Toothbrush head, toothbrush and related system

Abstract

Disclosed is a toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) comprising at least one brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2'; 2''; 2'''), and an articulated chain (3). The articulated chain (3) has at least two chain links (31, 32) which rotate relative to each other around a first rotation axis (A1), and the brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2'; 2''; 2''') is attached to one of the chain links (31, 32) for rotating around a second rotation axis (A2). The invention is also embodied in a toothbrush (1000) and a system (5000), respectively, comprising the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) and the toothbrush (1000).

Description

[0001] TOOTHBRUSH HEAD, TOOTHBRUSH AND REEATED SYSTEM

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application is a PCT application claiming priority to US application no. 63 / 627,876, filed February 1st, 2024, of the same title, the content of the entirety of which is explicitly incorporated herein by reference and relied upon to define features for which protection may be sought hereby as it is believed that the entirety thereof contributes to solving the technical problem underlying the invention, some features that may be mentioned hereunder being of particular importance.

[0004] Identification of parties concerned

[0005] The Applicant of the present intellectual property matter is INTIV A.G. of Switzerland. The inventors of the invention described in this patent documentation are Joel Suter, Fabien Gigon, Lucien Vouillamoz, Johann Rohner, Luca Gruber, Sandro Reginelli, Gregory Dourde, Toralf Bork, Gregoire Lacroix, of Switzerland. At the time of filing, John B. Moetteli and the firm Da Vinci Partners LLC of Switzerland represent the Applicant.

[0006] Copyright & Legal Notice

[0007] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The Applicant 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. Further, no references to third party patents or articles made herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior invention.

[0008] Field

[0009] This invention relates to oral health care, and more specifically relates to a device for the cleaning of the teeth. The more appropriate field is the in-home environment in which non-health care professionals use the device, but the invention can also be used in dental clinics or hospitals by health care professionals. Background of the Invention

[0010] Currently, the majority of toothbrushes used in the world are conventional manual toothbrushes with plastic handles and nylon brushes, for cleaning teeth using a mechanical action, made by the user, of scrubbing teeth with the brush. Manual toothbrushes are made of various materials such as wood or natural fibers.

[0011] Another kind of toothbrush widely used today are electric toothbrushes having rotating or vibrating brushing heads, sometimes comprising sensors.

[0012] The major purpose of toothbrushes is the cleaning of the teeth, and the transition from mechanical toothbrushes to electric ones has greatly improved the efficacy of the cleaning action of the toothbrush. However, even electric toothbrushes still have drawbacks, such as the time required for sweeping the teeth and many customers find it too laborious to brush in a way so as to reach every surface of every tooth (see table immediately below). Professionals recommend brushing teeth for at least 3 minutes, which is often considered too long for most users, with the consequence that time is reduced, and the thoroughness of the cleaning of teeth is compromised.

[0013] For this reason, in the last decade, sonic electric toothbrushes have become more and more popular because they speed up the cleaning process, but the cleaning time required may once again be perceived by many users as being too long. On the other hand, with sonic electric toothbrushes it is also possible to significantly remove plaque and bacteria thanks to sonic waves, improving the health of the oral cavity.

[0014] However, even this kind of toothbrush has disadvantages. For example standard toothbrush heads are commercialized for generic types of users, and each user is challenged to find the right brush for his / her needs.

[0015] In order to solve this problem, triple-head toothbrushes have been developed. They present three brushes that, in use, cover - respectively - three walls of the tooth: usually one brush / head covers the occlusal wall, one brush / head covers the buccal wall, and one brush / head covers lingual wall (see FIG. 38 for term references / definitions). Having three heads, the tooth is enveloped in brushes thereby speeding up the cleaning process. In addition, thanks to the three heads, the toothbrush is somewhat adaptable to the mouth of the user.

[0016] Unfortunately, even this solution has its drawbacks. For example, triple-head toothbrushes do not adapt to the morphology of all mouths and dental arches. Still further, this solution is not adapted for cleaning teeth in the labial area of the mouth or to people who suffer from sensitive gums. The “labial area of the mouth” refers to the region that faces or is adjacent to the lips. The term “labial” is sometimes used to describe surfaces of incisors and canines that are found just adjacent to the lips. Below is a reference table listing the various surfaces of teeth (source : fabhc Tooth surfaces chart fer rapid review

[0017] In addition to the disadvantages already mentioned, all prior solutions have drawbacks in terms of efficiency in dental care, such as with cleaning and maintaining the health of the entire oral cavity, including the teeth, gums and the interface between teeth and gums. The interface between teeth and gums is known as gingival margin or gum line.

[0018] What is needed therefore is an improved device for cleaning the oral cavity, and in particular teeth, which can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0019] Summary of the Invention Therefore, it is an object / task of the invention, to provide a toothbrush head, and a related toothbrush, which can solve the above-mentioned problems. In particular, the solution proposed by the invention is adapted for speeding up the cleaning process by maintaining a high level of tooth surface coverage and at the same time assures full adaptability of the toothbrush head to the morphology of the users’ mouth.

[0020] Also, the proposed solution eases the use of the toothbrush allowing access to all areas of the mouth, ensuring comprehensive oral care (i.e., cleaning, and the maintenance of healthy teeth and gum and / or gum line), without compromising the comfort of the user. This assures a high level of efficiency of brushing and therefore improves oral care while taking less time.

[0021] The toothbrush head, according to the invention, includes at least one brushing roller and an articulated chain. The articulated chain includes at least two elements of the chain (i.e., chain links) that rotate relative to each other, around a first axis of rotation. Due to the chain construction, the toothbrush head has an adaptive shape to brush any type of tooth on three faces (i.e., buccal, occlusal, and lingual faces).

[0022] Advantageously, the articulated chain includes elastic structure that are configured so that, when the toothbrush head is placed in the mouth, brushing rollers are pressed against the tooth to be brushed. In this way, all the surfaces of the tooth are cleaned at the same time.

[0023] Advantageously, the elastic structure can be one or more flexible structures such as springs, in particular a preloaded spring, for easily adapting the articulated chain to the morphology of different user’s mouths.

[0024] In some embodiments, the springs are torsion springs which provide a more compact and less bulky solution, and which distribute a substantially constant force on the articulated chain, without overloading the elements of the chain, thereby avoiding chain breakage.

[0025] These embodiments solve the problem of reaching all angles required in order that brush rollers touch (and so scrub) all tooth surfaces by using chain links designed in a way to allow sufficient articulation such that all angles of the mouth are accessed.

[0026] The invention therefore adapts to user morphology.

[0027] In some embodiments, the toothbrush head includes a transmission for transferring a powered rotating movement to one or more of the brushing rollers. These embodiments are referred to as those related to an electro-mechanical toothbrush.

[0028] In this way, rotating brushing rollers apply large amplitude movements around the teeth. This enhances cleaning between teeth thanks to thin width roller brushes. Advantageously, the transmission includes a first gear, such as a worm shaft or a conical gear. The first gear is configured to be powered by a motor. Advantageously, the motor is housed in the handle of the toothbrush.

[0029] The transmission also includes a second gear, configured to engage with the first gear and to transfer the powered movement from the first gear to the second gear.

[0030] In some embodiments, in order to reach more versatility of the toothbrush head according to the invention, the transmission includes a gear train including a plurality of gears. One or more of the gears of the plurality are co-axial to a support shaft of the brushing roller. In this way, it is possible to actively rotate one or more brushing rollers. Thus, the powered movement can be transferred to one or more of the brushing rollers disposed along the articulated chain.

[0031] Advantageously gears can be selectively activated to create different modes of cleaning of the oral cavity.

[0032] Advantageously, one or more brushing rollers are attached to the articulated chain, on one side or opposite sides of the articulated chain, and rotate around a second rotation axis.

[0033] Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the brushing rollers is parallel to the mesio-distal axis of a tooth, when the toothbrush is in use, ensuring that the brushing roller can scrub the surface of the tooth during rotation.

[0034] More advantageously, the axis of rotation of the brushing rollers (i.e., the second axis of rotation) is parallel to the axis of rotation of two chain links (i.e., first axis of rotation). This embodiment reduces overloads on the chain links and, thus, improves the useful life of the toothbrush head.

[0035] The rotation of adjacent brushing rollers can be in opposite directions or in the same direction. When the rotation of the brushing rollers takes place in opposite directions, more effective scrubbing of the tooth surface results.

[0036] When the rotation of the brushing rollers in the same direction is possible, this may be advantageous to removing more stubborn stains or areas of plaque build-up.

[0037] In some embodiments, the toothbrush head includes a central arm configured to house one or more brushing rollers on opposite sides of the arm.

[0038] It is envisioned that further embodiments can be adapted to use of the central arm.

[0039] In some embodiments, two articulated chains, a first and a second chain, are placed on opposite sides of the central arm, so that, in use, the brushing rollers of the first and the second chain, respectively, adhere to the superior and inferior dental arch. In this embodiment, the first and the second chain are placed in the proximity of one end of the central arm (the first end of the central arm), as the distal one to the transmission.

[0040] In some other embodiments, an additional two articulated chain links are placed on another end of the central arm (the second end of the central arm), as opposed to the one proximal to the transmission. In this embodiment, the brushing rollers supported by articulated chain links adhere, at the same time, to the superior and inferior dental arch, and on buccal and lingual faces of the teeth. In this way, the user can clean all the teeth (including the gum and the gum line interface) using fewer movements.

[0041] In other embodiments, one or more lateral arms are attached to the central arm. The lateral arms are pivoted with one of their ends to the central arm, so they are free to pivot in the mesio- distal plane, to adapt to the user’s morphology.

[0042] Advantageously, the lateral arms are disposed on the first and the second end of the central arm to envelope essentially all the surfaces of the tooth. One or more gear trains are housed in the central arm and in the lateral arms, for transmitting, via the transmission, the powered rotation movement to the brushing rollers.

[0043] Advantageously, a toothbrush with five brushing rollers, disposed as a cusp around the tooth, for enveloping the tooth up to the gum, may be preferred. In this way, oral care, namely, the cleaning of the tooth, the gum and the gum line is ensured.

[0044] The brushing rollers can have different shapes to adapt to the user’s needs. In some embodiments the toothbrush head includes brushing rollers of the same shape and dimension, to distribute the scrubbing force evenly.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the toothbrush head includes brushing rollers of different shapes and / or dimensions, in order to better clean between teeth.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the toothbrush head includes brushing rollers which have brushing elements of different shapes or stiffness, and in which some of the brushing rollers have bristles of different shapes. In this way, it is possible to adapt the experience of brushing to the user’s preferences.

[0047] The invention is also related to a toothbrush which includes a toothbrush head according to the invention. The toothbrush includes a body configured to be attached to the toothbrush head. The toothbrush body includes a motor to power the transmission of the toothbrush head.

[0048] Advantageously, the toothbrush head is pivotable relative to the toothbrush body around a third axis of rotation which presents a component parallel to the buccal-labial plane. In this way, the comfort is better ensured for the user, because the toothbrush head can be easily driven and positioned in the mouth and, for example, easily pass over the molars to the incisors.

[0049] In some embodiments, the toothbrush body also includes a contra-angle and a toothbrush handle, wherein the contra-angle engages with the toothbrush head and the toothbrush handle. These embodiments are specifically suitable for professional use by oral care professionals, such as dentists.

[0050] Toothbrushes according to the invention can be also embodied as a dental motor. Dental motors are defined by the ISO 1797 standard, the content of which is incorporated by reference.

[0051] The invention is also related to a system which includes the toothbrush according to the invention and one or more computer programs comprising instructions which control the toothbrush to adapt to specific modes of use. Also, computer programs can be configured to run the toothbrush and to exchange, directly or indirectly, data with the toothbrush through a communication interface.

[0052] Advantageously the computer programs are made in the form of mobile device apps, such as those used in mobile phones.

[0053] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, different embodiments of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic frontal view, with some elements removed, of a partial section of the toothbrush head according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a section of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic frontal view of some elements of a second embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the second embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of the second embodiment according to FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic frontal view, with some elements removed, of a partial section of a third embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention, with some elements removed.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention, according to FIG. 7, in the mouth of a user.

[0062] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are two different perspective views of the fourth embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 7, with some elements removed.

[0063] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are two different frontal views, respectively, of a fifth and a sixth embodiment of the invention, with some elements removed.

[0064] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are two different frontal views in two different configurations of the fourth embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 7, with some elements removed.

[0065] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0066] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the toothbrush’s brushing rollers of the seventh embodiment according to FIG. 15, wherein adjacent rollers rotate in opposite directions.

[0067] FIGs. 17-19 are a schematic representations of an eighth embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0068] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are two different frontal views, respectively, of the eighth embodiment of the invention according to FIGs. 17-19 in two different configurations of use.

[0069] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are, respectively, a top side view and a frontal view of the eighth embodiment of the invention according to FIGs. 17-19, with the brushing rollers removed.

[0070] FIGs. 24 is a schematic representation, in frontal view, of a ninth embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention.

[0071] FIGs. 25-26 are a schematic representation, in frontal view, of the ninth embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 24, with some elements removed.

[0072] FIGs. 27-28 are schematic representations, in top view, of the tenth embodiment of the invention, wherein adjacent rollers rotate in the same direction.

[0073] FIG. 29-A and FIG. 29-B are two different views, respectively a frontal and a perspective view, of a brushing roller of the invention according to a first embodiment. FIG. 30-A and FIG. 30-B are two different views, respectively a frontal and a perspective view, of a brushing roller of the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 31-A and FIG. 31-B are two different views, respectively a frontal and a perspective view, of a brushing roller of the invention according to a third embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 32-A and FIG. 32-B are two different views, respectively a frontal and a perspective view, of a brushing roller of the invention according to a fourth embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 33 is a schematic frontal view of a toothbrush body of the invention.

[0077] FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are two different schematic views from above, in two different configurations of the toothbrush of the invention, during use.

[0078] FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are two different perspective views, in two different configurations of the toothbrush of the invention, during use.

[0079] FIG. 38 is a schematic representation of a mouth, with some terms indicated.

[0080] FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 are two different frontal views, from different angles, of the toothbrush according to the invention.

[0081] FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 are two different frontal views of the toothbrush according to the invention, in two different configurations of use.

[0082] FIG. 43 is a schematic representation of the toothbrush according to the invention.

[0083] FIG. 44 is a schematic representation of a system of the invention.

[0084] FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 are two schematic representations of the properties of some materials that are suitable for use in the invention.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the Figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the invention and its embodiments. Furthermore, when the terms 'first', 'second', and the like are used herein, their use is intended for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. Moreover, relative terms like 'front' , 'back', 'top' and 'bottom', and the like in the Description and / or in the claims are not necessarily used for describing exclusive relative position. Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that such terms may be interchangeable with other terms, and that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in other orientations than those explicitly shown or otherwise described. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0086] The following description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way as it is exemplary in nature, serving to describe the best mode of the invention known to the inventors as of the filing date hereof. Consequently, changes may be made in the arrangement and / or function of any of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention is represented. The toothbrush head 1 includes an articulated chain 3 and support structure 11. Support structure 11 are configured to support articulated chain 3, and to make the articulated chain 3 itself pivotable with respect to support structure 11. Each chain link of the articulated chain 3 is configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation Al . In the first embodiment, the articulated chain 3 includes two chain links 31 and 32 that are movable relative to each other to rotate around the first rotation axis Al.

[0088] Advantageously the first axis of rotation Al is defined by the axis of rotation of a chain link 32 with respect to the adjacent chain link 31.

[0089] Advantageously the chain links are all equal to each other and are connected together to be pivotable one to the other around the first axis Al.

[0090] In some embodiments the first axis of rotation Al between two adjacent chain links is parallel to the first axis of rotation Al between the next two adjacent chain links, as represented in FIG. 9. In this way it is possible to avoid overloading the chain links.

[0091] In other embodiments, not shown, for giving the toothbrush head specific brushing capabilities, the first axis of rotation Al between two adjacent chain links is not parallel to the first axis of rotation Al between the next two adjacent chain links.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 2, the toothbrush head 1 of the first embodiment is represented with two brushing rollers 2 attached to articulated chain 3 (not shown). Each brushing roller rotates around a second axis of rotation A2. Support structure 11 further includes a connecting interface 12 for connecting the toothbrush head 1 with a toothbrush body (not shown in FIG. 2) which allows a user to hold the toothbrush in his / her hand. In the embodiment presented in FIG. 2, brushing rollers 2 engage each other. In other words, bristles of brushing rollers 2 overlap each other in order to provide the toothbrush different brushing characteristics that may be preferred by specific users.

[0093] In other embodiments, such as, for example, those represented in FIGs. 27 and 28, the bristles of brushing rollers 2 are not overlapped. In this way, at least one dimension of the size of the toothbrush can be changed. For better understanding the scope of the invention, the term ‘bristle’ can be used, where not indicate differently, as synonymous with ‘brushing element’. Bristles may not necessarily be a filament, they could be sheets having a length extending from the brush head, and a width larger than the thickness (wherein these sheet-bristles are attached adjacent to each other) but rather a contiguous roller surface adapted for polishing, for example. The bristles may be made of any flexible material appropriate for their function and manufacturability.

[0094] Different shapes of brushing rollers are described later.

[0095] Referring now to FIG. 3, a preferred configuration of brushing rollers 2 is shown, disposed around a tooth T, to cover the entire exposed surface of the tooth T (buccal, occlusal, and lingual surfaces, as indicated in FIG. 38). The preferred configuration is made with five brushing rollers: one on the top of the tooth and two of them for both sides, to ensure deep cleaning at least of the entire surface of the tooth T.

[0096] The entire exposed surface of the tooth T, gums, and gum line in the proximity of the tooth T are also cleaned by the toothbrush according to the invention. The user is indeed required to make fewer movements to effectively clean the oral cavity as compared to conventional brushing using a conventional toothbrush.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 4, the preferred configuration with five brushing rollers 2, mentioned above, is shown with support structure 11 attached to brushing rollers 2. This configuration is also named a ‘cusp configuration’.

[0098] Despite the preferred cusp configuration, the person skilled in the art will understand that the toothbrush head according to the invention can use any number of brushing rollers, disposed in any configuration.

[0099] The person skilled in the art will also understand that the shape and / or dimension of the brushing rollers 2 can be varied to solve specific needs of the user. Hereinafter, different shapes of the brushing rollers 2 are described. The brushing rollers may be made of any material appropriate for their function and manufacturability.

[0100] Brushing rollers 2 are disposed along articulated chain 3. In particular, the toothbrush head also includes one or more brushing roller support shaft(s) 4 configured to house brushing roller(s) 2. Advantageously, each brushing roller support shaft 4 can house one or two brushing rollers 2, respectively, on one or both of its opposite ends. For example, in FIG. 5 brushing rollers 2 and 2’ are disposed at the opposite ends of brushing roller support shafts 4. Brushing roller support shafts 4 are better shown and identifiable in FIG. 7.

[0101] For the sake of clarity, the chain links of the articulated chain 3 are secured to each other by one or more pin(s) 5. In some embodiments, not shown, the pins 5 are substituted by shafts which may be drivable.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 5, the toothbrush head 1 presents brushing rollers 2 and 2’ disposed in pairs at the opposite sides of brushing roller support shafts 4, as mentioned above, in order to improve the cleaning action and speed up the teeth cleaning process. As shown in FIG. 5, the articulated chain 3 is maintained in its cusp configuration by preloaded springs 6.

[0103] In fact, according to some embodiments, the toothbrush head includes elastic structure 6 configured so that brushing rollers 2 are pressed against the tooth being brushed.

[0104] The elastic structure is, for example, spring 61. Springs 61, or more in general, the elastic structure 6, are positioned within one or more of the chain links of the articulated chain 3. In this way, it is possible to maintain the chain links in a predetermined configuration or shape that is reestablished after use, or when passing from one tooth to another. In this way, the toothbrush head can easily adapt to the morphology of different users’ mouths.

[0105] More advantageously, if the springs 6 are preloaded, the pressing action of the brushing rollers 2 is improved, so as to achieve deep cleaning of the tooth.

[0106] In some embodiments, springs 61 are torsion springs.

[0107] Advantageously, torsion springs 61, and more generally spring 6, are placed on brushing roller support shaft 4, on pins 5 or on both.

[0108] The number and the dimensions of springs 6 depends on the desired elastic behavior of the articulated chain 3. For example, to achieve soft and delicate action of the toothbrush head on the gums and / or teeth, the elastic behavior of the articulated chain can be reduced, using fewer or weaker springs. On the other hand, to have a stronger effect of the toothbrush head on the gums and / or teeth, the elastic behavior of the articulated chain can be increased, using more springs or stiffer springs. Different combinations of springs or an elastic structure can be used, in order to achieve predetermined desired effects for oral care. In some embodiments, not shown, springs 6 are leaf springs. When leaf spring are used, it is possible to reduce the size of the toothbrush and to have different brushing characteristics.

[0109] Advantageously, elastic structure 6, and more specifically torsion springs 61, are made in a material having an elastic modulus that varies non-linearly with temperature. Preferably, the elastic structure 6 are made in a material that has a non-linear variation of elasticity over a transition temperature that is approximately body temperature, as shown in a schematic view in FIG. 45 line (a), and 46.

[0110] The body temperature is a temperature in the range of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. The transition temperature is defined as the temperature at which an allotropic material presents at least 2 crystal structures simultaneously. Below the transition temperature, a certain crystal structure is dominant, and above the transition temperature, another crystal structure is dominant. The transition temperature is therefore a critical point at which a material undergoes a significant change in its properties, and for materials with non-linear elasticity, this transition can involve complex changes in the material’s elastic behavior.

[0111] In other embodiments, elastic structure 6, and more specifically torque springs 61, are made with a shape that provides a non-linear variation of its elastic modulus as a function of its elongation, as shown in FIG. 45 line (b).

[0112] In other embodiments, elastic structure 6, and more specifically torsion springs 61, have an elastic modulus that varies non-linearly combining the effects of shape and temperature, as shown in FIG. 45 line (a), and FIG. 46.

[0113] The purpose of having non-linear elastic modulus over a predetermined transition temperature around body temperature is to provide substantially constant force whatever might be the elongation of the spring within the working zone during use. This effect is called ‘the superelasticity effect’, as shown in FIG. 45.

[0114] The aim of non-linear elastic modulus varying with temperature is to get plastic deformation of the spring / elastic structure below the transition temperature to ease cleaning of the device (under cold water for example). This effect is also called ‘the shape memory effect’ and it is shown in FIG. 46.

[0115] Any appropriate material that meets such requirements may be used for elastic structure 6.

[0116] Preferably elastic structure 6, and springs 61, are made of stainless steel or Nitinol™.

[0117] Referring now to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of toothbrush head 10 according to the invention is represented. In this embodiment, the toothbrush head is also called an electro-mechanical head, because not only a mechanical action is used to brush teeth, but also a powered action is provided. The powered action is provided by a worm screw 71 which engages with a second gear 72.

[0118] In some embodiments, not shown, the worm screw 71 is substituted with a conical gear. The worm screw or the conical gear are represented by first gear 71.

[0119] The powered action to the first gear 71 is provided by a motor, such as a motor 1002 shown in FIG. 33.

[0120] In other embodiments, not shown, the toothbrush head is powered by a dental motor.

[0121] The second gear 72 in turn engages with articulated chain 3 through a gear train 73 made by a series of engaging gears 74. Gear train 73 transfers the powered movement from second gear 72 to one or more gears 74.

[0122] Referring now to FIG. 7, a preferred electro-mechanical embodiment is represented, wherein the articulated chain 3 is made up of a plurality of chain links 31, 32, 3’, and preloaded springs (not shown) which maintain the cusp configuration of articulated chain 3. Five brushing roller support shafts 4 are arranged to support corresponding brushing rollers (not shown).

[0123] Referring now to FIG. 8, the embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown in operation within the mouth of a user. Toothbrush head 10 according to the invention is configured to be positioned having, in use, the second rotation axis A2 of the brushing rollers 2 parallel to the mesio-distal axis MD of the tooth, to wrap around essentially all the exposed surfaces of the tooth and to improve the cleaning of dental arches.

[0124] In some embodiments, advantageously all rotation axes A2 of brushing rollers 2 are parallel to the mesio-distal axis MD of the tooth T.

[0125] Referring now to FIG. 9, gear train 73 is shown made by a plurality of gears 74 which engage each other, from the transmission 7, to actively rotate brushing rollers 2 disposed on corresponding brushing roller support shafts 4. As shown, not all gears 74 have a brushing roller support shaft 4, giving brushing rollers 2 the freedom to freely rotate. In some embodiments, brushing rollers 2 partially overlap to improve the cleaning action. Preloaded springs 6 are also shown which help brushing rollers 2 adhere to the tooth, making the toothbrush head according to the present invention easily adaptable to any morphology of teeth or mouth.

[0126] According to some embodiments, adjacent brushing rollers rotate in opposite directions. This solution is preferred when scrubbing in opposite directions more effectively removes stains or plaque.

[0127] According to some other embodiments, adjacent brushing rollers rotate in the same direction. This arrangement may have better cleaning characteristics in certain situations.

[0128] FIG. 10 is analogous to FIG. 9 for which the same considerations apply. In FIG. 10, the interrelation between articulated chain 3 and the gear train 73 is also shown. More in particular, it shows chain links 3 which house gears 74 of the gear train 73.

[0129] In order to realize a more compact toothbrush head, one or more gears 74 are housed in a chain link 3. The one or more gears rotate around pins 5 and / or brushing roller support shafts 4. One or more torsion springs 61 are disposed co-axially on pin 5 and / or on brushing roller support shaft 4, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0130] In other embodiments, two adjacent chain links 3 engage with a gear 74 of the gear train 73, for improving the chain’s mobility, as shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12.

[0131] Referring now to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, two different configurations / positions of the preferred embodiment with five brushing rollers 2 are shown, respectively. The first configuration in FIG. 13 shows the toothbrush head 10 according to the invention around a molar or premolar, instead the second configuration in FIG. 14 shows the toothbrush head 10 around an incisor or canine. In fact, one of the advantages of the invention is the ability to easily adapt to different shapes of teeth and mouth, thanks to articulated chain 3. Then springs 61, for example, preloaded springs, improve the adaptability of articulated chain 3 to different shapes of teeth. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the possibility of cleaning teeth on the maxillary and mandibular arch at the same time.

[0132] This situation is better achieved by the embodiment of the toothbrush head 100 represented in FIG. 15. In this case, brushing rollers 20, 21 are disposed on opposite sides of a central arm 101 contained in the buccal-labial plane BLP. Indeed, in this configuration the toothbrush 100 includes a central arm 101 which protrudes from support structure 11, and that, in use, is positioned in the buccal-labial plane BLP. A first 3’ and a second 3” articulated chain are positioned on opposite sides of central arm 101. The first 3’ and the second 3” articulated chains are configured for supporting, respectively, one or more brushing rollers 20 and one or more brushing rollers 21. Adding another series of brushing rollers within the mouth is possible with few movements cleaning the entire mouth, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 16, the direction of rotation of brushing rollers in the configuration of FIG. 15 is shown. It should be noted that two consecutive brushing rollers rotate in opposite directions of rotation.

[0134] Referring now to FIGs 17-23, another embodiment of the toothbrush head according to the invention is presented. The toothbrush head 110 presents the cusp configuration, but using a different structure, easier to manufacture. The toothbrush head 110 includes a central arm 110 that, when in use, is positioned in the buccal-labial plane BLP and protrudes from support structure 11. The toothbrush head 110 also includes one or more lateral arm 102 that are attached to one or both of the ends of central arm 101. The attachment of lateral arm(s) 102 to central arm 101 allows lateral arms 102 to pivot around central arm 101.

[0135] Lateral arms 102 can be attached laterally to central arm 101, as shown in FIG. 22.

[0136] In other embodiments, lateral arms 102 can be attached to the upper or lower surface of central arm 101, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0137] Different dispositions of lateral arms 102 work together to create different configurations of the toothbrush head according to the invention, for solving different users’ needs.

[0138] Advantageously, in some embodiments, gear train 73 may be made up of more parts to have a better control on rotational movement of brushing rollers.

[0139] According to FIG. 19, gear train 73 has four parts. A first component 731 that engages with second gear 72 of transmission 7. A second 732 and a third 733 component which are made up of the series of gear 74 housed by lateral arms 102, and a fourth 734 component which has a series of gears 74 for connecting lateral arms 102 between them. The first component 731 of gear train 73 engages with one of the other components 732, 733 and / or 734 for transferring the movement from transmission 7 to the entire gear train 73.

[0140] Second gear 72 and first component 731 are housed by the first and the second chain link of the articulated chain 3.

[0141] According to FIG. 19, the first component 731 has only one gear.

[0142] Referring now to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, two different configurations / positions of the preferred embodiment are shown with five brushing rollers 2, according to the toothbrush head 110, previously described. The first configuration in FIG. 20 shows the toothbrush head 110 according to the invention around a molar or premolar, while the second configuration in FIG. 21 shows the toothbrush head 110 around an incisor or canine.

[0143] In FIGs 24-26, another embodiment of the toothbrush head is shown. The toothbrush head 111 has a central arm 110 and lateral arms 102. Analogously to the toothbrush head 110, gear train 73 has four parts. According to FIGs. 24-26 the first component 731 of gear train 73 has more than one gear, such as four gears 74, the first of which engages with the second gear 72.

[0144] Support structure 11 in this configuration is elongated in a wing 103, to house the first component 731 of gear train 73.

[0145] Figures 27 and 28 have already been described above.

[0146] Referring now to FIG. 29-A and FIG. 29-B, brushing rollers 2, made up of a plurality of tufts made, for example, by bristles in nylon are shown.

[0147] Referring now to FIG. 30-A and FIG. 30-B, brushing rollers 2, made by a plurality of lamellas, are shown wherein lamellas are made, for example, by planar tabs which depart from core body 201.

[0148] Referring now to FIG. 31- A and FIG. 31-B, brushing rollers 2, made by a plurality of spikes are shown, wherein spikes present a conical shape which departs from the core body 201.

[0149] In another embodiment, not shown, a brushing roller 2 may be made up of a combination of lamellas and spikes.

[0150] Referring now to FIG. 32-A and FIG. 32-B, brushing rollers 2 are shown, made by a plurality of waves which depart from core body 201.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 33, a toothbrush body 1001, made by a hand piece 1002 comprising a motor responsible for the powered action of the toothbrush according to the third embodiment of the toothbrush head are presented. The toothbrush body 1001 also has a contra-angle 1003, attachable to the motor 1002. The toothbrush body 1001 is also called a dental motor, often used by dental professionals, as has been defined above.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, two different configurations of the toothbrush 1000, according to the invention, are shown wherein the toothbrush body 1001 is pivoted around a third rotation axis A3, in order to maintain the alignment of the toothbrush head to the medio-distal axis MD of the tooth. In this way, comfort for the user is maintained.

[0153] Referring now to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, two different positions of the toothbrush 1000 and of the toothbrush body 1001 within the mouth of a user are shown.

[0154] Referring now to FIG. 38, the different terms associated with the relative position of a tooth are presented for a better understanding of some references made here as well as those related to the mouth. Referring now to FIGs. 39-43, different views and positions of the toothbrush according to the present invention are shown, wherein the toothbrush head presents a cusp configuration with five brushing rollers placed on both sides of support structure 11.

[0155] Referring now to FIG. 44, a system 5000 is shown according to the present invention in which the toothbrush 1000 communicates with a mobile phone 2000 for exchanging data and for selecting an appropriate program for teeth cleaning, wherein the appropriate program is represented by a subset of instructions. The toothbrush 1000 also presents an interface 1004 on the toothbrush body 1001 to select the subset of instructions from a predetermined set of instructions.

[0156] Figures 46 and 47 have already been described above.

[0157] The toothbrush and the toothbrush head according to the invention is advantageously made of biocompatible materials, such as polymer material or metal alloy, able to withstand disinfection solutions and steam sterilization processes such as autoclaving. Some elements or parts of elements of the toothbrush and / or the toothbrush head according to the invention may advantageously be 3D-printed for an enhanced adaptation to the user.

[0158] In an advantage, the invention speeds up the cleaning process of teeth.

[0159] In another advantage, the invention provides a toothbrush head that is adaptable to the morphology of different mouths and different teeth.

[0160] In still another advantage, the invention improves the comfort of the user, having pivotable toothbrush body relative to the toothbrush head.

[0161] In another advantage, the invention provides a toothbrush head that cleans in depth the entire surface of the tooth, without damaging gums.

[0162] In still another advantage, the invention improves the comfort of the user, allowing for customizable programs adapted to each user’s needs and preferences, thanks to the system 5000 of the invention.

[0163] It should be appreciated that many applications of the present invention may be formulated with regard to the system 5000.

[0164] Moreover, the system contemplates the use, sale and / or distribution of any goods, services or information having similar functionality described herein.

[0165] The computing units mentioned herein may be connected with each other via a data communication network. The network may be a public network and assumed to be insecure and open to eavesdroppers, or may also be secure. In one exemplary implementation, the network may be embodied as the Internet. In this context, the computers may or may not be connected to the Internet at all times.

[0166] It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and herein described are representative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0167] The specification and figures should be considered in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all modifications described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention claimed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims (as they currently exist or as later amended or added, and their legal equivalents) rather than by merely the examples described above. Steps recited in any method or process claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, may be executed in any order, and are not limited to the specific order presented in any claim. Further, the elements and / or components recited in apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise functionally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention. Consequently, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0168] Benefits, other advantages and solutions mentioned herein are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0169] The invention includes at least one of the following feature sets:

[0170] 1. A toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) comprising: at least one brushing roller (2), and

[0171] - an articulated chain (3) comprising at least two chain links (31, 32), the at least two chain links (31, 32) rotate relative to each other around a first rotation axis (Al), and the at least one brushing roller (2) is attached to one of the chain links (31, 32) and rotates around a second rotation axis (A2). The invention may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or more brushing rollers. The invention may also include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or more chain links. 2. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of feature set 1 wherein, the second rotation axis (A2) is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the mesio-distal axis (MD) of a tooth (T) when the tooth (T) is being brushed.

[0172] 3. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets wherein the second rotation axis (A2) is parallel to the first rotation axis (Al).

[0173] 4. The toothbrush head (1 ; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets further comprising:

[0174] - at least one brushing roller support shaft (4) configured to house at least one brushing roller (2) and for rotating it, and

[0175] - a plurality of pins (5) to secure chain links (31, 32) from each other.

[0176] 5. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets wherein the articulated chain (3) comprising elastic structure (6) configured so that, when the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) is placed in the mouth (M), brushing roller (2) is pressed against the tooth (T) being brushed.

[0177] 6. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of preceding feature set wherein the elastic structure (6) is a spring (61) placed on brushing roller support shaft (4) or on at least one pin (5) of said plurality.

[0178] 7. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of the preceding feature set wherein the spring (61) is made in a material having an elastic modulus that varies non-linearly with temperature, more preferably a material that has a non-linear variation of elasticity over a transition temperature that is substantially around the body temperature, preferably preloaded spring (61) is made in stainless steel or Nitinol.

[0179] 8. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets further comprising transmission (7) configured to transfer a powered rotating movement to the at least one brushing roller (2). 9. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of preceding feature set wherein the toothbrush head includes transmission (7) comprising:

[0180] - a first gear (71),

[0181] - a second gear (72), wherein the first (71) and the second gear (72) engage each other to transfer the powered movement from the first gear (71) to the second gear (72), and

[0182] - a gear train (73), comprising a plurality of gears (74), to transfer the powered movement from the second gear (72) to at least part of the plurality of gears (74), wherein at least one of the gears (74) of said plurality is co-axial to brushing roller support shaft (4) in order to actively rotate the at least one brushing roller (2).

[0183] 10. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets wherein consecutive brushing rollers (20, 22) rotate in opposite directions (R1 , R2) of rotation.

[0184] 11. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets 4-10 wherein the brushing rollers (2) are disposed in pairs on both sides of brushing roller support shaft (4), preferably in five pairs to cover buccal, lingual and, if present, occlusal surface of a tooth (T).

[0185] 12. The toothbrush head (l;10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding feature sets further comprising a central arm (101) configured to house at least one brushing roller (20, 21) on both opposite sides of the central arm (101), so that, in use, one brushing roller (20) is in contact with the maxillary teeth and the opposite brushing roller (21) is in contact with the mandibular teeth at the same time.

[0186] 13. A brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2’; 2”; 2”’) configured to be used in a toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) according to any one of preceding feature sets 1-12.

[0187] 14. The brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2’; 2”; 2”’) of preceding feature set comprising:

[0188] - a core body (201), and - a plurality of brushing elements (202; 202’; 202”; 202”’) attached to the core body (201), wherein brushing elements (202; 202’; 202”; 202’”) of said plurality are in the shape of turf (202), lamella (202’), spike (202”), or wave (202”’), or a combination thereof.

[0189] 15. A toothbrush (1000) comprising:

[0190] - a toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) according to any one of preceding feature sets 1- 12 and

[0191] - a toothbrush body (1001), wherein the toothbrush body (1001) has a motor (1002) to power transmission (7) of the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112).

[0192] 16. The toothbrush (1000) of the preceding feature set, wherein the first gear (71) is configured to pivot the toothbrush head (l; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) relative to toothbrush body (1001), around a third rotation axis (A3) that presents a component parallel to the buccal- labial plane (BLP).

[0193] 17. The toothbrush (1000) of the preceding feature set, wherein first gear (71) is configured to increase or decrease its speed when the relative position of the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) and toothbrush body (1001) is pivoted around the third rotation axis (A3).

[0194] 18. The toothbrush (1000) of any preceding feature sets 15-17, wherein toothbrush body (1001) further comprising a user interface (1004) for setting speed and / or direction of the first gear (71).

[0195] 19. A system (5000) comprising:

[0196] - at least one toothbrush (1000) as set forth in any one of preceding feature sets 15-18, and

[0197] - at least one computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out some steps to exchange, directly or indirectly, data with toothbrush (1000) through a communication interface (2000). 20. The system (5000) of preceding feature set, wherein the communication interface (2000) is configured to select a subset of instructions, and wherein said subset of instructions is a predetermined set of instruction or a set of instructions derived from data exchanged in real time with toothbrush (1000).

[0198] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or variations thereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive listing of elements, such that any apparatus, process, method, article, or composition of the invention that comprises a list of elements, that does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements such as those described in the instant specification. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the use of the term “consisting” or “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’ is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the enumerated elements named thereafter, unless otherwise indicated. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described elements, materials or structures used in the practice of the present invention may be varied or adapted by the skilled artisan to other designs without departing from the general principles of the invention.

[0199] The patents and articles mentioned above are hereby incorporated by reference herein, unless otherwise noted, to the extent that the same are not inconsistent with this disclosure.

[0200] Other characteristics and modes of execution of the invention are described in the appended claims.

[0201] Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all possible combinations of every feature described in the instant specification, appended claims, and / or drawing figures which may be considered new, inventive and industrially applicable.

[0202] Additional features and functionality of the invention are described in the claims appended hereto and / or in the abstract. Such claims and / or abstract are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto in this specification and should be considered as part of the application as filed.

[0203] Multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments of the invention described here. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described here, a wide range of changes, modifications, and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. While the above description contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather exemplify one or another preferred embodiment thereof. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description be construed broadly and understood as being illustrative only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the claims which ultimately issue in this application.

[0204] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) comprising: at least one brushing roller (2), and an articulated chain (3) comprising at least two chain links (31, 32), the at least two chain links (31, 32) rotate relative to each other around a first rotation axis (Al), and the at least one brushing roller (2) is attached to one of the chain links (31, 32) and rotates around a second rotation axis (A2).

2. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of claim 1 wherein, the second rotation axis (A2) is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the mesio-distal axis (MD) of a tooth (T) when the tooth (T) is being brushed.

3. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims wherein the second rotation axis (A2) is parallel to the first rotation axis (Al).

4. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims further comprising:- at least one brushing roller support shaft (4) configured to house at least one brushing roller (2) and for rotating it, and- a plurality of pins (5) to secure chain links (31, 32) from each other.

5. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims wherein the articulated chain (3) comprising elastic structure (6) configured so that, when the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) is placed in the mouth (M), brushing roller (2) is pressed against the tooth (T) being brushed.

6. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of preceding claim wherein the elastic structure (6) is a spring (61) placed on brushing roller support shaft (4) or on at least one pin (5) of said plurality.

7. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of preceding claim wherein the spring (61) is made in a material having an elastic modulus that varies non-linearly with temperature, more preferably a material that has a non-linear variation of elasticity over a transition temperature that is substantially body temperature, wherein further, preferably, preloaded spring (61) is made in stainless steel or Nitinol.

8. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims further comprising transmission (7) configured to transfer a powered rotating movement to the at least one brushing roller (2).

9. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of preceding claim wherein the toothbrush head includes transmission (7) comprising:- a first gear (71),- a second gear (72), wherein the first (71) and the second gear (72) engage each other to transfer the powered movement from the first gear (71) to the second gear (72), and- a gear train (73), comprising a plurality of gears (74), to transfer the powered movement from the second gear (72) to at least part of the plurality of gears (74), wherein at least one of the gears (74) of said plurality is co-axial to brushing roller support shaft (4) in order to actively rotate the at least one brushing roller (2).

10. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims wherein consecutive brushing roller (20, 22) rotate in opposite directions (R1 , R2) of rotation.

11. The toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims 4-10 wherein the brushing rollers (2) are disposed in pairs on both sides of brushing roller support shaft (4), preferably in five pairs to cover buccal, lingual and, if present, occlusal surface of a tooth (T).

12. The toothbrush head (l;10; 100; 110; 111; 112) of any one of preceding claims further comprising a central arm (101) configured to house at least one brushing roller (20, 21) on both opposite sides of the central arm (101), so that, in use, one brushing roller (20) is in contact with the maxillary teeth and the opposite brushing roller (21) is in contact with the mandibular teeth at the same time.

13. A brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2’; 2”; 2”’) configured to be used in a toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) according to any one of preceding claims 1-12.

14. The brushing roller (2, 20, 21, 22; 2’; 2”; 2”’) of preceding claim comprising:- a core body (201), and- a plurality of brushing elements (202; 202’; 202”; 202”’) attached to the core body (201), wherein brushing elements (202; 202’ ; 202” ; 202’ ”) of said plurality are in the shape of turf (202), lamella (202’), spike (202”), or wave (202’”), or a combination thereof.

15. A toothbrush (1000) comprising:- a toothbrush head (1; 10; 100) according to any one of preceding claims 1-12 and- a toothbrush body (1001), wherein the toothbrush body (1001) comprises a motor (1002) to power transmission (7) of the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112).

16. The toothbrush (1000) of the preceding claim, wherein the first gear (71) is configured to pivot the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) relative to toothbrush body (1001), around a third rotation axis (A3) that presents a component parallel to the buccal-labial plane (BLP).

17. The toothbrush (1000) of the preceding claim, wherein first gear (71) is configured to increase or decrease its speed when the toothbrush head (1; 10; 100; 110; 111; 112) and toothbrush body (1001) relative position is pivoted around the third rotation axis (A3).

18. The toothbrush (1000) of any preceding claims 15-17, wherein toothbrush body (1001) further comprising a user interface (1004) for setting speed and / or direction of the first gear (71).

19. A system (5000) comprising:- at least one toothbrush (1000) as set forth in any one of preceding claims 15-18, and- at least one computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out some steps to exchange, directly or indirectly, data with toothbrush (1000) through a communication interface (2000).

20. The system (5000) of preceding claim, wherein the communication interface (2000) is configured to select a subset of instructions, and wherein said subset of instructions is a predetermined set of instruction or a set of instructions derived from data exchanged in real time with toothbrush (1000).

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