CA2148243C - Toothbrush - Google Patents
ToothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA2148243C CA2148243C CA002148243A CA2148243A CA2148243C CA 2148243 C CA2148243 C CA 2148243C CA 002148243 A CA002148243 A CA 002148243A CA 2148243 A CA2148243 A CA 2148243A CA 2148243 C CA2148243 C CA 2148243C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bristles
- toe
- heel portion
- head
- free ends
- 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 - Lifetime
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
- A46B9/026—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups where the surface of the brush body or carrier is not in one plane, e.g. not flat
-
- 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
The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member (12) connected to a toothbrush head member (14). The head is divided into a "toe" (20) and "heel" (22) region. A multiplicity of bristles (24) extend from the heel portion, the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape (28) when viewed on end. A multiplicity of bristles (30) extend from the toe region of the head wherein these bristles are at least as tall as the general height of the bristels extending from the heel portion when viewed from the side and wherein the side profile view of the distal ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an angle relative to the general plane of the bristles extending from the heel portion.
Description
W094/09678 2 ~ 4 8 ~ 4 3 PCT/US93/10401 TO~ ~KU~
R~rR~OUND OF T~E lNv~llON
l. Field of the In~ention The present invention relates to toothbrushes, and more partieularly, to toothbrushos which exhibit a three-dimensional bristle profile to provide im~ G~e-l elean;ng of interproximal and gingi~al margin regions.
R~rR~OUND OF T~E lNv~llON
l. Field of the In~ention The present invention relates to toothbrushes, and more partieularly, to toothbrushos which exhibit a three-dimensional bristle profile to provide im~ G~e-l elean;ng of interproximal and gingi~al margin regions.
2. DescriDtion of the Prior Art Toothb~h;ng and flossing are fundamental steps in achieving good oral hygiene. Flossing, unfortunately, has not met with widespread aceeptanee amongst the general populaee. Furt_ermore, even people who flo~s, oftenti~es, do not perform adequate flossing in hard-to-reaeh areas of the mouth. Aeeordingly, the importanee of pro~iding a brush whieh aehie~es impro~ed elean~ng along hard-to-reaeh areas li~e the gingi~al margin and int~ Gximal regions is heightened. Unfortunately, while most eommereially available toothbrushes elean the outer bueeal faee of teeth adequately, they fail to provide im~l~ved elean~ng of plaque and debris from the gingival margin, inte ~ GX mal areas and other hard to reaeh areas of the mouth.
Applieants ha~ dise~_ el that a 21 ~2~
substantial improvement in toothbrush performance may be realized by optimizing toothbrush design for both interproximal and gingi~al margin cle~ning. In particular, the present invention comprises a toothbrush ha~ing a head with a yLo~vel "heel" portion which is particularly suited to cle~n;ng the gingi~al margin and a n toe" portion which is particularly suited to inteL~LGximal clean; ng . Furthermore, Applicants have observed that an angled n toe"
portion exhibits improved clean; ng in areas of the mouth which are difficult to reach with stan~ard toothbrushes. These features in combination with several other important operating characteristics will ronder a toothbrush particularly adept at accomplishing the aforomentioned objective~.
Toothbrushes having a y,o~ve centered longit~;nally along the entire bristle pattern are generally known to those skilled in the art.
Oral-B Laboratories, Rel.tood City, CA, markets the "ORT~O" brush which is intended to more effectivsly cl-an debris from orthoA~ntic brackots and wiros. Also, ~.S. Patent No.
Applieants ha~ dise~_ el that a 21 ~2~
substantial improvement in toothbrush performance may be realized by optimizing toothbrush design for both interproximal and gingi~al margin cle~ning. In particular, the present invention comprises a toothbrush ha~ing a head with a yLo~vel "heel" portion which is particularly suited to cle~n;ng the gingi~al margin and a n toe" portion which is particularly suited to inteL~LGximal clean; ng . Furthermore, Applicants have observed that an angled n toe"
portion exhibits improved clean; ng in areas of the mouth which are difficult to reach with stan~ard toothbrushes. These features in combination with several other important operating characteristics will ronder a toothbrush particularly adept at accomplishing the aforomentioned objective~.
Toothbrushes having a y,o~ve centered longit~;nally along the entire bristle pattern are generally known to those skilled in the art.
Oral-B Laboratories, Rel.tood City, CA, markets the "ORT~O" brush which is intended to more effectivsly cl-an debris from orthoA~ntic brackots and wiros. Also, ~.S. Patent No.
3,722,020 to Hills, describes a toothbrush which includos a genorally planar head portion ha~ing a plurality of bristles forming a concave surface. ~owo~er, Applicants believe that these prior art toothbrushes do not exhibit all of the operating characteristics identified hereinafter as important in simultaneously improved inte.~Loximal and gingival margin clean;ng.
Furthermore, toothbrushes having a distinct "toe" surface along the side profile of the bru~h head are also gensrally known to those skilled in the art. ~.S. Patent No. 4,800,608 to ~ey describe~ a toothbru~h w_erein the head -is bent at a fixed obtuse angle. The Key brush is said to provide superior cleaning of the lingual, buccal, embrasure, and distal aspects of the teeth and gums. Also U.S. Patent Nos. 4,712,267 to Cheng; 5,046,212 to Conke; 1,337,173 to White; 1,440,785 to Levis; 1,927,365 to Frolio; and Des.
49,472 to Dierke relate generally to toothbrushes with concave side-view heads. However, it is believed that these known prior art toothbrushes also do not exhibit all of the operating characteristics identified hereinafter as important in simultaneously improved interproximal and gingival margin cleaning.
These and other objectives will become evident from the following.
SUMMARY OF THE lNV ~'~. .lON
Generally speaking, the present invention may be considered as providing a toothbrush exhibiting interproximal and gingival margin cleaning comprising: an elongated handle member; an elongated head member connected to one end of the handle member comprised of a toe portion distal to the handle and a heel portion proximal to the handle and adjacent the toe portion; a multiplicity of bristles extending from the heel portion, the free ends of the bristles forming a longitudin-ally aligned concave groove which extends the entire length of the heel portion and wherein the free ends of the bristles of the heel portion proximal to the toe portion form a generally linear profile when viewed from the side; and a multiplicity of bristles extending from the toe portion, wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle relative to the generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to the toe portion and wherein the side profile of the toe bristles results in a wedge shape with the tallest toe bristles being at the end of the head which is distal to the handle member.
Icd:.u -While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of several particularly preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar elements and wherein:
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are perspective views of embodiments of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an end profile view of the heel region of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an end profile view of the heel region of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred groove-cut utilizing the groove configuration of Figure 4.
The toe tufts have been removed for clarity.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative groove-cut utilizing the groove configuration of Figure 4.
The toe tufts have been removed for clarity.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are side profile Icd.~
~, W094/09678 ~ 1~ 8 ~ 1 3 PCT/US93/10401 views of the toothbrush heads of Figures l, 2 and 3, respectively. These figures depict several alternate means of achieving the bristle surface pattern required at the bristle tips of the present invention.
Figure ll is a plan view of one embodiment of this in~ention illustrating the cleansing action of the toe bristle surface in the inte ~ G~imal region between the teeth.
Figure 12 is an end view of the toe portion of according to Figure 4 showing to posterior heel portion's position along the gingival margin and buccal surfaces during br-~h; n~.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULARLY PK~KK~V
EMBODIMENTS
As depicted in Figures l, 2 and 3, preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a toothbrush, generally indicated as 10, which achieves im~love-1 cls~n;ng of the gingival margin in combination with imp.oved interproximal clean; ng. Generally, the toothbrush includes an elongated handle member 12, a head member 14 and a multiplicity of bristles 16. Usually, the handle member and the head member are fabricated of the same material as a single injection molded piece, although a multiple material fabrication is also possible.
Optionally, the handle and head portions may be joined by a nec~ member 18 which is often narrower in cross-section than either the handle 12 or head 14.
The head portion of toothbrushes according to the present invention is comprisod of two portions. A ~toe~ portion 20 is the portion of the head located distal to the handle. In contrast, the ~heel~ portion 22 is W O 94/09678 2 1 ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ PC~r/US93/10401 --the portion of the head which i8 located proximal to the handle end of the head.
A key featuro of the present invention resides in the particular topical representation S produced by the distal ends of these bristles.
The particular topical representation is achieved by utilizing distinct relative bristle height patterns in the heel 22 and toe 20 regions. Accordingly, a variety of tufting patterns, such as those depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 achieve the desired result and are contemplated by the present invention.
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are end view depictions of the heel portion 22 of toothbru~hes according to the present invention.
As was mentioned earlier, the heel region bristles 24 are characterized from a longit~;nally aligned concave y~OOve shape 28.
Preferably, this concave shape 28 forms a "V", a~ in Figure 4. However, other shapes, such a~
"U" (Figure S) or a stepwise "V" trim of individual tufts, are also contemplated by the present invention.
Figure 6 is a p~ tive view of a preferred y.ovvs-cut 28 utilizing t_e nVn-trim pattern of Figure 4. The toe bristles 30 have been removed for clarity. Preferably, the y~Ovv~ should be cut at a dept_ of from about 1/16 in~ho~ to about 3/16 ~n~ho~ to form angle B. It is apparent that the depth and width of the y~Ovv~ 28 is generally uniform along the longit~;nal length of the heel portion 22.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternate y.ovve-cut 28 utilizing the "Vn-trim pattern of Figure 4. The toe bristles 30 have been removed for clarity. It is apparent that the dopth and width of the yLovv~ 28 i~ not -W094/09678 2 1 ~ ~ 2 ~ 3 PCT/US93/10401 ~ _ 7 constant along the longit~;nal length of the heel portion 22. The depth and width decreases as the y,Go~G 28 approaches the handle 12 to form an upward slope relative to the surface of the heel portion of the head 22.
Figures 6 and 7 are intended to depict preferred embodiments. Other ~lopes, such as a shallow-to-deep-to-shallow cut, are also contemplated by the present invention. The ~ OVVG cut 28 in the heel 22 has ~1V~C-1 to be particularly su$ted at c19~n; ng along the gingival margin 34 as seen in Figure 12.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are side profile views of the toothbrush heads of Figuros 1, 2 and 3, respectively. These Figures are particularly useful in exemplifying the relationship botwoen the bristles on the toe portion 30 of the head in relation to the bristles on the heel portion 24 of the brush.
It is key to noto the topology produced by the distal ends of the bristles as it is an important characteristic of the present invontion. Whon viowed from the side, as in Figuros 8, 9 and 10, tho preferred ~anglod-toe"
effoct wh$ch is observed along the bristle tips of tho too v~. the hoel is observod. This interface results in angle o which is generally from about 0~ to about 45~, preferably from about 10~ to about 25~. This toe provides deeper bristle-tooth contact along the bac~ of the tooth and into the interproximal areas 32.
See Fig. 11.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 utilize different approache~ to achiove a s~;lar bristle tip topology. In Figuro 8, the toe 20 and _oel 22 W094/09678 21 ~ ~2~ 3 PCT/US93/10401 ~ 8 portions of the head reside on tho same general plane. However, the bristles 30 on the toe 20 gradually increase in length as they approach the distal end 36 of the brush. In Figure 9, 5 the plane of the toe 20 and heel 22 are also generally the same. However, the angle 0 on the bristle tips i8 produced by inserting the tufts at an angle into the toe portion of the head.
The angle o can be greater than or less than the angle of the toe tuft holes since the bristle tips can be trimmed independently. And finally, Figure 10 provides the angle viewed at the bristle tips by b~n~; ng the head of the toothbrush at the toe/heel interface to an angle of about a. Preferably, the obtuse angle of bend a should be from about 115~ to about 170~, most preferably from about 155~ to about 170~.
These and other techniques can be used to achieve the surface topology of bristles according to the present in~ention.
The bristles of the present in~ention must be stiff enough to penetrate and remove plaque and debris from the inteL~GA ~al spaces, yet must be soft enough to penetrate the gingi~al margin and remove debris and plaque without causing irritation and bl~ ng. End-rounded bristle tips are preferrod.
Any co~ve~tional bristle material may be utilized in the present in~ention. Nylon and polyester are preferred bristle materials.
Nylon is the ~ st preferred. Furthermore, when the nylon bristle materials describQd abo~e are utilized the height of the toe bristles is from about 12/32 to about 17/32 ;n~ho~ and the height of the heel bristles range~ from about 8/32 to -W094/09678 2 1 ~ ~ ~ 1 3 PCT/US93/10401 D _ 9 about 14/32 ;n~heR.
Although particular embodiments of the present in~ention have been shown and described, modifications may be made to the toothbrush without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example the heel groo~e could extend up into the toe region.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, toothbrushes having a distinct "toe" surface along the side profile of the bru~h head are also gensrally known to those skilled in the art. ~.S. Patent No. 4,800,608 to ~ey describe~ a toothbru~h w_erein the head -is bent at a fixed obtuse angle. The Key brush is said to provide superior cleaning of the lingual, buccal, embrasure, and distal aspects of the teeth and gums. Also U.S. Patent Nos. 4,712,267 to Cheng; 5,046,212 to Conke; 1,337,173 to White; 1,440,785 to Levis; 1,927,365 to Frolio; and Des.
49,472 to Dierke relate generally to toothbrushes with concave side-view heads. However, it is believed that these known prior art toothbrushes also do not exhibit all of the operating characteristics identified hereinafter as important in simultaneously improved interproximal and gingival margin cleaning.
These and other objectives will become evident from the following.
SUMMARY OF THE lNV ~'~. .lON
Generally speaking, the present invention may be considered as providing a toothbrush exhibiting interproximal and gingival margin cleaning comprising: an elongated handle member; an elongated head member connected to one end of the handle member comprised of a toe portion distal to the handle and a heel portion proximal to the handle and adjacent the toe portion; a multiplicity of bristles extending from the heel portion, the free ends of the bristles forming a longitudin-ally aligned concave groove which extends the entire length of the heel portion and wherein the free ends of the bristles of the heel portion proximal to the toe portion form a generally linear profile when viewed from the side; and a multiplicity of bristles extending from the toe portion, wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle relative to the generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to the toe portion and wherein the side profile of the toe bristles results in a wedge shape with the tallest toe bristles being at the end of the head which is distal to the handle member.
Icd:.u -While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of several particularly preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar elements and wherein:
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are perspective views of embodiments of a toothbrush of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an end profile view of the heel region of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an end profile view of the heel region of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred groove-cut utilizing the groove configuration of Figure 4.
The toe tufts have been removed for clarity.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative groove-cut utilizing the groove configuration of Figure 4.
The toe tufts have been removed for clarity.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are side profile Icd.~
~, W094/09678 ~ 1~ 8 ~ 1 3 PCT/US93/10401 views of the toothbrush heads of Figures l, 2 and 3, respectively. These figures depict several alternate means of achieving the bristle surface pattern required at the bristle tips of the present invention.
Figure ll is a plan view of one embodiment of this in~ention illustrating the cleansing action of the toe bristle surface in the inte ~ G~imal region between the teeth.
Figure 12 is an end view of the toe portion of according to Figure 4 showing to posterior heel portion's position along the gingival margin and buccal surfaces during br-~h; n~.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULARLY PK~KK~V
EMBODIMENTS
As depicted in Figures l, 2 and 3, preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a toothbrush, generally indicated as 10, which achieves im~love-1 cls~n;ng of the gingival margin in combination with imp.oved interproximal clean; ng. Generally, the toothbrush includes an elongated handle member 12, a head member 14 and a multiplicity of bristles 16. Usually, the handle member and the head member are fabricated of the same material as a single injection molded piece, although a multiple material fabrication is also possible.
Optionally, the handle and head portions may be joined by a nec~ member 18 which is often narrower in cross-section than either the handle 12 or head 14.
The head portion of toothbrushes according to the present invention is comprisod of two portions. A ~toe~ portion 20 is the portion of the head located distal to the handle. In contrast, the ~heel~ portion 22 is W O 94/09678 2 1 ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ PC~r/US93/10401 --the portion of the head which i8 located proximal to the handle end of the head.
A key featuro of the present invention resides in the particular topical representation S produced by the distal ends of these bristles.
The particular topical representation is achieved by utilizing distinct relative bristle height patterns in the heel 22 and toe 20 regions. Accordingly, a variety of tufting patterns, such as those depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 achieve the desired result and are contemplated by the present invention.
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are end view depictions of the heel portion 22 of toothbru~hes according to the present invention.
As was mentioned earlier, the heel region bristles 24 are characterized from a longit~;nally aligned concave y~OOve shape 28.
Preferably, this concave shape 28 forms a "V", a~ in Figure 4. However, other shapes, such a~
"U" (Figure S) or a stepwise "V" trim of individual tufts, are also contemplated by the present invention.
Figure 6 is a p~ tive view of a preferred y.ovvs-cut 28 utilizing t_e nVn-trim pattern of Figure 4. The toe bristles 30 have been removed for clarity. Preferably, the y~Ovv~ should be cut at a dept_ of from about 1/16 in~ho~ to about 3/16 ~n~ho~ to form angle B. It is apparent that the depth and width of the y~Ovv~ 28 is generally uniform along the longit~;nal length of the heel portion 22.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternate y.ovve-cut 28 utilizing the "Vn-trim pattern of Figure 4. The toe bristles 30 have been removed for clarity. It is apparent that the dopth and width of the yLovv~ 28 i~ not -W094/09678 2 1 ~ ~ 2 ~ 3 PCT/US93/10401 ~ _ 7 constant along the longit~;nal length of the heel portion 22. The depth and width decreases as the y,Go~G 28 approaches the handle 12 to form an upward slope relative to the surface of the heel portion of the head 22.
Figures 6 and 7 are intended to depict preferred embodiments. Other ~lopes, such as a shallow-to-deep-to-shallow cut, are also contemplated by the present invention. The ~ OVVG cut 28 in the heel 22 has ~1V~C-1 to be particularly su$ted at c19~n; ng along the gingival margin 34 as seen in Figure 12.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are side profile views of the toothbrush heads of Figuros 1, 2 and 3, respectively. These Figures are particularly useful in exemplifying the relationship botwoen the bristles on the toe portion 30 of the head in relation to the bristles on the heel portion 24 of the brush.
It is key to noto the topology produced by the distal ends of the bristles as it is an important characteristic of the present invontion. Whon viowed from the side, as in Figuros 8, 9 and 10, tho preferred ~anglod-toe"
effoct wh$ch is observed along the bristle tips of tho too v~. the hoel is observod. This interface results in angle o which is generally from about 0~ to about 45~, preferably from about 10~ to about 25~. This toe provides deeper bristle-tooth contact along the bac~ of the tooth and into the interproximal areas 32.
See Fig. 11.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 utilize different approache~ to achiove a s~;lar bristle tip topology. In Figuro 8, the toe 20 and _oel 22 W094/09678 21 ~ ~2~ 3 PCT/US93/10401 ~ 8 portions of the head reside on tho same general plane. However, the bristles 30 on the toe 20 gradually increase in length as they approach the distal end 36 of the brush. In Figure 9, 5 the plane of the toe 20 and heel 22 are also generally the same. However, the angle 0 on the bristle tips i8 produced by inserting the tufts at an angle into the toe portion of the head.
The angle o can be greater than or less than the angle of the toe tuft holes since the bristle tips can be trimmed independently. And finally, Figure 10 provides the angle viewed at the bristle tips by b~n~; ng the head of the toothbrush at the toe/heel interface to an angle of about a. Preferably, the obtuse angle of bend a should be from about 115~ to about 170~, most preferably from about 155~ to about 170~.
These and other techniques can be used to achieve the surface topology of bristles according to the present in~ention.
The bristles of the present in~ention must be stiff enough to penetrate and remove plaque and debris from the inteL~GA ~al spaces, yet must be soft enough to penetrate the gingi~al margin and remove debris and plaque without causing irritation and bl~ ng. End-rounded bristle tips are preferrod.
Any co~ve~tional bristle material may be utilized in the present in~ention. Nylon and polyester are preferred bristle materials.
Nylon is the ~ st preferred. Furthermore, when the nylon bristle materials describQd abo~e are utilized the height of the toe bristles is from about 12/32 to about 17/32 ;n~ho~ and the height of the heel bristles range~ from about 8/32 to -W094/09678 2 1 ~ ~ ~ 1 3 PCT/US93/10401 D _ 9 about 14/32 ;n~heR.
Although particular embodiments of the present in~ention have been shown and described, modifications may be made to the toothbrush without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example the heel groo~e could extend up into the toe region.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (12)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A toothbrush exhibiting interproximal and gingival margin cleaning comprising:
a) an elongated handle member;
b) an elongated head member connected to one end of the handle member comprised of a toe portion distal to the handle and a heel portion proximal to the handle and adjacent said toe portion;
c) a multiplicity of bristles extending from the heel portion, the free ends of said bristles forming a longitudinally aligned concave groove which extends the entire length of the heel portion and wherein the free ends of the bristles of the heel portion proximal to said toe portion form a generally linear profile when viewed from the side; and d) a multiplicity of bristles extending from the toe portion, wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle relative to said generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to said toe portion and wherein the side profile of said toe bristles results in a wedge shape with the tallest toe bristles being at the end of the head which is distal to said handle member.
a) an elongated handle member;
b) an elongated head member connected to one end of the handle member comprised of a toe portion distal to the handle and a heel portion proximal to the handle and adjacent said toe portion;
c) a multiplicity of bristles extending from the heel portion, the free ends of said bristles forming a longitudinally aligned concave groove which extends the entire length of the heel portion and wherein the free ends of the bristles of the heel portion proximal to said toe portion form a generally linear profile when viewed from the side; and d) a multiplicity of bristles extending from the toe portion, wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle relative to said generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to said toe portion and wherein the side profile of said toe bristles results in a wedge shape with the tallest toe bristles being at the end of the head which is distal to said handle member.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the concave groove of the heel portion bristles has a depth of from about 1/16 inches to about 3/16 inches.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the free ends of the heel portion bristles form a substantially aligned general V-shaped end profile.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the heel portion bristles are nylon and have a maximum height of from about 8/32 inches to about 14/32 inches.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the toe portion bristles have a maximum height relative to the heel portion of the head of from about 12/32 inches to about 17/32 inches.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein the head member provides a generally planar surface proximal to the bristles.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein the multiplicity of bristles extending from the toe portion extend perpendicular to the toe portion of the head member.
8. A toothbrush according to claim 7 wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle of more than about 135° relative to said generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to said toe.
9. A toothbrush according to claim 8 wherein the side profile view of the free ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an obtuse angle of from about 155° to about 170°
relative to said generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to said toe.
relative to said generally linear profile of the free ends of the bristles extending from the heel portion proximal to said toe.
10. A toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein the toe portion of the head is affixed to the heel portion to form an obtuse angle of from about 115° to about 170° relative to the heel portion of the head member.
11. A toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein the toe portion of the head is affixed to the heel portion to form an obtuse angle of from about 155° to about 170° relative to the heel portion of the head member.
12. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the free ends of bristles extending from the heel portion adjacent said handle member are rounded.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US97032792A | 1992-11-02 | 1992-11-02 | |
| US970,327 | 1992-11-02 | ||
| US08/803,704 US5742972A (en) | 1993-11-02 | 1997-02-21 | Toothbrush |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2148243A1 CA2148243A1 (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| CA2148243C true CA2148243C (en) | 1997-12-16 |
Family
ID=27122621
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002148243A Expired - Lifetime CA2148243C (en) | 1992-11-02 | 1993-10-29 | Toothbrush |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0708609B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1053095C (en) |
| AU (1) | AU669765B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2148243C (en) |
| IL (1) | IL107381A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL173112B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994009678A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA937969B (en) |
Families Citing this family (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT230510Y1 (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1999-06-07 | Avantgarde Spa | TOOTHBRUSH WITH BRISTLES AT A PROGRESSIVELY DECREASING HEIGHT TOWARDS THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE BRUSH HEAD |
| WO1996016571A1 (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-06-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush having extended bristles |
| US5628082A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1997-05-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with improved efficacy |
| AU713165B2 (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1999-11-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company, The | Toothbrushes |
| EP1074200B2 (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 2015-09-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrushes |
| JP3347930B2 (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 2002-11-20 | ライオン株式会社 | Toothbrush |
| US6996870B2 (en) | 1995-12-29 | 2006-02-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Contouring toothbrush head |
| TW384214B (en) | 1995-12-29 | 2000-03-11 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Contouring toothbrush head |
| US6408476B1 (en) | 1996-01-18 | 2002-06-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush with elastomer filled flexible head |
| US5655249A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-08-12 | Li; Jian-Ren | Toothbrush with concave brushing surface |
| AU3978197A (en) * | 1996-08-20 | 1998-03-06 | Procter & Gamble Company, The | Toothbrush with multi-directional bristle profiling |
| US6514445B1 (en) | 1996-12-24 | 2003-02-04 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Brush making |
| US6886207B1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2005-05-03 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush |
| US5863102A (en) | 1997-06-24 | 1999-01-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Method and apparatus to permit attachment of bristles to toothbrushes with resiliently flexible heads and to thereafter permit the trimming and end rounding of such bristles |
| US5946758A (en) | 1997-06-24 | 1999-09-07 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush having contouring multi-component head with peel-resistant joint and limited flexibility |
| US6308367B1 (en) | 1997-11-12 | 2001-10-30 | Gillette Canada Company | Toothbrush |
| US6353959B1 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2002-03-12 | V Andrew R. Thomas | Toothbrush |
| GB2372432A (en) | 2001-02-24 | 2002-08-28 | Dyson Ltd | A cleaning head with side bristles for a vacuum cleaner |
| KR100416418B1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2004-01-31 | 주식회사 엘지생활건강 | Tooth brush having highly bristled region |
| US8990996B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2015-03-31 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
| US8876221B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2014-11-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| US8806695B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2014-08-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions |
| US7841041B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2010-11-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| CN101862227A (en) | 2003-04-23 | 2010-10-20 | 宝洁公司 | Toothbrush head and toothbrush with vertical axis |
| US7941886B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2011-05-17 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
| USD675830S1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2013-02-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
| US8863345B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2014-10-21 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having a closed-loop arrangement of cleaning elements |
| US10238204B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2019-03-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| USD749855S1 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2016-02-23 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| RU2016121454A (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-12-11 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | ORAL CARE DEVICE |
| RU2016117288A (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-12-11 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | ORAL CARE DEVICE |
| USD764804S1 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2016-08-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
| CN108577153B (en) * | 2018-03-13 | 2020-02-07 | 赵媛媛 | Portable toothbrush and toothpaste integrated device |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US669402A (en) * | 1900-04-21 | 1901-03-05 | Carl Roese | Tooth-brush. |
| US1018927A (en) * | 1911-07-14 | 1912-02-27 | Jules J Sarrazin | Tooth-brush. |
| US1639880A (en) * | 1925-02-20 | 1927-08-23 | Butler Joseph Bernard | Toothbrush |
| CH333001A (en) * | 1958-03-29 | 1958-09-30 | Mundwyler Walter | Device for massaging the gums |
| US4020521A (en) * | 1975-04-11 | 1977-05-03 | Velasquez Robert L | Toothbrush |
-
1993
- 1993-10-25 IL IL107381A patent/IL107381A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-10-26 ZA ZA937969A patent/ZA937969B/en unknown
- 1993-10-29 EP EP93925122A patent/EP0708609B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-29 AU AU54556/94A patent/AU669765B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1993-10-29 PL PL93308672A patent/PL173112B1/en unknown
- 1993-10-29 WO PCT/US1993/010401 patent/WO1994009678A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-10-29 CA CA002148243A patent/CA2148243C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-11-02 CN CN93114203A patent/CN1053095C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1994009678A1 (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| IL107381A (en) | 1998-01-04 |
| PL308672A1 (en) | 1995-08-21 |
| AU669765B2 (en) | 1996-06-20 |
| EP0708609B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 |
| IL107381A0 (en) | 1994-01-25 |
| ZA937969B (en) | 1995-01-30 |
| EP0708609A1 (en) | 1996-05-01 |
| CN1088768A (en) | 1994-07-06 |
| EP0708609A4 (en) | 1995-10-23 |
| PL173112B1 (en) | 1998-01-30 |
| AU5455694A (en) | 1994-05-24 |
| CA2148243A1 (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| CN1053095C (en) | 2000-06-07 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
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