GB2493409A

GB2493409A - Tooth brushing system

Info

Publication number: GB2493409A
Application number: GB201202018A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neal Maurice Rose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-06
Filing date: 2012-02-06
Publication date: 2013-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-06
Also published as: GB201202018D0; GB2493409B

Abstract

A tooth brushing system 10 comprising a plurality of toothbrush heads 14, each head 14 having a different distribution of bristles, a plurality of toothbrush handles 12, each handle 12 having a different grip arrangement, and co-operating, releasable attachment means 16 provided on each toothbrush head 14 and each handle 12 for attaching any selected one of the toothbrush heads 14 to any selected one of the toothbrush handles 12. The application also discloses a toothbrush in which the handle comprises two parts which are joined about a hinge point (figure 4b).

Description

TOOTH BRUSHING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a tooth brushing system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The process of brushing teeth is considered an essential part of our health routine, but toothbrushes are generally utilitarian products with no particular appeal. The purchase of a new toothbrush does not generally provide a fulfilling buyer experience. Furthermore, there is minimal toothbrush choice available in terms of styling, grip size, and head size.

It is an object of the invention to provide a tooth brushing system offering the consumer more choice in grip size and style and in toothbrush head design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a tooth brushing system comprising a plurality of toothbrush heads, each head having a different distribution of bristles, a plurality of toothbrush handles, each handle having a different grip arrangement, and co-operating releasable attachment means provided on each toothbrush head and each handle for attaching any selected one of the toothbrush heads to any selected one of the toothbrush handles.

The system is advantageous because any one from a plurality of different designs of handle can be fitted to any one of plurality of different designs of toothbrush head. For example, the same soft bristled toothbrush head can be utilised by children and people in their old age, but a small stylised handle can be selected for children, for example, in the shape of an animal or character, and a handle having a large easy to hold grip can be selected for the older person.

The attachment means provided on each handle may be angularly moveable relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle.

This movement provides adjustment of the angular position of the head relative to the longitudinal extent of the handle, which enables a user to position the brush head to the most convenient position for brushing. Lock means may be provided for retaining the head at a desired angle.

The attachment means may be mounted between the ends of the handle. Furthermore, the attachment means provided on each handle may be mounted about a pivot disposed proximate one end of the handle, the attachment means and selected head attached thereto being moveable between an open position and a closed position, both positions being in axial alignment with or substantially in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle.

A recess may be provided in a side of each handle which receives or at least partiafly receives the selected toothbrush head in the closed position. In this position, the bristles of the toothbrush head may face into the handle, the brisdes being protected from damage and/or contamination from contact with, for example, undean surfaces.

Latch means may be provided for retaining the head in the open position and further latch means may be provided for retaining the head in the closed position.

A spring means may be provided for biasing the head to the open or closed position. The attachment means may be a push on attachment means, for example, the attachment means may be a spigot provided on each handle or head and a corresponding socket provided on each corresponding head or handle for releasably co-operating with the spigot.

A releasable resilient latch may lock the spigot and socket together, in use.

the resilient latch may include a detent provided internally of the socket which resiliently engages in a recess provided on the spigot. Alternatively, the resilient latch includes a detent provided on the spigot which resiliently engages in a recess provided in the socket.

Each head may include a neck portion and a bristle portion, the neck portions being provided in different lengths. The shorter neck portions are more suitable for children.

At least one handle may be fori ed as a casing, formed of two parts. which may open and close about a hinge. Conveniently, the brush head can be contained within the casing.

DESCRIPTION Of THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure I shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, in which the head is shown detached from the handle; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, with the head attached to the handle; Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the hanthe and head of Figure 2, in which the head is shown detached from the handle; Figure 4a show's a perspective view of a third embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, with the head being in an open position; Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the handle and head of Figure 4a, in which the head is being moved from the open position to a closed position; Figure 4c shows a perspective view of the handle and head of figure 4a, with the head being in a closed position; Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, with the head being in an open position; Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the handle and head of Figure Sa, with the head being in a closed position; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, with the head being in an open position; Figure 7 shows a perspective side view of a sixth embodiment of toothbrush handle and head forming part of the system, with the head being in an open position; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a selection of toothbrush heads forming part of the system, and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a selection of toothbrush handles and heads forming part of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of toothbrush forming part of a toothbrush system is indicated generally at 10. The toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 and a removable head 14. In this case, the handle 12 is shaped with a p1uraity of circular beaded portions of different diameters extending along the length of the handle, making it easy to grip at different positions along the length of the handle. A spigot 16, extends from the upper end of the handle 12, as viewed, and is adapted to be received in an aperture or socket 18, provided in the end of the head 14. Together, the spigot 16 and the socket 18 form the attachment means for attaching the head 14 to the handle 12. It wih be appreciated that, alternatively, the spigot 16 can be provided on the head 14 and the aperture or socket 18 in the hanifie 12.

A second embodiment of toothbrush is indicated at 210 in Figure 2. The same reference numerals are used to indicate parts in common with the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment is shown with the same head 14, as that shown on the toothbrush 10 of Figure 1.

The head 14 includes a neck portion 20 and a brush portion 22, a plurality of bristles 24 being mounted to the brush portion 22 in conventional manner. The handle 26 in this embodiment.

is formed as a rectangle, with the spigot 16 extending away from a short side of the rectangle, also as shown in Figure 3.

A releasable resilient latch in form of a recess 28 and detent 30. as seen in Figure 3. is provided on the spigot 16 and the socket 18 respectively. In use, the head 14 is pushed on to the handle 26 and the detent 30 is resiliently engaged with the recess 28, locking the head 14 and the handle 26 together. The recess 28, substantially parallel to the short side of the rectangle, is provided adjacent a top end of the spigot 16 on the haiidle 26 and the detent 30 is provided corresponding'y on and internally of the socket 18. Alternatively, the recess 28 can be provided iii the socket 18 and the detent on the spigot 16. To remove the head 14 from the handle 26, opposing force can be applied to both parts until the detent 30 disengages with the recess 28.

A third embodiment of toothbrush, indicated at 310 in Figure 4a to 4c, is shown with an ovoid shaped handle 32 connected to a head 34. The ovoid shape is ergonomic to a user's gnp. making it easy for user to maintain grip when using the toothbrush. The head 34 in this embodiment has a different distribution and type of bristles to the head 14 in Figures Ito 3.

Compared to the previous embodiments, the neck portion 36 of the head 34 is more waisted in as it extends toward the brush portion 38. The neck portion 36 of the head 34 is also onger, for example, around 60 mm to 80 mm, compared with the first and second embodiments, which have a neck length of around 40 mm to 60 mm. It will be appreciated that the neck portions of different heads can vary in length and design, as well as the bristle distribution on different brush portions, to suit needs of users of different demographics. For example. shorter neck portions of between 25 inni to 45 mm are more suitable for children.

The handle 32 has a recess 40 provided in a side of and along the longitudinal length of the handle 32. The spigot 16 on the handle 32 is mounted about a pivot 42 disposed adjacent the upper end of the handle 32. the pivot 42 being provided in one end of the recess 40. When attached to the handle 32, the head 34 is movable between an open position, where the head 34 extends from the upper end of the handle 32 (as seen in Figure 4a), and a closed position, where the head 34 is stowed or received into the recess 40 (as seen in Figure 4c). In both positions, the head 34 remains substantially in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle 32.

The pivot 42 allows the head 34 to be angularly movable relative to the handle 32. It will be appreciated that the length of the recess 40 does not need to extend along the whole length of the hanifie 32, as long as it is long enough for receiving, or at least partially receiving, the head 34 when in the closed position. Furthermore, the depth of the recess 40 shou'd be deep enough so that the neck portion 36 of the head 34 is substantially accommodated into the handle 32 when in the closed position.

Latch means (not shown in figures), such as a clip and clip recess, is provided on the toothbrush 310 for retaining the head 34 in the closed position. Furthermore, a spring means is also provided for biasing the head 34 to the open position. It will be appreciated that, instead of a spring means, a separate latch means may be provided for retaining the head 34 in an open position.

In use, when the clip of the latch means is released from the clip recess, the head 34 is urged to move from the closed position to the open position by the spring means, without much effort from a user. To move the head 34 back to the closed position, pressure is applied to the head 34 towards the recess 40 until the clip is once again engaged with the clip recess. It will be appreciated that the latch means can be used to retain the head 34 in the open position, and the spring means for biasing the head 34 to the closed position.

The head 34 is positioned on the toothbrush 310 such that when in the closed position, the bristles on bristle portion 38 faces into the recess 40. This helps to protect the bristle portion 38 from damage and/or contamination.

Turning now to Figures 5a and Sb, a fourth toothbrush is indicated at 410. In this embodiment, the toothbrush is generally triangular pyramid shaped with the handle 44 having a generally triangular base 46 and the head 48 forming an upper vertex of the triangle. The handle 44 is formed as a casing in two parts 45a, 45b. with an internal chamber 50 for receiving and storing the head 48 in the closed position, as seen in Figure 5b, and an opening 52 at the top of the handle 44 for allowing the head 48 to extend from the handle 44 at the open position. as seen in Figure 5a.

A window 54 is provided on the handle 44 for viewing into the internal chamber 50 of the handle 44. The two parts 45a, 45b of the handle 44 are hinged at one side and releasably connectable on the other side by connecting means 5ô, such as a clip and a colTesponding recess.

The pivot 42 in this embodiment is mounted between the opening 52 and the base 46 of the handle 44. within the internal chamber 50. The head 48 may be moved from the closed position to the open position, either manually or by having a releasable latch means and spring bias means similar to the third embodiment. To use the toothbrush 410, the two halves of the handle 44 are pulled open by disengaging the connecting means 56, allowing the head 48 to be moved from the closed position within the handle 44 to the open position. The handle 44 is then closed, the head 48 being flushed with the opening 52 of the handle 44.

When not in use, the head 48 can be stored within the handle 44 which is advantageous as it keeps the head 48 away from contamination or dirt. The head 48 is removable and is attached by way of a spigot, 16, which is pivotally mounted about the pivot 42. The base of the spigot 16 extends from above the end of the handle 44 casing, thereby allowing a suitable head to be attached thereto.

A fifth embodiment of toothbrush is indicated at 510 in Figure 6. The handle 58 in this embodiment is formed as an hourglass shape, which is ergonomically advantageous and improves grip. The upper end of the handle 58 is formed with the pivot 42 for moving the head 60 between the open and closed position. An aperture 62 is provided through the handle for receiving the head 60 when in the closed position. The head 60 has a different distribution of bristle compared to previous embodiments and has a generally cylindrical neck portion 63.

Similar to the third and fourth embodiment, a spigot 16 is provided for allowing the releasable attachment of the head 60 to the handle 58.

A sixth embodiment of the toothbrush his indicated at 610 in Figure 7. The handle 64 is shaped as an animal. In this embodiment, the animal is of a meerkat standing on its hind legs.

but it will be appreciated that other animals or characters and other positions may be adopted.

This style will be particularly suited to young children and is designed to encourage teeth brushing. Similar to the third embodiment, a recess is provided to one side, preferably on the rem-of the toothbrush 610 so as to not obstruct the front view of the animal, of the handle 64 for receiving the head 60 when in the closed position (shown in phantom). Similar to the third fourth and fifth embodiment, a spigot 16 is provided for allowing the releasable attachment of the head to the handle 64.

A selection of four different toothbrush heads 66, 68, 70, 72 are indicated in Figure 8 demonstrating different anangements of neck portions 74. 76, 78, 80 and brush portions 82, 84, 86, 88. The neck portions 74, 76, 78, 80 can be of different lengths and shapes, for exarnpe, the head 70 has a substantially more waisted in neck portion 78 than the other heads 66, 68, 72. Similarly, each brush portion 82, 84, 86, 88 can have different arrangements, distributions and types of bristles. For example, the brush portion 88 uses a mixture of bigger bristles on the middle of the brush and smaller ones adjacent the edge, or different bristles can be use to give a harder or softer brush. The ength of the bristles can also be different between brush portions. Differing bristle arrangements are well established in the field.

Figure 9 provides an overview of a selection of handles and heads, including the handles of the first, second and third embodiments. For example, handle 90 demonstrates an example of handle similar to sixth embodiment, but of a different animal shape, and handle 92 depicts a person's feet. In yet another example, handle 94 is designed, similar to the second embodiment, to aid grip. Handle 96 depicts a fist, which adds novelty value to the toothbrush.

The sdection of handles and heads is intended to provide a range of styling to suit different users' taste and needs. Different designs are aimed at different demographics of users, such as the animal handle for young children and the rectangular handle for users with weak grip.

The variety of different heads provides further choices for users to pick and mix and customise, making teeth brushing a more enjoyable experience.

The tooth brushing system is advantageous because it offers a large variety of toothbrush heads and handles for a user to choose from, allowing the toothbrush to be customised based on the user's preference and needs. This increases the appea' for the user to use the toothbrush, making teeth brushing more enjoyable and less of a chore. The pivot on the toothbrush allows the head to be stowed away when the toothbrush is not in use, which helps

S

to keep the head clean. Stowing the head adjacent the handle also reduces the size of the toothbrush, which is especially convenient when travelling.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example. the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or afl of the illustrative embodiments within the scope of the claims

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A tooth brushing system comprising a plurality of toothbrush heads, each head having a different distribution of bristles, a plurality of toothbrush handles, each handle having a different grip arrangement, and co-operating, releasable attachment means provided on each toothbrush head and each handle for attaching any selected one of the toothbrush heads to any selected one of the toothbrush handles.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one handle is formed as a casing, formed of two parts, which opens and closes about a hinge.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the attachment means provided on each handle is angularly moveable relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A tooth brushing system as dairned in claim 3, in which the attachment means provided on each handle is mounted between the ends of the hanifie.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 3 or 4. in which the attachment means provided on each handle is mounted about a pivot disposed proximate one end of the handle, the attachment means and selected head attached thereto being moveable between an open position and a closed position, both positions being in axial alignment with or substantially in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 5, in which a recess is provided in a side of each handle which receives or at least partially receives the selected toothbrush head in the closed position.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, in which latch means is provided for retaining the head in the open position.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, in which latch means is provided for retaining the head in the closed position.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, in which a spring means is provided for biasing the head to the open or closed position.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the attachment means is a push on attachment means.</claim-text> <claim-text>II. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 10, in which the attachment means is a spigot provided on each handle or head and a corresponding socket provided on each colTesponding head or handle for releasably co-operating with the spigot.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim I], in which a releasable resilient atch locks the spigot and socket together, in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 12, in which the resilient latch includes a detent provided internally of the socket which resiliently engages in a recess provided on the spigot.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 12, in which the resilient latch includes a detent provided on the spigot which resiliently engages in a recess provided in the socket.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each head includes a neck portion and a bristle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 15, in which the neck portions are provided in different lengths.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A tooth brushing system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A tooth brushing system comprising a plurality of toothbrush heads, each head having a different distribution of bristles, a plurality of toothbrush handles, each handle having a different grip arrangement, and co-operating, releasable attachment means provided on each toothbrush head and each handle for attaching any selected one of the toothbrush heads to any selected one of the toothbrush handles; the attachment means provided on each handle being angularly moveable relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle and mounted about a pivot disposed proximate one end of the handle, the attachment means being a spigot provided on each handle and a corresponding socket provided on each corresponding head for releasably co-operating with the spigot, the attachment means and selected head attached thereto being moveable between an open position and a closed position, both positions being in axial alignment with or substantially in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis ofthe handle; and at least one handle formed as a casing in two parts, which opens and closes about a hinge, the selected head being enclosed within the casing when the head is in the closed position and the casing is closed.
2. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the attachment means provided on each handle is mounted between the ends of the handle.
3. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a recess is provided in a side of each handle which receives or at least partially receives the selected toothbrush head in the closed position.
4. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which latch means is provided for retaining the head in the open position.
5. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any one preceding claim, in which latch means is provided for retaining the head in the closed position.
6. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any one preceding claim, in which a spring means is provided for biasing the head to the open or closed position.
7. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the attachment means is a push on attachment means.
8. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 7, in which a releasable resilient latch locks the spigot and socket together, in use.
9. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 8, in which the resilient latch includes a detent provided internally of the socket which resiliently engages in a recess provided on the spigot.
10. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 8, in which the resilient latch includes a detent provided on the spigot which resiliently engages in a recess provided in the socket.
II. A tooth brushing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each head includes a neck portion and a bristle portion.
12. A tooth brushing system as claimed in claim 11, in which the neck portions are provided in different lengths.
13. A tooth brushing system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 4a-c, 5a & Sb, 6, 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>