GB2358129A

GB2358129A - Toothbrush with substantially symmetrical head

Info

Publication number: GB2358129A
Application number: GB0000769A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tracy Roofe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-01-14
Filing date: 2000-01-14
Publication date: 2001-07-18
Also published as: GB0000769D0

Abstract

A toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 11 and a neck 12 having bristles 16 which project outwardly from all sides of the neck to form a substantially symmetrical head. The head may be formed in various shapes including a cylinder, a truncated cone (figures 3 and 5) and a sphere (figure 7). The handle may have a diameter equal to or greater than (figure 9) the diameter of the head, and may comprise a material such as an elastomer for inhibiting the handle slipping in use from the grip of the user. The symmetrical head is intended to allow the user not to have to maintain the head in a correct orientation in use, which may be advantageous for the young, elderly or handicapped.

Description

2358129 Toothbrush This invention relates to a toothbrush.

A typical toothbrush comprises a thin plastic handle and a head. Part of the head generally comprises a planar portion having a series of recesses into which are secured a number of bristles. The bristles extend outwardly from the planar portion in one direction to form a planar brushing surface. The bristles can be of different lengths to form a non -planar brushing surface.

The applicant has noticed that some users of conventional toothbrushes have diff iculty maintaining the brushing surface against their teeth for a sufficient time for proper cleaning and that the exposed plastic head can damage teeth and/or gums when such a user is repeatedly loses control of the toothbrush.

Such users might be the young elderly or handicapped.

US-A-4 888 844 discloses a multi -purpose toothbrush for cleaning a person I s natural teeth and also their dentures. This is achieved through the provision of bulbous member at one end of a thin handle. The bulbous member comprises a large number of bristles extending outwardly from the thin handle. The thin handle is such that the bristles form two brushing surfaces. one surface is generally flat and the other is generally curved. The user may use either brushing surface to clean t heir natural teeth and use the "sharper" regions between the two surfaces and a rounded end to clean their dentures.

However, this arrangement requires careful control to ensure that one of the brushing surfaces remains in proper contact with the teeth, a s with conventional toothbrushes.

According to the present invention there is provided a toothbrush which comprises a handle and a neck having bristles which project outwardly from substantially the entire periphery of said neck to form a substantially symmetrical head.

One advantage of this is that the user does not have to maintain a correct orientation of the head of the toothbrush in use. This is especially advantageous for the young, elderly or handicapped.

Preferably, said handle and said head have respective diameters and the diameter of said handle is greater than or equal to the diameter of said head.

Advantageously, said handle is substantially symmetrical.

In combination with a symmetrical head one advantage of this arrangement is that the user does not need to monitor the orientation of the toothbrush in use. This is is especially advantageous for the young, elderly or handicapped.

In one embodiment, said head is substantially cylindrical.

In another embodiment, said head is a truncated cone.

In one orientation of the truncated cone the user obtains the advantage of an angled head.

In a further embodiment, said head is substantially spherical.

Advantageously, the end of said neck is rounded.

Preferably, said neck further includes bristles which project from said neck in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said toothbrush.

Advantageously, the diameter of said head is 2ca and the diameter of said handle is 2.5cm.

Preferably, the length of said toothbrush is from 10 to 14cm, preferably 12cm.

Advantageously, the length of said handle is from 5 to 7cm, preferably 6cm.

Preferably, the length of said neck is from 5to 7cm, preferably 6cm.

Advantageously, the length of said head is from 2 to 3cm, preferably 2.5cm.

Preferably, the handle comprises a material to inhibit, in use, said handle slipping from the grip of a user.

Advantageously, said material comprises an elastomeric material.

Preferably, said bristles are of substantially the same length.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig.

3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodime nt of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig.

5; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth enbodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig.

7; Fig. 9 i 5 a perspective view of a fif th embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a eighth embodiment of a toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 16 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 15.

Referring to Figures I and 2 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified byreference numeral 10. The toothbrush 10 comprises a handle portion 11, a neck 12 and a head 13. The handle 11 comprises a solid cylindrical body 14 and a tapered region 15. The tapered region 15 extends between the solid cylindrical body 14 and the neck 12. The neck 12 comprises an elongate cylindrical member which is solid throughout to provide the necessary strength to the neck 12. The handle 11 and neck 12 are constructed in one piece from a suitable plastics material and manufacture is conveniently accomplished by injection or moulding. The is length of the toothbrush 10 is 12cm, with the length of the handle 11 being 6am and the length of the neck 12 being 6cm. The diam t r of the head 13 is the sam as the diameter of the solid cylindrical body 14, approximately 2cm.

The head 13 is constructed on the distal end of the neck 12. The head 13 comprises a mass of bristles 16 which extend around the periphery of the neck 12 and which also extend radially outwardly therefrom. This construction results in a head of generally cylindrical shape as shown in Figure 1. The bristles 16 are securely attached to the neck 12. The end 17 of the neck 12 is smooth and rounded to inhibit damage to gums caused by a too erratic and/or vigorous brushing motion.

In use, a conventional brushing motion can be used to clean teeth with the toothbrush 10. However, the need to maintain the correct position of the head 13 is alleviated because the bristles extend around the periphery of the neck 12 and for m a symmetrical head. This is particularly advantageous for the very young, elderly or handicapped some of whom find it difficult to maintain the correct position of the head of a conventional toothbrush for sufficient time to properly clean their teeth. Physical damage can be caused to teeth and gums in the same manner.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 20. The toothbrush 20 comprises a handle portion 21, a neck 22 and a head 23. Th e handle 21 comprises a solid cylindrical body 24 and a tapered region 25. The tapered region 25 extends between the solid cylindrical body 24 and the neck 22. The neck 22 comprises an elongate cylindrical member which is solid throughout to provide the necessary strength to the neck 22. The handle 21 and neck 22 are constructed in one piece from a suitable plastics material and manufacture is conveniently accomplished by injection or moulding. The length of the toothbrush 20 is 12cm, with the length of the handle 21 being 6cm and the length of the neck 22 being 6am. The rna imum diameter of the head 23 is the same as the diameter of the solid cylindrical body 24, approximately 2cm.

The head 23 is constructed on the distal end of the neck 22. The head 23 comprises a mass of bristles 26 which extend around the periphery of the neck 22 and which also extend radially outwardly therefrom. The length of the bristles 26 graduates from the proximal end of the neck 22 to the distal end of the neck 22 so as to form a truncated conical shaped head 23 as shown in Figure 3. The angle between the axis of the toothbrush 20 and the outer surface of the bristles 26 is 20 '. The bristles 26 are securely attached to the neck 22. The end 27 of the neck 22 is smooth and rounded to inhibit damage to gums caused by a too erratic and/or vigorous brushing motion.

In use, a conventional brushing motion can be used to clean teeth with the toothbrush 20. However, the need to maintain the correct position of the head 23 is alleviated because the bristles extend around the periphery of the neck 22 and form a symmetrical head.

This is particularly advantageous for the very young, elderly or handicapped some of whom find it difficult to maintain the correct position of the head of a conventional toothbrush for sufficient time to properly clean their teeth. Physical damage can be caused to teeth and gums by conventional toothbrushes in the same manner.

Further, the angle between the outer surface of the bristles 26 and the axis of the toothbrush 20 simulates the effect of an angled shaft, permitting better access to difficult to reach areas in the mouth of the user.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 30. The toothbrush 30 comprises a handle portion 31, a neck 32 and a head 33. The handle 31 comprises a solid cylindrical body 34 and a tapered region 35. The tapered region 35 extends between the solid cylindrical body 34 and the neck 32. The neck 32 comprises an elongate cylindrical member which is solid throughout to provide the necessary strength to the neck 32. The handle 31 and neck 32 are constructed in one piece from a suitable plastics material and manufacture is conveniently accomplished by injection or moulding. The length of the toothbrush 30 is 12cm, with the length of the handle 31 being 6cm. and the length of the neck 32 being 6cm. The maxiM13m diarn +r of the head 33 is the sam as the diameter of the solid cylindrical body 34, approximately 2am.

The head 33 is con structed on the distal end of the neck 32. The head 33 comprises a mass of bristles 36 which extend around the periphery of the neck 32 and which also extend radially outwardly therefrom.The length of the bristles 36 graduates from the proximal end of the neck 32 to the distal end of the neck 32 so as to form a truncated conical shaped head 33 as shown in Figure 6. The angle between the axis of the toothbrush 30 and the outer surface of the bristles 36 is 20 0. The bristles 36 are securely attached to the n eck 32. The end 37 of the neck 32 is smooth and rounded to inhibit damage to gums caused by a too erratic and/or vigorous brushing motion.

In use, a conventional brushing motion can be used to clean teeth with the toothbrush 30. However, the need to maintain the correct position of the head 33 is alleviated because the bristles extend around the periphery of the neck 32 and form a symmetrical head.

This is particularly advantageous for the very young, elderly or handicapped some of whom find it difficult t o maintain the correct position of the head of a conventional toothbrush for sufficient time to properly clean their teeth. Physical damage can be caused to teeth and gums by conventional toothbrushes in the same manner.

Further, the angle between the oute r surface of the bristles 36 and the axis of the toothbrush 30 simulates the effect of an angled shaft, permitting better access to difficult to reach areas in the mouth of the user.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 40. The toothbrush 40 comprises a handle portion 41, a neck 42 and a head 43. The handle 41 comprises a solid cylindrical body 44 and a tapered region 45. The tapered region 45 extends between the solid cylindrical body 44 and the neck 42. The neck 42 comprises an elongate cylindrical member which is solid throughout to provide the necessary strength to the neck 42. The handle 41 and neck 42 are constructed in one piece from a suitable plastics material and manufacture is conveniently accomplished by injection or moulding. The length of the toothbrush 40 is 12cm, with the length of the handle 41 being 6cm and the length of the neck 42 being 6cm. The diameter of the head 43 is the same as the diam ter of the solid cylindrical body 44, approximately 2cm.

The head 43 is constructed on the distal end of the neck 42. The head 43 comprises a mass of bristles 46 which extend around the neck 42 and which extend outwardly therefrom. The bristles 46 also cover the end of the neck 42 so that the head 43 takes a generally spherical shape as shown in Figure 7. The bristles 46 are securely attached to the neck 42.

In use, a conventional brushing motion can be used to clean teeth with the toothbrush 40. However, the need to maintain the correct position of the head 43 is alleviated because the bristles extend around the of the neck 42 and form a symmetrical head. This is particularly advantageous for the very young, elderly or handicapped some of whom find it difficult to maintain the cor rect position of the head of a conventional toothbrush for sufficient time to properly clean their teeth. Physical damage can be caused to teeth and gums by conventional toothbrushes in the same manner. Further, the bristles which cover the end of the neck 42 inhibit damage which may be caused by the exposed distal end of the neck 42.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 there Is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 50. The toothbrush 50 is similar to the toothbrush 10, with like numerals indicating like parts.

However, the solid cylindrical body 54 of the toothbrush has a diameter larger than the diameter of the head 53, as shown in Figure 10. The ctiam ter of the head 53 is 2cm and the d:Lam ter of the solid cylindrical body 54 is 2.5cm.

In use, the toothbrush 50 is used in a similar manner to the toothbrush 10. The toothbrush 50 has further advantages in that wider diameter handle allows better control, particularly for young children who find it difficult to co-ordinate small items. In combination with a head of symmetrical shape the toothbrush 50 increases control and reduces inadvertent damage due to incomplete brushing and/or too vigorous brushing.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 60. The toothbrush 60 is similar to the toothbrush 20, with like numerals indicating like parts.

However, the solid cylindrical body 64 of the toothbrush has a diameter larger than the diameter of the head 63, as shown in Figure 12. The cUam ter of the head 63 is 2cm and the diameter of the solid cylindrical body 64 is 2. Scm.

In use, the toothbrush 60 is used in a similar manner to the toothbrush 20. The toothbrush 60 has further advantages in that wider diameter handle allows better control, particularly for young children who find it difficult to co-ordinate small items. In combination with a head of symmetrical shape the toothbrush 60 increases control and reduces inadvertent dam-go due to incomplete brushing and/or too vigorous brushing.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14 there is shown a toothbrush which is generally identified by reference numeral 70. The toothbrush 70 is similar to the toothbrush 30, with like numerals indicating like parts.

However, the solid cylindrical body 74 of the toothbrush has a diameter larger than the diam ter of the head 73, as shown in Figure 14. The diameter of the head 73 is 2cm and the diameter of the solid cylindrical body 74 is 2.5cm.

In use, the toothbrush 70 is used in a similar manner to the toothbrush 30. The toothbrush 70 has further advantages in that wider diameter handle allows better control, particularly for young children who find it difficult to co-ordinate small items. In combination with a head of symmetrical shape the toothbrush 70 increases control and reduces inadvertent damage due to incomplete brushing and/or too vigorous brushing.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16 there is shown a toothbrush generally identified by reference numeral 80.

The toothbrush 80 is similar to the toothbrush 40, with like numerals indicating like parts. However, the solid cylindrical body 84 of the toothbrush 80 has a diameter larger than the diam ter of the head 83, as shown in Figure 10. The diam ter of the head 83 is 2cm and the diam t r of the solid cylindrical body 84 is 2.5cm.

In use, the toothbrush 80 is used in a similar manner to the toothbrush 40. The toothbrush 80 has further advantages in that wider diameter handle allows better control, particularly for young children who find it difficult to co-ordinate small items.- In combination with a head of symmetrical shape the toothbrush 80 increases control and reduces inadvertent damage due to incomplete brushing and/or too vigorous brushing.

It should be noted that the term "diameter" as used herein is not limited to handles of circular cross section. It is envisaged that any suitably shaped handle may be used in any of the embodiments described above. For example, the handle may be generally elliptical, rectangular, star, hexagonal, pentagonal or triangular in cross section.

For the avoidance of doubt, where it may be argued that there is more than one diameter of the cross section of a handle, reference should be made to the longest diameter of that cross section. Where there might be more than one cross section reference should be made to the cross section with the longest diameter.

It is also envisaged that the head may also take any suitable shape in any of the embodiments described above. For example, the head may be generally elliptical, rectangular, star, hexagonal, pentagonal or triangular in cross section.

For the avoidance of doubt, where it may be argued that there is more than one diameter of the cross section of a head, reference should be made to the longes t diameter of that cross section. Where there might me more than one cross section reference should be made to the cross section with the longest diameter.

Although the head has been described as formed about the neck in the above embodiments, the term "neck" as

Claims

used in the appended Claims is intended to indicate "that which the head

is formed about". The part of the "neck" about which the head is formed may, for example, be wider in diameter than the visible part of the neck.

The bristles of the head may also extend from the end of the neck in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush to form a rounded head at the end of the neck. An example of this Is illustrated by the dashed line in Fig. 1. Of course, such an arrangement of bristles could be included in any of the "flat-headed" embodiments described above.

The toothbrushes in any of the embodiments described above may be hollow in construction or part hollow and part solid in construction.

13 - Claims 1. A toothbrush which comprises a handle and a neck having bristles which project outwardly from substantially the entire periphery of said neck to form a substantially symmetrical head.
2. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said handle and said hea d have respective diameters and the di.am t r of said handle is greater than or equal to the diameter of said head.
3. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said handle is substantially symmetrical.
4. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 w herein said head is substantially cylindrical.
5. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein is said head is a truncated cone.
6. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said head is substantially spherical.
7. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the end of said neck is rounded.
8. A toothbrush as claimed In any preceding Claim, further including bristles which project from the end of said neck in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said toothbrush.
9. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 2 or any Claim dependent directly or indirectly thereon, wherein the diameter of said head is 2cm and the diameter of said handle is 2.5am.
10. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the length of said toothbrush is from 10 to 14cm, preferably 12cm.
11. A toothbrush as claimed In any preceding Claim, wherein the length of said handle is from 5 to 7 cm, preferably 6cm.
12. A toothbrush as claimed In any preceding Claim, wherein the length o f said neck is from 5 to 7cm, preferably 6cm.
13. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the length of said head is from 2 to 3 am, preferably 2.5cm.
14. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the handle comprises a material to inhibit, in use, said handle slipping from the grip of a user.
15. A toothbrush as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said material comprises an elastomeric material.
16. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said bristles are of substantially the sam length.