AU2004200311A1 - Contouring toothbrush head - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 Colgate-Palmolive Company COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title.

Contouring toothbrush head The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us: document 0

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CONTOURING TOOTHBRUSH HEAD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a toothbrush and more particularly to a toothbrush head construction wherein the head is designed and configured to yield a brushing surface conforming to curved sections of teeth and which is bendable to conform to straight teeth sections.

Prior toothbrush constructions include toothbrush heads having pivoted or articulated sections joined together in a variety of constructions, such as a resilient strip of metal or the like, and also include pivoted or hinged articulated sections to provide a curved bristle configuration.

A curved/angled bristle surface configuration offers improved access to hard-to-reach areas such as the lingual surfaces of the front teeth, and behind the rear molars, placing more bristles in contact with the outer surfaces of the front teeth.

Many current brushes which have rigidly mounted bristles and a rigid curved/angled bristle surface exhibit an inherent disadvantage when brushing both flat as well as concave tooth surfaces. Placing a curved/angled bristle surface on flat tooth surfaces results in fewer bristles making contact with the teeth. These fewer bristles must support the brushing forces applied through the handle, which will result in premature splaying of the bristles. Some current toothbrushes have a "power tip" configuration (elongated rigidly mounted tip bristles) which are claimed to have improved access benefits.

2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends being separated by an elastomer material extending from said head upper surface to said head lower surface.

With regard to each aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the handle includes a grip, wherein the elastomer and the grip are formed of the same material.

Preferably, the handle area has a molded-in channel for introducing the elastomer material into said head.

It is also preferred that the at least two head sections are normally at an angle relative to each other. Preferably, the at least two head sections are angled relative to each other at an angle of about 180. Further, it is preferred that one of said head sections is coaxial with said handle, the other of said head sections normally being at an angle with said handle.

There are considerable manufacturing efficiencies with having the elastomer material of this invention used in the flex area being the same elastic material as that which may be used as a grip material in the handle area. Therefore, a configuration which allows flexing under the loads typically encountered during brushing with materials which are suitable for use as a grip would be desirable.

To achieve the flexibility described above, the cross.section of elastomer may be convoluted, with one or more convolutes. To aid in fixing 0) 3 the elastomer to the toothbrush head sections, the elastomer may be configured to fit into one or more slots at both ends of the flexing area.

To minimize the gap between bristle tufts when the head is flexed into a flat configuration, it is desirable to position the plastic (resin) bridge between the tip and handle portions as near the bristle tips as possible. This bridge is straightened during flexing, and directly controls the gap between bristle tufts on each side of the flex area.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush having a handle and an articulated head, said head having two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each said head section having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending orthogonally from a bottom surface thereof, an elastomer section located between and joining said spaced ends, one of said head sections being coaxial with said handle, the other of said two head sections normally being at an angle with said handle, whereby said two head sections are normally at an angle relative to each other and said elastomer section is deformed during brushing whenever said two head sections bend relative to each other towards alignment with each other, said facing ends being separated by a groove extending from said head upper surface towards said head lower surface, wherein the longitudinal cross-section of said groove is generally in a shape selected from the group consisting of T-shapes and C-shapes and wherein said groove is filled with said elastomer.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush having a handle and an 'articulated head, said head having two sections to thereby define, a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, said spaced ends joined by a thin bridge formed integrally with said two sections, each said head section having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from a bottom surface thereof, an elastomer section located between said spaced ends, both of said head sections being normally coaxial with said handle, whereby said elastomer section is deformed during brushing whenever said two head sections bend relative to each other, said facing ends being separated by a groove extending from said head upper surface towards said head lower surface, wherein the longitudinal cross-section of said groove is generally in a shape selected from the group consisting of T-shapes and C-shapes, and wherein said groove is filled with said elastomer.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush having a handle and a articulated head, said head having two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said two sections having respective elongitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each said head section having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from a bottom surface thereof, one of said head sections being coaxial with said handle, the other of said two head sections normally being at an angle with said handle, whereby said two head sections are normally at an angle relative to each other, said face ends being separated by a groove extending from said head upper surface towards said head lower surface, wherein the longitudinal crosssection of said groove is generally in a shape selected from the group consisting of Tshapes and C-shapes, and wherein said groove is filled with an elastomer material, and said elastomer material is deformed during brushing whenever said two head sections bend relative to each other towards alignment with each other.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, said handle area having a molded-in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, wherein at least some of the tufts extending from the bottom surface of one of said head sections are of uniformly different lengths, wherein at least some of the free ends of the tufts extending from one of said head sections form a slant with respect to the lower surface of said m:\specifications\500000\502000\502 104clmhxg.doc head section, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a toothbrush comprising: molding, of one material, a toothbrush handle aligned with and integrally joined to a composited head, the composite head including at least a first and a second section, the composite head having an upper and lower surface, the first section and the section having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, the handle having a molded in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head; injecting an elastomer into the molded in channel; and tufting both the first section and the second section each with a plurality of tufts.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a toothbrush comprising: molding, of one material, a toothbrush handle aligned with and integrally joined to a composite head, the composite head including at least a first and a second section, the composite head having an upper and lower surface, the first section and the second section having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, the handle having a molded in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head; injecting an elastomer between said facing ends of said first and second sections; and tufting both the first section and the second section each with a plurality of tufts, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

m:\speciflcations\500000\502000\502104clmhxg.doc Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view illustrating the toothbrush head of this invention according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the toothbrush head shown at Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an elevational view showing the head and tufts of bristles as brushing the inside surface of the lower teeth.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 and shows a second embodiment. Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 and shows a third embodiment.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment. Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment. Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Figure 1, a side elevational view of a toothbrush embodying the features and construction of this invention is shown in a vertical position, with a portion of the handle designed as 12.

While not completely shown, the reader will understand that the handle extends downwardly and has a longitudinal axis. That portion of the head nearest the handle is designated as section 14 and is collinear with the handle, while that portion of the head most remote from the handle is designated as section 16. An elastomer section or joint between facing ends of sections 14 and 16 is m:\specifications\500000\502000\502104clmhxg.doc 4 denoted generally as 18. A plurality of tufts of bristles 20 extends at right angles to section 14, while a similar plurality of tufts of bristles 22 extends at right angles from section 16. Tufts of bristles 22 are thus at right angles to lower surface 24 of head section 16, while tufts of bristles 20 are perpendicular to lower or bottom surface 26 of head section 14.

A generally T-shaped groove, in longitudinal cross section, extends transversely across the upper or top surface of the head and is thus located between sections 14 and 16. The bottom of the central or main part of the groove is spaced from the lower surface of the composite head, leaving a thickness or bridge section designated as 30 which joins the lower portions of the two head sections. Bridge or zone 30 is typically of a thickness between 0.05 and 0.1 cm. The handle and head sections are molded from a plastic or resin such as polypropylene. The generally T shaped groove is filled with a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. The T groove has two symmetrical wing portions 32, each terminating in an enlarged portion 34, the latter extending towards respective groups of tufts of bristles. The middle of the T shaped resin insert section 18 includes an integral ridge 36, while the lower portion or base portion of the T section is designated as 38. The thermoplastic elastomer which forms section 18 may be a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as Santoprene (brand), described in US patent 5,393,796 issued to Halberstadt et al, or Vyram (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber, both Santoprene and Vyram (brands) being elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems. Other suitable elastomers include Kraton, a brand of styrene block copolymer (SBC) marketed by Shell, and Dynaflex G 2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation and which is made with Kraton (brand) polymer. These and other suitable elastomers have, typically, a Shore A hardness of from about 13 to 94, with about 29 being a preferred hardness. Grooves 40, on the top surface of the composite head, extend on both sides of raised rib or ridge 36, and border sections 32. Figure 2 further illustrates the construction. It is seen that elastomer section 18 spans the width of the head sections.

In the normal configuration of the head, it is seen that head section 16 is tilted with respect to head section 14 at an angle, typically about 18°.

Thus, a force exerted on the brush during brushing is required to tilt section O O 16 if it is to be more nearly or completely aligned with section 14. The two head sections may be molded in their angled configuration as shown at Figure 1, with the elastomer than added. Alternatively, the two head sections may be molded aligned with each other and then angled upon locating or injecting the elastomer between them.

Referring now to Figure 3, it is seen that the effective curvature of the two head sections 14 and 16 offers improved access to inner and rear surfaces of the teeth. Thus, handle 12 need not be inclined as much as otherwise in order for forward section 16 and its bristles 22 to engage interior surfaces of the lower front teeth. In brushing a straight section of teeth, the deformability of the elastomer section 18 permits section 16 to partially or completely align itself with handle 12 and section 14.

Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, there shown as horizontally disposed, and similar to that of Figures 1 and 2 except for a different construction for angularly joining the two head sections. The elastomer joint is again denoted as 18, with the elastomer itself denoted as 50 and being of the same composition as previously set out, and extends across the width of the head, and is located between the facing ends of sections 14 and 16. A thin integral bridge connection centrally between the two sections is designated as 52, typically being of cylindrical form in transverse cross section.

Each end is integral with a respective head section. The elastomer is seen as completely surrounding bridge 52. This bridge connection may be, in transverse cross section, of any desired form. A top plan view of the head would be similar to Figure 2, except for the absence of grooves 40 and rib 36. As seen at Figure 4, the extent of the elastomer along the toothbrush longitudinal axis is shorter than that of Figures 1 and 2. Integral connection or bridge 52 performs the same function as bridge 30 of Figure 1, namely, integrally joining the two head sections.

-6- Figure 5 shows a third embodiment, again shown as horizontal. There, the lower surfaces 24 and 26 of bristled head sections 14 and 16 are joined by an intermediate arcuate bottom surface 27 having tufts of bristles 23 extending orthogonally and downwardly therefrom. An elastomer section 18 is generally C shaped and has a bight part 60 and tips or ends 62, the latter located in respective complementary double troughs or double grooves which extend transversely across the head. The elastomer tips are separated by head portion 64, with thin bridges 66, again formed from the molded resin forming the toothbrush, joining the two head sections at the lower surface of the whole head. The C shaped elastomer thus surrounds portion 64 across the width of the head.

The second and third embodiments yield the same cleaning action as shown at Figure 3. The thickness of bridges 52 and 66 is the same as that of bridge 30 of Figure 1.

It is seen that the bridges 30, 52 and 66 of the respective embodiments inhibit- longitudinal separation of the two head sections by resisting tensile or other forces which might result in such separation, while the elastomer also controls the degree of flexing when head section 16 is subject to brushing forces.

The function of the bridges is thus to tether the two head sections together, as well as to set them at an initial angle.

When the sections move toward straightening or alignment, each elastomer section is deformed. Such deformation is resisted by the elastomer and to a lesser extent by the resin (polypropylene) bridges so that the sections revert to their normal, angled relationship upon the cessation of brushing force on forwardmost section 16.

-7- Figure 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment which differs from that shown in Figure 1 only in the absence of bridge 30 of Figure 1. Instead of bridge 30, the- two head sections are coupled by T shaped elastomer section 39, the latter being of the same form as that of section 38 of Figure 1, except that it extends all the way to the lower surface of the head.

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment, here the two head sections 14 and 16 being normally aligned. A generally T shaped elastomeric section 41 forms a joint 18 which fills the spaces between the ends of the two head sections 14 and 16, except for bridge 30, identical with bridge 30 of Figure 1, which integrally tethers the two head sections together. Tufts of bristles 70 are slanted with respect to lower head surface 24 of head section 16, the slanting being towards handle 12. Tufts are of successively different lengths, with the longest being near the most remote free end or tip of the head section 16. It is seen that the tips of bristle tufts 70 and 20 form a generally concave brushing surface which is at times, during brushing, flattened upon bending of joint 18.

Figure 8 illustrates a sixth embodiment, similar to that of Figure 7, and differs therefrom only in that the head section 16 tufts, here denoted as 72, extend orthogonally from surface 24.

These latter tufts are, as tufts 70, of uniformly different lengths. The longest are near the free end of head section 16.

Again, the free ends of tufts 72 and 20 form a generally concave brushing surface which is at times, during brushing, flattened upon bending of joint 18.

Many toothbrushes available in the marketplace today are "dual component," by which is meant that an elastomeric material is used to a greater or lesser extent, particularly in the -8- 9 finger gripping portion of the brush. The method of manufacture of such dual component brushes by injection molding is thus exceedingly well known in the art today. The toothbrushes according to the present invention may be made by use of such conventional dual component technology. For example, in accordance with a first method of manufacturing brushes according to the present invention, the elastomeric material may be introduced into the head area from the handgrip area via a molded-in channel (assuming a handgrip area is required). Alternatively, the elastomer could be introduced into the head area via a second injection point or gate located at the head, thereby eliminating the need for a molded-in channel. The head may then be tufted using conventional staple technology.

In accordance with a second method of manufacturing brushes according to the present invention, the handle and elastomer for the grip and the head areas are molded using a three-shot molding technique. The elastomer is introduced into the head area separately from the handgrip area.

This process is especially useful if the elastomer for the head section of the brush and the hand grip section are different elastomeric materials, such as elastomers having two different Shore hardness values. For example, in some circumstances, it may be desired to use a softer elastomer for the head area than for the handgrip portion of the brush. As above, the head may then be tufted using conventional staple technology.

Any discussion of prior art documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification has been so solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Claims (19)

1. A toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, said handle area having a molded-in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a grip, and wherein elastomeric material may be introduced into said molded-in channel through said grip.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least some of the tufts extending from the bottom surface of one of said head sections are of uniformly different lengths.

4. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free ends of at least some of the tufts extending from one of said head sections form a slant with respect to the lower surface of said head section. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends forms at least one wing portion along the longitudinal axis of the upper surface of the head.

6. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends is generally T shaped.

7. The toothbrush of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least two head sections are normally at an angle relative to each other.

8. A toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, wherein at least some of the tufts extending from the bottom m:\specifications\500000\502000\502104clmhxg.doc surface of one of said head sections are of uniformly different lengths, wherein at least some of the free ends of the tufts extending from one of said head sections form a slant with respect to the lower surface of said head section, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

9. The toothbrush of claim 8, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends forms at least one wing portion along the longitudinal axis of the upper surface of the head.

10. The toothbrush of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends is generally T shaped.

11. A toothbrush comprising a handle and an articulated head, said head having at least two sections to thereby define a composite head having an upper surface and a lower surface, said at least two sections having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, each of said head sections having a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the lower surface thereof, said facing ends having an elastomeric material therebetween, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends forms at least one wing portion along the longitudinal axis of the upper surface of the head.

13. The toothbrush of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the elastomer between the facing ends is generally T shaped.

14. A method of producing a toothbrush comprising: molding, of one material, a toothbrush handle aligned with and integrally joined to a composited head, the composite head including at least a first and a second section, the composite head having an upper and lower surface, the first section and the section having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, the handle having a molded in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head; injecting an elastomer into the molded in channel; and tufting both the first section and the second section each with a plurality of tufts. m:\specifications\500000\502000\502 104clmhxg.doc The method of claim 14, wherein the tufts extending from one of said head sections are of uniformly different lengths.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the step of tufting both the first and second section is performed after the step of injecting an elastomer into the molded in channel.

18. A method of producing a toothbrush comprising: molding, of one material, a toothbrush handle aligned with and integrally joined to a composite head, the composite head including at least a first and a second section, the composite head having an upper and lower surface, the first section and the second section having respective longitudinally spaced ends facing each other, the handle having a molded in channel that may be used to introduce elastomeric material into said head; injecting an elastomer between said facing ends of said first and second sections; and tufting both the first section and the second section each with a plurality of tufts, wherein the length of the elastomer between the facing ends of said two head sections varies, said length being measured along the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

19. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the elastomeric material in the head and the handle is the same. A toothbrush having a head and a handle, the head having an area including a first elastomeric material, the handle having an area including a second elastomeric material, the first elastomeric material and second elastomeric material being the same elastomeric materials.

21. A toothbrush substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the examples and/or the preferred embodiments and excluding, if any, comparative examples. m:\specifications\500000\502000\5021 O4clmhxg.doc

22. A method of producing a toothbrush substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the examples and/or the preferred embodiments and excluding, if any, comparative examples. Dated this twenty-eighth day of January 2004 Colgate-Palmolive Company Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F B RICE CO m:\specifications\500000\502000\502 104clmhxg.doc