TW201417745A - Oral care implement having diverging cleaning elements - Google Patents

Abstract

An oral care implement implementing a cleaning element arrangement having diverging cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head so as to form a ring about an axis extending from the first surface of the head. Each of the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as to radially diverge from the axis. In one embodiment, a cleaning element wall also extends from the first surface of the head and circumferentially surrounds the plurality of cleaning elements. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.

Description

Oral health device with deviation from cleaning elements

The present invention relates generally to stalked oral care implements, and more particularly to manual or electric toothbrushes having a grip and a brush head having a cleaning element for oral cleaning.

Toothbrushes are used to remove tartar and debris from the surface to clean the teeth. Conventional toothbrushes are provided with a flat bristle trim that limits their ability to follow the curvature of the teeth, penetrate the interproximal areas between the teeth, sweep away tartar and debris, and clean along the gum line. Moreover, such toothbrushes have the ability to retain toothpaste to clean the teeth. During the brushing process, the toothpaste typically slides through the bristle tufts away from the contact between the bristles and the teeth. Therefore, toothpaste is often applied around the mouth rather than being concentrated at the contact between the bristles and the teeth. Therefore, the efficiency of the cleaning process is reduced.

While substantial efforts have been made to modify the cleaning elements of toothbrushes to ameliorate the aforementioned deficiencies, the industry continues to pursue configurations that will improve the cleaning elements of the foregoing techniques.

One of the early attempts to improve the cleaning elements of toothbrushes is disclosed in existing oral health care appliances having two or three circular brush cross sections that are configured in an engagement storage container that may be threaded into the toothbrush grip. Within the holder, 俾 enables them to be removed and replaced as needed. Each brush tooth section contains a rigid cleaning element and is spaced from the other along the longitudinal axis of the grip by a distance less than the thickness of the tooth. The tongue (inside) and the face (outer) surface operate on both.

Another example is a toothbrush having a brush head, the brush head comprising an elastic, rubber-like A prophylaxis polishing cup or a prophy cup, similar to the dental cups used by dental personnel to professionally clean teeth. Such a cup is loaded with toothpaste by a user and applied to the teeth. According to this patent, "soft rubber-like cup cleaning devices follow the contours of the teeth and are more effective than bristles." A ring of cleaning elements ("bristles") is placed adjacent the periphery of the brush head that cooperates with the cup to clean the user's teeth and gums.

More recently, the use of synthetic rubber cups and brush clusters of cleaning elements Slightly configured and combined, it has become more common to improve cleaning efficiency and maintain toothpaste in a certain position during brushing. An example of a combined use and strategic arrangement of an elastomeric cup and bristle tuft is a toothbrush having a head portion that includes a plurality of inner loops formed by a synthetic rubber wall. The central inner loop is surrounded by a loop of bristles. The central cleaning element formed as a tuft of bristles is disposed within the inner loop of the elastomer.

Synthetic rubber cup and brush cluster combination and strategic configuration For example, it can be found in a toothbrush having a head portion comprising a plurality of soft synthetic rubber cups surrounded by a bristle ring. In another embodiment, a toothbrush is disclosed in which a centralized cleaning cup is formed by a group of densely compressed cleaning elements surrounded by a bristle ring. The bristle ring in this embodiment is also exposed as one or more bristle tufts having an inclination.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be an oral health care appliance comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface and a reverse side of the first surface a second surface, and an axis extending from the first surface; and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first surface of the head and configured as a ring about the axis, wherein each cleaning element is brushed in an oblique direction The first surface of the head extends, and the crucible can radially deviate from the axis; a wall extending from the first surface of the brush head, surrounding the wall of the cleaning element surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements; and the cleaning elements extending beyond an upper surface of the wall of the cleaning element.

In another embodiment, the present invention may be an oral health care device package The utility model comprises: a grip; a brush head connected to the grip, the brush head comprising a first surface; and a plurality of cleaning elements arranged on the first surface, wherein the crucible can be wound around the first one of the brush heads The surface extension axis defines a ring portion, wherein each of the cleaning elements extends from the first surface of the brush head in an oblique direction, and the jaws are offset from the axis.

In still another embodiment, the present invention may be an oral health care device. The invention comprises: a grip; a brush head connected to the grip, the brush head comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hollow cleaning element cone, the head of the brush head a surface extending, the hollow cleaning element cone surrounding the axis extending from the first surface of the brush head, wherein the hollow cleaning element cone extends from the first surface of the brush head, and the radial direction is radially offset from the axis; And a cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head and surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone.

In yet another embodiment, the invention may be a combination of a stalked oral cavity A device for a health care appliance comprising: a substrate having a first surface: a hollow cleaning element cone extending from the first surface of the brush head and configured to circumferentially extend around a first surface of the substrate An axis, wherein the hollow cleaning element cone extends upwardly from the first surface of the brush head to be offset from the axis; and a cleaning element wall surface that extends upwardly from the first surface of the brush head and surrounds the periphery Hollow cleaning element cone.

In still further embodiments, the invention may be a combination of a handle An apparatus for an oral health care appliance, comprising: a substrate having a first surface: a plurality of cleaning elements disposed on the first surface, the crucible being capable of forming a loop around an axis extending from the first surface of the brush head Each of the cleaning elements extends upward from the first surface of the brush head in an oblique direction And a cleaning element wall extending upwardly from the first surface of the head and surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements to form a substantially closed loop.

In still further embodiments, the invention may be a combination of a handle The device of the oral health care device comprises: a substrate having a first surface: a plurality of cleaning elements disposed on the first surface, the crucible being capable of forming a ring around an axis extending from the first surface of the substrate Each of the cleaning elements extends upward from the first surface of the substrate in an oblique direction, and the crucible is offset from the axis.

In yet another further embodiment, the invention may be an oral health care An appliance comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements disposed on the first surface, the crucible surrounding the slave head An axis extending from the first surface, wherein each of the cleaning elements extends upward from the first surface of the head in an oblique direction, the crucible is offset from the axis; and a cleaning element wall extending upward from the first surface of the head And surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements.

In yet another further embodiment, the invention may be an oral health care An appliance comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface; a plurality of cleaning elements spaced around the periphery, extending from the first surface of the brush head, and Arranging to be equidistant from an axis extending from the first surface of the head, wherein the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head in an oblique direction, radially displaceable from the axis; and a cleaning element wall And extending around the first surface of the brush head and surrounding the plurality of cleaning elements.

100‧‧‧ toothbrush

110‧‧‧ grip

111‧‧‧ neck

112‧‧‧ proximal end

End of 113‧‧‧

120‧‧‧ brush head

121‧‧‧ front surface

122‧‧‧Back surface

123‧‧‧ surrounding surface

124‧‧‧Remote area

125‧‧‧Intermediate area

126‧‧‧ Near-end area

130‧‧‧ Cleaning components

131‧‧‧The first group of cleaning elements

131a-131j‧‧‧ cleaning elements

132‧‧‧Second group of cleaning elements

132a-j‧‧‧ cleaning elements

133‧‧‧Tooth cup

133a-b‧‧‧Curved section/synthetic rubber component/washing cup/wall

134‧‧‧Conical configuration

134a-f‧‧‧ cleaning elements

135‧‧‧ cleaning elements

136‧‧‧ chamber

137‧‧‧Ring channel

138‧‧‧ Cleaning elements of the third group

139‧‧‧ gap

143a-b‧‧‧ upper surface

144a-f‧‧‧clean end

200‧‧‧ toothbrush

300‧‧‧ toothbrush

334‧‧‧ hollow cone structure

400‧‧‧ toothbrush

434‧‧‧ hollow cone structure

500‧‧‧ toothbrush

534‧‧‧Open cone structure

534a-f‧‧‧Extended cleaning elements

600‧‧‧ cleaning element disc

601‧‧‧Circular base plate

The invention can be used in a large group of oral health care appliances and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate one use of the invention and are not to be construed as the only embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral care implement having a handle in the form of a manual toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a right side view of the toothbrush of Figure 1, with the left side view being a mirror image.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the toothbrush of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a close-up perspective view of the toothbrush head of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure 5 taken along line VII-VII of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head of Figure 5 taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6.

Figure 9A is a perspective view of a stalked oral health care appliance in the form of a manual toothbrush in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9B is an enlarged close-up front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 9A.

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a mouth-care oral health care appliance in a manual toothbrush type in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10B is an enlarged close-up front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 10A.

Figure 11A is a perspective view of a stalked oral health care appliance in the form of a manual toothbrush in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11B is an enlarged close-up front elevational view of the toothbrush head of Figure 11A.

Figure 12A is a perspective view of a scalloped oral health care appliance in the form of a manual toothbrush in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12B is a close-up perspective view of the toothbrush head of Figure 12A.

Figure 12C is a front elevational view of the toothbrush of Figure 12A.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning element disk in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the present invention is a combination of a new configuration of cleaning elements. The angle of the moving toothbrush is discussed. In other forms, however, the invention may be in the form of other oral health care devices, including soft tissue cleaning devices, electric toothbrushes, or other stalked devices designed for oral care. Moreover, the present invention can take the form of a disc-shaped plate incorporating a new configuration of cleaning elements for operative cooperation with a manual or electric oral care implement, such as a toothbrush or soft tissue cleaning implement.

Referring first to Figures 1-4, a toothbrush 100 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. And exemplify. The toothbrush 100 typically includes a grip 110 and a brush head 120. The grip 110 provides the user with a mechanism that he/she can easily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100. Grip 110 is generally illustrated and may consist of many different shapes, sizes, materials, and various manufacturing methods well known to those skilled in the art. If desired, the grip 110 can comprise a suitable handle having a particular configuration (not illustrated in the figures) constructed of a synthetic rubber material or can be a multi-part construction. Briefly stated, the details of the grip 110 are not limiting of the invention and, therefore, need not be discussed further for the purposes of the present invention.

The toothbrush 100 is along a longitudinal axis A-A (illustrated in Figure 2 and as in Figure 4) Point A) extends from the proximal end 112 to the end 113. For the sake of simplicity, the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush 100 is considered to be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the brush head 120. However, the longitudinal axes of the brush head 120 and the toothbrush 100 may of course be different axes from each other. The head 120 is operatively coupled to one end of the grip 110. The brush head 120 and grip 110 of the toothbrush are preferably formed as a unitary unitary structure by molding, milling, machining, or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the grip 110 and the head 120 may be formed as separate components that are attached to subsequent stages of the process by any suitable technique of the prior art (including but not limited to heat welding, tight fit) The assembly, coupling sleeve, adhesive, or fastener are operatively connected. Whether the head 120 and the grip 110 are of a unitary construction or a multi-piece construction (including joining techniques) does not limit the invention.

At this time, we should notice relative terms, such as the far end, the middle, The proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right, etc. are only used to describe the relative position of the components of the toothbrush 100 relative to one another, and are not intended to limit the invention in any further way.

The brush head 120 generally includes a front surface 121, a rear surface 122, and a surrounding surface 123. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the head 120 can assume a variety of shapes and contours, which are not at all limiting the invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 121, 122 can be planar, contoured, or a combination thereof. In addition, the rear surface 122 may also include additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleaner, if desired, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,143,462, issued on Dec. 5, 2006, assigned to the present application. The person, the whole is listed here for reference. Moreover, although the head 120 generally widens relative to the neck 111 of the grip 110, in some configurations it may simply extend or taper the grip 110.

The front surface 121 includes a length extending therefrom and in contact with an oral surface for cleaning A batch of cleaning elements 130. While the batch of cleaning elements 130 is particularly suitable for brushing teeth, the batch of cleaning elements 130 can also be used to clean teeth or soft tissues other than teeth, such as the tongue, gums or cheeks. As used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in the generic sense to mean any structure that can be used to clean or massage the surface of the oral cavity via the associated surface contact. Common examples of "cleaning elements" include, but are not limited to, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, and flexible polymer protrusions. Co-exruded filaments, flag bristles, corrugated bristles, antibacterial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures comprising such materials or combinations.

In general, the batch of cleaning elements 130 includes a first group of cleaning elements 131, The second set of cleaning elements 132 and the third set of cleaning elements 138. The third set of cleaning elements 138 generally includes a tooth cleaning cup 133 (wash cup) and a conical configuration 134 comprising an elongated cleaning element. The conical configuration 134 is located within the wash cup 133 and is surrounded by the wash cup 133.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, reference will now be made to an embodiment of the present invention. The details of the new configuration and orientation of the cleaning elements on the brush head 120 of the toothbrush 100 are discussed. It should be understood that the concept and configuration of a particular subset of the batch of cleaning elements will be described below with respect to certain shapes, axes, and imaginary regions or intervals. However, we should understand that a variety of specialized terms and methods can be used to illustrate such concepts and configurations.

Conceptually, the brush head 120 includes a distal end region 124, a middle region 125 and a proximal end Area 126. The first set of cleaning elements 131a-j extend from the distal end region 124 of the brush head 120. The second set of cleaning elements 132a-j extend from the proximal end region 126 of the brush head 120. A third set of cleaning elements, consisting of a cleaning cup 133a-b, a plurality of inclined cleaning elements 134a-f, and a central cleaning element 135, extend from the intermediate region 125 of the head.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sets of cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j is a densely compressed bundle of fiber bristle or curved wall. However, one or more (or a variety of different subsets) of the first and second sets of cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j may take other forms, such as synthetic rubber walls or fingers.

When tufts of bristles are used as the desired cleaning element, the tufts can be utilized Any means known to the art is coupled to the brush head 120. For example, anchor free tufting (AFT) can be used to install cleaning elements. In the AFT, a plate or film is fixed to the brush head, for example by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or film. On one side of the plate or film, the free end of the bristles performs a cleaning function. On the other side of the plate or film, the ends of the bristles are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning element may be used in the broad manner of the present invention. Alternatively, the bristles may be mounted to the tuft block or section by extending through appropriate opening portions in the tuft block to enable the base of the bristles to be mounted within or below the tuft block.

The particular configuration and number of cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first and second sets within the distal and proximal regions 124, 126 can vary widely as desired, unless specifically cited in the scope of the patent application, Otherwise it should not be considered as a limitation of the invention. In fact, in certain embodiments of the invention, the first and second sets of cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j may all be omitted or substantially altered together. Nonetheless, a particularly useful and efficient configuration of one of the first and second sets of cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j has been developed (discussed below with respect to Figures 5-6) and is considered to be in certain embodiments. A part of the invention.

The intermediate portion 125 of the brush head includes a configuration of cleaning elements that are specifically designed to improve the effectiveness of cleaning the oral surface, to maintain the toothpaste on the brush head 120 during brushing and/or massage, and to dispense the toothpaste to the brush head 120 between the batch of cleaning elements. As noted above, the intermediate region 125 includes a cleaning cup 133 (which is formed by curved cleaning element walls 133a-b, inclined elongated cleaning elements 134a-f and centrally elongated cleaning elements 135). The cleaning element walls 133a-b are synthetic rubber walls, and the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f, 135 are preferably densely compressed fiber tufts. However, in other embodiments, the cupping cup 133 may be formed by a densely compressed wall of fiber bristles, and/or the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f may be synthetic rubber fingers.

Suitable synthetic rubber materials comprise any biocompatible elastomeric material suitable for use in oral hygiene equipment. In order to provide optimum comfort and cleaning benefits, the synthetic rubber material preferably has a hardness characteristic in the range of A5 to A40 Shore hardness, preferably A25 Shore hardness. A preferred synthetic rubber material is styrene-ethylene/butylenes-styrene (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS materials from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the well-known hardness range may be used.

Referring now also to Figures 6 through 8, the details and structure of the cleaning cup 133, cleaning elements 134a-f and central cleaning element 135 will be illustrated. Cleaning elements 134a-f are at an oblique angle (also That is, the tilting mode (relative to a substantially planar surface formed by the upper surface 121) extends from the front surface 121 of the head. The cleaning elements 134a-f are configured in a spaced apart manner that surrounds one of the loops about an axis B-B. The axis B-B extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 away from the rear surface 122 of the head 120. In the preferred embodiment, the axis B-B extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 in a substantially vertical direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the axis B-B may present an angle rather than perpendicular to the front surface 121. Each of the cleaning elements 134a-f is tilted and can be radially offset from the axis B-B at an angle as it extends away from the front surface 121 of the head 120. For each of the cleaning elements 134a-f, the angle Θ is preferably in the range of 1 to 15 degrees, more preferably 3 to 5 degrees, and most preferably 4 degrees. While in the illustrated embodiment, all of the cleaning elements 134a-f are radially offset from the axis B-B at the same angle, the angle of radial offset may vary between the cleaning elements 134a-f. Again, while the six cleaning elements 134a-f are illustrated as forming a hollow cone, any number of cleaning elements can be used in other embodiments.

Conceptually, the cleaning elements 134a-f collectively form a hollow cone structure (which in the illustrated embodiment is a truncated cone). As used herein, the term "cone" is not limited to a circular cross section and is intended to include a truncated cone. The hollow cone structure formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f forms a funnel-shaped internal chamber 136 for receiving toothpaste. The cleaning elements 134a-f are spaced equidistantly from each other such that a space exists between adjacent cleaning elements 134a-f. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the hollow cone is formed by spaced apart cleaning elements, in an alternative embodiment, the hollow cone may be formed by a beveled wall (or beveled wall section). The beveled wall is formed by a synthetic rubber or densely compressed bristles.

The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is concentrically disposed about the axis B-B and is congruent with the conical axis. The elongated central cleaning element 135 extends from the front surface 121 of the head 120 along an axis B-B within the funnel-shaped chamber 136. The central cleaning element 135 is preferably a densely compressed bundle of fiber bristles, but may also be a synthetic rubber finger or His material or structure. Of course, the central cleaning element 135 can even be omitted in certain embodiments of the invention.

The hollow cone formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f is surrounded by a wall of cleaning elements (formed by the arcuate cross-section of the cleaning element walls 133a-b). Collectively, the cleaning element walls 133a-b form a wash cup as a substantially closed loop that concentrically surrounds the hollow cone formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the cup is formed by two arcuate sections of the cleaning element walls 133a-b, in other embodiments, the cup (and substantially closed loop) can be A single wall section is formed by two or more wall sections.

The annular passage 137 is present in the hollow cone (formed by the cleaning elements 134a-f) and the wall of the cleaning element as a result of the surrounding of the cleaning cup (which is formed by the curved cleaning element walls 133a-b). Between the curved cleaning element walls 133a-b). The curved cleaning element walls 133a-b are spaced apart from one another so that the gap 139 can exist along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head 120.

Referring now to Figure 7, each of the cleaning elements 134a-f extends from the first surface 121 of the head 120 at an inclination and ends at the cleaning ends 144a-f. A wash cup (which is comprised of curved cleaning element walls 133a-b) extends perpendicularly from the first surface 121 of the head 120 and ends at the upper surface 143a-b. In other embodiments, the wash cup (which is comprised of curved cleaning element walls 133a-b) can extend from the first surface 121 of the head 120 in an oblique direction, obliquely toward the axis B-B or away from the axis B-B.

The cleaning elements 134a-f (and thus the hollow cone) have a height H1, while the cleaning cups (and thus the curved cleaning element walls 133a-b) have a height H2 (measured relative to the front surface 121 of the head 120). The height H1 is preferably greater than the height H2. In one embodiment, the height H1 is preferably in the range of 7 to 13 mm, preferably 10 mm, and the height H2 is preferably 5 to 11 mm. Within the range, it is preferably 6.5 mm. In another aspect, the cleaning element walls 133a-b surround only one of the cleaning elements 134a-f and the top end of the cleaning elements 134a-f extends beyond the cleaning element wall 133a-b upper surface 143a-b .

In a preferred configuration, the cleaning elements 134a-f are preferably positioned within a range of from 3 to 6 mm from the axis B-B, and preferably 4 mm (measured from the base of the cleaning elements 134a-f). The wall 133a-b of the cup is preferably positioned within a range of 6 to 12 mm from the axis B-B, and is preferably about 8 mm. Because of the biasing/diverging direction of the cleaning elements 134a-f and their proximity to the wall surfaces 133a-b of the cup, the inner top edge of the wall 133a-b of the cup is abutted against one or more cleaning elements 134a- f. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the cup 133 extends substantially the full width of the head 120.

Referring now to Figures 5-8, a mechanism for the new cleaning element configuration action of the toothbrush 100 will now be described. The following discussion is set forth as an improved operational description of the invention. The following discussion is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

First, the toothpaste is applied to the brush head 120 of the toothbrush 100, which fills the chamber 136 formed by the hollow cleaning element cone formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f. The funnel shape of the chamber 136 assists in picking up the toothpaste during toothpaste application and subsequent brushing, retaining the toothpaste and directing the toothpaste to the toothbrush. The centrally elongated cleaning element 135 can further aid in the maintenance and dispersion of the toothpaste. Once the toothpaste fills the chamber 136, it can flow through the space between adjacent elongated cleaning elements 134a-f and into the hollow cleaning element cone (formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f) and wash The annular channel 137 between the cups (consisting of curved wall faces 133a-b). The oblique direction of the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f results in an annular passage 137 having a substantially closed top (at least in some cross-sections) to further assist in maintaining the toothpaste within the toothbrush 100. The toothpaste then flows through a gap 139 formed between the arcuate sections 133a-b. Because of these gaps 139 The locating is only located along the longitudinal axis AA of the brush head, so that the toothpaste leaking from the cleaning cup via the gap 139 is forced into the first and second groups 131a-j, 132a-j, where it is brushed on the oral surface and / or further allocated during the massage.

Finally, by surrounding the hollow cleaning element cone (formed by the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f) with a shorter cleaning cup (formed by curved wall surfaces 133a-b), the cleaning cup can be Additional support and rigidity of the extended cleaning elements 134a-f are provided during brushing. More specifically, when the extended cleaning elements 134a-f are not under the standard force imparted during brushing (i.e., in a non-use state), the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are unstressed. The state is slightly spaced from or in close proximity to the curved inner wall 133a-b. However, when the extended cleaning elements 134a-f are subjected to the given standard force during brushing, the elongated cleaning elements 134a-f are bent outwardly from the axis BB and are in contact with the curved wall faces 133a-b for extended cleaning Elements 134a-f provide additional support so more efficient cleaning can be achieved. In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning elements 134a-f are also higher than the cleaning elements (shown in the figures) of any one of the first and second groups directly adjacent to the cleaning cup.

In addition, additional benefits may be achieved when the curved wall faces 133a-b are constructed from a synthetic rubber material. Specifically, the arc-shaped synthetic rubber members 133a-b help to apply the toothpaste to the tubules of the teeth. This helps to reduce the sensitivity of the teeth, because the size of these small tubes is thereby reduced. Because the toothpaste is applied to the small tube, this is also about the benefit of whitening. In addition, in such a small tube in which toothpaste is rubbed into the teeth, the synthetic rubber wall surface is better than the bristles.

Referring again to Figures 5-6 and 8, one of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j of the first and second sets 131, 132 within the distal and proximal regions 124, 126 of the head 120 is preferred. The configuration will be explained in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. All of the cleaning elements 131a-j, 132a-j extend from the front surface 121 of the head toward a substantially vertical direction.

The first set 131 includes a first grouping consisting of cleaning element walls 131c-e and elongated cleaning elements 131a-b, 131f-g. This first group of cleaning elements 131a-131g are configured in an outer par-elliptical configuration along the distal periphery of the head 120. The elongated cleaning elements 131a-b, 131f-g are preferably cylindrical tufts of which have free ends that taper to a point. The cleaning element wall surface 131c-e is preferably a wall surface of the densely compressed bristles. The height of the cleaning element wall surface 131c-e increases toward the end of the brush head 120, thereby forming a tapered edge at the distal edge of the cleaning element field.

Similarly, the second set 132 includes a first grouping consisting of cleaning element walls 132c-e and elongated cleaning elements 132a-b, 132f-g. This first group of cleaning elements 132a-132g are configured in an outer elliptical configuration along the distal periphery of the head 120. The elongated cleaning elements 132a-b, 132f-g are preferably cylindrical tufts of which have free ends that taper to a point. The cleaning element walls 132c-e are preferably walls that densely compress the bristles. The height of the cleaning element wall 132c-e increases toward the end of the head 120 whereby a tapered edge is formed at the distal edge of the area of the cleaning element.

The first group 131 also includes a second group consisting of curved cleaning element walls 131h, 131j and a central cleaning element 131i. The curved cleaning element walls 131h, 131j are configured such that a loop can be formed around a center point from which the central cleaning element 131i extends. The curved cleaning element walls 131h, 131j are preferably synthetic rubber walls, but may be densely compressed bristles. This second group of cleaning elements 131h-j are positioned within the outer elliptical shape formed by the first grouped cleaning elements 131a-g. The central cleaning element 131i extends a height greater than the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 131h, 131j. The height of the central cleaning element 131j is less than the height of the central cleaning element 135 of the third set 138. However, the height of the curved cleaning element walls 131h, 131j is greater than the height of the arcuate wall elements 133a-b of the third set 138.

Similarly, the second set 132 also includes a second group of arcuate cleaning elements The walls 132h, 132j are comprised of a central cleaning element 132i. The curved cleaning element walls 132h, 132j are configured to form a loop around a center point from which the central cleaning element 132i extends. The curved cleaning element walls 132h, 132j are preferably synthetic rubber walls, but may be densely compressed bristles. This second group of cleaning elements 132h-j are positioned within the outer elliptical shape formed by the first grouped cleaning elements 132a-g. The central cleaning element 132i extends a height greater than the height of the arcuate cleaning element walls 132h, 132j. The height of the central cleaning element 132j is less than the height of the central cleaning element 135 of the third set 138. However, the height of the curved cleaning element walls 132h, 132j is greater than the height of the arcuate wall elements 133a-b of the third set 138.

The two loops formed by the curved cleaning element walls 132h, 132j and 131h, 131j, respectively, are arranged such that their center points are positioned along the longitudinal axis A-A of the head 120.

Referring now to Figures 9A-9B, a manual toothbrush 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 200 is identical to the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to Figures 1-8, except that the central cleaning element 135 is omitted. To avoid redundancy, the components corresponding to the toothbrush 200 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "200 series", and a further detailed description of the toothbrush 200 and its operation is omitted. The above discussion regarding the toothbrush 100 is thus suitable for the toothbrush 200.

Referring now to Figures 10A-10B, a manual toothbrush 300 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 300 is identical to the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to Figures 1-8, except that the hollow cone configuration 334 is formed by eight elongated cleaning elements rather than six. To avoid redundancy, the components corresponding to the toothbrush 300 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "300 series", and a further detailed description of the toothbrush 300 and its operation is omitted. The above discussion regarding the toothbrush 100 is thus suitable for the toothbrush 300.

Referring now also to Figures 11A-11B, a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention is illustrated A manual toothbrush 400. The toothbrush 400 is identical to the toothbrush 100 described above with respect to Figures 1-8, except that the hollow cone configuration 434 is formed by ten elongated cleaning elements rather than six. To avoid redundancy, the components corresponding to the toothbrush 400 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "400 series", and further detailed description of the toothbrush 400 and its operation is omitted. The above discussion of the toothbrush 100 is thus suitable for the toothbrush 400.

Referring now to Figures 12A-12C, a manual toothbrush 500 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The toothbrush 500 is attached to the toothbrush 500, except that the extended cleaning elements 534a-f that omits the central cleaning elements 135 and form the hollow cone configuration 534 converge above the axis BB to form a full cone rather than a frustoconical body. The toothbrush 100 of Figures 1-8 is identical. To avoid redundancy, the components corresponding to the toothbrush 500 are numbered the same as the toothbrush 100 except that they are in the "500 series", and a further detailed description of the toothbrush 500 and its operation is omitted. The above discussion of the toothbrush 100 is thus suitable for the toothbrush 400.

Referring now to Figure 13, a cleaning element disk 600 incorporating a tangled oral care implement is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning element disk 600 is essentially a plate-shaped disk that incorporates the cleaning elements described above with respect to the third group 138 of Figures 1-8. Apparatus 600 generally includes a circular base plate 601 and the cleaning elements described above with respect to the third set 138 of Figures 1-8. To avoid redundancy, a further detailed description of the cleaning elements of the third group 138 is omitted. However, it should be understood that the cleaning element disk 600 can utilize any of the variations of the cleaning element configuration disclosed above with respect to Figures 9A-12C.

The cleaning element disk 600 is particularly suitable for use with an electric toothbrush wherein the cleaning element disk 600 will be locked into position on the electric toothbrush and operatively coupled to a rotating element. However, the cleaning element disc 600 can also be used in a manual toothbrush wherein the cleaning element disc 600 can be snapped into/out of the brush head of the toothbrush for replacement. This technique is known from the prior art.

Finally, it should be noted that in certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning elements of the plurality of third sets 138 can be disposed on the brush head 120 of the toothbrush 100. In such an embodiment, the cleaning elements of the third set 138 are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis A-A of the brush head 120. Moreover, in such an embodiment, a third group of any of the embodiments can be used.

While a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art Since various changes can be made in the above methods, compositions and constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended to include all of the contents of the present application (including all of the above-mentioned interactions and/or Or the mode is to be construed as illustrative only and not in any way limiting the scope of the following claims.

100‧‧‧ toothbrush

110‧‧‧ grip

111‧‧‧ neck

112‧‧‧ proximal end

End of 113‧‧‧

120‧‧‧ brush head

121‧‧‧ front surface

122‧‧‧Back surface

123‧‧‧ surrounding surface

130‧‧‧ Cleaning components

131‧‧‧The first group of cleaning elements

132‧‧‧Second group of cleaning elements

134‧‧‧Conical configuration

138‧‧‧ Cleaning elements of the third group

Claims (10)

An oral health care device comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a plurality of cleaning elements Extending from the first surface of the brush head and forming a ring portion around an axis, and a cleaning element wall surface extending from the first surface of the brush head and surrounding the cleaning elements, forming a ring surrounding the ring a loop of the cleaning element, wherein the wall of the cleaning element is an elastomeric wall; wherein each of the cleaning elements extends from the first surface of the head in an oblique direction, and the crucible can radially deviate from the axis . The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning elements are tufts of bristles. The oral health care implement of claim 1, wherein the cleaning elements are spaced apart from an inner edge of a top end of the cleaning element wall and are resiliently engageable with the top inner edge of the cleaning element wall. The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element wall comprises a plurality of arcuate sections collectively defining a substantially closed loop, each arcuate section being separated from a adjacent arcuate section by a gap And wherein the cleaning element wall comprises only two arcuate sections, and wherein the arcuate sections are configured to position the gaps along a longitudinal axis of the head. An oral health care device comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface and a first table a second surface opposite the surface; and a cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head, wherein the cleaning element wall is a synthetic rubber wall; a hollow cleaning element cone from which the head Extending the first surface, the hollow cleaning element cone surrounds an axis extending from the first surface of the brush head, wherein the hollow cleaning element cone extends from the first surface of the brush head Radially offset from the axis; and wherein the wall of the cleaning element surrounds the hollow cleaning element cone. The oral health care device of claim 5, further comprising: the hollow cleaning element cone terminates at a cleaning end, and the cleaning element wall terminates at an upper surface; the cleaning of the hollow cleaning element cone The end is located at a first height above the first surface of the head; the upper surface of the cleaning element wall is at a second height above the first surface of the head; and wherein the first The height system is greater than the second height. The oral health care implement of claim 5, wherein the hollow cleaning element conical system is offset from the axis by an angle in the range of 3 to 5 degrees. The oral health care device of claim 5, wherein the hollow cleaning element conical system is formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced cleaning elements, wherein each of the cleaning elements of the hollow cleaning element cone The first surface of the brush head extends to be radially offset from the axis; and wherein the circumferentially spaced apart cleaning elements are tufts of bristles. The oral health care device of claim 5, wherein the cleaning element wall forms a loop comprising one or more gaps positioned along a longitudinal axis of the brush head, wherein The cleaning element wall has no gap that is not positioned along the longitudinal axis of the brush head; wherein the brush head includes a distal end region, an intermediate region and a proximal end region; and wherein the axis is positioned in the middle of the brush head The oral health care device further includes: a first set of cleaning elements extending from the first surface of the brush head in the distal end region; and a second set of cleaning elements from the vicinity The first surface of the brush head extends in the end region; and wherein the loop is completely disposed within the intermediate region. An oral health care device comprising: a grip; a brush head coupled to the grip, the brush head including a first surface; and a plurality of cleaning elements spaced around the circumference, the first from the brush head a surface extending and disposed equidistant from an axis extending from the first surface of the head; and a cleaning element wall extending from the first surface of the head and surrounding The cleaning element, wherein the cleaning element wall is a synthetic rubber wall; wherein the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head in an oblique direction, and the crucible is radially offset from the axis.