CA2048790A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents
ToothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048790A1 CA2048790A1 CA002048790A CA2048790A CA2048790A1 CA 2048790 A1 CA2048790 A1 CA 2048790A1 CA 002048790 A CA002048790 A CA 002048790A CA 2048790 A CA2048790 A CA 2048790A CA 2048790 A1 CA2048790 A1 CA 2048790A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bristles
- head portion
- bristle
- implanted
- toothbrush
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- A46B9/045—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes specially adapted for cleaning a plurality of tooth surfaces simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
-
- 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
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A toothbrush has a grip portion, and a head portion in-tegrally connected with the grip portion through a neck por-tion and having bristles implanted therein. The head por-tion is bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion. The head portion is further bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the neck portion.
A toothbrush has a grip portion, and a head portion in-tegrally connected with the grip portion through a neck por-tion and having bristles implanted therein. The head por-tion is bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion. The head portion is further bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the neck portion.
Description
20~7~a This invention relates to a toothbrush, and particularly to a toothbrush capable of sufficiently brushing its user's teeth up to the innermost molars.
Heretofore, various toothbrushes have been known, e.g.
those in which a grip portion and a head portion with bristles implanted therein are arranged in alignment, those in which a head portion with bristles implanted therein is bent or curved relative to a grip portion, and the like.
However, in the toothbrushes in which the head portion and the grip portion are in alignment, there is the fear that when the cheek and tongue sides of the molar teeth are brushed, insertion of the toothbrush is interfered by the cheek, front teeth, tongue, etc. Therefore, the users of toothbrushes, particularly those who are not yet good at using a toothbrush, were frequently obliged to stop brushing the molar teeth before they have been sufficiently cleaned.
Even in the case of toothbrushes in which the head por-tion with bristles implanted therein are bent or curved rela-tive to the grip portion, although the insertion of the 2~879~
toothbrush becomes more or less easier, there is the fear that when the molar teeth are brushed, the insertion of the toothbrushes is interfered by the cheek.
Further, in the conventional toothbrushes, because the heights of the bristles are arranged to be generally equal to each other, the toothbrushes hardly reach the inner part of the user's buccal cavity and therefore, it was difficult to sufficiently brush the teeth up to the innermost molars. In view of this inconvenience, there is proposed a toothbrush in which the heights of the bristles implanted in the distal area of the head portion are set shorter than the heights of thé bristles imPlanted in the grip side area of the head por-tion (see Japanese Utility Model Early Laid-open Publication No. Sho 56-67173 and Japanese Utility Model Early Laid-open Publication No. Sho 56-171728, etc.) However, in the above toothbrush, since the bristles im-planted in the distal area of the head portion are merely set short in height, it sometimes happened depending on the user's way of brushing that the toothbrush does not reach sufficiently up to the innermost molars, thus resulting in insufficient brushing of the innermost molars. Where the heights of the bristles are set short, so that the toothbrush may reach up to the innermost molars, the flexibility of the bristles is degraded.
7 9 ~
A general object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush capable of sufficiently brushing the teeth up to the innermost molars.
A concrete object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, in which a head portion with bristles implanted therein can be srnoothly inserted into the user's buccal cavity up to the molar teeth when the teeth are brushed.
Another concrete object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, in which the fle~ibilitY of bristles implant~d in a distal area of its head portion is not degraded and the.
bristles can reach.the innermost molars so as not to leave~
the innermost molars~in insufficiently brushed states and so as to sufficientlY brush the teeth up to the innermost molars.
According to the present invention, the toothbrush includes a grip portion, and a head portion integrally connected with the grip portion through a neck portion and having bristles implanted therein, the head portion being bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion, the tooth brush being characterized in that t~e head portion is further bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to ~he neck por-tion.
According to the present invention, in the toothbrush 2 0 ~ 0 the heights of brist~es implanted in the distal area of the head portion is shorter than the heights of bristles implanted in the remaining area of the head portion, the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in tAe distal area being generally flush with the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in the remaining area, the dif-ference in length between the highest bristle and the lowest bristle in each bristle flock implanted in the distal area being set within a range of from 0.8mm to 4mm and the lengths of the bristles in each bristle flock being irregularlY set.
In the accom~anying drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view showing a second embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of an exploded state showing a third embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a partly enlarged side view showing one ex-ample of a head portion with bristles implanted therein of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a partly enlarged side view showing another example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
2 1~ 0 Fig. 6 is a partly enlarged side view showing a further example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a partly enlarged side view showing a still further example of a head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a partly enlarged side view showing a yet fur-ther example of a head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a partly enlarged side view showing additional example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention A
One embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanYing drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side view showine the first embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
The toothbrush of this embodiment comprises a griP por-tion 1, and a head portion 2 with bristles 3 implanted in one surface thereof and integrally connected with the grip por-tion through a neck portion 4.
20~87~0 The head portion 2 is bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion 1, and the head portion 2 is also bent toward the head Portion side, on which the bristles are provided, relative to the neck portion 4.
The length of the head portion 2 is preferablY set within a range of from 10mm to 25mm and more Preferably within a range of from 12mm to 22mm within the aforementioned range. If the length of the head portion 2 is less than 10mm, there is the fear that the implanting area becomes too small and the brushing efficiency becomes unsatisfactory.
On the other hand, if it exceeds 25mm, there is the fear that the tongue sides of the molar teeth become difficult to be brushed.
The angle ~ 1 of bend of the head portion 2 relative to the neck portion 4 is preferably set within a range of from S
to 15D and more preferably within a range of from 6 to 10 within the aforementioned range. If the angle ~ 1 is less than 5 , there is the fear that the toothbrush is interfered by the cheek when the molar teeth are brushed. On the other hand, if it exceeds 15 , the brushing operation itself be-comes difficult to effect.
Further, the angle ~ 2 (total angle ~ 2 including the angle ~ 1 ) of bend or curve relative to the grip portion 1 of the head portion 1 is preferably set within a range from 7 to 30 and more preferably within a range of~from 10 to 20 2~48790 within the aforementioned range. If the angle ~ 2 is less than 7 , there are fears that the efficiency for removing the plaque on the molar teeth becomes low and the brushing operation particularly for the molar teeth becomes difficult to effect. On the other hand, if the angle ~ 2 of bend or curve exceeds 30 , there are also the fears that the ef-ficiency for removing the plaque on the molar teeth becomes low and the brushing operation particularly for the molar teeth becomes difficult to effect.
The materials composing the grip portion 1 and the head portion 2 are not particularly limited but those which are normally used for toothbrushes are good enough. For ex-ample, it may be composed of AS (acrylonitrile-styrene resin), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), PP
(polypropylene resin), PC (polYcarbonate resin), PBT
(polybutyleneterephthalate resin), propionate, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.
The materials composing the bristles 3 are not limited, either. Those which are used for bristles of conventional toothbrushes can be used.
The tip of each bristle may be formed in a rounded shape.
According to a toothbrush of this embodiment with the above-mentioned constitution, even a beginner of brushing ex-ercise of a toothbrush can easily insert the head portion 2 2~8790 into the inner side of the bucca] cavity in order to suffi-ciently brush the cheek and tongue sides of the molar teeth.
Therefore, there is no fear that the molar teeth are left non-brushed and plaque on the molar teeth can be suffi-ciently removed.
The Table-1 to follow shows the data obtained through a questionaire about the easiness of the use of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment when the angle 0 1 of bend or curve is set to 5 , 10 and 15 and the other angle ~ z of bend or curve is set to lO , 20 and 30 . Similarly, the Table-2 shows the results of removal of artificial plaque under the above-mentioned angles of bend or curve.
For comparison purpose, there are also shown in the Table-1 and Table-2 the data obtained through a questionaire on the conventional toothbrushes and the results of removal of artificial plaque thereof, wherein the head portion and neck portion are formed straight so that they are aligned on a same line and the head and neck portions are inclined by 10 , 20 and 30 relative to the grip portion.
2 ~ 9 0 Table-l n-100 ~1 2 1O 20 30 10 20 30 20 3010 20~ 30 Easiness of brushing vhen front teeth are beins brushed (X)57 42 30 62 S0 31 47 3654 36 29 Easiness of brushing ~hen molar teeth are being brushed (X~72 B7 68 64 84 70 76 8061 68 65 Table-2 5O 5O 1 oO 1 oO 1 oO 1 5O1 5 0 0 0 ..
RatiD of artlficial Plaque62.1 71.558.0 59.4 76.2 63.7 72.6 59.458.6 69.2 55.7 remwal (X) (n-5) +4.6 +2.9 +3.2 +5.0 +3.9 +4.5 +6.1 +3.4 +3.8 +5.0+2.9 2~4~7~0 As apparent from the above Table-l and 1able-2, in the case of the conventional toothbrushes, in which the head and neck portions are formed straight so that they are aligned on a same line and the head and neck portions are inclined rela-tive to the grip portion, the head portion was interfered by the cheek, etc. and diffiCultY was encountered during the brushing operation.
On the other hand, if the head portion 2 is bent rela-tive to the neck portion 4 as in the first embodiment, the ratio of removing artificial plaque was increased, the brush-ing operation was carried out with ease, and operation per-formance was enhanced.
.
Fig. 2 is a side view showing the second embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention. Like parts of Fig. 1 are denoted by like numerals and description thereof is omitted.
In the toothbrush shown in this second embodiment, the neck portion 4 is inclined such that its nearer part 4a to the grip portion 1 is once curved downward relative to the center line Q of the grip portion 1 and then the remaining part of the neck portion 4 is raised up to a position above the center line Q.
By virtue of the foregoing arrangement, in addition to 7 ~ 0 the same effect available as in the first embodiment, there can be obtained such effect as that even in the case of the angle ~ 2 of bend or curve being set near to 30 , there is no fear that the height of the toothbrush from the grip POr-tion 1 to the distal end of the head portion 2 becomes too high.
A toothbrush of the present invention is not limited to those in which the head portion 2 is integrally formed with the grip portion 1 as shown in the first and second embodi-ments.
For example, it may be applied to the one as shown in the third embodiment in which a neck portion 4 and a head portion 2 are removablY attached to a grip portion 1 of an electric toothbrush in which a driving source e.g. a motor 6, etc. is built in the grip portion 1. In Fig. 3, the numeral 7 denotes a vibrator adapted to incur vibration to the head portion 2 and to interconnect lhe grip portion 1 and the neck portion 4, and the symbolic numeral 4b denotes a recess formed in one end face of the neck portion 4 into which the vibrator 7 is removably engaged.
The present invention may also be applied to a toothbrush of the type in that a head portion 2 and a neck portion 4 are collapsibly connected to a grip portion 1 through a pin.
A toothbrush of the present invention including those of the first, second and other embodiments, becomes more favorable by constituting the head portion in a particular way. Accordingly, the head portions to be described hereinafter can be employed as the head portions in the first, second and other embodiments which are already descri.bed above.
Several embodiments of a head portion of a toothbrush will be described with reference to Figs. 4 through 9. In Figs. 4 through 9, different reference numerals are used even for identical or similar parts of Figs. 1 through 3.
In the toothbrush of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the heights of bristles 15a implanted in a distal area 12a of a head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of bristles 16a implanted in the remaining area (the neck portion 14 side area of the head portion 12, hereinafter r-e.ferred to as the "basal area" 12b) of the head portion 12, the average posi-tions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock 15 implanted in the distal area 12a is generallY flushed with the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock 16 implanted in the basal area 12b, the dif-ference in length between the highest bristle 15a and the 2~4~79~
lowest bristle 15a in each bristle flock 15 irnplanted in dis-tal area 12a is set within a range of from lmm to 4mm and preferably within a range of from l.Omm to 2.0mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 are ir-regularly set. The distal area 12a is formed such that it rises up to form a step relative to the basal area 12b. The flocks 15 and 16 of the bristles 15a and 16a each comprises a plurality (for example, 30 to 60) of bristles 15a and 16a, respectively, which are implanted in the head portion 12.
The reasonswhY the difference in length between the high es t bris tle 15a and th e lowest bris tle 15a in e ach bristle flock 15 implanted in the distal area 12a is set within a range of from lmm to 4mm and the lengths of bristles 15 in each bristle flock 15 are irregularly set within the aforementioned range, are as follows. That is, if the lengths of bristles 15 in each bristle flock are irregularly set in a range shorter than lmm, it becomes almost the same to the one in which the heights of bristles implanted in the distal area 12a oi` the head portion 12 are merely set short, and on the other hand, if the lengths are irregularly set within a range longer than 4mm, the shortest bristle l5a among the bristles 15a of each bristle flock 15 becomes un-,able to reach the innermost molars, the gum portion, etc.
Further, the lengths of the bristles 16a in each bristle flock implanted in the basal area 12b are preferably ir-7 ~ ~
regularly set as in the lengths of the bristles 15a of eachbristle flock implanted in the distal area 12a. Further-more, the average heights of the bristles 15a implanted in the distal area 12a are set lOmm or less, and preferably within a range of from 8mm to 9mm, and have a difference of 0.5mm or more and preferably within a range of from lmm to 2mm relative to the average heights of the bristles 16a im-planted in the basal area 12b.
Moreover, the tip of each bristle 15a, 16a is preferably formed in a rounded shape. In this case, 50% or more of a plurality of bristles 15a, 16a adjacent to an optional bristle are arranged not to be contacted with the rounded tip 15b, 16b of the optional bristle (in other words, the heights of the bristles are arranged to be different). The reason why this arrangement is necessary is that if, in adjacent to the optional bristle, there are a plurality of bristles 15a, 16a having the heights equal to that of the optional one, the rounded tips 15b and 16b are contacted with each other and the tips of the bristles 15a and 16a are spread. In other words, the arrangement is made in order to avoid an occur-rence of this unfavorable situation. The diameter of each of the bristles 15a, 16a excepting the tips thereof is preferably set from 6/1000 to 15/1000 inches. If it is less than 6/1000 inches, the bristle ]5a, 16a lacks stiffness and as a result, there is the fear that the force to be incurred 2~790 to the teeth during the brushing operation is not effective as the force for removing the ~laque and for massaging the gum portion. On the other hand, if it exceeds 15/1000 inches, the bristles 15, 16b themselves become too stiff and a feel to the gum portion becomes unfavorable. The diameters of the rounded tips 15b, 16b of the bristles 15a, 15b are set larger bY about 1.1 to 2.5 times the diameters of the remaining portions (the portions excepting the tips) of the bristles 15, 16a, and Preferably by 1.2 to 2.0 times. If they are less than 1.1 times, they are substan-tially unchanged from the conventional toothbrush in which the rounded tips 15b, 16b are not formed and the effects are insufficient. On the other hand, if they exceed 2.5 times, the tips of the bristles are spread, thus providing an un-satisfactory appearance. The configuration of the rounded tips 15b, 16b are not necessarily limited to a rounded shape but it maY be an elliptical shape, a nail shape, a cubic shape having four rounded corners, etc.
According to a tooth brush shown in Fig. ~, having the head portion constituted in the manner as mentioned above, the heights of the bristles 15a in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of the bristles 16a in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12, the difference in length of the longest and shortest bristles in each bristle flock 15 is set within a range of from lmm to ~a~7s~
~mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock are irregularly set within the aforementioned range.
Accordingly, the bristles 15a do not become too stiff tlack of flexibility~, the tips of the bristles 15a can easily en-ter between adjacent teeth where the plaque are difficult to be removed during the brushing operation, and the tip or tips of one or some of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock are readily contacted even with the innermost molars, thus ena-bling to eliminate non-brushed teeth and to effectively remove the plaque. Further, since the rounded portion 15b, 16b is provided to the tip of each bristles 15a, 16a, the plaque, for example, between the enameled part of each tooth and the upper edge of the gum portion can be scratched out while massaging the gum portion. Furthermore, since the heights of the bristles 16a in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12 are set longer than the heights of the bristles 15a in the distal area 12a and the average positions of the tips of the bristles of the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other, a feel of the use is good.
The head portion of a toothbrush of the present inven-tion may be constituted in the manner as shown, for example, in Figs. 3 through 7, besides that of the embodiment shown in Fig. ~.
To be specific, as is shown in Fig. 5, it may be 2 ~ 9 0 designed such that no rounded portion is provided to the tip of each of the bristles 15a, 16a and the tips of only the bristles 12a in each bristle flock 15 in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are irregularly set within a range of from 0.8mm to 4mm.
Further, as is shown in Fig. 6, the tips of only the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are irregularly set within a range from 0.8mm to 4mm and the tips of the bristles 15a are provided with a rounded portionl5b, respectively.
Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. 7, it may also be designed such that the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 is bent to provide a step portion between the distal area 12a and the basal area 12b and the average positions of the tips of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other.
Further, as is shown in Fig. 8, it may be desi~ned such that the head portion 12 is divided into three areas, namely, the distal area 12a, the basal area 12b and an intermediate area 12c and formed in three steps, and the average positions of the bristles of the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 are substantially flushed with each other.
Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. 9, it may also be designed such that the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 20~8790 is inclined and the average positions of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other. Further, it may be designed such that the heights of the bristles implanted in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of the bristles 16a implanted in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12, the average positions of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 are substan-tially flushed with each other, the difference in length be-tween the longest and the shortest bristles 15a in each bristle flock 1~ in the distal area 12a is set within a range from 0.8mm to ~mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 are irregularly set within the aforementioned range.
Heretofore, various toothbrushes have been known, e.g.
those in which a grip portion and a head portion with bristles implanted therein are arranged in alignment, those in which a head portion with bristles implanted therein is bent or curved relative to a grip portion, and the like.
However, in the toothbrushes in which the head portion and the grip portion are in alignment, there is the fear that when the cheek and tongue sides of the molar teeth are brushed, insertion of the toothbrush is interfered by the cheek, front teeth, tongue, etc. Therefore, the users of toothbrushes, particularly those who are not yet good at using a toothbrush, were frequently obliged to stop brushing the molar teeth before they have been sufficiently cleaned.
Even in the case of toothbrushes in which the head por-tion with bristles implanted therein are bent or curved rela-tive to the grip portion, although the insertion of the 2~879~
toothbrush becomes more or less easier, there is the fear that when the molar teeth are brushed, the insertion of the toothbrushes is interfered by the cheek.
Further, in the conventional toothbrushes, because the heights of the bristles are arranged to be generally equal to each other, the toothbrushes hardly reach the inner part of the user's buccal cavity and therefore, it was difficult to sufficiently brush the teeth up to the innermost molars. In view of this inconvenience, there is proposed a toothbrush in which the heights of the bristles implanted in the distal area of the head portion are set shorter than the heights of thé bristles imPlanted in the grip side area of the head por-tion (see Japanese Utility Model Early Laid-open Publication No. Sho 56-67173 and Japanese Utility Model Early Laid-open Publication No. Sho 56-171728, etc.) However, in the above toothbrush, since the bristles im-planted in the distal area of the head portion are merely set short in height, it sometimes happened depending on the user's way of brushing that the toothbrush does not reach sufficiently up to the innermost molars, thus resulting in insufficient brushing of the innermost molars. Where the heights of the bristles are set short, so that the toothbrush may reach up to the innermost molars, the flexibility of the bristles is degraded.
7 9 ~
A general object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush capable of sufficiently brushing the teeth up to the innermost molars.
A concrete object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, in which a head portion with bristles implanted therein can be srnoothly inserted into the user's buccal cavity up to the molar teeth when the teeth are brushed.
Another concrete object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, in which the fle~ibilitY of bristles implant~d in a distal area of its head portion is not degraded and the.
bristles can reach.the innermost molars so as not to leave~
the innermost molars~in insufficiently brushed states and so as to sufficientlY brush the teeth up to the innermost molars.
According to the present invention, the toothbrush includes a grip portion, and a head portion integrally connected with the grip portion through a neck portion and having bristles implanted therein, the head portion being bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion, the tooth brush being characterized in that t~e head portion is further bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to ~he neck por-tion.
According to the present invention, in the toothbrush 2 0 ~ 0 the heights of brist~es implanted in the distal area of the head portion is shorter than the heights of bristles implanted in the remaining area of the head portion, the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in tAe distal area being generally flush with the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in the remaining area, the dif-ference in length between the highest bristle and the lowest bristle in each bristle flock implanted in the distal area being set within a range of from 0.8mm to 4mm and the lengths of the bristles in each bristle flock being irregularlY set.
In the accom~anying drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view showing a second embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of an exploded state showing a third embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a partly enlarged side view showing one ex-ample of a head portion with bristles implanted therein of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a partly enlarged side view showing another example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
2 1~ 0 Fig. 6 is a partly enlarged side view showing a further example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a partly enlarged side view showing a still further example of a head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a partly enlarged side view showing a yet fur-ther example of a head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a partly enlarged side view showing additional example of the head portion of a toothbrush of the present invention A
One embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanYing drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side view showine the first embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention.
The toothbrush of this embodiment comprises a griP por-tion 1, and a head portion 2 with bristles 3 implanted in one surface thereof and integrally connected with the grip por-tion through a neck portion 4.
20~87~0 The head portion 2 is bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to the grip portion 1, and the head portion 2 is also bent toward the head Portion side, on which the bristles are provided, relative to the neck portion 4.
The length of the head portion 2 is preferablY set within a range of from 10mm to 25mm and more Preferably within a range of from 12mm to 22mm within the aforementioned range. If the length of the head portion 2 is less than 10mm, there is the fear that the implanting area becomes too small and the brushing efficiency becomes unsatisfactory.
On the other hand, if it exceeds 25mm, there is the fear that the tongue sides of the molar teeth become difficult to be brushed.
The angle ~ 1 of bend of the head portion 2 relative to the neck portion 4 is preferably set within a range of from S
to 15D and more preferably within a range of from 6 to 10 within the aforementioned range. If the angle ~ 1 is less than 5 , there is the fear that the toothbrush is interfered by the cheek when the molar teeth are brushed. On the other hand, if it exceeds 15 , the brushing operation itself be-comes difficult to effect.
Further, the angle ~ 2 (total angle ~ 2 including the angle ~ 1 ) of bend or curve relative to the grip portion 1 of the head portion 1 is preferably set within a range from 7 to 30 and more preferably within a range of~from 10 to 20 2~48790 within the aforementioned range. If the angle ~ 2 is less than 7 , there are fears that the efficiency for removing the plaque on the molar teeth becomes low and the brushing operation particularly for the molar teeth becomes difficult to effect. On the other hand, if the angle ~ 2 of bend or curve exceeds 30 , there are also the fears that the ef-ficiency for removing the plaque on the molar teeth becomes low and the brushing operation particularly for the molar teeth becomes difficult to effect.
The materials composing the grip portion 1 and the head portion 2 are not particularly limited but those which are normally used for toothbrushes are good enough. For ex-ample, it may be composed of AS (acrylonitrile-styrene resin), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), PP
(polypropylene resin), PC (polYcarbonate resin), PBT
(polybutyleneterephthalate resin), propionate, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.
The materials composing the bristles 3 are not limited, either. Those which are used for bristles of conventional toothbrushes can be used.
The tip of each bristle may be formed in a rounded shape.
According to a toothbrush of this embodiment with the above-mentioned constitution, even a beginner of brushing ex-ercise of a toothbrush can easily insert the head portion 2 2~8790 into the inner side of the bucca] cavity in order to suffi-ciently brush the cheek and tongue sides of the molar teeth.
Therefore, there is no fear that the molar teeth are left non-brushed and plaque on the molar teeth can be suffi-ciently removed.
The Table-1 to follow shows the data obtained through a questionaire about the easiness of the use of the toothbrush according to the first embodiment when the angle 0 1 of bend or curve is set to 5 , 10 and 15 and the other angle ~ z of bend or curve is set to lO , 20 and 30 . Similarly, the Table-2 shows the results of removal of artificial plaque under the above-mentioned angles of bend or curve.
For comparison purpose, there are also shown in the Table-1 and Table-2 the data obtained through a questionaire on the conventional toothbrushes and the results of removal of artificial plaque thereof, wherein the head portion and neck portion are formed straight so that they are aligned on a same line and the head and neck portions are inclined by 10 , 20 and 30 relative to the grip portion.
2 ~ 9 0 Table-l n-100 ~1 2 1O 20 30 10 20 30 20 3010 20~ 30 Easiness of brushing vhen front teeth are beins brushed (X)57 42 30 62 S0 31 47 3654 36 29 Easiness of brushing ~hen molar teeth are being brushed (X~72 B7 68 64 84 70 76 8061 68 65 Table-2 5O 5O 1 oO 1 oO 1 oO 1 5O1 5 0 0 0 ..
RatiD of artlficial Plaque62.1 71.558.0 59.4 76.2 63.7 72.6 59.458.6 69.2 55.7 remwal (X) (n-5) +4.6 +2.9 +3.2 +5.0 +3.9 +4.5 +6.1 +3.4 +3.8 +5.0+2.9 2~4~7~0 As apparent from the above Table-l and 1able-2, in the case of the conventional toothbrushes, in which the head and neck portions are formed straight so that they are aligned on a same line and the head and neck portions are inclined rela-tive to the grip portion, the head portion was interfered by the cheek, etc. and diffiCultY was encountered during the brushing operation.
On the other hand, if the head portion 2 is bent rela-tive to the neck portion 4 as in the first embodiment, the ratio of removing artificial plaque was increased, the brush-ing operation was carried out with ease, and operation per-formance was enhanced.
.
Fig. 2 is a side view showing the second embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention. Like parts of Fig. 1 are denoted by like numerals and description thereof is omitted.
In the toothbrush shown in this second embodiment, the neck portion 4 is inclined such that its nearer part 4a to the grip portion 1 is once curved downward relative to the center line Q of the grip portion 1 and then the remaining part of the neck portion 4 is raised up to a position above the center line Q.
By virtue of the foregoing arrangement, in addition to 7 ~ 0 the same effect available as in the first embodiment, there can be obtained such effect as that even in the case of the angle ~ 2 of bend or curve being set near to 30 , there is no fear that the height of the toothbrush from the grip POr-tion 1 to the distal end of the head portion 2 becomes too high.
A toothbrush of the present invention is not limited to those in which the head portion 2 is integrally formed with the grip portion 1 as shown in the first and second embodi-ments.
For example, it may be applied to the one as shown in the third embodiment in which a neck portion 4 and a head portion 2 are removablY attached to a grip portion 1 of an electric toothbrush in which a driving source e.g. a motor 6, etc. is built in the grip portion 1. In Fig. 3, the numeral 7 denotes a vibrator adapted to incur vibration to the head portion 2 and to interconnect lhe grip portion 1 and the neck portion 4, and the symbolic numeral 4b denotes a recess formed in one end face of the neck portion 4 into which the vibrator 7 is removably engaged.
The present invention may also be applied to a toothbrush of the type in that a head portion 2 and a neck portion 4 are collapsibly connected to a grip portion 1 through a pin.
A toothbrush of the present invention including those of the first, second and other embodiments, becomes more favorable by constituting the head portion in a particular way. Accordingly, the head portions to be described hereinafter can be employed as the head portions in the first, second and other embodiments which are already descri.bed above.
Several embodiments of a head portion of a toothbrush will be described with reference to Figs. 4 through 9. In Figs. 4 through 9, different reference numerals are used even for identical or similar parts of Figs. 1 through 3.
In the toothbrush of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the heights of bristles 15a implanted in a distal area 12a of a head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of bristles 16a implanted in the remaining area (the neck portion 14 side area of the head portion 12, hereinafter r-e.ferred to as the "basal area" 12b) of the head portion 12, the average posi-tions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock 15 implanted in the distal area 12a is generallY flushed with the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock 16 implanted in the basal area 12b, the dif-ference in length between the highest bristle 15a and the 2~4~79~
lowest bristle 15a in each bristle flock 15 irnplanted in dis-tal area 12a is set within a range of from lmm to 4mm and preferably within a range of from l.Omm to 2.0mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 are ir-regularly set. The distal area 12a is formed such that it rises up to form a step relative to the basal area 12b. The flocks 15 and 16 of the bristles 15a and 16a each comprises a plurality (for example, 30 to 60) of bristles 15a and 16a, respectively, which are implanted in the head portion 12.
The reasonswhY the difference in length between the high es t bris tle 15a and th e lowest bris tle 15a in e ach bristle flock 15 implanted in the distal area 12a is set within a range of from lmm to 4mm and the lengths of bristles 15 in each bristle flock 15 are irregularly set within the aforementioned range, are as follows. That is, if the lengths of bristles 15 in each bristle flock are irregularly set in a range shorter than lmm, it becomes almost the same to the one in which the heights of bristles implanted in the distal area 12a oi` the head portion 12 are merely set short, and on the other hand, if the lengths are irregularly set within a range longer than 4mm, the shortest bristle l5a among the bristles 15a of each bristle flock 15 becomes un-,able to reach the innermost molars, the gum portion, etc.
Further, the lengths of the bristles 16a in each bristle flock implanted in the basal area 12b are preferably ir-7 ~ ~
regularly set as in the lengths of the bristles 15a of eachbristle flock implanted in the distal area 12a. Further-more, the average heights of the bristles 15a implanted in the distal area 12a are set lOmm or less, and preferably within a range of from 8mm to 9mm, and have a difference of 0.5mm or more and preferably within a range of from lmm to 2mm relative to the average heights of the bristles 16a im-planted in the basal area 12b.
Moreover, the tip of each bristle 15a, 16a is preferably formed in a rounded shape. In this case, 50% or more of a plurality of bristles 15a, 16a adjacent to an optional bristle are arranged not to be contacted with the rounded tip 15b, 16b of the optional bristle (in other words, the heights of the bristles are arranged to be different). The reason why this arrangement is necessary is that if, in adjacent to the optional bristle, there are a plurality of bristles 15a, 16a having the heights equal to that of the optional one, the rounded tips 15b and 16b are contacted with each other and the tips of the bristles 15a and 16a are spread. In other words, the arrangement is made in order to avoid an occur-rence of this unfavorable situation. The diameter of each of the bristles 15a, 16a excepting the tips thereof is preferably set from 6/1000 to 15/1000 inches. If it is less than 6/1000 inches, the bristle ]5a, 16a lacks stiffness and as a result, there is the fear that the force to be incurred 2~790 to the teeth during the brushing operation is not effective as the force for removing the ~laque and for massaging the gum portion. On the other hand, if it exceeds 15/1000 inches, the bristles 15, 16b themselves become too stiff and a feel to the gum portion becomes unfavorable. The diameters of the rounded tips 15b, 16b of the bristles 15a, 15b are set larger bY about 1.1 to 2.5 times the diameters of the remaining portions (the portions excepting the tips) of the bristles 15, 16a, and Preferably by 1.2 to 2.0 times. If they are less than 1.1 times, they are substan-tially unchanged from the conventional toothbrush in which the rounded tips 15b, 16b are not formed and the effects are insufficient. On the other hand, if they exceed 2.5 times, the tips of the bristles are spread, thus providing an un-satisfactory appearance. The configuration of the rounded tips 15b, 16b are not necessarily limited to a rounded shape but it maY be an elliptical shape, a nail shape, a cubic shape having four rounded corners, etc.
According to a tooth brush shown in Fig. ~, having the head portion constituted in the manner as mentioned above, the heights of the bristles 15a in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of the bristles 16a in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12, the difference in length of the longest and shortest bristles in each bristle flock 15 is set within a range of from lmm to ~a~7s~
~mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock are irregularly set within the aforementioned range.
Accordingly, the bristles 15a do not become too stiff tlack of flexibility~, the tips of the bristles 15a can easily en-ter between adjacent teeth where the plaque are difficult to be removed during the brushing operation, and the tip or tips of one or some of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock are readily contacted even with the innermost molars, thus ena-bling to eliminate non-brushed teeth and to effectively remove the plaque. Further, since the rounded portion 15b, 16b is provided to the tip of each bristles 15a, 16a, the plaque, for example, between the enameled part of each tooth and the upper edge of the gum portion can be scratched out while massaging the gum portion. Furthermore, since the heights of the bristles 16a in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12 are set longer than the heights of the bristles 15a in the distal area 12a and the average positions of the tips of the bristles of the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other, a feel of the use is good.
The head portion of a toothbrush of the present inven-tion may be constituted in the manner as shown, for example, in Figs. 3 through 7, besides that of the embodiment shown in Fig. ~.
To be specific, as is shown in Fig. 5, it may be 2 ~ 9 0 designed such that no rounded portion is provided to the tip of each of the bristles 15a, 16a and the tips of only the bristles 12a in each bristle flock 15 in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are irregularly set within a range of from 0.8mm to 4mm.
Further, as is shown in Fig. 6, the tips of only the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are irregularly set within a range from 0.8mm to 4mm and the tips of the bristles 15a are provided with a rounded portionl5b, respectively.
Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. 7, it may also be designed such that the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 is bent to provide a step portion between the distal area 12a and the basal area 12b and the average positions of the tips of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other.
Further, as is shown in Fig. 8, it may be desi~ned such that the head portion 12 is divided into three areas, namely, the distal area 12a, the basal area 12b and an intermediate area 12c and formed in three steps, and the average positions of the bristles of the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 are substantially flushed with each other.
Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. 9, it may also be designed such that the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 20~8790 is inclined and the average positions of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks on the entire head portion 12 are substantially flushed with each other. Further, it may be designed such that the heights of the bristles implanted in the distal area 12a of the head portion 12 are set shorter than the heights of the bristles 16a implanted in the basal area 12b of the head portion 12, the average positions of the bristles in the respective bristle flocks 15, 16 are substan-tially flushed with each other, the difference in length be-tween the longest and the shortest bristles 15a in each bristle flock 1~ in the distal area 12a is set within a range from 0.8mm to ~mm, and the lengths of the bristles 15a in each bristle flock 15 are irregularly set within the aforementioned range.
Claims (6)
1. A toothbrush including a grip portion, and a head por-tion integrally connected with said grip portion through a neck portion and having bristles implanted therein, said head portion being bent or curved toward the bristles side rela-tive to said grip portion, said tooth brush being charac-terized in that said head portion is further bent or curved toward the bristles side relative to said neck portion.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of said head portion is set within a range from 10mm to 25mm, the angle of bend or curve of said head portion relative to said grip portion is set within a range of from 7° to 30°
and the angle of bend or curve of said head portion relative to said neck portion is set within a range of from 5° to 15°
.
and the angle of bend or curve of said head portion relative to said neck portion is set within a range of from 5° to 15°
.
3. A toothbrush, in which the heights of bristles implanted in the distal area of said head portion is shorter than the heights of bristles implanted in the remaining area of said head portion, the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in said distal area being generally flushed with the average positions of the tips of the bristles in each bristle flock implanted in said remaining area, the difference in length between the highest bristle and the lowest bristle in each bristle flock im-planted in said distal area being set within a range of from 0.8mm to 4mm and the lengths of the bristles in each bristle flock being irregularly set.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 3, wherein the dif-ference between the average height of the bristles implanted in the distal area of said head portion and the average height of the bristles implanted in the remaining area of said head portion is 0.5mm or more, and the average height of the bristles in the distal area is 10mm or less.
5. A tooth brush as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the tip of each bristle implanted in at least the distal area of said head portion is formed in a rounded shape.
6. A tooth brush as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the tip of each bristle implanted in at least the distal area of said head portion is formed in a rounded shape.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP85616/1990 | 1990-08-13 | ||
| JP8561690U JP2545239Y2 (en) | 1990-08-13 | 1990-08-13 | toothbrush |
| JP404900/1990 | 1990-12-26 | ||
| JP40490090 | 1990-12-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048790A1 true CA2048790A1 (en) | 1992-02-14 |
Family
ID=26426627
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048790A Abandoned CA2048790A1 (en) | 1990-08-13 | 1991-08-08 | Toothbrush |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0471312B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2048790A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69120741D1 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1001170A1 (en) |
| MY (1) | MY109803A (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATE207321T1 (en) | 1994-12-01 | 2001-11-15 | Procter & Gamble | TOOTHBRUSH WITH EXTENDED BRISTLES |
| GB9503706D0 (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1995-04-12 | Lingner & Fischer Gmbh | Toothbrush |
| DE19507364A1 (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1996-09-05 | Coronet Werke Gmbh | Brush, in particular hygiene brush |
| US5628082A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1997-05-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with improved efficacy |
| DE10164336A1 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2003-07-17 | Trisa Holding Ag Triengen | Toothbrush and method of making such a toothbrush |
| DE10259723A1 (en) | 2002-12-19 | 2004-07-01 | Trisa Holding Ag | Toothbrush and process for making it |
| DE10331369B4 (en) * | 2003-07-11 | 2010-09-16 | Braun Gmbh | toothbrush |
| GB0423423D0 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2004-11-24 | Dooley Peter | Improvements in the design of toothbrushes |
| EP1661486A3 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-08-23 | Dr. Peter Dooley | Improvements in the design of toothbrushes |
| KR101162574B1 (en) * | 2012-02-13 | 2012-07-05 | 박근갑 | Tooth-brush for last molar and molar and the teeth around of extracted teeth site |
| WO2017182355A1 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2017-10-26 | Trisa Holding Ag | Brush product and method for the production thereof |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3229318A (en) * | 1964-05-15 | 1966-01-18 | Sunbeam Corp | Toothbrush |
| US4654922A (en) * | 1985-05-28 | 1987-04-07 | Chen Horng Y | Brush with universal joints |
| US4670931A (en) * | 1986-02-07 | 1987-06-09 | Maliheh Abbassi | Toothbrush |
| DE8612586U1 (en) * | 1986-05-09 | 1986-08-07 | Hiedl, Thomas, 8444 Straubing | Toothbrush bristles |
| EP0274618A1 (en) * | 1986-12-08 | 1988-07-20 | Trisa Bürstenfabrik Ag Triengen | Toothbrush |
-
1991
- 1991-08-08 CA CA002048790A patent/CA2048790A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-08-08 MY MYPI91001436A patent/MY109803A/en unknown
- 1991-08-09 DE DE69120741T patent/DE69120741D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-08-09 EP EP91113431A patent/EP0471312B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-01-12 HK HK98100238A patent/HK1001170A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69120741D1 (en) | 1996-08-14 |
| EP0471312B1 (en) | 1996-07-10 |
| MY109803A (en) | 1997-07-31 |
| EP0471312A2 (en) | 1992-02-19 |
| HK1001170A1 (en) | 1998-05-29 |
| EP0471312A3 (en) | 1992-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |