FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of toothbrushes and specifically to a mechanical toothbrush having three discrete areas of brush bristles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Everyone knows the importance of brushing his or her teeth to ensure complete dental care. One (1) tool that many use to help ensure proper dental care is the use of an electric toothbrush. Its rapid motion bristles ensure that proper cleaning is accomplished both above the gum line and below as well. However, the cleaning surface is one-dimensional only and only allows for one (1) surface of a tooth to be cleaned at one (1) time. This forces the user to take the proper time to clean each individual tooth surface. This means that those rushed for time or simply those not wishing to take the proper amount of time sacrifice their overall dental health by rushing the tooth brushing process.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the time needed to brush one's teeth with an electric toothbrush can be reduced. The use of the three-way mechanical toothbrush provides an effective and convenient alternative to conventional electric toothbrushes in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the present invention provide for a toothbrush comprising a head having a center portion, a first side, and a second side. The toothbrush also comprises a generally linear elongated handle having a first distal end and a second distal end. The head extends away at an angle from the first distal end of the handle with a neck. The toothbrush also comprises a center brush having a plurality of bristles which are arranged in a circular pattern. The center brush is operably attached to a first drive mechanism within the head.

The toothbrush also comprises a battery compartment door which is located on a side of the handle midway between the first distal end and the second distal end, a first motor which is in mechanical communication to drive both the first side and the second side simultaneously, a second motor which is in mechanical communication to drive the center brush, a power switch which is located on the side of the handle and selectively provides or ceases power from the battery to the motors, an indicator light which is provided also on the side of the handle to provide illumination that indicates power of the battery, and/or activation of the first and second motors, a first motor driving a reciprocating wheel with a pivot bushing and a first lock block which provides an attachment for a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable. The Bowden cables pass through an interior of the neck and the head and the first side and the second side which are operably attached to the first and second Bowden cables within the head. The toothbrush also comprises a second motor driving a third Bowden cable along a rotational path that is transmitted to the center brush.

The center portion may be generally square in cross-sectional shape and the center brush may extend perpendicularly away from the center portion. The first side and the second side may each terminate at a greater distance than the center brush and may be mirror images of each other. In certain embodiments, the first side and second side each have a flexible element. The toothbrush may also comprise a plurality of first side bristles which extend perpendicularly away from an inner surface of the first side. The toothbrush may also comprise a plurality of second side bristles which extend perpendicularly away from an inner surface of the second side. In at least one (1) embodiment, the side bristles21b,22bhave a length smaller than the length of the bristles of the center brush25.

The generally linear elongated handle may be cylindrical and/or may be hollow. The second distal end of the handle may be a flattened portion with a hanging aperture to enable the toothbrush to be suspended from a support structure. The center brush may be motioned from the first side and the second side in a linear direction. The center brush may also rotate in a radial direction. The center brush may be electrically powered by an onboard set of batteries. The battery compartment door may removably cover a battery compartment that is configured to hold at least one battery.

The power switch may activate the motors to drive the center brush or the power switch may activate the motors to drive the first side or the second side. The power switch may also include a first activation of the power switch to activate the second motor to motion the center brush or the power switch may include a second activation of the power switch to activate the first motor to motion the first side and the second side simultaneously.

A reciprocating action of the reciprocating wheel may be transmitted along the first Bowden cable where a second lock block allows for movement of the first side along a reciprocating travel path while the second Bowden cable may provide for reciprocating action to the second side. The head may be sized such that a gap produced between the first side, the second side, and the center portion is large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a tooth of a user. The motors may operate the first side, the second side, and the center brush cleaning all areas of the tooth of the user.

