KR101424364B1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

The toothbrush includes a toothbrush head having an upper surface on which a cleaning element for cleaning teeth is arranged. The cleaning elements form a variety of care areas or arrangements that meet specific cleaning and manufacturing requirements.

Description

Toothbrush {TOOTHBRUSH}

The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a toothbrush head in which a cleaning element for cleaning teeth is arranged on an upper surface.

It has long been known to use toothbrushes to clean human teeth. Generally, a toothbrush includes a head and a handle. The head includes a plurality of bristle tufts extending from an upper surface of the head. Bristle tufts generally consist of a plurality of filaments attached to the head in a suitable manner. It is often desirable to provide the consumer with a toothbrush capable of providing multiple benefits. However, to produce such toothbrushes, bristle tufts within a certain area of the toothbrush often must be treated or manufactured differently from bristle tufts in other areas.

One disadvantage to such a toothbrush is that as the number of benefits provided by the toothbrush increases, the manufacturing complexity also often increases. A further disadvantage of known toothbrushes is that during the brushing, plaque and other undesirable materials can be caught between the bristles, which is then held in the bristle area, so that when the teeth are cleaned and polished, the enamel ). ≪ / RTI >

Thus, there is a need for a toothbrush that is arranged to provide multiple benefits to the consumer while at the same time facilitating manufacture. Additionally, there is a need for a toothbrush that can facilitate removal of plaque and other undesirable items from the bristle region.

The toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention not only provides a plurality of benefits to the user, but also facilitates the manufacture of toothbrushes. Additionally, a toothbrush configured in accordance with the present invention may facilitate removal of plaque and / or undesirable material from the bristle region. In some embodiments there is provided a toothbrush having a first cleaning element for cleaning teeth and a toothbrush head having a second cleaning element provided on an upper surface, wherein the first cleaning element has a long side and a short side, And first bristle tufts having a base that is rectangular or elliptical. This can create toothpaste and foam carriers within the long tufts, which allows the foam to escape from the corners of the base where the tufts are not arranged. Alternatively, first multi or composite bristle tufts, each of which may have a circular cross-section, are provided, but since they are arranged together along a straight line, the result is a square or rhombic bristle arrangement. Thus, in the case of rhombus, there are provided four straight lines each having several bristle tufts. These tufts are designed to be longer than the cleaning elements arranged in a polygon (e. G., Rhombus) so that the result of forming a toothpaste receptacle, similar to a recessed, especially trough, Bring it. This contributes to the progressive distribution of toothpaste in the mouth during brushing. According to an alternative design, the "edges" of a diamond, square, or other polygon may be formed by bristle tufts, and tufts with short sides and long sides by spacing, without forming corners in a strictly geometric sense As shown in FIG.

In contrast to the conventional round, possibly pot-shaped design of the recessed toothpaste receiving area, the polygonal design of this toothpaste receiving reservoir within the bristle area is such that after the toothbrush head is packed with bristles, Which makes it easier to trim the bristles bordering the receiving area at the sides to achieve their topography to their desired length and round their ends. In the polygonal design of the recessed toothpaste receiving area inside the recess, since the centers of the bristle tufts forming the polygons as tufts or as a plurality of tufts lie on a straight line in each case, Adjacent tufts that are not part of a polygon are easier to avoid by a deflector plate or displacer in order to trimming and / or trimming the length or rounding the end separately from other bristle tufts It is possible to push out. In doing so, the deflector plate is sandwiched between the bristle tufts of the packed head and subsequently laterally pivoted, making it possible to independently trim the tufts to the correct length for the adjacent tufts. The polygonal design of the toothpaste receiving area may also be advantageous for toothbrushes that are manufactured without such anchor wire tufting, but rather without, for example, anchor wires.

An advantageous further design is that the composite / multiple bristle tufts of the first bristle tuft, the bristle tufts of the second rinsing element and the third rinsing element each have a circular cross-section, wherein immediately adjacent bristle tufts To have a directional distance; With a distance of less than 0 mm in the direction of the longitudinal center axis and a distance of 0 to 0.5 mm in the direction of the transverse axis. Distances of less than 0 mm along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush can be achieved by tufting polygons and moving the tufts within the polygons. Thus, when viewing the toothbrush from the lateral longitudinal side, the distance between neighboring tufts appears to overlap to be less than 0 mm.

An advantageous further design provides that the plurality of first bristle tufts are arranged on the top surface in such a manner that their combined peripheral surfaces form a base that is approximately triangular, square, rhombic, or pentagonal.

An advantageous further design provides for the first bristle tufts to be arranged in such a way that the four first bristle tufts surround the square base.

An advantageous further design provides that the second cleaning element comprises a second bristle tuft and / or an elastomeric cleaning element having a circular cross section.

An advantageous additional design is that the first bristle tuft is designed to be longer than the second bristle tuft and / or the first bristle tuft provides for surrounding the second bristle tuft or elastomeric cleaning element.

According to a further aspect there is provided a toothbrush head having a toothbrush head having a cleaning element for cleaning teeth, grouped into various care zones in each case, having at least one toothbrush head having a longer cleaning element than the cleaning element in the cleaning zone Wherein the pre-cleaning zone is arranged at the free end of the toothbrush head, a polishing zone or massaging zone comprising an elastomeric cleaning element, and a pre-cleaning zone designed in a shape similar to a trough A toothbrush is provided having a toothpaste receiving area. In the known bristle area, a plurality of care areas are not arranged separately from each other, but rather different effective cleaning elements are mixed with others nearby. Thus, the care characteristics of the cleaning elements must be arranged in local groups on the head according to their various functions.

Additional objects, advantages, features, and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments through the drawings. The subject matter of the present invention is formed from all features described or shown, individually or in any significant combination, and independently of their summary of claims or their dependency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a top view of a toothbrush head shown schematically in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head according to Figure 1, taken along line AA of Figure 4b.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of section y of Figure 1;
Figures 4A-4D are respectively a side view, top plan view, perspective plan view, and bottom perspective view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1;
Figure 4e is an enlarged view of section x of Figure 4b.
Figure 4f is an enlarged view of the distal section of the toothbrush head according to Figure 4b.
Figures 5a-5e are perspective views of a right side view, a top view, a left side view, a perspective view, and a bottom view of a toothbrush head, according to the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
Figs. 6A-6E are a right side view, a top plan view, a left side view, a perspective view, a perspective plan view, and an additional perspective plan view, respectively, of a toothbrush head according to the present invention, modified with respect to Fig.
7A-7D are a side view, top plan view, perspective plan view, and additional perspective plan view, respectively, of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
8A-8D are side views, top plan views, perspective top plan views, and perspective rear views, respectively, of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
9A-9F are a right side view, a top view, a left side view, a bottom view, a perspective view, a perspective view, and an additional top view, respectively, of a toothbrush head according to the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
10A to 10D are a top plan view, a side view, a perspective view, and a perspective rear view, respectively, of an upper surface of a toothbrush head according to the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
Figure 11 is a perspective plan view of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
12A and 12B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a square base of a toothbrush head according to the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a generally triangular base of a toothbrush head according to the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
Figures 14A and 14B are perspective and cross-sectional views of an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a circular base of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
15A-15C are perspective, longitudinal, and top plan views of a toothbrush head having an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a circular base in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
16A to 16C are a perspective view, a longitudinal section view, and a top plan view of a toothbrush head having an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a circular base according to the present invention, modified with respect to FIG.
17A-17C are perspective, longitudinal, and top plan views of a toothbrush head having an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a circular base according to the invention, modified with respect to Fig.
Figures 18a-c are a perspective view, a longitudinal section view, and a top plan view of a toothbrush head with an elastomeric cleaning element with a platform having a generally triangular base in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
Figs. 19A-19C are perspective, longitudinal, and top plan views of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to Fig.
20A and 20B are perspective and top views of a top view of a toothbrush head in accordance with the present invention, modified with respect to Fig.
Figures 21a and 21b are perspective and bottom plan views of a top surface of a toothbrush head having a spherical second component according to the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
Figure 22 is a perspective view of the top surface of a toothbrush head having a spherical second component according to the present invention modified with respect to Figure 1;
Figure 23 is a perspective view of the top surface of a toothbrush head having a spherical second component according to the present invention, modified with respect to Figure 1;
24A and 24B are perspective views of a toothbrush head having a diamond-shaped toothpaste receiving area according to the present invention, modified with respect to Fig. 1, respectively.
24C and 24D are side views of a modified toothbrush head having a diamond-shaped toothpaste receiving space according to Fig. 24A, respectively.
Figs. 24e and 24f are top plan views of the bristle area of the modified toothbrush head having the diamond-shaped toothpaste receiving area according to Fig. 24a, respectively, and Fig. 24f also schematically shows the handle of the toothbrush.
24g is an additional plan view of the bristle area of the modified toothbrush head with the diamond-shaped toothpaste receiving area according to FIG. 24a, showing the bristle displacer used;

Figures 1 to 24G illustrate a toothbrush head or sections thereof that are connected to an optional toothbrush neck and handle to form a toothbrush. These heads are equally suitable for fully manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes. Each of the features of the toothbrush head shown in these embodiments may be designed in a reduced form or in a different combination than that shown. Although most embodiments illustrate a tongue scraper having a particular structure on the underside of the head, all embodiments may also be manufactured without a tongue scraper or may have other tongue scraper structures. In addition, some embodiments have an elastomeric cleaning element 17 (shown in FIG. 9F) (preferably an elastic cleaning element 17 made of a soft material) in combination with a bristle tuft cleaning element, while other embodiments The example has only a bristle tuft cleaning element.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4F, a toothbrush head 1 made of a hard material or a first component 2 is provided with one or several elastomer zones, which can be designed as constriction 4, A lateral surface or outer edge 3 is provided. The retracting portion may be a overmolded soft material layer in some embodiments or a second component 5 made of elastomeric plastic. Referring to FIG 4e, and the width contraction portion b1 corresponds to a width of 55% to 85% of b ₂ in the rest of the widest lateral edge line 6 of the head as viewed from the top in the center shrink portion (7). The outer edge line 6 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head 1 and abuts the outer edge of the head, which represents the maximum width of the head 1. The center 7 of the constriction 4 indicates the minimum width of the head 1 in the associated constriction 4 under measurement.

The constriction 4 proceeds in a concave manner 8 and is thus directed inward toward the longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head. The concave curvature has a radius R the angle β and the number of _Xi As shown in FIG. The effect of the narrow, concave contraction radius provided with the elastomer may be that the toothpaste foam 20 is very well received. The movement of the foam 20 from the upper surface 16 of the head 1 to the constriction 4 can be further influenced by the angle alpha.

For example, when the top surface 16 is inclined downward toward the constricted portion 4, the plaque 25, which slides down the cleaning element 10 during brushing, Direction. ≪ / RTI > The foam 20 is initially partially moved from the free end of the cleaning element 10 to the top surface 16 of the head 1 and then partly to the lateral surface 3 of the head. Due to the directional changes during brushing, the foam 20 is effectively retained and then removed from the constriction 4, together with the plaques 25 contained therein, in a preferred manner of the same lateral surface 3, which can be made of hard plastic Can be removed with a convexly curved section.

According to some embodiments shown-particularly in Figures 5 to 10-each contraction portion divides the toothbrush into a plurality of tooth care areas. The care areas for the various tooth care tasks are arranged in specific local sections of the head, which may reduce the possibility of mixing other cleaning elements for different cleaning purposes within a given area. The duty of the care zone can be determined by various types of cleaning elements, for example, the sizes of filaments, tufts, tufts, bristle tufts, elastomeric elements 17, or the effective length of the cleaning element.

Each zone may be divided into two or more sub-zones. Each subdivision is designed and equipped in such a way that various tasks are possible during the brushing process. 5A-5E, a pre-cleansing zone 500A is provided adjacent the distal end 520 of the toothbrush head 510 and at the proximal end 530 of the head 510 ). ≪ / RTI > 5A, the pre-clean zone 500A may include a plurality of cleaning elements 511 configured as the outermost cleaning elements adjacent the distal end 520 and proximate the proximal end 530. As shown in FIG.

The cleaning element 511 of the pre-cleaning zone 500A can be configured to vary its height. For example, as shown, a cleaning element adjacent the distal end 520 may be configured such that the height of the cleaning element 511 decreases in the direction toward the handle. Additionally, these cleaning elements 511 may be trimmed at an angle such that a peak is formed adjacent the cleaning element 511 closest to the distal end 520. Similarly, the cleaning element 511 in the pre-cleaning zone 500A adjacent the proximal end 530 may be configured to have a height at which the cleaning element 511 changes. As shown, the cleansing element 511 can be reduced in height from the proximal end 530 toward the distal end 520. Additionally, these cleaning elements 511 may be trimmed at an angle such that a peak is formed adjacent the cleaning element 511 closest to the proximal end 530.

A cleaning zone 500B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 500A. Additionally, an interdental zone 500D may be generally disposed in an area similar to the cleaning zone 500B. The interdental area 500D may include a cleaning element 513 disposed on both sides of the cleaning element 512 for the cleaning area 500B. As shown, interdental region 500D may include a convex arcuate trim.

As shown, the polishing zone 500C includes a plurality of cleaning elements 514 disposed between a cleaning element 511 for the pre-cleaning zone 500A and a cleaning element 512 for the cleaning zone 500B . The polishing zone 500C may include a cleaning element 514 having a larger cross-section than that adjacent thereto.

6A-6E, a pre-cleaning zone 600A disposed adjacent the distal end 620 of the toothbrush head 610 and the proximal end 630 of the head 610 is provided with a plurality of cleaning elements < RTI ID = 0.0 > 611 < / RTI > The cleaning element 611 may be configured as an outermost cleaning element adjacent the distal end 620 of the head 610 and adjacent the proximal end 630. [ The pre-cleaning zone 600A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zone 500A described above.

A cleaning zone 600B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 600A. Additionally, the outer zone 600E may be generally disposed in an area similar to the cleaning zone 600B. The outer zone 600E may include a cleaning element 615 disposed on both sides of the cleaning elements 612 and 613.

As shown, the cleaning zone 600B may include a convex arcuate trim, and similarly, the outer zone 600E may include a convex arcuate trim. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 615 of the outer zone 600E may have a shorter height than the cleaning element 613 of the cleaning zone 600B.

As shown, the polishing area 600C includes a plurality of cleaning elements 614 disposed between a cleaning element 611 for the pre-cleaning area 600A and a cleaning element 613 for the cleaning area 600B . The polishing zone 600C may include a cleaning element 614 having a larger cross-section than that adjacent thereto.

Zone 600D may include a plurality of cleaning elements 612 disposed adjacent the periphery of the head. Additionally, a portion of the plurality of cleaning elements 612 may be disposed inside the cleaning element 615 of the outer zone 600E.

7A-7D, in some embodiments, toothbrush head 710 includes a pre-cleaning zone 700A, a cleaning zone 700B, a post-cleaning zone 700C, And a toothpaste holding area 700D. As shown, the toothpaste holding area 700D may be disposed within the cleaning area 700B. For example, as shown, the cleaning element 713 of the cleaning area 700B may at least partially surround the cleaning element 712 of the holding area 700D. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 712 of the holding zone 700D may be shorter than the cleaning element 713 of the cleaning zone 700B. In this manner, for example, a recessed area that can provide better retention of the toothpaste can be formed in the cleansing element area.

The pre-cleaning zone 700A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zone described above, e.g., 500A and 600A. The post-clean zone 700C can be configured such that the height of the cleansing element 711 increases toward the proximal end 730 of the toothbrush head 710. However, unlike the pre-cleaning zone 700A, a gradual increase in height may be slightly less than that present for the cleaning element 712 of the pre-cleaning zone 700A.

Similar to the configuration of the head 710 shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, the head 810 of FIGS. 8A-8D includes similar sections, Reference numeral 800B, reference numeral 800C, and reference numeral 800D. Zone 800A may be configured similar to the pre-clean zones 500A, 600A, 700A described above. Zone 800B may be configured as described above with respect to cleaning zones 500B, 600B, and / or 700B. Zone 800C can be configured similar to post-clean zone 700C described above. Zone 800D may be configured as described above with respect to holding zone 700D. In another embodiment, the region 800D can be configured similar to the region 600D or the interdental region 500D.

Additionally, the head 810 can include a plurality of elastomeric elements 17 that abut the cleaning zone 800B on either side or both sides. The elastomeric element 17 may extend from the common base 817. The base 817 may be integrally formed with the elastomeric material of the tongue cleaner as shown in Fig.

9A-9F, a toothbrush head 910 constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a pre-cleaning area 900A adjacent a distal end 920 and a pre-cleaning area 900A adjacent a proximal end 930. The pre- ). A cleaning zone 900B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 900A. Additionally, a gap 945 may be present between the pre-cleaning zone 900A and the cleaning zone 900B. This gap 945 can facilitate removal (shown in FIG. 2) of the foam 20 from the cleansing element region toward the constriction as described above.

The pre-scrubbing zone 900A can be configured similar to the previously discussed pre-scrubbing zone 500A, 600A, 700A, and / or 800A. The cleaning zone 900B may be configured similar to the cleaning zone 500B, 600B, 700B, and / or 800B described above. The pre-cleaning zone 900A may include a plurality of cleaning elements 911. [ The cleaning zone 900B may include a plurality of cleaning elements 912 disposed between the cleaning elements 911 of the pre-cleaning zone 900A.

The cleaning element 913 of the outer zone 900D may be located between the first set of cleaning elements 912 and the second set of cleaning elements 912. [ The cleaning element 913 may be oriented in any suitable shape. As shown, the cleaning elements 913 can be arranged so that the cleaning elements 913 form a diamond shape on the head 910. Within the diamond shape of the cleaning elements 913, a cleaning element 914 of the holding area 900C may be disposed. The cleaning elements 914 may be similarly configured in a diamond shape. As shown, the cleaning element 913 and the cleaning element 914 may be configured such that they form an outer diamond shape and an inner diamond shape. In addition, the cleaning element 913 may have a height that is less than the height of the cleaning element 914.

The head 910 may further include a plurality of elastomeric elements 17. A first set of elastomeric elements 17A may extend from the first base 917A. The first base 917A may be integrally formed with the elastomeric material of the tongue cleaner. Similarly, the first set of elastomeric elements 17A may be integrally formed from the first base 917A. The toothbrush head 910 may further include a second set of elastomeric elements 17B that may extend from the second base 917B. The second set of elastomeric elements 17B may be configured similar to the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and the second base 917B may be configured similar to the first base 917A.

As shown, the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and / or the second set of elastomeric elements 17B may have a height that is less than the height of the cleansing element 913 of the outer zone 900D. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and / or the second set of elastomeric elements 17B may have a taper angle. A taper angle of greater than about 0.5 degrees, greater than about 1 degrees, greater than about 1.5 degrees, greater than about 2.0 degrees, greater than about 2.5 degrees, greater than about 3.0 degrees, and / or less than about 3.0 degrees, less than about 2.5 degrees, less than about 2.0 degrees , Less than about 1.5 degrees, less than about 1.0 degrees, or any number or any range within the provided values. The taper angle may be beneficial during the manufacturing process. For example, the taper angle may facilitate removal of the elastomeric element from the injection mold.

A third set of elastomeric elements 17C may extend from the third base 917C. The third set of elastomeric elements 17C may be configured similar to the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and the third base 917C may be configured similar to the first base 917A. A fourth set of elastomeric elements 17D may extend from the fourth base 917D. The fourth set of elastomeric elements 17D may be configured similar to the first set of elastomeric elements 17A and the fourth base 917D may be configured similar to the first base 917A.

10, the toothbrush head 1010 may include a pre-clean zone 1000A proximate the distal end 1020 and a pre-clean zone 1000A adjacent the proximal end 1030 have. A cleaning zone 1000B may be disposed between the pre-cleaning zones 1000A. The polishing zone 1000C may be at least partially surrounded by the cleaning element 1011 of the pre-cleaning zone 1000A. As shown, the cleaning element 1013 of the polishing zone 1000C is completely surrounded by the cleaning element 1011. [

The inner zone 1000D may be at least partially surrounded by the cleaning element 1012 of the cleaning zone 1000B. As shown, the cleaning element 1014 of the inner zone 1000D can be completely surrounded by the cleaning element 1012 of the cleaning zone 1000B.

The toothbrush head 1010 may be configured to have a plurality of retracting portions 1004 along the periphery of the head 1010. The constriction 1004 can be constructed as discussed previously with respect to the constriction 4. Additionally, the pre-scrubbing zone 1000A can be separated from the scrubbing zone 1000B by a plurality of elastomeric elements 17. For example, as shown, a first set of elastomeric elements 1017A can separate the pre-cleaning zone 1000A adjacent the distal end 1020 from the cleaning zone 1000B. In addition, a second set of elastomeric elements 1017B can separate the cleaning zone 1000B from the pre-cleaning zone 1000A adjacent the proximal end 1030 of the toothbrush head 1010. [

The pre-clean zone 1000A can be configured as discussed previously with respect to the pre-clean zone 500A, 600A, 700A, 800A, 900A. In addition, either or both of the pre-cleaning zones 1000A may be configured similar to the post-cleaning zones 700C, 800C described above. The cleaning zone 1000B can be configured similar to the cleaning zones 500B, 600B, 700B, 800B, 900B.

The various care zones described above can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, toothbrush head 1110 includes a shorter filament 19, a blend tuft 21 at the center of the top surface - a long filament < RTI ID = 0.0 > And having shorter filaments in the edge region - and arranging the tufts 24 with tapered filaments.

In some embodiments, a cleaning element that performs a number of functions may be provided, and thus a dual care area may be created. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, elastomeric cleaning elements 1226A-1226C with platforms 1227A-1227C injection molded in one piece have a toothpaste retaining function and a polishing function You can do both. To accomplish the toothpaste retaining function, the free ends of these elastomeric cleaning elements lie lower than adjacent bristle tufts that surpass it in height, thereby creating a trough-like structure. It is possible to couple the platforms 1227A through 1227C to the head using an injection molding process or other bonding technique.

As shown in Figs. 15A-15C, the toothbrush head 1510 may include the elastomeric elements shown in Figs. 12A-14B. For example, as shown, the toothbrush head 1510 may include an elastomeric element 1226C. The elastomeric element 1226C may be disposed generally at the center of the toothbrush head 1510. [ As shown, the elastomeric element 1226C may be at least partially surrounded by a plurality of cleaning elements 1512. [ As discussed above, the elastomeric element 1226C may have a height that is less than the height of the cleaning element 1512 such that the holding area is generated similar to the areas 700D, 800D, 900C.

As shown in Figs. 16A-16C, the toothbrush head 1610 may include an elastomeric element as shown in Figs. 12A-14B. For example, as shown, the toothbrush head 1610 may include an elastomeric element 1226C. As shown, the elastomeric element 1226C may be at least partially surrounded by a plurality of cleaning elements 1612. [ As shown, the elastomeric element 1226C can be positioned offset longitudinally from the center of the toothbrush head 1610.

17A-17C, toothbrush head 1710 may include a plurality of elastomeric elements 1226A. The elastomeric elements 1226A may be offset longitudinally from each other and separated by at least one cleaning element. The elastomeric elements 1226A may be configured to have a height that is smaller than, for example, adjacent cleaning elements, either or both of which form a holding area.

As shown, the toothbrush head 1710 may include a first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 having a rectangular cross-section. The first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 can be attached within the long openings of the head 1710 and can have varying widths depending on the depth ratio. In a horizontal section, each first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 may be approximately rectangular. The first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the head. In some embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 may form an angle delta of 30 to 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis.

18A-18C, toothbrush head 1810 may include an elastomeric element 1226B adjacent distal end 1820 of head 1810. As shown in Figs. The elastomeric element 1226B may form part or all of the pre-cleaning zone as described above. As shown, the elastomeric element 1226B may be inclined at an angle to the upper surface 1825 of the head 1810. [ The angle is a degree of any suitable size. The slope may be away from the proximal end 1830. An embodiment is contemplated wherein a second elastomeric element similar to elastomeric element 1226B is utilized adjacent proximal end 1830. [ In such an embodiment, the second elastomeric element may be tilted with respect to the upper surface 1825 in a direction away from the distal end 1820.

19A-19C, the toothbrush head 1910 may include a plurality of cleaning elements that do not include an elastomeric element that is arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 29 of the head 1910. As shown, the head 1910 can include a first plurality of cleaning elements 1928 attached within a long opening of the head 1910, and can have varying widths depending on the depth ratio. In a horizontal section, each first plurality of cleaning elements 1928 may be approximately rectangular. The first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the head. In some embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 1728 may form an angle delta of 30 to 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis 29. In some embodiments,

20A and 20B, in some embodiments, the toothbrush head 2010 may include a first component 30 and a second component 31a. The first component 30 may comprise a first material and the second component may comprise a second material different from the first material. The first material may be more rigid than the second material in some embodiments. The second material may comprise a hard material similar to that of the first material. When the second component 31a comprises a soft material, an embodiment is contemplated in which the second component 31a is integrally formed with the material of the tongue cleaner. The first component 30 may have a flat top or bristle plate and may have a cleaning element. The second material 31a may be made of hard or soft plastic and may be flexibly or movably mounted to the first component 30. The second component 31a may be designed to be partially spherical in shape and terminate in a flat or similarly spherical top surface in which the cleaning elements are arranged.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the toothbrush head 2110 may include a first component 2130 and a second component 31B. In such an embodiment, the first component 2130 and the second component 31B may comprise a material similar to that described with respect to Figures 20A and 20B. Additionally, the first component 2130 may include an opening extending from the upper surface of the first component 2130 to the bottom surface of the first component 2130. The second component 31B may have a plurality of cleaning elements disposed within and attached to the opening. The second component 31B may have an upper surface that is slightly raised above the upper surface of the first component 2130.

As shown in FIG. 22, the toothbrush head 2210 may include a first component 2230 and a second component 31C. The first component 2230 may have a distal portion 2220 and a proximal portion 2231. Distal portion 2220 and proximal portion 2231 may be longitudinally separate. The second component 31C may be located between the distal portion 2220 and the proximal portion 2231. [ In such an embodiment, the second component 31C may be integrally formed from a material for the tongue cleaner. The first component 2230 and the second component 31C may comprise the materials described above with respect to Figures 20A and 20B.

As shown in FIG. 23, the toothbrush head 2310 may include a first component 2330 and a second component 31B. The first component 2330 may be configured similar to the first component 2230 discussed above. That is, the first component 2330 may include a distal portion 2320 and a proximal portion 2331 that are longitudinally separated from each other. The second component 31B may be disposed between the distal portion 2320 and the proximal portion 2331. [ The second component 31B may be formed integrally with the material of the tongue cleaner in some embodiments. The first component 2330 and the second component 31B may comprise the materials described above with respect to Figures 20A and 20B.

24A-24G illustrate various views of the same toothbrush head 100 that is another variation of the toothbrush head described above. The previously described features of the other toothbrush head according to Figs. 1-23 can be used in the embodiment according to Figs. 24A-24G. The toothbrush has a longitudinal center axis 110 and a lateral axis 111 perpendicular thereto.

24A-24G, toothbrush head 100 as well as toothbrush neck 102 and handle 101 can be manufactured from a first rigid plastic component in an injection molding process. At the back 2476 or the bottom surface (optional) of the head 100, the head 100 has a cut-away portion 224 on the lateral surfaces 107,108 between the top surface 2475 and the back surface 2476. [ out. In order to provide a tongue scraper (optional) on the back surface 2476 and an alternating hard-soft structure on the lateral surfaces 107,108 of the head 100 in the second injection molding step, May be filled with a flexible plastic component made of an elastomer. According to this embodiment, the soft plastic at the lateral surfaces 107,108 may also be a base for a lateral soft massaging finger 103 arranged adjacent to the bristle area. Two pairs of massage fingers 103 for massaging the gums may be provided on each side of the head. The number of the massage fingers 103 can be selectively changed. The length of the massage finger 103 may be shorter than the length of the adjacent bristles. The neck and the handle can be designed in any way. In one variation, each of the head, neck, and handle may be provided with a hard plastic component and at least one soft plastic component.

The shape of the head 100 is such that the head 100 faces both the free end 104 and the opposite end 105 which is in contact with the neck 102 as shown in Figures 24e, 24f, Is designed in a tapered manner. The intermediate region 106 on the top surface 2475 of the head 100 may be designed to have a maximum width. Thus, the lateral surfaces 107,108 can be convexly curved. In some embodiments, the lateral surfaces 107, 108 include hard plastic in the base region of the first pair of soft plastic massaging fingers 103, for example. In the direction of the neck at the widest point 106, the lateral surfaces 107,108 may comprise hard plastic and continue in the direction of the neck to each of the base regions of each second pair of massage fingers The lateral surfaces 107,108 are made of a soft plastic and further followed by a hard plastic area at each lateral surface 107,108 in the direction of the neck. Thus, the rigid section and the soft section are alternately repeated on each of the lateral surfaces 107,108. As a result, the lateral surfaces 107, 108, which have slightly tacky characteristics and distribute the toothpaste foam in the mouth, and areas where the toothpaste foam is not moved as such by the lateral surface, Sections exist. This can produce an effect comparable to that achieved by the constriction as shown in Figures 1-3. The non-linear shape of the head 100 having a convex bulge is likewise suitable for positively affecting the foam removal.

Because of the massage finger 103 and the tongue scraper 109, the head 100 provides at least two care areas, for example one area for the treatment of the tongue and cheek, and another area for the treatment of the gums . As shown in Figure 24G, the tooth cleaning area of the head 100 may include additional care areas that can be designed in such a way that the specifically determined tooth area is thoroughly cleaned.

For example, a cleaning element forming the pre-cleaning section 2400A is provided in one area adjacent to the free end 104 and in one area adjacent to the neck 105. [ The pre-cleaning zone 2400A may be configured similar to the pre-cleaning zones described herein. These cleaning elements may be somewhat longer and may be designed to be slightly inclined compared to most typical bristle tufts. Since these cleaning elements are arranged at each end of the head, these cleaning elements also automatically pre-clean the teeth.

Following the pre-cleansing zone 2400A, a number of cleansing elements, particularly cleansing elements 2400E for interdental cleansing, follow from both sides of the top surface 2475 of the head 100. [ These cleansing elements may be designed to be longer than immediately adjacent cleansing elements and may be arranged in rows parallel to the transverse axis.

In the central region of the head 100, a cleaning element is arranged to form a cleaning zone 2400B and a polishing zone 2400D. These cleaning elements can be arranged in the head in such a way that they are particularly dense, offset in relation to each other in the transverse direction, and the bristles are slightly bent to provide strong cleaning and polishing effects. In contrast, the bristles of the interdental region 2400E and the pre-cleansing region 2400A are each less tightly packed and thus can be bent more easily, so that a greater length does not give the unpleasant feeling.

The polishing zone 2400D of this embodiment can be formed by a first plurality of cleaning elements that together form a rhombic shape as viewed from above or surround a rhomboidal base. The center point of the drill hole of the first plurality of cleaning elements can be placed on a straight line 112, 113, 114, 115 in each case (see FIG. 24E). These straight lines may likewise encompass polygons or rhombuses. According to Fig. 24, each cleaning element forming the polygon is a tuft having a generally circular cross-section, such that several tufts form one side of each of the rhombs. In contrast, some of the zones of FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 include bristle tufts that are generally rectangular or oval in cross-section, wherein one side of the rhombus is designed from one or two tufts. On the inside of the polishing zone 2400D, there are cleaning elements that form the toothpaste holding zone 2400C. These are shorter than immediately adjacent tufts of the diamond polishing zone 2400D, thus creating a trough-like recess for receiving the toothpaste.

Figures 24C and 24D show that the free ends of the cleansing elements are spaced apart from the longitudinal center axis 110 except for the protruding bristle tufts used for interdental cleaning 2400E and the recessed tufts in toothpaste holding area 2400C. To form a concave curved line which is approximately double along the curved line. The interruption of the topography of these double concave curves by the protruding bristle tufts in the interdental spaces 2400E increases the interdental cleaning effect because adjacent tufts are particularly short, allowing deep interdental penetration.

The head is injection-molded to have a tuft hole to be packed into a bristle tuft, then the tuft tuft is packed into the tuft hole and is attached in some embodiments with an anchor wire. In the region of the free end, the bristle tuft is subsequently trimmed to the correct length and the end rounded. In order for a plurality of bristle tufts to be trimmed to a desired length, certain bristle areas are passed laterally and the displaced tufts are displaced laterally in such a way that the desired tufts can be treated or trimmed Or a bending displacer may be used. It can be assumed that the configuration of the head is also advantageous for anchor free tufting (AFT method).

In some embodiments, the path of the displacers 116-125 is shown in Figure 24g. During the manufacturing process, displacers 118, 119, 124, 125 are used which are movable in parallel to the transverse axis. The displacers 120, 121, 122, 123 are moved diagonally through the bristle region. Because the dentifrice holding area 2400D and the tufts surrounding it are in the form of polygons or rhombuses, a dense bristle area with optimal topography may be provided because the diagonal stitches are aligned along the straight lines 112-115 As shown in FIG. Essentially longitudinally guided displacers 116, 117 along the curved path are also provided.

The following describes the additional advantages and variations of the head described above.

In one variation, the toothbrush has a toothbrush head having a first component and a second component, each of which has a cleaning element for cleaning the teeth, and the second component has a partially spherical or ball-like geometry Wherein each of the first component and the second component has a flat top surface on which the cleaning elements are arranged and both of these top surfaces are arranged to be inclined toward each other and the second component is movable relative to the first component And the first component and the second component are made of a material having different properties, in particular of different hardness, and the second component forms an elevated platform relative to the top surface of the first component.

Advantageously, alternate constrictions or different adhesion properties at the lateral surface may be used to better remove the foam formed during brushing from the bristle area and thus to better wet the foam throughout the mouth, gt; wetting < / RTI > Subsequent removal of the newly created form also allows additional forms from the applied toothpaste to be generated without being disturbed by the already existing form. As a result, these constrictions result in a greater amount of foam being available for brushing throughout the brushing process as compared to conventional toothbrush heads. As a result, care materials for tooth enamel, gums and the like contained in toothpaste can be provided at desired locations, better, faster, and longer lasting than with conventional toothbrush heads.

Along with the contraction portion associated with the elastomeric surface on the lateral surface of the toothbrush head, the foam and plaque migrate very differently from the smooth lateral surface without shrinkage or elastomeric coating. This effect is even more pronounced when surfaces with very different adhesion properties are designed on the same lateral surface. This is true even if it provides a partially rigid component that provides a foam-retaining elastomer and partly slips through the foam.

By applying a soft material to the hard material to have a tilt angle of the transition region facing the constricted portion, the flow behavior of the foam can be affected by whether the foam can flow slowly from the toothbrush head or can flow quickly.

In a further embodiment of the constriction, the constriction acts over the entire bristle plate and thus acts as a stopper for the mixture of foam and dirt produced in the forward and rear wash zones of the cleaning element of the head. This mixture of foam and dirt is then effectively removed by the geometry of the constriction. This effect can be further enhanced by the help of special stop and ejection elements, and the application of well-directed channel geometry.

Due to the above-described embodiment, a multifunctional brushing process can be accomplished that not only provides the active material to the teeth and gums with a single brushing operation, but also makes it possible to remove the plaque and selectively polish the teeth.

An advantageous further design provides that the lateral surface with the shrink portion is partially covered with the elastomer and partly with the hard component.

An advantageous further design provides that the shrinkage is at least partially covered with the elastomer.

An advantageous further design provides that the hard component is provided in the region of the lateral surface arranged adjacently to the constriction - and the elastomer is not provided.

An advantageous further design provides that the lateral surface is arranged along the longitudinal side of the toothbrush head, curved outwardly convexly, and has rigid components. An additional benefit of the shrink portion is better removal of the dirt particles lifted by the foam from the bristle bristle area. The convex curved surface adjacent to the constricted portion achieves that the dirt-bonded foam is continuously removed from the area to be cleaned, and thus the dirt particles can not damage the teeth during the ongoing brushing and polishing process.

According to a further aspect, a platform is arranged on the top surface of the toothbrush head, an elastomeric cleaning element is attached to such a platform, and the elastomeric cleaning element and platform are made of the same elastomer. The cleaning effect of the elastomeric cleaning element is linked to the wiping effect along the teeth. The wiping surface of the rod-shaped cleaning element is increased when the rod-shaped cleaning element is designed to be thinner. However, depending on the contact force, a negative effect may occur during brushing due to the too flexible elastomeric cleaning element. It is therefore desirable to determine the flexibility of the elastomeric cleaning element as well as the hardness of the elastomeric cleaning element, as well as how much the elastomeric cleaning element bends over its total length. In addition, thin elongated elastomeric cleaning elements are more difficult to manufacture. It is proposed that the elastomer be made to have a platform or socket in a single injection-molding cycle.

An advantageous additional design is that the platform has a square, rectangular, elliptical, or circular base and the axis of symmetry of the platform base is arranged in the longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush.

An advantageous further design provides that the platform extends vertically from the top surface by 10% to 90%, in particular 10% to 50%, in particular 10% to 30%, of the total longitudinal extension of the platform with the elastomeric cleaning element. This results in a positive wiping behavior of the cleaning element and at the same time a good production possibility.

An advantageous additional design provides that the top surface of the platform on which the elastomeric cleaning elements are arranged is designed to be flat and parallel to the top surface of the toothbrush head, or to be spherically rounded.

An advantageous additional design is that the elastomeric cleaning element is designed to be a pin-shaped, especially cylindrical, or that the elastomeric cleaning element is conically tapering towards the free end.

Wherein the free end of the elastomeric cleaning element is arranged adjacent the bristle cleaning element and that the bristle cleaning element projects further from the top surface than the free end of the elastomeric cleaning element such that both cleaning elements together It is advantageously provided to create a cross-sectional area similar to the trough. Thus, a recess similar to the trough formed by the cleansing element results in a uniform distribution of toothpaste in the mouth.

An additional aspect is that the toothbrush head is made of a first component and a second component, wherein the cleaning elements are each arranged, wherein the second component has a partially spherical or ball-shaped geometric shape. The geometry of the ball-shaped geometry also results in a changed flow behavior of the toothpaste foam or plaque along this geometric shape with the advantages described above.

An advantageous further design provides that each of the first and second components has a flat top surface on which the cleaning elements are arranged and the two top surfaces are arranged to be inclined towards each other. Such a design of the second component enables a simplified manufacturing of the cleaning element in a specific inclined embodiment while maintaining the advantage of brushing through the inclined cleaning element.

An advantageous further design provides that the second component is movably mounted relative to the first component.

An advantageous further design provides that the first component and the second component are made of a material having different properties, in particular of different hardness.

An advantageous further design provides that the second component forms an elevated platform relative to the top surface of the first component.

It is to be understood that the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not strictly limited to the exact numerical values set forth. Instead, each such dimension is intended to mean both the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around the value, unless otherwise specified. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm ".

Claims (21)

A toothbrush with a toothbrush head having a first cleaning element, a second cleaning element, and a third cleaning element provided on an upper surface for cleaning the handle and the tooth, wherein the first cleaning element comprises a first bristle tuft- The tufts are single tufts, which are composite tufts having long sides and short sides and thus a base having a rectangular or oval cross-section, respectively, or which are separated from each other, in which the enclosed regions of the composite tufts have a rectangular or elliptical cross- Wherein the center points of the composite tufts are arranged along each straight line of the first bristle tuft in such a way as to have a first bristle tuft having a first bristle tuft with a first bristle tuft, And the transverse axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis, and some first bristle tufts are arranged such that their combined peripheral surfaces are triangular, square, rhombic, Wherein the first cleaning element surrounds the second cleaning element and the first cleaning element is designed to be longer than the second cleaning element so that the free end of the second cleaning element and the first cleaning element A toothbrush receiving area similar to a trough is formed by the surrounding end regions of the one cleaning element. A toothbrush with a toothbrush head having a first cleaning element, a second cleaning element, and a third cleaning element provided on an upper surface for cleaning the handle and the tooth, wherein the first cleaning element comprises a first bristle tuft- The tufts are single tufts, which are composite tufts having long sides and short sides and thus a base having a rectangular or oval cross-section, respectively, or which are separated from each other, in which the enclosed regions of the composite tufts have a rectangular or elliptical cross- Wherein the center points of the composite tufts are arranged along each straight line of the first bristle tuft in such a way as to have a first bristle tuft having a first bristle tuft with a first bristle tuft, And the transverse axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis, and some first bristle tufts are arranged such that their combined peripheral surfaces are triangular, square, rhombic, Or a pentagonal base, wherein the first cleaning elements have a different length and the second cleaning elements have the same length. A toothbrush having a handle, a handle, and a toothbrush head having a first cleaning element, a second cleaning element, and a third cleaning element provided on a surface for cleaning the teeth, the first cleaning element surrounding the second cleaning element, Elements are designed to be shorter than the first cleaning element and the free ends of the first cleaning element and the second cleaning element form a toothpaste receiving area similar to the trough and the first cleaning element comprises a triangle of the base surrounded by the first cleaning element , Square, rhombic, or pentagonal. 4. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the combined peripheral surface of the first bristle tufts forms a square or rhomboid base, the square of the first cleaning elements or the two corners of the lozenge form the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush Wherein the first cleaning elements are arranged along the central axis and the two additional edges of the square or rhomboid of the first cleaning elements are arranged on an axis transverse to the longitudinal center axis. The method of claim 4, wherein the composite bristle tufts of the first bristle tuft, the bristle tufts of the second rinsing element and the third rinsing element each have a circular cross section, and immediately adjacent bristle tufts have a shortest distance ; Are arranged to overlap in the direction of the longitudinal central axis when viewed from the side and to have a distance of 0 to 0.5 mm in the direction of the transverse axis. 5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the second cleaning element comprises a second bristle tuft and / or an elastomeric cleaning element having a circular tufted cross-section. 5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the first bristle tuft is designed and / or designed to be longer than the second bristle tuft, or wherein the first bristle tuft surrounds the second bristle tuft or elastomeric cleaning element.
delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

Images