TW201531264A - Oral care implement - Google Patents

Abstract

An oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face. The head comprises a proximal section adjacent to the handle and a distal section remote from the handle. The head further comprises a flexible bridge coupling the distal section to the proximal section so that the distal section is flexibly moveable relative to the proximal section. The flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head.

Description

Oral care appliance

An oral care implement includes a head and a handle, the head including a first side and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first side.

Oral care implements having various handle and head configurations are known. However, it would be desirable to provide an oral care implement that provides for increased access to the back teeth for cleaning while avoiding problems caused by excessive brushing pressure.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head comprises a handle adjacent to the handle a proximal end portion and a distal end portion remote from the handle; wherein the head further includes a flexible bridge coupling the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, and the distal end portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal end portion The flexible bridge further includes at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a head.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a distal portion is inclined at an angle of from 8 to 15 with respect to the longitudinal axis of a proximal portion.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a distal portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of a proximal portion.

Optionally, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion each have a linear edge extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a head, wherein the linear edge of the distal end portion faces the straight edge of the proximal end portion, and wherein the flexibility The bridge couples the linear edge of the distal end to the linear edge of the proximal end, and the distal portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal end.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material. Further Optionally, the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

Alternatively, the proximal and distal portions are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material.

Alternatively, the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises a bridge formed of a rigid plastic or resin material, the bridge joining the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the depth of a bridge at its narrowest point and the depth of a proximal end One ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:7.

Optionally, the bridge extends across the entire width of a head.

Optionally, the head further includes a second face on a reverse side of the first face opposite the first face, and wherein the bridge is disposed between the first face and the second face.

Optionally, a distance between the bridge portion and the first surface is greater than a distance between the bridge portion and the second surface. Still further alternatively, the distance between the bridge and the first face is greater than the distance between the bridge and the second face from 2 to 4 times.

Optionally, the flexible bridge further comprises an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge.

Optionally, the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

Optionally, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is an elastomeric wall.

Alternatively, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration.

Optionally, the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face, the elastomeric wall surface comprising at least one indentation extending from a distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface toward the first side of the head.

Optionally, the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first side to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, at least one notch extending from the distal edge toward the first side by a height of 5/8 from the height of the elastomeric wall surface Distance to 7/8.

Optionally, the plurality of cleaning elements comprise a first plurality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal end and a second plurality of cleaning elements extending from the distal end.

Optionally, the first plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles.

Optionally, the second plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles.

Alternatively, the tapered bristles are clustered in square tuft holes.

Optionally, the height of the first plurality of cleaning elements is equal to the height of the second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, one of the heights of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element has a height that is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, the head further comprises a second side disposed on a side opposite the first side of the first side, the second side comprising a tissue cleaner.

Optionally, the tissue cleaner comprises an elastomeric material.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material, and wherein the tissue cleaner is integral with the flexible bridge.

Alternatively, the head has a length from 20 mm to 40 mm.

Alternatively, the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm.

Optionally, the distal portion has a length that is less than the length of a proximal portion. Still further alternatively, the ratio of the length of the distal portion to the length of the proximal portion is from 1:3 to 1:1.2.

Optionally, the handle includes a body portion and a neck portion that connects the head to the body portion.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a neck portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal end of the head.

Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of a body portion is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 15 with respect to the longitudinal axis of a neck portion.

Optionally, the neck portion has a maximum of from 3 mm to 7 mm Large width.

Alternatively, the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head includes a handle adjacent to the handle a proximal end portion and a distal end portion remote from the handle; wherein the head further includes a flexible bridge coupling the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, and the distal end portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal end portion Wherein the plurality of cleaning elements comprise a first plurality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal end, and a second plurality of cleaning elements extending from the distal end, at least one of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements Contains tapered bristles.

Optionally, the first plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles.

Optionally, the second plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles.

Alternatively, the tapered bristles are clustered in square tuft holes.

Optionally, the height of a first plurality of cleaning elements is equal to the height of a second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a distal portion is inclined at an angle of from 8 to 15 with respect to the longitudinal axis of a proximal portion.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a distal portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of a proximal portion.

Optionally, the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a head.

Optionally, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is an elastomeric wall.

Alternatively, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration.

Optionally, the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face, the elastomeric wall surface comprising at least one indentation extending from a distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface toward a first side of the head.

Optionally, the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first side to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, at least one notch extending from the distal edge toward the first side by a height of 5/8 from the height of the elastomeric wall surface Distance to 7/8.

Optionally, one of the heights of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element has a height that is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material. Still further alternatively, the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein at least one of the elastomeric cleaning elements extends along the flexible bridge toward a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a head, at least one of which The elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

Alternatively, the proximal and distal portions are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. Still further alternatively, the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises a bridge formed of a rigid plastic or resin material, the bridge joining the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the depth of a bridge at its narrowest point and the depth of a proximal end One ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:7.

Optionally, the bridge extends across the entire width of a head.

Optionally, the head further includes a second face on a reverse side of the first face opposite the first face, and wherein the bridge is disposed between the first face and the second face.

Optionally, a distance between the bridge portion and the first surface is greater than a distance between the bridge portion and the second surface. Still further alternatively, the distance between the bridge and the first face is greater than the distance between the bridge and the second face from 2 to 4 times.

Optionally, the flexible bridge further comprises an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge. Still further alternatively, the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein at least one of the elastomeric cleaning elements extends along the flexible bridge toward a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a head, at least one of which The elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

Optionally, the head further comprises a second side disposed on a side opposite the first side of the first side, the second side comprising a tissue cleaner.

Optionally, the tissue cleaner comprises an elastomeric material.

Optionally, the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material and a tissue cleaner system integral with the flexible bridge.

Alternatively, the head has a length from 20 mm to 40 mm.

Alternatively, the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm.

Optionally, one of the distal ends is less than the length of a proximal end.

Alternatively, the ratio of the length of the distal portion to the length of the proximal portion is from 1:3 to 1:1.2.

Optionally, the handle includes a body portion and a neck portion that connects the head to the body portion.

Optionally, the longitudinal axis of a neck portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of a head portion.

Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of a body portion is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 15 with respect to the longitudinal axis of a neck portion.

Alternatively, the neck portion has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm.

Alternatively, the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the detailed description and the specific embodiments of the invention More particularly, any of the various features of the oral care implement as discussed below in connection with various embodiments can be combined.

A-A‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

D ₁ ‧‧‧depth

D ₂ ‧‧‧depth

X-X‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

Y-Y‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

Z-Z‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

α, β‧‧‧ angle

10‧‧‧ head

12‧‧‧Hands

14‧‧‧ first side

16‧‧‧ Near end

18‧‧‧ distal end

20‧‧‧Flexible Bridge

22‧‧‧ body part

24‧‧‧ neck part

26‧‧‧ Elastomer cleaning elements

28‧‧‧ gap

30‧‧‧Bridge

32‧‧‧ second side

34‧‧‧The first plurality of cleaning elements

36‧‧‧Second number of cleaning elements

38‧‧‧ cluster holes

40‧‧‧ farthest column

42‧‧‧ recent end

44‧‧‧ Organization Cleaner

46‧‧‧ nodule

48‧‧‧Line edge

50‧‧‧Line edge

52‧‧‧ thumb grip

54‧‧‧ finger grip area

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, Figure 1A shows a side view of a toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1B shows a front view of the toothbrush of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C shows a rear view of the toothbrush of Figure 1A.

2A through 2F show a toothbrush head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A shows a front view of the head.

Figure 2B shows a rear view of the head.

Figure 2C shows a side view of the head.

Figure 2D is a perspective view of the toothbrush head to illustrate the elastic movement of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion.

Figure 2E shows a perspective view of the toothbrush head in which the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge has been omitted to show the bridging structure.

Figure 2F shows a side view of the toothbrush head of Figure 2E in which the first and second plurality of cleaning elements have been omitted.

3A through 3E show a toothbrush head in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3A shows a front view of the head.

Figure 3B shows a rear view of the head.

Figure 3C shows a side view of the head.

Figure 3D is a perspective view of the toothbrush head to illustrate the elastic movement of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion.

Figure 3E shows a perspective view of the toothbrush head in which the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge has been omitted to show the bridging structure.

The detailed description of the preferred embodiments described below is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application or use.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand to describe each and every value within the range. Any numerical value within the range can be selected as the limit of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. If the definition of the disclosure conflicts with the definition of a cited reference, the disclosure is controlled.

The description of the illustrated embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention is intended Read in conjunction with the drawings, which are considered to be part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to the orientation or orientation is intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "on" (up), "down", "top" and "bottom" and derivatives thereof (eg, "horizontally", "downwardly", " Upwardly, etc., should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as illustrated later or shown in the figures discussed below. These relative terms are used for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless it is so detailed. For example, "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like, are referred to either directly or indirectly via reference. The relationship of the structure to the structure or to the structure of each other, and the movable or rigid connection or relationship, unless otherwise explicitly stated. Further, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, so as to show the features that may be present alone or in some other combinations of the various combinations of the features; the scope of the invention is The scope of the patent application is defined.

In the following description, the present invention discusses a multi-component handle having the invention from the perspective of a manual toothbrush and a method of manufacturing the same. However, in other forms, the invention may exist in the form of other oral care implements, including a soft tissue cleaning implement, an inter-proximal pick, a flossing tool, a tartar scraper, a Electric toothbrushes, or other handles designed for oral care. Other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1A through 1C show a toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a distal end portion 18 of the head portion 10 (the distal end portion 18 is remote from the handle 12) is coupled to a head by a flexible bridge 20. The proximal portion 16 of the 10 (the proximal portion 16 is contiguous with the handle 12) allows the distal portion 18 to be flexibly movable relative to the proximal portion 16 (as shown in Figure 2D). In the present embodiment, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal end portion 18 is inclined at an angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16, and the angle α is approximately 13°. This embodiment shown in FIG. 1A The longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22 of the handle 12 is inclined at an angle β with respect to the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion 24 of the handle 12. In the present embodiment, the angle β is approximately 10°. The longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal end portion 16 of the head 10.

In the present embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A through 1C, the ratio of the length of the distal portion 18 to the length of the proximal portion 16 is about 1:1.3, the distal portion 18 has a length of 11.6 mm, and the proximal portion 16 has Length of 15.3mm. The total length of the head 10 (as measured along the Y-Y axis) is 29.1 mm. The distal portion 18 has a width of 9.3 mm and the proximal portion 16 has a width of 10.7 mm.

The head 10 of the toothbrush of Figures 1A through 1C is shown in more detail in Figures 2A through 2F. However, the heads as shown in Figures 2A through 2F can also be used in other embodiments of the invention. It has also been noted that the heads shown in Figures 3A through 3E can be used with handles as shown in Figures 1A through 1C.

As shown in Figures 2A through 2F, the head 10 includes a first face 14 and a plurality of cleaning elements extend from the first face 14. The plurality of cleaning elements includes a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 extending from the proximal end portion 16 and a second plurality of cleaning elements 36 extending from the distal end portion 18. The first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 comprise tapered bristles that are stacked in a square tuft hole 38 having a size of 1.40 mm x 1.40 mm. One of the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 is equal in length to the length of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36.

The head 10 includes square tuft holes 38 that are disposed on the proximal and distal portions 16, 18 in a row and column configuration. The center of the tuft holes 38 in the adjacent rows is spaced 2.50 mm apart in the distal end portion 18 and 2.20 mm apart in the proximal end portion 16. The center of the cluster holes 38 in the adjacent columns is spaced 2.55 mm apart in both the proximal and distal portions 16, 18. The distal portion 18 includes a cluster aperture 38 of the most distal row 40, wherein the centers of the cluster apertures in the most distal row 40 are spaced apart from each other by 2.20 mm. The distance between the center of the cluster hole in the most distal row 40 and the line connecting the center of the cluster hole in the column adjacent to the most distal row 40 is 2.43 mm. The proximal portion 16 includes a cluster of proximal end rows 42 wherein the centers of the cluster holes in the proximal row 42 are spaced apart from each other by 2.20 mm. The center of the cluster hole in the nearest end column 42 is lined with the center of a cluster hole in a column adjacent to the nearest end column 42 The distance between them is 2.66 mm. In the most distal and proximal end columns 40, 42, the cluster holes 38 are offset with respect to these rows. The center of the cluster holes in the most distal row 40 is separated by a distance of 1.10 mm from a line joining the centers of the cluster holes disposed on one of the longitudinal axes X-X of the distal end portion 18. The center of the cluster holes in the most recent end row 42 is separated from the center of the cluster holes of each of the rows of the proximal ends 16 by a distance of 1.10 mm.

The head 10 further includes a second face 32 that includes a tissue cleaner 44. The tissue cleaner 44 includes a plurality of nodules 46 for cleaning the soft tissue of the mouth.

In this embodiment, the distal end portion 18 and the proximal end portion 16 are comprised of polypropylene. As shown in Figures 2D through 2F, the flexible bridge 20 includes a bridge portion 30 formed of polypropylene, the bridge portion 30 engaging the proximal and distal portions 16, 18 and disposed on the first side 14 and the second Between faces 32. The ratio of the depth of the bridge 30 at its narrowest point to the depth of the proximal portion 16 is about 1:6. The depth of the proximal portion 16 is equal to the depth of the distal portion 18 and is 5.3 mm. The distance between the bridge portion 30 and the first face 14 is approximately four times the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the second face 32. The flexible bridge 20 further includes an elastomeric material surrounding the bridge portion 30, and the tissue cleaner 44 is integral with the flexible bridge 20.

3A through 3E show a toothbrush head in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the head 10 includes a proximal end portion 16 that abuts the handle 12 and a distal end portion 18 that is remote from the handle 12. The proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 are joined by a flexible bridge 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal end portion 18 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of a proximal end portion 16. The proximal end portion 16 and the distal end portion 18 each have a linear edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a head portion 10, wherein the linear edge 48 of the distal end portion 18 faces the linear edge 50 of the proximal end portion 16. The flexible bridge 20 couples the linear edge 48 of the distal end portion 18 to the linear edge 50 of the proximal portion 16 so that the distal end portion 18 can be flexibly moved relative to the proximal portion 16 (as shown in Figure 3D). ). The ratio of the length of the distal portion 18 to the length of the proximal portion 16 is about 1:1.3, the distal portion 18 has a length of 11.6 mm, and the proximal portion 16 has a length of 15.4 mm. The total length of the head 10 is 30.1 mm. The distal portion 18 has a width of 9.3 mm and the proximal portion 16 has a width of 10.7 mm.

The flexible bridge 20 further includes an elastomeric cleaning extending from the first face 14. Element 26, its elastomeric cleaning element 26 extends along flexible bridge 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of head 10.

The elastomeric cleaning element 26 is an elastomeric wall extending along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration and having a distal edge away from the first face. The elastomeric wall surface includes a notch 28 that extends from the distal edge toward the first face 14 a distance of about 6/8 of the height of the elastomeric wall.

The proximal and distal portions 16, 18 are comprised of polypropylene, and the flexible bridge includes a bridge 30 comprised of polypropylene. The bridge joins the proximal end 16 to the distal end 18 and is disposed between the first face 14 and the second face 32. The second face 32 includes a tissue cleaner 44. The flexible bridge 20 further includes an elastomeric material surrounding the bridge portion 30, and the tissue cleaner 44 is integral with the flexible bridge 20. Tissue cleaner 44 includes a plurality of nodules 46.

The proximal portion 16 includes a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 extending from the first face 14, and the distal portion 18 includes a second plurality of cleaning elements 36 extending from the first face 14. The first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 comprise tapered bristles that are clustered in square tuft holes 38, the tuft holes having a size of 1.40 mm x 1.40 mm. The first plurality of cleaning elements 34 have a length equal to the length of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36. The head 10 includes square tuft holes 38 that are disposed on the proximal and distal portions 16, 18 in a row and column configuration (as described above with respect to the tuft holes 38 in Figures 2A through 2F). The distal end portion 18 includes a cluster aperture 38 of the most distal row 40, and the proximal end portion 16 includes a cluster aperture of a proximal end row 42, wherein the cluster aperture 38 is associated in the most distal and proximal end columns 40, 42 These rows are offset (as described above with respect to the configuration of the cluster holes 38 in Figures 2A through 2F).

The elastomeric cleaning element 26 has a height that is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34,36.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head 10 and a handle 12, the head 10 including a first face 14 and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face 14. The head 10 includes a proximal end portion 16 abutting the handle 12, a distal end portion 18 remote from the handle 12, and a flexible bridge 20 coupling the distal end portion 18 to the proximal end portion 16 for enabling the distal end portion 18 is flexible with respect to the proximal portion 16. The flexible bridge 20 further includes at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extending from the first face 14. At least one elasticity The body cleaning element 26 extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a head 10. Elastomeric cleaning elements 26 are used to polish the surface of the teeth and clean the teeth.

The flexible bridge 20 allows the distal portion 18 to move forward and backward relative to the proximal portion 16 during use of the oral care implement, while allowing the oral care implement to reach deep into the mouth to clean the posterior teeth. This flexibility also reduces or avoids excessive pressure applied to the teeth behind during brushing.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of a distal end portion 18 is inclined from 8° to 15°, from 9° to 14°, from 10° to 13 with respect to the longitudinal axis YY of a proximal end portion 16. Angle α of angle α or angle α of approximately 13°. In these embodiments, when the oral care implement is in an unstressed state, i.e., when no force is being applied to the implement, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 is associated with the longitudinal axis YY of the proximal end portion 16. The angle a is tilted to move the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16 (e.g., when the appliance is not in use). The distal portion 18 can be moved relative to the proximal portion 16 during application of force during use, but returns to its original position once any applied force has been removed, wherein the axis X-X is tilted by an angle a with respect to the axis Y-Y. The longitudinal axis X-X associated with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16 is inclined by the longitudinal axis X-X of the angle a, allowing the head to fit the curve of the teeth, while the flexible bridge allows the head to be adapted to the contour of a single tooth/multiple tooth surface.

In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal portion 18 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal portion 18 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 16 when the oral care implement is in an unstressed state, that is, when no force is being applied to the implement. The YY is aligned to move the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16 (e.g., when the device is not in use). The distal end portion 18 can move relative to the proximal portion 16 when force is applied during use, but returns to its original position once any applied force has been removed, wherein the axis X-X is substantially aligned with the axis Y-Y.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 each have a linear edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a head 10, wherein the linear edge 48 of the distal portion 18 faces the proximal portion 16 straight edge 50. In these embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 couples the linear edge 48 of the distal end portion 18 to the linear edge 50 of the proximal end portion 16, The haptics enable flexible movement of the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16.

In some embodiments, the handle 12 includes a body portion 22 and a neck portion 24 that connects the head portion 10 to the body portion 22. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis Z-Z of a neck portion 24 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal end portion 16 of the head 10. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis AA of a body portion 22 is inclined from 5° to 15°, from 6° to 14°, from 7° to 13°, with respect to the longitudinal axis ZZ of the neck portion 24. 8° to 12°, angle β from 9° to 11° or angle β of approximately 10°. The supply of this angle β between the body portion 22 and the longitudinal axes A-A and Z-Z of the neck portion 24 respectively results in an ergonomic handle that allows the user to more easily reach the back teeth.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 is inclined from 8° to 15°, from 9° to 14°, and from 10° to 13° with respect to the longitudinal axis YY of a proximal end portion 16. The angle α or an angle α of about 13°, and the longitudinal axis AA of the body portion 22 is inclined from 5° to 15°, from 6° to 14°, from 7° with respect to the longitudinal axis ZZ of a neck portion. An angle β of from 13°, from 8° to 12°, from 9° to 11°, or an angle β of about 10°. The two angles β between the longitudinal axis ZZ of the neck portion 24 and the longitudinal axis AA of the body portion 22, and the angle a between the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 and the longitudinal axis YY of the proximal portion 16 The supply is provided for improved arrival of the oral care implement to clean the rear teeth and the rearmost area of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the body portion 22 includes a thumb grip 52 that is disposed adjacent the region of the body portion 22 that is coupled to the neck portion 24. In one embodiment, the body portion 22 includes a thumb grip 52 on one side thereof and a finger grip region 54 on one of the opposite sides thereof, wherein the thumb grip 52 is disposed in the oral cavity The first side 14 of the head 10 is on the same side of the care appliance. The thumb grip 52 can be embossed/textured to provide a non-slip zone for facilitating a user's easy holding of the oral care implement. Here, the thumb grip 52 is embossed or textured, which also provides a massage effect to a user's thumb. In some embodiments, the thumb grip 52 includes an elastomeric material to provide a comfortable grip area. In these embodiments, the elastomeric material provides a gripping surface that is softer than the material forming the body portion and/or the neck portion (e.g., a rigid plastic or resin material such as polypropylene).

In certain embodiments, the distal portion 18 has a length that is less than the length of a proximal portion 16. In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 18 has a length from 9 mm to 13 mm, from 10 mm to 12.5 mm, from 11 mm to 12 mm, or a length of about 11.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 16 has a length from 14.5 mm to 17 mm, a length from 15 mm to 16 mm, or a length of about 15.4 mm. In certain embodiments, the distal portion 18 has a length from 11 mm to 12 mm and the proximal portion 16 has a length from 15 to 16 mm. The distal portion 18 is thus capable of covering the surface of a single tooth, thereby providing for increased access of the oral care implement to the posterior face of the mouth, while the proximal portion 16 ensures an acceptable overall length of the head.

In various embodiments, the ratio of the length of the distal portion 18 to the length of the proximal portion 16 is from 1:3 to 1:1.2, from 1:2.5 to 1:1.25, from 1:2 to 1:1.3 or approximately. 1:1.3.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

In various embodiments, at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge 20.

In various embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is an elastomeric wall. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a straight, linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face 14, the elastomeric wall surface including at least one notch 28 extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall toward the first face 14 of the head 10. The notch 28 ensures that the elastomeric cleaned wall has the correct level of softness for providing an acceptable mouth feel to the consumer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first face 14 to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, and at least one notch 28 extends from the distal edge toward the first face 14 at a height of the elastomeric wall surface. The distance from 5/8 to 7/8. The further the notch 28 extends from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall toward the first face, the greater the level of softness of the elastomeric wall.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. In various embodiments, the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 includes a bridge 30 formed of a rigid plastic or resin material. The bridge 30 joins the proximal portion 16 to the distal end portion 18. The presence of the bridge 30 can provide increased manufacturing ease. For example, if the head is injection molded, the bridge allows the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 to be integrally formed and joined by the bridge portion 30. The ratio of the depth D1 of a bridge portion 30 at its narrowest point to the depth D2 of a proximal end portion 16 is from 1:3 to 1:7, from 1:3.5 to 1:6, or from 1:4 to 1:5, the haptics enable the distal portion 18 to be flexibly moved relative to the proximal portion 16, although connected thereto by the bridge portion 30. In certain embodiments, the depth D2 of the proximal portion is from 4 mm to 6.5 mm, from 4.5 mm to 6 mm, or from 5 mm to 5.5 mm. The depth of the distal portion 18 can be the same as the depth of the proximal portion 16. In some embodiments, the bridge 30 extends across the entire width of a head 10.

The length of the flexible bridge (toward a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16) may be from 1.7 mm to 3.2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the length of the flexible bridge 20 to the length of the distal end portion 18 is from 1:3 to 1:5, from 1:3.5 to 1:4.5, from 1:3.8 to 1:4.2. Or about 1:4. This allows the oral care implement to have sufficient bristle density along the length of the head for effective cleaning of the teeth while providing an acceptable level of flexibility of the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16.

In some embodiments, the head 10 further includes a second face 32 on a reverse side of the head 10 opposite the first face 14, and the bridge 30 is disposed on the first face 14 and the second face Between 32. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the first face 14 is greater than a distance between the bridge portion 30 and the second face 32 to provide the distal end portion 18 relative to the proximal portion. The desired flexibility of the movement of 16. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the first face 14 is greater than the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the second face 32, and the multiple is from 2 to 4 times, more The size is about 3 times from 2.5 to 3.5 times or more.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further includes an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge portion 30. Examples of such elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

In certain embodiments, at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is tethered The elastomeric material of the bridge 20 is integrated.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of cleaning elements comprise a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 from the proximal portion 16 and a second plurality of cleaning elements 36 extending from the distal end portion 18.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 comprise tapered bristles. In certain embodiments, the second plurality of cleaning elements 36 comprise tapered bristles. In various embodiments, both the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 comprise tapered bristles. In some embodiments, portions of the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 are tapered. In some embodiments, portions of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36 are tapered. In some embodiments, portions of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 are tapered.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 are tapered.

In some embodiments, the tapered bristles are clustered in square tuft holes 38. The supply of tapered bristles in the square tuft holes 38 allows the bristles to reach deep into the interdental area to provide effective cleaning while providing softness of the bristles for optimal gum care. The supply of square tuft holes improves the cleaning of the tooth surface due to the contact area of the bristles of a particular tuft on the surface of the tooth, the contact area of a square tuft hole being greater than the contact of a circular tuft of a similar size. area. In some embodiments, the tuft holes on the first face 14 have a size of 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm; a size of 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm; 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm to 1.5mm x 1.5mm size; or approximately 1.4mm x 1.4mm size. In various embodiments, the head includes a row (parallel to the longitudinal axes XX and YY of the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18) and a column (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18) And the cluster holes 38 in the gate configuration of YY). In certain embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive columns is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive rows on the distal end is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5. Mm, and the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive rows on the proximal end is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm or about 2.2 mm. In some embodiments, the head includes a farthest column 40 The cluster holes 38 and the nearest end columns 42 of the cluster holes 38 are not aligned with the rows formed by the cluster holes of the other columns. In some embodiments, the cluster apertures of the most proximal and distal most columns 40, 42 are associated with these row offsets. In some embodiments, the center of the tuft hole in the most distal row 40 is separated from the line connecting the center of the tuft hole of one row disposed on the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm or a distance of about 1.10 mm. In some embodiments, the center of the cluster hole in the nearest end row 42 is separated from the center of the cluster hole that joins the row of the proximal end portion 16 (the cluster hole of the nearest end row is offset therefrom). A distance from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm or from about 1.10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the cluster hole in the most distal row 40 and the line connecting the center of the cluster hole in the column adjacent the most distal row 40 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0. Mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm or about 2.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the cluster hole in the nearest end row 42 and the line connecting the center of the cluster hole in the column adjacent the nearest end column 42 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. From 2.2 mm to 2.9 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm or about 2.6 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in the most distal row 40 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm. The distance between the centers of the cluster holes in the most recent end row 42 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm or about 2.2 mm.

In some embodiments, the height of the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 is equal to the height of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36.

In various embodiments, the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34,36.

In other embodiments, the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34,36.

In some embodiments, the head 10 further includes a second face 32 disposed on a reverse side of the head 10 opposite the first face 14, the second face 32 including a tissue cleaner 44. In certain embodiments, the tissue cleaner includes a plurality of nodules 46 for cleaning soft tissues of the mouth, such as the interior of the cheeks and lips and the tongue. The inclusion of the tissue cleaner 44 allows the oral care appliance to provide cleansing of the soft tissue and clearing of the teeth by thorough cleaning of the oral cavity clean.

In certain embodiments, the tissue cleaner 44 comprises an elastomeric material. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used to organize the cleaner 44 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

In certain embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an elastomeric material and the tissue cleaner 44 is integral with the flexible bridge 20.

In certain embodiments, the head 10 has a length from 20 mm to 40 mm, from 25 mm to 35 mm, from 27 mm to 33 mm, or about 30 mm or about 29 mm. In certain embodiments, the head 10 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or from about 11 mm. In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 18 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 13 mm, from 7 mm to 12 mm, from 8 mm to 11 mm, or a maximum width of about 9 mm. In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 16 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or a maximum width of about 11 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the distal portion 18 is less than the maximum width of the proximal portion 16. In particular, for a user having a smaller oral cavity size than a majority of oral care implements, the small head (and in particular the small size of the distal portion 18) also assists in reaching the mouth. Hard to reach areas, such as the back teeth.

In certain embodiments, the neck portion 24 has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm, from 4 mm to 6 mm, or a maximum width of about 5 mm.

In certain embodiments, body portion 22 has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm, from 10 mm to 14 mm, from 11 mm to 13 mm, or a maximum width of about 15 mm.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head 10 and a handle 12, the head 10 including a first face 14 and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face 14. The head 10 includes a proximal end portion 16 that abuts the handle 12 and a distal end portion 18 that is remote from the handle 12. The head 10 further includes a flexible bridge 20 that couples the distal end portion 18 to the proximal end portion 16 for enabling flexible movement of the distal end portion 18 relative to the proximal end portion 16. The plurality of cleaning elements include a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 extending from the proximal end portion 16 and a second plurality of cleaning elements 36 extending from the distal end portion 18, first and third At least one of the plurality of cleaning elements comprises tapered bristles.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 comprise tapered bristles. In certain embodiments, the second plurality of cleaning elements 36 comprise tapered bristles. In various embodiments, both the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34, 36 comprise tapered bristles.

In some embodiments, the tapered bristles are clustered in square tuft holes 38. The supply of square tuft holes enhances the cleaning of the tooth surface due to the contact area of the bristles of a particular tuft on the surface of the tooth, the contact area of a square tuft hole being greater than the contact area of a similar cluster of circular tufts. In some embodiments, the tuft holes on the first face 14 have a size of 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm; a size of 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm; 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm to 1.5mm x 1.5mm size; or approximately 1.4mm x 1.4mm size. In various embodiments, the head includes a row (parallel to the longitudinal axes XX and YY of the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18) and a column (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18) And the cluster holes 38 in the gate configuration of YY). In certain embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive columns is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive rows on the distal end is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5. Mm, and the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in successive rows on the proximal end is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm or about 2.2 mm. In some embodiments, the head includes a cluster aperture 38 of the most distal row 40 and a proximal end column 42 of a cluster aperture 38. The cluster apertures of the columns are not formed by cluster apertures of other columns. Alignment. In some embodiments, the cluster apertures of the most proximal and distal most columns 40, 42 are associated with these row offsets. In some embodiments, the center of the tuft hole in the most distal row 40 is separated from the line connecting the center of the tuft hole of one row disposed on the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm or a distance of about 1.10 mm. In some embodiments, the center of the cluster holes in the nearest end row 42 is separated from the center of the cluster holes that join the rows of the proximal ends 16 (the cluster holes of the nearest end are offset therefrom). 0.5mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8mm to 1.3mm, from 1.2mm to 1.3mm or approximately 1.10mm The distance. In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the cluster hole in the most distal row 40 and the line connecting the center of the cluster hole in the column adjacent the most distal row 40 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0. Mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm or about 2.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the cluster hole in the nearest end row 42 and the line connecting the center of the cluster hole in the column adjacent the nearest end column 42 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. From 2.2 mm to 2.9 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm or about 2.6 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the centers of the cluster holes in the most distal row 40 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm. The distance between the centers of the cluster holes in the most recent end row 42 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm or about 2.2 mm.

In some embodiments, the height of the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 is equal to the height of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of a distal end portion 18 is inclined from 8° to 15°, from 9° to 14°, from 10° to 13 with respect to the longitudinal axis YY of a proximal end portion 16. Angle α of angle α or angle α of approximately 13°. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis YY of the proximal portion 16 when the oral care implement is in an unstressed state, i.e., when no force is being applied to the implement. The angle a is described to move the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16 (e.g., when the device is not in use). The distal portion 18 can be moved relative to the proximal portion 16 during application of force during use, but returns to its original position once any applied force has been removed, wherein the axis X-X is tilted by an angle a with respect to the axis Y-Y. The longitudinal axis X-X associated with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16 is inclined by the longitudinal axis X-X of the angle a, allowing the head to fit the curve of the teeth, while the flexible bridge allows the head to be adapted to the contour of a single tooth/multiple tooth surface.

In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of a distal portion 18 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of a proximal portion 16. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal portion 18 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 16 when the oral care implement is in an unstressed state, that is, when no force is being applied to the implement. The YY is aligned to move the distal portion 18 relative to the proximal portion 16 (e.g., when the device is not in use). The distal portion 18 can be associated with the proximal portion 16 when force is applied during use. Moves, but returns to its original position once any applied force has been removed, with axis X-X being substantially aligned with axis Y-Y.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further includes at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extending from the first face 14, wherein at least one of the elastomeric cleaning elements 26 is oriented along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head 10. The flexible bridge 20 extends. The elastomeric cleaning element 26 is used to clean the teeth and polish the surface of the teeth.

In some embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is an elastomeric wall. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a straight, linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face 14, the elastomeric wall surface including at least one notch 28 extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall toward the first face 14 of the head 10. The notch 28 ensures that the elastomeric cleansing wall has the correct level of softness to provide an acceptable mouth feel to the consumer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first face 14 to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, and at least one notch 28 extends from the distal edge toward the first face 14 at a height of the elastomeric wall surface. The distance from 5/8 to 7/8. The further the notch 28 extends from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall toward the first face, the greater the level of softness of the elastomeric wall.

In various embodiments, the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34,36.

In other embodiments, the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements 34,36.

In various embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers.

In certain embodiments, at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge 20.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. In various embodiments, the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 includes a bridge 30 formed of a rigid plastic or resin material that joins the proximal end 16 to the distal end 18. The presence of the bridge 30 can provide increased manufacturing ease. For example, if the head is injection molded, the bridge allows the proximal portion 16 and the distal portion 18 to be integrally formed and joined by the bridge portion 30. The ratio of the depth D1 of a bridge portion 30 to its narrowest point D1 to the depth D2 of a proximal end portion 16 is from 1:3 to 1:7, from 1:3.5 to 1:6, or from 1:4 to 1 The sputum enables the distal end portion 18 to be flexibly moved relative to the proximal end portion 16, although it is connected thereto by the bridge portion 30. In certain embodiments, the depth D2 of the proximal portion is from 4 mm to 6.5 mm, from 4.5 mm to 6 mm, or from 5 mm to 5.5 mm. The depth of the distal portion 18 can be the same as the depth of the proximal portion 16. In some embodiments, the bridge 30 extends across the entire width of a head 10.

The length of the flexible bridge (toward a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal portion 16) may be from 1.7 mm to 3.2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the length of the flexible bridge 20 to the length of the distal end portion 18 is from 1:3 to 1:5, from 1:3.5 to 1:4.5, and from 1:3.8 to 1: 4.2 or approximately 1:4. This allows the oral care implement to have sufficient bristle density along the length of the head for effective cleaning of the teeth while providing an acceptable level of flexibility of the distal end portion 18 relative to the proximal end portion 16.

In some embodiments, the head 10 further includes a second face 32 on a reverse side of the head 10 opposite the first face 14, and wherein the bridge 30 is disposed on the first face 14 and Between two sides 32. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the first face 14 is greater than a distance between the bridge portion 30 and the second face 32. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the first face 14 is greater than the distance between the bridge portion 30 and the second face 32, and the multiple is from 2 to 4 times, larger. It is from 2.5 to 3.5 times, or more is about 3 times.

In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further includes an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge portion 30. Examples of such elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers. In certain embodiments, at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge 20.

In some embodiments, the head 10 further includes a second face 32 disposed on a reverse side of the head 10 opposite the first face 14, the second face 32 including a tissue cleaner 44. In certain embodiments, the tissue cleaner includes a plurality of nodules 46 for cleaning Soft tissue of the mouth, such as the inside of the cheeks and lips and the tongue. The inclusion of the tissue cleaner 44 allows the oral care implement to provide cleansing of the soft tissue and cleaning of the teeth by thorough cleaning of the oral cavity.

In certain embodiments, the tissue cleaner 44 comprises an elastomeric material. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used to organize the cleaner 44 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers.

In certain embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an elastomeric material and a tissue cleaner 44 that is integral with the flexible bridge 20.

In certain embodiments, the head 10 has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm, from 25 mm to 35 mm, from 27 mm to 33 mm, or from about 30 mm or from about 29 mm.

In certain embodiments, the head 10 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or a maximum width of about 11 mm. In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 18 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 13 mm, from 7 mm to 12 mm, from 8 mm to 11 mm, or a maximum width of about 9 mm. In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 16 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or a maximum width of about 11 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the distal portion 18 is less than the maximum width of the proximal portion 16. In particular, for a user having a smaller oral cavity size than a majority of oral care implements, the small head (and in particular the small size of the distal portion 18) also assists in reaching the mouth. The area, such as the back teeth.

In some embodiments, the length of the distal portion 18 is less than the length of a proximal portion 16. In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 18 has a length from 9 mm to 13 mm, from 10 mm to 12.5 mm, from 11 mm to 12 mm, or a length of about 11.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 16 has a length from 14.5 mm to 17 mm, a length from 15 mm to 16 mm, or a length of about 15.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distal portion 18 has a length from 11 mm to 12 mm and the proximal portion 16 has a length from 15 to 16 mm. The distal portion 18 is thus capable of covering the surface of a single tooth, thereby providing improved ease of access of the oral care implement to the teeth behind the mouth, while the proximal portion 16 ensures an acceptable overall length of the head.

In various embodiments, the ratio of the length of the distal portion 18 to the length of the proximal portion 16 is from 1:3 to 1:1.2, from 1:2.5 to 1:1.25, from 1:2 to 1:1.3 or About 1:1.3.

In some embodiments, the handle 12 includes a body portion 22 and a neck portion 24 that connects the head portion 10 to the body portion 22.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis Z-Z of a neck portion 24 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal end portion 16 of a head portion 10.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis AA of a body portion 22 is inclined from 5° to 15°, from 6° to 14°, from 7° to 13° with respect to the longitudinal axis ZZ of a neck portion. From an angle of 8° to 12°, from an angle of 9° to 11° β or an angle β of about 10°. The provision of this angle β between the body portion 22 and the longitudinal axis of the neck 24 provides an ergonomic handle that allows the user to more easily reach the back teeth.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 is inclined from 8° to 15°, from 9° to 14°, from 10° to 13° with respect to the longitudinal axis YY of a proximal end portion 16. The angle α or an angle α of about 13°, and the longitudinal axis AA of the body portion 22 is inclined from 5° to 15°, from 6° to 14°, from 7° with respect to the longitudinal axis ZZ of a neck portion. An angle β of from 13°, from 8° to 12°, from 9° to 11°, or an angle β of about 10°. The two angles β between the longitudinal axis ZZ of the neck portion 24 and the longitudinal axis AA of the body portion 22, and the angle a between the longitudinal axis XX of the distal end portion 18 and the longitudinal axis YY of the proximal portion 16 Provided, an improved arrival of the oral care implement is provided for cleaning the rear teeth and the rearmost area of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the body portion 22 includes a thumb grip 52 that is disposed adjacent the region of the body portion 22 that is coupled to the neck portion 24. In one embodiment, the body portion 22 includes a thumb grip 52 on one side thereof and a finger grip region 54 on one of the opposite sides thereof, wherein the thumb grip 52 is disposed in the oral cavity The first side 14 of the head 10 is on the same side of the care appliance. The thumb grip 52 can be embossed/textured to provide a non-slip zone for facilitating a user's easy holding of the oral care implement. Here, the thumb grip 52 is embossed or textured, which also provides a massage effect to a user's thumb. In some embodiments, the thumb grip 52 includes an elastomeric material to provide a comfortable grip area. In such an embodiment, the elastomeric material provides a The gripping surface is softer than the material forming the body portion and/or the neck portion, such as a rigid plastic or resin material such as polypropylene.

In certain embodiments, the neck portion 24 has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm, from 4 mm to 6 mm, or a maximum width of about 5 mm.

In certain embodiments, body portion 22 has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm, from 10 mm to 14 mm, from 11 mm to 13 mm, or a maximum width of about 15 mm.

Embodiments of the invention discussed above may be practiced as a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. In operation, the control, performance, aesthetics, and cost points of the oral device can be improved individually and/or in any combination of previously described features. Other constructed toothbrushes are possible. For example, the head can be replaceable or interchangeable for the handle. The head can include a variety of oral surface engaging elements, such as interdental interdigitation, scrubbers, flossing elements, tartar scrapers, tongue cleaners, and soft tissue massages. While the various features of the toothbrush work together to achieve the advantages previously described, it is assumed that individual features and sub-combinations of these features can be used to eliminate the need to employ all of these features in an oral care implement. Some of the aforementioned advantages are obtained.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific examples of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the following claims.

A-A, X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

α, β‧‧‧ angle

10‧‧‧ head

12‧‧‧Hands

14‧‧‧ first side

16‧‧‧ Near end

18‧‧‧ distal end

20‧‧‧Flexible Bridge

22‧‧‧ body part

24‧‧‧ neck part

26‧‧‧ Elastomer cleaning elements

28‧‧‧ gap

34‧‧‧The first plurality of cleaning elements

36‧‧‧Second number of cleaning elements

44‧‧‧ Organization Cleaner

46‧‧‧ nodule

52‧‧‧ thumb grip

54‧‧‧ finger grip area

Claims (79)

An oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head including a first face, and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head includes a proximal end abutting the handle, and a distal end portion of the handle; wherein the head further includes a flexible bridge coupling the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal end portion, The flexible bridge further includes at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of one of the distal ends is inclined at an angle of from 8 to 15 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the distal portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximal end portion and the distal end portion each have a straight edge extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, Wherein the linear edge of the distal end portion faces the linear edge of the proximal end portion, and wherein the flexible bridge couples the linear edge of the distal end portion to the linear edge of the proximal end portion, The distal portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal portion. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material. The oral care implement of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 5 to 6, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the proximal end portion and the distal end portion are formed of a rigid plastic or resin material. The oral care implement of claim 8, wherein the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 8 to 9, wherein the flexible bridge comprises a bridge formed by the rigid plastic or resin material, the bridge joining the proximal end to the The distal portion, wherein the ratio of the depth of one of the bridge portions to one of the narrowest points is from 1:3 to 1:7. The oral care implement of claim 10, wherein the bridge extends across the entire width of one of the heads. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 10 to 11, wherein the head further comprises a second side on an opposite side of the head facing the first side, and wherein the head The bridging portion is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The oral care implement of claim 12, wherein a distance between the bridge portion and the first surface is greater than a distance between the bridge portion and the second surface. The oral care implement of claim 13, wherein the distance between the bridge portion and the first face is greater than the distance between the bridge portion and the second face from 2 to 4 times. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge. The oral care implement of claim 15 wherein the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 15 to 16, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is an elastomeric wall. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 18 to 19, wherein the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face, the elastomeric wall surface comprising at least one from the elastomeric wall surface A distal edge of the distal edge that extends toward the first side of the head. The oral care implement of claim 20, wherein the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first side to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, the at least one notch being oriented from the distal edge The first side extends a distance from 5/8 to 7/8 of the height of the elastomer wall. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein the plurality of cleaning elements comprise a first plurality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal end, and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the distal end The second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of claim 22, wherein the first plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 22 to 23, wherein the second plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles. The oral care implement of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the tapered bristles are clustered in a square tufted hole. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the height of the first plurality of cleaning elements is equal to the height of the second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of claim 26, wherein the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of claim 26, wherein the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 1 to 28, wherein the head further comprises a second side disposed on an opposite side of the head facing the first side, the second The face contains a tissue cleaner. The oral care implement of claim 29, wherein the tissue cleaner comprises an elastomeric material. The oral care implement of claim 30, wherein the flexible bridge comprises the elastomeric material, and wherein the tissue cleaner is integral with the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 1 to 31, wherein the head has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein one of the distal ends is less than one of the proximal ends. The oral care implement of claim 34, wherein the ratio of the length of the distal portion to the length of the proximal portion is from 1:3 to 1:1.2. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the handle comprises a body portion and a neck portion connecting the head to the body portion. The oral care implement of claim 36, wherein one of the longitudinal portions of the neck portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the head. The oral care implement of any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein one of the longitudinal axes of the body portion is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 15 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion. The oral care implement of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the neck portion has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm. The oral care implement of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm. An oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head including a first face, and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head includes a proximal end abutting the handle, and a distal end portion of the handle; wherein the head further includes a flexible bridge coupling the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is flexibly movable relative to the proximal end portion; Wherein the plurality of cleaning elements comprise a first plurality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal end, and a second plurality of cleaning elements extending from the distal end, at least one of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements Contains tapered bristles. The oral care implement of claim 41, wherein the first plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 42 wherein the second plurality of cleaning elements comprise tapered bristles. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 43 wherein the tapered bristles are clustered in square tufts. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 44, wherein the height of the first plurality of cleaning elements is equal to the height of the second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 45, wherein one of the longitudinal axes of the distal end is inclined at an angle of from 8 to 15 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion . The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 45, wherein one of the longitudinal axes of the distal portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 47, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is along The flexible bridge extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head. The oral care implement of claim 48, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is an elastomeric wall. The oral care implement of claim 49, wherein the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 49 to 50, wherein the elastomeric wall mask has a distal edge away from the first face, the elastomeric wall surface comprising at least one from the elastomeric wall surface A distal edge of the distal edge that extends toward the first side of the head. The oral care implement of claim 51, wherein the elastomeric wall mask has a height measured from the first side to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall surface, the at least one notch being oriented from the distal edge The first side extends a distance from 5/8 to 7/8 of the height of the elastomer wall. The oral care implement of any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is equal to the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 48 to 52, wherein the height of the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is less than the height of the first and second plurality of cleaning elements. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 54 wherein the flexible bridge comprises an elastomeric material. The oral care implement of claim 55, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 55 to 56, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is along The flexible bridge extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, and wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 41 to 57, wherein the proximal end portion and the distal end portion are formed of a rigid plastic or resin material. The oral care implement of claim 58 wherein the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 58 to 59, wherein the flexible bridge comprises a bridge formed by the rigid plastic or resin material, the bridge joining the proximal end to the The distal portion, wherein the ratio of the depth of one of the bridge portions to one of the narrowest points is from 1:3 to 1:7. The oral care implement of claim 60, wherein the bridge extends across the entire width of one of the heads. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 60 to 61, wherein the head further comprises a second side on an opposite side of the head facing the first side, and wherein the head The bridging portion is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The oral care implement of claim 62, wherein a distance between the bridge portion and the first surface is greater than a distance between the bridge portion and the second surface. The oral care implement of claim 63, wherein the distance between the bridge portion and the first face is greater than the distance between the bridge portion and the second face from 2 to 4 times. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 60 to 64, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridge. The oral care implement of claim 65, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 65 to 66, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first side, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is along The flexible bridge extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, and wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 67, wherein the head further comprises a second side disposed on an opposite side of the head facing the first side, the second The face contains a tissue cleaner. The oral care implement of claim 68, wherein the tissue cleaner comprises an elastomeric material. The oral care implement of claim 69, wherein the flexible bridge comprises the elastomeric material, and wherein the tissue cleaner is integral with the flexible bridge. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 70, wherein the head has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 71, wherein the head has a width of from 5 mm to 15 mm. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 72, wherein the length of the distal portion is less than the length of the proximal portion. The oral care implement of claim 73, wherein the ratio of the length of the distal end portion to the length of the proximal end portion is from 1:3 to 1:1.2. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 74, wherein the handle comprises a body portion and a neck portion connecting the head to the body portion. The oral care implement of claim 75, wherein one of the longitudinal portions of the neck portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the head. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 75 to 76, wherein one of the longitudinal axes of the body portion is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 15 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 75 to 77, wherein the neck portion has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm. The oral care implement of any one of clauses 75 to 78, wherein the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.