CA1247311A - Toothbrush - Google Patents
ToothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA1247311A CA1247311A CA000495579A CA495579A CA1247311A CA 1247311 A CA1247311 A CA 1247311A CA 000495579 A CA000495579 A CA 000495579A CA 495579 A CA495579 A CA 495579A CA 1247311 A CA1247311 A CA 1247311A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- brushing
- axis
- brushing head
- handle means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/0004—Additional brush head
- A46B5/0016—Brushes with heads on opposite sides or ends of a handle not intended for simultaneous use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
INVENTOR: MAX FLORENCE
TITLE: TOOTHBRUSH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A toothbrush has an elongate handle and a brushing head. The brushing head is at an acute angle relative to the handle, to facilitate brushing of lingual surfaces. The toothbrush can include a second brushing head at the other end of the handle, which is at an obtuse angle.
TITLE: TOOTHBRUSH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A toothbrush has an elongate handle and a brushing head. The brushing head is at an acute angle relative to the handle, to facilitate brushing of lingual surfaces. The toothbrush can include a second brushing head at the other end of the handle, which is at an obtuse angle.
Description
~2~73~
Field of the Invention .
This invention relates to a toothbrush.
Background of the Invention At the present time, there are a wide variety of toothbrush designs~ These designs are based on a number of different t.heories. At one time, it was considered desirable to have hard brist.les for a toothbrush. However, it was t.hen feared that these hard bristles would result in excessive wear of the tooth enamel adjacent to the gingival margin. This was expect.ed to occur, due to the backward and forward mot.ion empl.oyed ~y many people t.o clean their teeth.
I~. was t.hen proposed t.o use relat.ively ~soft brist.les. The intent.ion with soft bristles is that they w.ill cause thorough cl.eaning of all t.ooth surfaces, etc., whilst at the same time not belng so hard as to cause excessive abrasion. However, from experience it has been found that such soft-bristled toothbrushes do not always adequately clean a person's teeth.
A particular problem occurs with the teeth surfaces adjacent to the gingival margin and interproximal areas. These areas are most prone to the build up of plaque. Accordingly, the cleaning materials and techniques "- ~
~7~
used should be such as to ensure adequate cleaning of these areas, without causing excessive abrasion, etc.
It is also desirab]e that a toothbrush should massage and invigorate the gums. However, soft-bristled toothbrushes again do not adequately massage the gums, to improve circulation, etc.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate handle means and first and second brushing heads, at opposite ends of the elongate handle means. Each brushing head has an axis and comprises a plurality of bristle elements extending outwardly from the elongate handle means around said axis, with the axis of the first brushing head being at an acute angle relative to the elongate handle means, and the axis of the second brushing head being at an obtuse angle.
The brushing heads are generally identical and each has a single rounded tuft whose height is greater than its diameter. The bristle elements are ~%~
preferably hard.
The toothbrush of the present invention thus provides two brushing heads at different angles for cleaning different tooth surfaces. In use, the brushing heads are used to clean primarily the gingival margin and interproxiaml areas of the teeth, and to invigorate the gums. The first brushing head is manipulated, to clean the lingual or inside surfaces of the teeth. The first brush head is vigorously manipulated, as by a rotary and/or oscillatory movement. The acute angle of the first brush head facilitat~s cleanirlg of the lingual surfaces.
The second brushing head can then be used to clean the outer or buccal surfaces. Its obtuse angle again facilitates in this respect, and it is similarly man~ipulated.
By vigorous brushing with the toothbrush of the present invention, having relatively stiff bristles, it has been found that one can obtain thorough cleaning of the gingival margin and interproximal areas of the teeth as well as stimulating the adjacent gum tissue. Whilst initially the-gums may feel tender and may even bleed, it has been found that with regular use, these symptoms fade. Such stimulation can benefit the gums. It is expected that it can prevent any further internal bone loss where such bone glZ~73~L
loss has occurred, and limit subsequent gingival recession.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show a preferred embodiment of t.he present invention, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a toot.hbrush according to the present invention;
Figu~e 2 shows a perspective view of the toothbrush of Figure 1.
~ ure 3 shows a cross-sect:ion along line 3-3 of Figure 2 of one head o~ the toothbrush;
Figure 4 shows a cross-section, similar to Figure 3, of an alternative mounting arrangement for each head of the toothbrush;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the teeth or one jaw showing use of the toothbrush of Figures 1 and 2;
and ~1 2~73iL1 Figure ~ shows a side view of t.he molars of one jaw, showing use of the toothbrush of the present. invention.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the toothbrush of the present invention is generally denoted by the reference 1. The toothbrush 1 comprises an elongate handle 2, together with first and second brushing heads 4, 6.
The handle 2 is of generally rectangular cross-sectlon. It comprises a central portion 8 which is of uniform width and depth~ This central port.ion 8 is moulded to provide a gripping surface, denoted by the reference 10.
As shown, t.he gripping surface can be a knurled surface, for example comprisi.ng alt.erna-te ridges and grooves encircling the handle 2. ~xtending from the central portion 8, there are respect.ive ~irst. and second end port.ions, 12, 14. These end portions 12, 14 are extensions of the central portion 8 and taper towards ~heir outer ends.
The first end portion 12 continues into an end mounting portion 16. The first end portion 12 and the end mounting portion 16 are at an obtuse angle relative to one another. As shown in Figure 4, the end mounting portion 16 includes a bore 18, which is threaded.
The brushing head 4 comprises a body 22, which in this preferred embodiment is of generally hexagonal ~473~:~
cross-section. From the lower end of the body 22, a shaft 24 extends (Figure 4). The shaft 24 is threaded on its outside for engagement in the bore 18, as shown. Within the body 22, there is a cylindrical recess opening at the upper end of the body 22. Within this recess, a plurality of bristle elements 26 are located. The bristle elements are secured to the body 22 in known manner.
The arrangement of the second brushing head 6 corresponds in many ways to that of the first brushing head 4. The actual brushing head 6 is identical to the brushing head 4. A corresponding second end mounting part 28 continues as an ext.ension o:E the second end portion 14. The second end mounting part is at. an ob-tuse angle to the second end port..ion 1~. Both t.he end mount.ing part.s 16, 28 are inclined to be below t.he central port.ion 8 as viewed in Figure 1. The second end mounting part 28 includes a respect.ive threaded bore, corresponding to the threaded bore 18. The threaded shaft (not shown) of the second brushing head 6 is then screwed into this bore, as for the first brushing head 4 shown in figure 3.
Figure 3 shows an alternative mounting arrangement fox each head 4, 6. Here each shaft 24 is replaced by plain shaft 29 in a corresponding plain bore. The bore is countersunk at its lowermost end, and the end of the plastic-~2~73~L~
shaft 29 is melted or otherwise deformed to fill thecountersunk portion. This secures the head 4 or 6 by a rivet-type connection.
As shown in Figure 2, the handle is marked with the designations "IN" and "OUT" adjacent the brushing heads 4, 6 respectively. This is to indicate that the head 4 is for use on inner surfaces, whilst the head 6 is for use on the outer surfaces. The designation "IN" is shown by dotted lines as it is on the opposite side of the handle 2 as seen in Figure 2. These designations could be replaced by equivalen-t wording in any language.
In accordance with the present invention, the brushing heads 4, 6 are at difEerent an~les to the handle 2.
In figure 1, an axis of the handle 2 is des.ignated by the reference 30. Corre~pond.ingly, a first brush axis for the brushing head ~ is denot.ed by the reEerence 31, and a second brush axis Eor t:he second brush head 6 is denoted by the reference 32. The first brush axis 31 is at an acute angle relative to -the handle axis 30, and this acute angle is shown at 34. The second brush head is at an obtuse angle to the handle 2. This obtuse angle, between the axes 30, 32 is shown at 36. Preferably, the acute angle 34 is in the range 65-70, preferably 65 . Correspondingly, the obtuse angle 36 is preferably in the range 120-125 , preferably 120 .
~2~3~
In this emxx~n~nt the handle 2 is moulded in one piece from a plastic material. To this end, the sides of the handle 2 can be tapered slightly, in a known manner, to facilitate release from a mould. The threaded bores in the end mounting parts 16, 28 are moulded in the handle 2.
For each of the brushing heads 4, 6, the body 22 together with its threaded shaft is moulded in one piece in plastic.
A recess or socket for the bristle elements 26 is moulded into the body 22.
The exposed part of the body 22 has a height of approximately 7mm. The bristle elements 26 form a tuft having an overall height of approximately 7mm. As shown in Figure 3, the tips of the bristle elements 26 are cu-t to form a cone, which has a height of approximately 2mm. At the base of the bristle elemen-ts 26 where they leave the body 22, the tuft of bristle elements 26 has a diameter of approximatel~ 3mm. The bristle elements 26 are formed from 12-gauge round plastic material. There are approximately 108 bristle elements 26. The bristle elements 26 are formed in pairs, so there are approximately 54 pairs. Each pair of bristle elements 26 is joined at the bottom, and passes under a retaining member secured to the body 22.
Reference will now be made to Figures 5 and 6, which show use of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1, 2. In ~4~3~.~
Figure 5, the toot.hbrush 1 is shown twice. The toothbrush is shown at ~0 with the brushing head 4 in use.
Correspondingly, the toothbrush is shown at 42 with the head 6 in operation Figure 5 shows the lingual surfaces 41 of the lower jaw. The first brushing head 4 of the toothbrush 40 is brought up against the lingual surface of the teeth. The brushing head 4 is vigorously applied to the gingival margin and interproximal areas of the teeth. The brushing head 4 can be applied in a variety of ways, such as a vibratory, rotary or oscillatory action. This should clean the surface of t.he teet.h adjacent. to the gums, whilst. simultaneously massaging t.he g:Lngival margi.n. For each jaw, the brushing head 4 can be appl.ied t.o one end of the row of teeth and then moved 510wl~ around to the other end. ~s shown in Figure 6, the brushing head 9 is also used to clean behind the rear-most. molars. The acute angle 34 permits the brushing head ~ to reach into the mouth, and to contact the lingual surEaces, and also the rear surfaces of the molars shown in Figure 6 at a good angle. From experience, it has been found that the obtuse angle 36 of the brushing head 6 makes it unsuitable for use on the lingual surfaces. As shown in Figure 5, the toothbrush 40 is held extending across the row of teeth. The acute angle 34 then angles the brushing head 4 downwards and backwards, so that it is at the correct ang.le for brushing the gingival margin, etc.
73~L1 To clean the buccal surfaces 43 of the teeth, the brushing head is used, as shown for the toothbrush 42.
Again, the use will ideally start at. one end of the row of teeth and work around slowly to t.he other end. The brushing head 6 is applied to the gingival margin. Again, it is vigorously moved as by a vibrating or oscillatory action This will clean the buccal surfaces 43 and invigorate and massage the gums.
It is preferred that the toothbrush of the present invention is used 2-3 times a day after meals. Each brushing session should take around two minutes. It has been found that. initially, the gums may be slightly tender and possibly t.here may be some gingival bleeding. However, experience shows t.hat t.he gum t.issue quickly adap-ts to the ext.ra st.imulat.ion. This ext;ra st.imul~tion improv~s the gum tissue. Icleally, the b~i~tle elements 26 should he applied with sufficient. pressure to cause the gums to blanch, to be effective.
Experience suggests that by regular and careful use of the toothbrush, the buildup of plaque, etc.~ on tooth surfaces inaccessible to conventional toothbrushes can be largely eliminated. Further, it is believed that use of this toothbrush will prevent further internal bone loss where this has occurred, or further gingival recession.
~2473~1 Provided the toothbrush is used properly and routinely, then it should be possible to maintain good dental health.
It is to be appreciated that, whilst a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, many variations are possible. Thus, although the bristle elements are shown mounted in separate bodies screwed into the handle, the bristle elements could be secured directly into the handle. Also, whilst the two end mounting parts of the handle are inclined on the same side of the handle, they could instead be inclined on opposite sides of the handle Thus, with reference to Figure 1, the end mounting part 16 could be inclined upwards. The brushing head 4 would then be on the top side of the handle 2, i.e. the same side as the brushing head 6. Also, the size, shape and general arrangement 0~ the brushin9 elements 4,6 can be varied. For some applications, it may be desirable to provide a number of separate tuEts of brushing elements. Also, a mixture of different types, sizes, etc. of Eibres could be employed.
Field of the Invention .
This invention relates to a toothbrush.
Background of the Invention At the present time, there are a wide variety of toothbrush designs~ These designs are based on a number of different t.heories. At one time, it was considered desirable to have hard brist.les for a toothbrush. However, it was t.hen feared that these hard bristles would result in excessive wear of the tooth enamel adjacent to the gingival margin. This was expect.ed to occur, due to the backward and forward mot.ion empl.oyed ~y many people t.o clean their teeth.
I~. was t.hen proposed t.o use relat.ively ~soft brist.les. The intent.ion with soft bristles is that they w.ill cause thorough cl.eaning of all t.ooth surfaces, etc., whilst at the same time not belng so hard as to cause excessive abrasion. However, from experience it has been found that such soft-bristled toothbrushes do not always adequately clean a person's teeth.
A particular problem occurs with the teeth surfaces adjacent to the gingival margin and interproximal areas. These areas are most prone to the build up of plaque. Accordingly, the cleaning materials and techniques "- ~
~7~
used should be such as to ensure adequate cleaning of these areas, without causing excessive abrasion, etc.
It is also desirab]e that a toothbrush should massage and invigorate the gums. However, soft-bristled toothbrushes again do not adequately massage the gums, to improve circulation, etc.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate handle means and first and second brushing heads, at opposite ends of the elongate handle means. Each brushing head has an axis and comprises a plurality of bristle elements extending outwardly from the elongate handle means around said axis, with the axis of the first brushing head being at an acute angle relative to the elongate handle means, and the axis of the second brushing head being at an obtuse angle.
The brushing heads are generally identical and each has a single rounded tuft whose height is greater than its diameter. The bristle elements are ~%~
preferably hard.
The toothbrush of the present invention thus provides two brushing heads at different angles for cleaning different tooth surfaces. In use, the brushing heads are used to clean primarily the gingival margin and interproxiaml areas of the teeth, and to invigorate the gums. The first brushing head is manipulated, to clean the lingual or inside surfaces of the teeth. The first brush head is vigorously manipulated, as by a rotary and/or oscillatory movement. The acute angle of the first brush head facilitat~s cleanirlg of the lingual surfaces.
The second brushing head can then be used to clean the outer or buccal surfaces. Its obtuse angle again facilitates in this respect, and it is similarly man~ipulated.
By vigorous brushing with the toothbrush of the present invention, having relatively stiff bristles, it has been found that one can obtain thorough cleaning of the gingival margin and interproximal areas of the teeth as well as stimulating the adjacent gum tissue. Whilst initially the-gums may feel tender and may even bleed, it has been found that with regular use, these symptoms fade. Such stimulation can benefit the gums. It is expected that it can prevent any further internal bone loss where such bone glZ~73~L
loss has occurred, and limit subsequent gingival recession.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show a preferred embodiment of t.he present invention, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a toot.hbrush according to the present invention;
Figu~e 2 shows a perspective view of the toothbrush of Figure 1.
~ ure 3 shows a cross-sect:ion along line 3-3 of Figure 2 of one head o~ the toothbrush;
Figure 4 shows a cross-section, similar to Figure 3, of an alternative mounting arrangement for each head of the toothbrush;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the teeth or one jaw showing use of the toothbrush of Figures 1 and 2;
and ~1 2~73iL1 Figure ~ shows a side view of t.he molars of one jaw, showing use of the toothbrush of the present. invention.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the toothbrush of the present invention is generally denoted by the reference 1. The toothbrush 1 comprises an elongate handle 2, together with first and second brushing heads 4, 6.
The handle 2 is of generally rectangular cross-sectlon. It comprises a central portion 8 which is of uniform width and depth~ This central port.ion 8 is moulded to provide a gripping surface, denoted by the reference 10.
As shown, t.he gripping surface can be a knurled surface, for example comprisi.ng alt.erna-te ridges and grooves encircling the handle 2. ~xtending from the central portion 8, there are respect.ive ~irst. and second end port.ions, 12, 14. These end portions 12, 14 are extensions of the central portion 8 and taper towards ~heir outer ends.
The first end portion 12 continues into an end mounting portion 16. The first end portion 12 and the end mounting portion 16 are at an obtuse angle relative to one another. As shown in Figure 4, the end mounting portion 16 includes a bore 18, which is threaded.
The brushing head 4 comprises a body 22, which in this preferred embodiment is of generally hexagonal ~473~:~
cross-section. From the lower end of the body 22, a shaft 24 extends (Figure 4). The shaft 24 is threaded on its outside for engagement in the bore 18, as shown. Within the body 22, there is a cylindrical recess opening at the upper end of the body 22. Within this recess, a plurality of bristle elements 26 are located. The bristle elements are secured to the body 22 in known manner.
The arrangement of the second brushing head 6 corresponds in many ways to that of the first brushing head 4. The actual brushing head 6 is identical to the brushing head 4. A corresponding second end mounting part 28 continues as an ext.ension o:E the second end portion 14. The second end mounting part is at. an ob-tuse angle to the second end port..ion 1~. Both t.he end mount.ing part.s 16, 28 are inclined to be below t.he central port.ion 8 as viewed in Figure 1. The second end mounting part 28 includes a respect.ive threaded bore, corresponding to the threaded bore 18. The threaded shaft (not shown) of the second brushing head 6 is then screwed into this bore, as for the first brushing head 4 shown in figure 3.
Figure 3 shows an alternative mounting arrangement fox each head 4, 6. Here each shaft 24 is replaced by plain shaft 29 in a corresponding plain bore. The bore is countersunk at its lowermost end, and the end of the plastic-~2~73~L~
shaft 29 is melted or otherwise deformed to fill thecountersunk portion. This secures the head 4 or 6 by a rivet-type connection.
As shown in Figure 2, the handle is marked with the designations "IN" and "OUT" adjacent the brushing heads 4, 6 respectively. This is to indicate that the head 4 is for use on inner surfaces, whilst the head 6 is for use on the outer surfaces. The designation "IN" is shown by dotted lines as it is on the opposite side of the handle 2 as seen in Figure 2. These designations could be replaced by equivalen-t wording in any language.
In accordance with the present invention, the brushing heads 4, 6 are at difEerent an~les to the handle 2.
In figure 1, an axis of the handle 2 is des.ignated by the reference 30. Corre~pond.ingly, a first brush axis for the brushing head ~ is denot.ed by the reEerence 31, and a second brush axis Eor t:he second brush head 6 is denoted by the reference 32. The first brush axis 31 is at an acute angle relative to -the handle axis 30, and this acute angle is shown at 34. The second brush head is at an obtuse angle to the handle 2. This obtuse angle, between the axes 30, 32 is shown at 36. Preferably, the acute angle 34 is in the range 65-70, preferably 65 . Correspondingly, the obtuse angle 36 is preferably in the range 120-125 , preferably 120 .
~2~3~
In this emxx~n~nt the handle 2 is moulded in one piece from a plastic material. To this end, the sides of the handle 2 can be tapered slightly, in a known manner, to facilitate release from a mould. The threaded bores in the end mounting parts 16, 28 are moulded in the handle 2.
For each of the brushing heads 4, 6, the body 22 together with its threaded shaft is moulded in one piece in plastic.
A recess or socket for the bristle elements 26 is moulded into the body 22.
The exposed part of the body 22 has a height of approximately 7mm. The bristle elements 26 form a tuft having an overall height of approximately 7mm. As shown in Figure 3, the tips of the bristle elements 26 are cu-t to form a cone, which has a height of approximately 2mm. At the base of the bristle elemen-ts 26 where they leave the body 22, the tuft of bristle elements 26 has a diameter of approximatel~ 3mm. The bristle elements 26 are formed from 12-gauge round plastic material. There are approximately 108 bristle elements 26. The bristle elements 26 are formed in pairs, so there are approximately 54 pairs. Each pair of bristle elements 26 is joined at the bottom, and passes under a retaining member secured to the body 22.
Reference will now be made to Figures 5 and 6, which show use of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1, 2. In ~4~3~.~
Figure 5, the toot.hbrush 1 is shown twice. The toothbrush is shown at ~0 with the brushing head 4 in use.
Correspondingly, the toothbrush is shown at 42 with the head 6 in operation Figure 5 shows the lingual surfaces 41 of the lower jaw. The first brushing head 4 of the toothbrush 40 is brought up against the lingual surface of the teeth. The brushing head 4 is vigorously applied to the gingival margin and interproximal areas of the teeth. The brushing head 4 can be applied in a variety of ways, such as a vibratory, rotary or oscillatory action. This should clean the surface of t.he teet.h adjacent. to the gums, whilst. simultaneously massaging t.he g:Lngival margi.n. For each jaw, the brushing head 4 can be appl.ied t.o one end of the row of teeth and then moved 510wl~ around to the other end. ~s shown in Figure 6, the brushing head 9 is also used to clean behind the rear-most. molars. The acute angle 34 permits the brushing head ~ to reach into the mouth, and to contact the lingual surEaces, and also the rear surfaces of the molars shown in Figure 6 at a good angle. From experience, it has been found that the obtuse angle 36 of the brushing head 6 makes it unsuitable for use on the lingual surfaces. As shown in Figure 5, the toothbrush 40 is held extending across the row of teeth. The acute angle 34 then angles the brushing head 4 downwards and backwards, so that it is at the correct ang.le for brushing the gingival margin, etc.
73~L1 To clean the buccal surfaces 43 of the teeth, the brushing head is used, as shown for the toothbrush 42.
Again, the use will ideally start at. one end of the row of teeth and work around slowly to t.he other end. The brushing head 6 is applied to the gingival margin. Again, it is vigorously moved as by a vibrating or oscillatory action This will clean the buccal surfaces 43 and invigorate and massage the gums.
It is preferred that the toothbrush of the present invention is used 2-3 times a day after meals. Each brushing session should take around two minutes. It has been found that. initially, the gums may be slightly tender and possibly t.here may be some gingival bleeding. However, experience shows t.hat t.he gum t.issue quickly adap-ts to the ext.ra st.imulat.ion. This ext;ra st.imul~tion improv~s the gum tissue. Icleally, the b~i~tle elements 26 should he applied with sufficient. pressure to cause the gums to blanch, to be effective.
Experience suggests that by regular and careful use of the toothbrush, the buildup of plaque, etc.~ on tooth surfaces inaccessible to conventional toothbrushes can be largely eliminated. Further, it is believed that use of this toothbrush will prevent further internal bone loss where this has occurred, or further gingival recession.
~2473~1 Provided the toothbrush is used properly and routinely, then it should be possible to maintain good dental health.
It is to be appreciated that, whilst a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, many variations are possible. Thus, although the bristle elements are shown mounted in separate bodies screwed into the handle, the bristle elements could be secured directly into the handle. Also, whilst the two end mounting parts of the handle are inclined on the same side of the handle, they could instead be inclined on opposite sides of the handle Thus, with reference to Figure 1, the end mounting part 16 could be inclined upwards. The brushing head 4 would then be on the top side of the handle 2, i.e. the same side as the brushing head 6. Also, the size, shape and general arrangement 0~ the brushin9 elements 4,6 can be varied. For some applications, it may be desirable to provide a number of separate tuEts of brushing elements. Also, a mixture of different types, sizes, etc. of Eibres could be employed.
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A toothbrush comprising an elongate, generally straight handle means, having first and second ends, and first and second brushing heads which have respective first and second axes and are generally identical, and each of which comprises a plurality of bristle elements forming a single rounded tuft which tuft has a height greater than its diameter and extends outwards about the respective first or second axis, with the first brushing head extending at an acute angle to the handle means on one side thereof and the second brushing head extending at an obtuse angle to the handle means on the other side thereof.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acute angle of the first brushing head is in the range 65-70°.
3. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acute angle of the first brushing head is in the range 65-70° and the obtuse angle of the second brushing head is in the range 120-125°.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the brushing heads comprises a body and bristle elements secured in -the body and extending outwardly therefrom.
5. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bristle elements comprise 12 gauge plastic material and the bristle elements of each brushing head comprise a single round tuft.
6. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the body of each brushing head includes a plain shaft, and wherein, at each end of the elongate handle means, there, is a plain bore enlarged at one end, the free end of each shaft being expanded into a respective enlarged end of a bore, to secure the respective head.
7. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the body of each brushing head includes a screw shaft, and wherein the elongate handle means includes threaded bores at either end, to receive the screw shafts.
8. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein each brushing head comprises a plurality of bristle elements mounted in the elongate handle means.
9. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, 4 or 5, wherein a central portion of the elongate handle means includes a knurled gripping surface.
10. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, 4 or 5, which includes the markings "IN" and "OUT" adjacent the first and second brushing heads respectively.
11. A toothbrush comprising: an elongate handle means moulded from a plastic material and comprising a central portion, provided with a knurled gripping surface, first and second end portions which are continuous with the central portion with each of the first end, second end and central portions being of generally equal length, a handle axis extending through the first end, second end and central portions, and first and second end mounting parts each of which extends at an obtuse angle from the respective first or second end portion, with the first and second end mounting parts extending on the same side of the handle means; a first brushing head secured to the first end mounting part adjacent the first end portion which brushing head has a first axis and comprises a plurality of plastic bristle elements forming a single tuft extending outwardly from the elongate handle means around the first axis with the first axis being at an acute angle to the handle axis; a second brushing head secured to the second end mounting part adjacent the second end portion, which second brushing head has a second axis and comprises a plurality of plastic bristle elements forming a single tuft extending outwardly from the elongate handle means around the second axis, with the second axis being at an obtuse angle to the handle axis;
and markings "IN" and "OUT" on the first and second end portions adjacent to the first and second brushing heads respectively.
and markings "IN" and "OUT" on the first and second end portions adjacent to the first and second brushing heads respectively.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495579A CA1247311A (en) | 1985-11-18 | 1985-11-18 | Toothbrush |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495579A CA1247311A (en) | 1985-11-18 | 1985-11-18 | Toothbrush |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1247311A true CA1247311A (en) | 1988-12-28 |
Family
ID=4131912
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495579A Expired CA1247311A (en) | 1985-11-18 | 1985-11-18 | Toothbrush |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1247311A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1998031254A1 (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1998-07-23 | F.A. Rueb Holding Gmbh | Teeth-cleaning device with handle |
| DE102018000846A1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-08-08 | Elena Schwarz | Toothbrush for cleaning difficult to reach mesial and / or distal tooth surfaces |
-
1985
- 1985-11-18 CA CA000495579A patent/CA1247311A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1998031254A1 (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1998-07-23 | F.A. Rueb Holding Gmbh | Teeth-cleaning device with handle |
| US6170111B1 (en) | 1997-01-21 | 2001-01-09 | Rueb Holding Gmbh | Teeth-cleaning device with a handle |
| DE102018000846A1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-08-08 | Elena Schwarz | Toothbrush for cleaning difficult to reach mesial and / or distal tooth surfaces |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |