CN105722428A

CN105722428A - Oral care implement

Info

Publication number: CN105722428A
Application number: CN201380080823.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奚文进; 郭广生; 张波
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2013-11-25
Filing date: 2013-11-25
Publication date: 2016-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-25
Also published as: EP3062657A4; AU2013405984A1; CN105722428B; WO2015074267A1; US20160353871A1; TW201531264A; AU2013405984B2; EP3062657A1; RU2016120317A; MX2016006677A

Abstract

An oral implement comprises a head (10) and a handle (12). The head (10) comprises a first face (14) and a plurality of cleaning elements (34, 36) extending therefrom, a proximal section (16) adjacent to the handle (12) and a distal section (18) remote from the handle (12). The head (10) further comprises a flexible bridge (20) coupling the distal section (18) to the proximal section (16), so that the distal section (18) is flexibly moveable relative to the proximal section (16). The flexible bridge (20) further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face (14); wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge (20) in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head (10).

Description

Oral care implement

Background of invention

The known oral care implement with various shank structure and head construction.It would be desirable, however, that provide a kind of can be easier access to back teeth so that cleaning, the oral care implement of problem of avoiding excessive toothbrushing force to cause simultaneously.

Brief summary of the invention

On the one hand, the invention provides a kind of oral care implement including head and shank, described head includes first and multiple cleaning elements, and the plurality of cleaning element is from described first extension；

Wherein said head includes the proximal section being adjacent to described shank and the distal section being away from described shank；

Wherein said head still further comprises flexible bridge portion, described distal section is couple to described proximal section by described flexible bridge portion, described distal section can be moved relative to described proximal section flexibility, described flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of described distal section is inclined to the angle from 8 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of described distal section is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

Optionally, described proximal section and described distal section each have the upwardly extending straight linear edge in the side of the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head, the described straight linear edge of wherein said distal section is in the face of the described straight linear edge of described proximal section, and the described straight linear edge of described distal section is couple to the described straight linear edge of described proximal section by wherein said flexible bridge portion so that described distal section can move relative to described proximal section flexibility.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion comprises elastomeric material.Additionally optionally, described elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is integral with the described elastomeric material in described flexible bridge portion.

Optionally, described proximal section and described distal section are to be formed by rigid plastics or resin material.

Optionally, described rigid plastics or resin material include polypropylene.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion includes the bridge section utilizing described rigid plastics or resin material to be formed, described proximal section is attached to described distal section by described bridge section, wherein said bridge section at the ratio of the degree of depth of the degree of depth and the described proximal section of its narrowest point from 1: 3 to 1: 7.

Optionally, described bridge section extends across the whole width of described head.

Optionally, described head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and wherein said bridge section is positioned between described first and described second.

Optionally, the distance between described bridge section and described first is more than the distance between described bridge section and described second.Additionally optionally, the described distance between described bridge section and described first is than big 2 to 4 times of the described distance between described bridge section and described second.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section described.

Optionally, described elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is elastic wall.

Optionally, described elastic wall extends along described flexible bridge portion with straight, linear configuration.

Optionally, described elastic wall has the distal side edge being away from described first, and described elastic wall includes described first at least one notch extended from the described distal side edge of described elastic wall towards described head.

Optionally, described elastic wall has the height measured from described first described distal side edge to described elastic wall, at least one the notch described distance from described distal side edge towards the 5/8 to 7/8 of described first the described height extended from described elastic wall.

Optionally, the plurality of cleaning element includes more than first cleaning element extended from described proximal section and more than second cleaning element extended from described distal section.

Optionally, described more than first cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

Optionally, described more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

Optionally, described tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole.

Optionally, the height of described more than first cleaning element is equal to the height of described more than second cleaning element.

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described has the height equal to described more than first cleaning element and the described height of described more than second cleaning element.

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described has the height less than described more than first cleaning element and the described height of described more than second cleaning element.

Optionally, described head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and described second face includes tissue cleaner part.

Optionally, described tissue cleaner part comprises elastomeric material.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion comprises described elastomeric material, and wherein said tissue cleaner part is integral with described flexible bridge portion.

Optionally, described head has the length from 20mm to 40mm.

Optionally, described head has the Breadth Maximum from 5mm to 15mm.

Optionally, described distal section has the length of the length less than described proximal section.Additionally optionally, the described length of described distal section and the ratio of the described length of described proximal section are from 1: 3 to 1: 1.2.

Optionally, described shank includes main part and connects the described head neck portion to described main part.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of described neck portion is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of the described proximal section of described head.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of described main part is inclined to the angle from 5 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described neck portion.

Optionally, described neck portion has the Breadth Maximum from 3mm to 7mm.

Optionally, described main part has the Breadth Maximum from 9mm to 15mm.

On the other hand, the invention provides a kind of oral care implement including head and shank, described head includes first and multiple cleaning elements, and the plurality of cleaning element is from described first extension；Wherein said head includes the proximal section being adjacent to described shank and the distal section being away from described shank；Wherein said head still further comprises flexible bridge portion, and described distal section is couple to described proximal section by described flexible bridge portion so that described distal section can move relative to described proximal section flexibility；Wherein said multiple cleaning element includes more than first cleaning element extended from described proximal section and more than second cleaning element extended from described distal section, and at least one of described more than first cleaning element and described more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

Optionally, described tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head.

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is elastic wall.

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described has the height equal to described more than first cleaning element and the height of described more than second cleaning element.

Optionally, at least one flexible cleaning elements described has the height less than described more than first cleaning element and the height of described more than second cleaning element.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said is integral with the described elastomeric material in described flexible bridge portion.

Optionally, described proximal section and described distal section are to be formed by rigid plastics or resin material.Additionally optionally, described rigid plastics or resin material include polypropylene.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section described.Additionally optionally, described elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

Optionally, described tissue cleaner part comprises elastomeric material.

Optionally, described flexible bridge portion comprises described elastomeric material, and described tissue cleaner part is integral with described flexible bridge portion.

Optionally, described head has the length from 20mm to 40mm.

Optionally, described head has the Breadth Maximum from 5mm to 15mm.

Optionally, described distal section has the length of the length less than described proximal section.

Optionally, the described length of described distal section and the ratio of the described length of described proximal section are from 1: 3 to 1: 1.2.

Optionally, described neck portion has the Breadth Maximum from 3mm to 7mm.

Optionally, described main part has the Breadth Maximum from 9mm to 15mm.

The further suitable application area of the present invention is by apparent from detailed description of the invention provided below.Although should be appreciated that detailed description of the invention and instantiation indicate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it is only intended for illustrating purpose, and is not intended to be limiting the scope of the present invention.Specifically, it is possible to the combination any feature in the various features of the oral care implement described below in conjunction with various embodiments.

Accompanying drawing is sketched

From detailed description of the invention and accompanying drawing, the present invention will be more fully understood, wherein:

Figure 1A illustrates the side view of toothbrush according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1B illustrates the front view of the toothbrush of Figure 1A.

Fig. 1 C illustrates the rearview of the toothbrush of Figure 1A.

Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F illustrates toothbrush head according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 A illustrates the front view of head.

Fig. 2 B illustrates the rearview of head.

Fig. 2 C illustrates the side view of head.

Fig. 2 D is the perspective view of toothbrush head, and this illustrates distal section and moves relative to the flexible of proximal section.

Fig. 2 E illustrates the perspective view of toothbrush head, and wherein in order to illustrate bridging structure, the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion has been omitted from.

Fig. 2 F illustrates the side view of the toothbrush head of Fig. 2 E, and wherein more than first cleaning element and more than second cleaning element have been omitted from.

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E illustrates toothbrush head according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 A illustrates the front view of head.

Fig. 3 B illustrates the rearview of head.

Fig. 3 C illustrates the side view of head.

Fig. 3 D is the perspective view of toothbrush head, and this illustrates distal section and moves relative to the flexible of proximal section.

Fig. 3 E illustrates the perspective view of toothbrush head, and wherein in order to illustrate bridging structure, the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion has been omitted from.

Detailed description of the invention

Hereinafter the description of preferred embodiment is merely illustrative of in itself, and is never intended to invention, its application, or uses are limited.

As used throughout, scope uses the shorthand of each value and all values being described within the scope of this.Any value within the scope of this may be selected to be the end points of this scope.It addition, its full content is hereby incorporated herein by by any list of references cited herein.Conflict if the definition in the disclosure exists with the definition in incorporated by reference document, then based on the disclosure.

The description of the exemplary embodiments according to principles of the invention is intended to read in conjunction with the accompanying, and these accompanying drawings will be considered a part for complete written description.In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference of direction or orientation is intended merely to facilitate description, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention.Relational language (such as " bottom ", " top ", " vertically ", " top ", " lower section ", " upwards ", " downwards ", " top " and " bottom ") and derive from word (such as, " flatly ", " down ", " up " etc.) and be appreciated that and refer to such as described at that time or as shown in current the accompanying drawing discussed orientation.The description merely for convenience of these relational languages, and it is not required for device structure on specific orientation or with specific orientation operation, unless expressly stated so.Term (such as " attachment ", " attachment ", " connection ", " coupling ", " interconnection " and similar word) refers to that wherein structure is each other or indirectly fixing directly or by structure between two parties or attachment relation, and both removable or fixed attachment or relations, unless be additionally expressly recited really not so.Additionally, inventive feature and benefit illustrate with reference to exemplary embodiment.Therefore, the present invention should not necessarily be limited by clearly illustrate can individually or with other features combination exist feature some be likely to non-limiting combinations this type of exemplary embodiment；The scope of the present invention is to be limited by following claims.

In the following description, the present invention is described with regard to manual toothbrush and manufacture method thereof, and this manual toothbrush has the multipart shank of invention.But, in other forms, the present invention can adopt other oral care implement forms, including choosing label (inter-proximalpick), flossing tool, speckle scraper (plaquescraper), electric toothbrush or design other band handle utensils for mouth care between soft tissue cleanser, tooth proximal surface.It will also be understood that other embodiments can be utilized, and the amendment of 26S Proteasome Structure and Function can be made when without departing substantially from the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1A to Fig. 1 C illustrates toothbrush according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the distal section 18 (distal section 18 is remote from shank 12) of head 10 is couple to the proximal section 16 (proximal section 16 is to be adjacent to shank 12) of head 10 by flexible bridge portion 20 so that distal section 18 can relative to proximal section 16 flexible mobile (as shown in Figure 2 D).In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is relative to the obliquely-angled α of longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16, and angle [alpha] is about 13 °.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the longitudinal axis A-A of the main part 22 of shank 12 is relative to the obliquely-angled β of longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion 24 of shank 12.In this embodiment, angle beta is about 10 °.Longitudinal axis Z-the Z of neck portion is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 of head 10.

In embodiment shown in Figure 1A to Fig. 1 C, the ratio of the length of the length of distal section 18 and proximal section 16 is about 1: 1.3, and distal section 18 has the length of 11.6mm, and proximal section 16 has the length of 15.3mm.The overall length (as measured along Y-Y axis direction) of head 10 is 29.1mm.Distal section 18 has the width of 9.3mm, and proximal section 16 has the width of 10.7mm.

The head 10 of the toothbrush of Figure 1A to Fig. 1 C illustrates in greater detail in Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F.But, head as shown in Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F can be additionally used in other embodiments of the present invention.Be also pointed out that head can use together with such as shank shown in Figure 1A to Fig. 1 C as shown in Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E.

As shown in Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F, head 10 includes the first face 14, and plurality of cleaning element is from first extension.Multiple cleaning elements include more than first cleaning element 34 that proximally section 16 extends and more than second cleaning element 36 that distally section 18 extends.More than first cleaning element 34 and more than second cleaning element 36 include tapered bristles, and described tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes 38 have the size of 1.40mm × 1.40mm.More than first cleaning element 34 has the height of the height equal to more than second cleaning element 36.

Head 10 includes square brush tuft hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes are oriented to the grid arrangement of columns and rows in proximal section 16 and distal section 18.The center in the brushing cluster hole 38 in adjacent column is spaced apart 2.50mm in distal section 18, and is spaced apart 2.20mm in proximal section 16.The center in the brushing cluster hole 38 in adjacent lines is all spaced apart 2.55mm in proximal section 16 and distal section 18.Distal section 18 includes the farthest skidding 40 in brushing cluster hole 38, and wherein the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is spaced apart from each other 2.20mm.Distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 and connection are adjacent in the row of farthest skidding 40 is 2.43mm.Proximal section 16 includes the nearest skidding 42 in brushing cluster hole, and wherein recently the center in the brushing cluster hole in skidding 42 is spaced apart from each other 2.20mm.Distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 and connection are adjacent in the row of nearest skidding 42 is 2.66mm.In farthest skidding 40 and nearest skidding 42, brushing cluster hole 38 is relative to line skew.The line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of the row that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is arranged in the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 with connection is spaced apart with the distance of 1.10mm.The center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 is spaced apart with the distance of 1.10mm with the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of each row of connection proximal section 16.

Head 10 still further comprises the second face 32, and this second face 32 includes tissue cleaner part 44.Tissue cleaner part 44 includes multiple tuberosity (nub) 46, for cleaning the soft tissue in oral cavity.

In this embodiment, distal section 18 and proximal section 16 are formed by polypropylene.As shown in Fig. 2 D to Fig. 2 F, flexible bridge portion 20 includes the bridge section 30 utilizing polypropylene to be formed, and proximal section 16 and distal section 18 are tied by this bridge section 30, and between the first face 14 and the second face 32.Bridge section 30 is about 1: 6 at the ratio of the degree of depth of the degree of depth and the proximal section 16 of its narrowest point.The degree of depth of proximal section 16 is equal to the degree of depth of distal section 18, and is 5.3mm.4 times of the distance that distance between bridge section 30 and the first face 14 is about between bridge section 30 and the second face 32.Flexible bridge portion 20 still further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding bridge section 30, and tissue cleaner part 44 is integral with flexible bridge portion 20.

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E illustrates toothbrush head according to another embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, head 10 includes the proximal section 16 being adjacent to shank 12 and the distal section 18 being away from shank 12.Proximal section 16 and distal section 18 are to be tied by flexible bridge portion 20.In an illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16.Proximal section 16 and distal section 18 each have the upwardly extending straight linear edge in the side of the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to head 10, and wherein the straight linear edge 48 of distal section 18 is in the face of the straight linear edge 50 of proximal section 16.The straight linear edge 48 of distal section 18 is couple to the straight linear edge 50 of proximal section 16 by flexible bridge portion 20 so that distal section 18 can relative to proximal section 16 flexible mobile (as shown in Figure 3 D).The ratio of the length of the length of distal section 18 and proximal section 16 is about 1: 1.3, and distal section 18 has the length of 11.6mm, and proximal section 16 has the length of 15.4mm.The overall length of head 10 is 30.1mm.Distal section 18 has the width of 9.3mm, and proximal section 16 has the width of 10.7mm.

Flexible bridge portion 20 still further comprises the flexible cleaning elements 26 extended from the first face 14, and this flexible cleaning elements 26 extends along the flexible bridge portion 20 on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to head 10.

Flexible cleaning elements 26 is the elastic wall extended along flexible bridge portion with straight, linear configuration, and has the distal side edge being away from first.This elastic wall include distally edge towards the first face 14 elasticity of extension wall height about 6/8 the notch 28 of distance.

Proximal section 16 and distal section 18 are formed by polypropylene, and flexible bridge portion includes the bridge section 30 that utilizes polypropylene to be formed.Proximal section 16 is attached to distal section 18 by bridge section, and between the first face 14 and the second face 32.Second face 32 includes tissue cleaner part 44.Flexible bridge portion 20 still further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding bridge section 30, and tissue cleaner part 44 is integral with flexible bridge portion 20.Tissue cleaner part 44 includes multiple tuberosity 46.

Proximal section 16 includes more than first cleaning element 34 extended from the first face 14, and distal section 18 includes more than second cleaning element 36 from the first face 14 extension.More than first cleaning element 34 and more than second cleaning element 36 include tapered bristles, and described tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes have the size of 1.40mm × 1.40mm.More than first cleaning element 34 has the height of the height equal to more than second cleaning element 36.Head 10 includes square brush tuft hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes are oriented to the grid arrangement (arranging described as described above for the brushing cluster hole 38 in Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F) of columns and rows in proximal section 16 and distal section 18.Distal section 18 includes the farthest skidding 40 in brushing cluster hole 38, and proximal section 16 includes the nearest skidding 42 in brushing cluster hole, wherein in farthest skidding 40 and nearest skidding 42, brushing cluster hole 38 relative to line skew (arranging described) as described above for the brushing cluster hole 38 in Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 F.

Flexible cleaning elements 26 has the height less than more than first cleaning element 34 and the height of more than second cleaning element 36.

On the one hand, the invention provides a kind of oral care implement including head 10 and shank 12, head 10 includes the first face 14 and multiple cleaning element, and these cleaning elements extend from the first face 14.Head 10 includes being adjacent to the proximal section 16 of shank 12, the distal section 18 being away from shank 12 and flexible bridge portion 20, and distal section 18 is couple to proximal section 16 by flexible bridge portion so that distal section 18 can be flexible relative to proximal section 16 mobile.Flexible bridge portion 20 still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements 26, and at least one flexible cleaning elements extends from the first face 14.At least one flexible cleaning elements 26 extends along the flexible bridge portion 20 on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to head 10.Flexible cleaning elements 26 plays polishing dental surface and the effect of cleaning tooth.

In using oral care implement process, flexible bridge portion 20 allows distal section 18 forwardly and rearwardly to move relative to proximal section 16, thus allowing oral care implement to go deep into oral cavity, in order to cleaning back teeth.This flexibility also reduces or prevents the transitional pressure when brushing teeth to be applied to back teeth.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is inclined to from 8 ° to 15 °, from 9 ° to 14 °, from 10 ° to 13 ° relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16 or the angle [alpha] of about 13 °.In these embodiments, when oral care implement is in stressless state, namely, when not making distal section 18 mobile relative to proximal section 16 to this utensil force (when being such as not used by when this utensil), the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is inclined to the angle higher than angle [alpha] relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16.When in use exerting a force, distal section 18 can move relative to proximal section 16, but once any exerted forces be removed, returns into its initial position, and now axis X-X is relative to the obliquely-angled α of axis Y-Y.The longitudinal axis X-X of distal section allows head matching tooth curve relative to the obliquely-angled α of the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16, and flexible bridge portion allows head to adapt to dental surface profile.

In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16.In these embodiments, when oral care implement is in stressless state, namely, when not making distal section 18 mobile relative to proximal section 16 to this utensil force (when being such as not used by when this utensil), the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16.When in use exerting a force, distal section 18 can move relative to proximal section 16, but once any exerted forces be removed, returns into its initial position, and now axis X-X is substantially aligned at axis Y-Y.

In certain embodiments, proximal section 16 and distal section 18 each have the upwardly extending straight linear edge in the side of the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to head 10, and wherein the straight linear edge 48 of distal section 18 is in the face of the straight linear edge 50 of proximal section 16.In these embodiments, the straight linear edge 48 of distal section 18 is couple to the straight linear edge 50 of proximal section 16 by flexible bridge portion 20 so that distal section 18 can be flexible relative to proximal section 16 mobile.

In certain embodiments, shank 12 includes main part 22 and connects the head 10 neck portion 24 to main part 22.In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis Z-Z of neck portion 24 is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 of head 10.In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis A-A of main part 22 is inclined to from 5 ° to 15 °, from 6 ° to 14 °, from 7 ° to 13 °, from 8 ° to 12 °, from 9 ° to 11 ° relative to the longitudinal axis Z-Z of neck portion 24 or the angle beta of about 10 °.Forming this angle beta between respective longitudinal axis A-A and the Z-Z of main part 22 and neck portion 24 and produce ergonomics shank, this ergonomics shank allows user more easily to touch back teeth.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 is inclined to from 8 ° to 15 °, from 9 ° to 14 °, from 10 ° to 13 ° relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16 or the angle [alpha] of about 13 °, and the longitudinal axis A-A of main part 22 is inclined to from 5 ° to 15 °, from 6 ° to 14 °, from 7 ° to 13 °, from 8 ° to 12 °, from 9 ° to 11 ° relative to the longitudinal axis Z-Z of neck portion or the angle beta of about 10 °.Between the longitudinal axis Z-Z and the longitudinal axis A-A of main part 22 of neck portion 24 angulation β and between the longitudinal axis X-X and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of proximal section 16 of distal section 18 angulation α improve oral care implement contact range, in order to the region of back teeth and oral cavity rear side can be cleaned.

In certain embodiments, main part 22 includes thumb grip part 52, and this thumb grip part is proximally located at the position of main part 22 and the join domain of neck portion 24.In one embodiment, main part 22 includes thumb grip part 52 on one side thereof and the finger grip region 54 at its opposite side, and wherein the first face 14 of thumb grip part 52 and head 10 is positioned at the same side of oral care implement.Thumb grip part 52 can embossed/formed texture, in order to provide can make user be easier to grasp oral care implement gripping areas.Embossed in thumb grip part 52 or formed in texture situation, then user's thumb also can be provided massage effect by this.In certain embodiments, thumb grip part 52 comprises elastomeric material, in order to provide comfortable grip region.In this type of embodiment, elastomeric material provide be softer than form main part and/or neck portion material (such as rigid plastics or resin material, for instance, polypropylene) grasping surface.

In certain embodiments, distal section 18 has the length of the length less than proximal section 16.In certain embodiments, distal section 18 has from 9mm to 13mm, from 10mm to 12.5mm, from 11mm to 12mm or the length of about 11.5mm.In certain embodiments, proximal section 16 has from 14.5mm to 17mm, from 15mm to 16mm or the length of about 15.4mm.In certain embodiments, distal section 18 has the length from 11mm to 12mm, and proximal section 16 has the length from 15mm to 16mm.Therefore, distal section 18 can cover single dental surface, so that oral care implement more easily touches the back teeth in oral cavity, proximal section 16 guarantees the acceptable overall length of this head simultaneously.

In various embodiments, the length of distal section 18 and the ratio of the length of proximal section 16 are from 1: 3 to 1: 1.2, from 1: 2.5 to 1: 1.25, from 1: 2 to 1: 1.3 or about 1: 1.3.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 comprises elastomeric material.Suitable elastic materials includes but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

In various embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 is integral with the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion 20.

In various embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 is elastic wall.In certain embodiments, elastic wall extends along flexible bridge portion 20 with straight, linear configuration.

In certain embodiments, elastic wall has the distal side edge being away from the first face 14, and elastic wall includes at least one notch 28 that the first face 14 from the distal side edge of elastic wall towards head 10 extends.Notch 28 guarantees that flexible cleaning wall is for having suitable softness, to provide acceptable oral sensation to client.In certain embodiments, elastic wall has the height that the distal side edge from the first face 14 to elastic wall is measured, and at least one notch 28 distally edge extends the distance of 5/8 to 7/8 of the height from elastic wall towards the first face 14.Notch 28 extends more remote from the distal side edge of elastic wall towards first, and the softness of elastic wall is more big.

In certain embodiments, proximal section 16 and distal section 18 are to be formed by rigid plastics or resin material.In various embodiments, rigid plastics or resin material include polypropylene.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 includes utilizing the bridge section 30 that rigid plastics or resin material are formed.Proximal section 16 is attached to distal section 18 by bridge section 30.There is bridge section 30 can make manufacture more easy, for instance, if head is injection molded, then bridge section allows to make proximal section 16 and distal end portion 18 be integrally formed, be coupled together by bridge section 30.Bridge section 30 is at the degree of depth D of its narrowest point₁Degree of depth D with proximal section 16₂Ratio be from 1: 3 to 1: 7, from 1: 3.5 to 1: 6 or from 1: 4 to 1: 5 so that distal section 18 can be flexible mobile relative to proximal section 16, although distal section is to be connected to proximal section by bridge section 30.In certain embodiments, the degree of depth D of proximal section₂For from 4mm to 6.5mm, from 4.5mm to 6mm or from 5mm to 5.5mm.The degree of depth of distal section 18 can be identical with the degree of depth of proximal section 16.In certain embodiments, bridge section 30 extends across the whole width of head 10.

The length in flexible bridge portion (on the direction of longitudinal axis Y-Y being parallel to proximal section 16) can be from 1.7mm to 3.2mm, from 2mm to 3mm or from 2.3mm to 2.7mm.In certain embodiments, the length in flexible bridge portion 20 and the ratio of the length of distal section 18 are from 1: 3 to 1: 5, from 1: 3.5 to 1: 4.5, from 1: 3.8 to 1: 4.2 or about 1: 4.This allows for oral care implement and has enough bristle density along head length, in order to effectively clean tooth, provides the distal section 18 acceptable flexibility relative to proximal section 16 simultaneously.

In certain embodiments, head 10 still further comprises the second face 32 of that side relative with the first face 14 being positioned at head 10, and bridge section 30 is between the first face 14 and the second face 32.In certain embodiments, the distance between bridge section 30 and the first face 14 is more than the distance between bridge section 30 and the second face 32, thus providing distal section 18 flexible relative to the expectation that proximal section 16 moves.In certain embodiments, the distance between bridge section 30 and the first face 14 than big 2 to 4 times of distance between bridge section 30 and the second face 32, big 2.5 to 3.5 times or big 3 times.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section 30.This elastic-like material example includes but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

In certain embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 is integral with the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion 20.

In certain embodiments, multiple cleaning elements include more than first cleaning element 34 that proximally section 16 extends and more than second cleaning element 36 that distally section 18 extends.

In certain embodiments, more than first cleaning element 34 includes tapered bristles.In certain embodiments, more than second cleaning element 36 includes tapered bristles.In various embodiments, more than first cleaning element 34 and more than second cleaning element 36 both of which include tapered bristles.In certain embodiments, the part in more than first cleaning element 34 is tapering.In certain embodiments, the part in more than second cleaning element 36 is tapering.In certain embodiments, the part in more than first cleaning element 34 and more than second cleaning element 36 is tapering.

In certain embodiments, more than first cleaning element 34 and/or more than second cleaning element 36 are tapering.

In certain embodiments, tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole 38.Square brush tuft hole 38 provides tapered bristles allow bristle to go deep into region between tooth, in order to provide effectively cleaning, be simultaneously providing for realizing the bristle pliability of best colloid nursing.There is provided square brushing cluster hole to strengthen cleaning to dental surface because the bristle of specific brushing cluster the contact area of dental surface for square brush tuft hole bigger than similarly sized circular brush tuft hole.In certain embodiments, the brushing cluster hole on the first face 14 has 0.8mm × 0.8mm to 2.0mm × 2.0mm, 1.0mm × 1.0mm to 1.8mm × 1.8mm, 1.2mm × 1.2mm to 1.5mm × 1.5mm or the size of about 1.4mm × 1.4mm.In various embodiments, head includes brushing cluster hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes are positioned (being parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of proximal section 16 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of distal section 18) in column and the grid arrangement of row (being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of proximal section 16 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of distal section 18).In certain embodiments, the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in continuous row is from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.4mm to 2.6mm or about 2.5mm.In certain embodiments, distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in the continuation column in distal section is from 2.0 to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.4mm to 2.6mm or about 2.5mm, and the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in the continuation column in proximal section is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm.In certain embodiments, head includes the nearest skidding 42 of the farthest skidding 40 in brushing cluster hole 38 and brushing cluster hole 38, and in such row, the row that brushing cluster hole is not formed with the brushing cluster hole of other row are directed at.In certain embodiments, the brushing cluster hole of farthest skidding 40 and nearest skidding 42 is relative to line skew.In certain embodiments, the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of the row that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is arranged in the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 with connection with from 0.5mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8mm to 1.3mm, from 1.2mm to 1.3mm or the distance of about 1.10mm spaced apart.In certain embodiments, the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 and the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of the row (the brushing cluster hole of nearest skidding from this line skew) of connection proximal section 16 with from 0.5mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8mm to 1.3mm, from 1.2mm to 1.3mm or the distance of about 1.10mm spaced apart.In certain embodiments, the distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 and connection are adjacent in the row of farthest skidding 40 is for from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.3mm to 2.5mm or about 2.4mm.In certain embodiments, the distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 and connection are adjacent in the row of nearest skidding 42 is for from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.9mm, from 2.4mm to 2.8mm or about 2.6mm.In certain embodiments, distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm, and the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm.

In certain embodiments, the height of more than first cleaning element 34 is equal to the height of more than second cleaning element 36.

In various embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 has the height equal to more than first cleaning element 34 and the height of more than second cleaning element 36.

In other embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 has the height less than more than first cleaning element 34 and the height of more than second cleaning element 36.

In certain embodiments, head 10 still further comprises the second face 32 of that side relative with the first face 14 being positioned at head 10, and the second face 32 includes tissue cleaner part 44.In certain embodiments, tissue cleaner part includes multiple tuberosity 46, for cleaning the soft tissue in oral cavity, for instance in cheek and lip and tongue.Oral care implement is allowed thoroughly to clean oral cavity including tissue cleaner part 44, including cleaning and the cleaning of teeth of soft tissue.

In certain embodiments, tissue cleaner part 42 comprises elastomeric material.Can be used for the Suitable elastic materials example of tissue cleaner part 42 and include but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TPE).

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 comprises elastomeric material, and tissue cleaner part 42 is integral with flexible bridge portion 20.

In certain embodiments, head 10 has from 20mm to 40mm, from 25mm to 35mm, from 27mm to 33mm or the length of about 30mm or about 29mm.In certain embodiments, head 10 has from 5mm to 15mm, from 7mm to 13mm, from 9mm to 12mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 11mm.In certain embodiments, distal section 18 has from 5mm to 13mm, from 7mm to 12mm, from 8mm to 11mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 9mm.In certain embodiments, proximal section 16 has from 5mm to 15mm, from 7mm to 13mm, from 9mm to 12mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 11mm.In certain embodiments, the Breadth Maximum of distal section 18 is less than the Breadth Maximum of proximal section 16.The compact head distal section 18 of compact size (and specifically) additionally aids and touches the region being difficult in oral cavity touch, such as back teeth, for have than designed by many oral care implements for the little mouth-dimension of mouth-dimension user for especially true.

In certain embodiments, neck portion 24 has from 3mm to 7mm, from 4mm to 6mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 5mm.

In certain embodiments, main part 22 has from 9mm to 15mm, from 10mm to 14mm, from 11mm to 13mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 15mm.

On the other hand, the invention provides a kind of oral care implement including head 10 and shank 12, head 10 includes the first face 14 and multiple cleaning element, and these cleaning elements extend from the first face 14.Head 10 includes the proximal section 16 being adjacent to shank 12 and the distal section 18 being away from shank 12.Head 10 still further comprises flexible bridge portion 20, and distal section 18 is couple to proximal section 16 by flexible bridge portion so that distal section 18 can be flexible relative to proximal section 18 mobile.Multiple cleaning elements include more than first cleaning element 34 that proximally section 16 extends and more than second cleaning element 36 that distally section 18 extends, and at least one of more than first cleaning element and more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

In certain embodiments, more than first cleaning element 34 includes tapered bristles.In certain embodiments, more than second cleaning element 36 includes tapered bristles.In various embodiments, more than first cleaning element 34 and more than second cleaning element 36 both of which include tapered bristles.

In certain embodiments, tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole 38.There is provided square brushing cluster hole to strengthen cleaning to dental surface because the bristle of specific brushing cluster the contact area of dental surface for square brush tuft hole bigger than similarly sized circular brush tuft hole.In certain embodiments, the brushing cluster hole on the first face 14 has 0.8mm × 0.8mm to 2.0mm × 2.0mm, 1.0mm × 1.0mm to 1.8mm × 1.8mm, 1.2mm × 1.2mm to 1.5mm × 1.5mm or the size of about 1.4mm × 1.4mm.In various embodiments, head includes brushing cluster hole 38, and these brushing cluster holes are positioned (being parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of proximal section 16 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of distal section 18) in column and the grid arrangement of row (being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of proximal section 16 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of distal section 18).In certain embodiments, the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in continuous row is from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.4mm to 2.6mm or about 2.5mm.In certain embodiments, distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in the continuation column in distal section is from 2.0 to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.4mm to 2.6mm or about 2.5mm, and the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in the continuation column in proximal section is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm.In certain embodiments, head includes the nearest skidding 42 of the farthest skidding 40 in brushing cluster hole 38 and brushing cluster hole 38, and in such row, the row that brushing cluster hole is not formed with the brushing cluster hole of other row are directed at.In certain embodiments, the brushing cluster hole of farthest skidding 40 and nearest skidding 42 is relative to line skew.In certain embodiments, the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of the row that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is arranged in the longitudinal axis X-X of distal section 18 with connection with from 0.5mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8mm to 1.3mm, from 1.2mm to 1.3mm or the distance of about 1.10mm spaced apart.In certain embodiments, the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 and the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole of the row (the brushing cluster hole of nearest skidding from this line skew) of connection proximal section 16 with from 0.5mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8mm to 1.3mm, from 1.2mm to 1.3mm or the distance of about 1.10mm spaced apart.In certain embodiments, the distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 and connection are adjacent in the row of farthest skidding 40 is for from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.8mm, from 2.3mm to 2.5mm or about 2.4mm.In certain embodiments, the distance between the line at the center in the brushing cluster hole that the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 and connection are adjacent in the row of nearest skidding 42 is for from 2.0mm to 3.0mm, from 2.2mm to 2.9mm, from 2.4mm to 2.8mm or about 2.6mm.In certain embodiments, distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in farthest skidding 40 is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm, and the distance between the center in the brushing cluster hole in nearest skidding 42 is from 1.6mm to 2.6mm, from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, from 2.0mm to 2.3mm or about 2.2mm.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements 26, at least one flexible cleaning elements extends from the first face 14, and at least one of which flexible cleaning elements 26 extends along the flexible bridge portion 20 on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to head 10.Flexible cleaning elements 26 plays cleaning tooth and the effect of polishing dental surface.

In certain embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 is elastic wall.In certain embodiments, elastic wall extends along flexible bridge portion 20 with straight, linear configuration.

In various embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 comprises elastomeric material.Suitable elastic materials includes but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

In certain embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements is integral with the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion 20.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 includes the bridge section 30 utilizing rigid plastics or resin material to be formed, and proximal section 16 is attached to distal section 18 by bridge section 30.There is bridge section 30 can make manufacture more easy, for instance, if head is injection molded, then bridge section allows to make proximal section 16 and distal end portion 18 be integrally formed, be coupled together by bridge section 30.Bridge section 30 is at the degree of depth D of its narrowest point₁Degree of depth D with proximal section 16₂Ratio be from 1: 3 to 1: 7, from 1: 3.5 to 1: 6 or from 1: 4 to 1: 5 so that distal section 18 can be flexible mobile relative to proximal section 16, although distal section is to be connected to proximal section by bridge section 30.In certain embodiments, the degree of depth D of proximal section₂For from 4mm to 6.5mm, from 4.5mm to 6mm or from 5mm to 5.5mm.The degree of depth of distal section 18 can be identical with the degree of depth of proximal section 16.In certain embodiments, bridge section 30 extends across the whole width of head 10.

In certain embodiments, head 10 still further comprises the second face 32 of that side relative with the first face 14 being positioned at head 10, and wherein bridge section 30 between the first face 14 and the second face 32.In certain embodiments, the distance between bridge section 30 and the first face 14 is more than the distance between bridge section 30 and the second face 32.In certain embodiments, the distance between bridge section 30 and the first face 14 than big 2 to 4 times of distance between bridge section 30 and the second face 32, big 2.5 to 3.5 times or big 3 times.

In certain embodiments, flexible bridge portion 20 further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section 30.This elastic-like material example includes but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).In certain embodiments, at least one flexible cleaning elements 26 is integral with the elastomeric material in flexible bridge portion 20.

In certain embodiments, tissue cleaner part 42 comprises elastomeric material.Can be used for the Suitable elastic materials example of tissue cleaner part 42 and include but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

In certain embodiments, head 10 has from 20mm to 40mm, from 25mm to 35mm, from 27mm to 33mm or the length of about 30mm or about 29mm.

In certain embodiments, head 10 has from 5mm to 15mm, from 7mm to 13mm, from 9mm to 12mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 11mm.In certain embodiments, distal section 18 has from 5mm to 13mm, from 7mm to 12mm, from 8mm to 11mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 9mm.In certain embodiments, proximal section 16 has from 5mm to 15mm, from 7mm to 13mm, from 9mm to 12mm or the Breadth Maximum of about 11mm.In certain embodiments, the Breadth Maximum of distal section 18 is less than the Breadth Maximum of proximal section 16.The compact head distal section 18 of compact size (and specifically) additionally aids and touches the region being difficult in oral cavity touch, such as back teeth, for have than designed by many oral care implements for the little mouth-dimension of mouth-dimension user for especially true.

In certain embodiments, shank 12 includes main part 22 and connects the head 10 neck portion 24 to main part 22.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis Z-Z of neck portion 24 is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 of head 10.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis A-A of main part 22 is inclined to from 5 ° to 15 °, from 6 ° to 14 °, from 7 ° to 13 °, from 8 ° to 12 °, from 9 ° to 11 ° relative to the longitudinal axis Z-Z of neck portion or the angle beta of about 10 °.Forming this angle beta between the longitudinal axis of main part 22 and neck portion 24 and provide ergonomics shank, this ergonomics shank allows user more easily to touch back teeth.

Inventive aspect discussed herein above can be practiced in manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush.In operation, preceding feature (individually and/or carry out any combination) can improve the control to oral appliance and performance, attractive in appearance and cost.Other toothbrush configurations are possible.Such as, head can be replaced on shank or exchange.Head can include various oral surface engaging elements, such as chooses label, brush, flossing tool, speckle scraper, tongue cleaning device and soft tissue massages device between tooth proximal surface.Although the various features of this toothbrush act as together for realizing aforementioned advantages, it should be recognized that the sub-portfolio of independent feature and these features also can be used to some advantages obtaining in aforementioned advantages, and in oral care implement, not necessarily adopt all these features.

It is described although the present invention has been for instantiation (including implementing currently preferred pattern), but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that said system and technology exist many changes and variation.Should be appreciated that and can utilize other embodiments, and the amendment of 26S Proteasome Structure and Function can be made when without departing substantially from the scope of the present invention.Therefore, should set forth such as following claims the spirit and scope of the present invention are carried out broad understanding.

Claims

1. including an oral care implement for head and shank, described head includes first and multiple cleaning elements, and the plurality of cleaning element is from described first extension；

2. oral care implement as claimed in claim 1, the longitudinal axis of wherein said distal section is inclined to the angle from 8 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

3. oral care implement as claimed in claim 1, the longitudinal axis of wherein said distal section is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

4. oral care implement as claimed any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein said proximal section and described distal section each have the upwardly extending straight linear edge in the side of the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head, the described straight linear edge of wherein said distal section is in the face of the described straight linear edge of described proximal section, and the described straight linear edge of described distal section is couple to the described straight linear edge of described proximal section by wherein said flexible bridge portion so that described distal section can move relative to described proximal section flexibility.

5. oral care implement as claimed any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein said flexible bridge portion comprises elastomeric material.

6. oral care implement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

7. the described elastomeric material in the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 5 to 6, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said and described flexible bridge portion is one.

8. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein said proximal section and described distal section are to be formed by rigid plastics or resin material.

9. oral care implement as claimed in claim 8, wherein said rigid plastics or resin material include polypropylene.

10. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 8 to 9, wherein said flexible bridge portion includes the bridge section utilizing described rigid plastics or resin material to be formed, described proximal section is attached to described distal section by described bridge section, wherein said bridge section at the ratio of the degree of depth of the degree of depth and the described proximal section of its narrowest point from 1: 3 to 1: 7.

11. oral care implement as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bridge section extends across the whole width of described head.

12. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 10 to 11, wherein said head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and wherein said bridge section is positioned between described first and described second.

13. oral care implement as claimed in claim 12, wherein the distance between described bridge section and described first is more than the distance between described bridge section and described second.

14. oral care implement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the described distance between described bridge section and described first is than big 2 to 4 times of the described distance between described bridge section and described second.

15. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 12 to 14, wherein said flexible bridge portion further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section described.

16. oral care implement as claimed in claim 15, wherein said elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

17. the described elastomeric material in the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 15 to 16, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said and described flexible bridge portion is one.

18. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 1 to 17, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said is elastic wall.

19. oral care implement as claimed in claim 18, wherein said elastic wall extends along described flexible bridge portion with straight, linear configuration.

20. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 18 to 19, wherein said elastic wall has the distal side edge being away from described first, and described elastic wall includes described first at least one notch extended from the described distal side edge of described elastic wall towards described head.

21. oral care implement as claimed in claim 20, wherein said elastic wall has the height measured from described first described distal side edge to described elastic wall, at least one the notch described distance from described distal side edge towards the 5/8 to 7/8 of described first the described height extended from described elastic wall.

22. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 1 to 21, wherein said multiple cleaning elements include more than first cleaning element extended from described proximal section and more than second cleaning element extended from described distal section.

23. oral care implement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said more than first cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

24. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 22 to 23, wherein said more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

25. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 22 to 24, wherein said tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole.

26. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 22 to 25, the height of wherein said more than first cleaning element is equal to the height of described more than second cleaning element.

27. oral care implement as claimed in claim 26, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said has the height equal to described more than first cleaning element and the described height of described more than second cleaning element.

28. oral care implement as claimed in claim 26, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said has the height less than described more than first cleaning element and the described height of described more than second cleaning element.

29. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 1 to 28, wherein said head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and described second face includes tissue cleaner part.

30. oral care implement as claimed in claim 29, wherein said tissue cleaner part comprises elastomeric material.

31. oral care implement as claimed in claim 30, wherein said flexible bridge portion comprises described elastomeric material, and wherein said tissue cleaner part is integral with described flexible bridge portion.

32. such as the oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said head has the length from 20mm to 40mm.

33. such as the oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said head has the Breadth Maximum from 5mm to 15mm.

34. such as the oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein said distal section has the length of the length less than described proximal section.

35. oral care implement as claimed in claim 34, the ratio of the described length of wherein said distal section and the described length of described proximal section is from 1: 3 to 1: 1.2.

36. such as the oral care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein said shank includes main part and connects the described head neck portion to described main part.

37. oral care implement as claimed in claim 36, the longitudinal axis of wherein said neck portion is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of the described proximal section of described head.

38. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 36 to 37, the longitudinal axis of wherein said main part is inclined to the angle from 5 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described neck portion.

39. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 36 to 38, wherein said neck portion has the Breadth Maximum from 3mm to 7mm.

40. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 36 to 39, wherein said main part has the Breadth Maximum from 9mm to 15mm.

41. include an oral care implement for head and shank, described head includes first and multiple cleaning elements, and the plurality of cleaning element is from described first extension；

Wherein said head still further comprises flexible bridge portion, and described distal section is couple to described proximal section by described flexible bridge portion so that described distal section can move relative to described proximal section flexibility；

Wherein said multiple cleaning element includes more than first cleaning element extended from described proximal section and more than second cleaning element extended from described distal section, and at least one of described more than first cleaning element and described more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

42. oral care implement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said more than first cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

43. such as the oral care implement according to any one of claim 41 and 42, wherein said more than second cleaning element includes tapered bristles.

44. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 43, wherein said tapered bristles bunch enters square brush tuft hole.

45. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 44, the height of wherein said more than first cleaning element is equal to the height of described more than second cleaning element.

46. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 45, the longitudinal axis of wherein said distal section is inclined to the angle from 8 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

47. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 45, the longitudinal axis of wherein said distal section is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of described proximal section.

48. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 47, wherein said flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head.

49. oral care implement as claimed in claim 48, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said is elastic wall.

50. oral care implement as claimed in claim 49, wherein said elastic wall extends along described flexible bridge portion with straight, linear configuration.

51. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 49 to 50, wherein said elastic wall has the distal side edge being away from described first, and described elastic wall includes described first at least one notch extended from the described distal side edge of described elastic wall towards described head.

52. oral care implement as claimed in claim 51, wherein said elastic wall has the height measured from described first described distal side edge to described elastic wall, at least one the notch described distance from described distal side edge towards the 5/8 to 7/8 of described first the described height extended from described elastic wall.

53. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 48 to 52, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said has the height equal to described more than first cleaning element and the height of described more than second cleaning element.

54. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 48 to 52, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said has the height less than described more than first cleaning element and the height of described more than second cleaning element.

55. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 54, wherein said flexible bridge portion comprises elastomeric material.

56. oral care implement as claimed in claim 55, wherein said elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

57. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 55 to 56, wherein said flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said is integral with the described elastomeric material in described flexible bridge portion.

58. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 57, wherein said proximal section and described distal section are to be formed by rigid plastics or resin material.

59. oral care implement as claimed in claim 58, wherein said rigid plastics or resin material include polypropylene.

60. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 58 to 59, wherein said flexible bridge portion includes the bridge section utilizing described rigid plastics or resin material to be formed, described proximal section is attached to described distal section by described bridge section, wherein said bridge section at the ratio of the degree of depth of the degree of depth and the described proximal section of its narrowest point from 1: 3 to 1: 7.

61. oral care implement as claimed in claim 60, wherein said bridge section extends across the whole width of described head.

62. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 60 to 61, wherein said head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and wherein said bridge section is positioned between described first and described second.

63. oral care implement as claimed in claim 62, wherein the distance between described bridge section and described first is more than the distance between described bridge section and described second.

64. the oral care implement as described in claim 63, wherein the described distance between described bridge section and described first is than big 2 to 4 times of the described distance between described bridge section and described second.

65. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 60 to 64, wherein said flexible bridge portion further comprises the elastomeric material surrounding at least one bridge section described.

66. the oral care implement as described in claim 65, wherein said elastomeric material includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

67. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 65 to 66, wherein said flexible bridge portion still further comprises at least one flexible cleaning elements, at least one flexible cleaning elements described is from described first extension, at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said extends along the described flexible bridge portion on the direction of longitudinal axis being perpendicular to described head, and at least one flexible cleaning elements wherein said is integral with the described elastomeric material in described flexible bridge portion.

68. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 67, wherein said head still further comprises second with described first that relative side that is positioned at described head, and described second face includes tissue cleaner part.

69. oral care implement as recited in claim 68, wherein said tissue cleaner part comprises elastomeric material.

70. the oral care implement as described in claim 69, wherein said flexible bridge portion comprises described elastomeric material, and wherein said tissue cleaner part is integral with described flexible bridge portion.

71. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 70, wherein said head has the length from 20mm to 40mm.

72. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 71, wherein said head has the width from 5mm to 15mm.

73. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 72, wherein said distal section has the length of the length less than described proximal section.

74. the ratio of the oral care implement as described in claim 73, the described length of wherein said distal section and the described length of described proximal section is from 1: 3 to 1: 1.2.

75. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 41 to 74, wherein said shank includes main part and connects the described head neck portion to described main part.

76. the oral care implement as described in claim 75, the longitudinal axis of wherein said neck portion is substantially aligned at the longitudinal axis of the described proximal section of described head.

77. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 75 to 76, the longitudinal axis of wherein said main part is inclined to the angle from 5 ° to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of described neck portion.

78. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 75 to 77, wherein said neck portion has the Breadth Maximum from 3mm to 7mm.

79. the oral care implement as according to any one of claim 75 to 78, wherein said main part has the Breadth Maximum from 9mm to 15mm.