REPLACEMENT BRUSH HEAD FOR AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

摘要

A replacement head for an electric toothbrush has a simplified drive construction and desired bristle carrier retention. The replacement head includes a neck with a head at one end and a brush shaft disposed within the neck. An eccentric extension extends from the brush shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis and an axial extension extends parallel to the eccentric extension. The eccentric extension engages an angled slot in the bristle carrier to drive the bristle carrier. The brush shaft, including the eccentric extension and the axial extension, may be formed together as a single unitary piece.

主权项

1. A replacement head for an electric toothbrush comprising:
a neck having a proximal end, a distal end opposite said proximal end and a head at said proximal end, said head including an upwardly opening sidewall, said sidewall defining an arcuate slot; a brush shaft disposed within said neck, said brush shaft including a shaft end and a head end opposite said shaft end, said brush shaft defining a longitudinal axis, said brush shaft including an eccentric extension extending from said head end through said arcuate slot, and an axial extension extending from said head end and parallel to said eccentric extension, said brush shaft capable of rotation about said longitudinal axis within a range of motion defined by said arcuate slot; a bristle carrier disposed on said head for rotation about a carrier axis transverse to said longitudinal axis, said bristle carrier having an upper surface for carrying bristles and a lower surface opposite said upper surface, said bristle carrier defining an angled opening receiving said eccentric extension therein, said angled opening having a shape that widens as it approaches said lower surface; and wherein rotation of said brush shaft about said longitudinal axis causes rotation of said bristle carrier about said carrier axis, said eccentric extension engaging said angled opening throughout said entire range of motion.