Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
  • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
  • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/24—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like rotating continuously
  • A61C17/26—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like rotating continuously driven by electric motor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
  • A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
  • A46B15/0081—Brushes with a scraper, e.g. tongue scraper
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
  • A46B5/0095—Removable or interchangeable brush heads
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
  • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
  • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/222—Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
  • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
  • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
  • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
  • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
  • A46B2200/1086—Toothbrush for cleaning animal teeth specifically
• • 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
  • A46B9/025—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups the bristles or the tufts being arranged in an angled position relative to each other
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
  • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
  • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
  • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
  • A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
  • A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
  • A61C17/349—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor with multiple brush bodies

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the general field of oral hygiene instruments, and more particularly to the field of toothbrushes for human or veterinary use.
• the present invention relates more particularly to a toothbrush comprising a handle type support member, and a first toothbrushing member rotatably mounted on said support member, about an axis of rotation (XX 1 ).
• said first brush member having a lateral surface which extends along its axis of rotation (XX ') between a proximal end facing the support member and an opposite distal end, said lateral surface being adapted to be brought into contact with the teeth to ensure cleaning.
• toothbrushes for improving the brushing action, among which toothbrushes having a brushing member which is in the form of a rotating roller which tangentially approaches the face of the tooth. to perform a brushing movement oriented from the gum to the tooth.
• toothbrushes are generally provided with spacers partially covering the brush member, opposite the active zone where it comes into contact with the tooth, so as to form a screen between said brushing member in motion and neighboring mucous membranes, and so avoid any irritation or injury to them.
• toothbrushes have undeniable advantages, they may however suffer from certain disadvantages.
• the known spacers tend to hinder the access of the brush member to the teeth, particularly in the narrow or remote areas of the mouth, which can naturally affect the overall effectiveness of brushing.
• the objects assigned to the present invention seek to overcome the disadvantages enumerated above and to propose a new toothbrush structure particularly simple, compact and inexpensive, which allows an efficient and comfortable brushing.
• Another object of the invention is to provide a new toothbrush that can easily access all areas of the mouth to be brushed.
• Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new toothbrush that is particularly respectful of both teeth or gums or mucous membranes, and whose use is particularly atraumatic.
• Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a modular toothbrush that is particularly easy to assemble and maintain.
• the objects assigned to the invention are attained by means of a toothbrush comprising:
• a first toothbrushing member rotatably mounted on said support member about an axis of rotation (XX '), said first brushing member having a lateral surface which extends along its axis of rotation; (XX ') between a proximal end, facing the support member, and an opposite distal end, said side surface being intended to be brought into contact with the teeth for cleaning purposes,
• said toothbrush being characterized in that it comprises a flexible liner, distinct from the first brush member, which is arranged vis-à-vis the distal end of said first brushing member, in the axial extension thereof and substantially transversely to the axis of rotation (XX '), so as to overlap at least the cross section of said first brush member.
• a toothbrush spreader provided with a rotary brushing member, said spacer being intended to partially cover the lateral surface of the rotary brushing member of the toothbrush.
• said toothbrush so as to protect the adjacent mucous membranes of the teeth from the action of said brush member, said spacer having an axial housing adapted to receive said brush member, said housing having a proximal access passage allowing the passage of the brush; motor shaft for driving the brushing member, said housing being bordered by a protective wall for recourse at least in part, along the axis of rotation, the lateral surface of said brush member, said spacer being characterized in that it comprises a flexible lining disposed transversely to the axis of rotation (XX ') so as to delimit the axial housing opposite the distal end of the gold brushing, in the axial extension thereof, and overlapping with the cross section of said brush member.
• Figure 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, an embodiment of toothbrush according to the invention
• Figure 2 illustrates, in a side view, the toothbrush shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 illustrates, in a sectional view in the sagittal plane, the toothbrush shown in Figure 2;
• Figure 4 illustrates, in a bottom view in section in the median plane of the toothbrush, the toothbrush shown in Figures 1 to 3;
• FIG. 5 illustrates, in a front view, the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;
• - Figure 6 illustrates, in a partial detail view in perspective, the head of the toothbrush shown in the preceding figures;
• FIG. 7 corresponds to an exploded perspective view of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1 to 6.
• the present invention relates to a toothbrush 1 for maintaining oral hygiene by removing food debris and dental plaque.
• the present invention particularly relates to a toothbrush intended for humans, but it can perfectly be adapted for veterinary use, for example for livestock or companion animals.
• the toothbrush 1 comprises a support member 2 as well as at least a first toothbrushing member 3.
• the support member 2 allows the user to manipulate the brushing member 3, and in particular to substantially control its position and its orientation in space, as well as its pressure in contact with the teeth 4.
• toothbrush It is of course not limited to a particular embodiment, but is preferably intended for direct manual gripping of the toothbrush and may include a handle.
• said support member 2 is in the form of an elongated rod preferably having a geometry of revolution, and may advantageously comprise a bulge 2A, axially followed by a constriction 2B, then, preferably a 2C breech expanded, for example substantially hemispherical, so that said support 2 has an ergonomic shape that facilitates handling.
• the brushing member 3 is rotatably mounted on (and with respect to) the support member 2, about an axis of rotation (XX ').
• Said brushing member 3 has a lateral surface 3L which extends, along its axis of rotation (XX '), between a proximal end 3P which is directed towards the support member 2, and an opposite 3D distal end.
• Said lateral surface 3L is intended to be brought into contact with the teeth to ensure cleaning, in this case by an abrasive mechanical brushing action.
• the brushing member 3 will preferably comprise flexible elements, whose virtual envelope covering the outer surface corresponds to said lateral surface 3L, and is intended to come into contact with the teeth and the gingiva.
• Said flexible elements of the first brushing member may preferably be formed by a plurality of bristles or pins, preferably synthetic material, which project substantially radially relative to a core of rigid material materializing the axis of rotation (XX ') .
• the diameter, (in length, shape and flexibility of the bristles or pins will be defined by those skilled in the art depending on the destination of the brush, including the sensitivity of the user.
• the bristles or pins of the first brushing member may of course be arranged regularly, possibly in tufts, of equal or different length, contiguous or otherwise spaced from each other, the physical surface of the brushing member 3 may optionally present irregularities in its contour, for example an alternation of hollows and bumps, possibly interstices, or even a flute for the evacuation of debris.
• the lateral surface 3L refers to the virtual envelope, between the proximal end 3P and the distal end 3D, in which flexible elements are inserted. filling the brushing member 3.
• said lateral surface 3L, and more particularly the brushing member 3 has substantially a shape of revolution about the axis of rotation (XX '), or at least an invariant geometry by rotation about said axis.
• the brushing member 3 may have a substantially cylindrical geometry, preferably circular base and rectilinear generatrix corresponding to the axis (XX ').
• the lateral surface 3L may advantageously correspond to the curved side wall of said cylinder, while the proximal end 3P and distal 3D may correspond to the planar circular base surfaces of said cylinder , normal to the axis (XX ').
• the shape of the brush member may be varied, said brush member 3 may have a constant or variable cross section along the axis (XX '), and in particular a profile corrugated, or have a substantially ovoid or ellipsoid shape whose 3D proximal and distal 3D ends form the vertices.
• the length L of the brushing member 3 is preferably substantially greater than its overall diameter D 3 , said length being for example between 15 mm and 30 mm, and preferably around 25 mm. while the overall diameter D 3 of its wider section may be between 12 mm and 15 mm.
• the brushing member 3 forms a "longitudinal rotation” brush which makes it possible to perform a tangential brushing of the teeth 4 according to the so-called “roller” method, that is to say according to an oriented sweeping movement of the tooth. gum to the tooth, which combines the mechanical efficiency of brushing with the respect of the gums.
• the toothbrush 1 is arranged in such a way that, during the brushing, the user can bring the lateral surface 3L of the brushing member 3 at a tangent approach against the surface of the tooth 4, at an area called "active zone" 5, the axis of rotation (XX ') then being substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the gingiva and the face of the treated tooth, as shown schematically in Figure 2.
• the toothbrush 1 comprises a single rotary brushing member 3, which in particular simplifies its structure and improves its compactness.
• the toothbrush 1 also comprises driving means 6 capable of rotating the brushing member 3 about its axis (XX 1 ) by transmitting a torque and a speed to the latter. sufficient to enable it to exert its mechanical action, by friction in contact with the teeth.
• the drive means 6 may comprise an electric motor 7, powered by a battery or batteries 8 and whose output shaft 9 is engaged with a transmission element 10, of shaft or spindle type, itself connected to the brushing member 3, and optionally integral with the core carrying the bristles or pins so as to form the tail of said brush member.
• the toothbrush is an "electric" toothbrush, that is to say equipped with an electric motor ensuring the drive of the brushing member.
• the drive means 6 are arranged to continuously drive the brushing member 3, that is to say to allow the latter to perform any number of consecutive turns in the same direction.
• said drive means 6 are advantageously bidirectional, that is to say provided with inversion means allowing the user to choose alternately, for the brushing member 3, a direction of rotation or the other around Taxe (XX '), according as it treats the vestibular or lingual surfaces of the teeth, and according to whether these teeth are situated on the lower or upper jaw.
• the driving means 6 preferably comprise a speed regulator designed to allow the user to choose the speed of rotation ⁇ of the brushing member 3, for example in a range of between 200 rpm and 800 rpm, and more particularly between 300 and 600 rpm.
• the control of the motor and in particular the selection of the direction of rotation or the adjustment of the rotational speed, can be achieved by means of an electronic control card 11, the functions of which can advantageously be controlled for example by one or more buttons. 2.
• said control card 11 may be housed flat against a flat part of the motor, substantially vis-à-vis the crown 2A, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
• the toothbrush 1 comprises a flexible lining 20, distinct from the first brushing member 3, said flexible lining 20 being arranged vis-à-vis the 3D distal end of said first body. brushing 3, in the axial extension thereof and substantially transversely to the axis of rotation (XX '), so as to overlap at least partially, as shown in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the section 3S transverse of said first brushing member 3.
• the flexible lining 20 thus stands in the manner of a curtain or a flexible, and more particularly flexible, protective shield disposed towards the distal end of the toothbrush, axially beyond the first rotary brushing member 3 , and which covers and thus masks at least partially the distal end 3D of the latter.
• the flexible lining 20 providing a covering of the brushing member at a zone that is a priori non-functional of the latter, in order to avoid interference of said zone. non-functional with the mucous membranes 26, while being flexible, and therefore tissue-friendly and providing comfortable brushing.
• said flexible liner 20 may preferably form a second brush member whose dimensions, shapes, and constituent materials may advantageously be suitable for brushing.
• the flexible lining 20 is kinematically distinct from the first brushing member 3, and particularly preferably fixed in substantially invariant position (to its own possible deformation near) with respect to the support member 2.
• the flexible liner 20 comprises a plurality of bristles or spikes, or tufts of bristles or spikes 21 or a series of spikes extending or coming from the flexible material forming the flexible liner 20, advantageously flexible, which are preferably arranged in one or more rows which are preferably substantially normal to the axis of rotation (XX ').
• the flexible lining 20 may comprise two or more rows of axially succeeding tufts of bristles or spikes, and preferably forming a kind of bow presenting in the median plane P M of the toothbrush 1, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an overall contour, rounded in its distal portion, and preferably substantially crescent-shaped, which improves the aesthetic appearance as well as as the atraumatic appearance of the soft liner and the brush as a whole.
• the plane containing the axis of rotation (XX ') and which fictitiously separates the toothbrush into a substantially symmetrical left and right half, said plane being substantially vertical on the plane of rotation is referred to as the "sagittal plane" Ps.
• the bristles or pins 21, and more generally the rows of bristles or pins or the lining 20 as a whole can be oriented substantially in the said front plane PF, and in particular contained in a plane substantially normal to the axis of rotation ( XX ').
• bristles or nubs or tufts of bristles or nubs 21 have at rest, that is to say independently of their possible functional flexion in contact with the teeth 4, a certain inclination, for example substantially understood between 5 degrees and 10 degrees, or even 20 degrees or 30 degrees, relative to said normal.
• the flexible liner 20 preferably forms a screen covering, in projection in a plane PF normal to the axis of rotation, as shown in FIG. 5, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 50%, or even at least 75% or 80% of the area occupied by the brushing member 3 in projection in this same plane.
• the flexible lining 20 will preferably have, in the frontal plane P F , a transverse surface coverage ratio corresponding to the above-mentioned values, so as to effectively hide the non-functional portion of the proximal end 3P of the brushing member, and more particularly at least one-third, half, or even two-thirds or three-fourths on the upper "dorsal" sector of the disk in which fits (in projection in said frontal plane) said organ of brushing, while allowing easy and comfortable access to the functional portion of said brush member 3.
• the length of the bristles 21 of the lining measured between their root 21 A and their free end which points towards the active zone 5, may have proportions similar to those mentioned above with respect to the diameter D 3 of the roll forming the brushing member.
• the free ends 21 B of said bristles or pins will, however, be set back from the gauge plane parallel to the median plane and which tangent the brushing member 3 at the active zone 5, so as to achieve a general effect protection and to let appear freely the lower portion, and in particular the third or the bottom quarter of said brushing member vis-à-vis said active zone 5, as shown in particular in Figures 2, 3 and 5.
• the axis of rotation (XX ') is preferably substantially parallel to, and particularly preferably substantially coincides with, the principal direction of longitudinal extension of the handle 2, which provides a good grip and a brushing gesture very intuitive.
• the toothbrush 1 also comprises a spacer 25 which partly covers the lateral surface 3L of the first brushing member 3 so as to protect the mucous membranes 26 adjacent to the teeth 4 by the action of said brushing member 3, such that this is illustrated in Figure 2, when the latter is animated by its rotational movement.
• said spacer 25 is independent of said brushing member 3 on the kinematic plane, so as not to be itself rotated by the drive means 6.
• said spacer 25 is preferably fixed in invariant position on the support member 2.
• the flexible liner 20 can then be fixed to said spacer 25, in a distal portion thereof, axially located beyond the distal end 3D of the first brushing member 3.
• the hairs or pins 21 may be implanted and rooted in a dorsal wall element 27 of said spacer, located substantially opposite the active zone 5 relative to the median plane P, to an axial abscissa more distant than that of the mobile brushing member 3, and more particularly beyond an interstice axially capping the distal end 3D of said brush member 3, the liner thus forming one or more terminal rows of bristles or pins at the distal end of the toothbrush.
• the spacer 25 comprises, in addition to the back wall member 27, lateral cheeks 28 located axially recessed towards the handle 2 relative to the distal end of said back wall member 27, and closer to the zone. active 5 of the toothbrush 1 that said back wall member, as well as substantially oblique engagement ramps 29 which connect the back wall member 27 to said cheeks 26 down to the active zone 5 in the direction of the axial abscissa decreasing (i.e. from the distal portion to a more proximal portion), so as to form a beveled beak 30.
• this bevel which rises from the side cheeks 28, to refine and gradually reduce, along the axis of rotation (XX '), the angular coverage provided by the spacer 25 in azimuth about said axis, to the free distal end of said spacer, allows to release at least one or more of the brushes or organs, and to facilitate access to them, while providing effective protection of the mucous membranes 26.
• the engagement ramps 29 will have rounded contours, preferably convex, the spacer being substantially in the form of a spoon, so as to allow a soft penetration of said spacer and the toothbrush 1 in the mouth, between the teeth and the mucous membranes, by softened wedge effect.
• the lateral cheeks 28 may have a substantially leveled contour which substantially follows the axis of rotation (XX '), preferably a little above the median plane P Ml so as to discover the less in part, and preferably in the majority, the lower part of the lateral surface 3L of the brushing member, the angular coverage of the spacer at said cheeks 28 may be substantially between 90 degrees and 120 or even 150 degrees around of the axis (XX ').
• said cheeks 28 it is also conceivable for said cheeks 28 to be able to descend to the level of the median plane P, or even below it, that is to say to approach the active zone 5 more closely by wrapping the organ brushing 3 according to an angular coverage that can exceed 80 degrees or 190 degrees.
• spacer 25 may have, as shown in particular in Figure 6, on the one hand a body portion 31 forming a rigid or semi-rigid protective wall, and on the other hand a border 32 which surrounds said body portion 31 at the free edges of the spacer, and in particular along the engagement ramps 29 and / or cheeks 28, said edge 32 being more flexible than said body portion 31.
• the spacer 25 may thus have a bi-material structure, the body portion 31, which preferably forms the central framework of the spacer, and in particular at least a portion of the dorsal portion 27 intended to support substantially " flat "the spreading force of the mucous membranes 26, being made of a first rigid or semi-rigid material, while the peripheral portions, including the songs, of the spacer likely to come into contact with their" cutting edge "with the gums or the teeth during penetration and manipulation of the brush will have a protective edge 32 made of a second material more flexible than the first.
• Such a bi-material structure which advantageously allows the spacer 25 on the one hand to ensure an effective resistance and a solid separation of the mucous membranes, and on the other hand to have a soft and atraumatic character during penetration movements or positioning, can in particular be performed by overmolding or any other equivalent technique.
• the edge 32 may be in the form of a lip, a skirt, or a relatively flexible bib, and more particularly flexible, which borders the rigid body portion 31 forming a shell. It may further comprise a rounded extra thickness, bead or flange type, improving the atraumatic character of the free edges of the spacer.
• the flexible seal 20 is preferably axially disposed substantially opposite the engagement ramps 29, as shown in particular in FIG. 2.
• the first rotary brushing member 3 is mounted axially cantilevered.
• the distal end of the brush 1, and more particularly of the spacer 25, can then in particular be devoid of rigid wall transverse to the axis, or at least a bearing for supporting the drive shaft 10 vis-à-vis the distal end 3D of the brush member, said distal end can thus be discovered, that is to say not covered by a rigid screen, in projection in the frontal plane, on less than half, two-thirds, three-quarters or even all of its height.
• the flexible liner 20 can then be used to mask the distal end portion of the shaft 10 which supports and drives said brush member.
• the flexible lining 20 which can form the outer surface of the spacer 25 may have reliefs, and in particular protruding ridges 20A substantially parallel to each other and transverse to the axis XX ', as is illustrated in particular in FIGS. Figures 2, 3 and 6 to form means for brushing the tongue.
• the spacer 25 is thus provided with ridges 20A forming means for brushing the tongue.
• the invention also relates as such to a replacement head 40 for a toothbrush 1, said head being advantageously removably attached to the support 2, by suitable connection means, and for example by a fixing by screwing, interlocking, bayonet or snap.
• a replacement head 40 may be used as a replacement for a used head, or in a retrofit solution on a toothbrush of the prior art in order to transform it into a toothbrush 1 according to the invention. .
• said replacement head 40 may comprise a first brushing member 3 of the teeth 4 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (XX '), said first brushing member 3 having a lateral surface 3L which is extends along its axis of rotation (XX ') between a proximal end 3P, oriented towards the support member 2 on which the head 40 is intended to be attached, and an opposite 3D distal end, said lateral surface being intended to be brought into contact with the teeth 4 in order to clean them, said replacement head 40 comprising a flexible lining 20, distinct from the first brushing member 3, which is arranged opposite the 3D distal end of said first brushing member, in the axial extension thereof, and substantially transversely to the axis of rotation (XX '), so as to overlap at least partially the cross section of said first brush member.
• said replacement head 40 will embark the brushing member 3, preferably with its drive pin 10, and the spacer 25 supporting the bristles or pins 21, and thus form a subassembly that can be easily mounted, disassembled or adapted to one or more types of toothbrush holder 2.
• said head 40 may have a first proximal portion 41, intended to be coupled to the support 2 and preferably having a constriction, for example in the form of a truncated cone whose wide base capping said support 2, said proximal portion being followed, in the direction of increasing abscissa, of a distal portion 42, preferably integral with said proximal portion 41, said distal portion 42 can form the spacer 25 and more particularly the rigid body 31 of the latter, which widens from the throat corresponding to the top of the truncated cone.
• the present invention also relates as such to a spacer for a toothbrush provided with a rotating brushing member 3, said spacer 25 being intended to partially cover the lateral surface 3L of the rotary brushing member 3 of said toothbrush 1 so as to protect the mucous membranes 26 adjacent to the teeth 4 of the action of said brushing member 3.
• said spacer 25 advantageously has an axial housing 43 designed to receive said brush member 3, said housing opening advantageously at least partly in its lower portion, forming a revealing window, and preferably letting out of said housing, under the median plane and at the level of the active zone 5, at least a portion of said brushing member 3.
• said axial housing 43 has a proximal access passage 44 which allows the passage of the motor shaft, and more particularly of the pin 10, for driving the brushing member 3 in rotation, said housing 43 being moreover bordered by a protective wall, preferably substantially cylindrical, intended to cover at least partly along the axis of rotation (XX '), the lateral surface 3L of said brush member 3.
• said protective wall 45 corresponds to the assembly formed by the dorsal wall 27 and the cheeks 28 previously described
• said spacer 25 comprises a flexible liner 20 which is arranged transversely to the axis of rotation (XX ') so as to delimit the axial housing 43 vis-à-vis the distal end 3D of the brushing member 3, in the axial extension thereof, and in an overlapping manner with the transverse section 3S of said brushing member 3.
• the axial housing 43 may thus be in the form of a substantially tubular and cylindrical housing, centered on the axis of rotation (XX '), preferably without a rigid wall or bearing in its distal portion which advantageously remains open, and preferably bevelled, but which is nevertheless blocked at least in part by the flexible seal 20, and in particular by one or more rows of bristles or pins 21 advantageously flexible, which mark the distal limit of said housing, the farthest from the handle 2 and the closest to the user when the toothbrush enters his mouth.
• the retractor 25, and more generally the head 40 may comprise, preferably in the vicinity of the proximal access passage 44, a bearing 46, preferably of smooth bearing type, intended to accommodate and guide the spindle 10 to rotate. of the brushing member 3.
• such a constructive arrangement makes it possible to limit the cantilever of said member 3, preferably limiting it, to the functional axial clearances close to substantially the length L of said brushing member 3. It also makes it possible to maintain the member 3 and shaft 10 in place relative to said spacer 25, stabilizing them, and in particular enabling them to better withstand the radial bending or depressing forces exerted transversely by the tooth on the brushing member 3, in response to the brushing pressure.
• said bearing 46 may be in the form of a substantially circular bore made at the top of a tongue bearing on the internal face of the back wall 27, and preferably integral with the spacer and more particularly with its rigid body 31, as is particularly visible in Figure 3.
• said spacer 25 may advantageously comprise a foot extending below the axial housing 43 along the axis of rotation, and preferably forming a trunk hollow cone corresponding to the proximal portion 41 of the head 40, said foot advantageously providing a concealing casing and, where appropriate guiding the pin 10.
• the toothbrush according to the invention, as well as its various accessories, such as replacement head 40 and spacer 25, advantageously provide a particularly safe, comfortable, and atraumatic brushing, during which the user can easily access all the mouth areas involved in the cleaning, and approach the teeth successively by their different faces, always using the method of the roller.
• the direction and the speed of rotation can be adapted and controlled by the user.
• the flexible liner offers non-binding protection of the mucous membranes, gums, or even the teeth themselves vis-à-vis the brushing member 3, and more particularly the end of the shaft 10 which leads to last rotation, so that, with the spacer 25, only the functional portion of the brush member 3 is accessible and can reach the teeth and act on the latter in a brushing movement according to the roller method .
• the bristles 21 of the flexible lining 20 do not form a hard obstacle likely to bump into the teeth or gums, but on the contrary a kind of flexible curtain likely to flex, especially to the organ and or to deviate so as to allow, as the engagement ramps 29, smooth progressive access, the brush member 3 to the area to be brushed.
• the invention finds its industrial application in the manufacture of toothbrushes, in particular electric toothbrushes.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Dentistry (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Brushes (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=45349224

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Family Cites Families (10)

• 2011
  • 2011-11-16 EP EP11796751.3A patent/EP2779938A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-11-16 US US14/358,579 patent/US9668841B2/en active Active
  • 2011-11-16 WO PCT/FR2011/052657 patent/WO2013072570A1/fr active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events