EP2482689A1 - Brosse à dents souple - Google Patents

Brosse à dents souple

Info

Publication number
EP2482689A1
EP2482689A1 EP10820936A EP10820936A EP2482689A1 EP 2482689 A1 EP2482689 A1 EP 2482689A1 EP 10820936 A EP10820936 A EP 10820936A EP 10820936 A EP10820936 A EP 10820936A EP 2482689 A1 EP2482689 A1 EP 2482689A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toothbrush
bristles
lateral walls
base member
space
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10820936A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Liangco
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2482689A1 publication Critical patent/EP2482689A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A46B9/045—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes specially adapted for cleaning a plurality of tooth surfaces simultaneously
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • 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
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/02—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a flexible toothbrush. More particularly, the invention is for a flexible toothbrush with differently oriented bristles for cleaning the sides and the
  • a common toothbrush will typically have a handle which is grasped and held by the user, as well as a head portion.
  • the head portion comprises a base which may be extension of the handle, and bristles mounted in the base and extending upwardly therefrom.
  • the bristles are most often oriented in one plane, although they may have different lengths and mounting configurations in the base in an effort to optimize the efficiency of the toothbrush.
  • the user moves the bristles over the teeth for the purpose of dislodging food particles or other debris in the tooth crevices and spaces between the teeth, and also for preventing the build up of plaque or at least the rate at which plaque builds up on the teeth.
  • the teeth themselves vary from one person to another very substantially. Some people may have straight teeth while others may have teeth which are moderately or severely misaligned relative to each other. Further, each tooth has different types of surface. For example, the thickness of the enamel covering the teeth may vary depending on the location on the tooth. In this regard, it should be noted that the thickness of the enamel layer on the occlusal area, or the chewing surface, will be greater than the thickness of the enamel later on the sides of the teeth. [006] The present invention utilizes all or many of these factors in the design and construction of the toothbrush of the invention, which thus addresses physical aspects of the teeth in order to make the brushing process more productive in cleaning and caring for the teeth. Summary of the Invention
  • a toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; a head portion having a base member and first and second lateral walls extending upwardly therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and second lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending into the space, at least one of the first and second lateral walls being pivotable relative to the base member to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space in response to forces.
  • At least one of the first and second lateral walls are connected to the base member such that the first and/or second lateral walls pivot into and out of the space in response to the forces.
  • a point of connection between the base member and the first and second lateral walls facilitate the pivoting.
  • the point of connection comprises a reduced size connection constituting a point of weakness to allow the pivoting of the first and/or second lateral walls relative to the base member.
  • Both the first and the second lateral walls may be pivotable relative to the base member.
  • first and second lateral walls are comprised of two or more wall portions, each of the wall portions being separately connected to the base member so that each of the wall portions is pivotable relative to the base member independently of other wall portions.
  • both the first and second lateral walls are comprised of two or more wall portions.
  • the first or second lateral walls may be comprised of three wall portions.
  • the base member has mounted thereon traditional nylon bristles selectively arranged thereon to clean an occlusal surface of a tooth being brushed.
  • each of the lateral walls may have a combination of traditional nylon bristles and rubber bristles interspersedly mounted thereon and selectively arranged thereon to clean and polish a smooth side surface of a tooth being brushed.
  • the traditional and rubber bristles are mounted so as to extend into the space at an angle which is approximately 45 degrees to the first and second lateral walls respectively.
  • the first and second lateral walls may have a set of top bristles and a set of lower bristles, the top bristles being slightly longer than the lower bristles, the top bristles being configured to clean the sulcus or below the gum area.
  • the traditional bristles mounted on the base member have a contoured upper surface designed to reach and clean fissures and crevices in the tooth.
  • the toothbrush further comprises at least one opening formed between the first and second lateral walls and the base member to facilitate flow of liquid and debris away from the toothbrush.
  • a tongue cleaner may also be formed on the head of the toothbrush.
  • a toothbrush comprising: a handle portion; a head portion having a base member and first and second lateral walls extending upwardly therefrom to define a space, the base member and first and second lateral walls having bristles arranged thereon extending into the space, the bristles of the base member comprising nylon traditional bristles, and the bristles of the first and second lateral walls comprising a combination of traditional nylon bristles and rubber bristles.
  • the traditional and rubber bristles on the first and second lateral walls are mounted so as to extend into the space at an angle which is approximately 45 degrees to the first and second lateral walls respectively.
  • the bristles on the first and second lateral walls may comprise a set of top bristles and a set of lower bristles, the top bristles being slightly longer than the lower bristles, the top bristles being configured to clean the sulcus or below the gum area.
  • At least one, or both, of the first and second lateral walls is pivotable relative to the base member to permit the side walls to move into and out of the space in response to forces.
  • a flexible toothbrush comprising a handle and a head, the head having a base member, a first lateral wall extending upwardly therefrom and a second lateral wall extending upwardly therefrom such that the first and second lateral walls are spaced from each other, the base member and first and second lateral walls defining a space and being generally U-shaped in cross section.
  • the head comprises a set of base bristles expending into the space, while the first and second lateral walls have first and second each have a set of first and second lateral bristles respectively, also extending into the space.
  • the set of base bristles and the sets of first and second lateral bristles together leave an open unbristled area in the space which in use accommodates a tooth or teeth which are being brushed by the toothbrush.
  • the first and second lateral walls are attached to the base member in a manner that allows them some degree of flexibility.
  • the flexible lateral walls are able to flex by being resilient and capable of moving into and out of the space.
  • the flexibility of the lateral walls is achieved by providing a point of connection between the lateral walls and the base member which is thinner or weakened and thus allows the lateral walls to shift slightly at the point of connection in response to the alignment or misalignment of the teeth.
  • the head of the toothbrush may have the traditional nylon or other material bristles as well as rubber bristles.
  • the combination of the traditional and the rubber bristles may have enhanced effects in cleaning both the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth. These may comprise the smooth surfaces. On these surfaces and areas, the enamel may be thinner to that on the occlusal surfaces which are used for chewing and are therefore thicker and able to withstand more abrasion and contact with other substances.
  • the traditional bristles will have a better effect in unclogging plaque and other debris, while the rubber bristle will polish the enamel as it moves over the tooth surface. This design will therefore lessen the opportunity for abrasion on the more sensitive and thinner parts of the tooth where there is less enamel if rubber is used partly or fully or in addition to the regular traditional bristles alone.
  • openings or holes constructed between the lateral walls and the base member of the head of the toothbrush.
  • the flow or removal of the debris from the tooth into the mouth is thus optimized so that it does not get captured by the toothbrush and provide a platform which can result in bacterial colonization.
  • the length and orientation of the bristles may vary as well. For those bristles on the base member of the head of the toothbrush, some may be longer and some shorter to provide a bristle surface designed to reach debris in crevices and creases and for unclogging plaque. As noted above, the bristles on the base member are entirely traditional type bristles in accordance with one aspect of the invention, although other types of bristles could be used. This is because occlusal enamel is much thicker than that on the smooth side surfaces of the teeth.
  • the traditional bristles may be shaped like a crown and pointed in the middle to properly penetrate and cleanse the fissural areas. Fissures and pits on the tooth are deep openings or crevices that are highly adapted to entrapping plaque and debris. Plaque which collects in these areas is very difficult to dislodge and remove, and the traditional bristles on the base member are most suitable since the base member will typically brush over the chewing or occlusal surfaces of the tooth. Such bristles will best debride the occlusal areas and help to reduce the chances for the developments of caries or dental decay.
  • the bristles on the lateral walls are preferably a combination of traditional bristles and rubber bristles selectively arranged on the lateral wall for maximum effect.
  • This combination will be responsible for the cleaning of the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth, which are the smooth surfaces with thinner enamel when compared to the occlusal surface.
  • the traditional bristles will unclog plaque and remove debris, as generally described above, while the rubber bristle will polish the enamel simultaneously. This combination will, therefore, decrease the chances of abrasion when compared to the use of all traditional bristles, and have the effect of both cleaning and polishing the teeth at the same time, whenever the teeth are brushed with a toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
  • the bristles both traditional type and rubber bristles, may be oriented at an angle, preferably extending at an upward angle into the space.
  • bristles at the top of the lateral wall may be a little longer than the remaining bristles, by about a millimeter or so in one embodiment of the invention. These longer bristles are configured to reach the gums of the user more effectively, and the benefits of massaging the gums, or penetrating and cleaning the sulcus, are well known and acknowledged as a prudent from of oral hygiene and care.
  • Each tooth may have a sulcus or pocket and free or unattached gingiva that wraps around the tooth at the point where the tooth emerges from the gum.
  • the pocket depth ranges from 1 to about 2 or more millimeters.
  • the bristles in the lateral walls of the toothbrush of the invention are about 1 or so millimeters longer than the others, so that they can better penetrate, clean and massage the sulcus without damaging the gingiva.
  • the toothbrush head of the invention has the base member and one lateral wall on each side thereof.
  • the toothbrush of the invention may also include a tongue scraper, which may be formed on the outer surface of the head, for scraping and cleaning the tongue, thus rendering the toothbrush into an instrument which has multiple purposes and comprises an all in one oral cleaning tool.
  • a tongue scraper which may be formed on the outer surface of the head, for scraping and cleaning the tongue, thus rendering the toothbrush into an instrument which has multiple purposes and comprises an all in one oral cleaning tool.
  • Figure 1 is a top schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an end view of a toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show details of the toothbrush shown in Figure 2 of the invention and relating to the flexible lateral arms;
  • Figure 5 is a view along Section A-A in Figure 2 of the drawings, showing the lateral wall and arrangement of the bristles;
  • Figure 6 shows a plan view of the bristle arrangement on the toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a back schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 9 shows a section through the toothbrush, in side view, showing the lateral walls
  • Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show alternative details of the lateral wall in Figure 9 of the drawings.
  • Figure 10 shows a front view of the toothbrush in Figure 8 of the drawings.
  • Figure 1 1 shows a partial top view of the toothbrush shown in Figure 8 of the drawings;
  • Figure 12 shows a back view of the head of the toothbrush shown in Figure 8 of the drawings;
  • Figure 13 shows a schematic plan view of a bristle arrangement of the toothbrush in Figure 8 of the drawings.
  • Figure 14 shows a schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance with one aspect of the invention, having two lateral walls, and their relationship to teeth;
  • Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of a toothbrush having lateral walls, each having there portions flexible relative to each other, and the relationship thereof with certain teeth misaligned;
  • Figure 16 is a front view a toothbrush in accordance with another embodiment of the invention showing an alternative bristle arrangement
  • Figure 17 shows the toothbrush illustrated in Figure 16 from the rear and surrounding a tooth
  • Figure 18 is a detail of Figure 16 showing the configuration of the base member bristles penetrating the fissures and crevices of a tooth;
  • Figure 19 is a detail of the toothbrush shown in Figure 16 showing the bristles penetrating the sulcus;
  • Figure 20 is a side view of the toothbrush shown in Figure 16 of the drawings;
  • Figure 20A is a detail of the wall portion shown in Figure 20 of the drawings.
  • Figure 21 is another design of a toothbrush on accordance with the invention.
  • Figures 22 to 28 show various embodiments of the toothbrush of the present invention, with varying amounts of heads and bases;
  • Figure 29 shows a detailed view of a toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with particularly configured bristles
  • Figure 30 shows a back view of a toothbrush of the invention and possible flexible movements
  • Figure 31 shows an end or front view of a toothbrush and possible flexible movements thereof
  • Figure 32 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the diversity of flexibility
  • Figure 33 shows the use of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention on maxillary teeth
  • Figure 34 shows a toothbrush of the invention also on maxillary permanent teeth, in a slightly different position
  • Figure 35 shows a view of a toothbrush when used on other maxillary permanent teeth.
  • Figure 36 is a view of posterior teeth and the use thereon by a toothbrush.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a schematic view of a toothbrush 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and having a handle 14 and a head 16.
  • the head 16 comprises a base member 18, a first lateral wall 20, and a second lateral wall 22.
  • the base member 18 and first and second lateral walls 20 and 22 define a generally U-shaped structure, best seen in Figure 2 of the drawings, as will be described further below.
  • the base member 28 and first and second lateral walls 20 and 22 define a space 24 in which the teeth of the user are accommodated during the brushing procedure.
  • the first and second lateral walls 20 and 22 have selectively arranged traditional bristles 26 and rubber bristles 28.
  • the traditional bristles 26 and rubber bristles 28 collectively operate to both clean and polish the teeth as the toothbrush moves over them.
  • Figure 2 of the drawings shows an end view of a toothbrush head 16 as generally seen in Figure 1 of the drawings. It will be seen that each of the lateral walls 20 and 22 is connected to the base member 18 at a connection point 30.
  • the connection point 30 is better seen in terms of its structure and layout in Figure 3 of the drawings. It will be seen that the point of connection 30 is in fact an area of reduced size or diameter attachment, which slightly weakens the rigidity of the connection between the lateral wall 20 and 22 and the base, thereby allowing the lateral wall 20 and 22 to move back and forth in response to some applied force or pressure. Further details relating thereto will be described below.
  • a flexible ring 32 surrounds the connection point 30.
  • the base member 18 has an upwardly extending set of bristles 36, which have a contoured upper surface 38, including a central peak and lateral peaks.
  • the contour of the upper surface 38 will generally engage with the chewing surface or occlusal area of the tooth, which largely has a thicker enamel, and will, by the stroke of a toothbrush, help to remove debris and plaque therefrom.
  • the bristles 26 and 28 on the lateral walls 20 and 22 extend upwardly at an approximately 45° angle.
  • the bristles 26 and 28 are selectively interspersed and placed in a pattern, to be described below, which may best address the dual objectives of the bristles on the side walls, namely, the cleaning and polishing of the tooth.
  • the top set of bristles 40 are slightly longer than those below it. As described, the purpose of these longer bristles is to enable their reach into the sulcus, or the space between the tooth and the gingiva or gum which surrounds the tooth, so as to brush and sweep out any debris which has accumulated therein.
  • the rings 32 around the connection point 30 are comprised of rubbers and help to achieve additional flexibility.
  • the configuration preferably helps to promote the application of only a passive pressure to the tooth, thereby avoiding excessive forces on the tooth which can lead to accelerated enamel abrasion.
  • the design of the toothbrush, and particularly the base and lateral walls 20 and 22 with the configured bristles 26 and 28 will seclude pressure and forces primarily on the occlusal area, which is the chewing surfaces. These surfaces are harder and thicker compared to the facial, buccal and lingual areas of the tooth, which are the smooth surfaces.
  • the arrangement of the bristles, the substrates on which they are mounted, the type of the bristle used and the angles thereof are all selected and configured to provide greater pressure and cleaning intensity on the chewing surface of the tooth, while providing less pressure on the smoother or side-surfaces of the tooth.
  • FIG. 5 of the drawings a schematic side view of the toothbrush 12 is shown, including the handle 14 and the head 16.
  • the first lateral wall 20 is shown, as is the connection point 30, two of them, which allows the lateral wall 20 to rock or pivot slightly thereon, so as to move back and forth into and out of the space 24 in response to the position of teeth and the tooth brushing action.
  • an opening 44 is provided to allow flow of fluid, which may contain debris and plaque, so that these will not become permanently embedded or attached to the toothbrush.
  • the opening 44 thus allows appropriate flow to preserve hygienic conditions to the extent possible.
  • the layout of the various bristles 26 and 28 are shown schematically in Figure 5 of the drawings.
  • FIG. 6 of the drawings is a detailed view of the set of bristles 36 shown on the base member 18.
  • Figure 6 shows one particular configuration or arrangement of this set of bristles 36.
  • This set of bristles on the base 18, or middle area are preferably entirely of the traditional bristle type, and not combined with the rubber bristles which will typically be mounted on the lateral walls.
  • FIG. 7 of the drawings there is shown a back view of the toothbrush in accordance with the invention, such as that seen in Figure 5.
  • the back of the toothbrush includes a tongue scraper 50, which may be comprised of rubber. This tongue scraper 50 is moved over the tongue to remove or scrape off matter embedded therein and to clean it.
  • Figure 7 also shows the holes 44 on the side of the toothbrush head 16, constructed into the toothbrush 12 to facilitate good hygiene. Without these openings, plaque and debris removed, as well as other debris in the mouth, may become encrusted or attached to the toothbrush, and may also serve as a platform that leads to bacterial colonization.
  • FIG. 8 of the drawing shows a toothbrush in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.
  • the toothbrush 60 has a handle 62 and a head 64.
  • the head 64 is comprised of the base member 66, a first lateral wall 68 and a second lateral wall 70.
  • each of the lateral walls 68 and 70 is comprised of three independently movable wall portions 72.
  • the base member 66 has the upwardly extending set of traditional bristles, while the first and second lateral walls 68 and 70 have the combination of the traditional bristles 76 and rubber bristles 78.
  • first and second lateral walls 68 and 70 each have three independently movable wall portions 72, each separately mounted to the base member 66, allows each wall portion 72 to move back and forth independently of the other wall portions 72, and in response to passive forces provided by the configuration and position of the teeth.
  • each wall portion 72 is secured to the base member through a connection point 80, which, in one embodiment is generally comprised of a reduced size connection to the extent that each wall portion 72 is able to possess somewhat resilient properties and is capable of moving into and out of the space 84, according to the position of the teeth as well as the brushing action of the user.
  • the connection point 80 for each of the wall portions 72 will also have a ring 86 of generally similar type and configuration to that described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.
  • Figure 8 thus shows a toothbrush which in effect has seven individual heads having superior flexibility properties.
  • This embodiment particularly shows a toothbrush designed not just for the perfectly aligned set of teeth, but one which may also be more suitable for people with mild to moderate teeth malalignment.
  • Figure 9 of the drawings shows a side view of one of the lateral arms 68, showing each of the wall portions 72 mounted to the base member 66. Each wall portion 72 is mounted through the connection point 80 having the ring 86, as described.
  • Figure 9A shows a detail of Figure 9, where it can be seen that each wall portion 72 is spaced just slightly from its adjacent wall portion 72, thus allowing each wall portion 72 to move forward and backward into and out of the space 84 in response to the forces described above.
  • the corners of adjacent wall portions are squared off.
  • Figure 9B shows an alternative to the configuration in Figure 9 A where the corners of adjacent wall portions 72 are rounded.
  • This structure may help to prevent the corners overlapping slightly when the wall portions 72 may be bent toward each other by the force of brushing or the alignment of the teeth.
  • Figure 9 also clearly illustrates the position of the two holes 90 and 92 through which fluids, debris and other material can flow out of and away from the toothbrush to facilitate and maintain hygienic conditions.
  • Figure 10 shows an end view of the toothbrush seen in Figure 8 of the drawings, while Figure 1 1 shows a top view of one of the lateral arms, illustrating the three wall portions 72 on each of the lateral arms.
  • Figure 12 shows a back view, including the holes 90 and 92, and showing a tongue scraper.
  • Figure 13 shows a bristle configuration on the base member in accordance with one aspect of the invention. It will be appreciated that many different bristle arrangements can be used within the scope and concept of the invention.
  • Figure 14 shows the schematic representation of a toothbrush where the lateral wall is a solid or continuous piece, as seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. These lateral walls are therefore also accorded numbers 20 and 22 for convenience. It will be seen that each of the lateral walls 20 and 22, based on its pivoted mounting on the base, is capable of moving back-and-forth in the direction shown by arrows 100. This type of configuration would be more suitable for a person with a generally well-aligned set of teeth, although too, it would be completely adequate as well for users whose teeth configuration may not be perfect.
  • FIG. 15 of the drawings there is shown a representation of a set of teeth 104 which is moderately misaligned.
  • each of the lateral walls having reference numerals 68 and 70 for continuity and convenience, has three wall portions 72, as also shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, and similar reference numerals have therefore been used in Figure 15 of the drawings to those in Figure 8.
  • each of the wall portions 72 and its attached bristles 76 and 78 is capable of moving back-and-forth into the space 84, occupied by the set of teeth 104, in both of the opposing directions indicated by the various arrows 106.
  • FIG 16 of the drawings there is shown another toothbrush 120 in accordance with the invention.
  • the toothbrush 120 a base member 122 and lateral walls 124 and 126.
  • the lateral arms 124 and 126 move about pivot points 128 as described above.
  • the base member 122 has a set of bristles 130 and the lateral walls each have a set of bristles 132 and 134 respectively.
  • the bristles 132 and 134 are configured in terms of length and shape so that all they are capable of penetrating the sulcus.
  • Figure 17 of the drawings which illustrates a tooth 138 and its sulcus 140. It will be seen that the longer end bristles on the set of bristles 132 and 134 penetrate the sulcus.
  • Figure 19 of the drawings is a detail of Figure 17 showing the sulcus 140, tooth 138 and the bristles 132 and 134 penetrating the sulcus.
  • Figure 17 also shows how the lateral walls 124 and 126 can move in response to pressure or force. These lateral walls 124 and 126 are shown in solid lines in resting position and in phantom lines in an alternative position according to the location of teeth and the force of the brushing action.
  • Figure 20 of the drawings illustrates a side view of one of the lateral walls 126 which has three wall portions 154, 156 and 158 adjacent each other. Traditional and rubber bristles 160 and 162 respectively are arranged on the lateral wall 126 as described above.
  • the ends 166 of the wall portions 154, 156 and 158 are rounded or arc shaped.
  • Figure 20A shows a detail form Figure 20 illustrating the space 170 between the wall portions.
  • Figure 21 of the drawings there is shown another design of the toothbrush of the invention which mimics the scallop contour of the gingival margin for proper gingival adaptation that will promote proper or optimal cleaning of the sulcus and gingival area for each individual tooth.
  • Figures 22(a) to 22(c) show a side, top and end view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention having five heads, namely, four on the sides and one on the base, which are able to move relative to each other.
  • Figures 23(a) to 23(d) show a side section, back, top and an end or front view of a toothbrush in accordance with another aspect of the invention, which has six heads, namely four on the sides, that is two on each side, and two on the base.
  • the flexible sides in this embodiment and others illustrated herein, allow the various heads to move independently so as to adapt more appropriately to the contour and shape of the user's teeth.
  • Figures 24(a) to 24(d) show a side section, back, top and front view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention, this one having nine heads comprising six side heads with three on each side, and three on the base.
  • Figures 25(a) to 25(d) of the invention show yet another embodiment having a side section, back, top and front view of a toothbrush, this one having nine heads, with six on the sides and three on the base, somewhat similar to that shown in Figures 24 of the drawings, but with squared-off rather than rounded edges.
  • Figures 26(a) to 26(c) show yet another embodiment of the invention with a side section, top and front view of the toothbrush having nine heads, comprising eight side heads with four on each side, and one on the base.
  • Figures 27(a) to 27(e) show yet another embodiment of the invention with a side section, back, top, front and plan view of the toothbrush, this one having eleven heads, eight side heads comprising four on each side and three on the base.
  • Figures 28(a) to 28(e) show another toothbrush, generally similar to that shown in Figure 27 of the drawings, with rounded side heads as opposed to squared-off side heads.
  • Figure 32 of the drawings shows a side view of a toothbrush in accordance with the invention with flexible plastic coils or components which not only allow the base of the toothbrush to move laterally in both directions, but will also allow lateral bristles to have back-and-forth, and up-and-down movement in almost any controlled direction. These movements will allow enhanced contact of all bristles with individual tooth surfaces, and will mimic and follow arch configurations with passive contact and without too much force. These will therefore, assist in proper oral debridement and hygiene.
  • Figure 29 of the drawings shows a view of a toothbrush and it is to be noted that the shape and number of the side bristles may vary with toothbrush models for use by children and adults.
  • Figure 30 of the drawings shows a back view of part of a toothbrush, the arrows showing possible flexible movements.
  • Figure 31 shows an end view or front view of a toothbrush with a flexible plastic coil and possible flexible movements, as indicated by the arrows shown therein.
  • Figure 33 show an occlusal view of maxillary teeth up to the second premolar with, once again, the various arrows indicating the flexibility of the toothbrush in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 34 shows a toothbrush in accordance with the invention in an occlusal view of maxillary teeth, and the mechanism of the action of the side bristles on the eleven- headed toothbrush with flexible coil, shown from the posterior to anterior teeth. All of the bristles are able to follow the arch properly with predictable contact and adaptability to each individual tooth surface for most optimum hygiene.
  • Figure 35 is a further similar view to those immediately preceding, the toothbrush shown in an occlusal view of maxillary permanent teeth. Once more, arrows show flexibility.
  • Figure 36 shows a view of the posterior teeth with a toothbrush including the coils. Note that the elevation of one of the teeth is marked with an asterisk and that the flexible action of the coil follows this contour and elevation notwithstanding the difference with respect to the configuration of the surrounding teeth. Again, the arrows show the flexibility of movement of the base bristles with the help of the flexible coil.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une brosse à dents comprenant une partie de préhension et une partie tête. La partie tête comporte un élément de base et des première et seconde parois latérales s'étendant vers le haut à partir de celle-ci pour définir un espace. L'élément de base et les première et seconde parois latérales ont des soies disposées sur celles-ci, s'étendant dans l'espace. Au moins une, et de préférence deux, des première et seconde parois latérales peuvent pivoter par rapport à l'élément de base afin de permettre aux parois latérales de se déplacer à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur de l'espace en réponse aux forces.
EP10820936A 2009-10-01 2010-09-24 Brosse à dents souple Withdrawn EP2482689A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/587,036 US20110078867A1 (en) 2009-10-01 2009-10-01 Flexible toothbrush
PCT/US2010/002612 WO2011040952A1 (fr) 2009-10-01 2010-09-24 Brosse à dents souple

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2482689A1 true EP2482689A1 (fr) 2012-08-08

Family

ID=43822033

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10820936A Withdrawn EP2482689A1 (fr) 2009-10-01 2010-09-24 Brosse à dents souple

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20110078867A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2482689A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2013506493A (fr)
KR (1) KR20120082905A (fr)
CN (1) CN102905577A (fr)
CA (1) CA2776049A1 (fr)
IN (1) IN2012DN02673A (fr)
MX (1) MX2012003922A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011040952A1 (fr)

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KR101481532B1 (ko) * 2013-05-13 2015-01-14 임재훈 U자형 칫솔
CN103284811B (zh) * 2013-05-23 2015-09-02 山东大学 一种Bass生物力学牙刷
US9648942B2 (en) * 2014-08-19 2017-05-16 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Toothbrush
KR101673095B1 (ko) * 2015-09-25 2016-11-04 이협수 치아 교정장치가 부착된 치아를 닦기 위한 교정용 칫솔
CN105231645A (zh) * 2015-10-16 2016-01-13 张志鹏 双面全方位牙刷
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KR101923642B1 (ko) * 2016-11-14 2019-02-27 안택호 다면 진동 세정칫솔
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KR102337467B1 (ko) 2020-11-06 2021-12-09 양기혁 칫솔
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20120082905A (ko) 2012-07-24
CA2776049A1 (fr) 2011-04-07
IN2012DN02673A (fr) 2015-09-04
US20110078867A1 (en) 2011-04-07
JP2013506493A (ja) 2013-02-28
MX2012003922A (es) 2012-07-17
WO2011040952A1 (fr) 2011-04-07
CN102905577A (zh) 2013-01-30

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