FR3094618A1 - Toothbrush cleaning interdental spaces - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush (1) comprising a rod (2) which comprises: a first part (3) configured to form a gripping zone (5) and a second part (4) which comprises a proximal end which forms body with the first part, and a distal end comprising a base (10), said base comprising a face having strands comprising at least: a central strand (13) preferably located in the center of the base and peripheral strands (14) distinct from the central strand (13) and arranged around the central strand (13), said strands (13,14) having a free end (132,142) and an end fixed (131,141) to the base (10), all of the strands (13,14) being configured to brush the teeth and the gum characterized in that the set of free ends (132,142) of the strands (13,14) on the base (10), form a conical virtual surface forming a cone ( 9) projecting, preferably straight, the apex (S) of said cone (9) being formed by the ex free end of the central strand (132) and having an angle (α) of between approximately 80 ° and 100 °, preferably approximately between 85 ° and 95 ° and more preferably 90 °; Figure 1

Description

Toothbrush cleaning the interdental spaces

Technical field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of toothbrushes.

It also relates to any process and method employing such a device.

Tooth brushing is a mechanical action that aims to remove the microbial plaque from the teeth, which forms with each meal. This deposit remains malleable for a few hours but adheres to the surface of the teeth. Toxic for the tooth and the gum, it hardens and sediments to give tartar. Toothpaste is not enough to prevent and remove microbial plaque: brushing is essential and a priority.

The action of brushing the teeth is done by a back and forth movement of about 1cm in amplitude, repeated 5 to 10 times in the same place as a sweep progressing in a regular and systematic way on all the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. The hollow surfaces of the teeth are the seat of pathologies such as cavities or "loosening". It is therefore necessary to have a brushing of the teeth that allows adaptation to most of the hollow spaces of the teeth, without having to exert pressure that abrades the tooth or erodes the gum.

There are a large number of different toothbrushes on the market, and specialists continue to seek to improve the effectiveness of toothbrushes for brushing teeth.

Toothbrushes that have a flat brushing surface and/or a long brushing head, which will be referred to as 'conventional' / so-called 'conventional' toothbrushes, do not allow a precise action on a tooth, nor to rub in an interval between two teeth, or other recesses in the teeth that are difficult to reach. The user of these brushes, with the intention of reaching the hollow spaces of the teeth, risks abrading the teeth, for example at the level of their convexity, and eroding the gums by exerting greater pressure on the head of the toothbrush. So he thinks he cleans the teeth and the gums correctly while on the contrary he damages them.

This is particularly important when the mouth presents morphological particularities due to a pathology (inflamed gum, periodontitis), presence of prostheses (bridges and implants, orthodontic appliances) or defect (malposition, missing tooth).

Conventional toothbrushes offer brush heads over 2.5cm in length, therefore covering several teeth and whose brushing surface, whether flat or raised, does not allow the hollow areas of the tooth to be reached. dentition without exerting excessive pressure on the teeth and gums. They are generally composed of bristles perpendicular to their base, with the aim of brushing the teeth with an action of the bristles perpendicular to the working surface formed by the teeth. However, they do not take into account the morphology of the teeth. These conventional brushes would be sufficient if said teeth were only a flat, uniform surface, made from a single block, without relief or hollow. But human teeth are much more complex than that. It is made up of furrows between the teeth and the gums, of more or less pronounced intervals between each tooth, the teeth themselves are curved and their mastication surface hollowed out, and certain dentitions present different morphological particularities with more or less hollow hollows. less pronounced.

Thus, with conventional brushes, it is difficult to effectively clean these various surfaces in relief and particularly in hollows, which moreover, for some are difficult to reach. To still remove the microbial plaque, it will be necessary to compensate for this defect by applying greater pressure to the recessed surfaces of the teeth, at the risk of damaging the tooth and/or the gum, and without even great guarantee of having removed all the microbial plaque. Because by this pressure exerted, the bristles of these conventional brushes bend, twist, or break and do not present themselves correctly, with the desired perpendicularity on the surface that one wants to clean.

In addition, certain parts of the teeth have one or more surfaces at different angles (such as, for example, in the hollow of a missing tooth), the bristles of the conventional toothbrush are directed in a single and unique direction, the user is obliged to vary its angle of prehension so as not to miss any of these surfaces to be cleaned, which is not in keeping with systematic brushing methods.

In addition, because of the opening of the mouth, conventional brushes will not have an optimal angle, close to perpendicular, to properly clean certain areas (such as the back of the last teeth).

A conventional brush does not make it possible to discern the bulges and the hollows, with all the time the false impression of an accomplished cleaning.

Among the conventional brushes, some offer special features in their shape, which are effective only in particular cases and/or only for certain brushing axes. For example, the single-tuft brush, or one with a reduced diameter, whose role is to clean the hollow spaces, but does not have a sufficient brushing surface to claim to brush the total surface of the tooth.

The fan brush, compared to the most classic that exists, provides only 2 interesting brushing axes out of 4: the horizontal axis with a longitudinal movement for the external part of the teeth and the horizontal axis of the brush with a longitudinal-slightly oblique movement for the internal furrows of the dentition. However, its elongated head does not allow an optimal feeling and does not allow easy access to the most difficult parts of the teeth.

In this context, it is interesting to propose a solution for a more efficient, precise, manageable tooth brushing, and adapting better to any type of teeth.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a toothbrush, making it possible to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a brush which improves brushing, which makes it possible to clean the teeth and gums more effectively.

To this end, the invention relates to a toothbrush, cleaning the teeth, the gums and the interdental spaces, comprising a rod which comprises:

a first part configured to form a grip zone and

• un brin central situé de préférence au centre de la base et
• des brins périphériques distincts du brin central et disposés autour du brin central,

a second part which comprises a proximal end which is integral with the first part, and a distal end comprising a base, said base comprising a face presenting strands comprising at least:

• a central strand preferably located in the center of the base and
• peripheral strands distinct from the central strand and arranged around the central strand,

the said bristles having a free end and an end fixed to the base, the assembly of the bristles being configured to brush the teeth and the gum characterized in that the assembly of the free ends of the bristles, form a conical virtual surface forming a projecting cone preferentially straight, the apex of said cone being formed by the free end of the central strand and having an angle (α) comprised approximately between 80° and 100°, preferentially approximately between 85° and 95° and more preferentially 90°;

It has been discovered that with a toothbrush having a conical brush profile according to the invention that it is possible to obtain a better adaptation to most of the hollow spaces of the teeth, without having to exert pressure abrading the tooth or eroding the gum and therefore easier cleaning of these spaces. The toothbrush according to the invention allows, by its conical brush profile, a perception of the most important areas to be cleaned (the hollow spaces), giving rise to “reasoned” hygiene of the teeth and gums.

The brush according to the invention makes it possible to carry out brushing of the teeth during which the strands have a greater perpendicularity, and preferably are perpendicular to the work surface formed by the curved surfaces of the teeth, the hollows between the teeth, the gums and the furrows between teeth and gums, teeth in bad position, edentulism, implants and orthodontic appliances. It has been found that an angle of contact of the bristle on the surface of the teeth and the gingiva approaching the perpendicular is more effective in sweeping away microbial plaque than the acute angle. The profile of the bristles of the toothbrush according to the invention thus allows more effective brushing than a conventional toothbrush.

The specific angle of the protruding cone allows the user to adjust the gesture and the contact by feeling in the hollow spaces. This makes using the toothbrush (1) more intuitive.

• L’axe horizontal de la brosse avec un mouvement longitudinal de celle-ci pour nettoyer les sillions externes de la denture entre les dents et les gencives mais aussi les faces de mastication.
• L’axe horizontal de la brosse dans un mouvement latéral de celle-ci pour les espaces interdentaires externes de la denture.
• L’axe vertical de la brosse dans un mouvement longitudinal de celle-ci pour les espaces interdentaires internes de la denture.
• L’axe horizontal de la brosse avec un mouvement longitudinal légèrement oblique de celle-ci pour les sillions internes de la denture entre les dents et les gencives.
• L’axe horizontal ou vertical de la brosse avec un mouvement circulaire de celle-ci pour les sillions et/ou les espaces interdentaires (mouvement que l’on retrouve avec les brosses rotatives).

There are 5 brush axes with 4 brushing movements among the prescribed oral hygiene gestures:

• The horizontal axis of the brush with a longitudinal movement of the latter to clean the external furrows of the teeth between the teeth and the gums but also the chewing surfaces.
• The horizontal axis of the brush in a lateral movement of the latter for the external interdental spaces of the dentition.
• The vertical axis of the brush in a longitudinal movement thereof for the internal interdental spaces of the dentition.
• The horizontal axis of the brush with a slightly oblique longitudinal movement of it for the internal furrows of the dentition between the teeth and the gums.
• The horizontal or vertical axis of the brush with a circular movement of the latter for the furrows and/or the interdental spaces (movement found with rotating brushes).

conventional toothbrushes are effective only for the raised surfaces of the teeth but are not effective in any brushing axis for recessed spaces, apart from a few exceptions of particular conventional brushes, which may offer good effectiveness for one or two brush shafts.

A toothbrush according to the invention has identical brushing efficiency, by moving it in all the axes and possible movements (longitudinal, laterally, obliquely, and in circular motion). Such a toothbrush allows an optimal feeling and allows easy access to the most difficult parts of the teeth. It makes it possible to offer a solution for more efficient, precise, manageable toothbrushing, and adapting as well as possible to any type of teeth.

The shape of the toothbrush and its structure allow a good hold of the toothbrush during brushing, as well as improved maneuverability and precision.

According to one feature, the base is concave.

According to one feature, the base is flat.

According to one feature, the base is convex.

According to one feature, the central strand has a greater length than the peripheral strands.

According to one feature, the central strand has a length identical to the peripheral strands.

According to one feature, the peripheral strands form a spiral around the central strand. The strands can thus be oriented clockwise or counterclockwise.

According to one feature, the peripheral strands extend radially outwards from the base.

According to one feature, the central and peripheral strands are substantially perpendicular with respect to the surface of the base where they are fixed.

According to one feature, the central strand consists of a straight strand on which ramifications extend outwards so that the ends of said ramifications are perpendicular to the conical surface formed by the ends of the strands.

According to one feature, the central strand itself has its end of conical shape.

According to one feature, the peripheral strands (14) remote from the central strand have a greater inclination than the peripheral strands (14) close to the central strand.

According to one feature, at least one free end of the central strand comprises a wear indicator.

The methods and advantages of the invention are applicable and transposable to a rotary toothbrush, the axis of rotation of which is represented by the central strand, with a back and forth movement, preferably of approximately 90°, i.e. a quarter turn.

• De ressentir le contact de la brosse dans les zones à nettoyer, et cela de façon précise grâce à la conicité de la surface de brossage.
• Un meilleur balayage grâce à la perpendicularité des brins par rapport à cette surface de brossage.
• Une brosse maniable grâce à la base circulaire et étroite.

The toothbrush according to the invention thus offers solutions which allow:

• To feel the contact of the brush in the areas to be cleaned, and this in a precise way thanks to the conicity of the brushing surface.
• Better sweeping thanks to the perpendicularity of the bristles in relation to this brushing surface.
• A handy brush thanks to the circular and narrow base.

Brief description of figures

• la figure 1, représente un schéma en vue longitudinale d’une brosse à dents selon un premier mode de réalisation particulier de l’invention.
• Les figures 2A et 2B représentent respectivement le détail schématique vue de profil en coupe axiale de la base et des brins de la tête d’une brosse à dents et une vue schématique de dessus de cette tête de brosse, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation particulier.
• La figure 3 représente une vue schématique de profil de la tête d’une brosse à dents selon un troisième mode de réalisation particulier.
• La figure 4 représente une vue schématique de profil en coupe axiale de la tête d’une brosse à dents selon un quatrième mode de réalisation particulier.
• La figure 5, représente une vue schématique de profil en coupe axiale selon un cinquième mode de réalisation particulier.
• Les figures 6A à 6J représentent des exemples d’utilisation de la brosse à dents selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l’invention sur différents types de denture.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, with reference to the appended figures, illustrated by:

• FIG. 1 represents a diagram in longitudinal view of a toothbrush according to a first particular embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B represent respectively the schematic detail view of the profile in axial section of the base and the strands of the head of a toothbrush and a schematic top view of this brush head, according to a second particular embodiment .
• FIG. 3 represents a schematic profile view of the head of a toothbrush according to a third particular embodiment.
• FIG. 4 represents a schematic profile view in axial section of the head of a toothbrush according to a fourth particular embodiment.
• FIG. 5 represents a schematic profile view in axial section according to a fifth particular embodiment.
• FIGS. 6A to 6J represent examples of use of the toothbrush according to a particular embodiment of the invention on different types of teeth.

Unless otherwise provided, the configurations of the toothbrush and its bristles are given at rest, that is to say in the absence of deformation due to the passage of the bristles on the work surface during a brushing motion.

detailed description of different embodiments of the invention

Many combinations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention; the person skilled in the art will choose one or the other depending on the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that he will have to respect.

• un brin central (13) situé de préférence au centre de la base (10), et
• des brins périphériques (14) distincts du brin central (13) et disposés autour du brin central (13),

In general, as illustrated for example and in a non-limiting manner in Figure 1, a toothbrush (1) according to the invention comprises a stem (2) which comprises a first part (3) being configured to form a grip zone (5), and a second part comprising a proximal end which is integral with the first part (3), and a distal end comprising a base (10), said base (10) comprising a face presenting strands comprising at less

• a central strand (13) preferably located in the center of the base (10), and
• peripheral strands (14) distinct from the central strand (13) and arranged around the central strand (13),

said bristles (13,14) having a free end (132, 142) and an end fixed (131, 141) to the base (10), the set of bristles being configured to brush the teeth and the gums, characterized in that all of the free ends of the strands form a conical virtual surface forming a projecting cone (9), the apex of said cone being formed by the free end of the central strand (13) and having an angle (α) of approximately between 80° and 100°, preferably approximately between 85° and 95° and more preferably 90°;

It is possible to adapt the diameter of the strands according to their length in order to obtain strands of the same rigidity or flexibility. Thus, for example, in the case of a brush base with bristles of different lengths, it may be interesting to increase the diameter of the longest bristles in order to obtain a stiffness similar to that of the shorter bristles. In the same way, all combinations of rigidity and flexibility are possible in order to provide the feeling desired by the user and/or the efficiency sought.

By "teeth", we mean both the set of teeth, their number, their nature, their shape and their arrangement, the dental implantation, but also the gums. Said teeth can be human or animal.

The term “toothbrush” includes both conventional toothbrushes, additional toothbrushing tools such as brush heads and, by extension, any device provided with bristles enabling human or animal teeth to be brushed.

By “deep spaces of the dentition” we mean the morphology of the teeth and the gum, and all types of shapes (coronary eminences such as cusps, tubercles and ridges, and coronal depressions such as furrows, pits and dimples) , gaps, nooks, and hard-to-reach places when brushing teeth. This includes, but is not limited to, chewing surface grooves, neck grooves, gaps, malpositions, bridge bases, implants, edentulisms, back of teeth, especially back of last teeth, inflamed gums, periodontics, and orthodontic appliances.

“Working surface” means the surface to be brushed that the bristles of the brush can reach. Thus we seek to have a brushing with strands perpendicular to the surface to be brushed in order to have an optimal action, in opposition to a brushing with strands forming an acute angle which will be less effective.

By "active surface" is meant the surface of the bristles of the brush, the ends of the bristles in this case, which will be in contact with the work surface during brushing.

By “strand” is meant hair, tuft of hairs or a set of hairs, for example 10 hairs, being very close together and having the same diameter and length characteristics. These strands are straight. A brush base (10) thus comprises several bristles.

By brush "head", we mean the assembly formed by the base and the bristles attached to it.

“Substantially perpendicular” or “approximately 90°” means an angle of 90° with a sensitivity of plus or minus 10°. It is understood that the different angle values stated in the present application have the same sensitivity of plus or minus 10°.

By “concave surface” or “convex surface” is meant a surface formed by straight lines or curves which have their origin at the same point which has convex and concave angles. It is understood by this definition that a base having a surface formed by straight lines forming a cone can be considered as a base having a convex or concave surface in the same way as a base having a surface forming an arc of a circle.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the toothbrush (1) according to the invention incorporates one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

In some embodiments, the base (101) is circular and concave. The deepest point of said base (101) is then preferably its center. In other words, the center of said base (101) is then the most concave point.

Having a head having a concave base (101) makes it possible to have straight strands implanted on the concave surface which will tend to intersect in order to form a dense active surface with the ends of the strands close to perpendicularity with respect to the work surface.

In addition, having a head with a concave base (101) makes it easier to form a convex face on the opposite face, which improves the effectiveness of the tongue scraper.

In the absence of notches (6) constituting a tongue scraper, a surface, therefore convex, smooth, circular and reduced compared to a conventional brush, facilitates friction on the inside of the cheeks and lips.

In some embodiments, the base (103) is flat.

In some embodiments, the base (102) is convex.

In some embodiments, the central strand (13) has a greater length than the peripheral strands (14), which will have the effect of obtaining a more flexible central strand, allowing it to clean the hollow areas of the skin more gently. dentition, generally more sensitive.

The central strand (13) by its greater length makes it possible to reach with more precision, and thanks to the feeling, the hollow places and/or difficult to access. Thus this central strand will guide the gesture towards the hollow areas as a priority, the most important to clean, but without neglecting the curved surfaces of the adjacent teeth thanks to the peripheral strands (14).

In certain embodiments, the central strand which has a greater length is of the same diameter as the peripheral strands. Advantageously, this allows more flexibility of this strand.

In another particular embodiment, the central strand (13) which has a greater length has a larger diameter than the peripheral strands so that all the strands have the same rigidity. Advantageously, this makes it possible to maintain the same rigidity on all the strands

In certain embodiments, as illustrated for example and in a non-limiting manner in FIG. 2A, the peripheral strands (14) are of the same length and their free end (142) forms a conical surface of a cone (9) of vertex S coinciding with the free end (132) of the central strand (13). The vertex S of the cone (9) has an angle α preferably of around 90°, and the cone is crossed at its center by the central strand (13). The base is here concave to allow with strands of the same length to form a cone (9).

In a particular embodiment, the angles γ between the free end (142) of the peripheral strands (14) and the cone (9) are close to 90°.

In a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the free end (132) of the central strand (13) has a wear indicator (20) which is a colored impregnation over approximately 2mm.

In another particular and non-limiting embodiment, at least one free end (142) of a peripheral strand (14) has a wear indicator (20).

In another particular non-illustrated and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the central strand (13) has branches (21). These ramifications (21) themselves include other ramifications (21). The angles γ between the free ends of the ramifications (21) of the central strand (13) and the virtual surface of the projecting cone (9) are approximately 90°. The cone formed by the free ends (132,142) has an angle α of approximately 90°.

In a particular embodiment that can be combined and illustrated in FIG. 5, the central strand (13) has branches (21), and only has one level of branching (21). The peripheral strands may be straight or extend radially outward from the base, as described herein.

In a particular combinable embodiment, at least some of the peripheral strands (14) extend radially outwards while others, preferably further from the central strand (13), are straight.

The presence of ramifications (21) makes it possible to obtain a denser brushing surface, with angles γ closer to 90°.

In other words, the central strand (13) consists of a straight strand on which branches (21) extend outwards so that the ends of said branches (21) are perpendicular to the conical surface. formed by the free ends of the strands.

Forming ramifications on the central strand (13) makes it possible to obtain several free ends (132), each forming an angle close to perpendicularity with the conical surface. Indeed, it can be particularly interesting to have strands perpendicular to the conical surface in a zone close to the top, this one being the most requested to go in the hollow spaces, in order to have an improved efficiency at the top of the cone (9), and therefore make it possible to effectively clean places that are very difficult to reach.

In certain embodiments, where the base (101) is concave, the central (13) and peripheral (14) strands are substantially perpendicular with respect to the surface of the base (101) where they are fixed.

In some embodiments, as illustrated for example and not limited to Figures 2A and 2B, the base (101) of the toothbrush head (1) is circular and concave. The central (13) and peripheral (14) strands are straight and located in the concavity. The central strand (13) has a greater length than the peripheral strands (14). The peripheral strands are of the same length. The axis of the central strand is perpendicular to the base (101) on which it is fixed. The peripheral strands (14) at the end of the periphery have a greater inclination than the peripheral strands (14) close to the central strand. In other words, the more peripheral the strand, the more oblique it is. Seen in profile, the set of strands represents a cone, called “Virtual surface of the cone” (Svc) or “virtual conical surface” or “virtual cone”, whose axis is the central strand. The angle α of said cone is preferably close to the right angle. The peripheral strands (14) thus oblique make it possible to globally present an angle γ close to 90° between their free end (142) and the virtual surface of the cone (Svc), formed by all of said free ends (142). The perpendicularity with the work surface is optimal, which improves brushing efficiency, whatever the inclination of the brush and the movement of said brushing.

In some embodiments, as illustrated for example and without limitation in Figure 3, the base (103) of the toothbrush head is circular and flat. The central (13) and peripheral (14) strands are straight. The axis of the central strand is perpendicular to the base (103) on which it is fixed. The central strand (13) has a greater length than the peripheral strands (14). The peripheral strands (14) at the end of the periphery have a greater inclination than the peripheral strands (14) close to the central strand. In other words, the more peripheral the strand, the more oblique it is. Viewed in profile, all of the ends of the strands form a cone, called the “virtual surface of the cone” (Svc) or “virtual conical surface” or “virtual cone”, the axis of which is the central strand. The angle of said cone is preferably close to the right angle, i.e. 90°. The peripheral strands (14) thus oblique make it possible to globally present an angle close to 90° between their free end (142) and the virtual surface of the cone (Svc), formed by all of said free ends (142). The perpendicularity with the work surface is optimal, which improves brushing efficiency, whatever the inclination of the brush and the movement of said brushing. This embodiment allows simplified mass production.

In some embodiments, as illustrated for example and without limitation in Figure 4, the base (102) of the toothbrush head is circular and convex. The axis of the central strand is perpendicular to the base (102) on which it is fixed. The peripheral strands (14) at the end of the periphery have a greater inclination than the peripheral strands (14) close to the central strand. In other words, the more peripheral the strand, the more oblique it is. Viewed in profile, all of the ends of the strands form a cone, called the “virtual surface of the cone” (Svc) or “virtual conical surface” or “virtual cone”, the axis of which is the central strand. The angle of said cone is preferably close to the right angle, i.e. 90°. The peripheral strands (14) thus oblique make it possible to globally present an angle close to 90° between their free end (142) and the virtual surface of the cone (Svc), formed by all of said free ends (142). The perpendicularity with the work surface is optimal, which improves brushing efficiency, whatever the inclination of the brush and the movement of said brushing. The central (13) and peripheral (14) strands are straight and located on the convex surface of the head. The central strand (13) has a greater length than the peripheral strands (14). The length of the peripheral strands varies. This embodiment allows a certain ease of manufacture.

The three embodiments previously described are given by way of example, are in no way limiting and are possible combinations of the different characteristics presented here.

According to another non-limiting embodiment, the peripheral strands (14) form a spiral pattern. Advantageously, the pattern resulting from the arrangement of the peripheral strands (14) on the base (10) allows better brushing whatever the inclination.

In another embodiment, the central strand (13) has an identical length to the peripheral strands (14), which makes it possible to have identical rigidity for all the strands, and a good feeling on the part of the user. Furthermore, bristles (13,14) of the same length are easy to produce and attach to the base (10) of the toothbrush (1).

In some embodiments, the central (13) and peripheral (14) strands form a tuft of hair approximately 4.5 mm in diameter at its base.

Various examples of uses of the toothbrush (1) are shown in Figures 6A to 6J. The conical profile of the brush allows adaptation to most hollow spaces of the teeth, while maintaining an angle approaching the perpendicularity between the strands (13, 14) and the work surface. The work surface being the surface to be brushed, or the surface where one wishes to remove the microbial plaque, this adaptation is possible whatever the morphology of the hollow surface of the teeth (the furrows of the chewing surfaces (Fig. 6A), collars (Fig. 6B), intervals (Fig. 6C), malpositions (Fig. 6D), bridge (Fig. 6E), implants (Fig. 6F), edentulism (Fig. 6G), back of teeth, especially the back of the last teeth (Fig. 6H), inflamed gingiva (Fig. 6I), periodontics, and orthodontic appliances (Fig. 6J)). In these figures, the toothbrush (1) has been represented with a convex base (102), but it is understood that the base (10) can be flat or concave.

In some embodiments, the peripheral strands (14) extend radially outward from the base (10), in other words are diverging, i.e. include a part attached to the base ( 10) and a free part extending radially outwards from the base (10). This is allowed by their implantation in the base, which has an angle, so as to have straight strands but which extend radially outwards from the base (10). The peripheral strands (14) thus diverging from the center make it possible to present an angle closer to 90° between their free end (142) and the conical surface formed by all of said free ends (142).

In some embodiments, the peripheral strands 14 are oriented clockwise or counterclockwise.

Advantageously, the strands (13, 14) thus arranged thus allow even more effective brushing than divergent strands (13, 14) in the case where the user brushes his teeth by making a circular manual movement or by using a toothbrush. (1) rotary.

In certain embodiments, each of the central and peripheral strands (13,14) present a substantially right angle with the base (10).

In certain embodiments, the rod has an elongated S-shape, the first part of the rod being parallel to the second part of the rod which preferably has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the first part of the rod. The axis of the gripping zone (3) is preferably parallel to the axis of the base (10) of the toothbrush (1).

In certain embodiments, the central strand (13) has an axis perpendicular to the axis of the first part forming the gripping zone (3) and the end of said strand of which is in the extension of this part, in order to improve the ergonomics of the toothbrush.

The curve of the handle makes it possible to marry and/or circumvent the dental arch and is integrated inside the cheeks and the lips, and this for very different dimensions of mouth, which allows a maximum amplitude of displacement of the brush. This offers the user increased comfort when moving the toothbrush (1) in the mouth and makes it possible to help him correctly position the head of the toothbrush (1) carried by the second part and which comprises the strands (13,14) substantially perpendicular to the work surface. The contact of the tongue, cheeks and lips is minimized in order to better feel the contact of the brush on the teeth and gums.

In some embodiments, the grip zone has notches (6) configured to improve grip, which allows the user to have better control of his toothbrush and therefore better brushing efficiency.

In certain embodiments, the gripping zone has a notch or is formed of a material which makes it possible to improve the gripping of said zone by a user.

In certain embodiments, the base (10) of the toothbrush (1) comprises a notch (15) on the face opposite the face presenting the bristles, intended to scrape the tongue.

In some embodiments, the base (10) of the toothbrush (1) can be circular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped, hexagonal, star-shaped, or any shape possible. The base (10) is preferably circular and has rounded edges so that the base (10) does not interfere with the cheek, tongue, lips or gums.

In certain embodiments, the cone formed by the free ends (132,142) of the strands (13,14) has a circular section in a plane parallel to the axis of the gripping part of the handle for ergonomic reasons.

In certain embodiments, the central strand (13) is located in the center of the base (10), which makes it possible to optimize the use of the space of the base (10) of the toothbrush (1) , and to improve the precision and feeling of the user when brushing. This is accentuated if the handle forms an "elongated S"

In some embodiments, the base (10) of the toothbrush has a dimension comparable to that of a molar, which allows effective sweeping of the tooth as well as the gum. The feeling is more targeted, compared to a conventional brush with a longer head and base (10), which is equivalent to 2-3 teeth. Advantageously, a brush head of reduced size, compared to conventional brushes, allows a better perception of the areas to be cleaned, encouraging "reasoned" hygiene of teeth and gums.

The characteristics, methods and advantages of the invention are applicable and transposable to a rotary toothbrush, the axis of rotation of which is represented by the central strand (13), the base (10) of which is driven by a back and forth, preferably about 90°, or a quarter turn.

A large number of materials can be used in the design of the toothbrush rod (1). In an example not shown and not limiting, the handle is made of thermoformable resin, with double curvature (such as an elongated S).

In certain embodiments, in a non-limiting and combinable manner, the gripping zone (3) preferably measures between 10 and 12 cm. The length of the brush ranges between 15-17cm in length.

The active surface of approximately 2.5cm², equivalent to that of a conventional brush, allows the same quantity of toothpaste to be applied.

According to another particular embodiment, the diameter of the base (10) is between 0.7 and 1.3 cm, so that the toothbrush is more manageable in a reduced space between the tongue and the dental surfaces, and the interior of the cheeks or lip and tooth surfaces.

It is understood from reading this application that the features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the description of the present invention and the accompanying figures are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but merely represent selected embodiments.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned or it is obvious that these characteristics are incompatible. Moreover, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this mode unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention permits embodiments in many other specific forms, without departing from the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims. These embodiments should be considered by way of example, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Legend

1 toothbrush

2 Rod

3 First part of the stem

4 Second part of the stem

5 Grip area

6 Notching of the grip area

9 Cone

10 Base

101 base concave

102 convex base

103 flat base

13 Center Strand

131 Fixed end of central strand

132 Free end of the central strand

14 Peripheral Strands

141 Fixed end of peripheral strand

142 Free end of peripheral strand

15 Notching of the second side

20 Wear indicator

21 Branches

Svc: Virtual surface of the cone

S: Top of the cone

α: angle of the apex of the cone

β: angle of the strand with the base

γ: angle of the end of a strand with the virtual surface of the cone

Claims (10)

Toothbrush (1) comprising a rod (2) which comprises:
a first part (3) configured to form a grip zone (5) and
a second part (4) which comprises a proximal end which is integral with the first part, and a distal end comprising a base (10), said base comprising a face having strands comprising at least:

• a central strand (13) preferably located in the center of the base and
• peripheral strands (14) distinct from the central strand (13) and arranged around the central strand (13),

said bristles (13,14) having a free end (132,142) and an end fixed (131,141) to the base (10), the set of bristles (13,14) being configured to brush the teeth and the gum characterized in that than
all of the free ends (132,142) of the strands (13,14) form a conical virtual surface forming a protruding cone (9), preferably straight, the apex (S) of said cone (9) being formed by the free end of the central strand (132) and having an angle (α) of approximately between 80° and 100°, preferably approximately between 85° and 95° and more preferably 90°; A toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base (102) is concave. A toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, the base (103) is flat. Toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, the base (101) is convex. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central strand (13) has a greater length than the peripheral strands (14). A toothbrush (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral bristles (14) extend radially outward from the base (10). Toothbrush (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the peripheral strands (14) form a spiral around the central strand (13). Toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the peripheral bristles (14) remote from the central bristle have a greater inclination than the peripheral bristles (14) close to the central bristle (13). A toothbrush (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the central strand (13) consists of a straight strand on which branches (21) extend outwards, the ends of said branches being configured to be substantially perpendicular to the conical surface formed by the free ends of the strands (132,142). Toothbrush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one free end (132) of the central strand (13) comprises a wear indicator (20).