter of between 5 mm and 7 mm,

[0083] The third plurality of bristles are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter between 5 mm and 7 mm,

[0084] According to this aspect of the invention, according to tests performed by the applicant, the size of the bristle bundles of each brush head is optimal for brushing the lingual and vestibular surfaces of molars or premolars.

[0085] According to other aspects of the present invention, the first rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis (i.e., the radial symmetry axis) of the cylinder on which the first plurality of bristles are generally formed as a whole.

[0086] The second rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder on which the second plurality of bristles are generally formed

[0087] The third axis of rotation coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder around which the third plurality of bristles are generally formed as a whole.

[0088] According to other aspects of the invention, the minimum distance between the points of the cylinder formed as a whole by the first plurality of bristles and the points of the cylinder formed as a whole by the second plurality of bristles is between 1 mm and 2 mm,

[0089] The minimum distance between the points of the cylinder formed as a whole by the first plurality of bristles and the points of the cylinder formed as a whole by the third plurality of bristles is between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0090] According to this aspect of the invention, according to tests performed by the applicant, the distance between the bristle bundles of the brush head is optimal for brushing the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the molars or premolars.

[0091] According to other aspects of the invention, when the handle rests on a surface at the first end, either directly or by means of the support, the first, second and third rotation axes are arranged horizontally. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, together with the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting examples only, in which:

[0093] - Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of an electric toothbrush according to the present invention;

[0094] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A second perspective view of the toothbrush in FIG.

[0095] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Top view of the toothbrush in the. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] In the following of the specification, the drawings may also refer to elements which are not explicitly indicated therein but are indicated in other drawings for explanation. The scales and proportions of the various elements shown do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0097] Figure 1 and Figure 2An electric toothbrush 1, object of the present invention, is shown, comprising a longitudinally extending handle 2, which can be held by a person to brush his / her teeth and / or gums. The handle 2 comprises a first end 3 and a second end 4 opposite the end 3. The handle 2 is preferably substantially cylindrical, with its (two) bases coinciding with the ends 3 and 4, respectively. The handle 2 is preferably hollow and can rest on a surface at the base 3. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the handle 2, and therefore the toothbrush 1, rests on a surface at the base 3, since the handle 2 is generally shaped as a cylinder, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is preferably arranged vertically.

[0098] The handle 2 preferably has a plurality of protrusions protruding laterally from the side surface of the preferably generally shaped cylinder (of the handle 2). That is, the handle 2 preferably includes three protrusions 5, 6 and 7, which are longitudinally aligned from the base 4, thereby forming two recesses 8 and 9, respectively between the protrusions 5 and 6 and between the protrusions 6 and 7. With respect to the side surface of the preferably generally shaped cylinder of the handle 2, the protrusions 5, 6 and 7 preferably have the same height (i.e., they preferably protrude from the side surface in the same entity). The handle 2 preferably includes a fourth protrusion 10, which protrudes laterally from the side surface of the preferably generally shaped cylinder of the handle 2, on the opposite side of the recess 9. The protrusion 10 is preferably more extended (i.e., wider), but not as high as the protrusions 5, 6 and 7. A person can hold the handle 2 by placing the thenar eminence at the protrusion 10 close to the base 3, and placing the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger opposite to the protrusions 5, 6 and 7.

[0099] The handle 2 preferably contains therein an actuator capable of being electrically powered, including an axis adapted to rotate about its axis when the actuator is activated. The latter is preferably contained in the handle 2 so that the axis is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, which is preferably roughly shaped in the handle 2. The actuator is powered by a battery, which is also preferably contained in the handle 2. The battery can preferably be charged by connecting it to the power grid. For this purpose, the handle 2 can include an electrical socket at the base 3, which is connectable to an electrical plug, which is electrically connected to a suitable transformer capable of being connected to the power grid. The method for charging the battery of the electric toothbrush described herein is known. Therefore, no further details are provided. As an alternative to the foregoing, the battery can be charged by electromagnetic induction, i.e., by providing a suitable coupling between an electromagnetic field transmitter preferably capable of being connected to the power grid and a receiver connected to the battery of the toothbrush 1 and suitable for converting the electromagnetic field induced by the transmitter into an electric current. In addition, the method for charging the battery of the electric toothbrush by electromagnetic induction is known. Therefore, no further details are provided.

[0100] If the battery of the toothbrush 1 can be charged by electromagnetic induction, the above-mentioned receiver is preferably housed in the handle 2 close to the base 3, and the above-mentioned transmitter is preferably housed in a support that can be placed on a surface. In addition, or as an alternative to being able to rest on a surface "directly" at the base 3, the toothbrush 1 can rest on a surface at the base 3 with the aid of the above-mentioned support. That is, when the above-mentioned support rests on a surface, the handle 2 and therefore the toothbrush 1 can rest on the above-mentioned support. When the handle 2 rests on the above-mentioned support at the base 3, the transmitter is electromagnetically coupled to the receiver and the battery can be charged by electromagnetic induction.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, the handle 2 preferably includes a button 11 near the base 4, which is preferably opposite the protrusion 5 and longitudinally aligned with the protrusion 10. In other words, when the toothbrush 1 is placed on a surface or on the above-mentioned support, the button 11 is placed above the protrusion 10. The button 11 is included in the above-mentioned "control device" and can be pressed by a person to activate the actuator of the toothbrush 1. That is, the person can press the button 11 with the tip of his / her thumb while holding the toothbrush 1 at the handle 2. Incidentally, the activation of the actuator is reversible. For example, once activated, the actuator can thus stop starting by pressing the button 11 again, and can be started again, for example, by pressing the button 11 again. It is known to start the electric motor of an electric toothbrush by means of a button placed at the handle of the toothbrush. Therefore, no further details are provided.

[0102] The height of the handle 2 (corresponding to the distance between the bases 3 and 4) is preferably 11 cm, and the maximum width (corresponding to the maximum distance between two points of the side surface of the handle 2 calculated on a horizontally arranged plane when the toothbrush 1 rests on the surface or on the above-mentioned support at the base 3) is preferably 2.5 cm. The distance between the button 11 and the base 3 (corresponding to the minimum distance between a point of the base 3 and a point of the button 11) is preferably 7.5 cm.

[0103] The toothbrush 1 comprises a rod 12 extending longitudinally from a first end 13 to a second end 14 opposite the end 13. The rod 12 extends longitudinally at least partially in a specific direction. That is, the rod 12 is preferably substantially truncated cone-shaped, with a primary base corresponding to the end 13 and a secondary base corresponding to the end 14. The rod 12 is connected to the handle 2 at the base 4 of the handle at the base 13. The bases 4 and 13 preferably match each other. This means that when the toothbrush 1 is placed at the base 3 on a surface or on the above-mentioned support, the bases 4 and 13 are preferably arranged horizontally, and the longitudinal axis (i.e. the radial symmetry axis) of the truncated cone of the rod 12, which is preferably substantially shaped, is arranged horizontally.

[0104] The rod 12 is preferably hollow and has a height (corresponding to the distance between the bases 13 and 14) of preferably 11 cm.

[0105] The toothbrush 1 comprises three brush heads 15 , 16 and 17 .

[0106] The brush head 15 comprises a plurality of bristles 20, each bristle comprising a first end 21 and a second end 22 opposite the end 21. The brush head 15 further comprises a base 23 (referred to hereinabove as the "first base"), to which each bristle 20 is connected at the end 21. The brush head 15 is connected at the base 23 to the rod 12 at the end 14. That is, the brush head 15 is connected to the rod 12 such that the base 23 together with the bristles 20 can rotate about an axis referred to hereinabove as the "first axis of rotation". The latter is not parallel to the direction along which the rod 12 extends. That is, the axis of rotation of the brush head 15 is preferably arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially shaped truncated cone of the rod 12, and is therefore preferably arranged horizontally when the handle 2 rests at the base 3 on a surface or on the above-mentioned support. The rotation axis of the brush head 15 is preferably arranged parallel to the straight line connecting the protrusion 5 to the button 11 (intersecting the longitudinal axis of the preferably shaped cylinder of the stem 12, which (said straight line) is also arranged horizontally when the handle 2 rests on a surface or on the above-mentioned support at the base 3), that is, parallel to the straight line along which the protrusion 5 and the button 11 can be considered to be relative to each other. That is, the longitudinal axis of the preferably shaped cylinder of the handle 2 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the preferably shaped truncated cone of the stem 12, and intersects the rotation axis of the brush head 15 orthogonally.

[0107] The bristles 20 are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the brush head 15. The bristles 20 are preferably generally cylindrical in shape, with a base diameter preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm, more preferably 6 mm. The rotation axis of the brush head 15 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder of which the bristles 20 are preferably generally shaped.

[0108] The base 23 is preferably shaped as a solid of revolution. More preferably, but not necessarily, the base 23 is shaped as a hemisphere, overlapping a truncated cone at the base circle at the main base of the truncated cone. The bristles 20 are connected to the base 23 at the end 21 at the secondary base of the truncated cone. The axis of rotation of the brush head 15 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the solid of revolution, which the base 23 is preferably substantially shaped (i.e., with the radial symmetry axis).

[0109] The width of the brush head 15 (meaning the distance between the point of the hemisphere farthest from the base circle of the hemisphere and the base of the cylinder (the end 22 of the bristle 20 where the bristle 20 is preferably roughly shaped as a whole)) is preferably 1 cm.

[0110] The plurality of bristles 20 are referred to above as the "first plurality of bristles".

[0111] The toothbrush 1 comprises a drive means adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the electric actuator shaft from said shaft to the brush head 15, so that the rotation of said shaft about its axis causes the base 23 together with the bristles 20 to rotate about the axis of rotation of the brush head 15. The above-mentioned drive member is included in the above-mentioned "first drive means", preferably housed in the handle 2 and the rod 12, and preferably comprises one or more drive shafts and / or joints and / or gears. Methods capable of transmitting a rotational movement from the rotational shaft of the electric actuator of an electric toothbrush to its brush head are basically known. Therefore, no further details are provided.

[0112] The toothbrush 1 comprises a first arm 18, comprising a first end 18a and a second end 18b opposite the end 18a. The arm 18 is preferably hollow and connected to the handle 2 or rod 12 at the end 18a. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the arm 18 is preferably connected to the rod 12 at the end 18a at the end 14. The arm 18 is preferably arched and is preferably arranged with its concave surface facing the brush head 15. The arm 18 is illustrated by means of a line, the latter preferably lying in a plane preferably arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially shaped truncated cone of the rod 12. As the arm 18 can be illustrated, the line is further preferably coplanar with the axis of rotation of the brush head 15.

[0113] The arm 18 is connected to the brush head 16 at the end 18b. The brush head 16 is preferably identical to the brush head 15. That is, the brush head 16 comprises a plurality of bristles 25, each bristle comprising a first end 26 and a second end 27 opposite the end 26. The brush head 16 further comprises a base 28 (referred to hereinabove as the "second base"), to which each bristle 25 is connected at the end 26. The brush head 16 is connected at the base 28 to the end 18b of the arm 18. That is, the brush head 16 is connected to the arm 18 so that the base 28 together with the bristles 25 can rotate around an axis referred to hereinabove as the "second axis of rotation". The latter is not parallel to the direction along which the rod 12 extends, nor is it parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush head 15. That is, the axis of rotation of the brush head 15 and the axis of rotation of the brush head 16 are preferably intersecting and therefore also coplanar. The plane in which the axes of rotation of the brush heads 15 and 16 lie is preferably arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially frustoconical shape of the stem 12 and is therefore preferably arranged horizontally when the handle 2 rests at the base 3 on a surface or on the aforementioned support. Figure 3 As shown, the axes of rotation of the brush heads 15 and 16 intersect so that the magnitude of the angle 24 between the axes and through the bases 23 and 28 is preferably between 91° and 95°, and more preferably between 93° and 94°.

[0114] The bristles 25 are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the brush head 16. The bristles 25, like the bristles 20, are preferably generally cylindrical in shape, with a base diameter preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm, and more preferably 6 mm. The rotation axis of the brush head 16 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder of which the bristles 25 are preferably generally shaped.

[0115] The base 28, like the base 23, is preferably shaped as a solid of revolution. More preferably, but not necessarily, the base 28 is shaped as a hemisphere, overlapping a truncated cone at the base circle at the primary base of the truncated cone. The bristles 25 are connected to the base 28 at the secondary base of the truncated cone at the end 26. The axis of rotation of the brush head 16 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the solid of revolution, which the base 28 is preferably substantially shaped as.

[0116] The width of the brush head 16 (meaning the distance between the point of the hemisphere farthest from the base circle of the hemisphere and the base of the cylinder (the end 27 of the bristle 25 where the bristle 25 is preferably roughly shaped as a whole)) is preferably 1 cm.

[0117] The plurality of bristles 25 are referred to above as the "second plurality of bristles".

[0118] As shown, the brush head 16 is connected to the arm 18 so that (i.e., it is oriented so that) the bristles 25 extend from the base 28 on the side of the brush head 15, but do not contact the bristles 20 of the latter. In particular, the minimum distance between the point of the cylinder that is preferably roughly shaped as a whole by the bristles 20 (corresponding to the point closest to the brush head 16 of the circumference of the circle formed by the ends 22 of the bristles 20 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) and the point of the cylinder that is preferably roughly shaped as a whole by the bristles 25 (corresponding to the point closest to the brush head 15 of the circumference of the circle formed by the ends 27 of the bristles 25 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) is preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0119] The toothbrush 1 comprises drive means adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft of the electric actuator from said shaft to the brush head 16, such that the rotation of said shaft about its axis causes the base 28 together with the bristles 25 to rotate about the axis of rotation of the brush head 16. The above-mentioned drive member is included in the above-mentioned "second drive means", preferably housed in the arm 18, preferably comprises one or more drive shafts and / or joints and / or gears, and preferably provides a connection between the base 28 and the drive means, which transmits the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 15. Thus, preferably, the transmission of the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 16 does not take place directly, but preferably with the aid of the above-mentioned drive means, which transmit the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 15. The fact that the arm 18 is preferably arched does not pose a problem, since, for example, the transmission of the rotational movement can be achieved with the aid of one or more universal joints.

[0120] The toothbrush 1 comprises a second arm 19, comprising a first end 19a and a second end 19b opposite the end 19a. The arm 19 is preferably hollow and connected to the handle 2 or the rod 12 at the end 19a. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the arm 19 is preferably connected to the rod 12 at the end 19a at the end 14. The arm 19 is preferably arched and is preferably arranged with its concave surface facing the brush head 15. The arm 19 is illustrated by means of a line, the latter preferably being located in a plane preferably arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially shaped truncated cone of the rod 12. As the arm 19 can be illustrated, the line is further preferably coplanar with the axis of rotation of the brush heads 15 and 16. The arms 18 and 19 are preferably mutually symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane including the axis of rotation of the brush head 15. Preferably, the symmetry plane includes the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially shaped truncated cone of the rod 12. Thus, when the handle 2 and therefore the toothbrush 1 rests on a surface or on the above-mentioned support at the base 3, the symmetry plane is preferably arranged vertically.

[0121] The arm 19 is connected to the brush head 17 at the end 19b. The brush head 17 is preferably the same as the brush heads 15 and 16. That is, the brush head 17 includes a plurality of bristles 30, each bristle including a first end 31 and a second end 32 opposite to the end 31. The brush head 17 further includes a base 33 (referred to as the "third base" above), to which each bristle 30 is connected at the end 31. The brush head 17 is connected to the arm 19 at the end 19b at the base 33. That is, the brush head 17 is connected to the arm 19 so that the base 33 together with the bristles 30 can rotate around an axis referred to as the "third rotation axis" above. The latter is not parallel to the direction along which the rod 12 extends, nor is it parallel to the rotation axis of the brush head 15. That is, the rotation axes of the brush heads 15, 16 and 17 preferably intersect at a single point and are also coplanar. As mentioned above, the plane in which the axes of rotation of the brush heads 15, 16 and 17 lie is preferably arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially truncated cone shaped body of the stem 12 and is therefore preferably arranged horizontally when the handle 2 and therefore the toothbrush 1 rests at the base 3 on a surface or on the aforementioned support. Figure 3 As shown, the axes of rotation of the brush heads 15 and 17 intersect so that the magnitude of the angle 29 between the axes and through the bases 23 and 33 is preferably between 91° and 95°, and more preferably between 93° and 94°.

[0122] The bristles 30 are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the brush head 17. The bristles 30, like the bristles 20 and 25, are preferably generally cylindrical in shape, with a base diameter preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm, and more preferably 6 mm. The rotation axis of the brush head 17 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder of which the bristles 30 are preferably generally shaped.

[0123] The base 33, like the bases 23 and 28, is preferably shaped as a solid of revolution. More preferably, but not necessarily, the base 33 is shaped as a hemisphere, overlapping a truncated cone at the base circle at the primary base of the truncated cone. The bristles 30 are connected to the base 33 at the secondary base of the truncated cone at the end 31. The axis of rotation of the brush head 17 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the solid of revolution, which the base 33 is preferably substantially shaped as.

[0124] The width of the brush head 17 (meaning the distance between the point of the hemisphere farthest from the base circle of the hemisphere and the base of the cylinder (the end 32 of the bristle 30 where the bristle 30 is preferably roughly shaped as a whole)) is preferably 1 cm.

[0125] The plurality of bristles 30 are referred to above as the "third plurality of bristles".

[0126] As shown, the brush head 17 is connected to the arm 19 so that (i.e., it is oriented so that) the bristles 30 extend from the base 33 on the side of the brush head 15, but do not contact the bristles 20 of the latter. In particular, the minimum distance between the points of the cylinder that is preferably generally shaped as a whole by the bristles 20 (corresponding to the points closest to the brush head 17 of the circumference of the circle formed by the ends 22 of the bristles 20 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) and the points of the cylinder that is preferably generally shaped as a whole by the bristles 30 (corresponding to the points closest to the brush head 15 of the circumference of the circle formed by the ends 32 of the bristles 30 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) is preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0127] The bases 28 and 33, and preferably the brush heads 16 and 17, are mutually symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane comprising the axis of rotation of the brush head 15. Preferably, said symmetry plane comprises the longitudinal axis of the preferably substantially shaped frustoconical body of the stem 12. Thus, when the handle 2 and therefore the toothbrush 1 rests at the base 3 on a surface or on the aforementioned support, said symmetry plane is preferably arranged vertically. In view of the foregoing, the bases 28 and 33, and preferably the brush heads 16 and 17, preferably coincide symmetrically with respect to the plane symmetric thereto, preferably with the arms 18 and 19, preferably with respect to the plane symmetric thereto.

[0128] The toothbrush 1 comprises drive means adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft of the electric actuator from said shaft to the brush head 17, such that the rotation of said shaft about its axis causes the base 33 together with the bristles 30 to rotate about the axis of rotation of the brush head 17. The above-mentioned drive member is included in the above-mentioned "third drive means", preferably housed in the arm 19, preferably comprising one or more drive shafts and / or joints and / or gears, and preferably providing a connection between the base 33 and the drive means, which transmits the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 15. Thus, preferably, the transmission of the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 17 does not occur directly, but preferably with the aid of the above-mentioned drive means, which transmit the rotational movement from the shaft of the electric actuator to the brush head 15. The fact that the arm 19 is preferably arched, similar to those described for the arm 18, is not problematic, since, for example, the transmission of the rotational movement can be achieved with the aid of one or more universal joints.

[0129] In view of the foregoing, the heads 16 and 17 are opposed to each other at the bristles 25 and 30, respectively, so that:

[0130] The brush head 16 faces the brush head 17 at the end 27 of the bristles 25;

[0131] The brush head 17 faces the brush head 16 at the end 32 of the bristles 30;

[0132] The bristles 25 are opposite to the bristles 30 .

[0133] The distance between the bristles 25 and 30 is such that there is a partial space 34 between the bristles 25 and 30, in which a person's teeth can be at least partially accommodated. Therefore, the bristles 25 do not contact the bristles 30. Figure 3 As shown, the head 15 is opposite to the partial space 34 at the bristles 20 , so that the brush head 15 faces the partial space 34 at the ends 22 of the bristles 20 .

[0134] The bristles 20 are not in contact with the bristles 25 , nor with the bristles 30 .

[0135] The minimum distance between the point of the cylinder formed by the bristles 25 as a whole (corresponding to the point closest to the brush head 18 of the circumference of the circle formed by the end 27 of the bristles 25 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) and the point of the cylinder formed by the bristles 30 as a whole (corresponding to the point closest to the brush head 17 of the circumference of the circle formed by the end 32 of the bristles 30 as the circumference of the base of the cylinder) is preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0136] Likewise, if Figure 3As shown, the rotation axis of the brush head 15 passes through the partial space 34, so that a section of the rotation axis is between the bristles 25 and the bristles 30. The brush head 15 is also opposite the partial space 34, so that if the brush head 15 can be translated along its rotation axis, the brush head 15 will be at least partially accommodated in the partial space 34 and can therefore be between the brush heads 16 and 17.

[0137] The brush heads 15, 16 and 17 and arms 18 and 19 are generally shaped to be inserted into a person's head.

[0138] Advantageously, by using the toothbrush 1, while the occlusal surfaces of the molars or premolars are brushed with the brush head 15, the lingual and vestibular surfaces of the teeth are brushed with the brush heads 16 and 17.

[0139] The rod 12 together with the arms 18 and 19 and the brush heads 15, 16 and 17 are preferably detachable from the handle 2 and reattachable to the handle an unlimited number of times (i.e. the connection between the rod 12 and the handle 2 is reversible). Advantageously, in this case, the brush heads 15, 16 and 17 (and / or the arms 18 and 19) can be provided in various sizes and / or at various mutual distances, depending on the age and therefore on the size of the dental arch of the person using the toothbrush 1. Incidentally, in this case, the above-mentioned drive device suitable for transmitting the rotational movement of the shaft of the electric actuator from said shaft to the brush heads 15, 16 and 17 can also be detached from / reattached to the shaft of the electric actuator an unlimited number of times.

[0140] Based on the description of the preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that several modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A toothbrush (1), comprising: an at least partially hollow, longitudinally extending handle (2) at which the toothbrush (1) can be gripped by a person to brush his / her teeth and / or gums, The handle (2) comprises a first end (3) and a second end (4) opposite to the first end (3). The handle (2) can rest at the first end (3) directly on a surface and / or with the aid of a support, the handle can also rest on a surface, If the handle (2) can rest on a surface by means of the support: - When the support is placed on a surface, the handle (2) can rest on the support as well as - the toothbrush (1) comprises the support; A longitudinally extending rod (12), The rod (12) at least partially extends longitudinally in a specific direction, The rod (12) comprises a first end (13) and a second end (14), the second end being opposite to the first end (13) of the rod (12), The rod (12) is connected at its first end (13) to the handle (2) at its second end (4); A first brush head (15), comprising a first base (23) and a first plurality of bristles (20), Each bristle (20) of the first plurality of bristles comprises a first end (21) and a second end (22) opposite to the first end (21) of the bristle (20), Each bristle (20) of the first plurality of bristles is connected at its first end (21) to the first base (23), The first brush head (15) is connected to the rod (12) at the second end (14) of the rod at the first base (23), The first brush head (15) is connected to the rod (12) so that the first base (23) together with the first plurality of bristles (20) can rotate about a first rotation axis, The first rotation axis passes through the first base (23) and is non-parallel to the direction along which the rod (12) at least partially extends; an electrically powered actuator at least partially housed within the handle (2), the actuator comprising a shaft adapted to rotate about its axis when the actuator is activated; A battery, electrically connected to the actuator to supply power to the actuator, the battery being at least partially contained within the handle (2); control means (11) adapted to activate said actuator, The actuator can be operated by a person by means of the control device (11), The control device (11) is at least partially located on the handle (2), so that when a person holds the toothbrush (1) at the handle (2), the actuator can be operated by the person with the help of the control device (11); a first transmission device adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the first brush head (15), such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the first base (23) together with the first plurality of bristles (20) to rotate about the first axis of rotation, The toothbrush (1) is characterized in that it further comprises: a first arm (18), comprising a first end (18a) and a second end (18b), wherein the second end is opposite to the first end (18a) of the first arm (18), The first arm (18) is connected to the handle (2) or the rod (12) at its first end (18a); a second brush head (16), comprising a second base (28) and a second plurality of bristles (25), Each bristle (25) of the second plurality of bristles comprises a first end (26) and a second end (27) opposite to the first end (26) of the bristle (25), Each bristle (25) of the second plurality of bristles is connected at its first end (26) to the second base (28), The second brush head (16) is connected to the first arm (18) at the second base (28) at the second end (18b) of the first arm, The second brush head (16) is connected to the first arm (18) so that the second base (28) together with the second plurality of bristles (25) can rotate about a second rotation axis, The second rotation axis passes through the second base (28), The second rotation axis is non-parallel to the direction along which the rod (12) at least partially extends and is non-parallel to the first rotation axis; a second transmission device adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the second brush head (16), such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the second base (28) together with the second plurality of bristles (25) to rotate about the second axis of rotation; a second arm (19) comprising a first end (19a) and a second end (19b), the second end being opposite to the first end (19a) of the second arm (19), The second arm (19) is connected to the handle (2) or the rod (12) at its first end (19a); a third brush head (17), comprising a third base (33) and a third plurality of bristles (30), Each bristle (30) of the third plurality of bristles comprises a first end (31) and a second end (32) opposite to the first end (31) of the bristle (30), Each bristle (30) of the third plurality of bristles is connected at its first end (31) to the third base (33), The third brush head (17) is connected to the second arm (19) at the third base (33) at the second end (19b) of the second arm, The third brush head (17) is connected to the second arm (19) so that the third base (33) together with the third plurality of bristles (30) can rotate about a third rotation axis, The third rotation axis passes through the third base (33), The third rotation axis is non-parallel to the direction along which the rod (12) at least partially extends and is non-parallel to the first rotation axis; a third transmission device adapted to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft from the shaft to the third brush head (17), such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the third base (33) together with the third plurality of bristles (30) to rotate about the third rotation axis, The second and third brush heads (16, 17) are opposite to each other at the second and third pluralities of bristles (25, 30), respectively, such that: The second brush head (16) faces the third brush head (17) at the second end (27) of the second plurality of bristles (25); The third brush head (17) faces the second brush head (16) at the second end (32) of the third plurality of bristles (30); The second plurality of bristles (25) are opposite to the third plurality of bristles (30), and the second plurality of bristles (25) do not contact the third plurality of bristles (30), The distance between the second plurality of bristles (25) and the third plurality of bristles (30) is such that there is a partial space (34) between the second plurality of bristles (25) and the third plurality of bristles (30), and a person's teeth can be at least partially accommodated in the partial space, The first brush head (15) is opposite to the partial space (34) at the first plurality of bristles (20), so that the first brush head (15) faces the partial space (34) at the second end (22) of the first plurality of bristles (20), The first rotation axis passes through the partial space (34), so that a section of the first rotation axis is between the second plurality of bristles (25) and the third plurality of bristles (30), The first brush head (15) is opposite to the partial space (34), so that if the first brush head (15) can be translated along the first rotation axis, the first brush head (15) will be at least partially accommodated in the partial space (34) and can therefore be interposed between the second and third brush heads (16, 17), The first plurality of bristles (20) do not contact the second plurality of bristles (25) and do not contact the third plurality of bristles (30), The first brush head, the second brush head and the third brush head (15, 16, 17) are shaped so as to be insertable into a person's mouth.

2. The toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first rotation axis, the second rotation axis and the third rotation axis are coplanar and intersect at a single point.

3. The toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second base and the third base (28, 33) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a symmetry plane including the first rotation axis.

4. The toothbrush (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The plane of symmetry also includes the direction along which the rod (12) at least partially extends longitudinally, When the handle (2) rests on a surface at the first end (3) directly and / or by means of the support, the plane of symmetry is arranged vertically.

5. The toothbrush (1) according to claim 3 or 4, when claim 3 refers to claim 2, characterized in that: The first and second rotation axes intersect so that the magnitude of the angle (24) comprised between the first and second axes and passing through the first and second bases (23, 28) is between 91° and 95°, The first and third rotation axes intersect such that an angle (29) comprised between the first and third rotation axes and passing through the first and third bases (23, 33) has a magnitude between 91° and 95°.

6. A toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first arm (18) is connected at its first end (18a) to the rod (12) at the second end (14) of the rod, and the second arm (19) is connected at its first end (19a) to the rod (12) at the second end (14) of the rod.

7. A toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first plurality of bristles (20) are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter between 5 mm and 7 mm. The second plurality of bristles (25) are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter between 5 mm and 7 mm. The third plurality of bristles (30) are generally shaped as a cylinder, with a base diameter between 5 mm and 7 mm.

8. The toothbrush (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the first plurality of bristles (20), the second rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the second plurality of bristles (25), and the third rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the third plurality of bristles (30).

9. The toothbrush (1) according to claim 8, when claim 7 refers to claim 5, characterized in that: The minimum distance between the points of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the first plurality of bristles (20) and the points of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the second plurality of bristles (25) is between 1 mm and 2 mm, and the minimum distance between the points of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the first plurality of bristles (20) and the points of the cylinder roughly formed as a whole by the third plurality of bristles (30) is between 1 mm and 2 mm.

10. The toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the handle (2) rests on a surface at the first end (3) directly or by means of the support, the first, second and third rotation axes are arranged horizontally.

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